Prologue-Chicago
"Who in the world could that be?" my sister Bryn shouted from the sideline of our two-on-two street hockey game. She pointed to a black car that at just pulled into the driveway.
"I hope it isn't another 'perspective parent,'" scoffed David.
"I hope so too, but who else would come visit us on a Wednesday afternoon?" asked Chris.
"Maybe it's another one of those fancy scouts," Nate said dramatically, waving his arm in the air, "here to whisk Portman off to far, far better things than our humble street."
Everyone laughed but me. "Dude, that wasn't funny. There is no way that could happen again. I'll be stuck here forever, just like the rest of you," I explained. Little did I know, I was wrong. My mind drifted off to my friends in Minnesota. Nate's big mouth reminds me so much of Averman and Russ. Fulton had been writing to me but hadn't in a couple of weeks. Something must be up. It turns out that Eden Hall is full of problems, which is exactly what I was trying to avoid.
"But Dean, you shouldn't be here, and you definitely aren't stuck here," Bryn started. Ever since I turned down that stupid scholarship, she's been bugging me to reconsider. She refuses to accept that I am her big brother who is only doing what is best for her. I just can't hide how much I miss my friends. She knows that I miss everything from my best friend to the only cake eater I can put up with to the girls who I would love to introduce to Bryn.
The five of us entered the house and began to take off our skates. Then Ms. Johnson, who runs this place walked out of the living room.
"Who's here?" questioned Nate.
"That is none of your business. You all need to go upstairs and get started on your homework," she ordered. We started upstairs. "Dean, you need to come with me." I really hate that phrase. I haven't done anything that could call for police, a DHS checkup, or anything else. So it must be a parent who I really wasn't interested in impressing.
I sure was not in the mood for dealing with a perspective parent. I decided to play the obnoxious, tough guy that usually scares off anyone thinking about adopting. "What's up, Sarah?" I asked as I collapsed lazily on the coach. We aren't suppose to call Ms. Johnson by her first name. To my surprise, she turned and left the room. She didn't even glare at me; I'm confused. I still hadn't looked at the visitor.
"The two of us need to talk," the visitor said. I knew that voice. I sat up straight and turned to look at him. I had to be hallucinating. I wasn't.
"Coach Bombay! What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Like I already said, we need to talk," he repeated. I really did not want him here. None of the Ducks, minus Fulton, knew anything about my messed up life. Fulton wouldn't even know if he hadn't cornered me late one night in L.A. I really wanted to keep it all a secret. I can deal with my life, but I can't take pity, especially from my friends. So, I did not want to talk, and let that show.
"I'm listening," I said, making my irritation obvious.
"Okay, I'll skip the pleasantries," he said in a tone that matched mine. Which is a very scary sound. No wonder he is a lawyer. "Why didn't you accept the scholarship to Eden Hall? And don't give me any crap about not wanting to play hockey anymore because I saw you out there or about not playing for anyone else because you've played for others before and could just as easily do it again. Just so you know, I didn't even let Charlie get away with that one."
Dang, I even had Fulton buying the I don't want to play for anyone else excuse. He definitely meant business. He sure knows how to limit a guy's options. I'm positive that if I don't tell, Sarah will or Bryn will find out he's here and tell.
"Did you see that girl out there?" I began. Might as well get this over with. He nodded for me to continue. "That's my little sister Bryn. My mother left us on the doorstep of an orphanage when I was five. I'm all Bryn's got. I've raised her since she was four. We're in and out of foster homes every few months. You have no idea what I've been through. And I don't want your sympathy either. That's why I'm here. I don't even know my father's name and you want me to go and 'mingle' with Minneapolis high society! It won't happen!"
I sank back into the couch, gasping for breath. Memories of my past flooded back to me, the parts nobody but Bryn knew. I had tried to keep my voice level, but emotion just kept creeping in. Coach Bombay waited a minute before speaking. I guess to let me calm down. I caught my breath and pushed back the thoughts that I swore to my self would never be told. I stared at him. I couldn't believe that I had let myself go off like that. He isn't going to want anything to do with me now. I should have known that talking to him was a bad idea. However, I do feel better knowing that somebody knows a little bit of it. I'll just have to live with his reaction.
