I'm soo sorry for everyone whose been waiting patiently for this chapter, I hope I can get the next chapter up either next month or the beginning of October as I'm on holiday at the end of the month. I know it's been years since I started this story but I do plan to get it completed even if that takes 10 years! I hate to leave stories incomplete.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Mighty Ducks or any of the characters.
Luis and Julie
Julie stood at the side of school watching Luis and Fulton converse; she couldn't hear what they were saying but the speed in which Luis' mouths moved and the concentrated look of Fulton's face told her the topic was important. Fulton's face erupted in a large grin and with a nod Luis smiled before they parted ways. She watched the two boys head in opposite directions and frowned. "What were they talking about?" she mused quietly. Looking down at her watch she headed back towards the dorms.
On the way to her dorm room she noticed Charlie a few feet in front of her with his ear phones in. "Charlie," she yelled running to catch up to him. Upon hearing his name he stopped and took out his earphones.
"Hey Jules everything alright?"
"Yeah not too bad thanks. Connie and I were talking last night and we were saying how little we spend with you guys now you're all planning your dates."
"Adam and I were talking about the same thing the other day, it's like ever since we've been planning our dates we've actually had no time to hang out as a group of friends. I know majority of us have planned all the dates, I think it's only Portman and Goldberg that have a few things to finish off." Julie's eyebrows shot into her hair line. She hadn't expected the guys to be so organised and the curiosity into what they had planned was beginning to eat away at her. "Who have you got next?" he asked.
"Luis; I've just had Guy."
"Right, are we half way yet?"
"Just about. Luis marks my half way point. I think the only two who have had both dates are Fulton and Guy."
"Lucky them," chuckled Charlie. "I heard about Fulton and Connie's date. I'm glad the two of them have a chance together."
"Tell me about it, when I met a friend of yours Peter Marks, Guy and he were talking about Fulton finally getting a chance with Connie."
"You met Peter? What you think to him?"
"It was interesting to say the least," Charlie laughed, "but he seemed a nice enough guy."
"Peter has always been a bit on the rough side, but he's alright once you get to know him. He was what we were all like before we met Bombay."
"Glad to see you've all changed," Julie winked causing Charlie to laugh. Charlie gave her a quick hug and the two separated. Julie continued to the dorms, climbing the stairs she pulled out her key and pushed open the corridor door. The dorms were always busy just as classes finished, not wanting to partake in the hustle and bustle of students leaving, she hurried to her room and pushed the key into the lock. Stepping into her bedroom she let out a sigh of relief, dropping her bag full of books and homework to the floor she rummaged through the built in fridge and pulled out a Sprit. Popping the cap she took a healthy gulp as the door opened and Connie walked in wearing an equalling tired expression.
"Will you pass me a Fanta please," catching the can flying towards her she popped open the cap and took a drink slurping up the spray that had escaped. "Thanks,"
"Is it me or are the teachers just adding on more and more work," Connie nodded.
"It's as though they don't care we have hockey practice as well,"
"That's the thing Con they don't care," the two girls sighed.
Julie placed her drink on the side and grabbed her bag and pulled it over to her bed, she looked out of the window before sitting down and rummaging for the English homework that had been assigned today.
"You're actually starting your homework now after all the lessons we've just had?" Connie asked looking at Julie amused.
"I want to get some of it out of the way. I've had a piece from each class today and I've still got another six from previous lessons to do. I really need to make a headway with all this."
"I thought I had it bad, I've got four from previous classes to finish and the five from today but then you could be Portman who hasn't completed one piece of homework all week and now has 22 pieces to do,"
"I couldn't leave it to pile up like that, it would drive me crazy," Connie nodded in agreement and grabbed her own bag and pulled out a piece of homework she'd already started. The two girls sat for the next two hours finishing homework before the noise of Connie's grumbling stomach became too much.
"Right it's time for dinner and a needed break." Julie agreed and the two girls left their books sprawled out across their beds.
"Where you wanting to go?" Julie asked as she fastened her trainers.
"I was thinking we could go to that sandwich shop down the road and get one of those sandwiches that Goldberg mentioned the other day."
