I do not own the mighty ducks, only the characters that are mine. The ducks and the movies themselves belong to Disney and I have no claim to them. Main story will take place after D3 but felt the need for a prologue to have back story. the first few chapters will be from the other movies. This is my first attempt writing fan fiction and my first story I have written in a few years. It will get a little dark later on. Adam is the main character but others will have a role as well. Hope it's ok. Thanks in advance for reading.
Prologue
Angela sat in her rocking watching her two year old Andrew play. She was imagining her life with the two children she had planned to have with her husband for her perfect life. She was unware life was to throw her a curveball.
Her husband, Phillip, was late coming home from work. A successful lawyer in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were high school sweethearts from from wealthy families. Angela had a career of her own as an interior decorator. Her dream was to open her own business someday but shortly after she was married she discovered she was pregnant and with Phillip finishing Law school her dreams had to wait. She did a few things on the side but was perfectly happy being a mom.
Angela had a younger brother named Sean that she was very close to. She imagined how Andrew would be with a younger sibling. They had discussed it recently but her husband had said in the near future. She did not want a large gap between her kids. Sean and her were two years apart and despite sibling fights they had growing up, he was her closest friend. He did not approve of Phillip and thought his sister could do better, but he accepted her choice and let her live her life. He did however did find Phillip to be controlling which opinion he did not hold back from his sister.
Angela was awaken from her thoughts as her phone rang. She checked on Andrew quickly before answering the phone. "Hello, Banks residence."
A heavy voice came from the other line, " Angela, it's Phillip. I'm stuck on a tough case that we have to do a little more research on so I'm probably going to be stuck here all night.."
"Can't you get away even briefly for a family dinner?" Angela had a hint of pleading in her voice. Phillip had been working on this case for two weeks straight looking up ways to win. She understood it was part of the job but it didn't take away from the fact that she missed him and wanted him home with her family. She could help but think he was keeping something from her as well.
"No, that's not an option right now. I promise I'll be home all weekend. There is a few things we have to discuss." Phillip quickly hung up without a goodbye or and I love you to his wife of two and a half years.
Deep down Angela knew that they were drifting apart but she still had her dream of the perfect family. Philip had changed since they started dating in high school. He was 16 and she was 14. Their life was far from perfect but she still remembered the boy that described the life of living in a wealthy area of Edina just outside of minneapolis. It was the town they grew up in and the town she imagined raising her family in. She always imagined being on Phillips arm, with her two perfect children and a successful business. She couldn't pinpoint when things had changed. Back then Phillip dream was to be a professional hockey player for the Minnesota north stars. A dream that ended with a career ending knee injury his sophomore year of college. That's when he decided to follow in his family's footsteps and be a lawyer. His father was a well known lawyer in the area and was more then happy for his son to take over his law firm some day. Phillip had other things in mind. He wanted something bigger. He agreed to take over the firm with his brother-in-law Robert. They were trying to make their firm one of the best in the city. Phillip's sister Lucinda's dream was to be a trophy wife and stay at home and raise kids. Lucinda probably wouldn't even raise the kids. She would have an Au Pair so she could do what she wanted. The kids would be more of a fashion accessory. Angela got along with her well enough but Angela wanted her own career and to raise her children herself. Angela often wondered if that was the problem occuring in their marriage. Since Andrew was born they spent more time arguing then thought it was stress of his job and maybe a little jealousy on her part that her dreams were placed on hold. She did have part of her dream though as she watched Andrew play on the floor. She looked at the time and knew it was time to get him bathed and to bed. As Andrew fell asleep while she read him a story she started to think about what phillip might want to discuss with her that weekend.
Saturday morning had arrived and Phillip was getting up the nerve to tell his wife what he had been putting off for over a month. Things were not as he planned and felt his life needed a different direction. He still loved his wife but found it more strained than anything and wanted a change. He knew he was being selfish and was surprised by the fact that part of him didn't care. Angela's younger brother Sean of three years always thought he was a bastard, proving him right was the only part he felt he was upset about at this time. But he knew telling her now rather than cheating behind her back was the right thing to do.
