Shadows (Patrick Kane)

(10) Out Of The Shadows

Patrick

After we defeat the Wild it was time to go off to fight some Kings. We met just last postseason and I am sure they wanted some revenge for how that ended. We took their title and kicked them out of the conference finals and that's where we meet again. I'm sure it'll be another fun series and a great one to get Sophie into watching hockey.

So I have her come over to meet my family before they head to the game. My parents weren't sure what to think about the whole situation and my sisters couldn't care less. But this was important for me and I want it to go well.

"She's here" I squeal as my phone goes off. She had the code to come up here and she can let herself in on her own. I honestly couldn't wait to see her.

"He's like a puppy" my sister Jackie acusses as I send her a glare.

My relationship with my sisters are complicated. I love them so much and I would take a bullet for them, but I might just be the one pulling the trigger at some points. We've been through so much and they've been my best friends since they were born. I wouldn't trade them for the world but damn, sometimes they make it so hard. I was really hoping this isn't one of those times.

Sophia comes up and I introduce her to the family. I can feel my sisters staring at her trying to get a read. But unless she's drunk Sophie doesn't give a lot away if she didn't want to.

We sit down on the couch and my sisters ask her a bunch of questions. And they usually have a bunch of questions when it came to meeting people in my life but they've never grilled one of my lady friends like they are now. Then again they haven't met anyone like her either.

"Growing up following Patrick around was quite the boring childhood but now he takes us on shopping sprees so it's worth it" Erica jokes.

"Don't I know it. Being small and following my dad around football games meant I got stepped on a lot as a kid. Literally. They never saw me down there as I trailed him around locker rooms and hotels. And by the time I got older and grew into myself my brother shoots up and all of the sudden I'm trailing behind him too. There was a lot of days spent in the shadows, trust me, I get it.

But the sun can't stay away forever, you know? One day, maybe sooner than we think, the sun will shine and the shadows will be behind us" she insists.

"You're the only person I know who gets what we went through" Jess says. I smile to myself because they all had a lot more in common that they knew. And sometimes all we need is someone who understands.

"I know what you mean. I grow up and I come here to get away from the life I knew and then my brother gets drafted here. Instead of being overshadowed by my dad now it's my brother. Same story different city. But thanks to Patrick I realize that it isn't the end of the world. I don't have to dull my shine to fit his skies. And you girls don't have to either. You're all so beautiful and from what Patrick has told me you're each your own person, and that's the best person you can be" Sophie smiles.

After talking for a while I had to head out to the game. So I grab my mom and have her come to my car so she can pick up the jerseys I had for them tonight. I go to hand her the bag with 6 fresh sweaters in there but she doesn't take it from me immediately. I can tell she had something to say and I just hope she doesn't tear me a new ass hole.

"Am I in trouble" I ask as she just laughs.

"No... I'm just confused, I guess" she admits.

"I'm not sure how much help I'm gonna be in this situation" I insist. I wasn't sure sure what was going on either.

"Why her? I mean she's gorgeous and super funny and really sweet. But why couldn't you come to us? Why her" she questions again.

I just shrug my shoulders before letting my arms fall to my side. "I'm not sure there is a reason. It just is. There's nothing you could have done any different, you guys weren't the problem. And I wanted to reach out to you but I felt like I couldn't. She was here and she treated me like a equal. She understands the way I think and she doesn't shame me for hurting just because of who I am. Who I'm supposed to be. I can open up to her and she doesn't tell me to get over it or give me the "it'll get better" speel everyone seems to give me. She cares and she doesn't do it by telling me but showing me. It's nice to have something like that around. All she wants from me is for me to care too, and I do" I insist.

"I'm still not sure having a emotional crutch as a girl best friend is a good idea... but I do like her. I'll make sure the girls behave themselves" she promises and I smile.

"Thanks momma. I love you" I remind her.

"Love you too Patty" she teases.

I head over to the United Center praying the whole time they don't scare her away. My family can be over protective over me, and rightfully so. I've had my fair share of problems that was avoidable should I have chosen to be around better people. And they try their best to keep me straight. But Sophie is a part of that too. She wants to see me do good while being a part of my life and that means the world to me. I don't want to lose that because my family doesn't understand. Hopefully they won't be too bad.

The game ends and to my surprise Sophie stayed after and waited for me. As soon as she sees me she lights up making my heart skips a beat. She runs over to me before jumping up in the air. I catch her as her arms wrap around me.

"Oh my good that was so cool" she cheers as I smile big. "You were awesome! Your dad was telling me about checking and threading the needle and all that cool stuff. You're so good" she claims as I laugh.

"I try my best" I assure her.

"That was incredible" she beams. I look into her eyes and it looked like she genuinely enjoyed herself. And I'm sure that means my family couldn't have been too bad.

"My sisters didn't scare you off" I ask.

"Are you kidding? We're going out to lunch tomorrow" she claims making me raise my eyebrow.

"Is that so" I ask turning to my sisters.

"She actually likes sushi unlike you" Erica shuns.

"Well am I invited" I ask.

"No, you don't like sushi" Jackie says making me pout.

"She's my friend first you know" I remind them.

"Well she's our friend now" Jess claims.

You know, this might be worst than if they hated her...