"Sounds good,"
They left the building and pulled their coats tighter as the cold wind hit their skin December was only a week away and the temperature had dropped considerably since Connie's date with Russ. They hurried towards the gates of the school and turned left towards Sevvy's Sandwiches. The aroma of freshly baked bread and cheese wafted into their nostril as they walked into the shop.
"Good evening ladies, what can I get ya?"
"Hello, Erm can I have a pulled pork sandwich on white bread please," The gentlemen behind the counter nodded and started to slice the bread before putting the pulled pork on the slice.
"Would you like anything else?" Julie looked at the selection of condiments on the side, grabbing a packet of chocolate and orange chip cookies and walkers' prawn cocktail crisps. She gave the gentlemen the money and took a seat at one of the tables. Connie followed her with a Reuben sandwich a packet of cheesy Doritos and a doughnut.
The two girls conversed as they ate their food, the hot topic being the dates. Both were trying to guess what the remaining ducks could have up their sleeves, suggestions of picnics, cinema, dancing and even a magic show was passed along. Upon finishing their dinner they head back to Eden Hall to continue their homework session. With nothing else planned for the evening getting majority of their homework out of the way seemed to be the best idea. Heads down as the wind swept over them neither girl looked where they were going until Julie crashed into Luis knocking both of them to the ground.
"Luis, I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going you know with the wind being so strong."
Luis just waved it off and quickly stood up offering Julie his hand, which she took, and pulled her to her feet.
"I'm glad you crashed into me, I was in fact looking for you." He said pulling his coat tighter around his body. "As your aware I'm your next date and I've got it all planned, so Julie will you accompany me on a date on Sunday evening?"
"Of course, what clues can you give me?"
"Well don't worry about having tea, and you should wear something comfortable," he said smiling.
"Okay what time?"
"I'll come by your door at half 5, is that okay?" Julie nodded and with a quick kiss on the cheek he left, running out of the school gates and turning in the direction they'd just come from.
"Well you're obviously having a meal somewhere but I think he's got something else planned," Connie shouted over the wind.
Julie nodded agreeing, "Comfortable clothing? That must mean we're doing something physical."
Running from the wind they headed to the school shop located on the grounds, picking up a case of Dr Pepper cans, and some more crisps, chocolate and sweets they made their way back to their dorms to face the stack of homework they left behind.
XXX
Sunday evening came around quicker than Julie expected, after finishing six pieces of homework on Friday night, along with another three on Saturday and two three hour hockey practices on both Saturday and Sunday she was looking forward to her date with Luis. A simple ponytail sorted out her hair and she decided to stick with minimal make up. She decided on a floaty blue material top with long sleeves made of transparent material and a simple pair of black leggings. Unsure if she needed socks she placed a pair in her bag, it never helped to be prepared for all situations. Her ankle boots were on the side ready to be slipped on when she was leaving. Grabbing her note book she flipped to Luis's page.
So Luis and I bumped into each other literally on Friday, avoiding the wind in my face I walked straight into him knocking him to the ground, he announced he had been looking for me and asked if I'd accompany him on a date on Sunday evening. Agreeing I asked for a clue and he informed me I didn't need to eat tea so I assumed that this means we'll be eating out. He told me to wear something comfortable so I'm guessing today's date must have a physical side, however I have no idea what this could be.
A knock on the door erupts her, and she quickly places the book on her bed and goes to answer the door. Leaning against the door is Luis smiling in his hand is a beautiful pink rose.
"Hey, come in. I'll just put my shoes on and we can head off." Nodding his head, he waits for her to pull on her boots before he takes her hand.
"For you," Julie takes the rose out of her hand and strokes the petals.
"Its beautiful thank you," She quickly grabs a glass and fills it with water placing the rose in to it for safe keeping.
"You ready?" Julie nods grabbing her jacket and pulling it on before grabbing her bag. Luis takes her hand and they leave the dorm complex and into the parking lot. Luis pulls out the keys and unlocks the car, opening the door Julie slides in secretly impressed with his mannerisms.
"So where we going?" She asks as he starts the car and pulls out of the school grounds.
"Well I was thinking food first because where I'm taking you starts at 8pm," Julie nods and leans back in the car. She loves winter, always has but it's so cold in Minnesota this year.
"How are you coping with the weather?" she asks Luis, it's been ages since the two of them just sat and talked.
