Dedication- To Rachel because A) I forgot to mention her a while ago, she
understands. And B) You kick serious butt!! Go you!!
~*~
"Adam!!"
I spun around quickly before I even got to step onto the ice. God I am such a procrastinator. I smiled as I saw Josie run up towards me. "Hey, shouldn't you be in the stands?" I asked as she ran up and gave me a squeeze.
She nodded. "Yeah, but I had to give you something." She laughed. She arms still intertwined with mine.
I frowned. "Can it wait? My coach is going to kill me I need to warm up." I said pulling away from her, only to have her lock onto my jersey with a death grip.
"No!" She yelped. She let go of my jersey and pulled a thin chain from around her neck and undid the clasp, placing it in her hand so I could see.
I frowned. "What is it?"
She smiled. "St. Sebastian; he is patron Saint of athletes." She bit her lip and dropped it into my bare hand, the warmth from her body still in the metal. "To protect you."
I blinked, staring down at the metal that lay in my hand. "Josie, I'll be fine." I said preparing to hand it back to her.
She nodded. "I know. But I think everyone needs an angel watching over them." She turned away from me and quickly stepped up the stairs to the stands.
I quickly flipped the chain over my neck, did up the clasp and held the chain in my hand, the little medallion dangling in between my fingers.
"Banks! On the ice!"
I jumped at Orion's voice and immediately tucked the chain under my jersey pulled on my helmet and slipped on my gloves and slid onto the ice joining the laps around our end of the rink, eying McGill as he past. They wore their away jerseys of mainly black, and a little white, reminding me of the Hawks. That jersey still sat in a box in my closet. Number nine.
"Ducks!" Orion yelled, beckoning our team towards the bench. "Ok guys. You look good. Julie, watch out for McGill. He has a habit of messing with the goalies. He's gotten more penalties for tripping and hooking the goalie than I've ever seen."
Julie nodded. "Got it, Coach. I won't let you down."
He nodded. "Ok hands in." He looked at Charlie who immediately started our familiar chant.
"Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack!"
The Knights soon cut in with another familiar chant. "Win! Win! Win! Win! Win! Win!"
"Quack! Quack! Quack!"
"Win! Win! Win!"
"GOOOO! Ducks!!"
"WHIIIIITE KNIGHTS!!!"
I calmly breathed as I took my spot at center, looking at Guy on my right and Dwayne on my left.
McGill smirked as he took his spot. "What no Oreo line? What a pity, they were always fun to crush." He shrugged. "Not as fun as you Banksie-boy. You're dead."
I leaned over and locked eyes with him. "Shut up McGill, let's play hockey."
"It's your funeral."
I shivered a little as the referee glided over to us and stopped smoothly eying us both. "Clean game boys." He said sensing the tension that began to build between us. I doubt that Dan even heard him.
The ref dropped the puck and time seemed to stop as the rubber disk toppled towards the rock solid ice. McGill didn't even blink; his breath forming a little puffy cloud in front of his face, reminding me of a bull preparing to charge.
Before I could even think; his stick slammed against my helmet thrusting me towards the ice in one swift strong movement. I closed my eyes for what seemed to be and eternity. Blackness overcame me like a power outage in my brain.
I gasped as if I reached the surface if an icy lake, taking account of my surroundings. I pulled myself off the ice and got to my feet in a millisecond and tore off down the ice, barely missing a beat. The number 21 danced in front of my eyes and his name mocked me as I gained on him.
Dwayne tried to cut him off but was quickly avoided. I was less then a foot away from him and pushed myself to speed up even if it were the tiniest bit. I slammed into him from behind making us both topple towards the ice in a big lump of black, white and green.
A whistle screeched through the air before we even stopped sliding across the fresh ice. McGill ignored it and pulled himself and me off the ice. "You son of a bitch!" He yelled charging at me, his helmet slamming into my stomach like a bullet, making me loose my balance once again and fall flat on my back.
"Get off him!" I heard Portman yell watching him grab at McGill's jersey and drag him off me, the rest of his team pushing Portman to let go of their. . . Captain? McGill was the Captain!
A second whistle silenced the teams that had now crowded around us. "Ninety- nine, white, two minutes, checking from behind." One of the referees ordered, the second guiding me towards my penalty box. "Twenty-one, black, two minutes, rough housing." I looked back as McGill was lead towards the second penalty box beside mine.
I took off my gloves and helmet, rubbing my face and looking up at the clock. We were barely a minute into the game and McGill and I were at each other's throats, ready to pounce on each other with only a tap. I learned my lesson once, in pee-wees. McGill didn't play games when it came to taking a player out. I wasn't going to let that player be me again.
I looked up at the stands around at the people who were wearing their school colors proudly and watching the game intently. They looked like a sea of green and a separate sea of white. I looked up at the scoreboard, watching my time carefully. My eyes drifted back to my team as they sped across the center line into the Knight's half. Dwayne handled the puck masterfully passing it off to Guy who swerved around. . . Larson? Since when was Larson any good at defense? He sucked!
