Double Trouble

I could hear the cheering of the crowd as I gained the puck, taking it down towards the Jet’s goalie. I grinned as I gained speed and dodged the Jets men. I saw out of the corner of my eye a Jet player gain speed and follow me. I pushed myself, only to be hipchecked by a player coming at me from the side. I fell down, and could hear the fabric of my uniform tear as he reached forward and got the puck. He turned and I felt as if someone lit my body on fire.

I gasped and winced, not able to get up. I whimpered as the pain increased by a tenfold. I grabbed my stomach, only to feel a wetness. I opened my eyes, only to see red stain the ice. My vision began to blur, and I tried to fight off the black spots that were taking over my sight. I faintly heard Coach Q’s voice, and I couldn’t help but let out a small painful cry as I was lifted. I couldn’t help but let the darkness win as I let my eyes close.

I could feel something big and warm wrapped around my hand, and something slightly heavy on the side of the bed. I stirred, and tried to open my eyes. I felt the weight on the side of the bed lift, and something squeeze my hand.

“Ave?” I could hear a soft, shocked voice. I opened my eyes, only to wince from the bright light that greeted them. I quickly closed them, and slowly opened them again, getting used to the light. I let out a painful groan as my vision finally cleared up.

“Oh god, Ave! You’re awake.” Patrick exclaimed relieved.

“Yeah... Why do I feel like I decided to jump off the Empire State building, closely followed by the Eiffel Tower, and then got hit by a semi truck?” Patrick chuckled and pressed the call button.

“That tells me that you are feeling a bit of pain. But you feel that way because of that injury you got at the Jet’s game. You also lost a lot of blood. God you had us so worried.” I gave him a small smile.

“Stupid Jets player making me miss the game. Hey, where’s Lina?”

“She went to get some food. It was her turn.” I nodded.

“Patrick?” I asked, my voice small. “How long was I out?” Patrick opened his mouth to answer, but a nurse dressed in light purple scrubs and black rectangular thick rimmed glasses came in. She seemed to be in her late thirties, with laugh lines rimming her smile, automatically giving off a motherly aura.

“Hello, my name is Maggie Parker. I’ll be your nurse for most of your stay. It’s great to see you awake, Miss Addison.” I gave her a weak smile.

“It’s nice to meet you, and please, call me Ave.” She gave me a smile.

“Will do Ave, now, how are you feeling?”

“I’m in pain, that’s for sure. I’m also a bit stiff, and hungry.” I paused a bit. “Oh yeah, I’m definitely hungry.” She laughed and walked over to my IV.

“That’s good. I was expecting pain. That was a nasty hit you took. This is a mild pain killer. It should take away the pain. The doctor will come in soon and examine you completely, and then we can talk about what we can get you to eat. How does that sound?” She asked as she injected my IV with the medication.

“Sounds great. Thank you Ms. Parker.”

“Call me Maggie. I’ll see you later.” I waved to her and she left. I turned back to Patrick and gave him a smile.

“No more pain?” He asked me. I nodded.

“Yep. No more pain. Now really, how long was I out.” Once again, Patrick was interrupted, but this time, it was by someone I was completely ok with.

“Hey Patrick, I got some food. Jonathan is outside talking to Sharpie on the phone. He’ll be in here in a bit, just promising to call him when Ave wa-HOLY SHIT YOU’RE AWAKE!” She exclaimed, looking up and seeing me. She ran over to me, tossing the bags of food on the couch and hugged me. “Oh my god, I have to call Daddy and the idiots, and the team and Coach Q!” She ran back outside frantically telling Jonathan to tell Sharpie that I was awake. I laughed as she ran back in and sat down next to me.

“Hey sis, how are you?” I asked her. She looked at me like I lost ten IQ points or something.

“You’re the one who got hipchecked, lost blood, ended up going into surgery, stayed out of it for a long time, and you’re asking me how I’m doing?” I nodded. “You are an idiot. I’m fine... actually no. I’m not. See this?” She asked me pointing to a strand of hair. “IT IS GRAY. YOU ARE GIVING ME GRAY HAIRS. I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU.” I just stared at her.

“So.... you pretty much just decided to go insane, and go through every possible scenario that could happen to me, and took it out on the boys.” She thought about it and nodded.

“Yep, pretty much.” I laughed.

“Figures, now how long was I out?” Alina opened her mouth to answer, only to be interrupted.

“OH MY GOD, AVERY CHARLOTTE ADDISON! DON’T YOU EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN. I’M PETITIONING TO COACH Q TO HAVE YOU BUBBLE WRAPPED AT EVERY GAME SO YOU DON’T GET HURT. YOU GAVE DEAR OLD SHARPIE A SCARE WHEN YOU DIDN’T WAKE UP. DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO WAKE UP? I’VE BEEN WAITING FIVE DAYS. YOU WERE OUT FOR FIVE DAYS! NEVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN!” Sharpie exclaimed, barging into the room with the Blackhawks roster following him.

“Finally someone answers that question... and I’ve been out for five days? I AM GOING TO KILL BURMISTROV.” I pouted, looking up at the boys, realizing that they all had something in their hands. “Are those for me?” I asked them. They nodded. Tears filled my eyes as I took in the multiple bouquets, balloons, and stuffed animals. I smiled up at Sharpie and at the big stuffed teddy bear wearing a Sharp jersey that was probably around my size. I put my arms out childishly. Patrick laughed and gave me the teddy bear he was holding. I hugged it and giggled.

“You guys shouldn’t have.” They all laughed.

“We wanted to. You have no idea how on edge Chicago is. The whole city will be relieved that you’re awake. And now every single Blackhawks fan is pretty much hating on the Jets.” Crawford said, setting down his flower arrangement with a little stuffed bear.

“Aww, that’s sweet.” I said. Everyone made themselves comfortable and we all began talking about everything that had happened.

“Sorry to interrupt your visit, but I need to quickly check Miss. Addison’s progress.” A man in his mid forties said as he entered the room. He was dressed impeccably with black slacks and a light blue button down, with a white lab coat over. He had brown hair that was starting to gray at the sides.

“Hi. Are you my doctor?” I asked from my position on the bed.

“Yes, I am. I’m just going to quickly check your vitals and see how you’re doing.” He replied.

“Alright.” I said as he walked around to my heart monitor and checked my clipboard. “Hey, doc?” He hummed in reply. “When can I get something to eat? I am craving some fried chicken.” He laughed and shook his head.

“Soon. But I don’t think fried chicken would be the best choice for you right now. Start on something easy, like pasta.” I nodded and then l looked up at him. Before I could even ask he answered. “And we’ll try to get you some ice cream.” I looked up at him in awe.

“How did you know I was going to ask for ice cream?” He let out a small chuckle.

“Because, Miss Addison, you are very childish. And every child likes ice cream.” And with that he walked out the door. I blinked a few times and looked at everyone who had amused looks painted on their faces.

“Am I supposed to take that as an insult or a compliment?”