Campbell Saunders stood at the steps of Degrassi, for once excited about the day to come. It was the day after the first home game for Degrassi's own hockey team, The Icehounds. He was the new kid in town, and everyone looked down on him. But during the game he proved himself to his team, his coach, his fellow Degrassians, and his girlfriend Maya.
He entered the school and saw Luke and Dallas, fellow team mates and hardasses. Cam wasn't particularly too fond of them, but they were his teammates. They were the guys, his only friends really. Luke stared at Cam as he passed. Luke was mad that their coach put Cam in the starting line-up, kicking Luke out.
The bell rang for first block and Cam entered his French class. He stood there and found Maya as she excitedly motioned for him to join her. Cam sat next to her and gave her a kiss as the warning bell rang. "I'm so proud of you Cam! You were amazing last night you totally deserved the new spot." said Maya with a huge smile.
Cam smiled shyly. "Thanks Maya," he said timidly.
…
Lunch time came around and Cam went to sit with the hockey team to talk about last night's win. Everyone was stoked, except Luke. Luke stared at Cam in disgust and began to point out every flaw Cam had in his performance.
"You failed to see that Dallas was wide open to score you dumbass. We could have gotten more points if you weren't such a hog.
"At least we still won… and I didn't see you score at all Luke, so I don't see how you can talk," Cam said quietly towards the end of his comeback.
"Why don't you shut the fuck up newbie. I would have if you could learn to pass." said Luke defensively.
"Guys! It doesn't matter now does it? We won didn't we?" Dallas remarked.
Luke, at this time furious, left the table. Cam sat there for the rest of lunch analyzing the game and feeling less and less proud and more and more critical and embarrassed.
That night, Cam and Maya talked on the phone. "Was I really that bad Maya?... I guess the guys are right… I am a hog."
"No you're not Cam, don't listen to those dumb jocks. You did great and you shouldn't feel anything but happiness. Besides, if you did that bad, don't you think your coach would have said something, instead of putting you in the starting line-up?"
"I guess you right… I just feel bad."
"How come?"
"I took Luke's position… and I'm a freshman"
"So? You deserved it."
"You don't get it Maya. This is just putting a bigger target on my back."
"Well excuse me for helping."
"I'm sorry Maya… I'm going to bed, night."
…
Hockey practice began at 4:00 o'clock sharp. The whole team was out in the rink learning new plays and strategies. The coach started with the beginning line up. Luke wasn't too happy. They had a practice game just to try out some new moves. "Alright, I want precision, strength and confidence from you all. Take it easy on each other. We don't want any injuries." Said the coach encouragingly.
The coach blew his whistle and they were off. Cam took the puck down the arena with ease. Dallas was open, Cam passed and they scored. Luke wasn't pleased at all as he glared at Cam. Dallas saw Luke do so, but let it slide. Second play, another member passed the puck to Cam. Cam rushes down towards the goal when Luke T-boned him. With such force, in fact, Cam was knocked up against the side of the rink and got winded.
"What is your problem, Luke?!" said Cam, trying to catch his breath.
"I was just playing the game. Thought you would've known that, All Star," Said Luke in a mocking tone.
"What is that supposed to mean? Huh? Just because I play better than you, you have the right to treat me like crap?" Cam asked, who was fed up with Luke.
"You're damn right!" yelled Luke.
Luke proceeded to try to punch Cam but Dallas was already holding him back. The coach came over to them.
"What the hell are you sissies doing?"
"Nothing coach… My skate got caught up and I fell," Cam lied in a defeated tone.
"I am about tired of you Nancy's. Hit the showers; I'm tired of you all."
They all headed back to the locker room, except Cam. He stayed there. Luke and Dallas were changing out of their hockey gear when Dallas addressed the issue between Luke and Cam.
"Dude, what is going on with you and Campbell? As far as I know, he hasn't done a damn thing to you. What is your deal?" Dallas asked in a frustrated tone.
"My problem is that fucking freshman took my place on this team. He hasn't been here a semester and he is all of a sudden some big shot. It's fucking ridiculous! I have worked three years for this place and he takes it away from me in a month. That's my problem!" Said Luke furiously.
"I know that it's tough man, but we need him on this team. I mean... look at our last game. He kicked ass. Without him, our sorry asses wouldn't go anywhere," Dallas said in a reassuring and slightly humorous tone.
"No Dallas, you don't understand. I have enough problems with academics, which my parents constantly remind me of. Hockey is all I have, and the last thing I need is for some goddamn freshman to take that away from me. So I'm going to make sure he knows what he's getting himself into. I'll get my spot back one way or another." Said Luke, ending the conversation as he walked off.
…
"Maya… it's getting worse. Luke basically attacked me yesterday at practice," Said Cam quietly.
"Oh my god, Cam! Are you okay? What did the coach say?" Maya asked worriedly.
"I'm fine, and coach didn't say anything. I told him I just fell." Said Cam.
"Why? Why didn't you tell someone?" Maya demanded as she got angry.
"Wow Maya. You really don't get it. I can't just go snitching on teammates for a little hazing," Cam said stubbornly.
"Then, I will. I can't stand to see you like this...you're miserable, Cam. And it's not a little hazing. He has been doing it since you joined the team. And even more since the game."
"No Maya! Please… I'll handle it. Just please... do not tell Simpson." Pleaded Cam.
"Whatever, Campbell. I'll see you at lunch," Maya said as she left, irritated by Cam.
Ignoring what Cam said, Maya went straight to Principle Simpson.
"Principle Simpson, I want you to know something. Members of the Icehounds are harassing Campbell Saunders…Especially Luke Baker."
"I appreciate your concern Maya but, why isn't Campbell here telling me this?" asked Simpson.
"It's a pride thing, trying to keep peace or avoid more problem, I don't know. But I'm tired of seeing him being brought down by Luke, when Luke is obviously jealous of Cam." Said Maya worriedly.
"Why would Luke be jealous?"
"Because Campbell got moved into the starting line-up, replacing Luke."
"Oh… I see. Well, I'll talk to some team members and the coach to decide on what actions to take." Said a concerned Simpson.
"Thank you, Mr. Simpson, and whatever you do, please don't tell Cam… he didn't want me to do this." Said a relieved Maya.
"Don't worry Maya, I won't. Mr. Saunders is very lucky to have a friend like you"
Maya smiled and exited the office and went to lunch. Simpson began his investigation by asking teammates, which were no help. Last was the coach who told him that he had noticed members, mostly Luke, picking on Cam. Simpson took immediate action and with no questions asked, suspended Luke for three days. News spread fast to the team. Realizing Luke wouldn't be able to participate in the upcoming game, Dallas was furious and went after Cam.
Author's Note: Hi, this is my first story, so could you please leave some feedback to let me know what you think so far? I'll update sooner from the response I get! Thanks!