Disclaimer: We don't own the Ducks and probably never will because they belong to Disney. However, does own Bella, Emily and a few other random characters.

A/N: This is the sequel to the other Mighty Ducks fic "The Way Things Are". We recommend you read that one first. However, this can also be read as a stand-alone story. Please read and review.

Chapter 9

September 19th, 1997

Adam's POV:

"Pass it to Banks," Coach Orion hollered at Bella. But she slid it off to Guy instead. Who had the puck taken off him by Gunnar, who gave me a small smile as he glided down to the other end of the ice, "What the hell was that, Banks?" Coach thundered as Bella clambered into the box.

"I thought he was open," Bella said.

"Well, clearly he wasn't," Coach Orion roared.

"But I thought he was,' she yelled back. 'Are we done here? I've got somewhere to be."

No one give Bells yelling at coach a second thought, why? Because she's the golden child. Of all of us she'll probably play in the Olympics one day. She knows what she's doing. Of course, she does she's a Banks, born and bred. Me too, I guess.

Of the Banks twins she was the first to be a Duck, because she wasn't a bully. She hung out with me, McGill, and Larson sometimes but never anything more, she was never there when we tormented District 5.

"Bella, why are you going to this thing tonight? Charlie asked earnestly, he seemed to be rethinking his idea to let her get away with going. At least that is what he told me last night.

"Because," Bella said short.

"Are you going to coach them?" Charlie asked and everyone had stopped skating by this point.

"Yes, I am. You got a problem with that, Conway?" she spat, I could tell using his last name was one step too far.

"Why?" Guy asked.

"Because I'm a Hawk, it's part of me just as much as being a duck," Bella said and then she skated off. Everyone immediately diverted their gazes to me.

"I'm a Duck, I swear it. If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't even be alive. I'll go talk to her," I said.

When we all trudged into the locker room, she gave me the strangest look when I approached her.

"What, was that Bells?" I asked.

"Get away from me," Bella spat.

"Hey, tell me. What's going on?" I asked again.

"GET AWAY FROM ME YOU FAG!' she screamed and gestured to Gunnar. 'AND TAKE YOUR BOYFRIEND TOO!"

So, I ran back to the dorms and changed my clothes

The Ducks all knew what it meant.

I ran away as far as I could.

I ran for hours. Considering the situation, I could go out for cross country next year because I've ran so far.

I knew I wouldn't be chased; I ignored the stares I was receiving until I found an alleyway. I pulled out my razors, that I had bought when I first got to Saint Paul from Minneapolis and got to work.

FAG.

Hopeless.

Useless.

I carved the words into my arms and legs. Then I put crisscrosses all over my chest. Then a heavy sleep came over me.

I didn't cry. I just peacefully drifted off into what I hoped would be my last sleep on this planet.

Charlie's POV

9:30 pm

Banks hasn't come back, Gunnar's lost it. Bella is at Coach Reilly's retirement party; it's almost curfew and I have a history paper due on Monday that I have no idea how to write it. My world is falling apart.

There are things that I am certain of:

One: The rumors that have been spreading around for the last three weeks about Adam is true.

Two: Adam may have left the state or cut.

Three: Gunnar is not happy with Adam.

Four: Bella is going to coach the Hawks

Five: I'm scared of what all is going on.

These are my theories. Not one of which I can act on.

"Ve need to go after him Charlie ve need to find him," Gunnar said as he walked into the room clearly frustrated.

"We can't; it's an hour and a half until curfew, Mr. Roberts would have our skulls if we go out to look for Adam," I said.

"ITS AN EMERGENCY, I AM SCARED, I LOVE HIM," Gunnar yelled with a pleading look to his eyes.

"Where are we going to look for him? As fast as he runs, he could be in Iowa, right now for all we know," I said.

"VOU JACKASS! I AM GOING TO GO AND LOOK FOR HIM!" Gunnar said as he slammed the door.

Bella POV:

7:00 pm

"Ace, it's good to see you," Larson hollered getting up from where he was sitting with McGill, Norbert and Johnson. They hadn't changed much. Taller, yes but that was just about it.

"How are you? We haven't heard anything since we found out you were playing in the Goodwill Games," McGill said.

"Yeah, did you watch it?" I asked.

"We did. Coach Reilly made us study every one of your shots and movements claiming that you were the reason we lost against the Ducks," Johnson added as I sat down.

"Were you really going to trip us that day in the park?" I asked.

"Maybe," Norbert said.

"Son of a bitch," I said.

"Hey, watch your mouth, Bells," sounded a voice from behind me.

"Ollie!" I said jumping up. That's what I needed my big brother, not my faggot big brother, but my proper one.

"Hey calm down. Adam here yet?" Ollie asked.

"Nope," I said.

"Oh," Ollie said and then he walked off to talk to some of his old friends and I re-joined mine.

Fifteen minutes later I heard, "Ah Ace," Coach Reilly said.

"Hi Coach," I smiled as I stood up. "How have you been? Congratulations on your retirement."

"Thanks. I have been well. Looking forward to this retirement. The Mrs. and I are going to buy a condo in Charleston, South Carolina," Coach Reilly said.

"Wow South Carolina, deciding to be a snowbird after all," McGill said.

"I wanted to talk to you about that coaching position," Coach Reilly said.

"Yes, I'd be glad to do it," I said.

"Perfect, I will be in contact with you in the next few weeks and we can discuss more about you taking over for me." Coach Reilly said.

"Okay," I said.

"Well people to greet and things to do. Say hello to your parents for me," Coach Reilly said.

"Sure, and thanks," I said.

"Yep, I will see you later Ace and Boys," Coach Reilly said and then he walked away.

"Bye coach," McGill, Norbert and Johnson said.

"And just like that you're back in his inner circle," Johnson mused.

"Yeah, just like the good old days," I said.

A/N Well? Just in case you were wondering, made up Johnson and Norbert was the name of the blonde hawk in D2. Will Adam be alright? Why is Gunnar mad? What is Charlies opinion? What do the other Duck's, or the other Hawks think? How will it all play out? Please review, Thanks.