Not wanting to put it off any longer, he looked across the breakfast table at his wife who had just finished feeding their son his breakfast. He thought briefly about what this would do to him but knew he would have a good life that wouldn't involve his parents fighting and not being happy. Phillip did feel deep down that Angela did not feel the same way and would want to fight for their marriage but when it came down to it he met someone. A you woman who had just finished nursing school. She was fun and exciting. Most of all she made him feel free. He had no responsibilities with her. She didn't even know he was married and if he had his way she never would. He had lied to Angela many times, telling her he was working late on a case but in reality he was out with wasn't the first time he had cheated on Angela, but it was the first time since they were married. Other times were in college which were random hook ups during times they were on "breaks." He wanted more out of life. He knew he was wrong but didn't care. He would always provide for Angela and his son but deep down he wanted the hockey career he never had and possibly the fame and parting that went with it. He knew it was now or never.
"Angela we need to talk, would you please sit down." Phillip begged as Angela topped cleaning off the table and whispered to Andrew to go play in the other room. She made sure the tv was on for him and came back in the room. She didn't like the seriousness on Phillips face. She had a bad feeling about what he was going to say. After she took her seat he continued. "I don't know how to say this so I'm just going to spit it out. I want a divorce. I'm not happy and I don't think you are either. We have been together for so long I feel like we just decided we needed to stay together. I will always love you as the mother of my son but I am not in love with you anymore. I'm not sure if I have been for awhile." Philip did not want to mention meeting someone else unless he had to. He stared at his wife as it was sinking in.
"What are you talking about? We planned a life together. We planned to have two kids that we would raise together and take on vacations and watch grow up, play hockey, be a family. If your not happy lets go to counselling and talk about things. You stopped talking to me. Tell me what's bothering you and we can work through it. If it's money I don't mind getting a job. I miss working and you know I've always wanted my own business. I've been saving what I can so we can buy a home in Edina like we planned but that can wait. We can work through this." Angela was fighting back tears as she spoke. She knew her husband and knew he wouldn't have come to this decision without thinking through all possibilities. She had to ask when she saw the somber look on his face. "You found someone else haven't you?"
"I'm sorry Angela. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. She doesn't even know I'm married. I just don't want a family right now. We don't want the same things anymore. I will always be in Andrews life but Lisa makes me feel alive." Phillip didn't even realize he spoke her name.
"Lisa huh. Her name is Lisa. How did you meet?"
"Angela Please…"
"No, Phillip if I'm being replaced I feel I have the right to know. Is she young? I mean I'm not that old Phillip I'm 22. The firm you and Robert just opened is just starting to take off. You been working those late nights for weeks…" she paused listening to her own words. "There was no late nights were there...you were with her. Your cheating on me. Does Robert even know?"
"I'm sorry Angela, I didn't plan any of this. The practice is doing well and some of the nights we were working late. But yes someone of them I was with her. I don't want to lie to you but were over. I will provide you with whatever you want. Our little house here is yours and I will move out. I will support you anyway I can and we will discuss custody of Andrew when you feel up to it. I would never take him away from you I do want to be in his life."
"Get out. I stuck by you through school, through law school. Set up with you while you did your boards even thought I was pregnant. We were talking about having another child not even two weeks ago...TWO WEEKS PHILLIP. Were you lying through your teeth. You knew you were going to leave me than and if not you just figured I'd be ok with you having a fling on the side? Get out. I Want you gone."
"Angela please, Andrew is in the next room, please lower your voice."
"Oh you care about him now do you? Did you care about him when you were with her? Did you even think of him or what any of this would do to him?"
"He's too young he won't remember. It's better now then when he's older or if another child was involved." He looked up at his wife who began crying hysterically. "I'm going to go pack some things and will come back when you not home to get the rest of my things. I'll have James draw up some papers for you to look over. If you want a different lawyer than us I can find one for you." He got up from the table and let….Just like that. Almost three years of marriage was gone. Almost 10 years together meant nothing.
Angela watched her husband leave and then went to sit with her little boy. She was determined to have her dreams come true without Phillip.
Four months later Angela was already accepting her new life. She couldn't live in the house Phillip and her had together so she sold it and moved in with her brother Sean. He was a Police Officer and loved his job. He also loved having his nephew and his sister around,. He refrained from telling her I told you so. Angela was still waiting on the paperwork about the divorce Phillip had promised she would receive but didn't didn't bother contacting him about it. Her life would move on without him. He did as he promised and sent her money every two weeks to help with Andrew and Bills. She used her half of the money from the house as a downpayment on a storefront. She was excited to start her business and start living her dream.
