The Hockey Life - A Patrick Kane Fanfic

Part Thirty-Eight - Graduates

PART THIRTY-EIGHT: GRADUATES

After my sleepover with Patrick, life went on and it was crazy as usual. Playoffs continued as well as my hockey team, my classes, and my training. Now that it was May, my school year was coming to a close, which meant that I was almost done with school for good. I had finals coming up, so it was really hard for me to focus on anything hockey related. I went to training at the United Center less often and I had to miss quite a few playoff games too. I wished Patrick good luck before every game, though, and as it turned out, the Hawks were victorious against the Wild after five games.

They played the Red Wings next. I managed to go to a couple games in that series, purely because they were Chicago’s biggest rivals and I couldn’t bear to miss too many rivalry games. Finals week was rough, so I avoided hockey at all costs during exams. Tess and I both studied until we couldn’t study anymore and although it was difficult, we got through it. We both finished classes on May 28th and we got a chance to see the seventh game against the Red Wings the next day since we were both done with school.

Brian came with Tess and I to the game. There wasn’t a lot of scoring, but the United Center was still loud and proud, like always. As it turned out, the Blackhawks won 2-1 in overtime. They were advancing yet again.

As usual, we all stayed after the game was over so we could meet up with the team in the locker room. Apparently we weren’t the only ones who had that idea, though. Dylan was there, too.

“Hey Dylan!” I said joyously as I spotted him conversing with Crawford.

“Hi Lena,” he answered as he pulled me into a hug. We had been talking. Not a ton, but we had been talking. I couldn’t tell if he still felt anything for me, but we were acting normal around each other again, which was all I could ask for.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Just hanging out. I’m done with school so I’m just enjoying myself for now,” he explained.

“Me too! Tess and I had our last classes yesterday,” I said.

“Awesome! Are you going to your graduation?”

“No. I’ve already walked for one diploma, I don’t feel the need to walk for another. I’ve earned it and that’s all that matters.”

“I feel the same way. I just want to be done. Graduation is overrated,” Dylan smiled. I couldn’t help but love the fact that we had a decent friendship again. It almost felt like we were in the internship again as we spoke in the locker room.

“Hey Dylan,” Patrick said. He was there to interrupt. I could hang out with Dylan virtually anytime now, though, since we were out of school. Pat had playoffs and practices still.

“Hey Kaner. Well, I’ll leave you two alone for a bit,” Dylan said awkwardly before he walked away to talk to another player.

“Well, congrats on the win and the advancement in the playoffs,” I said as I hugged Patrick.