"I knew it had to be something serious to keep you from Eden Hall. This, however, is more than I expected. Have you told any of the Ducks?"
"Yeah, Fulton kinda forced me to tell him when we were in L.A. Other than that, no." Well, to be honest, Fulton knows what I just said, not the rest of it. That part would definitely scare him away I thought.
"I think your underestimating their friendship. They are your friends; they'll like you no matter what."
"I don't want their pity."
"Pity from that group? I can't see that happening either. Do you know what kind of lives they have? You would be surprised at what your teammates have been through." I looked at him skeptically. Other than Fulton, I figured they all had nice middle class Leave It to Beaver type lives. Well, minus Adam, who definitely had lots of money and other great material belongings. "I'm not going to spill their life stories, those are for them to tell. You shouldn't judge them before you give them a chance."
He stopped talking with that. I thought about what he said. He was right about me not giving them a chance. I guess I was scared to lose their friendship because it means so much to me. Yes, I know, it's weird that I, Dean Portman, can be scared. "Well, as great as those words are, what can I do about it now that I never see them?" I doubted he had an answer to that.
"I have an idea. What if Bryn came to Eden Hall? You would come then, right?"
"I guess, and Bryn would love the opportunity. She can't understand why I haven't gone already. How in the world could that happen though? We don't have any money and she doesn't play any sports."
"There are scholarships for stuff other than sports. Let's start with what grade is she in?"
I love this question. A smile crept across my face. "She's a freshman because she skipped the fifth grade," I announced proudly. Now some would be embarrassed that their younger sister was in the same grade as them, but I was too proud to be like that.
"She skipped a grade?" Coach repeated wide-eyed.
"Yep, the entire fifth grade."
"That's it Portman. That's the answer," he said excitedly.
"What do you mean?"
"I can convince Dean Buckley to give her an academic scholarship to Eden Hall. It's extremely hard to earn one, but I think Bryn should qualify."
"Really? We could both move to Minnesota?"
"Why don't you go get Bryn while I call the Dean right quick."
I ran up the steps two at a time. This was like a dream come true. I sure hoped it worked.
"Bryn! Bryn!" I shouted as I burst into her room where I knew she'd be studying.
"Whoa! Slow down Dean! What's up? Who's here and what did they want?"
"Coach Bombay's here. He wants me to go to Eden Hall."
"Right, are you finally going to listen to me?"
"Shh! Just listen. Here's the deal. He's going to try and get you a scholarship too. He's calling the Dean right now."
"Are you serious? Let's go," she said grabbing my hand and dragging me out of the room and down the stairs.
Coach Bombay laughed when we entered the living room.
"Dean Buckley said he would love to grant an academic scholarship to a hardworking young woman who skipped the fifth grade."
"Are you serious?" Bryn asked. "I'd love to go to Eden Hall. I'll take anything they offer."
"Well, they're offering a full ride for the next four years. But there is one little catch."
"Oh no," I said as I sat back down on the coach. "That is never followed by good news."
"Don't worry Portman; I don't think it's that bad. It's just that Bryn's scholarship won't go into affect until the next term."
"Which means what?" I asked.
"She can't start school until January."
"That's all? Dean just has to be up in Minnesota by himself for two months until I can be there. Think you can take of yourself for that long, without my help, Dean?"
Coach Bombay laughed. I smiled at her. "Cute, real cute. I think I might be able to manage, just maybe."
"Of course you can. Oh, I'm Coach Bombay by the way." Coach said, offering Bryn his hand. I guess I forgot to introduce them.
"Oh, yeah, I recognized you. I'm Bryn Portman," she said, shaking Coach's extended hand.
"Well, Portman, what do you say? The Ducks could really use you on Friday against the Varsity."
I sighed. Bryn seemed to think this was perfect. I knew she deserved the best education. However, I had one last concern.
"How do we get to and from Minneapolis and what are we to do during vacations?" Bryn looked at me like I was insane. "I'm just trying to cover everything," I told her holding my hands up defensively.
"It's alright," Coach told Bryn. "That is a very good question. Portman, you can fly back with me on Friday. Bryn, I'll pay for you to fly up as soon as you get out of school for Christmas vacation. As for where you guys can stay, you know seven people who live in Minnesota who I'm sure would let you stay with them."
