For Disclaimers see the beginning of the fic.

I want to thank everyone who reviewed as well as put this fic on alert and/or are following it. Hope everyone enjoys the new chapter.

Chapter Thirteen

All Things Considered

~o~o~o~o~o~

It's a lie. What he said wasn't true. Drew is still a Warrior. Isn't he?

"Ask Drew yourself."

Adam still had that going through his mind even when he and Jesse started to argue. That all halted at Charlie's question to who they had been speaking to. Adam looked at the other boy who was only a few feet away. He wanted to simply say that it was no one, but Jesse spoke, before Adam had a chance to speak up.

"Some rich kid," Jesse looked at Adam. "Like you."

"Like me?" Adam repeated, as he glared at Jesse. "You don't know me at all, Jesse."

"Guys-"

Jesse interrupted Charlie by saying to Adam, "And you think you're what? Better than everyone? Just because you're rich and you were the best on the Hawks, guess what? It doesn't mean a thing."

"I didn't join the Ducks because-"

"Oh, yeah, something about a district line change, so you didn't have a choice. I'm surprised your parents didn't try to keep you on the Hawks," Jesse sneered.

Jesse had no idea how close to the truth he was. Adam kept his mouth closed to the point that he was clenching his teeth together. What would be the point if he would admit the truth? Would it matter if he told them it had been Coach Bombay who fought to keep Adam from staying on the Hawks to begin with?

How did Jesse even know about the change? Adam thought it was something unknown to the Ducks. He had only talked to Fulton, so who else knew? Charlie did from Coach, he remembered. For all Adam knew, the entire team did. Which even if that was the case, did it matter?

"That's enough, Jesse!" Charlie put a restraining hand on his friend's sleeve.

"Man, I'm sick of you sticking up for him," Jesse snapped as he turned his attention to Charlie, glaring at him.

"Then stop being so insulting and saying discourteous things to him all the time. Adam is a Duck, and I know you don't think so," Charlie quickly added. "But it still doesn't mean you have to treat him like he's the enemy."

Adam had been listening to them in silence, but finally he spoke. "Charlie, you're not going to change Jesse's mind," Adam told his teammate, but his next words were directed to Jesse has he met his dark gaze. "He'll think what he wants. I know you don't care, Jesse, but thanks for saying what you did to the Rileys."

"I didn't do it for your benefit," Jesse frowned as he turned away.

"Then why did you?"

"I did it for the rest of the team," Jesse looked at Adam.

Adam wondered if Jesse was challenging him. He knew that the other boy didn't want him to have the last word. This time Jesse wouldn't. "But they're not here to thank you," Adam's voice turned chilly. "See you guys later."

Not even bothering to wait for them to reply, Adam turned and started to walk away. He didn't get that far when he heard Charlie call out to him, "Adam, wait."

As Adam forced his feet forward, he ignored his teammate. He didn't want to hear what Charlie had to say. It didn't matter, what he said. Jesse wasn't going to change.

Now that he was away from Jesse, Adam was able to think about what Rick had told him. He said that Drew had quit his team. Adam wanted so badly to believe that was a lie. But some small part of him told him that the other boy might not be lying.

Drew still has practices, I see him come home with his things when he's got practice. But what if he's just acting like he's going? He's still got a Friday night game, so that can't be fake.

Adam was almost convinced that he was sure Drew hadn't quit after he thought that, but he wouldn't know until he talked his brother. Letting out a breath, Adam started to look around, seeing the small groups still around. As he searched, Adam saw Drew with Kevin and Brandon in the stands.

What was he going even say? Should he just say he knew Drew wasn't on the Warriors? But what if he was wrong? Adam didn't want to look silly. He could ask Drew if he had quit, but if he did that, would Drew admit or deny it?

"You think I might have a chance with her?" Kevin's voice reached Adam's ears before he reached the three teenagers.

"Maybe if you were the only guy in school available," Brandon answered grinning.

Kevin shoved him, but not hard. "Are you saying I'm desperate?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" Brandon answered as the three teens laughed.

Drew began to reply by saying, "Now Kev, Heather might-" He never got a chance, as spotted Adam he said, "Hey bro," as Adam reached them.

"Turtle, great game!" Kevin ruffled Adam's hair.

