The Mighty Ducks: The Next Generation
By: Tammy Kaiser
Based on Characters Created By: Steven Brill
Chapter 1: Going Home
There is a saying that says "You can't go home again." Well, home is exactly where 27 year old Charlie Conway was going as he pulled his blue mini van into the street in front of his St. Louis, Missouri home. His wife, Linda, seven months pregnant with twins, sat in the passenger seat next to him. His ten year old son, Charlie Jr. And seven year old daughter Allison sat in the very back seat. His three and a half year old son, Branson and 18 month old daughter, Rilynn, sat in their car seats in the middle. The Conways were on their way to Minnesota to attend a surprise 40th birthday party for a dear friend that Charlie had not seen since they had moved to St. Louis six years earlier.
"Dad," said Allison. "Are we gonna get to see Grandma Casey and Grandpa Nick?"
"Of course Ali." he told her. "We're going to be staying with them."
Charlie was beginning to wish they had flown. The nine hour, 500 mile trip was going to prove to be tedious and knowing Linda as well as he did they would be stopping for a bathroom break and something to eat before they had even exited Missouri.
At 9:00 that evening they pulled into the drive of Charlie's mom and stepdad's four bedroom ranch. They had moved into it just before Charlie had started at Eden Hall Academy. The trip had been a nightmare. The kids had not stopped talking almost the entire way. They finally fell asleep for a couple hours somewhere around the two hundred mile point.
Casey had been watching out the big bay living room window. She came outside to help them bring the kids in.
"Welcome home sweetheart." she said to Charlie. She carefully plucked a sleeping Rilynn from his arms so he could bring in the luggage
"Thanks mom." he said as they headed for the house.
They entered the house through the front door and stepped into the living room.
"We had an extra twin bed in the garage so Nick set that up in your old bedroom for Charlie and Ali, He's in Chicago on business, but he'll home tomorrow . Branson can sleep in the bedroom next to Nick and mine and I have a pack and play set up in your room for Rilynn."
"Mom, I'm tired." whined Charlie.
"Excuse me Casey, I think I am going to put the kids to bed." said Linda.
"It is so wonderful to have you home again." said Casey, giving Charlie a tight squeeze. "Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"That would be great. Thanks mom."
"So, how is work going?" she asked as they entered the kitchen.
Charlie sat down at the table. "Ok. I am glad summer vacation starts soon."
Charlie worked as a history teacher at one of St. Louis's most prestigious high schools.
"You know mom, I got a call from Eden Hall last week."
"Really?" Casey asked as she handed Charlie a filled coffee cup and sat down next to him.
"Their history teacher is retiring and they offered me a job. Linda and I have talked it over and I am, thinking of accepting the job."
"Charlie, that's wonderful."
"I have an appointment to talk to Headmaster McKessey on Friday. If everything goes well we'll be moving back this summer."
"It would be wonderful to have you close by again." Casey told him.
Charlie couldn't help but think the same thing.