He had a good point there. If I went to Minnesota, Fulton would definitely let me stay with him.
"Are you done playing the devil's advocate? Can you just go find your scholarship and sign it for me? Please Dean." She looked at me with her puppy dog eyes, the ones that I can't say no to.
"Fine, I guess we can go to Eden Hall."
"Yes!" she squealed as she fell into my lap and gave me a hug. "This is our big break. I love you Dean!"
"Thank you, I know I'm just the greatest big brother in the world." She sat up and hit me for that. Maybe I deserved that.
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The next day, Coach Bombay and I went up to my current public school and withdrew me. I ignored the looks of glee the secretary and assistant principal exchanged after eavesdropping on our meeting with the principal. I don't know what their problem is. It's not like they ever caught me doing anything against the rules. They think I'm the stupid Portman, but I was smart enough not to get caught. Anyway, I would not have to deal with them anymore.
Then, we went down to the DHS office and met with mine and Bryn's social worker. We had to fill out a bunch of papers. I've never written my name so many times.
That night, I packed. That didn't take very long since I don't own very much. I just threw my clothes in my old suitcase and put my skates and other hockey stuff into my gym bag. The only thing left was my various hockey memorabilia, i.e. my gold medal, pictures of L.A., etc. that sat on my dresser.
Bryn came in from school as I shifted through the stuff. I still needed to say goodbye to her. She would be at school when I left in the morning.
"That's my favorite one," Bryn said, pointing at the team photo taken right after the championship game that I held in my hand.
"Here, why don't you keep hold of it for me?"
"But it's your picture."
"I'm going to be seeing these nutcases everyday. I don't need a picture of them to look at everyday. You keep it so you remember me."
"As if I could ever forget you. It'll only be two months." She thinks she's so funny.
"Well, I still want you to keep this for me. Oh, and this," I said, handing her my medal.
"You can't be serious. You love that thing. You're always taking it out and admiring it around your neck."
"Don't be silly. I don't have any room for it in my bag." I pointed to my stuffed suitcase. Really though, it only seemed full because I hadn't actually folded my clothes.
"Alright," she said giving in. She put my medal around her neck and left the room. I think she just didn't want to cry in front of me. If she hadn't left when she did, I would have, because I sat down on my bed and cried. Now, I'm not normally so emotional, but Bryn and I are extremely close. I stayed in my room the rest of the night.
I slept in until nine o'clock. Coach Bombay was picking me up at 10:00. I took a nice long shower, since I never get because someone else always needs in the bathroom. When I exited the bathroom, I was shocked to find Bryn standing there.
"Why aren't you in school?"
"Did you think I would let you leave to another state for two months without spending every last minute with you?"
I was touched, but…"We said goodbye last night. You need to be in class," I said as I pushed past her and went into my room.
"I called in sick. Nobody's gonna check with Ms. Johnson to see if it's true."
"You shouldn't skip class."
"I think I can afford to miss a day, especially under the circumstances. You had no problem with me skipping a grade. Why is a day any different?"
She had a point. Sometimes, like now, it is very aggravating to have such a smart little sister. She just can't accept that I am older and always know what's best for her and she should just follow my instructions. Then again, I did want to spend as much time as possible with her before I leave.
"Before you start pulling the 'I'm older and you should follow my rules' card, you should know that I fixed breakfast: banana pancakes and bacon," she announced.
She really knew her way to my heart, or well stomach. She knew that was my favorite breakfast. I quickly stuffed the clothes I slept in into my suitcase and hurried downstairs. The doorbell rang when I reached the living room.
"I'll get it," I yelled. I answered the door. "Hi Coach."
"Good morning, Portman. You ready to go? I thought we could grab some breakfast before the flight."
"I am ready, but Bryn's cooked something already."
"Shouldn't she be at school?"
"That's exactly what I said, but she started off with if I can skip a grade, I can skip a day thing."
"Ah, smart girl. What did she cook, and is it any good?"
"She is a very good cook and she fixed my favorite: banana pancakes and bacon."
"Sounds delicious. I'd love some."
