I don't own the mighty ducks.
A/N- Woo hoo, so many reviews. I was so unbelievably happy when I checked my mail. Thank you all so much, I'm glad you all like the story.
JESS- Thanks for reading. Yeah, the ducks are acting childish, but they'll come around, eventually.
PERCUSSION-I'm sorry to hear about your pink eye and sinus infection. I hope you feel better soon. Thanks for the review.
ADRIANNA3-OMG, I'm glad you love it. LOL You're not stupid for forgetting Portmans name. We all have our forgetful moments.
DUCKHOCKEY00214496- The more I think about that line the less sense it makes to me. Oh well, Here it is, Charlie and Adam meeting face to face.
NELLIE2- Oh my schizo friend, you make me laugh so hard.
OPALEYE- I'm glad you like it, thanks for the compliment. It made me smile. Here's the next chapter.
CRAZY4NC128- Yay, The evil allergies are gone. The pranks will be coming soon. I have some pretty good ones in mind, nothing too bad though. Charlie can be mean, but he can't be evil. Only the allergies are evil. LOL
MELODIE- I'm glad you love it. Yes talking is definitely good. Thanks for the review.
DAGUESHA- You're doing a great job with your story. I'm glad you're having fun with it. It is turning out to be a great story. I'm glad you're still enjoying this one. Charlie will be mean, but he'll eventually come around.
GWENYTH HUNTER- Oh Gwenyth, I bet you want Julie to befriend Adam. LOL I too love Adam and Jules together .He will eventually get into a romance. I have it all worked out in my head. I just don't know if it's going to be with Julie or an OC. This will not happen for quite a while though. The Fulton chapter is coming up after this one. Not much longer to wait.
SABREGIRLUS33- As I just told Gwenyth, There will be romance for Adam quite a while down the road. I haven't decided if it's going to be Julie or an OC. I'm glad that you're enjoying my stories. It's nice to hear from someone new.
TAMMY- Almost broke your little sisters elbow? You are a fan. LOL. I too, am a 24 year old Mighty Ducks fan. All the kids in my neighborhood would play kickball. We would quack like we were the Ducks right after the first movie came out. That's where my obsession began. We were pathetic. Oh well, we had fun. My e-mail is kinda moody. I'll try to e-mail you. That's the best I can do. It's so nice to hear from someone new. Thanks for the review.
ALIENATED LYNCANTHROPE- *anne918 blushes* Thank you for all the compliments on my stories. As far as the Fulton favor goes, you made me feel so welcome when I posted the first chapter. I was not sure I was going to be a good writer. Your reviews along with a few others really boasted my confidence. So, I thank you for that. The Fulton tid-bit is coming next chapter, Can you wait? LOL
ADRIANNA 3- oowww, that hurt. Stop hitting me, Here's the update. LOL.
ADAMS POV
It's 3:45. I have to leave my house, but I don't want to. I'm really nervous about moving in with Gordon and his family. He seemed cool when he was here. I grabbed the keys to my moms silver Lexus SUV, and headed out the door. They were in one of my dads cars when they crashed. I sat inside and it was hard not to be emotional. The car still smelt like her.
I drove up to the house and parked at the curb. I didn't feel right parking in the driveway. I looked across the street at the house I would be calling home. It was definitely smaller than my house. Gordon now worked as a not for profit lawyer. He took on cases of people that didn't have enough money to pay for the normal lawyers fees. He worked for a lot less than he was worth to help people. He confided in me that sometimes he even gave his services for free. The house had a small fenced in yard in front. It didn't look like it has a backyard. The house is in Minneapolis, but it was in a nicer area of Minneapolis. It was almost on the Edina border. I could see the Ducks all hanging out in the front yard. A few of them were throwing a football. The girls were just laying in the grass soaking up the sun. They were all laughing and looked to be having fun.
I grabbed my backpack and started heading towards the house. I beeped the alarm for the car, and when I looked up again all their eyes were on me and the laughter stopped.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my new brother." Charlie started
They had all come up to me in the front yard. They were all blocking the opening to the fence, so I couldn't get in. I just stood on the sidewalk in front of the house staring at them, ready to take what they were going to throw at me. Thirteen against one, this is fair.