Ok, maybe I shouldn't comment on that because Charlie was the same way. Before Coach Orion, he was a scorer. Now he could go back and forth like nothing.
"Thirty seconds." I whispered to myself eying the clock intently. No score yet, but we had plenty of time.
Three taps interrupted my staring contest with the clock. My head jerked toward McGill who was grinning like a possum (if possums can grin . . . does anyone know if they even have lips?), who had just tapped on the glass with his hockey stick. He ran his finger along his throat and shook his head. Instead he grabbed his wrist and pretended to break it. He smiled widely and pointed up at the clock.
Ten seconds.
I shoved my helmet on my head and slipped on my gloves and swiped my stick from its place against the glass and stepped back onto the ice, speeding off to my own side, where Connie and Averman were helping Julie block every cheap shot the Knights were shooting.
Tough game.
Somehow or another I go my hands on the puck and sped off down the ice with Connie by my side and McGill and Larson hot on my tail. Connie gave Larson a hard check, making his swerve away from me. Just McGill and me, heading towards the Knight's goalie, his black eyes darting around like a wild man. I flick my wrists, but the goalie has a fast glove. Not like Jules' but quick.
"Banks, Moreau on the bench!" Orion yelped, tapping Charlie and Russ who jumped over the boards faster than you could say 'line change.'
I stepped into the bench and pulled my helmet up so I could see clearly.
"Banks." Coach said threateningly. "You make this personal and I'll pull you out. I do not need you to be picking fights with the other team. You're giving Portman a reason to fight and I don't want either of the Bash Brothers kicked out. The Knights are heavy hitters. We need everyone we can get."
I pursed my lips. "I didn't make it personal. Had he been any other person . . ."
"Had it been any other person you would have kept skating and not gone after him like a heat seeking missile." Orion spat, getting rather fed up with me.
"I tripped."
"Don't even think about lying to me again Banks." Orion frowned leaning over me. "There is one thing in this world I do not put up with and that is lying and you seem to have been doing a fair amount of it lately. You do it again and I'll bench you until you stop."
I took a breath and licked my lips trying to calm myself and focus on hockey. "Sorry Coach."
He stood up straight. "Don't be; just don't do it again."
~*~
Coach was right. McGill had acquired the habit of tripping goalies in front of their own net. At the beginning of the second period we were tied at the score of 1-1. Fulton had fired one into the net a few minutes after McGill tripped Jules and gotten his new right hand man to slip one in there.
I used to be that person.
The guy was number nine, ironically, and the name displayed across his back was Bourassa. He had dark hair and dark eyes, and the scowl across his face matched McGill. I noticed that Larson always seemed to stand at a bit of a distance to my old best friend and were even on different shifts, McGill being one, and Larson being two, but you could tell that through the years Larson belonged on one, he was just never moved up. I wondered if that was his own doing.
I looked up at the stands at Josie, watching her brow furrow as she recognized McGill and waved excitedly at Larson who shook his head and waved a little back and turned back to his Coach, who was also wearing a priest's collar.
"Scouts?" Charlie asked making me jump. He looked around the rink as if he were trying to search them out.
I laughed. "No, Josie." I said pointing up at her.
He grinned. "It's about time you stopped making googly eyes at the scouts and started looking at the stands for a girl." He mocked tapping my elbow.
Josie seemed to feel our eyes watching her and her gaze snapped down to look at us. She grinned and waved at us both. She winked at me and turned her eyes back to the rink.
"I like her." Charlie commented looking away from Josie. "She brings something out in you." He shrugged. "You look happier."
I smirked. "Thanks Conway."
"But don't tell her that. She's in my science class next semester and I want to have a reason to tease her. If she knows I like her, I'll loose my edge."
"Conway, Banks, heads in the game. You two are on next." Orion yelped. "Change it!" Kenny and Mendoza rushed onto the bench as Charlie and I jumped over the boards. Orion grabbed my shoulder. "You do not retaliate. I do not care if he disses your mother. You keep your head in the game. Got it Banks?"
I nodded and jumped onto the ice speeding past Goldberg and Portman immediately heading for McGill and Bourassa who were passing it between themselves heading towards Julie. I stole the puck away from McGill whose nose flared in anger and embarrassment. McGill always liked to hold onto the puck for a little bit before passing it. I skated over the blue line about to pass it to Charlie who was on my left.
And I was slammed into the boards by Bourassa and McGill! I watched as Dan stared me right in eyes and positioned his stick so he could grind my right wrist between his stick and his right hand man's. I yelped in pain. It felt as if that were sawing my hand off with a dull knife, just hacking away.
The ref's whistle pierced through the air and they immediately stopped, skating away innocently. I slid down the boards, my eyes watering in pain. I dropped my stick with a clatter and slid my glove off as gingerly as possible.
