Tricks Of The Game

Chapter 21

*Kelsey's POV*

A week after Brianna and I went out to dinner, I was standing in the bathroom of my condo, waiting on the results of a home pregnancy test. Over the last two weeks, I had been throwing up most of the day, having weird cravings, and my bras were a little tighter. Classic signs of pregnancy.

Patrick and I had barely spoken since I spent the night at Ben's. He bought the house, but I didn't move in with him. We weren't stable right now, and I wasn't going to go into that environment again. At this rate, I knew we weren't going to make it. I didn't know what I was supposed to do if I had a baby. I didn't know how he'd feel about it. All I knew is if I was pregnant, I was keeping this child and raising him or her with or without Patrick. After 5 minutes, it was time to look at the test result. I sucked in a deep breath and looked down at the test. Tears streamed freely down my face as I leaned against the bathroom wall and stuck my hands in my hair. I was pregnant.

After about 10 minutes, I pulled myself together and put the test in a plastic bag and threw it in my purse. We had a game in New York tonight, and it was almost time to go to the airport. I had already showered, so I threw on a pair of black spandex capris, a 2013 Stanley Cup Champions t-shirt, and my zip up hawks jacket. I had dress clothes in my overnight bag and would change when we got to the hotel. I hopped in my car and drove to Johnny's IceHouse and got on the team bus. I intended on sitting next to Patrick, but he was already next to Brent. Great, I thought. I would have to pull him aside when we got to the airport. I was about to sit by Joel, when I saw that Ben had saved me a spot. I sat next to him and he pulled me into a hug.

"Thanks, Benny," I said, wrapping my arms around him and holding back tears. I wanted to tell him about the baby, but I didn't want anyone to know before Patrick.

"Anytime honey. Are you okay?" He asked, looking concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just excited. This is my first time in New York," I said, faking a smile. We quickly arrived at O'Hare, and I immediately pulled Patrick aside.

"What?" He said, obviously annoyed that I actually needed to communicate with my boyfriend.

"We need to talk. Right now," I said, grabbing his arm and pulling him off to a corner of the airport.

"Look," I said, reaching for his hand. "Whatever this problem is, we need to figure it out, Patrick."

"Why?" He asked. "We could have worked it out in the morning 2 weeks ago, but you decided to leave."

"Because I'm pregnant, Patrick." I looked into his eyes, and tears fell down my cheeks as he started to frown and pulled his hand away.

"We'll talk about this later, after the game," he said, looking uncomfortable. "Just....just don't tell anyone until we talk." He walked away, and I began to cry.

*After the game*

The game was awful. We lost 4-1. I couldn't focus on the game whatsoever, let alone look at Patrick. He had an awful game. He looked lost. After changing into a pair of black sweats and a t-shirt, I waited for Patrick outside the locker room. He came out, and we stood in the seemingly abandoned hallway as he looked at me.

"I thought it over," he said, looking at the floor. "I don't want this baby. I'm sorry." I immediately began to cry.

"What do you mean, you don't want it?" I asked through tears.

"I mean I don't want to have a baby with you anymore," he said, getting upset. "I want you to get an abortion." I looked at him in absolute shock. I was sickened.

"That's not going to happen," I spat at him. "If you don't want to be part of this, then we'll break up and you can sign over your parental rights. My child won't be seeing a man that doesn't want him or her to exist!" I was fuming.

"Fine," he said, looking indifferent. "I guess we're done." He turned and walked away.

I sunk down to the ground, leaning my back against the wall as I broke down crying. I dropped my hands to my stomach.

"It's okay, peanut," I whispered through my tears. "Mommy's gonna take care of you." Just then, the Rangers' locker room door opened, and Rick Nash walked out, noticing me and walking over.

"Hey, what's the matter?" He asked, sitting down next to me. He looked genuinely concerned.

"Nothing," I said, and started crying harder.

"Hey, hey, hey..." He said, putting an arm around me and caressing my face with his free hand. "You know what I see? A gorgeous girl sitting alone in a hallway, crying her eyes out. You can tell me anything, beautiful."

"My boyfriend just found out I'm pregnant and wants me to get an abortion," I said, continuing to cry. Rick wrapped both arms around me, holding me tight.

"Listen to me, sweetheart. Don't listen to a word he says. He's obviously an asshole and doesn't see what an amazing girl he's got in you. I know I don't know you, but I could tell just by looking at you during the game that you're a great girl with a great heart, and you turn every head in a room, believe me," he said, rubbing my back and continuing to hold onto me. We sat there in silence for about 10 minutes until I could pull myself together. He helped me up.

"So how long are you in New York for? I'm Rick, by the way," he said, smiling at me.

"We leave for the airport tomorrow at noon," I answered. "And I know," I smiled. "I'm Kelsey."

"Oh, I know," he said with a grin. "How about you meet me for breakfast at 8, and then we hang out until you have to leave? I don't know what it is about you, but I really want to see you again," he said, looking serious. "Let me see your phone."

I handed my phone over, and he typed away. I imagined he was probably putting his contact info in.

"Text me as soon as you get on the bus," he said. "I'm serious." He then surprised me by pressing his lips to mine. It was electric. He smiled before walking away.

I got on the bus, still blushing. I flopped down into my seat next to Ben and pulled out my phone. I did just as Rick asked, and went into my contacts to find his name. I had to grin. He put his name in as Rick<3. I texted him, blushing as I typed.

Rick<3? You're pretty confident. :)

I didn't have to wait long for a response.

Rick: Hey beautiful! :) I miss you already. And what can I say? You're gorgeous :)

Me: Well, you're pretty cute yourself. :) Not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited to see you tomorrow.

Rick: I'm excited too. You're so cute, baby girl. Me: Well thank you(:

As we pulled up to the hotel and I was waiting for a response, I heard talking over my shoulder. I glanced back, and caught Patrick quickly glancing away. That bastard had been reading my texts!! I turned so my back was leaning against Ben, and he laid his head on my shoulder. The kid really was my best friend. I texted Rick again.

Me: My ex was just reading our texts over my shoulder. Wtf.

Rick: Tell the loser to fuck off. I don't even know who he is and I already have no time for him.

Me: Patrick Sharp.

Rick: He's a dick. He was fooling around with Henrik's girlfriend last season.

Me: Are you kidding me? Wow. I feel like I was seriously played.

Rick: I'm sorry sweetheart. Just know that you're the sweetest and most beautiful woman that I have ever seen, and I would never in a million years do something like that to you.

Me: <333333. I gotta get ready for bed, cutie.

Rick: Okay beautiful. Call me as soon as you wake up, and I'll come get you from the hotel.

Me: I can't wait :)

Rick: I can't wait either. Goodnight gorgeous <3

Me: Goodnight handsome <3

I curled up in bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. For the first time in awhile, I was going to bed with a smile on my face.

"I think we're gonna be okay, peanut," I whispered, falling asleep with a hand on my stomach.