The Legacy

Chapter 20: Reunions

Ashamed of my breakdown late last night, I don't say a word as the doctor releases me in the morning. He tells me that as long as I get the proper rest I need, I should be okay to return to the ice in a few weeks, but I knew I needed to be back on the ice in less than a week and a half. But I refrained from saying that, happy to just be able to go home.

My parents had slept in the waiting room, and they stumble in to greet me after I changed into a sweater and yoga pants Mom had brought me. I hand the hospital gown to the nurse as she leads us out to the front desk to sign some insurance forms, and for Mom and Dad to sign my release forms. For a moment, I thought I was going to be wheeled out of the hospital in a wheel chair like in the movies, but I soon realized how pathetic and unrealistic that was. I had a concussion, yes kind of serious, but thank god I could manage to walk. As Mom finishes filling out the forms, Dad leads me to Mom's Range Rover in the hospital parking lot.

I slide into the backseat and lean my head against the window, exhausted from yesterday, and from the lack of sleep I got from sleeping at the hospital because nurses had checked in on me ever thirty minutes making sure I was okay.

Dad and I sit in silence, before he speaks, "Oh, by the way, is it okay if the barbeque still happens today?" he asks, as he catches my eyes through the rearview mirror as he sits in the driver's seat.

I completely forgot about Dad's reunion BBQ, and truthfully, in my current state, the thought of entertaining company revolted me, but despite that I knew how excited Dad will be to see his former teammates, so I only nod in response.

"Okay, good. Of course, we'll skip the scrimmage, but Talon and everyone is already at the house grilling." Dad explains.

Soon Mom opens the passenger side door and climbs in, griping about how many forms she had to sign, and vowing that if I chose to continue to play such a dangerous sport, she refuses to take me back to the hospital. Dad and I chuckle, and Mom flips both of us off appropriately before Dad drives us home.

When we pull into our driveway, I catch a lot more cars parked outside than I would have thought. Maybe my parents actually did have a lot of friends. Dad opens my car door, and offers me a hand down, but I refused. I might have been a little groggy from sleep deprivation and the pain medication they gave me, but I could still walk fine. We walk in through the garage and are met with the sound of music flowing from our back yard. Dad's the first to make it outside to greet everyone.

"Talon!" He exclaims, as I follow behind him to the grill, where Uncle Talon is flipping burgers. I smile watching them give each other a hug. Then a shadow falls over me. I catch Uncle Cole sneak up behind Dad and watch as he pulls my dad into a head lock. Dad laughs, "My back, watch my back!" He playfully shouts as he tugs out of Cole's embrace and they do their old bro handshake.

"Hey, you can't forget about me!" We all look over to see Matt, Dad's best friend from his college hockey team, run up the lawn towards the guys. Dad gives him a hug. They all laugh and talk, rushing to catch up with each other. Behind me I hear a squeal and turn to see Mom rushing towards Aunt Paisley who was severely pregnant.

"You're huge!" She shouts as she gives Aunt Paisley a side hug and places a hand on her belly, "I thought you two were going to stop after your third little boy?"

Aunt Paisley shrugs, "You know us, even old age can't slow us down."

From behind them I see Aunt Georgia walk out with Tyson, Paisley's three-year-old son on her hips, "So, I guess it takes being pregnant with one of these little guys, to receive a warm welcome, huh?" Aunt Georgia teases as she walks over to my Mom and Aunt Paisley.