"Thanks," Adam forced himself to smile at Kevin's remark. He sidestepped his brother's friend from doing any more damage to his hair.

"Adam, what's wrong?"

Adam ran a hand through his mussed up hair to get into some kind of order. He knew Drew could tell he was upset. Aside from calling him by name, Adam knew he could be an open book at times with his emotions. He asked right out, "Did you quit the Warriors?"

The three friends exchanged looks.

They all knew. It was written each boy's face. Adam remembered the times he had overheard bits of conversation between them, which now made sense. Drew never wanted to talk about it whenever Adam was around. Drew hadn't wanted Adam to know.

Drew let out a breath. "I'm still on the team until the season's over, but yes I've decided to leave the Warriors once the championship game is won."

Adam wasn't even sure what to say. What could he say?

"Look, Turtle," Kevin started to say. "I know this was a bit of a surprise-"

"That's an understatement," Adam looked at Kevin. "You all knew about this, didn't you?"

Brandon and Kevin both nodded.

"How did you find out that I had quit?"

Adam looked at his brother. "The guy you were talking about before, Rick Riley, I ran into him and he told me."

"You ran into Riley?"

"Well, I thought he was you at first, you know, since all of you are wearing Eden Hall jackets," Adam felt a bit foolish for that now. It had been an honest mistake.

Kevin looked like he was going to go look for Rick that minute. "As soon as I find him-"

"Don't start a fight, Kev. There are people here still."

"Who me? I wouldn't dream of starting a fight, I'm only going to talk to him," Kevin answered. "Relax, Drew."

"Rick's old man thinks he owns the school since the family name is one of the richest."

"And the oldest, Drew," Brandon added. "Just because his Dad's on the alumni doesn't mean anything. Yet, Rick thinks he can get anything thanks to his connections."

"Yeah, like the captain spot on JV," Kevin muttered, but loud enough that Adam heard him. "I have to see if I can find him," Kevin started to leave.

"I'm coming with you," Brandon spoke up as he went after the other teenager.

Adam wondered what Drew would think about Rick's younger brother, Ian. Adam thought the other boy was just a sore loser since the Ducks beat the Cardinals fairly. Adam did not want to know if Ian's brother, Rick was that put out when he lost a game.

"You probably want to know why I quit, don't you?" Drew's question broke into Adam's thoughts.

"I'd like to know, yes. But what I want to know is why you didn't tell me about it before. I mean this was what you and Dad were fighting about the last few weeks wasn't it?"

Once the question was out, Adam knew he was right. That one day, a few weeks ago, when his father came home early was because of Drew. Adam was sure Drew quitting hockey was the reason that Drew and Dad weren't really talking to one another at home. That would make their father furious.

"Yeah it was," Drew admitted as he let out a weary sigh. "I didn't want to get you upset, since I wasn't sure if you'd understand."

"Understand what?" Adam was already upset with his brother. His comment about Adam not understanding what he was going through just made him more so. "Couldn't you let me decide that?"

Drew looked around, before answering, "This isn't the best time to be discussing this. I told you earlier that Dad was part of the reason I don't love hockey anymore, not as I once did."

"But what's the other reason?"

"Playing hockey in high school is a lot harder than it was when we were on the Hawks. Coach Reilly only makes sure his players can play well enough to win games. But in high school, at least Eden Hall, it's closer to how pro hockey is played; two-way hockey."

Adam knew about two-way hockey. He knew plenty about offence and defense. Not only had he seen it when he watched games on television, but when he played hockey. Even though Adam was more of an offensive player, he still knew about defense. He didn't think he would be put in a defense position, though, even if he was, Adam figured he could learn.

"Are you saying that you're quitting because it's difficult?"

"That's only part of it, bro," Drew explained. Adam wasn't sure if his brother was using his pet name for a reason. "I think I would be fine if it was only that, but I don't want to play in the pros after school is over."

"But Dad's the main reason?"

"Yeah, you can say that," Drew sighed. "Look, I already said I'm staying until the final game, he knows that too."

"When is the last game for the Warriors?"

"Two weeks from today," Drew told Adam. "It's going to decide whether the Warriors will be State Champs again or not."

"Two weeks?" Adam didn't have to think long. "That's the day of our own game," he meant the one with the Ducks against the Hawks.

