The weekend consisted of mounds of homework leading up to the last week before Christmas break. Barely any of the Ducks stepped outside their homes that weekend due to the papers they were assigned and numerous tests. At eight o'clock on Sunday night, the doorbell rang at the Cadrell residence. Because nobody was expected at the time, Erin's mother answered the door. She hoped nothing had gone wrong with James' brother and Gordon had come by to break some bad news. Instead, Tess was surprised to see Charlie Conway standing at the door.

"Hi, Charlie," Tess greeted, slightly confused. She wondered why he showed up at the house so late when he had the whole weekend to go out.

He read her quizzical expression. "Oh, I'm sorry. I can leave if you want me to. I mean I know Alyssa must be sleeping, but I just had so much school work this weekend and this was the only time I could..." Charlie explained, rambling, but Tess put a hand up and motioned for him to come inside.

"It's alright. We're just not used to having many people around so late," she said.

"Thanks, Mrs. Cadrell."

"It's Tess," she said leading him to the living room. "Erin, Charlie's here to see you," Tess said, walking into the living room with Charlie following behind her. She wasn't sure whether she should be more surprised at the fact Charlie came to see her, or the fact that her mother actually let him into the house. Back in New York, Tess Cadrell thought their space was too cramped for company. Maybe she liked the new house better.

"Hey," Charlie said with a wave.

"Hey. What'r you doing here?"

"Just had an English question that I needed your help with."

"Right," Erin said, rolling her eyes, looking at her computer screen. "And what question about our wonderful language could be so immediately pressing that you couldn't just call?" With that she snapped her head up at him, giving him a look that suggested she knew he was full of shit. He laughed. She could pretty much make him laugh all the time.

"Okay. You got me. My undying need to see you every minute of the day couldn't keep me away for more than forty-eight hours. I'll admit it," he answered back with a grin. It was Erin's turn to smile because as sarcastic as he was, she knew his exaggeration wasn't a complete lie.

"Hmm, well now that you've fed my ego for the night, I think you can leave."

Charlie rolled his eyes, still smiling. "Fine. I just came over to hang out, talk, whatever..." he said trailing off, focusing his eyes on the pillow he held in his hands. "I just don't want things to be weird or anything now cause we hooked up or whatever."

"Ah, so the truth comes out. You know you could've just said that in the beginning. We're like really good friends. It shouldn't be weird." And there was the word: friends. Not that he thought she would want to be his girlfriend right after their encounter two nights prior, but he felt his heart sink the slightest bit. "Well," she continued. "after Friday, I think we sort of redefined the whole friendship thing." He found her wordy indirectness to be adorable as she sat facing him.

"Yep. Who's to say we'd even ever have to label the whole thing. I know you're not too big on the whole relationship thing right now, but regardless I just like being with you," Charlie admitted seriously.

"That's really sweet, Charlie. Unfortunately for us, people in high school feel the need to label anything anyone says or does. Pretty stupid. But we're seniors and we're going to college, and then I get attached so easily, and I don't want the burden of detaching myself from someone, you know?" Erin explained, putting her head in her hands, growing somewhat frustrated because if she was completely honest she was starting to become attached to Minnesota.

"Well. We might be only like twenty minutes away from each other next year, though. That'd be nice," Charlie said.

"Yeah, but still. What if we wound up breaking up or something? Like that'd suck, you know, losing someone you care about," she went on. Until this point Charlie sat a bundle of nerves since he had actually expressed the truth, yet she had only went on about why a relationship would not be a good move.

"So you're saying you care about me?" Charlie looked at Erin with a smirk. Maybe they were getting somewhere now.

After a slight pause, she finally spoke. "Yea. I guess I do. I care about a lot of people in my life. You're lucky you made it onto that list so quickly."

"Oh yea? Well I'd like to stay on that list for as long as I can."

"Only if I'm on yours, Conway," Erin said, picking up the remote, flipping through the channels. She felt her stomach knot, excited, yet nervous due to the current conversation. He appreciated that he wasn't pushing her into anything.

"You know you are," he said smiling at her. "Only cause you're related to Bombay, though, sorry."

