kellyerielf - Hey! Your review got me really pumped, because it was so
long and so great, thanks! First off, you're right about the Olsen twin
thing. I didn't think the age thing through before I wrote it. Sorry
about that. I think I'm the only girl in America over the age of 5 who
actually likes the Olsen twins. I'm weird like that. I'm glad you liked
the embarrassing awards! I was planning on going with that, so there
should be one in every chapter. Unless my brain short-circuits and then .
. . maybe not. Connie and Guy ARE such a cute couple, I hope that I'm
writing them okay. I love them! I also agree with you, Averman, Guy,
Jesse, and ADAM are great. Sorry I have an overwhelming love for him,
haha. And I also loved Guy's hat, how could you not? Where did it go in
the third movie? I mean, honestly. Now, for the red-faced crazy girl in
you, I totally agree. Mr. Banks = biggest jerk ever. *sigh* Poor, poor
Adam. And by the way, I have a dentist appointment today, too. And a
doctor's appointment, to get my physical done for field hockey. I'll
probably finish this chapter after I come home, so who knows how it'll come
out. I hate the dentist with a passion. But anywho, I'm glad you're
reading this. This is gonna stay het, cuz although I love reading slash, I
can't for the life of me write it. Oh, well. Thanks for the great
review!!!
percussion: I'm glad you like Bankst . . . who doesn't love a good Bankst every now and then! Haha there is a mighty ducks language . . . bankst . . . chadam . . .bash slash . . . you gotta love it! YAY Banksie is your favorite too? That's exciting. I love the kid. He's just so amazingly cute. Actually, last night my mom and I were watching the first mighty ducks (she's never seen it, can you believe that?) and she was like "Adam Banks has beautiful eyes". Finally, my mom is right about something! Thanks for reading this and reviewing it!!!
Samantha (ilivguygermaine00): I'm glad you feel loved, because you ARE loved!!! I love your reviews and I love your stories! You're on my favorite authors list!!! And don't worry about not being able to put me on yours, it's the thought that counts, and I'm very excited that you even thought of me in the first place! Thanks! So you're an expert on Guy, and if you ever see something in my story that you don't like in his character or you think could be better, please tell me! I completely trust your judgment! Thanks for reviewing, you're awesome!
Flat*Out*Crazy: I don't know if I ever told you this, but I love your pen name! Haha, that being said, thank you very much for the review! An encore? YAY! Thank you!!! Right back at you, your story "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" rocks. And you're right again, Bombay IS in big trouble . . . after all, Charlie has never been one to just let things slide! That boy really can hold a grudge sometimes. I hope I didn't take too long to update, if so you have my supreme apology!!! Thanks so much for the nice review!!!
jess: I love Adam too!!! He's my all-time favorite. I'm glad you like him, too, because he will player a major part in this story. I just can't resist, he's too darn cute! As for him cracking . . . I guess we'll have to wait and see!!! Thanks for reviewing!!!
plainjane: I love Boston!!! I think it's an awesome city, and I would love to go to college there. If I get in, that is. But don't be jealous, it was a horrible trip . . . spending that much time in a car with my family . . . UGH! Me and my little sister fought like cats and dogs, let me tell you. Bombay is getting married, and yes you're right, Charlie is going to be none too pleased. And don't worry, I sensed the sarcasm!!! Although it would be nice if FF.net would let us change fonts. But anyway, I digress. I'm excited about writing the Connie/Guy drama, too, I just hope I don't totally suck at writing it! "Most Likely To Marry Into The Mafia," haha that's hysterical!!! I love it!!! That made me laugh so hard. Would you mind if I used that in one of my later chapters? And I'm glad you liked Averman's hat, I thought everyone would hate it! Thanks for the great review! You're really terrific, thanks!
**Disclaimer: Don't own the ducks, or Avon, New Jersey. I do own Ellie . . . and that's about all I can claim. Darn it.
-------------------
Chapter 5: Here We Go
-------------------
The Ducks followed Bombay out of the airport. He had his arms around his fiancée and was chatting excitedly about something or other. He was totally oblivious to the fact that no one was listening; instead, they were all shooting dirty looks at Ellie's back.