"Yeah," Drew paused. "Oh man, it is. Adam, I am sorry, I really want to be at the game, but I have to play that final game with the Warriors."

Adam nodded. "I know." He realized something. "What about Dad? He can't be at both games."

"Adam don't wor-"

"Drew, I've got to talk to you," Kevin's voice interrupted him.

Adam and Drew turned toward Kevin who looked worried as he looked over his shoulder.

"Kev, now isn't the best time," Drew told his friend. "I know you want to look for-"

"It's not about that," Kevin cut in. "And I know it's not the best time, but your Dad's here."

We're in trouble…

Not even a half a minute went by when Adam saw his father come up behind Kevin.

Adam hadn't expected to see his father, and he was dressed up. Even though his father normally wore suits on a daily basis, this wasn't a business suit. He was ready to go out to someplace nice, and he was dressed in a tux.

Realizing that he must have ruined what was left of a nice day for his parents, Adam felt guilty. He had known they had gone out to a museum, one where they first met, so he was told. Then they were to go out for dinner, which he hadn't been thinking about. The reason behind the special day, or date, between his parents was because it was Valentine's Day weekend.

I didn't think about that earlier. And I spoiled what was left of their day by being selfish. I bet they've missed their dinner reservations, because of me.

"Drew, I didn't anticipate coming home to the note you left. It would have been nice for you to mention you were at Adam's game."

"You left a note?" the question was out before he could stop it.

Before his brother could answer their father did. "A vague one."

Drew must have written it when Adam had gotten his hockey gear. What had his brother written in that note? Looking at Drew, Adam wondered if he felt any remorse for destroying their parents' day out. His brother met his gaze, a frown on his face. Maybe he did, or maybe Drew was thinking of something else.

When Adam noticed other people, ones that still lingered, he saw they were glancing their way. His father was over dressed, and people were starting to stare. He couldn't tell if they were being talked about, but Adam wouldn't be surprised if they were.

Dad directed his next statement to Kevin, "Kevin, you can get a ride with Brandon, can't you?"

"Yes, Mr. Banks," Kevin told the older man as he shot Drew an apprehensive look.

"Good," Dad nodded in acceptance.

"I'll see you at school," Kevin told Drew before he turned to leave.

Their father waited until they were mostly alone before speaking. "Drew, when you mother and I left today, I expected you to keep an eye on your brother, not bring Adam to this game. You knew that I forbid Adam from coming. Instead you leave a note and come anyway."

"I'm not sure what I can say, Dad. But Adam didn't ask me to bring him, I talked him into coming."

"You know I was against this. But Adam did come and played in the game anyway. Even though I told you not to, didn't I, Adam?" Adam's father's question and gaze turned on him.

"Yes," Adam admitted.

"Come, your mother's worried about you," Dad didn't wait for a response, but started to walk toward the main entryway. Most people who had paused before had gone back to their conversations. Anyone who had missed his father coming in now saw him leave. Not that there were that many people still lingering around.

Once the brothers were alone, Drew said, "Bro, don't tell me "I told you so," please."

Adam knew what Drew meant right away. "Fine I won't, but we are both in trouble because of this. Did you even remember they had dinner plans tonight?"

"That's still a form of "I told you so," Drew cynically told him. His tone turned serious. "And I really wasn't thinking about it when we went out today. Tell me you wouldn't have given anything to play in this game."

"I'm not answering that. I didn't remember the dinner either," Adam told Drew as he quickened his pace to shorten the distance between him and his father. It wouldn't help if his father thought they were tarrying.

"Bro, hold up," Drew caught up with Adam easily. "Forget the dinner for second. Dad knows how major the next game is for you. He won't prevent you from playing, at least he shouldn't."

Adam looked at Drew as he paused at the doorway to go outside. His father was already waiting by the car that was parked at the curb. "You think Dad won't let me play just because I'm not playing for the Hawks?"

Drew shrugged. "It's possible. Even if he does allow it, he'll have to choose which game he goes to that night. Yours or mine."

Drew pushed open the one door, and waited for Adam to follow him out.

That's easy. Dad would go to Drew's game; it's his last one. Why would Dad come and see me play for a team he wishes I never joined?