"Hate it, who knew it would be so cold, I can't wait to go back to Miami for the Winter break. Even in winter we wear shorts."
"It's always cold in Maine, why do you think we're all so pale," she laughed and Luis shook his head grinning.
They continue to talk comfortably when Luis turns into a car park. Peering out at the window her eyebrows raise in surprise. St Louie's is an Italian restaurant 10 miles away from campus, Adam had mentioned it last year when she had asked him for the best Italian joint in Minnesota. The door beside her opens and she takes Luis's hand and the two step into the restaurant. The smell of garlic, mozzarella and fresh dough hits her nose and she sighs.
A red headed woman is stood smiling behind a podium, Luis steps towards her flashing the typical Mendoza smile.
"Good evening do you have a reservation?"
"Yes a table for two it should be under Mendoza?" The woman scanned the page and nodded.
"If you'd like to follow me please," the two followed the waitress to their seats. She handed them both a menu and instructed them that someone would be over to take their order.
"What you fancying?" She asked Luis after scanning the menu.
"Garlic dough balls for starter, and a tiramisu cake for dessert but I'm debating between the carbonara or the lasagne for main. How about you?"
"I didn't know we were having starter and dessert, but I'm going to have the Cajun chicken bake with garlic bread for main. I think I might have those homemade pancakes with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. I guess for starter I'll have the king prawns with garlic butter and white wine."
"Sounds nice, I think I'll go for the carbonara, I haven't had that in ages,"
A few minutes later another waitress walks over to take their order, leaving them to talk while they wait.
"Did you struggle on what to do for the date?"
"Yours not so much but I did with Connie but I think I've got something she'll like. It's easy taking you two out on a date because we already know you so we know what you do and don't like," Julie nodded.
"So where are we going after here?"
"Have you ever been Salsa dancing?" Julie shook her head, she was right in thinking there was going to be something physical. "Well you're about to learn how we do it in Miami, I've found a Salsa class teacher that teaches you the Miami style of Salsa. I got the idea after Connie and Dwayne's date."
"What did they do… wasn't it horse riding?" Luis nodded, "So how did you get dancing from horse riding?"
"I didn't mean it like that," he laughed, "Dwayne's date focused around something he knew and was passionate about and it was a big part of his life, by teaching Connie to ride, he gave an insight in to his life. Well my great grandparents are originally from Cuba they moved here after the First World War, my grandmother was a passionate Latin dancer and my father learnt from her. He taught my Mamma how to dance and together me and my sister Maria learnt how to dance, so I'm going to teach you how to Salsa."
"Sounds fun, I can't wait," she said grinning. "How long have you been dancing?"
"Erm I was taking lessons when I was five but I was more interested in Ice hockey, my sister continued on with it though and now she competes professionally in competitions." The two continued to talk about Luis's sisters competition when their starters arrived, thanking the waitress they tucked in, Julie moaning in pleasure as the prawn hit her tongue.
"That's delicious," Luis nodded as he took a bite out of his dough ball. They continued to eat with a comfortable topic through the main and dessert, when Luis asked for the bill Julie went to grab her purse and Luis shook his head. He pulled $75 out of his wallet and dumped it on the plate.
"You can't pay for all that!" she exclaimed as she scanned her menu, her prawns had cost $9 alone.
"I'm not expecting you to pay, I brought you here I knew how much it costs, if you want next time we go out you can pay," Julie sighed but nodded, Luis handed the money to the waitress at the till telling her to keep the rest for a tip.
Julie felt like she was going to explode, she dropped into the car seat and sighed closing her eyes.
"Think it's time for bed," she muttered.
"Well you need to wake up because we've got to teach you how to salsa." Julie groaned while Luis laughed, he set the car into gear and drove out of the parking lot.
"Luis, wake me up when we get there,"
"Okay,"
Snuggling into the chair she closed her eyes and the notion of the car lulled her to sleep.
30 minutes later Luis nudges her awake, blinking a few times. Yawning she rubs the sleep out of her eyes. "Okay, I'm coming," stretching she climbs out of the car and takes hold of Luis's hand as they walk into the building. Nerves start to build in her stomach at the thought of embarrassing herself in front of a room full of people.
A woman with tanned skin and dark hair greets them when she walks in, Luis walks over to her giving her a tight hug.