As for Charlie, the Ducks had never seen him look quite this angry. Not even when Bombay tried to force him to cheat, back in Peewee's. Not even in the informal Varsity/JV game freshman year, when he had punched Banks. Right now, he was audibly growling and his left eye was twitching.
"She's not that pretty," Guy said, obviously trying to make Charlie feel better.
"Yea, with all that yellow on she kinda looks like a bus," Jesse told him.
"I want to ride that bus!" Averman cracked. Ken shoved him. "I mean, yea, she's ugly," Averman decided.
"I think Charlie's going to explode," Luis whispered to Connie. He was sincerely worried. If Charlie cracked up, all hell would break lose. He was the only one who could ever keep the team in check.
Connie nodded at Luis. "I'll try to talk to him," she said. Connie was probably the only person Charlie would actually listen to. He had a history of clamming up when he was upset about something, which typically led him to lose his temper all at once. And him losing his temper was NOT a pretty sight. Connie was the only person he ever talked to when he was angry. He didn't even really speak to Banks when he was angry. When he was upset about something, yes, Banks was a perfect person to bitch to. Connie wasn't really sure why Charlie only talked to her when he was upset. Maybe because she was a girl, not to mention practically his sister, so he couldn't really blow up on her.
When the Ducks got on the bus, Charlie went straight to the back seat. Connie followed him there and sat down next to him. "Hey, Conway, you okay?" she asked.
Charlie shook his head. "Not so much. What the hell was Bombay thinking?"
"What do you mean?"
"This was supposed to be a vacation, just Bombay and the Ducks. Just like it used to be. But no, he had to go and screw it up. Why the hell is he getting married?" Charlie's temper was beginning to rear its ugly head.
Connie knew better than to criticize Charlie when he got like this, but his thinking had some very clear flaws. "Did Bombay ever say it was going to be just him and the Ducks?" she asked him timidly.
"NO! But that's what it should be! GO AWAY! I don't feel like talking to you." Now Charlie was practically shouting.
"Okay, Charlie, I'm going to leave you alone now, because it's pretty clear that you can't have a rational conversation. But just for the record, he's probably marrying her because he loves her," Connie said. She didn't feel like dealing with Charlie and his attitude at all. He could be so thickheaded sometimes that it was unbelievable.
Connie got out of Charlie's seat, and walked up to the front of the bus, where Guy was sitting. "Can I sit here?" she asked him.
Guy flashed her his million-dollar smile. "But of course."
"Thanks, Guy."
Guy noticed that she looked a little distressed. He figured she had just had a not-too-successful chat with their captain. "You talk to Charlie?"
"Yea, he's being an asshole as usual. Taking out his anger on everyone that tries to reason with him, so what else is new?"
This was as good a time as any for Guy to comfort her. He put his arm around her shoulders and smiled at her. She hesitated for a second, then put her head down on his shoulder. To her surprise, it didn't feel awkward at all. She tried to think of the last time her and Guy had been so close. Even though they had stayed friends after their break-up, it had been a little bit strained, and physical contact was definitely out. It felt nice to be in his arms again, Connie decided.
The two of them didn't have long to enjoy the moment though, because just then they pulled up to a huge Victorian house. It was brown, with deep green shutters, and a huge porch. Trees lined the pathway up to the house.
"Wow," Julie breathed, "It's so beautiful."
The rest of the Ducks couldn't help but agree. This was where they were staying the next couple of weeks? Could life get any better?
"Everyone out!" Bombay called as they piled out of the van.
It was quite a difficult task for them all to find their bags. In the struggle, Averman's bag somehow opened, and Portman ended up with a pair of his underwear on top of his head.
Luis almost fell over laughing. "Hey Portman, you do realize that that's the same as having Ave's ass on your head, don't you?"
"Holy shit!" Portman screamed, disgusted. "That's it Averman, you are dead meat."
Averman started running away. "It's not mine! I didn't do it!"
"GET OVER HERE, YOU LITTLE CREEP!"
The rest of the Ducks couldn't help but laugh. They had never seen Averman look quite so scared. Portman was twice his size and would have no trouble demolishing him.
Finally Bombay stepped in, much to the dismay of all of the Ducks, who were thoroughly enjoying the show. "Okay, Dean, chill. Umm Averman, maybe you should get you underwear back in the bag."