~o~o~o~o~o~

"Adam, wait," Charlie tried to call his teammate back but without any success. Turning to face Jesse, all he could say was, "Jesse, this has-"

"Oh, sure, pick his side," Jesse snapped out.

"I'm not on anyone's side," Charlie answered wearily. "I just wish you'd give Adam a chance. At least try to."

"I don't want to be friends-"

"I didn't say that," Charlie interrupted. He figured the day Jesse and Adam were friends would be the day when hell froze over. "If nothing else, at least stop saying all stuff you do to him."

"What difference will it make?" Jesse asked. "We've only got one more game, than Cake-Eater won't be around anymore."

Charlie frowned; there was that name Jesse gave Adam again. How did Jesse know that anyway? "One more game or not, Jesse, the next game we've got is the championship game. And how do you know Adam's going leave? It's not like he can go to the team of his choice."

Scowling, Jesse shook his head. "Not our problem, Charlie. Even if he did have a choice, that's no brainier."

Shooting his friend hard look, Charlie was about to say something but if Jesse brought up Adam and the Hawks, he still was going to defend Adam.

"Yeah, I know he didn't have much of a choice in being placed on the Ducks, but we both know he wouldn't stay when everything's said and done. District line, or not."

Charlie wasn't sure Jesse really understood about Adam's choice coming on the Ducks. Charlie wasn't sure he did himself. But considering how good of a player Adam was, Charlie understood why Jesse kept thinking Adam would go back to the Hawks. Yet, he knew Adam didn't have that choice next season open to him, to play for the Hawks or for another team. Unless something changed, Adam was a Duck along as he remained in the District Five area.

"I remember you saying something about the district line change to Adam before. You know about it, how?" Charlie asked as he decided to be up front with Jesse. Even trying to act like he knew nothing about it, he figured he would slip up and end up revealing something that told Jesse he knew.

"Dad knows someone on the Pee Wee League, so when I mentioned Banks use to be on the Hawks, he looked into it," Jesse explained.

"Does anyone else know?" Charlie felt uneasy, because this wouldn't be good if the entire team knew. But as soon as he thought it, Charlie wondered if it mattered. Would it be a big deal if the entire team knew about Adam being switched to the Ducks because of a district line change?

Most of them might not care either way, but I doubt Coach or Adam wants everyone knowing the main reason he is on the team. Adam had a hard enough time being accepted by the Ducks, he doesn't need their pity on top of it.

"Just Terry."

"Maybe it's better to keep it that way."

Before Jesse could answer, another voice interrupted. "Hey, Jesse, Charlie," Coach Bombay greeted them as he come up to them. "Charlie, your mom has been looking for you."

Charlie relaxed and smiled when he saw their coach. He hadn't seen Coach Bombay since he had gotten ice water dumped on him. Charlie was grinning now because their coach was wearing his Ducks' jersey. He hadn't seen it since the older man had worn it to convince the team to become the Ducks. Charlie hadn't expected Coach Bombay to wear it again.

"Coach," Jesse let out a chuckle. "Why are you wearing that again?"

"We won the semi-finals," their coach answered good-naturedly, "Besides," at this he smiled ruefully, "I was soaking wet, so I didn't have anything else to wear."

"If Mom's looking for me, where is she?" Charlie asked. He didn't recall her saying she had to work late tonight, since she had worked that morning. Usually her job was pretty good about giving her time off so she could see his games.

"When I last spoke to her, she was in the main entryway. She was talking to Tammy and Tommy's mother."

Charlie wished for minute that Jesse wasn't there. Even if the other boy wasn't there, he wasn't sure if he could ask what he was thinking. What if he could, would Coach answer him or tell him it was none of his business?

It's been two weeks and Coach and Mom still haven't been on any other dates since that one. Sure Coach still has come over for dinner a couple of times, but there were no more dates. If there has been, they were being secretive about it.

"Would you look at that," Jesse broke into Charlie's thoughts.

Before Charlie could ask, he heard Coach mumble, "I can't believe it."

"Believe what?" Charlie asked as he looked at his coach.

"It's hard to miss," Jesse answered dryly. "A guy in a fancy tux."

Turning around, Charlie looked in the direction that both Coach and Jesse were looking. Seeing a man, who was dressed in a tux, was strange indeed. But in the middle of the arena it was stranger still.

