I looked over at my brother uneasily as he gripped the leather steering
wheel tightly. He loved to drive fast, especially with me in the car just
to see how exactly I would react, just usually isn't in a good way. I knew
exactly where we were going though. Jay had a favorite bar he liked to
visit whenever he was in town and because most, if not all of his friends
had gone to college, he needed a new drinking buddy.
"Adam. . ." He said in a sing song voice as he came to a stop. "You lied to me."
I frowned at him as he revved the engine. "Why would you say that?"
The car lurched forward and began speeding down the deserted street. "Dad told me about the girl that was at your game a few days ago. Now you tell me, or I'll drive you to Canada."
I scoffed. "Jay, you're going south. You'll hit Mexico, not Canada."
He smirked. "Fine, then I'll speed up, and you and I both know that you hate it when I do that."
I eyed his speedometer. The needled climbed higher and higher. My eyes locked with his as a smirk danced cockily on his lip.
"Speak." He ordered of me.
"I have nothing to say! You know the story."
He hit the brake making us both jerk forward quickly. His eyes flashed angrily. "Of course you have nothing to say. Even though you look like a living breathing skeleton. Have you looked in the mirror?"
I felt my teeth grit together. "I'm fine. Nothing is wrong with me."
A smile crept onto his face slowly. "Do you know the first sign of guilt Adam? I've read about it in on of my psychology courses." He blinked. "Denial before even being accused; you see Adam I didn't say anything was wrong with you. I said you lied to me."
I rolled my eyes at him and began to stare out the window. "Take me back to the dorms and take your ID back."
I could see his eyes flash in the reflection in the mirror. "I am not your chauffeur."
I turned to face him and tossed his ID into his lap. "Just take me back. I don't want to go drinking with you."
"Little brother I'm starting to think Dad was right. You have a bit on an attitude on you." Jay's eyes burned into mine, unmoving. "And you and I both know I hate admitting when Dad is right."
"Fine! I know this girl and I like her ok! Are you happy? Are you finished prying into my life?" I yelled at him, my fingers scratching at my jeans.
Jay smiled. "Yes, I'm very happy; I'm glad you decided to share with your big bro."
I scoffed and looked around at my surroundings. "You know what? I'm through. I'm going to Charlie's." I opened the door and slammed the red door shut much to my brother's dismay. He loved his car more than anything.
All I hope is that Charlie doesn't mind visitors.
~*~
By the time I had actually reached Charlie's house, I had calmed down. I stood on the sidewalk staring up at the door. I could either go up, knock on the door, hang out with Charlie and possibly ruin his entire weekend with his mom and step-dad, whom he didn't particularly like, but put up with, or I could just keep walking back to Eden Hall. Ok, granted Eden Hall is a bit of a distance from Charlie's house, but I could always call a cab. Right?
I sighed and sat down on the curb in front of Charlie's house. I definitely would not ruin his weekend with his mom. He barely ever got to see her anymore because of his grades and how they were slipping. I could tell Charlie had the mind of a genius in him; he just had to work at it. He was the only person who would put hours of planning and calculations into a simple prank. I could only image what he could do in the future.
I wished I had a relationship with my mom like Charlie did with his. I have envied him about that since . . . well since before pee-wee hockey. My family has money and power but I would have given that all up for a relationship with my mom like his. Actually, I still would.
I rested my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands. No, I wouldn't call a cab, and I wouldn't walk. I would sit here and do nothing. I would sit here until the worst week of my life was over. I looked down at my watch, 7:30. That means the worst week of my life would be over in four and a half hours.
A black car pulled into Charlie's driveway. I ignored the footsteps behind me on the sidewalk and a person tapped my shoulder.
I groaned. "I'm waiting for a cab; leave me a_" I turned around as I spoke and was met face to face with a figure I recognized. "Coach?" I asked quietly.
The figure tilted his head slightly and the streetlight cascaded down his features. "Adam Banks." Coach Bombay replied smirking. "What are you doing out here in the cold? Did Charlie and you get in a fight or something?"
I scoffed. "He doesn't know I'm here."
Bombay sat beside me on his long dark coat. "He's ignoring you?"
I rolled my eyes. "My brother took me for a drive I got out of the car, walked here and I'm scared to knock on the door."