"Look, you don't belong here. I suggest you find someone else to live with, Cakeater." Hall said. I don't remember his first name.
I just stayed silent and stood my ground. Did they think I was going to fight back with thirteen to three odds. Two big guys in leather looked like they were going to pound me in the face. I know one of them was Fulton Reed. The other one was the other bash brother from the Goodwill games. I don't remember his name.
The next one to insult me was Germaine, "What, you can't talk when you don't have all your Hawk goons with you. You're not going to defend yourself."
I just kept the blank expression on my face, and stared ahead.
The next person to throw an insult was one of the ones I didn't even know, the one who fired the Knuckle puck at the games. "Nice car, let me guess you took the, I'm a rich boy, I'll pay in full plan."
Ugh, I thought, this guy doesn't even know me. I have never met him before today. How can he hate me already.
Just then Gordon came out of the house. "Hey Adam, I'm glad you found it OK."
"Yeah, no trouble." I said. It was like magic. As soon as Gordon came out, all the Ducks moved out of the way, and let me walk by.
"Ducks" Gordon put his arm around my shoulders, "Most of you already know him, but for those of you who don't, this is Adam."
A chorus of very cold and unexcited hey's and hi's from the Ducks followed. Well, at least they weren't going to be down right nasty to me in front of Gordon, just when he wasn't around.
"Well, come on Adam. Let me show you around the house, and introduce you to Casey. Charlie start wrapping things up. We all want to talk a bit before dinner." Gordon said as we walked in the house.
It was a cute little house, very homy and comfy looking. It was very neat and had all kinds of country looking knick knacks and antiques everywhere.
As we walked in, I could see a woman, who I presumed was Casey, cooking something in an apron.
"Hey, Case, Adam's here." Gordon announced.
She turned around and looked at me. She didn't say anything right away. I felt like she was staring at me. It was awkward.
I decided to break the awkwardness. "It's nice to meet you. Thank you for taking me in." I held out my hand for a handshake.
She shook it politely. "I hope this is comfortable enough for you. I know it's not what your use to."
"You have a lovely home. I'll be fine, Thank you." I replied.
"Well," Gordon started, "I'm gonna go show Adam to his room so he can put his stuff down."
I walked a little behind Gordon up the stairs. He showed me my room, which is right across from Charlies. He made sure I had everything I needed for now and then he left me to settle in.
I looked around the room. This was my new home. It's a nice room. It has a big closet and isn't a bad size. It just doesn't feel right. I don't belong in this house, not because it's smaller or in Minneapolis. It's just not my house. It feels like I'm just staying over a friends house. My thoughts were interrupted when Casey called me downstairs.
I started to walk down the stairs, as I turned the corner I heard Casey whispering to Charlie. "I don't know what to tell you. I don't like this either, but we're going to have to deal with it. He's Gordons' son. He's going to live with us." They walked away after that.
I finished walking down the stairs, and into the living room. I heard Charlie, Gordon, and Caseys voice coming from there. They were all seated on the chairs and the couch. I stood in the doorway and didn't say anything.
"Come on in and sit down, Adam." He pointed to the only empty seat near Charlie on the couch.
I walked over and sat as far away from Charlie without making it obvious that I didn't want to sit near him. He slid away and gave me the dirtiest look anyone has ever given me.
"OK" Casey said, "this is obviously going to be quite a transition for all of us. Gordon and I thought that we would lay down exactly what we expect from both of you, so there's no misunderstandings."
Gordon took over "Just keep in mind that these new rules are temporary until we all get use to living together."
"New Rules," Charlie yelled, "You've got to be kidding me. Why in the hell do I need new rules."
"Charlie calm down." Casey said.
Charlie calmed down and Casey started laying down the rules. "OK, first, the reason for these rules are mostly to get the family to bond. We're not trying to punish either of you. We just know that the only way to overcome this feud is to spend time together. "
Charlie and I just nodded our heads.
She continued. "There will be a family night once a week. We will all do something together with noone else. No Ducks." She looked at Charlie. "No Hawks." I nodded. "Just the four of us."
