Gordon was determined to bring the Ducks together, if not on the ice, at least as friends. In the morning, he looked up Jesse's phone in the yellow pages and dialled the number. After a few rings, a man answered. "Hello?"
"Hello? Is this Mr. Hall?"
"Yes, who is this?"
"Uh, Mr. Hall, hi, I'm Gordon Bombay, I don't know if you remember me, I used to coach the Ducks back in the pee wees…"
"Of course, coach, how are you doing?"
"Here's the thing, I'm in town for business and I was just informed by Charlie that the team went through a tough time because of a difference in opinions. I'm really saddened by the news and I'd like to help out if I can. I know how much the kids used to love playing together, I hate to see their group fall apart because of a misunderstanding."
"I see. Well, Jesse and Terry will be home in about an hour, if you want to drop by."
"I'd love to. Do you still live down on 36th?"
"Sure do."
"I'll come over a bit later, then. Goodbye." Gordon dialled Charlie's number and told him to meet him at Jesse and Terry's house.
"Coach, I don't think this is such a good idea, maybe we should just leave things as they are, these things happen, you know…"
"Charlie! Listen to me, Jesse has been one of your best friends for years now, are you really going to let some childish squabble ruin that?"
Charlie went silent for a moment. "Okay, coach...but can I call Gina to meet us there?"
"Sure."
Charlie hung up and called Gina. "Hey, G, listen, you know about me and Jesse and the team falling apart, I know you said you don't wanna get involved but I really need your support. Bombay and I are gonna go down to Jesse's house and I'd love for you to come along."
Gina sighed. "If my best friend needs me, I guess I have to come!" She giggled.
"Yes! You're the best!" Charlie said.
"I know, I know!" Gina replied.
In about an hour, the three met at Jesse's house and Gordon rang the bell.
"Coming!" Someone called from inside.
The door opened and Terry frowned upon seeing them.
"Who's it, bro?" Jesse came over and scoffed as soon as he saw them. "What the hell is this?"
Gordon nudged Charlie. "Uhhh, it's...a peace offering?" Charlie blurted out.
Jesse laughed sarcastically. "A peace offering after embarrassing me in front of all our friends? Implying I'm a bad leader?!"
"You are a bad leader!" Charlie exploded and had to be held back by Gordon and Gina.
Jesse shook his head and tried to close the door in their faces but Gordon put his hand forward. "Jesse, please. Hear us out."
"Why should I?"
"Because this is dumb, Jesse! You're being a fucking baby!" Gina stepped forward.
"Oh!" Jesse laughed. "I forgot *you* existed. Your boyfriend and his buddies not giving you enough attention, you have to come fix our problems? We're not your gang anymore, Gina, fuck off!" Jesse said sternly.
Gina put her hands in front of her. "You know what, he's right, I couldn't care less. I'm out of here!"
"Gina, wait-" Gordon called after her.
Charlie glared at Jesse. "That's why you're never gonna be able to lead anyone, you're just an asshole, man!" He ran after Gina.
Jesse slammed the door. Gordon sighed, feeling like he had failed to be a coach yet again.
"Gina, wait, wait ,wait." Charlie ran up to her and stopped her. "Don't let him get to you!"
"I don't...care, Charlie. I...haven't been part of the Duck gang in ages, Jesse is being a dick about this, he won't listen to me or Bombay…"
Charlie frowned.
"I have problems of my own, Charlie and a job!"
"So you're just gonna give up on this? On me? That's it?"
Gina rolled her eyes.
"You know what? Fine! I don't need you!" Charlie hissed and ran off.
"No, Charlie, wait! I didn't-" Gina's voice trailed off.
"It'll be ok." Gordon put a hand on her shoulder. "What problems do you have?"
"Uhm, it's not really *me* per se, it's one of my friends, his dad's coming out of prison soon and his mom's locked away…"
"Sounds like he's gonna need a lot of support."
"Yes, which is why I can't occupy myself with this non-problem, it's just two guys who can't let go of their egos."
"I couldn't agree more." Gordon smiled.
"Well, this was a colossal waste of time...I should get back to the store. See ya around, coach."
"Take care." Gordon rubbed his forehead and waved to a cab. He needed to find a way to fix things between Jesse and Charlie.