Note: It's fun to see you guys trying to guess who's going to be with who.
You'll just have to wait to get to that point of the story though to find
out. Crazy4nc128, DuckHockey00214496, anne918, and Banksiesbabe99 thank-you
for reviewing. Your reviews inspire me to keep writing (I have a tendency
of starting a story and then never finishing it usually) but knowing you're
enjoying it keeps me going on it. So please keep reviewing even if its just
a two word review. At least I know you're still out there. Well here's the
next Chapter and a little bit more complication in the lives of our beloved
Ducks. And anne918 you'll be happy to know that the end of the chapter is
Adam's POV.
Charlie's POV:
On Thursday I headed to the roller hockey court by myself. I had gone for a walk after my last class to think about things. I was determined to make this team. I had to figure out how best to accomplish that. I knew the number one thing would be to control my temper. By the time I had gotten to the dorm after my walk none of my friends were anywhere to be seen. Guy's skates and stuff had been gone so I had grabbed my stuff and headed for the court. It was still a little early but I would need time to put my skates and stuff on anyways.
Even though it was early I saw that others had already arrived. Alex was there already but I didn't see Scooter anywhere. I looked around the court to see if any of my other friends had showed up yet and saw Averman occupying the same spot we had staked out yesterday. I headed over to join him.
"Hey Averman," I said as I sat my stuff down next to him. He had just started to put his skates on.
"Hey Charlie. Where did you get to this afternoon?" he asked me looking up at me.
"I was out walking. Needed some time to think." I told him. I was about to sit down and start putting my own skates on when I heard Alex call my name.
"Hey Charlie, can we talk for a minute?" she asked me as I turned around to find her standing near by.
"Yeah, sure," I told her feeling a little uneasy. She led me back through the gate and we walked across the grass away from the roller hockey court and the gathering kids. When there was no chance of us being overheard she stopped and faced me.
"Look, Charlie I'm going to be honest with you, both Scott and I are a little concerned about your temper. Things like what happened with Murphy yesterday are going to happen from time to time but you can't go off like you did yesterday. Believe me I know how easy it is to do that. I had a problem with my temper when I came here and played on Varsity my freshman year. It almost got me kicked off the team."
"But you use to be so calm on the ice during games when we played in pee wees."
"That was only because the others just went off more than I did no one really noticed me. Besides I was usually so mad at McGill or Coach Reilly that I didn't have any anger left for my opponents."
I couldn't help but laugh at that statement. The Hawks definitely had never been known for their people skills.
"Besides," Alex said growing more serious, "we were just kids back then. I don't know if you've realized it or not but we're at a different level now. More is expected of us," she told me. I nodded. That had been what Orion had been trying to show all of us at the beginning of the season last fall.
"I take it then that I don't have much of a chance at making the team?" I asked. I figured we might as well cut to the chase. I wanted to know where I stood.
"Scott wanted to cut you yesterday," she told me honestly. "He still doesn't think you should be on the team. However, I think you'd be a great asset to this team. I want you on the team. I've made a deal with Scott. If you can control your temper and not go off on anyone during the next two days then you can be on the team."
"I think I have my work cut out for me," I told her.
"I think you can do it," she told me. "What I do when I start getting angry at someone or something I try to do one of two things. First I try to channel that energy into something else other than fighting with someone. Somebody trips you walk away. Let it go. Let the referees handle it or in case of practices the coaches. Maybe they'll catch it maybe they won't but taking it on yourself is only going to get yourself into the trouble."
I nodded. I know it wasn't going to be as easy as it sounded but I was willing to give it a try. "What is the second thing?" I asked her.
"What I had you do yesterday. If possible I go off by myself and calm down. I know it isn't always possible but these next to days if you need to go off and calm down do it."
"What about Scooter?" I asked knowing he wasn't going to take to kindly to me walking off in the middle of try outs.
"I'll deal with that. Just make you sure you come back," Alex said with a smile.
"Okay," I told her. I had a feeling that my chances of making the team may have just gone up.
Alex and I started walking back toward the roller hockey court. I decided to take the opportunity to pass along Adam's message while I was talking to her now.
"Um, I was talking to Adam last night. He mentioned that the two of you were friends and asked me to pass along a message," I told her. "He wanted you to give him a call when you got the chance. He had mono over the holiday break and won't be back in school till Monday. I'll give you the number he can be reached at. He said he was going to call you but he wasn't sure where to reach you."
"Did he tell you anything else?" she asked me.
"No," I told her quickly. "I did ask," I admitted to her, "but I knew Adam wouldn't tell me even before he asked."
"You're right. I don't even know why I thought he might," Alex said. "So I guess you're curious as to why I wasn't playing hockey last semester?"
"Among other things," I admitted. I looked over to try and gauge how she was taking all of this. She was still smiling which I took as a good sign.
"Look, how about we get together later tonight and I'll answer some of your questions," she told me. "I could actually use someone else to talk to right now."