"Are you serious, mom, that's lame." Said Charlie with a half smile on his face. Gordon and Casey laughed lightly. I cracked a small smile myself thinking how lame that was. Charlie happened to look over at me caught me smiling, and replaced his smile with a dirty look.
"OK" Gordon said, still laughing a little. "I don't think you're still going to be laughing with this next one. We want you guys to be home by seven pm. I know that's early. It will only be for a little while. We just need to get used to each other. The only way to do that is to see each other.
Charlie looked absolutely pissed, but managed to keep it inside. "What about people being here?" He managed to get the question out through clenched teeth.
"All of your friends will be welcome here until midnight like always." Casey said. She looked at me. "Both of your friends are welcome." I offered her a slight smile as a thank you gesture.
Charlie mumbled "Great." I just ignored it, as did Gordon and Casey.
"And in closing," Gordon said. "We can't make you like each other, but we can make you be civil towards each other. We don't want any fights. NO PRANKS." He looked right at Charlie. I found that a little scary, but oh well. "You can pass this message to the Ducks, too. Anyone caught being outright nasty or pulling pranks in this house is no longer welcome here." Gordon looked at me, "Of course that goes for your friends as well."
I spoke softly. "OK, most of my friends from around here are away at boarding schools anyway." Charlie rolled his eyes at my comment and muttered something.
"Alright, Charlie, are you OK with all the new rules?" Casey asked.
"I don't like them, but I understand and will obey them." Charlie said.
Then Gordon and Casey looked at me.
"I'm fine with them." I said softly.
"Great" Gordon said, "Then lets all go have dinner."
I walked up to the table and sat down across from Charlie. I earned another glare from Charlie when I sat down.
Casey tried to break the tension. "So, Adam, Tell us something about yourself. We know you play hockey. How long did you live in New York?"
"6 years." I replied.
"Do you like it there?" Casey asked.
"It's OK, I guess." I replied.
"I couldn't imagine living in New York by myself at 10 years old. I would have been lonely." Casey said.
"It wasn't that bad. Hockey was great, and I get to come home once a month and see my family." I stopped short after that sentence. I didn't have a family anymore. These 3 strangers were the closest thing that I have for a family now. I fought back the tears and finished what I was saying. "I mean, I did come home to see them."
"Why did you decide to go there? I hope I'm not being too nosy." Casey asked.
"My dad sent me, great opportunity for my hockey career."
"No, you went because you didn't want to be a Duck." Charlie spoke up.
"Charlie, stop it!" Casey said. Gordon gave Charlie a look.
"Whatever," Charlie said.
I just stared at my plate when not being asked something.
"So," Gordon interrupted, "tomorrows Saturday, I rented a moving van. I figured we could all go down to Adams house and help him pack and move his stuff in.
Charlie gave Gordon a, you've got to be kidding me look, and mumbled that he was busy tomorrow.
"Charlie, I'm sure you could fit in a couple of hours to help out." Casey said. "I'm sure there's lots of work to do. If you have plans with the Ducks they can help too."
"Mom, you can't make the Ducks help." Charlie said.
"No, but I can make you help. If you have plans with the Ducks feel free to invite them. Am I clear?
Now, my eyes widened. Just what I need, eighteen to one odds again. It's going to be hard enough packing up the house. The last thing I need is the Ducks there treating me like crap. "It's going to be mostly packing up things all day. We don't really need a whole lot of help. Gordon and I could probably take care of it."
"See, he doesn't want us there, anyway" Charlie said.
Casey ignored the comment and looked at me. "Well, after you pack up the boxes, you're going to need help loading them on the truck and moving the stuff in here, right."
"Yeah," I didn't want to argue she was only trying to help.
"Well, I don't get off work until three. The ducks can be there earlier to help you load things on the truck. Say, around two."
"OK, Thank you," I said feeling a little defeated.
Charlie was beyond pissed. He mumbled something about this whole situation being unbelievable. "Excuse me, I have homework." Charlie left the table and went upstairs.
"Things will get better." Gordon said to no one in particular. "So Adam, What do you need as far as living?"
"Well, I pretty much have everything I need. I did want to ask if it was OK to keep my own furniture. If it's going to be a problem, I can just use what you have up there."