He stride was determined as if he had a purpose here. Why was a guy dressed in tux doing at the arena? Charlie wasn't sure if he had been here during the game. However, probably not because he was sure he would have been able to spot him in the crowd. Even men in suits were easy to spot.

"Who's the-"

"Adam's father, Jesse," Coach interrupted, answering.

The man, Adam's dad, reached several boys in red jackets and stopped to talk to them.

"That's Adam's dad?" Charlie asked. "I'm not sure if I've seen him at any of our games."

"I imagine work must him keep busy."

Jesse scoffed. "Coach, what you're actually saying is that Cake-" at Coach's glance, Jesse only rolled his eyes, before going on. "Banks' dad doesn't come to his games. Are we supposed to, what, feel sorry for him?"

"Jesse-" Charlie started, as he stared in shock at his friend. He didn't believe had Jesse just said that.

"Jesse," Coach Bombay looked at him sternly. "I don't want you to say that to Adam or repeat that to anyone on that team, is that understood?"

It made Charlie a bit uncomfortable, because it reminded him of the time Coach yelled at him about not cheating. This time though, Coach didn't raise his voice, but it was level. Charlie could tell by the look on Jesse's face his words got through.

Jesse however glared at Coach as he answered, "Yeah, perfectly."

"I can't tell you what to do, Jesse, but we've still got one more game, Adam still-"

"I got it, Coach," Jesse's interrupted. "You won't hear anything about his dad from me. So unless there's anything else you want to lecture me on, I'm going to go find Terry and Dad."

"No," Coach Bombay sighed. "There isn't, you can go Jesse. I'll see you at practice on Tuesday."

With that said, Jesse gave a nod to Charlie and left to look for his dad and brother.

Charlie looked over to where Adam's dad was; he was walking with one of the boys in red from before across the arena. Looking in the direction they were headed, Charlie saw Adam and another boy, who also in a red jacket, talking. Adam's dad would reach Adam in a moment.

"Jesse's right though, isn't he? Adam's dad doesn't come to games?"

"I can't answer that, Charlie, like I said he probably works a lot," Coach answered. "It's a good thing Adam's brother comes to cheer him on."

Looking again, he saw Adam, his father and the two boys in red. Charlie guessed one of the boys might be Adam's brother. At least someone from his family come to his games.

Everyone had someone from his or her families come to see their games.

"That's good."

~o~o~o~o~o~

The sun was nearly set, there were only hues of red and orange that touched the sky and the houses surrounding. There were stars dotting the sky like raindrops. As they drove passed the familiar homes on his street, Adam thought about the semi-quiet drive home from the arena.

While they were driving home, Dad hadn't said a word. Drew on the other hand told their father how amazing Adam had played during the game. Adam meanwhile had kept silent.

Still reeling from the news that Drew told him, Adam was still a bit upset with his older brother. Adam understood where Drew was coming from. It didn't mean that it didn't hurt that Drew hadn't talked to him about it.

His father turned into the driveway and shut off the car, Adam got his hockey bag and stick and got out of the car.

He was feeling guilty about upsetting his parents. But Adam felt that going to the game was right thing to do. Was his father going punish him? Would he forbid him from going to the upcoming Ducks/Hawks game?

Early evening wind blew as Adam followed his father and brother toward their front door. The walk was clear of snow, but everything glistened with ice. Adam walked with care, so he would not slip and fall.

"Dad, aren't you even happy that Adam won the game?" Drew asked as the three of them stepped through the door.

The warm air from the house felt nice compared to the chill from outside. His father's cool frown toward both of them took any warmth Adam was feeling. Quickly hanging up his coat in the closet, Adam watched his father hang his own.

Dad's not going to answer Drew's question, is he?

"Drew-"

"Philip?" Adam only heard his mother, her voice echoing from the family room. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Lauren, and I brought the boys home."

"Dad-"

"We'll discuss this in minute, Drew," his father looked at his brother. It was a clear warning to his brother not to say anything to their mother.

No sooner had Adam's father said that, than Adam's mother came to meet them in the foyer. Like his father, Adam's mother was dressed up, ready to go out. Were they still going out after all?