"Wow, what an ass. And here I was thinking what a nice person you are." Charlie smiled. "Oh, and I thought about the team managing thing. I think I'm gonna do it."

His smiled widened. "Yes!" He launched himself over to hug Erin.

"Whoa, calm down," she said, holding onto his arms before trying to pry him off her.

"Jeez, I'm just happy," Charlie said, composing himself.

"Why? Because now instead of spending most of your time with me, you'll be spending all of your time with me? Again with the flattery," she said, shaking her head leaning over and putting her head on Charlie's shoulder.

"Well maybe you should be," he said. She looked up at him, repressing a smile. She found it funny how they never stopped with the lines. Erin also couldn't help but wonder if Charlie was like this with other girls he liked. With her previous boyfriend, the beginning was easy and fun, too, but it changed dramatically as time progressed. Deciding not to worry, she just went on watching the TV with Charlie, trying not to let negative thoughts consume her.

Soon she walked Charlie to the door. "Thanks for coming and making my weekend just a little less horrible."

"No problem," he smiled as he pulled her in for a hug. Looking at each other for a brief moment, Charlie kissed Erin quickly before turning and leaving.

"See you tomorrow."

"Night, Erin," he said turning to wave back at her.

"So did she tell you that she'd gonna do the managing thing?" Averman asked Charlie.

"Yea. I actually went over there Sunday night and she told me then," Charlie replied, skating beside Averman.

"You know, she's really cool. We're lucky we got her and not some crazy chic," Averman replied.

Laughing, Charlie nodded. "Yea. She's a real character. Kinda sucks she's only around for senior year."

"Mhm. So are you guys like together now or..." but Averman basically saw his answer written on Charlie's face. Averman shook his head. "But did anything happen on Friday?"

"Come on, man," Charlie snapped, trying to focus on doing the practice drills.

"So I'll take that as a yes. Good job, bro," Averman said, patting Charlie's back.

"Yeah, but it's not like she wants a relationship, and I don't usually just hook up with girls," Charlie started, catching Averman's unbelieving glance.

"You don't just hook up with girls? Alright well there's a flat out lie," his friend pointed out.

"Who? Maybe a couple times, but I'm not really that bad. Compare me to Luis or even Portman before Julie. I look like a Saint," he corrected Averman, who shrugged and decided not to debate any further. "What I was going to say was that I don't just hook up with girls who I actually like. Plus she's Bombay's cousin, and that's sorta weird. Other than Linda and Danielle there were like two other girls, jeez."

Sick of the same old conversation, Averman skated away from Charlie as Orion blew his whistle. They finally headed to the locker room, and wished Orion well for the Christmas Break. So far they were having a good season with a record of 7-0.

"Yo, guys the new millennium is here! 2000! We gotta make this New Year the best," Russ said, as he walked into the locker room.

"Banks you got a lotta space. Think we could use your place for a party or something?" Fulton asked. Everyone nodded and backed up Fulton's plan.

"I dunno. I could definitely ask, though. My parents usually go out somewhere, but if it's all of you plus some other people, it'd probably be cool," Banks replied.

"Sweet, dude. Let us know," Fulton said, patting Adam on the back. The thought of having a party made Adam smile. Despite the rough times for his family, he figured he could get back to his normal self. Over the years, he worked hard to impress people, especially his father, but he learned, mainly from Coach Bombay, that doing things because they make you happy is far more important. Trying to shake himself out of his slump, he figured the new year could be a good start.

"How you holding up lately?" Julie asked as they exited the locker room together.

"I'm doing alright. Still not feeling great, but I'm managing. Thanks Julie," he said smiling. For the past couple of months he had been careful not to disclose his situation to many people, but he knew he could trust his team. He had big adjustments coming his way.

"So Guy. What'd you get Connie this year?" Portman asked.

"Well. I got her a signed Minnesota jersey and some chocolate and a card that I made," Guy said.

"That's cool, dude. I mean, I don't really know what to get Julie. It's our first Christmas together and I wanna get her something nice."