"Banks!" I heard Charlie yelp, his edges tearing away at the slippery surface as he neared me, falling onto his knees and sliding the rest of the way.
The ref blinked and looked over at me after telling off the Knight's coach. "You ok son?" He asked kneeling down.
I blinked away the stinging tears that clouded my vision, unable to speak.
Charlie grabbed my good arm, pulling me up and dragging me over to the bench. Tears by now, were streaming down my face, but not just from pain but from every memory that was engraved into my wrist.
***
"Come on Banksie!" I heard Portman yell from the locker room.
I pulled my orange polo over my head and grabbed my towel rubbing the back of my neck as water from my wet hair dribbled down my neck. "Yeah, I'll be here in a second!" I yelled back and sat down in front of my locker looking at the red white and blue jersey that hung in front of me. I looked down at my wrist and hissed as I tried to turn it. I shook my head and grabbed the ACE bandage that I had hidden in my hockey bag.
"Now imagine how good you'd play with two good wrists."
I jumped at the voice and spun around. "Coach," I started trying to see casual. I noticed him eying the bandage in my hand. "It's just a little sore. I'm ok." I said standing up and grabbing my coat. If I could high- tail it out of here I'd be fine.
"Sorry man, I should've noticed sooner I wasn't doing my job." Bombay commented shaking his head and closing in on me.
I frowned. "What are you talking about? I can play."
He nodded and grabbed the stick from the locker beside mine. "Ok then prove it." He held the stick out so I could grab it. I tossed my coat frustrated into my locker and reached for it with my good hand, my left. "The other hand." He ordered.
I took a breath and grabbed it with my right and held it out parallel to the ground. It stung just to do that.
"Now rotate."
I frowned at my wrist, knowing that if I tried it would kill. I tossed the stick to the ground angrily, feeling a little tear drip down my cheek. So much for being fine.
Bombay shook his head. "I'm going to have to bench you."
My eyes widened. "You can't do that! This is my shot!" I yelped at him.
"You're young you'll have plenty of shots." He countered.
"But my dad's counting on me." I replied before I could stop myself. Another tear trickled down my cheek.
Bombay looked down. "I'm sorry."
I shook my head and hastily brushed away the tear as I sat down on the little stool that stood in front of my locker and Coach took the stool across from me.
"My dad worked a lot when I was a kid; so when he made it to a game, I wanted so bad to score a hundred goals for him. I spent half the game a nervous wreck; my stomach in knots." Bombay started.
I looked him straight in the eyes. "That's how I feel."
He nodded silently. "Before he died, he told me, his happiest times were watching me skate this pond behind our house." He smiled at the memory. "He didn't care if I scored a hundred goals for him. He was proud of me because I was his son and I tried my best." He stared me right in the eyes. "I'm sure that's how your dad feels."
A fresh tear rolled down my cheek that I didn't wipe away. Not because my wrist hurt like hell or the fact that I was benched or that Bombay chose me out of all the people on our team to share that with, but because I knew it was a lie. It was the fact that my father loved me when I broke records, scored the most goals, was number one on the honor roll, and won MVP. I nodded solemnly. "Thanks Coach." I replied being polite.
He nodded. "Ok. Let's get that wrist x-rayed."
***
I choked on my tears, cradling my wrist in my hand rocking back and forth.
Orion pushed Averman aside and looked down on my wrist. "You ok Banksie?"
I swallowed. "I'm ok. I can play." I managed out resting my wrist on my lap and wiping away the tears that stained my cheeks.
He frowned. "I don't. . ."
"I can play!" I yelped at him, noticing some movement at the other side of the bench.
Orion looked over his shoulder and saw Josie weaving between Portman and Fulton who were standing together tightly. "Miss Best! You can't be. . ."
Josie tried to push past him. "Let me look at him! Please!" She begged.
"How did you get down here?" Averman asked looking over his shoulder.
She turned and pointed. "They gave me a boost over the glass."
All of our jaws dropped. Riley and Cole? They hated us and yet they wore a worried expression on their faces.
"Please Coach Orion." She begged. "I'll do anything! I'll wash your car in a Duck's jersey! Please! Please!"
He bit his lip. "Deal." He took a step out of the way letting her pass walking towards me.
Mendoza cleared a spot on my right side while Orion sat on my left. Josie cradled my wrist in her hand. "Ok, Adam, keep moving your fingers. She turned to Goldberg who was closest to the glass. "Ask those guys to go get some ice from the snack bar." She said pointing at Riley and Cole.
I wiped away another stray tear that began to fall down my cheek.
"Ok Adam." She said quietly. "You need to rotate your wrist. I know it may hurt, but you have to."
I pulled my hand out of her grasp, although it hurt to.
She frowned. "Adam. Please. You want to play; you have to keep it moving."
I bit my lip.