"No, it's fine. You can bring whatever you have. You guys can empty that room tomorrow before you leave. I don't want you to have less comfort than you're use to." Casey said.
"OK, Thanks." I don't think she likes that y family had a lot of money. It's not completely obvious, but she hints at it.
"Tell us some more about yourself, Adam." Casey said.
"Do you mind if we do this another time? I'm exhausted. I just want to settle in." I said, not wanting to piss anyone off, but I'm tired of playing 20 questions.
"Of course" Casey and Gordon both said.
I went up to my room, plunked down on the bed, and called Scott. He's going to be getting a lot of phone calls in the near future. I called his house and his mom picked up.
"Hi, Adam, How are you? Scotty told me you found out about your dad."
"Ok, considering. It's just kinda awkward. Gordon's being great, His family doesn't like me."
"Nonsense, they don't know you. They'll love you in no time. Hey, Do you think they'll trade? They can have Scott, and I get to keep you." Katie said jokingly.
I could hear Scott saying something about him not being a puppy that she can give away.
"I'm sorry I couldn't make dinner tonight. I had to meet the new family."
"No problem, sweetheart. I'll give the phone to Scott, but promise me to call if you need anything, and reschedule that dinner soon."
"Sure, no problem, Bye auntie Katie."
"Bye Adam, Love you, here's Scott."
"Hey man, How'd it go?" Scott asked.
"This is horrible." I said. "Charlie is like the Ducks leader. They were all here when I got here, and they wouldn't let me get in the yard. They all blocked the opening of the fence, until Gordon came out.
That's just the tip of the ice, Gordon and Casey made up all these whacked out rules to try and get us to bond as a family. I have to be home by seven, even on weekends. That is unbelievable. I mean I have been living basically alone for the last six years with no rules, and now I have to be home by seven. I didn't have to be home by seven when I was seven. Ugh, I hate it here."
"Man, that really sucks."
"I don't really care that much about the Ducks. I think on a day to day basis I will hardly see any of them. I'll either be at your house, at school, or in my room."
"Well, you know that you can stay here anytime you need to. My mom and dad like you more than me anyway. Scott laughed.
"Thanks, I think I'll be taking you up on that offer, a lot. Tomorrow, I have to go through the house and start to sort everything and pack my stuff. I have to decide whether to keep, sell, or donate all my parents stuff. I'm going to pick out some things to give your mom, and my aunt. Have I told you that my Aunts not coming home for the funeral?
"What!"
"She just said she couldn't make it out. I think her husband's not letting her come. I don't know what to do. I have to plan the funeral by myself now. I don't even know where to start."
"My mom will help you. I'm sure Gordon and Casey will help if you ask."
"It's too personal, I don't know them."
"Ok, but don't try to do things by yourself. Hey, Is it cool if my mom and I stop by and help you pack stuff tomorrow. She really just wants to see you and make sure you're ok."
"Yeah, that would be great. I'll be there all day. Anytime after nine am to at least six or so. It's going to be a long day. I will warn you that the Ducks are coming over to help around 2 pm."
"Who's brilliant idea was that?"
"Caseys, I think she's trying to help, but Charlie looked pissed. I hope they don't come, but I'm not that lucky.
"I don't care about the Ducks, I'll still go and help you out. If they piss me off, I'll feed them to my mother. I'll just tell her that they were mean to her beloved Adam, and she would whip their butts."
Adam starting laughing hysterically, "That is hilarious. Man, what is it with your family and cheering me up. You people are a drug. What time are you coming?"
"We have a family thing during the day, and we won't be able to come until 3ish. Is that ok."
"Yeah that's fine."
"Alright, man, I'll see you tomorrow."
After that I laid down and tried to clear my head and fall asleep.
CHARLIES POV
I can't believe she want s me to help him pack up his stuff. It will be another reminder that he thinks he's better than us. Another way for him to rub in my face that he's got everything that I've always wanted. He grew up in a mansion. He's got a nice car. I don't even have my license yet. Not to mention, Bombay is his real dad. I can't let this happen. If he and Bombay continue to bond, he won't want me for a son anymore, and he'll leave like all the others did.
THERES ANOTHER CHAPTER GUYS. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT AND PLEASE REVIEW. THANKS.