His mother was dressed in a fancy, black satin dress. Her blond hair was up in a simple chignon. She wore diamond earrings that had been a gift from their father this past Christmas.

Another ping of guilt shot through him.

What can I say to Mom and Dad about messing up they're dinner plans? I know Dad doesn't want to hear it, I doubt Mom would either. What of their dinner reservations? Will they still get a chance to go out?

Trying to catch his older brother's eye, Adam saw that Drew wouldn't meet his gaze. Drew glanced his way, his face expressionless. What was going on with him?

"Drew and Adam," at seeing both of them apparent relief showed on their mother's face and tone. "When we got home, both of you were gone."

"It took me some time to realize what your note hadn't said, Drew," their father picked the tale. "You didn't want to admit that you and Adam went to his game. Seeing as there really wasn't a good reason for you both to be out of the house, I wondered why. When I checked Adam's room, and noticed his hockey bag gone, I knew both of you must have went to his game."

"Philip, they're home now. We can discuss this later. If we still want to make our reservations at the restaurant, we're going to have to leave now," Adam's mother told his father.

Looking at Drew and Adam, Dad answered. "No, that's not a good idea. I think we should not leave the house again tonight."

"Dad, Adam and I won't leave," Drew told their father. "Again," he added, after the looks he received from his parents.

Their father gave them a hard look. "Even so, I think it's best if your mother and I stay in tonight."

Did Dad have to make me feel any worse than I do already?

"Therefore, we're going to have a discussion about this."

"What's there to talk about?" Drew asked. "We already know you're disappointed."

"Drew," Mom began, but she stopped with a sigh. "Dear," she turned to face Drew and Adam's father, "Since we're not going out, we may as well order something and change into something more comfortable. We can talk about this in the living room."

As his parents started to leave, Drew asked. "Since you're not going out to dinner, why don't we get something, like pizza or Chinese? Adam and I haven't had anything since before his game."

Their father looked like he was about to protest, before their mother put her hand on his arm. "Philip, I think all of us are a bit hungry, and I'm sure pizza would be something quick to get."

Adam's stomach let out small growl at the mention of food, though he wasn't sure if he could eat considering the turmoil since the game's end. Than again, he hadn't had anything since lunch, like Drew had said. Drew most likely had snacks at the game, but he knew his brother would be hungry now anyway.

"I'll order the pizza," Drew suggested.

Once Dad nodded his agreement, Drew headed to look for cordless phone.

Adam found himself alone since before the game, so he headed for the living room.

The last time we had pizza I found out I was Duck. Adam wasn't sure if he should laugh over that, it wasn't really that humorous. He had thought his world was falling apart.

Yet, had things changed that much? Adam wasn't sure. He was part of the Ducks; yet he wasn't either. What would it take to be accepted by everyone on the team?

What should it matter? After the next game…

"The pizza should be here in about a half an hour," Drew's voice broke into Adam's thoughts. "Hey, bro, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Adam shook his head to get rid of his negative thoughts. "It doesn't matter." At least it won't after two weeks from now.

It didn't take long for their parents to join Drew and Adam in the living room. As his parents sat down on the loveseat, Adam wondered how this was going to go. Adam's father was first to break the silence.

"Going to the game today was unacceptable," his father told Adam and Drew.

"You're saying that because you didn't want Adam to go, and Drew took him anyway," Mom quietly brought up. "You know it was unfair to have Adam miss an important game because of what happened at school."

"Now, Lauren, I just want the best for both Drew and Adam, you know that."

"What about what we want?" Drew protested. "I don't even want to play pro hockey. And Adam shouldn't have to decide if he wants to play in the pros when he's still in Pee Wees."

Adam didn't say anything. He was at least glad he knew of his brother's lack of desire to want to play hockey. It didn't mean he wasn't sad about the news.

"Adam is young, there's scouts, coaches, and people who are always looking at kids when they are young to see who as promise."

"But that shouldn't be the reason Adam's playing right now," Drew came back with a ready answer.

"Philip, there are so many other kids who want to be good hockey players. You can't expect Adam to the best one. That's impossible," his mother added. "What's important right now is that Adam should also be able to keep his grades up, which we know he is." At this, his mother smiled at Adam warmly. "But not only that, Adam should do something other than hockey and go to school. Like hanging out with friends."