"Okay," I agreed. By this time we had reached the court again. I held the gate open for her. Alex went over to get her skates on and I headed back to my stuff. Russ, Guy, and Connie had joined Averman by this time. I sat down on the ground and started getting my skates and pads on.
"Sweet talking the coach, Charlie?" Russ asked.
"It might be the only way he makes the team after yesterday," I heard Averman comment. I didn't say anything. I knew they were joking and I wasn't going to fall into their trap.
"Hey guys, what's up?" I heard Julie asked saving me from anymore ribbing from my friends and looked up to see her walking toward us. Scooter was walking over to where Alex was so I figured he and Julie had showed up together.
"Hey Julie," I replied.
"Nah, Russ here's the one who is sweet talking the coach," Guy said in reference to Julie.
"Shut up Guy," Julie snapped. Guy quickly disappeared and started skating laps. Connie went and caught up to him. Russ and Averman skated off too before Julie could turn on either of them.
"Everything okay, Charlie" Julie asked me sitting down and putting on her skates.
"Yeah, fine," I told her. I definitely wasn't going to tell her what Alex had told me. What was I going to say. 'Yeah everything is fine. I just found out your boyfriend doesn't want me on the team'. That would go over real well. "I guess I'm just nervous about try outs," I said trying to give her some kind of explanation and hoping that she would just leave it at that.
"Just relax Charlie. Its not the end of the world if you don't make it," Julie said. I couldn't help but wonder if Scooter had something to her about me.
"Yeah right," I said standing up and grabbing my hockey stick. I could feel myself getting angry at her. I figured I'd put Alex's advice into practice and get away from the situation.
"Charlie," Julie called after me.
"I need to warm up," I told her putting a smile on my face and then skating off.
Julie's POV:
As I watched Charlie skate off I shook my head. As soon as I had made that comment I knew it was the wrong thing to say. I knew he really wanted to make this team and I knew he felt as if Scooter was determined to keep him off of it. Secretly I was starting to wonder if that was true myself. Scooter and I hadn't talked much about roller hockey which was probably a good thing. I had a feeling that if I did make the team then I would be getting teased about dating Scooter the whole time but I didn't care. I really wanted to play roller hockey. Plus it would be nice to spend extra time with Scooter.
Try outs started shortly. Alex and Scooter switched the groups they had yesterday and so I ended up in Scooter's group with Charlie and Averman. Scooter started right into drills. I actually got to play goalie more than I had the day before. I still felt as though that was my best chance at making the team but I was determined to try my best at all the drills and everything else too.
"Tyler if you're not going to take this seriously you can leave now," I heard Alex yell from the other side of the court. I noticed Scooter look over in that direction quickly to see what was going on. I didn't hear Russ reply but I could imagine what it was from knowing him the past three years. I didn't see Russ heading for the sidelines so I took that as a good sign.
I looked back at our one on one drill as Charlie started heading toward the net with the puck. Jon Kilpatrick, a junior from the varsity and a good friend of Scooters, was skating defense against him. As they got close to the net I saw Charlie go down but couldn't really tell what had happen from where I was standing. I was waiting for Charlie to go off but instead he just got to his feet and headed to the back of the line for the skaters playing defense. I saw Scooter give Kilpatrick a slight nod which made me wonder if Scooter had set Charlie up on purpose.
I didn't have too much time to dwell on it though as my turn came up quickly. I ended up skating defense against someone that I didn't know at all. I knew for sure that he hadn't played hockey last semester. Although I tried my best the kid was able to slip by me and send the puck into the net.
"Nice shot, Lambert," I heard Scooter call out. As Averman went up against Allen, one of my competitors for the goalie position. Averman was able to get the shot off but Marci was able to deflect the puck with her stick.
When it was my turn to try offense I had to skate against a girl from my English class Haley Johnson. She was good but I was still hoping to score. I faked one way and then went the other way. She fell for the fake and I was able to get a shot off and it went pass Marci still in front of the net.
"Good shot Gaffney," Scooter called. "Okay take a break."
With a sigh of relief I took off my helmet and headed for the sidelines. I was just happy to see shot go in.
"Nice job Julie," Charlie said skating up behind me. I looked over at him and saw that he had a smile on his face. I took the smile as meaning that he wasn't mad at me anymore.
"Thanks Charlie." I told him as I put the stick Connie had lent me down and then took my gloves off. I picked up my water bottle and turned to Charlie.
"What happened out there with Kilpatrick?" I asked him.
"Just hockey," Charlie said with a shrug but I had known Charlie long enough to read between the lines. Even though he hadn't said it I knew Charlie felt that he had been tripped up by him.
We were near enough to Alex's group that we could hear what was going on. They were doing the same drill we had been and Connie and Guy were skating against each other. Simon Malone, who happened to be my biology lab partner was serving as goalie. Russ was standing in line pretending to be an announcer. Alex kept glancing over his way but Russ didn't see her. He was too busy having fun.