Julie looks at the woman frowning, she glances around the room but see nobody else so they must be early.
"Julie I'd like you meet my elder sister Maria, who is in town for the Latin dance competition."
"Hi, it's really nice to meet you," she said walking forward being a member of the outside ducks nobody had ever met anyone from Luis's immediate family.
"Hi Julie it's really nice to finally meet one of Luis's friends, we've heard so much about you."
"Hopefully all good," she laughed smiling.
"Of course, so my brother has dragged me here to show you how to dance the salsa. Now the Salsa is a really difficult dance so we'll start with the basics."
"Okay, is it just going to be us?" Maria nodded and Julie relaxed instantly.
"So step one will be all about your posture, now in Salsa it's all about your footwork, waists and arms. You really need to be able to shake your hips though," Julie nodded her head and looked a little worried. "Don't worry you'll be fine."
Luis moved to the side of her and took hold of her hand, following Maria's instructions. Stepping forward with her right foot then shifting her weight on to the same foot. Bringing her left foot forward and then rocked backwards on to the right foot and then she brought her left foot back to her.
"Brilliant, now you repeat the same again but with the other foot." Julie nodded and shifted her weight onto her left foot before bringing her right one forward and rocked back on to her left foot bringing it back she put her weight back on her right foot repeating the notion. She could see Luis following the same movements but his hips were swaying with every step, he must have caught her looking because he looked down and winked.
"Right so you've seen Luis's hips now with every step you take sway your hips," Julie's eyes widened but she nodded stepping forward onto her left foot she winced when her hip jutted out sharply, it was nothing like Luis or Maria's hips, she tried again but it just didn't seem to work.
"I can't do it," she said frowning.
"Let's see," Maria walked behind Julie and placed her hands on her hips, "Now sweetheart sway your hips with my hands," uncomfortably she moved her hips and with the help of Maria's hands her hips started to move how she had seen Luis's. "Okay now step on to your right foot, good and now up on your left," Maria got Julie to continue to do this and one by one she removed her hand and stepped back.
"Keep it going," Julie nodded but she struggled, with the sway of her hips and trying to concentrate on her footwork her steps started to go wrong.
"Wait let's try this," Luis said and he stepped in front of her taking her hands, "follow my lead," nodding Julie stepped forward when Luis went back and when Luis went forward she went back.
"We're doing it," she cried excitedly and picked up the pace a little, happily moving to the beat Luis let go of one hand and placed it on her waist.
"Now move with me," Maria stepped back and watched as Luis instructed Julie on what to do. "We're going to do a Cross body lead, there really easy okay?" Julie nodded and listened carefully to what he said. On Maria's count she followed the same steps as before but on 6 she stepped forward and brought her other foot forward and resumed the same move as Luis stepped back and to the right opposite her.
"We do that again?" Julie asked and Maria nodded counting to eight again. With her hips swaying and her feet moving to the correct steps she found herself relaxing. The next move she learned was a turn to the left. Luis took her left arm and turned her 180 degrees on step seven and then on the following count of one she turned back around. With the help of Maria the duo mixed up the dance with a mixture of left turns and cross body leads and the regular steps. After half an hour Luis released her hands and stepped back, sweat was dripping down his brow and he fanned himself. Julie sprawled along the floor drained. The three hour practice this morning hadn't been as tiring as the Salsa lesson.
"I think that should be enough, your drained Julie. You'll probably feel pain in your hips tomorrow if you're not used to using them." Julie nodded from her position on the floor.
"Never mind Julie's hips, what about mine if I'm walking like a twat tomorrow I'm gonna get some right funny looks,"
"You'll live little bro," Luis pulled Julie to her feet and the two girls shared a hug.
"It's been really nice to meet you Maria and I hope your competition goes really well."
"Thank you Julie, you'll have to come to Miami in the summer for a few weeks, then you'll get to experience a real summer," the two girls laughed and said their farewells.
Luis and Maria said a quick goodbye and then they left the room, the cold air from the wind was a blessing for their sweaty skin. Julie pulled open her door before Luis could and collapsed in her seat.
"I can see why you chose Ice hockey, it's not as hard."
"Believe me when I was doing Salsa three times a week two hours a time you get used to it."