"Well you know Julie. She's pretty easy going. I'm sure as long as it's from the heart, it'll be fine," Goldberg said. The rest of the guys looked at him with eyes raised. "What? It's true guys!"

"Aw, you're so sweet Goldie," Russ teased.

"Shut up, or no more free food at my mom's deli," he retorted as they made their way to lunch.

The Christmas break was off to a great start. On the first Monday, Julie, Erin, and Connie decided to go to the mall to finish up some holiday shopping.

"You guys. I kinda wanna get Charlie something nice, but I feel like he must have every hockey thing known to man. I mean, I could make him something, but I don't know," Erin said, looking at various hats and scarves that hung on a vendor stand.

"Well, I got Guy some clothes," Connie said.

"Yeah, but you and Guy have been together since like the seventh grade," Julie pointed out. "I bought Portman a new set of headphones because he always breaks them in his backpack. I got lucky he's easy to shop for, but Charlie likes a million things."

"Yeah. I was looking online the other day, and I saw this Stanley Cup shaped key chain. So I think I'm gonna customize that with the Ducks symbol and have it say something nice," Erin explained.

"Aw. That'd be really cute, Erin," Connie said with a smile as they walked over to a jewelry store.

"Oh man. I love those," Erin said, pointing to a silver Clad-ah ring.

"Very Irish of you," Julie laughed. "It's really pretty though."

"Yeah. A couple of years back Guy got me this necklace, locket type thing. It has some long message from the Bible in it," Connie reminisced, bringing her hands up to the chain she currently wore.

"Must be the love is patient passage. I love that quote. You've got a good boyfriend, Conn. You too Julie. All the guys are really awesome." Erin and the girls continued to walk down the mall, walking in and out of stores.

"So, why do you seem all anti-relationship?" Julie asked Erin who was looking around at shoes.

"Umm. It's not that I'm against them. I'm usually all for the whole relationship thing. I've had a couple or longish ones, actually. But last year, the guy I dated, Mark, we were friends before that and then he started getting really rude and disrespectful and would constantly put me down. So, basically he turned into a really big ass. I ended it finally, but it still really sucked," Erin said, apologizing after for her slightly tangental explanation. "Well that makes sense. I used to date the goalie of the Varsity team when I was a freshman, but he was two years older and went off to college so we didn't think it made sense to stay together," Julie told Erin, who heard briefly about that relationship.

"He was so nice, though, Jules. But Erin, maybe you'd wanna give a relationship a shot some time?" Connie suggested.

"Yeah. But I just hate all the labels. Relationship, friends with benefits, fuck buddies, whatever. Who cares. If friendship just happens to progress down that "more than friends" road then cool. I just hate how people push the issue. Not you, just people in general," Erin said, trying to clarify that she was not annoyed with her friends.

They nodded before Connie spoke again. "Kind of like you and one of my oldest, closest, most harmless childhood friends, hu?" Erin laughed at her failed attempt at being subtle.

"We're really close friends now, and we always have a really good time together. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it at least."

"So did anything happen between you guys after the skate fest, Friday?" Julie asked while they still were on the topic.

"Well, yeah. We wound up hooking up, but I don't know. Whatever," she said, smiling, trying on shoes.

"You know he's a good guy. Big heart. Plus you're cool. His first girlfriend, Linda was a bit too uptight and meticulous, and then this girl Danielle. She was pretty mean to like everyone, but him," Connie said rolling her eyes.

"She was the more bitchy type. Goldberg really, really hated. He said she'd go into his mom's store with Charlie sometimes and would basically order everyone around. Who needs that?" Julie explained. Erin felt herself growing a bit annoyed at thinking of Charlie with such a bitch, let alone any girl.

"Well thanks guys, but we shall see what happens," Erin said continuing her quest for Christmas gifts.

Gordon Bombay reclined on the couch of the skate shop watching the Redwings verse the Devils. A pot of soup boiled on the stove as dinner time approached. As Bombay shut the gas, he heard a knock at the door. "Just a second," he called out, pouring the soup into a bowl before heading to the door. He hoped that something work related had not come up. His down time was limited to one or two days a week, while he worked endlessly for his job. Even though he loved it, he still grew tired. When he opened the door, he was pleasantly surprised to see Charlie standing outside. "Charlie! Come on in! Good to see you!"