Before she knew it two years had passed. She was not interested in anyone and focused on her son and business, Angela's designs, which was taking off. Soon she would need to start hiring some help. She was redoing her store front windows when she saw Phillip and Lisa walk by. She had met her once when the papers of the divorce were finalized. Angela figured Phillip finally told her about about being married. She didn't hear anything of them getting married but she couldn't help but notice Lisa was Pregnant. She was jealous and thought back to her plans of a second child and thought that should be her. She still loved Phillip despite what he did to her. But in time she knew a broken heart would mend. Andrew saw them through the window and ran outside.
"Daddy!" The five year old screamed and and towards the window hitting it to get his father's attention. The two entered the store as Andrew ran towards him, Phillip reached down and swung his son into a hug.
"How's my big guy!" Phillip swung the boy around and placed him back on the ground. "Hi Angela. Sorry to come by unannounced but I wanted to tell you heard it from somewhere else." He placed his hand on Lisa's stomach, "were expecting a baby girl in the fall. It wasn't planned but I would like Andrew to grow up knowing his sister if possible." Phillip glanced at his girlfriend with a huge smile in his face. Angela couldn't help but think that he use to look at her that way.
"Congratulations." That's all Angela could muster. At least Andrew was getting a half sibling. But it didn't take away the sting that it should be hers with Phillip. "Are you guys getting married?"
Philip was caught off guard by the question. "Huh? Um...no not anytime soon anyway, Were still figuring things out. Were both delighted but adding a wedding on top of a baby I think is a bit to much." Angela noticed the shock in Lisa's eyes. She obviously thought they were going to be married sooner rather than later. Changing the subject Phillip added, " So what's the plan for Andres birthday next month? The big 5." he said as he high fived his son.
Angela rolled her eyes and figured his life outside of Andrew was none of her business. They agreed on dual custody after all with Andrew staying with Angela but Phillip having the right to see him when he wanted as long as it wasn't inconvenient. It has worked out so far. "He wants to have a party at the rink. I thought we could do one of the parties with the public skate. Have his friends and family of course."
Phillip cut her off before she could go on anymore. "The skating is good idea but let me contact the owner of the Hawks rink. I played for them I bet I can rent it and it will be private. I'll let you know but the end of the day. I'll handle the place arrangements and I think they do food as well. I'll send you the list of food to make sure you don't want to add anything. You handle the decorations and cake and whatever party favors you want and call it even." Like usual Phillip was taking control and flaunting what he had. Angela learned along time ago it wasn't worth the fight to have the same outcome. She wondered if Lisa figured that out yet….
Three years later Phillip walked into Angela's shop. It was a month before andrews 8th birthday. Angela heard the ding of the bell on the door. "I'll be there in a minute." Angela yelled from her office. Her business of Angela's design was a big hit. She was making a great living and had moved out of her brothers house and bought her own. If she couldn't have her dream home with Phillip she was more than capable of doing it on her own. She bought a modest house just inside Edina and it was in a good school system, although Phillip insisted on sending Andrew to private school. Nothing but the best for Phillip Banks's boy. Andrew was flourishing as a hockey player and was on the Hawks. His father was proud of him for making the 10U team at 8. But he worked hard to make his father proud. Angela thought it was to much pressure for him and he would get burned out. She wasn't sure if Andrew loved the game or loved that his father gave him attention with the game. Angela often wondered if he would have Sophia play when she was old enough. But she was going to be 3 and it wasn't her child nor her business,
Angela walked out of the back room and saw Phillip soaking wet in the waiting area. "Phillip." she said surprised. They had been getting along very well. At times you would have thought better than when they were married. She would see glimpses of the boy she fell in love with all those years ago. Now at the age of 30 she was smarter and wiser and was happy being independant.
"Hi angela, Can we talk? Lisa threw me out I didn't know where to go. Robert and Lucinda are away. Lucinda is finally pregnant and they're celebrating in Cabo." Take it for Lucinda to want to go somewhere to celebrate being pregnant. She celebrates everything. Even going a day without breaking a nail for her is cause for celebration. Angela wanted to tell him no and that it serves him right. The past few years did nothing to stop the pain. He was her one true love. She hasn't dated since. Sean had teased her that she should become a nun since she was living a life of celibacy anyway. But no matter how angry she was at him she couldn't forget the Phillip she fell in love with. And she wouldn't let Andrew's father stay on the street. Even though he could afford a hotel.