A/N- Woo hoo, so many reviews. I was so unbelievably happy when I checked my mail. Thank you all so much, I'm glad you all like the story.
JESS- Thanks for reading. Yeah, the ducks are acting childish, but they'll come around, eventually.
PERCUSSION-I'm sorry to hear about your pink eye and sinus infection. I hope you feel better soon. Thanks for the review.
ADRIANNA3-OMG, I'm glad you love it. LOL You're not stupid for forgetting Portmans name. We all have our forgetful moments.
DUCKHOCKEY00214496- The more I think about that line the less sense it makes to me. Oh well, Here it is, Charlie and Adam meeting face to face.
NELLIE2- Oh my schizo friend, you make me laugh so hard.
OPALEYE- I'm glad you like it, thanks for the compliment. It made me smile. Here's the next chapter.
CRAZY4NC128- Yay, The evil allergies are gone. The pranks will be coming soon. I have some pretty good ones in mind, nothing too bad though. Charlie can be mean, but he can't be evil. Only the allergies are evil. LOL
MELODIE- I'm glad you love it. Yes talking is definitely good. Thanks for the review.
DAGUESHA- You're doing a great job with your story. I'm glad you're having fun with it. It is turning out to be a great story. I'm glad you're still enjoying this one. Charlie will be mean, but he'll eventually come around.
GWENYTH HUNTER- Oh Gwenyth, I bet you want Julie to befriend Adam. LOL I too love Adam and Jules together .He will eventually get into a romance. I have it all worked out in my head. I just don't know if it's going to be with Julie or an OC. This will not happen for quite a while though. The Fulton chapter is coming up after this one. Not much longer to wait.
SABREGIRLUS33- As I just told Gwenyth, There will be romance for Adam quite a while down the road. I haven't decided if it's going to be Julie or an OC. I'm glad that you're enjoying my stories. It's nice to hear from someone new.
TAMMY- Almost broke your little sisters elbow? You are a fan. LOL. I too, am a 24 year old Mighty Ducks fan. All the kids in my neighborhood would play kickball. We would quack like we were the Ducks right after the first movie came out. That's where my obsession began. We were pathetic. Oh well, we had fun. My e-mail is kinda moody. I'll try to e-mail you. That's the best I can do. It's so nice to hear from someone new. Thanks for the review.
ALIENATED LYNCANTHROPE- *anne918 blushes* Thank you for all the compliments on my stories. As far as the Fulton favor goes, you made me feel so welcome when I posted the first chapter. I was not sure I was going to be a good writer. Your reviews along with a few others really boasted my confidence. So, I thank you for that. The Fulton tid-bit is coming next chapter, Can you wait? LOL
ADRIANNA 3- oowww, that hurt. Stop hitting me, Here's the update. LOL.
ADAMS POV
It's 3:45. I have to leave my house, but I don't want to. I'm really nervous about moving in with Gordon and his family. He seemed cool when he was here. I grabbed the keys to my moms silver Lexus SUV, and headed out the door. They were in one of my dads cars when they crashed. I sat inside and it was hard not to be emotional. The car still smelt like her.
I drove up to the house and parked at the curb. I didn't feel right parking in the driveway. I looked across the street at the house I would be calling home. It was definitely smaller than my house. Gordon now worked as a not for profit lawyer. He took on cases of people that didn't have enough money to pay for the normal lawyers fees. He worked for a lot less than he was worth to help people. He confided in me that sometimes he even gave his services for free. The house had a small fenced in yard in front. It didn't look like it has a backyard. The house is in Minneapolis, but it was in a nicer area of Minneapolis. It was almost on the Edina border. I could see the Ducks all hanging out in the front yard. A few of them were throwing a football. The girls were just laying in the grass soaking up the sun. They were all laughing and looked to be having fun.
I grabbed my backpack and started heading towards the house. I beeped the alarm for the car, and when I looked up again all their eyes were on me and the laughter stopped.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my new brother." Charlie started
They had all come up to me in the front yard. They were all blocking the opening to the fence, so I couldn't get in. I just stood on the sidewalk in front of the house staring at them, ready to take what they were going to throw at me. Thirteen against one, this is fair.
