2 Years Later…
Graduation day.
"Julie Gaffney" the announcer said.
//Ok Julie, this is it. I need Dean… I miss Dean… No! You have to do this, alone. Just do it!//
I rose when I heard my name called and went to the podium to give my speech.
I don't remember my speech. However, I guess I memorized it so well, that it went by without a hitch, I heard the applause, then we threw our hats in the air, and then it was over.
Most people would have been excited if they were me for a day.
I graduated top of my class and was elected valedictorian, gave the speech, threw the hat, had the honor. Whatever. The only person I wanted to share it with wasn't here. In addition, I could do nothing about it.
Next week I will be on my way to my new apartment in NYC. I am going to be joining the company.
I am looking forward to it, and at the same time, I'm not. I will have to see my father sometimes at board meetings and such.
Whatever.
********
"Dean Portman" the announcer said.
//Yes! This is it. You can do it Portman!//
I rose when I heard my name called and went to the podium to give my speech.
I don't remember my speech. However, I guess I memorized it so well, that it went by without a hitch, I heard the applause, then we threw our hats in the air, and then it was over.
Most people would have been excited if they were me for the day. Shoot! I was excited.
I graduated top of my class and was elected valedictorian, gave the speech, threw the hat, had the honor.
It was tight…except for…
Anyway, I get to get on with my life! Finally done with school, I am so glad.
I have a job at a top corporation in Chicago. I am glad. I get to move to the big city. The only downer part is that I have to say goodbye to my friends.
We had a big going away party this weekend and it was a blast! We drank, we remembered old times. The best part was…
***Remembering the party***
"Portman, I'm gonna miss you on the ice in Anaheim, but I know that what you are doing you worked hard for," began Fulton, "but I must say you're not allowed to 'check' some dude in a suit if he doesn't do what you want!"
"Hahah" everyone laughed, and Fulton continued, "I have never had a best friend like you before, and I wont after my fondest memory was…" Fulton raised his hands and a screen dropped down and was showing a tape from their big Iceland game when they were tormenting Iceland in their second meeting. They all started quacking in unison and then they heard the 'quack, quack, quack,' from a duck caller. From the other end of the room, Coach Bombay entered in and they all began to cheer.
"Coach!"
"Portman, I can't believe you're leaving!" Gordon said.
"What?! I want the big corner office like you got, what are you talking about!"
"Hahah, true, true, you got me there. I just wanted to say good luck out there Dean. You really are a strong man, both on and off the ice. I know you will do great things!"
"Thanks Coach." Dean said and shook his former coach's hand and pulled him in for a hug.
******End memory****
That was a good day.
Ring…Ring
"Hello?"
"Hey Portman what's up!"
"Fulton! How's it goin'?"
"Alright."
"You in California already?"
"Yeah."
"Have you met with the team yet?"
"No not yet, but that is in a couple of hours."
Dean looked at his watch, oh right my bad, I forgot about the time dif."
"Yeah, I still forget about that."
"So what are you doing?"
"I have all my boxes packed, and my suitcases packed. I leave tomorrow for my new apartment in Chicago.
I am a little nervous about it. However, the best part is I get to travel! I am happy about that, I will get to go to Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Orlando, Miami I am excited about traveling. I will even have engagements in Europe. I've never been to Paris."
"Wow, me either."
"I am looking forward to that."
"Hey hold on that's my line…"
Click…
Click… "Hey Portman, it's my new Coach, I gotta go."
"Oh alright, Heh."
"What?"
"I still cant believe you're gonna be playin' for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. That's a trip."
"Yeah I know. Hey you know if we are in the same town at the same time you better be at my game!"
"You know it!"
"Alright, I'm out."
"Later dude!"
"Later."
"The Anaheim Mighty Ducks…that's a trip." I said aloud.