"I'm sure Charlie wouldn't mind you going inside." Coach said rubbing his gloved hands together. "It's pretty cold out here."
I nodded and pulled my Columbia jacket tight around me. "Yea well that's why I'm here. Why are you here?"
Bombay looked over at me and smirked. "You are much more outspoken since the last time I saw you, you know that?" He shrugged nonchalantly. "Casey; Charlie's mom invited me over for dinner. I usually come and visit them every few months."
"Oh, sorry; go ahead, I'm waiting for a cab anyways." I replied quietly. I didn't really want to be alone at that moment but I didn't want to make him late.
He scoffed. "And yet you are still the same; putting the well-being of other people before your own. That's a rare quality these days." He pulled out his cell phone from his pocket and dialed a number quickly. "Hello? Hi Charlie." I looked over at him in surprise. "I know its short notice, but something really important came up and I can't come to dinner." He swallowed. "No it's not work, its one of the Ducks." He looked over and smiled. "He'll probably talk to you about it on Monday ok? Thanks, tell your mom I'm sorry. Ok, bye."
My jaw dropped. "You cancelled."
He shrugged. "It's obvious that you have a major problem on your hands and you need some help. I'm quite sure that Charlie will be glad when you are back to normal and less distracted."
I swallowed. "You talked to my father?"
He snorted. "If you could call it talking; he ordered me to take over the team. I hate to say it Adam but your father has problems listening to other people."
"Try living under his roof for almost sixteen years."
He patted my shoulder. "Come on. Are you hungry? We'll go someplace."
I bit my lip and looked into his eyes. "Ok." I whispered, getting up off the curb and walking over to his black Lexus.
He smiled as he climbed into the driver's seat and twisted the key with a flick of his wrist. The engine roared to life. I buckled the seat belt and looked down at my lap. "So do you want to tell me what's wrong?" He asked backing out of the driveway.
I sighed and shook my head. "Can we not talk about it for a little bit? I feel like that's all I've been doing."
Bombay nodded and smiled, his hands gliding over the leather steering wheel with ease. "So where do you want to eat, because I'm starving!"
~*~
"Uh. . . just a water." I said to the waitress who looked down at me bored.
She nodded and looked over at Bombay, eying him. I chuckled to myself watching him obliviously stare at the menu. "And you sir?"
He looked up. "Oh um. . . the same I guess."
She nodded and walked back to the counter. It was just a little diner, much like the one Charlie's mom had worked in. Now she worked at Hans' old shop. He had left it to the Conaway's and Charlie's mom took to it quite well.
"So do you want to talk about it now?" Bombay asked quietly. "Is it someone on the team, or grades, or are you losing interest in hockey?"
I shook my head immediately. "Oh, no absolutely not; my grades are fine, I love hockey and everyone on the team is fine around me, well I thought I had a problem with Fulton for a while but we're ok."
Bombay nodded, his brow furrowing when I mentioned Fulton. "What happened with Fulton exactly?"
I sighed. "Well, that's actually just a tiny part of my problem. There was this girl I met in English class. . ."
He began to laugh. "Wow! I forgot that most problems a boy goes through at your age are derived from a girl." He noticed my serious look and forged a straight face. "So what? Fulton and you like the same girl and he got her or something?" His masked smile began to creep back onto his face.
I scoffed and began to get up.
"Adam! I'm sorry. Sit please." Bombay reacted.
I sighed and sat down crossing my arms. "Her name is Josie." I started again. I told him everything; from unpacking with her, and going to Wisconsin, and how she got caught skipping classes. Then I told him about Peter, and all the problems he caused because I resembled him and out fights, that was a hard thing to talk about, but the hardest had to be rehashing all the things in the arena.
Bombay stared at me with wide eyes. "You really like her huh?"
I shrugged. "Yeah, well I lost her and I can't seem to do anything right anymore so, I'm going to have to get over it."
Bombay shook his head silently. "I never thought you were the type of person to give up so quickly."
My jaw dropped. "She has put me through hell and back!"
He nodded. "And you held onto her through all that crap and now, after an argument over a letter you're giving up?"
I shook my head angrily. "I did not give up on her, she gave up on me. I'm just moving on."