"Let me see." She whispered reaching for my wrist. "Trust me."
I nodded allowing her to touch my wrist with cool careful fingers. I squeezed both eyes shut and began to move my wrist in little circles even though pain jabbed at it with white hot pokers.
"Josie." I heard Goldberg yelp. "Ice." He tossed her the crushed ice in a little clear baggy.
She nodded and grabbed a towel, wrapping the ice in it and placing it on my wrist. "We can't let it sit too long. It could get stiff." She said to Orion.
Orion frowned. "How do you know all this?"
She shrugged. "Basic first aid. My dad taught me a few tricks a while ago." She turned back to me and took the ice off. "Little circles." She cooed.
I nodded knowing as soon as I stopped the ice would be there to numb the pain.
"Good."
Orion patted my shoulder. "Hang in there Banks." He got up and called for a line change.
~
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A/N: Ok. My hockey game turned out better than I expected. Like usually, I think it's going to completely suck, but this time I'm a little bit more confident. I won't even let the Ducks read it until I get one review from you guys! *Ducks groan from another room*
Shout outs!
Rachel- Go you! *smiles innocently* I felt I needed to make it up to you. You love Peter? Ok, he's been dead for over 10 months so ewww but other than that, ok I get where your coming from. I didn't realize that I mixed Charlie and Adam to make Peter; actually, probably mixed Portman (his sheer size and build), Adam (his looks and perseverance) and Charlie (mostly the rest) together to create his character. I kind of also mixed in my brother because when I think of Peter, he's also kind of stubborn. You need me to update? Wow! I feel so loved! Thankies! I didn't need to go to bed to figure out this chapter. I had this one planned out MONTHS in advance. I wasn't sure how everything was going to happen but I had everything in the bag. I planned the game itself in Career's class, the flashback while watching the movie about three weeks ago and the whole Josie/ Orion/ Adam discussion like two days ago and I had the 'Scouts?' 'No Josie' thing last night while watching D2. I get ideas all the time. It's a BAD habit. Actually right now I have an idea for the sequel to the story. I have a chapter all planned out in my head. I'm still working on the title to the story through. So far the possibilities are 'Bloody Valentine', 'Love and Mercy' and most recently, 'Somebody's got to make it Right' or 'Deep Boy, Deep Girl.' *shrugs* we'll see. Thanks!
Shelbers- Hey you! Hi Charlie! The Ducks say Hi too, but I'm not letting them read this chapter until later. You love where this story is going? Oh thanks! I'm so proud of this one and I'm glad you like it! Write that essay! Go! You shouldn't be reading this! GO ON! Thanks for taking time out to read my story!
Erica- *twists and squeals along with you* Ok. Stand by your original statement. I'm not stopping you. You are Peter? I hope not! Because that would mean I would lose a reviewer in a fatal car accident! Jk! I used to be a junior coach too! They were so damn cute! Awww!! I love your story! You and your cute hockey player boyfriend! *twists and squeals* I'll keep up the awesomely awesome writing if you keep up the awesomely awesome reviews! Deal?
Beaner- *Screeches* YAY!!! Ok, I wasn't trying to stereotype Catholics or Christians at all. I know you didn't say that but I'm just putting that out there just in case someone in the future starts bitching at me. My friend goes to a Christian school and sometimes before a game I've heard that they pray so that God is watching over them so no one gets hurt, especially in a game like hockey. Yeah, I know but you see why Orion was asking Adam if he didn't want to play. Orion actually was getting right pissed off at Adam in this chapter. Yes Sequel! I might ask for your opinion, (You and Jocelyn) to help me out with picking a title. My friend helped me pick out 'Don't Speak' and I thought it would be cool if you guys helped me out! I'll give you the official ones later, because I haven't really narrowed it down. But my two newest ones are Somebody's got to Make it Right and Deep Boy, Deep Girl. I'm still working on them. Awww!! Guy I could never forget cha! Oh . . . and about Connie. *bites lip* She's been hanging with my brother. He's nineteen, in college, has a car and a job. They're so damn cute! Oopsie. Did I say that aloud? I love you though!! Thanks for the review Katie!! Love Katie from Canada w/ the freezing Ducks!
SqUiDsLiLpYrO- Hey you! You are loved!! *smiles* I love your name by the way. My science teacher did an experiment where he lit soap bubbles on fire while they were in our hands and our entire class has turned into pyromaniacs. Ok. Whoever this Justin is, tell him to go online and REVIEW MY STORY! *giggles* No! No hugging the main character! He's mine! *winks* Jk! I hope this chapter lived up to my other chapters. Thanks for Reviewing!!! There is no screw in tuna! I don't even like tuna either! What!! Ahhh!! Confusing!!! *giggles* Thanks!
OK!! YES! I'm considering making a sequel everyone! Actually pretty damn sure! I just thought I would tell everyone and inform you that it isn't over yet! Never!!