She looked at him and saw the worry in his eyes. He knew he didn't deserve anything from Angela and it was wrong for him to step foot in her shop even this late at night. " I'm just locking up. Andrew is having a sleep over at one of the Hawk's house tonight. But you can have the spare room." He sighed with relief and waiting for her to get her keys. She walked out and locked the doors behind them.
"I'm proud of you Ang. You really are fulfilling your dream." He glanced at the store front and looked at his ex, realizing how stupid he was and that he was holding her back. She knew she had no reason to make him proud, but she liked the feeling nonetheless.
The drive to Angela's house was a quiet one. Neither spoke. Phillip had never noticed the house much when he would pick up andrew. The house was stone and rather large for two people. Angela always said it was modest but it was quite large. Not a mansion but definitely looked like it belonged in Edina. The stone walkway that lead from the driveway to the front door was laid out in a very ornate pattern of diamonds and hearts. The front door decorations alone screamed that an interior desire live there. When you walked into the room there was a round staircase with two sides that lead up to the landing. The floor and stairs were marble. Angela did all the decor herself and her company that helped with construction did most of the remodelling. The interior was very upscale. And here was a large pool in the back with a slide. Phillip noticed their wedding picture along with all of andrews life moments hanging on the wall. there was pictures of sean with his wife who he was now divorced from. She had decided she didn't want kids. He did and that ended the tale of Mr. and Mrs. Rizzo. The two walked into the kitchen. "Can I get you a drink? Coffee, wine, Beer?" Angela asked as she grabbed a wine glass for herself and her favorite wine, white zinfandel from the wine fridge. She noticed Phillip looking around the kitchen at the granite countertops and black appliances. The island was larger than it needed to be. It had a counter for eating and a sing in it with a cooking range. But the one side of it was tall and bare. Angela saw him looking at it. "I want to turn that area into stairs that will lead into part of the basement that I would like to close off so Andrew can't get in it and turn it into a wine cellar."
"Thats a huge undertaking." Phillip lifted his eyebrows questioning the idea. He never realized angela was so into wine. Although he was. He didn't realize he voiced the part about her not being into wine until she commented.
"I guess it's something I picked up from you." She grabbed a bottle of merlot and placed it by him...his favorite.
"You remember my favorite wine." He was surprised but it was more of a statement. Another sign of how he had screwed up their life.
Angela shrugged. "So what did you want to talk about? Why did Lisa Throw you out?"
"Well we had a fight." He paused to think about how to begin. "Reader's digest version is Lisa's pregnant again. It's another girl. She wants to get married and I don't. I asked her a few months ago if she really wanted another child and mentioned an abortion. Of course right after I said it I regretted it. I do want the child. But the comment still placed a wedge between us. She was mad at me because I was to busy to go to the appointments with her and she was ok with it but said she wanted me at the 20 week ultrasound….Ang I completely forgot. I was in court and had talked to Robert about having one of are associates come into the case for the time of the ultrasound but I completely forgot and she lost it. The next few weeks things spiralled out of control from there. She told me she doesn't want me in her life anymore and that I never put her or Sophia first. She also accused me of treating Andrew better than Sophia because he was a boy and played hockey. I told her girls can play too..but not in the NHL. It's hard to get in the NHL as a girl. They're has only been a few and they were goalies. Girls just can't check like boys. It's physically impossible." He paused again and didn't realize he was rattling on. "Your probably thinking all of this serves me right."
"So why did you come to me? Looking for pitty? An I told you so? You can be a real prick Phil. You always have been and as you get older and more successful you have gotten worse. There is more to life than hockey. Sometimes I think you leaving us was the best thing you could do for Andrew and I. But your still the father of my child and I want him to see we can get along. So no I am not going to tell you I told you so...I might think it but I won't say it." She smirked at him knowing she was thinking it.