Bombay leaned across the table and stared me in the eyes. "During the Goodwill Games after you hurt your wrist, you and I would sit after every practice and track it's motion, stretching, and icing, you refused to let yourself stop because you loved hockey way too much to let yourself sit on the sidelines because of a stupid injury." He shrugged and sat back into the red vinal of the booth. "How is this any different?"
"Hockey can't choose whether or not to let me play. Josie can choose whether or not she talks to me. She's like a fucking faucet; hot and cold around me. One minute she's asleep on my shoulder, or skating with me on the ice, the next she's yelling at me to go away or crying in Fulton's arms. I can't change her and I sure as hell can't change me."
The waitress sat down the waters on the table and walked off, interrupting our debate for a few minutes. He took a deep breath and smiled.
"Adam, change is constant; you can't force it or stop it. It is forever and you don't even notice a difference until there is one." He shrugged and looked me in the eyes. "At least, that's what happened to me. You kids saved me." He took a deep breath and looked down. "But you, I can tell are changing too. Maybe it's her, or maybe it's the fact that your away from her, but you need her."
I frowned and shook my head. "I don't need anyone." I stated harshly.
"That's where you're wrong." Bombay shook his head. "I thought the exact way you did when I was first given District 5. I had decided that all I needed was my job. I didn't need relationships because they just caused drama. Then I found out that a job was stressful so I found a way to cope; alcohol. Next thing I know I'm in court and I'm landed with you guys." He shook his head. "You don't want that, and I don't that for you either."
"So your saying that if I don't make amends with Josie I'm going to end up like you?" I scoffed.
He blinked at me. It seemed like the first time he was disappointed in me. "No, I'm saying that you don't want to run away from things like this."
I nodded silently. "Why is it that you always say something to me and I just want to get back out there and try harder?"
Coach leaned over the table and lightly ruffled my hair. "That's what coaches are paid the big bucks for, inspiring the uninspired."
~
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A/N: Ok I know, no drunk Adam. I couldn't bare to see him drunk! I honestly couldn't picture it. I kept thinking back to MD the original and the look on his face when his dad said he would rather not play hockey than play for the Ducks. He looked so innocent. I wasn't able to write innocent Adam drunk. I'm sorry *weeps*. I failed! *weeps some more*. Oh well. Anyways,
"Adam. . ." He said in a sing song voice as he came to a stop. "You lied to me."
I frowned at him as he revved the engine. "Why would you say that?"
The car lurched forward and began speeding down the deserted street. "Dad told me about the girl that was at your game a few days ago. Now you tell me, or I'll drive you to Canada."
I scoffed. "Jay, you're going south. You'll hit Mexico, not Canada."
He smirked. "Fine, then I'll speed up, and you and I both know that you hate it when I do that."
I eyed his speedometer. The needled climbed higher and higher. My eyes locked with his as a smirk danced cockily on his lip.
"Speak." He ordered of me.
"I have nothing to say! You know the story."
He hit the brake making us both jerk forward quickly. His eyes flashed angrily. "Of course you have nothing to say. Even though you look like a living breathing skeleton. Have you looked in the mirror?"
I felt my teeth grit together. "I'm fine. Nothing is wrong with me."
A smile crept onto his face slowly. "Do you know the first sign of guilt Adam? I've read about it in on of my psychology courses." He blinked. "Denial before even being accused; you see Adam I didn't say anything was wrong with you. I said you lied to me."
I rolled my eyes at him and began to stare out the window. "Take me back to the dorms and take your ID back."
I could see his eyes flash in the reflection in the mirror. "I am not your chauffeur."
I turned to face him and tossed his ID into his lap. "Just take me back. I don't want to go drinking with you."
"Little brother I'm starting to think Dad was right. You have a bit on an attitude on you." Jay's eyes burned into mine, unmoving. "And you and I both know I hate admitting when Dad is right."
"Fine! I know this girl and I like her ok! Are you happy? Are you finished prying into my life?" I yelled at him, my fingers scratching at my jeans.
Jay smiled. "Yes, I'm very happy; I'm glad you decided to share with your big bro."
I scoffed and looked around at my surroundings. "You know what? I'm through. I'm going to Charlie's." I opened the door and slammed the red door shut much to my brother's dismay. He loved his car more than anything.