REVIEW!
~Toodles!!
Love KatieGurl!
~*~
"Adam!!"
I spun around quickly before I even got to step onto the ice. God I am such a procrastinator. I smiled as I saw Josie run up towards me. "Hey, shouldn't you be in the stands?" I asked as she ran up and gave me a squeeze.
She nodded. "Yeah, but I had to give you something." She laughed. She arms still intertwined with mine.
I frowned. "Can it wait? My coach is going to kill me I need to warm up." I said pulling away from her, only to have her lock onto my jersey with a death grip.
"No!" She yelped. She let go of my jersey and pulled a thin chain from around her neck and undid the clasp, placing it in her hand so I could see.
I frowned. "What is it?"
She smiled. "St. Sebastian; he is patron Saint of athletes." She bit her lip and dropped it into my bare hand, the warmth from her body still in the metal. "To protect you."
I blinked, staring down at the metal that lay in my hand. "Josie, I'll be fine." I said preparing to hand it back to her.
She nodded. "I know. But I think everyone needs an angel watching over them." She turned away from me and quickly stepped up the stairs to the stands.
I quickly flipped the chain over my neck, did up the clasp and held the chain in my hand, the little medallion dangling in between my fingers.
"Banks! On the ice!"
I jumped at Orion's voice and immediately tucked the chain under my jersey pulled on my helmet and slipped on my gloves and slid onto the ice joining the laps around our end of the rink, eying McGill as he past. They wore their away jerseys of mainly black, and a little white, reminding me of the Hawks. That jersey still sat in a box in my closet. Number nine.
"Ducks!" Orion yelled, beckoning our team towards the bench. "Ok guys. You look good. Julie, watch out for McGill. He has a habit of messing with the goalies. He's gotten more penalties for tripping and hooking the goalie than I've ever seen."
Julie nodded. "Got it, Coach. I won't let you down."
He nodded. "Ok hands in." He looked at Charlie who immediately started our familiar chant.
"Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack!"
The Knights soon cut in with another familiar chant. "Win! Win! Win! Win! Win! Win!"
"Quack! Quack! Quack!"
"Win! Win! Win!"
"GOOOO! Ducks!!"
"WHIIIIITE KNIGHTS!!!"
I calmly breathed as I took my spot at center, looking at Guy on my right and Dwayne on my left.
McGill smirked as he took his spot. "What no Oreo line? What a pity, they were always fun to crush." He shrugged. "Not as fun as you Banksie-boy. You're dead."
I leaned over and locked eyes with him. "Shut up McGill, let's play hockey."
"It's your funeral."
I shivered a little as the referee glided over to us and stopped smoothly eying us both. "Clean game boys." He said sensing the tension that began to build between us. I doubt that Dan even heard him.
The ref dropped the puck and time seemed to stop as the rubber disk toppled towards the rock solid ice. McGill didn't even blink; his breath forming a little puffy cloud in front of his face, reminding me of a bull preparing to charge.
Before I could even think; his stick slammed against my helmet thrusting me towards the ice in one swift strong movement. I closed my eyes for what seemed to be and eternity. Blackness overcame me like a power outage in my brain.
I gasped as if I reached the surface if an icy lake, taking account of my surroundings. I pulled myself off the ice and got to my feet in a millisecond and tore off down the ice, barely missing a beat. The number 21 danced in front of my eyes and his name mocked me as I gained on him.
Dwayne tried to cut him off but was quickly avoided. I was less then a foot away from him and pushed myself to speed up even if it were the tiniest bit. I slammed into him from behind making us both topple towards the ice in a big lump of black, white and green.
A whistle screeched through the air before we even stopped sliding across the fresh ice. McGill ignored it and pulled himself and me off the ice. "You son of a bitch!" He yelled charging at me, his helmet slamming into my stomach like a bullet, making me loose my balance once again and fall flat on my back.
"Get off him!" I heard Portman yell watching him grab at McGill's jersey and drag him off me, the rest of his team pushing Portman to let go of their. . . Captain? McGill was the Captain!
A second whistle silenced the teams that had now crowded around us. "Ninety- nine, white, two minutes, checking from behind." One of the referees ordered, the second guiding me towards my penalty box. "Twenty-one, black, two minutes, rough housing." I looked back as McGill was lead towards the second penalty box beside mine.
I took off my gloves and helmet, rubbing my face and looking up at the clock. We were barely a minute into the game and McGill and I were at each other's throats, ready to pounce on each other with only a tap. I learned my lesson once, in pee-wees. McGill didn't play games when it came to taking a player out. I wasn't going to let that player be me again.
I looked up at the stands around at the people who were wearing their school colors proudly and watching the game intently. They looked like a sea of green and a separate sea of white. I looked up at the scoreboard, watching my time carefully. My eyes drifted back to my team as they sped across the center line into the Knight's half. Dwayne handled the puck masterfully passing it off to Guy who swerved around. . . Larson? Since when was Larson any good at defense? He sucked!