They both sat in quiet for a while sipping their wine. Phillip didn't know what to say and knew nothing he could say would erase any of the hurt he caused. "I know I fucked up. I just don't love her the way I love you and leaving you was the stupidest thing I have ever done. And I'm sorry it took me 5 years to realize that." Being honest wasn't his strong suit but he thought he'd try. He knew deep down that he didn't want to marry Lisa because he was still in love with Angela. "It's not an excuse but we were together from such a young age I guess I just went a little wild and wanted to have some fun. And I know I was wrong but…"
"Stop." Angela cut him off before he could finish. "Don't make this about you and me. Your here because you need a place to stay. I will not throw you out because you are the father of my child and I do love you Phillip. I have since I was 15 years old. But I can't forgive you for cheating on me. For divorcing me and starting a family with someone else. Having the children we were suppose to have. Maybe in time but not now. I will fix up the spare bedroom for you but I think this conversation for now is done. We'll talk more later." Angela stood up and chugged the remaining wine in her glass. "Follow me."
Phillip slowly followed his ex wife up the stairs and into the spare bedroom. She got him out a set of towels and washcloth. "You should take a shower and bring down you wet cloths and i'll wash them for you. I'll order a pizza for dinner." She went back down the stairs as Phillip looked on. He then collected himself and went to take a shower.
Angela picked up the phone and ordered pizza and then noticed she hung up the phone with more force than she intended. Did he think she was an idiot? Anger began to resonate through her body. He implied that he regretted leaving her and still loved her. She needed something stronger than wine. She downed the rest of the bottle anyway and went to the liquor cabinet for something else. She pulled out the jack and went to the fridge for the diet coke. She added a shot of jack to her glass and quickly thought, "Nope gonna make this a double" as she dumped another into the glass. How could he be such a jerk and of course she never stopped loving him. It's probably why she never dated anyone else. Philip had thrown their life away and now has one child with someone else and another due at the end of september. Less than three months away. She downed the glass before fixing another. She was already feeling the effects of the alcohol but didn't care. She didn't realize how upset she still was from Phillip leaving her and ruining her dream family.
Phillip came back into the kitchen as the doorbell rang. "That the Pizza?" he asked. Angela shook her head and started to head for her purse. "Let me get it, it's the least I can do for you letting me stay here," he walked out of the kitchen and came back a few moments later. He was wearing shorts and a tank top and Angela couldn't help but notice he was still muscular after all these years.
Angela grabbed some paper plates and napkins and signalled for Phillip to follow her to the living room. She was also carrying the jack and diet coke. Phillip grabbed his wine. She put the tv on and they both ate and watched tv in silent. When phillip was done with his wine he started having straight jack. He did notice how much Angela was drinking and knew she only drank when she was angry or upset. He knew he was the cause of the anger and he thought he knew what statement brought it on."
"Angela. I'm sorry. I should have frased what I said better. I love you and have never stopped. That was I think the main reason Lisa threw me out. We were having a fight and I brought you up. I miss you. I know the mistakes I made are unforgivable but I just need to know if you can try. I know you think I'm an awful person. After all my suposide girlfriend is almost 6 months pregnant with my third child…" He stopped himself. It was the first time he said it all out loud and understood he actually was an awful person. "I had no right coming to you. I'll get a hotel and go. I don't know where my life went wrong. Just know I love you and I am an idiot and I should never have asked you to try and forgive me." He looked at angela and stood up. "Thank you for letting me shower and eat with you. I'm going to get my things." He noticed the tears rolling down angela's face and felt worse. He just kept hurting her.
Phillip walked back to the guest room and started packing up his things. He turned around noticing Angela was there. She walked over to him and placed her hand on his bag. He glanced up at her realizing they both were drunk. Too much alcohol for Phillip would bring out one of two thing in him Anger or passion. Angela has only had the experience of the latter. Before either of them knew it they were kissing each other and removing each others clothes. The alcohol provided the means for the rest…
Phillip had left Angela's the next day and got an apartment of his own, not knowing what had happened or if it meant Angela and him had a future. He told Lisa what happened the next day and she had officially called their relationship off. She told him they will figure out visitation of the kids and she did tell him that he can be present for the birth of their second child. Two months later their second child was born. A healthy baby girl that they named Constance.