"Look, you don't belong here. I suggest you find someone else to live with, Cakeater." Hall said. I don't remember his first name.
I just stayed silent and stood my ground. Did they think I was going to fight back with thirteen to three odds. Two big guys in leather looked like they were going to pound me in the face. I know one of them was Fulton Reed. The other one was the other bash brother from the Goodwill games. I don't remember his name.
The next one to insult me was Germaine, "What, you can't talk when you don't have all your Hawk goons with you. You're not going to defend yourself."
I just kept the blank expression on my face, and stared ahead.
The next person to throw an insult was one of the ones I didn't even know, the one who fired the Knuckle puck at the games. "Nice car, let me guess you took the, I'm a rich boy, I'll pay in full plan."
Ugh, I thought, this guy doesn't even know me. I have never met him before today. How can he hate me already.
Just then Gordon came out of the house. "Hey Adam, I'm glad you found it OK."
"Yeah, no trouble." I said. It was like magic. As soon as Gordon came out, all the Ducks moved out of the way, and let me walk by.
"Ducks" Gordon put his arm around my shoulders, "Most of you already know him, but for those of you who don't, this is Adam."
A chorus of very cold and unexcited hey's and hi's from the Ducks followed. Well, at least they weren't going to be down right nasty to me in front of Gordon, just when he wasn't around.
"Well, come on Adam. Let me show you around the house, and introduce you to Casey. Charlie start wrapping things up. We all want to talk a bit before dinner." Gordon said as we walked in the house.
It was a cute little house, very homy and comfy looking. It was very neat and had all kinds of country looking knick knacks and antiques everywhere.
As we walked in, I could see a woman, who I presumed was Casey, cooking something in an apron.
"Hey, Case, Adam's here." Gordon announced.
She turned around and looked at me. She didn't say anything right away. I felt like she was staring at me. It was awkward.
I decided to break the awkwardness. "It's nice to meet you. Thank you for taking me in." I held out my hand for a handshake.
She shook it politely. "I hope this is comfortable enough for you. I know it's not what your use to."
"You have a lovely home. I'll be fine, Thank you." I replied.
"Well," Gordon started, "I'm gonna go show Adam to his room so he can put his stuff down."
I walked a little behind Gordon up the stairs. He showed me my room, which is right across from Charlies. He made sure I had everything I needed for now and then he left me to settle in.
I looked around the room. This was my new home. It's a nice room. It has a big closet and isn't a bad size. It just doesn't feel right. I don't belong in this house, not because it's smaller or in Minneapolis. It's just not my house. It feels like I'm just staying over a friends house. My thoughts were interrupted when Casey called me downstairs.
I started to walk down the stairs, as I turned the corner I heard Casey whispering to Charlie. "I don't know what to tell you. I don't like this either, but we're going to have to deal with it. He's Gordons' son. He's going to live with us." They walked away after that.
I finished walking down the stairs, and into the living room. I heard Charlie, Gordon, and Caseys voice coming from there. They were all seated on the chairs and the couch. I stood in the doorway and didn't say anything.
"Come on in and sit down, Adam." He pointed to the only empty seat near Charlie on the couch.
I walked over and sat as far away from Charlie without making it obvious that I didn't want to sit near him. He slid away and gave me the dirtiest look anyone has ever given me.
"OK" Casey said, "this is obviously going to be quite a transition for all of us. Gordon and I thought that we would lay down exactly what we expect from both of you, so there's no misunderstandings."
Gordon took over "Just keep in mind that these new rules are temporary until we all get use to living together."
"New Rules," Charlie yelled, "You've got to be kidding me. Why in the hell do I need new rules."
"Charlie calm down." Casey said.
Charlie calmed down and Casey started laying down the rules. "OK, first, the reason for these rules are mostly to get the family to bond. We're not trying to punish either of you. We just know that the only way to overcome this feud is to spend time together. "
Charlie and I just nodded our heads.
She continued. "There will be a family night once a week. We will all do something together with noone else. No Ducks." She looked at Charlie. "No Hawks." I nodded. "Just the four of us."