All I hope is that Charlie doesn't mind visitors.
~*~
By the time I had actually reached Charlie's house, I had calmed down. I stood on the sidewalk staring up at the door. I could either go up, knock on the door, hang out with Charlie and possibly ruin his entire weekend with his mom and step-dad, whom he didn't particularly like, but put up with, or I could just keep walking back to Eden Hall. Ok, granted Eden Hall is a bit of a distance from Charlie's house, but I could always call a cab. Right?
I sighed and sat down on the curb in front of Charlie's house. I definitely would not ruin his weekend with his mom. He barely ever got to see her anymore because of his grades and how they were slipping. I could tell Charlie had the mind of a genius in him; he just had to work at it. He was the only person who would put hours of planning and calculations into a simple prank. I could only image what he could do in the future.
I wished I had a relationship with my mom like Charlie did with his. I have envied him about that since . . . well since before pee-wee hockey. My family has money and power but I would have given that all up for a relationship with my mom like his. Actually, I still would.
I rested my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands. No, I wouldn't call a cab, and I wouldn't walk. I would sit here and do nothing. I would sit here until the worst week of my life was over. I looked down at my watch, 7:30. That means the worst week of my life would be over in four and a half hours.
A black car pulled into Charlie's driveway. I ignored the footsteps behind me on the sidewalk and a person tapped my shoulder.
I groaned. "I'm waiting for a cab; leave me a_" I turned around as I spoke and was met face to face with a figure I recognized. "Coach?" I asked quietly.
The figure tilted his head slightly and the streetlight cascaded down his features. "Adam Banks." Coach Bombay replied smirking. "What are you doing out here in the cold? Did Charlie and you get in a fight or something?"
I scoffed. "He doesn't know I'm here."
Bombay sat beside me on his long dark coat. "He's ignoring you?"
I rolled my eyes. "My brother took me for a drive I got out of the car, walked here and I'm scared to knock on the door."
"I'm sure Charlie wouldn't mind you going inside." Coach said rubbing his gloved hands together. "It's pretty cold out here."
I nodded and pulled my Columbia jacket tight around me. "Yea well that's why I'm here. Why are you here?"
Bombay looked over at me and smirked. "You are much more outspoken since the last time I saw you, you know that?" He shrugged nonchalantly. "Casey; Charlie's mom invited me over for dinner. I usually come and visit them every few months."
"Oh, sorry; go ahead, I'm waiting for a cab anyways." I replied quietly. I didn't really want to be alone at that moment but I didn't want to make him late.
He scoffed. "And yet you are still the same; putting the well-being of other people before your own. That's a rare quality these days." He pulled out his cell phone from his pocket and dialed a number quickly. "Hello? Hi Charlie." I looked over at him in surprise. "I know its short notice, but something really important came up and I can't come to dinner." He swallowed. "No it's not work, its one of the Ducks." He looked over and smiled. "He'll probably talk to you about it on Monday ok? Thanks, tell your mom I'm sorry. Ok, bye."
My jaw dropped. "You cancelled."
He shrugged. "It's obvious that you have a major problem on your hands and you need some help. I'm quite sure that Charlie will be glad when you are back to normal and less distracted."
I swallowed. "You talked to my father?"
He snorted. "If you could call it talking; he ordered me to take over the team. I hate to say it Adam but your father has problems listening to other people."
"Try living under his roof for almost sixteen years."
He patted my shoulder. "Come on. Are you hungry? We'll go someplace."
I bit my lip and looked into his eyes. "Ok." I whispered, getting up off the curb and walking over to his black Lexus.
He smiled as he climbed into the driver's seat and twisted the key with a flick of his wrist. The engine roared to life. I buckled the seat belt and looked down at my lap. "So do you want to tell me what's wrong?" He asked backing out of the driveway.
I sighed and shook my head. "Can we not talk about it for a little bit? I feel like that's all I've been doing."
Bombay nodded and smiled, his hands gliding over the leather steering wheel with ease. "So where do you want to eat, because I'm starving!"
~*~
"Uh. . . just a water." I said to the waitress who looked down at me bored.
She nodded and looked over at Bombay, eying him. I chuckled to myself watching him obliviously stare at the menu. "And you sir?"