"She's gonna go off on him yet," Charlie commented to me. I figured she was referring to Russ.
"You think Russ would've figured out to keep his mouth shut."
"Yeah right," I heard Charlie say with a laugh. He had a point. The first time any of us had even seen Russ he had been in the stands of one of our games at the Junior Goodwill Games yelling insults at us.
"Okay take a break," Alex told her group after Guy had stole the puck away from Connie. Connie did not look at all happy about it. I watched as Alex skated over to where Scooter was, said something to him and then left the court.
"Russ, alienating the coach is not going to get you on the team," Averman told him as he came over and joined us.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Russ said. "I'm just entertaining."
"Does she know that," Averman said.
"All right everyone," Scooter yelled a few minutes later. Alex was still no where to be seen. "I want you to pair off. We're going to work on some passing drills."
Connie grabbed me as her partner. I guess she was still mad at Guy. I saw Charlie and Averman pair up which left Guy with either Russ or someone he didn't really know. He chose Russ.
Shortly after we started the passing drills Alex came back. At that time I noticed Coach Bombay standing at the side of the court.
"Julie pay attention," Connie yelled to me.
"Sorry," I said and focused on my partner. I still missed the pass. I went and got the puck we had and then came back to my spot and sent the puck back to Connie. Not long after that I heard a whistle blow.
"We're going to end tryouts, a little early today," Scooter told us once he had all of our attention. Coach Bombay had walked over to stand next to him and Alex. "Before I let you all go though I want to introduce you all to our faculty advisor. Most of you already know him but for those of you who don't this is Coach Bombay."
"Hi everyone. I just wanted to stop by today and see how things were going and also let you all know what role I plan on taking with this team. I will be observing practices and games and I'll be around during try outs tomorrow. I would be happy to answer any questions or show anybody anything that you might need help with but I will be letting Alex and Scooter run this team. I'm not going to get involved directly in any problems that may arise. Alex and Scooter are the coaches and they will have the final say," Coach Bombay told us.
After that Alex and Scooter dismissed us. I headed over to the sidelines with the rest of the Ducks and started taking off our skates. As soon as we had our sneakers on and stuff put away Connie and I headed back to our dorm. I had promised to help her with her lines for drama club try outs. Connie didn't even bother to say good bye to Guy. I wondered how long she was going to stay mad at him this time.
As we left I saw Portman and Fulton skating toward the roller hockey court from the other direction. Connie was in a hurry to get to practicing so we didn't hang around to say hi or find out what they were up to.
Portman's POV:
As we approached the roller hockey court I glanced at my watch. Try outs were already breaking up but we were on time.
"I guess they're ending early," I commented to Fulton who skated beside me.
"Well they're Charlie so we didn't miss him," Fulton said. Fulton and I were meeting Charlie after his try outs and going into town to catch a movie.
As I looked in the direction Fulton had pointed I did saw Charlie talking with the most gorgeous chick I had ever seen. I had no clue as to who she was but I was planning on finding out. From there all I had to do was introduce myself and the rest would be history.
"Stop drooling dude," Fulton said from beside me.
"Oh come on, she's hot," I said but I did stop looking at her with my mouth hanging open. By this time Charlie had was skating in our direction.
"Hi Charlie," Fulton called to him.
"Hi Fulton," he said. "Hi Portman."
"Hi Charlie," I said as he joined us. "Man who is that babe you were talking too?" I asked him.
"That's Alex," Charlie said easily although he didn't look to pleased with my use of the term babe. "She's one of the student coaches."
"Bet you're wishing you tried out for the team now huh man," Fulton said with a grin on his face.
"Does she have a boyfriend?" I asked although it didn't really matter. I didn't mind a little competition.
"I honestly don't know," Charlie told me. "Hey if we're going to make it to the movie we better get going." Charlie didn't have his skating stuff with him so I figured he had given it to the other guys to take back to the dorm.
Charlie started skating across campus in the direction of the bus stop. Fulton followed him and after one last look back at the girl of my dreams I followed him. I was definitely going to have to introduce myself somehow.
Adam's POV:
I was in my room trying to do some of the school work that I had been missing seeing as I was still stuck at home. I had packed up some of my stuff already as we were planning on moving into the new house this weekend. Or should I say that Gordon, Ms. Conway and Charlie was going to be moving the stuff into the new house. Gordon had already told me that I was to take it easy this weekend. I guess he was still afraid that I might have another relapse in my recovery.
As I opened my science book I heard the phone ring but decided to let Gordon answer it. It rang only twice so I figured he had answered it. A few moments later I heard a knock at my door.
"Yeah," I called. Gordon opened the door and stuck his head in.
"Phone is for you," he said.
"Okay, thanks," I said standing up from my desk and heading out to the living room to get the phone. I was curious as to who it was. It couldn't be one of the Ducks because Gordon knew all of their voices and usually told me who it was.