Ok, maybe I shouldn't comment on that because Charlie was the same way. Before Coach Orion, he was a scorer. Now he could go back and forth like nothing.
"Thirty seconds." I whispered to myself eying the clock intently. No score yet, but we had plenty of time.
Three taps interrupted my staring contest with the clock. My head jerked toward McGill who was grinning like a possum (if possums can grin . . . does anyone know if they even have lips?), who had just tapped on the glass with his hockey stick. He ran his finger along his throat and shook his head. Instead he grabbed his wrist and pretended to break it. He smiled widely and pointed up at the clock.
Ten seconds.
I shoved my helmet on my head and slipped on my gloves and swiped my stick from its place against the glass and stepped back onto the ice, speeding off to my own side, where Connie and Averman were helping Julie block every cheap shot the Knights were shooting.
Tough game.
Somehow or another I go my hands on the puck and sped off down the ice with Connie by my side and McGill and Larson hot on my tail. Connie gave Larson a hard check, making his swerve away from me. Just McGill and me, heading towards the Knight's goalie, his black eyes darting around like a wild man. I flick my wrists, but the goalie has a fast glove. Not like Jules' but quick.
"Banks, Moreau on the bench!" Orion yelped, tapping Charlie and Russ who jumped over the boards faster than you could say 'line change.'
I stepped into the bench and pulled my helmet up so I could see clearly.
"Banks." Coach said threateningly. "You make this personal and I'll pull you out. I do not need you to be picking fights with the other team. You're giving Portman a reason to fight and I don't want either of the Bash Brothers kicked out. The Knights are heavy hitters. We need everyone we can get."
I pursed my lips. "I didn't make it personal. Had he been any other person . . ."
"Had it been any other person you would have kept skating and not gone after him like a heat seeking missile." Orion spat, getting rather fed up with me.
"I tripped."
"Don't even think about lying to me again Banks." Orion frowned leaning over me. "There is one thing in this world I do not put up with and that is lying and you seem to have been doing a fair amount of it lately. You do it again and I'll bench you until you stop."
I took a breath and licked my lips trying to calm myself and focus on hockey. "Sorry Coach."
He stood up straight. "Don't be; just don't do it again."
~*~
Coach was right. McGill had acquired the habit of tripping goalies in front of their own net. At the beginning of the second period we were tied at the score of 1-1. Fulton had fired one into the net a few minutes after McGill tripped Jules and gotten his new right hand man to slip one in there.
I used to be that person.
The guy was number nine, ironically, and the name displayed across his back was Bourassa. He had dark hair and dark eyes, and the scowl across his face matched McGill. I noticed that Larson always seemed to stand at a bit of a distance to my old best friend and were even on different shifts, McGill being one, and Larson being two, but you could tell that through the years Larson belonged on one, he was just never moved up. I wondered if that was his own doing.
I looked up at the stands at Josie, watching her brow furrow as she recognized McGill and waved excitedly at Larson who shook his head and waved a little back and turned back to his Coach, who was also wearing a priest's collar.
"Scouts?" Charlie asked making me jump. He looked around the rink as if he were trying to search them out.
I laughed. "No, Josie." I said pointing up at her.
He grinned. "It's about time you stopped making googly eyes at the scouts and started looking at the stands for a girl." He mocked tapping my elbow.
Josie seemed to feel our eyes watching her and her gaze snapped down to look at us. She grinned and waved at us both. She winked at me and turned her eyes back to the rink.
"I like her." Charlie commented looking away from Josie. "She brings something out in you." He shrugged. "You look happier."
I smirked. "Thanks Conway."
"But don't tell her that. She's in my science class next semester and I want to have a reason to tease her. If she knows I like her, I'll loose my edge."
"Conway, Banks, heads in the game. You two are on next." Orion yelped. "Change it!" Kenny and Mendoza rushed onto the bench as Charlie and I jumped over the boards. Orion grabbed my shoulder. "You do not retaliate. I do not care if he disses your mother. You keep your head in the game. Got it Banks?"
I nodded and jumped onto the ice speeding past Goldberg and Portman immediately heading for McGill and Bourassa who were passing it between themselves heading towards Julie. I stole the puck away from McGill whose nose flared in anger and embarrassment. McGill always liked to hold onto the puck for a little bit before passing it. I skated over the blue line about to pass it to Charlie who was on my left.
And I was slammed into the boards by Bourassa and McGill! I watched as Dan stared me right in eyes and positioned his stick so he could grind my right wrist between his stick and his right hand man's. I yelped in pain. It felt as if that were sawing my hand off with a dull knife, just hacking away.
The ref's whistle pierced through the air and they immediately stopped, skating away innocently. I slid down the boards, my eyes watering in pain. I dropped my stick with a clatter and slid my glove off as gingerly as possible.