"Thank you!" Averman cried as he dropped to his knees. Portman just gave him a dirty look and picked up all of his bags.
When the Ducks finally got all of their bags up to the porch, Bombay stopped. "Okay, there are a lot of us, and I don't have enough beds for everyone. So you guys may have to share beds or sleep on floor. Okay?"
The Ducks all nodded. As long as Portman and Averman didn't have to share a bed, it wasn't much of a problem.
"Okay then, Julie and Connie, you can have the first bedroom to the left upstairs. It has a king sized bed you two can share. Jesse, Guy, and Averman. You three can have the room next to theirs. There's two twin beds, rotate who sleeps on the floor, okay? Let's see . . . Portman and Fulton, first room on the right. There's a couch, one of you will have to sleep on the floor. Goldberg, Russ, Ken, you guys can have the basement. There's a pullout couch and a loveseat. Dwayne and Luis, take the second room on the right. It's the entertainment room, so there's only one couch, but you get a T.V. And that leaves Charlie and Adam. You guys get the room next to Jesse, Guy, and Averman's, okay? Does anyone have any major problems?" Gordon asked.
For a second Adam looked like he was about to raise his hand, but he thought better of it and decided not to. Even though no one in their right mind would want to share a room with Charlie right now, what with his extreme anger towards Bombay, Adam figured that if he asked for a room change it would only cause more problems. That was Adam for you, willing to sacrifice his own happiness for the good of everyone else.
Bombay smiled at all the Ducks. "Why don't you guys unpack, get situated, then go to the boardwalk. The lifeguards leave at five, so you won't be able to swim, but you could see the ocean. We'll eat dinner at seven. Ellie's cooking us a special meal."
"Yay," Charlie said sarcastically, then turned and walked up the steps.
Bombay watched him leave, then faced the rest of the Ducks. "Is he mad about Ellie?" he asked.
"Kinda, but he'll get over it," Goldberg said.
"He'll be okay," Adam told Bombay. "I'll talk to him, try to smooth things over."
"Thanks Adam," Bombay said gratefully.
"Yep, it's no problem." With that, Adam walked up the steps also. When he got to the room, Charlie was just sitting on the bed staring into space.
"Hey Charlie."
"Hey Banksie."
"You wanna tell me what's wrong?" Adam asked.
"Nothing, just forget it," Charlie told him.
"Okay, if that's what you want. But I'm here if you need to talk," Adam assured him.
"Thanks, I appreciate it. And I'll take you up on that, I promise. But right now, we need to unpack," Charlie told him with a smile.
"I call the closet!" Adam exclaimed.
"Fine Cake eater!" Charlie said as he tackled him onto the bed. They both started laughing, and for that moment at least, Ellie was forgotten.
Meanwhile, in the girls' room, Julie was desperately trying to find out what was going on between Connie and Guy.
"Don't try to tell me you don't like him. I saw the lovey dovey looks you keep giving each other! And you guys on the bus all snuggly. . . you want him. Just admit it!" Julie pressed.
Connie giggled. "No way, we're friends!"
"Uh-huh, yea, tell me another one."
"Okay, maybe I like him a little again," Connie admitted.
"A little?" Julie asked incredulously.
"Okay, a lot! But I swear to God, you say ANYTHING, and I'll tell everyone about your crush on Adam during the Goodwill Games," Connie threatened.
"Oh God, I'll take it to the grave, I swear!" Julie told her, laughing. "Hey, you wanna go to the boardwalk now?"
"Yea," Connie said, "let's go round everyone up."
"You get Guy!" Julie laughed as she left the room.
Julie walked into the Bashes' room. "Hey guys, a few of us are going for a walk on the boardwalk. You wanna come?" she asked them.
"Yea, sure," Fulton told her.
"Hey Jules, babe, maybe they can all go to the Boardwalk, and you and me can stay home. . . it's nice and cozy in this room . . . you know you want to," Portman said.
"Hey Dean, babe, how about you take a nice long walk off a really short dock," Julie retorted, shaking her head. She walked out of the room in a huff.
Fulton snorted back a laugh. Portman had wanted Julie for as long as anyone could remember, and although usually he had no trouble getting any girl he wanted, she never seemed interested. It was very entertaining watching him try, though. He always managed to bring out the worst in Julie. Or maybe it was the best. Fulton couldn't decide.