He smiled, walking into the familiar shop where he used to visit Hans before he passed away three years prior. "Can't believe this place is still around. Smells good in here, Coach," he said taking a seat at the small table placed by the television.

"Made some soup. Want some?" Bombay offered.

"Yeah, sure. Mind if I take some down to my mom at the diner. You know something a bit different?" Charlie asked.

"Not at all," he said putting some in a plastic container. "So what's knew with you? I heard about BU, congratulations! They'll be lucky to have you." He smiled as he sat down to eat. Shaking his head, he looked at Charlie. "Unbelievable how fast these years flew. Seems like a day ago you were playing district five."

"I know. It's crazy. Three years ago I hated Eden Hall, now I don't want it to be over, really. And the new millennium is coming up. Can't believe the '90s are over," Charlie replied. Instead of the little kid Bombay always knew, he saw a growing maturity in his captain.

"Well, I'm glad you seem to be really happy. And it's great that you and Erin seem to get along so well. James was telling me that you're over there all the time. You two are really similar. I figured that'd work out well," Bombay said.

"Yeah. Definitely," Charlie paused to eat a spoonful of soup. "I actually wanted to ask you a question about her."

"Yeah?" Gordon questioned, eyeing Charlie curiously.

"Um," Charlie started, pausing to let out a small, nervous sigh. Bombay was like family to him, and the topic of conversation was slightly uncomfortable seeing as Gordon was related to Erin directly. "I really actually like her a lot, and I was thinking of asking her out, but I don't think she wants to be with anyone right now, anyway. I'm pretty much letting you know, and want to make sure that wouldn't be weird or anything." Charlie scratched his head and looked down, nervous to hear his coach's reply.

"It really means a lot that my opinion matters about something so far removed from anything I expected you to say. Says a lot about your character. But Erin's great, and I know you. I've watched you grow up. You have a big heart, Charlie, and I'm oddly comfortable, and maybe even a little bit happy that you like her so much," Bombay finished, smiling. Another few moments passed. "What makes you think she wouldn't go out with you, though?"

"Well. She's told me a bunch of times that she doesn't really like the concept of labeling something as a relationship. I just have to respect it, though. I'm not gonna push anything," Charlie shrugged.

"I know she dated a really jerk last year. It takes time to fully recover from a bad relationship. Just keep showing her that she can trust you and I'm sure everything will work out fine."

"Yeah. That makes sense. What about you, Coach. Any ladies?" Charlie asked, raising his eyebrows, interested in Gordon's answer.

"Nope. Just moving around, working. You know how it is," Bombay responded, knowing how upset Charlie was when he had stopped seeing his mother years ago.

"Yeah," Charlie nodded, wanting to change the subject. "I really can't wait to play for BU." He paused. Thank you."

"For what, Charlie?"

"For not giving up on us, for sending us to Eden Hall. Everything's just really coming together now, you know?"

"I do. I bet you'll all be in touch after high school. That bond isn't something you guys are easily going to give up. For the remainder of the evening, Charlie and Gordon sat watching hockey, talking about old memories, and looking forward to the importance of the future.

"One more question."

"Shoot."

"What do you think Erin would want for Christmas? I really wanna get her something."

"Hmm. She always insists that she doesn't want anything. So, maybe something simple. Music? I'm getting her a Yankee blanket. Maybe ask one of the girls?" Bomaby suggested.

"Good idea, Coach. Maybe I'll ask my mom," he said with a laugh.

"I like that you're going out of your way for her. You're not even dating and you want to get her a gift. God help you," Bombay joked.

"What? If I like someone I'm gonna do my best to make it good. Kinda like hockey. Just giving it my all," Charlie reasoned.

"You really have matured. Just have to stop being so stubborn," Bombay said, patting him on the shoulder by the door.

"Learned from the best, Coach," Charlie said smirking up at Gordon.