"Hello," I said picking up the phone and sitting down on the couch near by. Gordon headed back into the kitchen.
"Hi Adam," a voice said that I hadn't heard in awhile.
"Alex," I said surprised. "I didn't think you'd call me this soon." I told her.
"Why not?" she said. "I've been meaning to call you for awhile but then I found out you weren't staying at home and I wasn't around campus much last semester so I couldn't get a hold of you there either. I guess I could've called your house and tried finding out where you were staying but I really didn't want to talk to your dad."
"Can't say I blame you," I told her. "Not that he would've told you anyway," I said. I told her what had happened between my Dad and me and why I was staying with Coach Bombay.
"Adam, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you through all of that," she told me when I was finished.
"Hey I understand," I told her. "I'm sorry about your mother. My Mom showed me the obituary a week after she died when I was feeling better. I didn't know where to reach you or I would've called you."
"I missed not having you to lean on this time around," Alex admitted.
"Well, you know where I am if you need me now. Anytime, don't hesitate to call."
"Thanks Adam. When are you coming back to school."
"Monday thankfully. I'm going crazy here. I'm still not going to be able to do a lot. The doctor told me to go to classes and take it easy in the evenings for awhile. No gym and no extracurricular activities."
"You know there are a lot of kids who would love to get out of gym class."
"I don't know why. Gym is fun."
"Yeah, for us athletic types," Alex said with a laugh.
"So, who are you staying with now?" I asked her.
Alex hesitated for a moment and then said. "I'm staying with the Larsons."
"Oh," I said not sure what else to say. I knew that Alex was still friends with Shane in fact she had tried several times to try and get us back together. However, it was still awkward anytime him or his family got mentioned. This time though I had a feeling there was something more that she wasn't telling me. Before I could ask though Alex volunteered the information.
"Adam, I think you should know that Shane is going to Eden Hall this semester. He transferred over from Jefferson Academy."
"Great," I said not at all enthusiastic.
"Adam, he doesn't want to cause any problems with you or your friends."
"Okay," I said not wanting to get into a fight with her. "Let's just drop it okay."
"Okay," she said quietly. "Adam, I have something I want to tell you. I haven't mentioned it to anyone before," she was quiet for a moment and I didn't say anything. I didn't want to ruin the moment. "Right before my mom died she told me that she had adopted me," Alex said. I could hear in her voice that she was close to tears which had me concerned because Alex did not cry that often. The last time I had seen her cry was when her mom was sick four years ago when we were both Hawks. "I loved my parents. They meant everything to me and then I find out that they weren't my real parents. Part of me just doesn't know who I am anymore."
"It doesn't change who you are," I told her. "So they weren't your biological parents. Does it really matter. You know they loved you and you loved them."
"I know you're right but sometimes I can't help but wonder who I would've been if I hadn't been adopted."
"Did she tell you anything about your adoption."
"No, I think she wanted to but she was so sick at the time. Even if she did I'm not sure I want to know who my birth parents are. I mean they did give me away."
"Sounds to me like you really do want to find them but your afraid to," I told her.
"Maybe I am. Maybe I just don't want to spend my time trying to figure out who I am."
"Finding your birth parents wouldn't really change who you are. You'd still be Alex. The same girl I use to play hide and seek and tag with. The same girl who gave McGill a bloody nose when he said girls couldn't play hockey. Who stood up for me when all the other Hawks turned against me. I mean come on how many girls could actually win a fight against any of the guys at Eden Hall." I heard Alex laugh on the end of the line. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed hearing her laugh.
I heard some voices in the background and then Alex told me, "Hey Adam, I have to go. Charlie and I were getting together tonight to talk and my roommate just told me that he's downstairs waiting for me."
"Okay," I told her. I felt funny about her spending time with Charlie. I don't know why. I should've been happy. It would be great if Alex could be friends with the Ducks. I had always tried to avoid any situation where they would meet simply because I thought there would be trouble because she use to be a Hawk.
"If I don't get a chance to talk to you this weekend I'll see you on Monday at school okay."
"Okay Alex. Bye," I told her.
"Bye," she said and then I heard the faint click as she hung up the phone.
I hung up the phone and then walked into my room. Shane Larson at Eden Hall. Suddenly I wasn't looking forward to returning to school so much. Shane and I had been best friends before I joined the Ducks. He had never been openly hostile to me but he had always hung around McGill and kind of went along with whatever McGill had done. He hadn't stood up for me like Alex had but then Alex had never liked McGill anyways. I had been hoping I would never have to face him again. It didn't look like I was going to be that lucky.
And then there was the Ducks. I know they didn't like him. Hell, Fulton had tied him, McGill and another Hawk to a tree in their underwear in the middle of the park the spring after I joined the Ducks. Right before we went to the Junior Goodwill games. I hated to think what would happen between them this semester. And if the Ducks and Shane were fighting how would that affect my friendship with Alex because I knew that Alex would stand by Shane just like she had stood by me.