"She wants me," Portman told Fulton. Fulton just laughed.
"Whatever you say, dude, you keep dreaming," he said as he followed Julie out of their room. Portman decided that he might as well go with them. No sense in sitting around alone while everyone else was off having fun. Especially since Julie secretly wanted him. He was sure of it.
Within ten minutes, the rest of the gang was ready to go. Everyone was in high spirits, even Charlie. As the Ducks strolled down the boardwalk, they were all having trouble controlling their excitement. Goldberg was so excited that he started skipping down the boardwalk. Unfortunately, he wasn't really watching where he was going, and he pummeled right into a grandmother, who started hitting him with her purse.
"Well," Jesse told him, "at least she wasn't a hot girl."
The Ducks all died laughing. As far as they could see, Goldberg getting beat up by an old lady made the month worth it already.
That night at dinner, the Ducks tried to fill Bombay in on everything that had happened to them in the last year. They told him about all of them making varsity. They told him about how they had lost the state finals in the last five seconds of the game. They told him about boyfriends, and girlfriends, and teachers. By the time dinner was over, it was like no time had passed. Once a Duck, always a Duck, after all.
Only Charlie seemed sullen. He was having a hard time adjusting to the idea of Bombay getting married. He knew that he didn't adapt well to things. He had hated his mom getting remarried, because it meant that his home life was going to change drastically. His freshman year at Eden Hall had been tough, because he had to get used to so many new things. Even breaking up with Linda had been tough, because although he despised her by the end of their tumultuous seven-month relationship, he was used to having her in his life.
And now, he had to get used to the idea that Bombay was going to have someone in his life that he would love more than Charlie. Even since Charlie was ten, he knew that Bombay didn't have too many people in his life that he really cared about. He had Yan, and Hans, and the Ducks. But mostly he had Charlie. They needed each other. Bombay needed someone to keep him grounded, and Charlie needed a father. Each of them provided for each other what no one else could. And now . . . now Bombay didn't need him anymore. He had Ellie to love. Charlie knew he was getting replaced. And he didn't like that, not one bit.
-------------------------------------
A/N: Sorry if this chapter sucked! I really do apologize. Okay I have A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION for all of you. If I put an original character in, will you hate me forever? I really want to do it, but your opinions mean a lot to me. She's going to be Ellie's daughter, and she'll be going to Eden Hall with the Ducks (Bombay and Ellie are moving back to Minnesota). She's not going to be beautiful, or a hockey player, or a love interest for any of the Ducks, I promise! So what do you guys think? Tell me the truth, if you don't want her, I won't put her in. But I want to make this the first story in a series, all about the Ducks' senior year, and I want an original character for the series. So . . . tell me what you think! Thanks, you guys are the best of the best!
percussion: I'm glad you like Bankst . . . who doesn't love a good Bankst every now and then! Haha there is a mighty ducks language . . . bankst . . . chadam . . .bash slash . . . you gotta love it! YAY Banksie is your favorite too? That's exciting. I love the kid. He's just so amazingly cute. Actually, last night my mom and I were watching the first mighty ducks (she's never seen it, can you believe that?) and she was like "Adam Banks has beautiful eyes". Finally, my mom is right about something! Thanks for reading this and reviewing it!!!
Samantha (ilivguygermaine00): I'm glad you feel loved, because you ARE loved!!! I love your reviews and I love your stories! You're on my favorite authors list!!! And don't worry about not being able to put me on yours, it's the thought that counts, and I'm very excited that you even thought of me in the first place! Thanks! So you're an expert on Guy, and if you ever see something in my story that you don't like in his character or you think could be better, please tell me! I completely trust your judgment! Thanks for reviewing, you're awesome!