He looked up. "Oh um. . . the same I guess."
She nodded and walked back to the counter. It was just a little diner, much like the one Charlie's mom had worked in. Now she worked at Hans' old shop. He had left it to the Conaway's and Charlie's mom took to it quite well.
"So do you want to talk about it now?" Bombay asked quietly. "Is it someone on the team, or grades, or are you losing interest in hockey?"
I shook my head immediately. "Oh, no absolutely not; my grades are fine, I love hockey and everyone on the team is fine around me, well I thought I had a problem with Fulton for a while but we're ok."
Bombay nodded, his brow furrowing when I mentioned Fulton. "What happened with Fulton exactly?"
I sighed. "Well, that's actually just a tiny part of my problem. There was this girl I met in English class. . ."
He began to laugh. "Wow! I forgot that most problems a boy goes through at your age are derived from a girl." He noticed my serious look and forged a straight face. "So what? Fulton and you like the same girl and he got her or something?" His masked smile began to creep back onto his face.
I scoffed and began to get up.
"Adam! I'm sorry. Sit please." Bombay reacted.
I sighed and sat down crossing my arms. "Her name is Josie." I started again. I told him everything; from unpacking with her, and going to Wisconsin, and how she got caught skipping classes. Then I told him about Peter, and all the problems he caused because I resembled him and out fights, that was a hard thing to talk about, but the hardest had to be rehashing all the things in the arena.
Bombay stared at me with wide eyes. "You really like her huh?"
I shrugged. "Yeah, well I lost her and I can't seem to do anything right anymore so, I'm going to have to get over it."
Bombay shook his head silently. "I never thought you were the type of person to give up so quickly."
My jaw dropped. "She has put me through hell and back!"
He nodded. "And you held onto her through all that crap and now, after an argument over a letter you're giving up?"
I shook my head angrily. "I did not give up on her, she gave up on me. I'm just moving on."
Bombay leaned across the table and stared me in the eyes. "During the Goodwill Games after you hurt your wrist, you and I would sit after every practice and track it's motion, stretching, and icing, you refused to let yourself stop because you loved hockey way too much to let yourself sit on the sidelines because of a stupid injury." He shrugged and sat back into the red vinal of the booth. "How is this any different?"
"Hockey can't choose whether or not to let me play. Josie can choose whether or not she talks to me. She's like a fucking faucet; hot and cold around me. One minute she's asleep on my shoulder, or skating with me on the ice, the next she's yelling at me to go away or crying in Fulton's arms. I can't change her and I sure as hell can't change me."
The waitress sat down the waters on the table and walked off, interrupting our debate for a few minutes. He took a deep breath and smiled.
"Adam, change is constant; you can't force it or stop it. It is forever and you don't even notice a difference until there is one." He shrugged and looked me in the eyes. "At least, that's what happened to me. You kids saved me." He took a deep breath and looked down. "But you, I can tell are changing too. Maybe it's her, or maybe it's the fact that your away from her, but you need her."
I frowned and shook my head. "I don't need anyone." I stated harshly.
"That's where you're wrong." Bombay shook his head. "I thought the exact way you did when I was first given District 5. I had decided that all I needed was my job. I didn't need relationships because they just caused drama. Then I found out that a job was stressful so I found a way to cope; alcohol. Next thing I know I'm in court and I'm landed with you guys." He shook his head. "You don't want that, and I don't that for you either."
"So your saying that if I don't make amends with Josie I'm going to end up like you?" I scoffed.
He blinked at me. It seemed like the first time he was disappointed in me. "No, I'm saying that you don't want to run away from things like this."
I nodded silently. "Why is it that you always say something to me and I just want to get back out there and try harder?"
Coach leaned over the table and lightly ruffled my hair. "That's what coaches are paid the big bucks for, inspiring the uninspired."
~
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A/N: Ok I know, no drunk Adam. I couldn't bare to see him drunk! I honestly couldn't picture it. I kept thinking back to MD the original and the look on his face when his dad said he would rather not play hockey than play for the Ducks. He looked so innocent. I wasn't able to write innocent Adam drunk. I'm sorry *weeps*. I failed! *weeps some more*. Oh well. Anyways,