With a sigh I grabbed the novel we were suppose to be reading in English class and laid down on my bed. I tried to immerse myself in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations and forget about my life for awhile.
Charlie's POV:
On Thursday I headed to the roller hockey court by myself. I had gone for a walk after my last class to think about things. I was determined to make this team. I had to figure out how best to accomplish that. I knew the number one thing would be to control my temper. By the time I had gotten to the dorm after my walk none of my friends were anywhere to be seen. Guy's skates and stuff had been gone so I had grabbed my stuff and headed for the court. It was still a little early but I would need time to put my skates and stuff on anyways.
Even though it was early I saw that others had already arrived. Alex was there already but I didn't see Scooter anywhere. I looked around the court to see if any of my other friends had showed up yet and saw Averman occupying the same spot we had staked out yesterday. I headed over to join him.
"Hey Averman," I said as I sat my stuff down next to him. He had just started to put his skates on.
"Hey Charlie. Where did you get to this afternoon?" he asked me looking up at me.
"I was out walking. Needed some time to think." I told him. I was about to sit down and start putting my own skates on when I heard Alex call my name.
"Hey Charlie, can we talk for a minute?" she asked me as I turned around to find her standing near by.
"Yeah, sure," I told her feeling a little uneasy. She led me back through the gate and we walked across the grass away from the roller hockey court and the gathering kids. When there was no chance of us being overheard she stopped and faced me.
"Look, Charlie I'm going to be honest with you, both Scott and I are a little concerned about your temper. Things like what happened with Murphy yesterday are going to happen from time to time but you can't go off like you did yesterday. Believe me I know how easy it is to do that. I had a problem with my temper when I came here and played on Varsity my freshman year. It almost got me kicked off the team."
"But you use to be so calm on the ice during games when we played in pee wees."
"That was only because the others just went off more than I did no one really noticed me. Besides I was usually so mad at McGill or Coach Reilly that I didn't have any anger left for my opponents."
I couldn't help but laugh at that statement. The Hawks definitely had never been known for their people skills.
"Besides," Alex said growing more serious, "we were just kids back then. I don't know if you've realized it or not but we're at a different level now. More is expected of us," she told me. I nodded. That had been what Orion had been trying to show all of us at the beginning of the season last fall.
"I take it then that I don't have much of a chance at making the team?" I asked. I figured we might as well cut to the chase. I wanted to know where I stood.
"Scott wanted to cut you yesterday," she told me honestly. "He still doesn't think you should be on the team. However, I think you'd be a great asset to this team. I want you on the team. I've made a deal with Scott. If you can control your temper and not go off on anyone during the next two days then you can be on the team."
"I think I have my work cut out for me," I told her.
"I think you can do it," she told me. "What I do when I start getting angry at someone or something I try to do one of two things. First I try to channel that energy into something else other than fighting with someone. Somebody trips you walk away. Let it go. Let the referees handle it or in case of practices the coaches. Maybe they'll catch it maybe they won't but taking it on yourself is only going to get yourself into the trouble."
I nodded. I know it wasn't going to be as easy as it sounded but I was willing to give it a try. "What is the second thing?" I asked her.
"What I had you do yesterday. If possible I go off by myself and calm down. I know it isn't always possible but these next to days if you need to go off and calm down do it."
"What about Scooter?" I asked knowing he wasn't going to take to kindly to me walking off in the middle of try outs.
"I'll deal with that. Just make you sure you come back," Alex said with a smile.
"Okay," I told her. I had a feeling that my chances of making the team may have just gone up.
Alex and I started walking back toward the roller hockey court. I decided to take the opportunity to pass along Adam's message while I was talking to her now.
"Um, I was talking to Adam last night. He mentioned that the two of you were friends and asked me to pass along a message," I told her. "He wanted you to give him a call when you got the chance. He had mono over the holiday break and won't be back in school till Monday. I'll give you the number he can be reached at. He said he was going to call you but he wasn't sure where to reach you."
"Did he tell you anything else?" she asked me.
"No," I told her quickly. "I did ask," I admitted to her, "but I knew Adam wouldn't tell me even before he asked."
"You're right. I don't even know why I thought he might," Alex said. "So I guess you're curious as to why I wasn't playing hockey last semester?"
"Among other things," I admitted. I looked over to try and gauge how she was taking all of this. She was still smiling which I took as a good sign.
"Look, how about we get together later tonight and I'll answer some of your questions," she told me. "I could actually use someone else to talk to right now."
"Okay," I agreed. By this time we had reached the court again. I held the gate open for her. Alex went over to get her skates on and I headed back to my stuff. Russ, Guy, and Connie had joined Averman by this time. I sat down on the ground and started getting my skates and pads on.