"Can you imagine the others doing Salsa," she asked as he started the car.
"The day Portman wiggles his hips and dances is the day hell freezes over." Julie burst out laughing at the image.
"I'd pay to see that," she said smiling. Glancing down at the clock her eyes widened when she saw it said half 9. "I can't believe how late it is," she admitted to him and he flashed her a dazzling smile.
"You had such a good time that you didn't keep an eye on the clock, I'm touched." He said smirking.
Julie rolled her eyes, "can your ego get any bigger?" she asked and he laughed shaking his head. "Your sister is really nice,"
"Thanks, she's three years older than me, we were really close before I joined the Ducks," he explains. "When we were kids we used to pull pranks all the time, whether that was a water balloon fastened above the door so whoever opened would get soaked to putting chilli powder in Mamma's cooking when we weren't eating.
Julie laughed, "I have three elder brothers so I was always a tomboy, I hated not being able to do what they couldn't do and my mum, she was so persistent that I wore dresses and played tea parties where all I wanted to do was put on a pair of jeans and run around with a football."
"I can see you being a proper tomboy,"
"And I can imagine you wanted to play with your sisters dolls," Luis laughed and nodded.
"Sadly that's very much true,"
"You know that offer your sister made about me coming to Miami for the summer, if that's an actual offer I'll come up."
"Course it is, if you want to come up your very welcome, just let me know a week or so before you come up so Mamma has time to make us clean the house before a guest turns up," he said rolling his eyes, "She has this thing that if someone is coming over then the house needs to be clean and tidy. The amount of times I had to clean my room because Maria's friend was coming over was insane. Her friends never came into my room but it had to be tidy just in case."
"Don't worry I'll make sure to call in advance."
"Good it'll stop me from getting earache. Mamma has always wanted to meet you guys, but there was never a chance to get anyone to come up."
"Maybe you should invite them all, is there enough space for us all up there?" Luis nodded. "Sure, we haven't got an Adam sized house but we could get you all in."
"Then tell them that your house is free in the summer for anyone wanting to vacation in Miami."
"Might just do that, however if I don't top your sheet Gaffney you won't be invited." Julie laughed and leaned back in to the seat.
"Well you'll just have to keep your fingers crossed for a good score then," the duo continued to laugh and talk all the way back to the campus.
They made their way back to Julie's dorm slowly, both worn out from the day's events.
"Luckily I've only got two pieces of homework left to do from this week," Julie admitted quietly.
"Bloody hell, I've like 7."
"Connie and I were having a homework night on Friday and I went to the library yesterday afternoon to get some more done. I find if you don't keep atop of it, you suddenly get swamped. I don't want to get benched so I just knuckle down."
"Me and Goldberg had a homework night on Wednesday and got everything done bar two pieces, I finished those two yesterday. So I've just the seven from the last two days to do. You heard about Portman's?"
"Yes, he's just an idiot he should really just get on with it instead of pushing it back all the time."
"Yeah, well I think he was doing a load today because I heard Orion getting on to him about his poor homework and that if he wanted to be in the next game then he best started knuckling down."
"I hate to say it but that's probably the best thing to do to him, can't have him slacking off, we need him on the team so he needs to sort it studies out."
"Yep, anyway Cat lady this is your stop. Thank you for today."
"Shouldn't it be me thanking you? I had a lovely time so thanks."
"Glad you enjoyed it," he said pulling her in for a hug, Julie relaxed into his embrace and smiled softly when she felt him place a soft kiss to the cheek and the on the corner of her hair line.
"See you later,"
"Bye," Luis waved and turned away, so she let herself into their room. Connie was sat on the bed, her head deep in her Biology text book when she entered the room. Upon her arrival she looked up and smiled.
"Was beginning to wonder where you'd gone to. Have a good night?"
"Believe it or not I really did. Luis Mendoza turned out to be a real surprise."
She grabbed her note pad off the bed and picked up her pen. She looked up at the pink rose in the glass she placed it in before sitting down.