"Adam, when was the last time you did something with a friend?" Drew asked looking him.

Feeling uncomfortable since everyone's eyes were on him, Adam tried to come up with an answer. The last time would be before he went on the Ducks. But surely he had to have some time after that to count. Even if Fulton said they were friends, Adam wasn't sure if their times they met for practice; did it count? The only other Duck he knew at all was Charlie, who he only talked to on a handful of occasions. Adam just didn't know anyone else on the team that well.

"Adam?" his mother's concerned tone made him look at her.

"Uh-"

"You've been busy," his father answered trying to brush it off.

"So busy that he can't spend some time with friends?" his mother frowned as she looked at his father.

"I don't want Adam or Drew for that matter, to spend all their time hanging out with friends."

"Dad, you know both of us better than that," Drew protested.

"All I really want is for you both to have a balance - time for school, activities, and friends," their mother broke in softly.

"Lauren, I understand you want them to have other activities, as well as friends, but that isn't important right now."

"You've made it clear that you want Drew and Adam playing hockey," their mother stated with a frown.

"That's true," their father admitted. "But there is also the fact that Drew and Adam went to the game today when I told Adam he wasn't suppose to."

He's not going to let me go to the final game.

"Both of you are grounded for the next two weeks. To and from school, that's it," their father's tone held no room for argument.

What about-

"Isn't this how this started today?" Adam's mother asked. "First you want Adam to focus his time on hockey, yet, today you forbid him from going to the game, dear, I think you're contradicting yourself."

"Lauren, Adam got into a fight at school. He was punished because of it. It doesn't mean that Adam and Drew shouldn't be grounded from going to the game today."

"Of course not," their mother agreed. "Perhaps, limit what they could do for a period of time. Don't say they can't do anything, that's too extreme."

"Lauren-"

"Philip," their mother protested. "They should have some time to have a little of fun. Maybe at least one outing in that two week period; each week."

Sighing, their father gave Drew and Adam a long look. "Drew, you're grounded for two weeks. Adam, you're grounded for one. I know you both have upcoming games that are important. You both still have practices too so hockey and school, nothing else. Dear?" Adam's father looked at his mother.

"That's fine."

Adam let out a breath. At least he'd get to play hockey and he assumed that meant the game in two weeks. For two more weeks he'd be on the Ducks then after that…

As Adam glanced at his father, he wondered about the future. He knew that the Ducks were only temporary. He couldn't be put on the Hawks next season, but didn't mean his father wouldn't find a way to have Adam put on the best team.

The Ducks are temporary, that's how it was from the beginning. But next season? Only time will tell. I could very well be on a team that is like the Hawks; their only goal is winning. So, have I truly learned anything being a Duck?

And I'll still be without friends.

The doorbell rang. Their pizza was here. Adam wasn't sure if he was even hungry now.

~o~o~o~

The following morning after breakfast, Adam's father wanted to speak to him. Once he was dressed in jeans and a turtleneck with a sweater, Adam headed toward his father's study. As he passed the den he saw his mother sitting in one of the chairs reading a magazine.

Coming into his father's study, Adam saw that his father wasn't there yet so he decided to wait for him. His father's desk was organized, papers stacked neatly on the left side, some folders and binders on the right and the assortment of pens in black marble pen holder in the middle. Walking over to the desk Adam glanced at the file laying there. He knew better than to even look at it. His eyes settled on a small paper next to the file that read: Connect D. Tibbles.

Must be someone Dad needs to talk to, a contact, probably for a case. It's none of my business. What does Dad want to talk to me about, anyway? Something about hockey I'm sure.

Adam sighed.

Turning around, Adam took in all the bookcases, and the books his father had. A minute later, his father appeared in the doorway with the paper under his arm and some coffee in hand. "Adam, good you're here."

If his father wanted to speak to him, why did his father look like he was going to read the paper and enjoy his coffee?

"Sit down, I want to show you something."

Adam sat down in one of the two chairs his father had, Dad taking the other. His father set his coffee down on a small end table, and started to look through the paper. Adam noticed that his father didn't put his glasses on to read, so what was he doing?

After a few seconds, his father must have found what he was looking for, because he handing Adam the paper saying, "Read this."