"Sweet talking the coach, Charlie?" Russ asked.
"It might be the only way he makes the team after yesterday," I heard Averman comment. I didn't say anything. I knew they were joking and I wasn't going to fall into their trap.
"Hey guys, what's up?" I heard Julie asked saving me from anymore ribbing from my friends and looked up to see her walking toward us. Scooter was walking over to where Alex was so I figured he and Julie had showed up together.
"Hey Julie," I replied.
"Nah, Russ here's the one who is sweet talking the coach," Guy said in reference to Julie.
"Shut up Guy," Julie snapped. Guy quickly disappeared and started skating laps. Connie went and caught up to him. Russ and Averman skated off too before Julie could turn on either of them.
"Everything okay, Charlie" Julie asked me sitting down and putting on her skates.
"Yeah, fine," I told her. I definitely wasn't going to tell her what Alex had told me. What was I going to say. 'Yeah everything is fine. I just found out your boyfriend doesn't want me on the team'. That would go over real well. "I guess I'm just nervous about try outs," I said trying to give her some kind of explanation and hoping that she would just leave it at that.
"Just relax Charlie. Its not the end of the world if you don't make it," Julie said. I couldn't help but wonder if Scooter had something to her about me.
"Yeah right," I said standing up and grabbing my hockey stick. I could feel myself getting angry at her. I figured I'd put Alex's advice into practice and get away from the situation.
"Charlie," Julie called after me.
"I need to warm up," I told her putting a smile on my face and then skating off.
Julie's POV:
As I watched Charlie skate off I shook my head. As soon as I had made that comment I knew it was the wrong thing to say. I knew he really wanted to make this team and I knew he felt as if Scooter was determined to keep him off of it. Secretly I was starting to wonder if that was true myself. Scooter and I hadn't talked much about roller hockey which was probably a good thing. I had a feeling that if I did make the team then I would be getting teased about dating Scooter the whole time but I didn't care. I really wanted to play roller hockey. Plus it would be nice to spend extra time with Scooter.
Try outs started shortly. Alex and Scooter switched the groups they had yesterday and so I ended up in Scooter's group with Charlie and Averman. Scooter started right into drills. I actually got to play goalie more than I had the day before. I still felt as though that was my best chance at making the team but I was determined to try my best at all the drills and everything else too.
"Tyler if you're not going to take this seriously you can leave now," I heard Alex yell from the other side of the court. I noticed Scooter look over in that direction quickly to see what was going on. I didn't hear Russ reply but I could imagine what it was from knowing him the past three years. I didn't see Russ heading for the sidelines so I took that as a good sign.
I looked back at our one on one drill as Charlie started heading toward the net with the puck. Jon Kilpatrick, a junior from the varsity and a good friend of Scooters, was skating defense against him. As they got close to the net I saw Charlie go down but couldn't really tell what had happen from where I was standing. I was waiting for Charlie to go off but instead he just got to his feet and headed to the back of the line for the skaters playing defense. I saw Scooter give Kilpatrick a slight nod which made me wonder if Scooter had set Charlie up on purpose.
I didn't have too much time to dwell on it though as my turn came up quickly. I ended up skating defense against someone that I didn't know at all. I knew for sure that he hadn't played hockey last semester. Although I tried my best the kid was able to slip by me and send the puck into the net.
"Nice shot, Lambert," I heard Scooter call out. As Averman went up against Allen, one of my competitors for the goalie position. Averman was able to get the shot off but Marci was able to deflect the puck with her stick.
When it was my turn to try offense I had to skate against a girl from my English class Haley Johnson. She was good but I was still hoping to score. I faked one way and then went the other way. She fell for the fake and I was able to get a shot off and it went pass Marci still in front of the net.
"Good shot Gaffney," Scooter called. "Okay take a break."
With a sigh of relief I took off my helmet and headed for the sidelines. I was just happy to see shot go in.
"Nice job Julie," Charlie said skating up behind me. I looked over at him and saw that he had a smile on his face. I took the smile as meaning that he wasn't mad at me anymore.
"Thanks Charlie." I told him as I put the stick Connie had lent me down and then took my gloves off. I picked up my water bottle and turned to Charlie.
"What happened out there with Kilpatrick?" I asked him.
"Just hockey," Charlie said with a shrug but I had known Charlie long enough to read between the lines. Even though he hadn't said it I knew Charlie felt that he had been tripped up by him.
We were near enough to Alex's group that we could hear what was going on. They were doing the same drill we had been and Connie and Guy were skating against each other. Simon Malone, who happened to be my biology lab partner was serving as goalie. Russ was standing in line pretending to be an announcer. Alex kept glancing over his way but Russ didn't see her. He was too busy having fun.
"She's gonna go off on him yet," Charlie commented to me. I figured she was referring to Russ.
"You think Russ would've figured out to keep his mouth shut."