"Well then, get in here and eat up," Bryn announced from the doorway between the living room and kitchen. The three of us ate every bit of the delicious breakfast. I feel for anyone who hasn't tasted Bryn's pancakes.
After we finished, we loaded my bags into the rented car. I closed the trunk and took a deep breath. Coach got in the car. This was it. I looked down at my sister. I could tell she was struggling to hold back tears. I pulled her into a hug.
"I'll call as soon as I can. And write everyday. Christmas will be here before you know it," I said for her benefit as well as mine.
A muffled "I know, but I'll miss you until then." came from my chest. I stood there clutching her for a few minutes. Then I let go and tilted her head up.
"Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone," I ordered, "I don't want to have to hitchhike back here."
"I know-I can do anything I want as long as I plan ahead and don't get caught." She mimicked. She gave me a faint smile. I taught her so well. I returned her smile.
"That's right…I love you Bryn. I'll see you in December." I gave her one last quick hug.
"Bye Dean."
I got into the car. I watched her fade away in the side view mirror. No one talked on the way to O'Hare.
When we got to O'Hare, we returned the car, checked our luggage, and boarded the plane. Then, the captain announced that some hydraulic ring thing needed to be replaced. This would delay the flight about an hour. He said we could get off the plane and get some lunch, but we were still full from breakfast. I had faith in the airplane mechanics, but one thing weighed on my mind.
"We still gonna be able to make the game?"
"I don't know, probably."
Nothing I could do if we didn't. I dug out my worn-out abridged copy of Les Miserables from my carryon bag and I started reading. Then I noticed Coach Bombay staring at me funny.
"What?" I asked.
"You're going to read Les Miserables?"
I really hate questions like that. I know I'm not the smartest Portman, but I can read. I actually enjoy it too. All so shocking, I know. I decided to be patient with my uninformed coach.
"No, I'm rereading Les Miserables for the third time." He looked surprised, ha. "It's my favorite book. Bryn gave it to me for my eleventh birthday, saying I quote, 'you can relate to Jean Valjean's struggles with life.'" That impressed him. "Adam, Averman, and Julie aren't the only ones who can read a book and enjoy it," I smirked.
"I'm sorry. I know you can read. I'm just surprised that you would select Les Miserables on your own without it being assigned for school." He went back to his paperwork. At least he thinks enough of me to apologize. That's nice, but I guess I can cut him some slack since I wasn't the best student for Ms. McKay. I usually try to get good grades so I set a good example for Bryn. She wasn't in L.A. with us, and the Ducks can be very bad influences.
It took two hours to get the plane in the air. We were going to be late. The flight took an entire hour and a half, and it took forever to get our luggage. They could have at least flown faster to make up for the late start. You can't get a speeding ticket in a plane.
However, Coach Bombay felt the need to not risk getting a ticket in the car ride to Eden Hall. Naturally, I had to ask why the caution.
"Because I can't get another ticket," he answered.
Why would a big shot lawyer like him be worried about a little speeding ticket? I'm sure he has enough money to pay it. Wait, did he say another?
"What do you mean 'another ticket?'" I asked.
He bit his lip. "Don't worry about it. Just start thinking about your game." Wow, Coach has a hidden secret. He's had run-ins with the law? I definitely need to investigate. I wonder if Fulton knows.
We ran into the ice rink. The second period had just ended. I watched my teammates trudge slowly into the locker room. For a tie game that they were supposed to be killed in, they sure looked dejected. I stopped in front of the door, not sure if I wanted to follow my teammates in there. I set my bag down. "They won't want me back."
"Look at this from a coach's perspective. Did you not just see them? Varsity is physically overpowering them. They're going to need something or someone to get them through this last period. You're it. Remember what we always say: Ducks fly together. Now, get in there and put your skates on. I'll see you on the ice," he said as he walked away to find a seat in the stands. I guess he thought I would just walk in now.
But I still had doubts. I pulled out my scholarship. I read it quietly to myself. If this preppy place wanted me, why won't my friends and teammates welcome me back. I sighed. "Only one way to find out, Dean," I said to myself. I began to reread the scholarship louder and more enthusiastic as I banged open the locker room door.