"Banks!" I heard Charlie yelp, his edges tearing away at the slippery surface as he neared me, falling onto his knees and sliding the rest of the way.
The ref blinked and looked over at me after telling off the Knight's coach. "You ok son?" He asked kneeling down.
I blinked away the stinging tears that clouded my vision, unable to speak.
Charlie grabbed my good arm, pulling me up and dragging me over to the bench. Tears by now, were streaming down my face, but not just from pain but from every memory that was engraved into my wrist.
***
"Come on Banksie!" I heard Portman yell from the locker room.
I pulled my orange polo over my head and grabbed my towel rubbing the back of my neck as water from my wet hair dribbled down my neck. "Yeah, I'll be here in a second!" I yelled back and sat down in front of my locker looking at the red white and blue jersey that hung in front of me. I looked down at my wrist and hissed as I tried to turn it. I shook my head and grabbed the ACE bandage that I had hidden in my hockey bag.
"Now imagine how good you'd play with two good wrists."
I jumped at the voice and spun around. "Coach," I started trying to see casual. I noticed him eying the bandage in my hand. "It's just a little sore. I'm ok." I said standing up and grabbing my coat. If I could high- tail it out of here I'd be fine.
"Sorry man, I should've noticed sooner I wasn't doing my job." Bombay commented shaking his head and closing in on me.
I frowned. "What are you talking about? I can play."
He nodded and grabbed the stick from the locker beside mine. "Ok then prove it." He held the stick out so I could grab it. I tossed my coat frustrated into my locker and reached for it with my good hand, my left. "The other hand." He ordered.
I took a breath and grabbed it with my right and held it out parallel to the ground. It stung just to do that.
"Now rotate."
I frowned at my wrist, knowing that if I tried it would kill. I tossed the stick to the ground angrily, feeling a little tear drip down my cheek. So much for being fine.
Bombay shook his head. "I'm going to have to bench you."
My eyes widened. "You can't do that! This is my shot!" I yelped at him.
"You're young you'll have plenty of shots." He countered.
"But my dad's counting on me." I replied before I could stop myself. Another tear trickled down my cheek.
Bombay looked down. "I'm sorry."
I shook my head and hastily brushed away the tear as I sat down on the little stool that stood in front of my locker and Coach took the stool across from me.
"My dad worked a lot when I was a kid; so when he made it to a game, I wanted so bad to score a hundred goals for him. I spent half the game a nervous wreck; my stomach in knots." Bombay started.
I looked him straight in the eyes. "That's how I feel."
He nodded silently. "Before he died, he told me, his happiest times were watching me skate this pond behind our house." He smiled at the memory. "He didn't care if I scored a hundred goals for him. He was proud of me because I was his son and I tried my best." He stared me right in the eyes. "I'm sure that's how your dad feels."
A fresh tear rolled down my cheek that I didn't wipe away. Not because my wrist hurt like hell or the fact that I was benched or that Bombay chose me out of all the people on our team to share that with, but because I knew it was a lie. It was the fact that my father loved me when I broke records, scored the most goals, was number one on the honor roll, and won MVP. I nodded solemnly. "Thanks Coach." I replied being polite.
He nodded. "Ok. Let's get that wrist x-rayed."
***
I choked on my tears, cradling my wrist in my hand rocking back and forth.
Orion pushed Averman aside and looked down on my wrist. "You ok Banksie?"
I swallowed. "I'm ok. I can play." I managed out resting my wrist on my lap and wiping away the tears that stained my cheeks.
He frowned. "I don't. . ."
"I can play!" I yelped at him, noticing some movement at the other side of the bench.
Orion looked over his shoulder and saw Josie weaving between Portman and Fulton who were standing together tightly. "Miss Best! You can't be. . ."
Josie tried to push past him. "Let me look at him! Please!" She begged.
"How did you get down here?" Averman asked looking over his shoulder.
She turned and pointed. "They gave me a boost over the glass."
All of our jaws dropped. Riley and Cole? They hated us and yet they wore a worried expression on their faces.
"Please Coach Orion." She begged. "I'll do anything! I'll wash your car in a Duck's jersey! Please! Please!"
He bit his lip. "Deal." He took a step out of the way letting her pass walking towards me.
Mendoza cleared a spot on my right side while Orion sat on my left. Josie cradled my wrist in her hand. "Ok, Adam, keep moving your fingers. She turned to Goldberg who was closest to the glass. "Ask those guys to go get some ice from the snack bar." She said pointing at Riley and Cole.
I wiped away another stray tear that began to fall down my cheek.
"Ok Adam." She said quietly. "You need to rotate your wrist. I know it may hurt, but you have to."
I pulled my hand out of her grasp, although it hurt to.
She frowned. "Adam. Please. You want to play; you have to keep it moving."
I bit my lip.
"Let me see." She whispered reaching for my wrist. "Trust me."