Luis arrived on time and upon arrival he handed me a beautiful single pink rose. We made our way to the car where he opened the door for me to enter, we shared a pleasant conversation on our journey but he wouldn't confess to what we were going to be doing so soon. We pulled in to St Louie's a restaurant I always wanted to visit ever since Adam mentioned it last year. I ordered the most delicious food and while we waited Luis confessed that the second part of the date would be salsa dancing. I've never done any salsa before so I was nervous and excited. He informed me of the reason for the salsa dancing, it was something he had learned from a young age as his grandmother was a Latin dancer and his father had learnt from her and he and his sister had learnt from him. He wanted me to experience something that was personal to him, and I think that is a very inspirational idea and I was very surprised and also very touched. When it came to paying the bill he refused to let me pay for any of it, saying he had planned for this. I was so tired after our three course meal that I had a nap in the car when he took us the dance lesson. I was super nervous when we arrived because I didn't want to make a fool of myself. Upon arrival Luis greeted our dance teacher and I learnt that it was in fact his elder sister Maria who was in Minnesota for a dance competition. She taught me the basic steps to the Salsa and helped me sway my hips which was really difficult. Slowly Luis started to take over and showed me more complicated dance moves, with the help from the Mendoza siblings I quickly got the hang of it. We finished the class and I was shocked when I realised it had gotten to half past 9. We drove back to campus in high spirits even though both of us were tired. Hand in hand he walked me back to my dorm where we hugged. He placed a kiss on my cheek and one on my hair line before stepping back and leaving.
Overall I had an exceptionally good date, I don't really know what else to say to improve the date.
I would rate Luis on Romance: as a 9. The pink rose and the holding hands was all very sweet but I think maybe a few compliments would have improved the grade.
I would rate Luis on Creativity: as an 8. The Salsa dancing was very clever and the reasoning behind it was brilliant. Even though the meal was really nice a meal to a restaurant is the second most common thing to do on a date
I would rate Luis on Effort: as a 10. Apart from not cooking the food himself, he did everything else, from driving us to the restaurant, making a table reservation, the salsa dancing class and all the other gestures along the way.
I would rate Luis on being a gentlemen: as a 10. Believe it or not he didn't put a foot wrong, he was sweet, and considerate, he held my hand wherever we went, opened the door for me at all times, and pulled out my seat at the restaurant. The rose was a nice touch and he allowed me to sleep after the meal, and when I was laid on the floor he pulled me back up. Couldn't suggest anything more to improve it.
I would rate the date: as a 10. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed myself, he had planned everything and I also got to meet his sister and learn something new.
Now the date is done I would rate how I feel at the end: as a 9. I really enjoyed it and even though I'm tired I'm glad to have spent the time doing what he did, I love to learn and I always wanted to go to St Louie's so two things were achieved in one. Not only that but I can now sort of dance the salsa.
In total I have graded Luis with a score of: 56 out of 60.
Scanning what she wrote she passed the book over to Connie who took it eagerly. While Connie read what she had written she walked into the bathroom and stripped out of her clothes and brushed her teeth. She walked back into the room and pulled on her pyjamas as Connie looked up.
"I'm impressed, was he that good?" Julie nodded and curled into bed.
"I know I was impressed myself, I think it was actually my favourite date so far. I loved St Louie's and the dancing class was actually a lot of fun. I feel a little harsh on the 8 for creativity though, he probably learnt from Adam that I wanted to go to St Louie's but it is a restaurant and it's very popular on a date.
"Don't worry about it, I think he'll be pleased with a score of 56. It's one of the highest so far."
"Exactly,"
"So what was his sister like?"
"She's really nice Con, she was excited to finally meet one of Luis's hockey friends. Invited me over for summer and everything. Luis is thinking of asking everyone to come,"
"Sweet, I'll definitely be there. Sunbathing and beaches are two positives for Miami." Julie nodded in agreement.
"I wonder what my date with Charlie will be like."
"Knowing Charlie it'll be really clever,"
"I'm a little worried for my date with Goldberg if I'm honest, how bad can that go?"
"I dread to think, anyway I'm exhausted I'm off to sleep."
"Okay good night Julie,"
"Good night Connie." Connie reached up and flicked off the dorm room light, she switched on her lamp beside her bed and continued on her homework. She wanted to get this biology done before she finally succumbed to sleep.
Ok so I have no Salsa dancing experience so all the dance steps have been Googled, so I hope they are right. Hopefully it was alright and you liked it, please review :)