"Yeah right," I heard Charlie say with a laugh. He had a point. The first time any of us had even seen Russ he had been in the stands of one of our games at the Junior Goodwill Games yelling insults at us.
"Okay take a break," Alex told her group after Guy had stole the puck away from Connie. Connie did not look at all happy about it. I watched as Alex skated over to where Scooter was, said something to him and then left the court.
"Russ, alienating the coach is not going to get you on the team," Averman told him as he came over and joined us.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Russ said. "I'm just entertaining."
"Does she know that," Averman said.
"All right everyone," Scooter yelled a few minutes later. Alex was still no where to be seen. "I want you to pair off. We're going to work on some passing drills."
Connie grabbed me as her partner. I guess she was still mad at Guy. I saw Charlie and Averman pair up which left Guy with either Russ or someone he didn't really know. He chose Russ.
Shortly after we started the passing drills Alex came back. At that time I noticed Coach Bombay standing at the side of the court.
"Julie pay attention," Connie yelled to me.
"Sorry," I said and focused on my partner. I still missed the pass. I went and got the puck we had and then came back to my spot and sent the puck back to Connie. Not long after that I heard a whistle blow.
"We're going to end tryouts, a little early today," Scooter told us once he had all of our attention. Coach Bombay had walked over to stand next to him and Alex. "Before I let you all go though I want to introduce you all to our faculty advisor. Most of you already know him but for those of you who don't this is Coach Bombay."
"Hi everyone. I just wanted to stop by today and see how things were going and also let you all know what role I plan on taking with this team. I will be observing practices and games and I'll be around during try outs tomorrow. I would be happy to answer any questions or show anybody anything that you might need help with but I will be letting Alex and Scooter run this team. I'm not going to get involved directly in any problems that may arise. Alex and Scooter are the coaches and they will have the final say," Coach Bombay told us.
After that Alex and Scooter dismissed us. I headed over to the sidelines with the rest of the Ducks and started taking off our skates. As soon as we had our sneakers on and stuff put away Connie and I headed back to our dorm. I had promised to help her with her lines for drama club try outs. Connie didn't even bother to say good bye to Guy. I wondered how long she was going to stay mad at him this time.
As we left I saw Portman and Fulton skating toward the roller hockey court from the other direction. Connie was in a hurry to get to practicing so we didn't hang around to say hi or find out what they were up to.
Portman's POV:
As we approached the roller hockey court I glanced at my watch. Try outs were already breaking up but we were on time.
"I guess they're ending early," I commented to Fulton who skated beside me.
"Well they're Charlie so we didn't miss him," Fulton said. Fulton and I were meeting Charlie after his try outs and going into town to catch a movie.
As I looked in the direction Fulton had pointed I did saw Charlie talking with the most gorgeous chick I had ever seen. I had no clue as to who she was but I was planning on finding out. From there all I had to do was introduce myself and the rest would be history.
"Stop drooling dude," Fulton said from beside me.
"Oh come on, she's hot," I said but I did stop looking at her with my mouth hanging open. By this time Charlie had was skating in our direction.
"Hi Charlie," Fulton called to him.
"Hi Fulton," he said. "Hi Portman."
"Hi Charlie," I said as he joined us. "Man who is that babe you were talking too?" I asked him.
"That's Alex," Charlie said easily although he didn't look to pleased with my use of the term babe. "She's one of the student coaches."
"Bet you're wishing you tried out for the team now huh man," Fulton said with a grin on his face.
"Does she have a boyfriend?" I asked although it didn't really matter. I didn't mind a little competition.
"I honestly don't know," Charlie told me. "Hey if we're going to make it to the movie we better get going." Charlie didn't have his skating stuff with him so I figured he had given it to the other guys to take back to the dorm.
Charlie started skating across campus in the direction of the bus stop. Fulton followed him and after one last look back at the girl of my dreams I followed him. I was definitely going to have to introduce myself somehow.
Adam's POV:
I was in my room trying to do some of the school work that I had been missing seeing as I was still stuck at home. I had packed up some of my stuff already as we were planning on moving into the new house this weekend. Or should I say that Gordon, Ms. Conway and Charlie was going to be moving the stuff into the new house. Gordon had already told me that I was to take it easy this weekend. I guess he was still afraid that I might have another relapse in my recovery.
As I opened my science book I heard the phone ring but decided to let Gordon answer it. It rang only twice so I figured he had answered it. A few moments later I heard a knock at my door.
"Yeah," I called. Gordon opened the door and stuck his head in.
"Phone is for you," he said.
"Okay, thanks," I said standing up from my desk and heading out to the living room to get the phone. I was curious as to who it was. It couldn't be one of the Ducks because Gordon knew all of their voices and usually told me who it was.
"Hello," I said picking up the phone and sitting down on the couch near by. Gordon headed back into the kitchen.
"Hi Adam," a voice said that I hadn't heard in awhile.
"Alex," I said surprised. "I didn't think you'd call me this soon." I told her.