It was the front page of one of the sections, the sports section to be exact. The picture is what Adam noticed first. It showed Guy ready to take a shot at the goal, yet Adam remembered he wasn't able to make the shot because a Cardinal player stopped it.

The large caption read: Ducks Mighty In Playoff Win. The smaller caption: Quack Attack takes sting out of Hornets, 5-3. Victory catapults surprising Ducks to Semi-Final game against Cardinals.

Stopping for a minute, Adam said, "Dad, you don't even read this paper."

The paper was one that his father never read, as far as Adam knew. Adam was pretty sure his father would never want to read about the Ducks winning a game. Especially if they had made the front page.

"I want you to read the article, Adam."

Adam knew what the article said already, he had been there, since he had played the game. He knew who had scored, who had nearly scored, who had passed the puck when, and so on. But he read the article to please his father.

"It says what happened at the game yesterday," he said once he was done.

"Jamison also writes how amazed he is that the Ducks got this far into the playoffs, now they've made it to the championship game."

Adam knew his dad wouldn't think the Ducks making it this far was great. But they had. "Dad, honestly most people think it's awesome that the Ducks made it this far at all."

"And what do you think, Adam?"

Adam knew he had been backed into a corner. Frowning, he asked, "Dad, are you trying to ask if I think it's awesome the Ducks made it this far, or if I actually like being one?"

"That's not what I asked, Adam," His father's tone didn't change much, but Adam could tell he pushed father a bit too far. "Since you brought it up, I would like to know."

Sighing, Adam answered. "I'll agree that it's awesome that the Ducks made it this far, and as far as I like being a Duck, I… guess."

"Adam," Dad's wearily said. "You know that the Ducks only got this far because you've been on the team, don't you?"

"Dad, that's not true. They still could have-"

"No, they couldn't have," his father cut him off. "You're going to have to realize that your choices have consequences. You joined the Ducks, but what happens when they lose the championship?"

"Dad, I couldn't play for the Hawks, you know that. You heard Coach Bombay say the Hawks would have to forfeit the entire season," Adam answered. "I know you tried to get me back on the team, but Coach Bombay didn't want it. And honestly, it's better that I'm on the Ducks."

His father frowned. "I know you said you've been having problems at school, but once things had gotten straightened-"

"Dad, it wouldn't have changed," Adam interrupted. "I still would have been treated the same. They still see me as a Duck."

"So is this about friends, like your mother is concerned about?"

"No, it's not that," Adam answered. Not old friends no, and the Ducks don't count me as a friend…

"What about the Ducks? You never say much on how they've been treating you."

Adam glanced at his father for a second wondered if he voiced his thought out loud.

"Some of them are nice," he admitted. "I still don't know everyone that well, but others…" Adam thought of Jesse when he said this. "Are really hard to get to know at all."

"Once the season's over, you're done with the Ducks."

"Yeah, I know." Adam answered. "Dad, the Ducks are counting on me, with this final game."

"Is it even worth it, Adam, to go up against the Hawks, for a team you've only been on for a short time?"

As much as Adam hated going against his father's wishes, this last game was important. Not only winning it, but it was personal. Not only for him, but also for the Ducks because if they could beat the Hawks, it would be a matter of pride and self-worth as a team.

"Yeah, Dad, it is."

"If that's your feelings on the matter, than I can't change it. But I've come to a decision."

"On what?"

"Drew mentioned that his last game as well as yours are both the same day; two Saturdays from now."

Adam knew he wondered on that not even twenty-four hours ago. "Yeah."

"Since you've joined the Ducks, Drew has wanted me to see one of your games. And since this is the final game, not to mention the championship, I may as well see it."

Staring at his father, Adam didn't say anything. Had he just said he would go to the Ducks/Hawks game? But what about-

"What about Drew's game? I mean it's his last game, don't-"

"I've seen many of Drew's games. And I know it's his last game. I haven't been to some of your games, and the season's nearly done for you."

Adam wasn't sure what to say. His feelings were mixed up too. Part of him was happy that his father would finally come to a game, yet this was the championship. Another part of him felt a little bad that his father was going to miss Drew's last game. A different part of him felt nervous for the unknown game, because he didn't know what to expect.

After the game in two weeks, Adam knew things were going to change again.

Thanks for reading and please review. Thanks, Jenn.