Flat*Out*Crazy: I don't know if I ever told you this, but I love your pen name! Haha, that being said, thank you very much for the review! An encore? YAY! Thank you!!! Right back at you, your story "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" rocks. And you're right again, Bombay IS in big trouble . . . after all, Charlie has never been one to just let things slide! That boy really can hold a grudge sometimes. I hope I didn't take too long to update, if so you have my supreme apology!!! Thanks so much for the nice review!!!
jess: I love Adam too!!! He's my all-time favorite. I'm glad you like him, too, because he will player a major part in this story. I just can't resist, he's too darn cute! As for him cracking . . . I guess we'll have to wait and see!!! Thanks for reviewing!!!
plainjane: I love Boston!!! I think it's an awesome city, and I would love to go to college there. If I get in, that is. But don't be jealous, it was a horrible trip . . . spending that much time in a car with my family . . . UGH! Me and my little sister fought like cats and dogs, let me tell you. Bombay is getting married, and yes you're right, Charlie is going to be none too pleased. And don't worry, I sensed the sarcasm!!! Although it would be nice if FF.net would let us change fonts. But anyway, I digress. I'm excited about writing the Connie/Guy drama, too, I just hope I don't totally suck at writing it! "Most Likely To Marry Into The Mafia," haha that's hysterical!!! I love it!!! That made me laugh so hard. Would you mind if I used that in one of my later chapters? And I'm glad you liked Averman's hat, I thought everyone would hate it! Thanks for the great review! You're really terrific, thanks!
**Disclaimer: Don't own the ducks, or Avon, New Jersey. I do own Ellie . . . and that's about all I can claim. Darn it.
-------------------
Chapter 5: Here We Go
-------------------
The Ducks followed Bombay out of the airport. He had his arms around his fiancée and was chatting excitedly about something or other. He was totally oblivious to the fact that no one was listening; instead, they were all shooting dirty looks at Ellie's back.
As for Charlie, the Ducks had never seen him look quite this angry. Not even when Bombay tried to force him to cheat, back in Peewee's. Not even in the informal Varsity/JV game freshman year, when he had punched Banks. Right now, he was audibly growling and his left eye was twitching.
"She's not that pretty," Guy said, obviously trying to make Charlie feel better.
"Yea, with all that yellow on she kinda looks like a bus," Jesse told him.
"I want to ride that bus!" Averman cracked. Ken shoved him. "I mean, yea, she's ugly," Averman decided.
"I think Charlie's going to explode," Luis whispered to Connie. He was sincerely worried. If Charlie cracked up, all hell would break lose. He was the only one who could ever keep the team in check.
Connie nodded at Luis. "I'll try to talk to him," she said. Connie was probably the only person Charlie would actually listen to. He had a history of clamming up when he was upset about something, which typically led him to lose his temper all at once. And him losing his temper was NOT a pretty sight. Connie was the only person he ever talked to when he was angry. He didn't even really speak to Banks when he was angry. When he was upset about something, yes, Banks was a perfect person to bitch to. Connie wasn't really sure why Charlie only talked to her when he was upset. Maybe because she was a girl, not to mention practically his sister, so he couldn't really blow up on her.
When the Ducks got on the bus, Charlie went straight to the back seat. Connie followed him there and sat down next to him. "Hey, Conway, you okay?" she asked.
Charlie shook his head. "Not so much. What the hell was Bombay thinking?"
"What do you mean?"
"This was supposed to be a vacation, just Bombay and the Ducks. Just like it used to be. But no, he had to go and screw it up. Why the hell is he getting married?" Charlie's temper was beginning to rear its ugly head.
Connie knew better than to criticize Charlie when he got like this, but his thinking had some very clear flaws. "Did Bombay ever say it was going to be just him and the Ducks?" she asked him timidly.
"NO! But that's what it should be! GO AWAY! I don't feel like talking to you." Now Charlie was practically shouting.
"Okay, Charlie, I'm going to leave you alone now, because it's pretty clear that you can't have a rational conversation. But just for the record, he's probably marrying her because he loves her," Connie said. She didn't feel like dealing with Charlie and his attitude at all. He could be so thickheaded sometimes that it was unbelievable.
Connie got out of Charlie's seat, and walked up to the front of the bus, where Guy was sitting. "Can I sit here?" she asked him.
Guy flashed her his million-dollar smile. "But of course."
"Thanks, Guy."
Guy noticed that she looked a little distressed. He figured she had just had a not-too-successful chat with their captain. "You talk to Charlie?"
"Yea, he's being an asshole as usual. Taking out his anger on everyone that tries to reason with him, so what else is new?"