"Are you serious, mom, that's lame." Said Charlie with a half smile on his face. Gordon and Casey laughed lightly. I cracked a small smile myself thinking how lame that was. Charlie happened to look over at me caught me smiling, and replaced his smile with a dirty look.
"OK" Gordon said, still laughing a little. "I don't think you're still going to be laughing with this next one. We want you guys to be home by seven pm. I know that's early. It will only be for a little while. We just need to get used to each other. The only way to do that is to see each other.
Charlie looked absolutely pissed, but managed to keep it inside. "What about people being here?" He managed to get the question out through clenched teeth.
"All of your friends will be welcome here until midnight like always." Casey said. She looked at me. "Both of your friends are welcome." I offered her a slight smile as a thank you gesture.
Charlie mumbled "Great." I just ignored it, as did Gordon and Casey.
"And in closing," Gordon said. "We can't make you like each other, but we can make you be civil towards each other. We don't want any fights. NO PRANKS." He looked right at Charlie. I found that a little scary, but oh well. "You can pass this message to the Ducks, too. Anyone caught being outright nasty or pulling pranks in this house is no longer welcome here." Gordon looked at me, "Of course that goes for your friends as well."
I spoke softly. "OK, most of my friends from around here are away at boarding schools anyway." Charlie rolled his eyes at my comment and muttered something.
"Alright, Charlie, are you OK with all the new rules?" Casey asked.
"I don't like them, but I understand and will obey them." Charlie said.
Then Gordon and Casey looked at me.
"I'm fine with them." I said softly.
"Great" Gordon said, "Then lets all go have dinner."
I walked up to the table and sat down across from Charlie. I earned another glare from Charlie when I sat down.
Casey tried to break the tension. "So, Adam, Tell us something about yourself. We know you play hockey. How long did you live in New York?"
"6 years." I replied.
"Do you like it there?" Casey asked.
"It's OK, I guess." I replied.
"I couldn't imagine living in New York by myself at 10 years old. I would have been lonely." Casey said.
"It wasn't that bad. Hockey was great, and I get to come home once a month and see my family." I stopped short after that sentence. I didn't have a family anymore. These 3 strangers were the closest thing that I have for a family now. I fought back the tears and finished what I was saying. "I mean, I did come home to see them."
"Why did you decide to go there? I hope I'm not being too nosy." Casey asked.
"My dad sent me, great opportunity for my hockey career."
"No, you went because you didn't want to be a Duck." Charlie spoke up.
"Charlie, stop it!" Casey said. Gordon gave Charlie a look.
"Whatever," Charlie said.
I just stared at my plate when not being asked something.
"So," Gordon interrupted, "tomorrows Saturday, I rented a moving van. I figured we could all go down to Adams house and help him pack and move his stuff in.
Charlie gave Gordon a, you've got to be kidding me look, and mumbled that he was busy tomorrow.
"Charlie, I'm sure you could fit in a couple of hours to help out." Casey said. "I'm sure there's lots of work to do. If you have plans with the Ducks they can help too."
"Mom, you can't make the Ducks help." Charlie said.
"No, but I can make you help. If you have plans with the Ducks feel free to invite them. Am I clear?
Now, my eyes widened. Just what I need, eighteen to one odds again. It's going to be hard enough packing up the house. The last thing I need is the Ducks there treating me like crap. "It's going to be mostly packing up things all day. We don't really need a whole lot of help. Gordon and I could probably take care of it."
"See, he doesn't want us there, anyway" Charlie said.
Casey ignored the comment and looked at me. "Well, after you pack up the boxes, you're going to need help loading them on the truck and moving the stuff in here, right."
"Yeah," I didn't want to argue she was only trying to help.
"Well, I don't get off work until three. The ducks can be there earlier to help you load things on the truck. Say, around two."
"OK, Thank you," I said feeling a little defeated.
Charlie was beyond pissed. He mumbled something about this whole situation being unbelievable. "Excuse me, I have homework." Charlie left the table and went upstairs.
"Things will get better." Gordon said to no one in particular. "So Adam, What do you need as far as living?"
"Well, I pretty much have everything I need. I did want to ask if it was OK to keep my own furniture. If it's going to be a problem, I can just use what you have up there."