I nodded allowing her to touch my wrist with cool careful fingers. I squeezed both eyes shut and began to move my wrist in little circles even though pain jabbed at it with white hot pokers.
"Josie." I heard Goldberg yelp. "Ice." He tossed her the crushed ice in a little clear baggy.
She nodded and grabbed a towel, wrapping the ice in it and placing it on my wrist. "We can't let it sit too long. It could get stiff." She said to Orion.
Orion frowned. "How do you know all this?"
She shrugged. "Basic first aid. My dad taught me a few tricks a while ago." She turned back to me and took the ice off. "Little circles." She cooed.
I nodded knowing as soon as I stopped the ice would be there to numb the pain.
"Good."
Orion patted my shoulder. "Hang in there Banks." He got up and called for a line change.
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A/N: Ok. My hockey game turned out better than I expected. Like usually, I think it's going to completely suck, but this time I'm a little bit more confident. I won't even let the Ducks read it until I get one review from you guys! *Ducks groan from another room*
Shout outs!
Rachel- Go you! *smiles innocently* I felt I needed to make it up to you. You love Peter? Ok, he's been dead for over 10 months so ewww but other than that, ok I get where your coming from. I didn't realize that I mixed Charlie and Adam to make Peter; actually, probably mixed Portman (his sheer size and build), Adam (his looks and perseverance) and Charlie (mostly the rest) together to create his character. I kind of also mixed in my brother because when I think of Peter, he's also kind of stubborn. You need me to update? Wow! I feel so loved! Thankies! I didn't need to go to bed to figure out this chapter. I had this one planned out MONTHS in advance. I wasn't sure how everything was going to happen but I had everything in the bag. I planned the game itself in Career's class, the flashback while watching the movie about three weeks ago and the whole Josie/ Orion/ Adam discussion like two days ago and I had the 'Scouts?' 'No Josie' thing last night while watching D2. I get ideas all the time. It's a BAD habit. Actually right now I have an idea for the sequel to the story. I have a chapter all planned out in my head. I'm still working on the title to the story through. So far the possibilities are 'Bloody Valentine', 'Love and Mercy' and most recently, 'Somebody's got to make it Right' or 'Deep Boy, Deep Girl.' *shrugs* we'll see. Thanks!
Shelbers- Hey you! Hi Charlie! The Ducks say Hi too, but I'm not letting them read this chapter until later. You love where this story is going? Oh thanks! I'm so proud of this one and I'm glad you like it! Write that essay! Go! You shouldn't be reading this! GO ON! Thanks for taking time out to read my story!
Erica- *twists and squeals along with you* Ok. Stand by your original statement. I'm not stopping you. You are Peter? I hope not! Because that would mean I would lose a reviewer in a fatal car accident! Jk! I used to be a junior coach too! They were so damn cute! Awww!! I love your story! You and your cute hockey player boyfriend! *twists and squeals* I'll keep up the awesomely awesome writing if you keep up the awesomely awesome reviews! Deal?
Beaner- *Screeches* YAY!!! Ok, I wasn't trying to stereotype Catholics or Christians at all. I know you didn't say that but I'm just putting that out there just in case someone in the future starts bitching at me. My friend goes to a Christian school and sometimes before a game I've heard that they pray so that God is watching over them so no one gets hurt, especially in a game like hockey. Yeah, I know but you see why Orion was asking Adam if he didn't want to play. Orion actually was getting right pissed off at Adam in this chapter. Yes Sequel! I might ask for your opinion, (You and Jocelyn) to help me out with picking a title. My friend helped me pick out 'Don't Speak' and I thought it would be cool if you guys helped me out! I'll give you the official ones later, because I haven't really narrowed it down. But my two newest ones are Somebody's got to Make it Right and Deep Boy, Deep Girl. I'm still working on them. Awww!! Guy I could never forget cha! Oh . . . and about Connie. *bites lip* She's been hanging with my brother. He's nineteen, in college, has a car and a job. They're so damn cute! Oopsie. Did I say that aloud? I love you though!! Thanks for the review Katie!! Love Katie from Canada w/ the freezing Ducks!
SqUiDsLiLpYrO- Hey you! You are loved!! *smiles* I love your name by the way. My science teacher did an experiment where he lit soap bubbles on fire while they were in our hands and our entire class has turned into pyromaniacs. Ok. Whoever this Justin is, tell him to go online and REVIEW MY STORY! *giggles* No! No hugging the main character! He's mine! *winks* Jk! I hope this chapter lived up to my other chapters. Thanks for Reviewing!!! There is no screw in tuna! I don't even like tuna either! What!! Ahhh!! Confusing!!! *giggles* Thanks!
OK!! YES! I'm considering making a sequel everyone! Actually pretty damn sure! I just thought I would tell everyone and inform you that it isn't over yet! Never!!
REVIEW!
~Toodles!!
Love KatieGurl!