Disclaimer: We don't own the Ducks and probably never will because they belong to Disney. Also don't own Pizza Hut. However, Emaliar Malfoy does own Bella, Ollie, Seraphina, Alex, and Patrick "Paddy" Ridley. Bobcatwriter owns Annie, Mike, Travon, all the characters at Lakeshore Academy, Baby Hans, Paddy's family, The Lebrie Family, Reese, Mark, Judges Stone, Murray, a few of the other students and teachers from Eden Hall.
A/N: This is the sequel to the other Mighty Ducks story's: "The Way Things Are", "The Way Things Were" and "The Way Things Should be". We recommend you read those three first. However, this can also be read as a stand-alone story. Please read and review.
Chapter 8
Charlie's POV
I didn't know where to turn after Mom told us no. I was far more than ticked at her. I loved Bella, why can't mom see that? There was only one way to make this right and that was to marry Bella.
"Charlie maybe your mom is right," Bella said.
"No, she is wrong. Coach will see what is going on. He will help us, come on let's go," I said as we made our way down to the bus stop.
We arrived at Coach's hotel at a little after 8. We passed by the gift shop in the hotel that had a few pieces of Jewelry in the display case, and I saw the most beautiful diamond engagement ring. "Oh wow," I said.
"What," Bella said.
"Look at that ring. What do you think? Would that be something that you would be interested in?" I asked, pointing at the ring.
"Charlie, it is pretty but," Bella said.
"See something you like?" asked the Jeweler/gift shop attendant.
"Yeah that ring can we see it?" I asked.
"Sure,' the Jeweler said as he got the ring out of the case, 'It's a one carat petite round solitaire diamond engagement ring in 18k Gold. Ring size is 6.5 and it's a perfect fit" as he slid the ring on Bella's ring finger.
"Oh it's pretty,' I said. Then I turned to Bella and asked, 'What do you think Bella?"
"I like it," Bella said.
"So, did you two just get engaged?" The Jeweler asked.
"Well no not yet, we were on our way to see someone who is staying here, and I saw it and had to have a closer look. How much?" I asked.
"4,500 dollars a steal," The Jeweler said.
My eyes got as wide as saucers as I said, "WOW!" Bella quickly took the ring off her finger and handed it back to the Jeweler.
"Let's go, Charlie," Bella said.
"How old are you kids anyway? You don't look of age," The Jeweler said.
"Sixteen," we both said.
The Jeweler shook his head before he said, "I have a sixteen-year-old granddaughter. Why are you wanting to throw your life away? Do yourselves a favor, by first graduating from high school, going to college, getting a good job, sowing your wild oats, then settle down, get married and have a baby. No need to rush life it comes quick enough as it is. Have a good night."
We left the gift shop and headed upstairs to Coach's room.
Gordon's POV
I had just finished reading my closing arguments to Michele. "What do you think," I asked.
"It's good, sweetheart," Michele said.
"Do you think I should change anything? What do you think Adam?" I asked as Adam just entered the room.
"No, I would not change anything," Michele said.
"I think that it's fine," Adam said.
"Gunnar?" I asked.
"I like it," Gunnar said.
There was a knock on the door, "I'll get it," Gunnar said.
"Oh, it's probably Pizza," I said. I ordered Pizza and salad for all of us from Pizza Hut.
Gunnar had opened the door to Charlie and Bella. "Charlie, Bella vhat are vou doing here?"
"We need to talk to you guys," Charlie said as he made his way into the room, Bella followed and was crying.
Adam rushed up to Bella, "Are you okay? What did Charlie do to you?"
"Nothing," Bella said.
"No, those are not tears of nothing," Adam said ready to beat his best friend into a pulp.
"Sit down what's going on?" I asked.
"Well Bella and I were talking about what to do if Judge Stone tells Bella that she must remain with Phillip and Seraphina. And we thought that we would want to get married," Charlie said.
"WHAT?" Gunnar, Michele, Adam, and I said together.
"Marry my sister, why?" Adam said.
"For us to stay together. See if Phillip retains control over Bella, we are afraid that we are going to be split up and she could be off to a school in Timbuktu. And knowing Phillip and his money, he will do it," Charlie said.
"Bella are you pregnant?" Adam said.
"Why is it that every time I mention the word marriage the next question out of people's mouths is 'Bella are you pregnant?" Charlie asked.
"Because Charlie that's usually what follows a marriage. I give you exhibit A," I said as I pointed to Baby Hans. Who was happily babbling in his playpen. We were trying to get him used to California time again, by delaying his schedule by 2 hours.
"Charlie why would you want to do something so stupid?" Michele asked.
"Because we love each other. We want to stay together, forever," Charlie said as he grabbed Bella's hand.
"Charlie marriage is a huge step and at your age it's a staircase step, why would you want to take that chance?" I asked.
"Because we don't want to be apart," Charlie said.
"Did you ask her, yet? Because I severely think that you are doubting my abilities as a lawyer," I said.
"No, I haven't asked Bella yet,' Adam and Michele both breathed a sigh of relief, 'I am just thinking of a backup plan. My mom said no, so I was hoping you could make her listen to reason," Charlie said.
"Charlie, you don't have a job, not very many people are going to want to give you a job without a high school education. What would you do?" I asked.
"Go try out for Junior's in Canada," Charlie said.
"You sure you can even make Junior's," Adam asked. Gunnar gave Adam a hard look.
"What about Bella?" Michele asked.
"A public school wherever I land," Charlie said.
"What happens if you don't make it? What happens if you get traded, what happens if you get hurt?" Michele asked.
"Charlie, playing in the minor's or the Junior League for that matter is not all fun and games. You're on a bus all night traveling to the next game. You get to the next town at 4 or 5 in the morning, crash long enough in a crappy motel room and must be back on the bus to head to the arena to work. I got hurt in the minor's remember. I was nearly 4 months before I was home. I didn't even have a place to stay. I had to crash on Hans and Jan's couch, remember?" I said as I got Baby Hans out of his play pen.
"Charlie if you and Bella get married, you both can kiss your dreams goodbye," Michele said.
"What happens if Bella got pregnant? Have you thought of that?" I said as I handed them Baby Hans. "Babies cost money and the older they get the more they cost, do you know how much it cost me and Michele to have him?" I asked.
"No," Charlie said.
"Twenty-Five thousand dollars, do you have twenty-five thousand just sitting around?" I asked.
"No," Charlie said.
"Plus, there is a roof to put over his head, insurance, feeding, diapering, clothing, doctor's appointments, toys, babysitters all of it adds up," I said.
"Don't forget the sleepless nights, Gordon," Michele said.
"Oh yeah there's that too. Charlie and Bella I agree with Casey you too are way too young and immature to even think about getting married, you don't even know how to balance a checkbook, hold a job, pay bills, change a tire, do your own house cleaning and cooking," I said as Bella handed Baby Hans back to Michele.
"And laundry," Adam said.
"I knew this was a waste of time to come here, come on Bella lets go," Charlie said.
"Charlie? Where are you going?" I asked.
"Away from you, We will make it work you'll see," Charlie said as he hobbled out of the hotel room.
A/N: So, what do you think? Please be kind and leave a review! Thanks!