"No, it's fine. You can bring whatever you have. You guys can empty that room tomorrow before you leave. I don't want you to have less comfort than you're use to." Casey said.
"OK, Thanks." I don't think she likes that y family had a lot of money. It's not completely obvious, but she hints at it.
"Tell us some more about yourself, Adam." Casey said.
"Do you mind if we do this another time? I'm exhausted. I just want to settle in." I said, not wanting to piss anyone off, but I'm tired of playing 20 questions.
"Of course" Casey and Gordon both said.
I went up to my room, plunked down on the bed, and called Scott. He's going to be getting a lot of phone calls in the near future. I called his house and his mom picked up.
"Hi, Adam, How are you? Scotty told me you found out about your dad."
"Ok, considering. It's just kinda awkward. Gordon's being great, His family doesn't like me."
"Nonsense, they don't know you. They'll love you in no time. Hey, Do you think they'll trade? They can have Scott, and I get to keep you." Katie said jokingly.
I could hear Scott saying something about him not being a puppy that she can give away.
"I'm sorry I couldn't make dinner tonight. I had to meet the new family."
"No problem, sweetheart. I'll give the phone to Scott, but promise me to call if you need anything, and reschedule that dinner soon."
"Sure, no problem, Bye auntie Katie."
"Bye Adam, Love you, here's Scott."
"Hey man, How'd it go?" Scott asked.
"This is horrible." I said. "Charlie is like the Ducks leader. They were all here when I got here, and they wouldn't let me get in the yard. They all blocked the opening of the fence, until Gordon came out.
That's just the tip of the ice, Gordon and Casey made up all these whacked out rules to try and get us to bond as a family. I have to be home by seven, even on weekends. That is unbelievable. I mean I have been living basically alone for the last six years with no rules, and now I have to be home by seven. I didn't have to be home by seven when I was seven. Ugh, I hate it here."
"Man, that really sucks."
"I don't really care that much about the Ducks. I think on a day to day basis I will hardly see any of them. I'll either be at your house, at school, or in my room."
"Well, you know that you can stay here anytime you need to. My mom and dad like you more than me anyway. Scott laughed.
"Thanks, I think I'll be taking you up on that offer, a lot. Tomorrow, I have to go through the house and start to sort everything and pack my stuff. I have to decide whether to keep, sell, or donate all my parents stuff. I'm going to pick out some things to give your mom, and my aunt. Have I told you that my Aunts not coming home for the funeral?
"What!"
"She just said she couldn't make it out. I think her husband's not letting her come. I don't know what to do. I have to plan the funeral by myself now. I don't even know where to start."
"My mom will help you. I'm sure Gordon and Casey will help if you ask."
"It's too personal, I don't know them."
"Ok, but don't try to do things by yourself. Hey, Is it cool if my mom and I stop by and help you pack stuff tomorrow. She really just wants to see you and make sure you're ok."
"Yeah, that would be great. I'll be there all day. Anytime after nine am to at least six or so. It's going to be a long day. I will warn you that the Ducks are coming over to help around 2 pm."
"Who's brilliant idea was that?"
"Caseys, I think she's trying to help, but Charlie looked pissed. I hope they don't come, but I'm not that lucky.
"I don't care about the Ducks, I'll still go and help you out. If they piss me off, I'll feed them to my mother. I'll just tell her that they were mean to her beloved Adam, and she would whip their butts."
Adam starting laughing hysterically, "That is hilarious. Man, what is it with your family and cheering me up. You people are a drug. What time are you coming?"
"We have a family thing during the day, and we won't be able to come until 3ish. Is that ok."
"Yeah that's fine."
"Alright, man, I'll see you tomorrow."
After that I laid down and tried to clear my head and fall asleep.
CHARLIES POV
I can't believe she want s me to help him pack up his stuff. It will be another reminder that he thinks he's better than us. Another way for him to rub in my face that he's got everything that I've always wanted. He grew up in a mansion. He's got a nice car. I don't even have my license yet. Not to mention, Bombay is his real dad. I can't let this happen. If he and Bombay continue to bond, he won't want me for a son anymore, and he'll leave like all the others did.
THERES ANOTHER CHAPTER GUYS. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT AND PLEASE REVIEW. THANKS.