Summary: SEQUEL TO FLYING TOGETHER…a continuation of the life and times of the mighty ducks…Focus on Dean, Charlie, Connie, Guy, Adam and Julie…again. What can I say, they're my 6 favorite characters!
Disclaimer: The Mighty Ducks and all its characters belong to Disney. I do not own any of it!
Grown-ups
By Rebecca
Chapter 8: A fresh start?
Connie popped the pills in her mouth and gulped, shuddering as the button-size capsules squeezed down her throat. She took another sip and poured the rest of her water in the sink, watching as it slowly spiraled down the drain. She replaced the cap on the pill bottle and set it back in the cabinet, rolling her eyes at the bright yellow smiley face staring her back from the label. It was bad enough that she'd been ordered to take these every day. Did they have to rub it in with a smiley face?
She flicked off the bathroom light and clicked across the hard wood floors to an empty living room, sinking down to the couch in a corner where a fire once burned in the fire place, warming a tree that had died long ago.
Long ago? Was it really that long? 10 months. 10 months, 2 weeks, 3 days to be exact, since Guy walked out of her life.
She drew her arms around her middle hugging herself tight as she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to imagine his arms around her, holding her. The memories, all too clear, too much for her to bare. Thankfully, the doorbell rang.
She opened the pale blue door of the empty mansion and gasped. "Charlie!" she exclaimed, stepping into the traditional hug.
Charlie crossed the threshold and sighed, "Hey Cons. Hope this isn't a bad time."
"No, no come in. I – uh…was actually just thinking about you today. Want a drink?"
"Sure, um…what about?"
Connie led him to the kitchen and searched for the scotch.
"Connie?"
"Hmm?"
"What were you thinking about?" he asked again.
She sighed as she emptied a small tray of ice cubes into the glass, pouring the Finlandia over it. "I was pretty short with you…after the funeral. I didn't mean-"
"Hey, forget about that. It was a rough time for all of us…especially you."
"Don't single me out," she said all too quickly. "Please."
Silence ensued while she handed him the drink. She drummed her fingers across the counter top, looking desperately for something to keep her occupied, but eventually gave up. They were too old for these games of small talk and charades. "Why are you here, Charlie?"
The old captain couldn't help but smile at the question he knew was coming as he lowered the tumbler from his mouth and set it in front of him. "Came to visit an old friend, Cons. That's all."
"In Miami?…from Minnesota? Don't you have a team to coach?"
"Matter of fact I do," he nodded. "That's what I came to talk to you about."
Connie drew back and began absently wiping the spotless counter with a towel.
"Fact is, I'm glad you said what you said that night at the 'Penalty Box.' Gave me some thinking to do." He looked down and spoke a little softer. "You were right. I was being nosy…butting in where I didn't belong. I know something happened between you and Guy, but it's none of my business."
Connie looked down at the mention of her husband…ex-husband, suppressing those ridiculous recollections that never ceased.
Charlie continued, "I did piece together a few things at the funeral though." He shrugged and grinned his Conway grin, "Can't blame me for that much. And I don't want to know any more of the details that you aren't willing to give. But I do know you're divorced. Spending all your time in this big empty house with very little to do. I wouldn't think you'd be very happy."
Connie huffed as she crossed her arms, a brief glimmer of the old spunky Moreau shining through as she replied, "Is there a point to this, Spazway, or did you just come to make me feel better?"
"I came to offer you a fresh start. A way outta here."
Connie dropped her hands to her side and began wiping again, "What?"
"Orion is retiring early. Spending more time with his daughter. Eden Hall gave me full control of the team…head coach. I'm offering you the assistant coach position."
"Me?" she gulped, her mind racing with questions, "Why me?"
He shrugged, "School requires an assistant. Can't think of anyone better qualified."
At that, Connie rolled her eyes. "Charlie, I haven't skated in nearly 4 years. Not competitively. And I wouldn't know the first thing about coaching-"
"And for almost 7 years you kept the team together. Even when you were going through rough times, your game never failed. And don't tell me you've forgotten to skate. If they allowed women in the NHL, you would've made it before Banks."
Connie looked down, "Charlie-"
"Look, you don't have to decide now. You're my first choice. If you say no, I'll start actually going through the ads and interview process but I'd rather not." He leaned forward and took her hand, "I'm offering you a way out of here. Out of this gigantic prison you've sentenced yourself to. You'll be back in your hometown with your family and your friends and snow on Christmas." He settled back to his stool and slipped away, grabbing his jacket he'd draped over the dining room table. "Think about it ok?"
Connie closed her eyes. A way out of here… she thought to herself. A million thoughts consumed her. Why not? What's left for me here? Is there even a chance that me and Guy…I haven't skated in so long? What the hell? Nothing else to lose right?…But if Guy and I…impossible- She snapped her head up toward the door, "When can I start?"
* * *
Ok…I know Connie and Guy go through a lot of crap. But the best romances have all the drama! Don't worry. If you've read the prequel to this, you know that I have a master plan. Stick with it! It'll be fun!…read and review. As always, thanks for your support J