Also around that time Angela was shocked to find out that Phillip and her one night stand was going to have a lasting effect. She was pregnant. When she found out she had called phillip and left him a message that she needed to see him but assured in the message that Andrew was alright so he wouldn't worry. They met at a restaurant and she told him right after she stopped him from ordering her a glass of wine. He was delighted, but nervous to tell Lisa that their girls would have a little brother or sister so soon after their break-up. Especially since the kids would be 7 months apart in age.
Philip went with Angela to her appointments and they began to become close again. She still had her guard up but was happy Andrew was going to have a sibling. By the time the child would be born they would be almost 9 years apart. Not ideal but she did hope that they could be close with Sophia and Constance as well. Angela didn't ask Phillip questions about the girls or Lisa and tried staying out of it. She didn't know if they were becoming a couple or if Phillip was just stepping up to cover up their night together.
Phillip came over to Angela's house one day after work. He was suppose to go to see the girls. He rang the doorbell. When Angela answered she could see Phillip was upset and was holding papers. "She wants full custody and me out of her life all together." He was on the verge of crying as Angela grabbed the papers from him. "So is Andrew just suppose to forget he has sisters?"
Angela wasn't understanding any of it but flipped through the papers. By the looks of it she wanted the girls to have her name and Phillip to have no contact with them. She didn't want child support or anything to do with him. Completely erased from her and the girls life. "Did you show Robert this?"
"I haven't yet, I did call him on the way here. He didn't answer but Lucinda did. You know my sister she thinks it's a good thing and that Lisa was below be so I should count my blessings and forget about the girls. She said if we get back together it will just be a reminded to you of what a jerk I was to have them around." Phillip shook his head and sat down at the counter in the kitchen. "I feel like the way I have been I have no right to ask her to let me be in their lives. But they are my kids."
"I can't tell you what to do or not to do. Your son knows he has sisters." She rubbed her stomach and spoke again, "I would like this baby to know his or her sisters. But it is out of my control. You need to do what is best for the children. It's not my place to interfere"
Understanding Philip hugged Angela and left. He later showed the paperwork to Robert. Upon looking over the documents Robert thought like Lucinda that it was a good deal. Sure it would hurt not knowing his daughters but in their eyes they were children he was not meant to have. They were below what Lucinda would consider their level. Philip thought about it and how it would make their lives easier. And he barely got to see the girls as it id. He knew it made him a horrible father but rationalized it that it was what Lisa wanted. And if thought about it long enough he was the one that put the idea in Lisa's head. He didn't mean to imply that he would turn his back on his children,. But he had told Lisa that Angela was pregnant and he was going to try and make things work with her. He explained he may not be around as much to see the girls. He knew Angela would want him to spend time with them but he was worried what it would look like to others. He wanted the high class life and deep down didn't care how he succeeded.
It all began with after a night out with some of his guys he went to see the girls. He was late and drunk. He got into an argument with Lisa and Sophia came into the room to tell them that Constance was crying. They could hear her crying and Phillip had yelled at them to shut the child up and before he realized it he pushed his 3 year old harder than he intended to. The argument between Lisa and him was already ugly and this made it worse. Ending with Lisa telling him not to touch her children and never come back. It wasn't the first time he drank to much and showed violence. Lisa made a choice to protect her girls and that is why she had the papers drawn up.
After Philip had decided to accept the agreement he told Lisa he would set up two funds for the girls for college. He would put money in it now and it would grown. They would never know about it until college or their 21st birthday. He told her his one condition for walking away quietly was that Angela never find about his drinking and what actually had occurred between them. Part of Lisa wanted to tell her only to protect Andrew and the unborn child But over the last few months she had grown afraid of Philip and vowed if she did see anything occurring with her daughters siblings she would talk to Angela. She was the type of person she could be friends with if circumstances were different. The deal was so Andrew wouldn't look for them was that Philip would tell him and Angela that Lisa got offered a great job in another state and was taking the girls with her. They told the 8 year old that there would be letters and he could see his sisters when he would want. But Philip would make sure he was to busy to worry about that. Especially with the new baby coming. If paths crossed she was in town visiting. He wasn't sure how it would work out, he just knew he couldn't let Angela know about his other side.
The papers were finalized in secret and Philip had moved in with Angela with the reasoning of helping with the baby. They had found out at the ultrasound that it was a boy. The following April Adam Matthew Banks was born. Two years after that Phillip and Angela were remarried. Lisa kept everything a secret...for now.