This was as good a time as any for Guy to comfort her. He put his arm around her shoulders and smiled at her. She hesitated for a second, then put her head down on his shoulder. To her surprise, it didn't feel awkward at all. She tried to think of the last time her and Guy had been so close. Even though they had stayed friends after their break-up, it had been a little bit strained, and physical contact was definitely out. It felt nice to be in his arms again, Connie decided.
The two of them didn't have long to enjoy the moment though, because just then they pulled up to a huge Victorian house. It was brown, with deep green shutters, and a huge porch. Trees lined the pathway up to the house.
"Wow," Julie breathed, "It's so beautiful."
The rest of the Ducks couldn't help but agree. This was where they were staying the next couple of weeks? Could life get any better?
"Everyone out!" Bombay called as they piled out of the van.
It was quite a difficult task for them all to find their bags. In the struggle, Averman's bag somehow opened, and Portman ended up with a pair of his underwear on top of his head.
Luis almost fell over laughing. "Hey Portman, you do realize that that's the same as having Ave's ass on your head, don't you?"
"Holy shit!" Portman screamed, disgusted. "That's it Averman, you are dead meat."
Averman started running away. "It's not mine! I didn't do it!"
"GET OVER HERE, YOU LITTLE CREEP!"
The rest of the Ducks couldn't help but laugh. They had never seen Averman look quite so scared. Portman was twice his size and would have no trouble demolishing him.
Finally Bombay stepped in, much to the dismay of all of the Ducks, who were thoroughly enjoying the show. "Okay, Dean, chill. Umm Averman, maybe you should get you underwear back in the bag."
"Thank you!" Averman cried as he dropped to his knees. Portman just gave him a dirty look and picked up all of his bags.
When the Ducks finally got all of their bags up to the porch, Bombay stopped. "Okay, there are a lot of us, and I don't have enough beds for everyone. So you guys may have to share beds or sleep on floor. Okay?"
The Ducks all nodded. As long as Portman and Averman didn't have to share a bed, it wasn't much of a problem.
"Okay then, Julie and Connie, you can have the first bedroom to the left upstairs. It has a king sized bed you two can share. Jesse, Guy, and Averman. You three can have the room next to theirs. There's two twin beds, rotate who sleeps on the floor, okay? Let's see . . . Portman and Fulton, first room on the right. There's a couch, one of you will have to sleep on the floor. Goldberg, Russ, Ken, you guys can have the basement. There's a pullout couch and a loveseat. Dwayne and Luis, take the second room on the right. It's the entertainment room, so there's only one couch, but you get a T.V. And that leaves Charlie and Adam. You guys get the room next to Jesse, Guy, and Averman's, okay? Does anyone have any major problems?" Gordon asked.
For a second Adam looked like he was about to raise his hand, but he thought better of it and decided not to. Even though no one in their right mind would want to share a room with Charlie right now, what with his extreme anger towards Bombay, Adam figured that if he asked for a room change it would only cause more problems. That was Adam for you, willing to sacrifice his own happiness for the good of everyone else.
Bombay smiled at all the Ducks. "Why don't you guys unpack, get situated, then go to the boardwalk. The lifeguards leave at five, so you won't be able to swim, but you could see the ocean. We'll eat dinner at seven. Ellie's cooking us a special meal."
"Yay," Charlie said sarcastically, then turned and walked up the steps.
Bombay watched him leave, then faced the rest of the Ducks. "Is he mad about Ellie?" he asked.
"Kinda, but he'll get over it," Goldberg said.
"He'll be okay," Adam told Bombay. "I'll talk to him, try to smooth things over."
"Thanks Adam," Bombay said gratefully.
"Yep, it's no problem." With that, Adam walked up the steps also. When he got to the room, Charlie was just sitting on the bed staring into space.
"Hey Charlie."
"Hey Banksie."
"You wanna tell me what's wrong?" Adam asked.
"Nothing, just forget it," Charlie told him.
"Okay, if that's what you want. But I'm here if you need to talk," Adam assured him.
"Thanks, I appreciate it. And I'll take you up on that, I promise. But right now, we need to unpack," Charlie told him with a smile.
"I call the closet!" Adam exclaimed.
"Fine Cake eater!" Charlie said as he tackled him onto the bed. They both started laughing, and for that moment at least, Ellie was forgotten.
Meanwhile, in the girls' room, Julie was desperately trying to find out what was going on between Connie and Guy.