"Why not?" she said. "I've been meaning to call you for awhile but then I found out you weren't staying at home and I wasn't around campus much last semester so I couldn't get a hold of you there either. I guess I could've called your house and tried finding out where you were staying but I really didn't want to talk to your dad."
"Can't say I blame you," I told her. "Not that he would've told you anyway," I said. I told her what had happened between my Dad and me and why I was staying with Coach Bombay.
"Adam, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you through all of that," she told me when I was finished.
"Hey I understand," I told her. "I'm sorry about your mother. My Mom showed me the obituary a week after she died when I was feeling better. I didn't know where to reach you or I would've called you."
"I missed not having you to lean on this time around," Alex admitted.
"Well, you know where I am if you need me now. Anytime, don't hesitate to call."
"Thanks Adam. When are you coming back to school."
"Monday thankfully. I'm going crazy here. I'm still not going to be able to do a lot. The doctor told me to go to classes and take it easy in the evenings for awhile. No gym and no extracurricular activities."
"You know there are a lot of kids who would love to get out of gym class."
"I don't know why. Gym is fun."
"Yeah, for us athletic types," Alex said with a laugh.
"So, who are you staying with now?" I asked her.
Alex hesitated for a moment and then said. "I'm staying with the Larsons."
"Oh," I said not sure what else to say. I knew that Alex was still friends with Shane in fact she had tried several times to try and get us back together. However, it was still awkward anytime him or his family got mentioned. This time though I had a feeling there was something more that she wasn't telling me. Before I could ask though Alex volunteered the information.
"Adam, I think you should know that Shane is going to Eden Hall this semester. He transferred over from Jefferson Academy."
"Great," I said not at all enthusiastic.
"Adam, he doesn't want to cause any problems with you or your friends."
"Okay," I said not wanting to get into a fight with her. "Let's just drop it okay."
"Okay," she said quietly. "Adam, I have something I want to tell you. I haven't mentioned it to anyone before," she was quiet for a moment and I didn't say anything. I didn't want to ruin the moment. "Right before my mom died she told me that she had adopted me," Alex said. I could hear in her voice that she was close to tears which had me concerned because Alex did not cry that often. The last time I had seen her cry was when her mom was sick four years ago when we were both Hawks. "I loved my parents. They meant everything to me and then I find out that they weren't my real parents. Part of me just doesn't know who I am anymore."
"It doesn't change who you are," I told her. "So they weren't your biological parents. Does it really matter. You know they loved you and you loved them."
"I know you're right but sometimes I can't help but wonder who I would've been if I hadn't been adopted."
"Did she tell you anything about your adoption."
"No, I think she wanted to but she was so sick at the time. Even if she did I'm not sure I want to know who my birth parents are. I mean they did give me away."
"Sounds to me like you really do want to find them but your afraid to," I told her.
"Maybe I am. Maybe I just don't want to spend my time trying to figure out who I am."
"Finding your birth parents wouldn't really change who you are. You'd still be Alex. The same girl I use to play hide and seek and tag with. The same girl who gave McGill a bloody nose when he said girls couldn't play hockey. Who stood up for me when all the other Hawks turned against me. I mean come on how many girls could actually win a fight against any of the guys at Eden Hall." I heard Alex laugh on the end of the line. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed hearing her laugh.
I heard some voices in the background and then Alex told me, "Hey Adam, I have to go. Charlie and I were getting together tonight to talk and my roommate just told me that he's downstairs waiting for me."
"Okay," I told her. I felt funny about her spending time with Charlie. I don't know why. I should've been happy. It would be great if Alex could be friends with the Ducks. I had always tried to avoid any situation where they would meet simply because I thought there would be trouble because she use to be a Hawk.
"If I don't get a chance to talk to you this weekend I'll see you on Monday at school okay."
"Okay Alex. Bye," I told her.
"Bye," she said and then I heard the faint click as she hung up the phone.
I hung up the phone and then walked into my room. Shane Larson at Eden Hall. Suddenly I wasn't looking forward to returning to school so much. Shane and I had been best friends before I joined the Ducks. He had never been openly hostile to me but he had always hung around McGill and kind of went along with whatever McGill had done. He hadn't stood up for me like Alex had but then Alex had never liked McGill anyways. I had been hoping I would never have to face him again. It didn't look like I was going to be that lucky.
And then there was the Ducks. I know they didn't like him. Hell, Fulton had tied him, McGill and another Hawk to a tree in their underwear in the middle of the park the spring after I joined the Ducks. Right before we went to the Junior Goodwill games. I hated to think what would happen between them this semester. And if the Ducks and Shane were fighting how would that affect my friendship with Alex because I knew that Alex would stand by Shane just like she had stood by me.
With a sigh I grabbed the novel we were suppose to be reading in English class and laid down on my bed. I tried to immerse myself in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations and forget about my life for awhile.