"Don't try to tell me you don't like him. I saw the lovey dovey looks you keep giving each other! And you guys on the bus all snuggly. . . you want him. Just admit it!" Julie pressed.
Connie giggled. "No way, we're friends!"
"Uh-huh, yea, tell me another one."
"Okay, maybe I like him a little again," Connie admitted.
"A little?" Julie asked incredulously.
"Okay, a lot! But I swear to God, you say ANYTHING, and I'll tell everyone about your crush on Adam during the Goodwill Games," Connie threatened.
"Oh God, I'll take it to the grave, I swear!" Julie told her, laughing. "Hey, you wanna go to the boardwalk now?"
"Yea," Connie said, "let's go round everyone up."
"You get Guy!" Julie laughed as she left the room.
Julie walked into the Bashes' room. "Hey guys, a few of us are going for a walk on the boardwalk. You wanna come?" she asked them.
"Yea, sure," Fulton told her.
"Hey Jules, babe, maybe they can all go to the Boardwalk, and you and me can stay home. . . it's nice and cozy in this room . . . you know you want to," Portman said.
"Hey Dean, babe, how about you take a nice long walk off a really short dock," Julie retorted, shaking her head. She walked out of the room in a huff.
Fulton snorted back a laugh. Portman had wanted Julie for as long as anyone could remember, and although usually he had no trouble getting any girl he wanted, she never seemed interested. It was very entertaining watching him try, though. He always managed to bring out the worst in Julie. Or maybe it was the best. Fulton couldn't decide.
"She wants me," Portman told Fulton. Fulton just laughed.
"Whatever you say, dude, you keep dreaming," he said as he followed Julie out of their room. Portman decided that he might as well go with them. No sense in sitting around alone while everyone else was off having fun. Especially since Julie secretly wanted him. He was sure of it.
Within ten minutes, the rest of the gang was ready to go. Everyone was in high spirits, even Charlie. As the Ducks strolled down the boardwalk, they were all having trouble controlling their excitement. Goldberg was so excited that he started skipping down the boardwalk. Unfortunately, he wasn't really watching where he was going, and he pummeled right into a grandmother, who started hitting him with her purse.
"Well," Jesse told him, "at least she wasn't a hot girl."
The Ducks all died laughing. As far as they could see, Goldberg getting beat up by an old lady made the month worth it already.
That night at dinner, the Ducks tried to fill Bombay in on everything that had happened to them in the last year. They told him about all of them making varsity. They told him about how they had lost the state finals in the last five seconds of the game. They told him about boyfriends, and girlfriends, and teachers. By the time dinner was over, it was like no time had passed. Once a Duck, always a Duck, after all.
Only Charlie seemed sullen. He was having a hard time adjusting to the idea of Bombay getting married. He knew that he didn't adapt well to things. He had hated his mom getting remarried, because it meant that his home life was going to change drastically. His freshman year at Eden Hall had been tough, because he had to get used to so many new things. Even breaking up with Linda had been tough, because although he despised her by the end of their tumultuous seven-month relationship, he was used to having her in his life.
And now, he had to get used to the idea that Bombay was going to have someone in his life that he would love more than Charlie. Even since Charlie was ten, he knew that Bombay didn't have too many people in his life that he really cared about. He had Yan, and Hans, and the Ducks. But mostly he had Charlie. They needed each other. Bombay needed someone to keep him grounded, and Charlie needed a father. Each of them provided for each other what no one else could. And now . . . now Bombay didn't need him anymore. He had Ellie to love. Charlie knew he was getting replaced. And he didn't like that, not one bit.
-------------------------------------
A/N: Sorry if this chapter sucked! I really do apologize. Okay I have A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION for all of you. If I put an original character in, will you hate me forever? I really want to do it, but your opinions mean a lot to me. She's going to be Ellie's daughter, and she'll be going to Eden Hall with the Ducks (Bombay and Ellie are moving back to Minnesota). She's not going to be beautiful, or a hockey player, or a love interest for any of the Ducks, I promise! So what do you guys think? Tell me the truth, if you don't want her, I won't put her in. But I want to make this the first story in a series, all about the Ducks' senior year, and I want an original character for the series. So . . . tell me what you think! Thanks, you guys are the best of the best!