Liz- I'll just reply to both here. Lol...you missed the 'Joey Holmes'?
Lol...I was wondering why you didn't say anything to first time. ^_^ I'm
glad you liked it. Heehee...I had way to much with Jen, Charlie, and
Grams...whenever I add in the nine years it's gonna be SO MUCH FUN!
Ermm...anyway. Next review...Yuck...business...*blatantly sarcastic* Sounds
like a party...and okay. Have fun doing business! ^_^
Banksiesbabe99- Lol, I'm sorry to keep you hanging. ^_^ I could just hardly resist...^_^ Aw, don't cry. I'll update! I promise! Lol. Don't die either! Then you'll never know what happens...dun dun dun...
Chorins96- I'm glad you liked my twist. ^_^ *grins really big* Surprised ya, didn't I? ^_^ Hmmm...you'll just have to wait and find out in this chapter! Lol...I SO should have done that...lol...Joshua Bombay...heeheehee...I wish I woulda thought of that. ^_^
Soph- *is really flattered* Aw! Thanks! I'm glad you like it so much. ^_^ Ooh...a demand? *grins really big* I GOT A DEMAND! *does happy dance* YAY! WHOOPEE! YOU REALLY LIKE IT! ^_^ Lol...yes. I love irony. ^_^ Heehee! I shocked you outta your socks, didn't I? *grins* I love being spontaneous and unpredictable! *jumps up and down* DUN DUN DUN! Lol...I think I'm okay now...Lol...that's cool. English accents sound so friggin' awesome...lol. I'm actually kinda getting' the hang of it though. ^_^ People who aren't in Choir are confused because I'm walking around talking all British-like. ^_^ Only us way-cool Choir kids know what we're doing. ^_^ Lol, I bet it is. It's funny to watch people try and talk in different accents. I crack up every time I watch "Lone Star State of Mind" because Josh Jackson (Charlie) plays a Texan...heeheehee...he actually isn't that bad at it though...lol. But seriously It's some funny stuff. ^_^ Lol, I bet that's interesting. ^_^ I guess some of us do...I can't really tell because I'm around it so much, it all sounds the same to me. ^_^ but I know there are some uber-hicks that DO talk like Dwayne...lol. I guess it depends on where in Texas you are. Like my friend Liz has a thick accent (love ya Liz! I'm gonna poke fun at you but I love you! ^_^) and says 'ya-lluh' instead of 'yellow'...lol. we tease her, but we love her. But she says that all the time. When she goes to Abilene or Odessa (in West Texas) she come back with a slower, more hickish accent. I guess it all depends. I'm probably the biggest hick in the world and I don't even know it. ^_^ Anyway. That's your Geography lesson-of-the-day. Moral of the Story: You should come and visit me in Texas to see for yourself. ^_^
Adriana- Aw, thanks! ^_^ *grins* Now I feel all dang SPECIAL! ^_^ Eek...yikes. That's not good. O.O I'm terribly sorry about that. Lol. ^_^ I just got back from a four hour Choir rehearsal...tomorrow night we are hosting the Madrigal Dinner alongside the Theater people and yeah. I have to wear this big dress (a.k.a. the big pink and green tent), stand for four hours, serve dinner, sing a bunch of songs, NOT mess up, remember what to do, and help clean up afterwards. Not fun. At all. The ONLY good thing is that I get to speak in a British accent. *squeals in happiness* I'm so excited! It's so fun. ^_^ It isn't often we Texans get to talk all British- like without getting funny looks. ^_^ I'm actually getting rather good at it. ^_^ I wuv you very much! ^_^ Thank you again for your feedback! I don't know what I would do without you!
Denverhockeygirl- Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. ^_^ Lol, don't worry. Most of us are sadistic that way too. ^_^ And thank you again. ^_^
Suzie Sue- Why thank you! ^_^ I'm glad you like it so much. *grins*
Shanks- Aw, you're going to check every day? *eyes water with happiness* I FEEL SO LOVED! I will try not to disappoint you! I won't keep you waiting! In fact, I'll update it right now! I am really honored that you love my story! *hugs* I LOVE YOU! ^_^
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 4-
Charlie had managed to pump himself up. He was going to do this!
He took a calming breath and pulled his jersey over his hockey gear. He grabbed his hockey stick and listened to the words of inspiration emitting from his coach.
It wasn't long before they were stepping out onto the ice. Charlie could feel the adrenaline pumping as he looked up at the roaring crowd. They may not be the Home team, but they still had fans.
They all gathered around the bench as the coach decided who would play first.
"...McDonald, and Conway! You're up." Coach Babock said.
They all nodded and assumed their positions on the ice. Charlie had the face-off and was putting on his game face.
He stooped over, staring his opponent in the face. The man was slightly bigger than he was, but Charlie had grown used to it. He, himself, was nowhere NEAR small, but that didn't mean no one else was big.
Conway won the face off and took the puck. He passed it to McDonald who shot it back to Krog. Krog was about to pass the puck to Simpson when one of the opposing players stole it. Johnson then checked the player into the wall and shot it to Charlie Conway, who then in turn scored the first goal of the game.
~~~*~~~
Jeremy grinned as he watched Conway score the goal. He shot a look that said, 'I told ya so' to Luke before his eyes were trained to the ice again.
Gordon sat behind the group of children with some of the original Ducks. Julie, Fulton Russ, Connie, Guy, Averman, and Goldburg either came into town or had been staying in Minnesota. They had wanted to see a game anyway so they decided to tag along and help pay for the team's tickets. Adam Banks had wanted to come but wouldn't be able to make it until the next day. They were going to hang out and become reacquainted.
"Does anyone know who that player is?" Averman asked, taking a large bite out of his hotdog before washing it down with a drink of Pepsi. Goldburg then grabbed Averman's nachos and started eating them. Averman was to busy indulging his senses into his hotdog to notice.
Connie shrugged. "I dunno. Can't see his jersey. And with all the cheering, it's hard to hear the announcer. If we had better seats, we could probably figure it out."
Guy nodded in affirmation. "Yeah, these seats do blow." He admitted.
"Hey now, it's the best I could do the day of the game. Stop complaining." Coach Bombay said with mock-contempt in his voice.
The former Ducks all grinned and turned their full attention back to the game at hand.
~~~*~~~
This went on for the entire game. The Anaheim Mighty Ducks won 5-2.
Charlie had his post-win glow as the team gathered on the ice to congratulate each other. Charlie was ecstatic. He still couldn't believe he could score on these guys!
"Hey Charlie, I'll meet you back in the hotel later, okay?" Andy McDonald said. They were rooming together while they were in Minnesota.
Charlie nodded. "Sure, see you then!" he said as he walked into the locker room, soon followed by the rest of the team. He quickly changed out of his gear and put the jersey back on with a pair of jeans. He was going to re- explore the area...
He walked out of the locker room and mingled with the crowd as they hustled and bustled, struggling to get out of the rink area. He wasn't well known at all yet so he had no one tackling him.
Not that he particularly minded.
His body moved with ease as he dodged a fan, bolting for the stands selling Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Minnesota Wild merchandise. He smiled and shook his head. Crazy fans.
He was almost to the door when he heard the shrill voice of a young boy cut through the air, yelling his name.
Charlie stopped and turned to see a young boy running towards him, weaving thought he crowd. His hair was a light brownish-red color and his eyes looked blue. The child looked about nine years old.
~~~*~~~
Jeremy pushed yet another person out of his way as he struggled to reach his idol. He had left his dad and his friends in mid-conversation when he saw him. There was one of the ANAHEIM MIGHTY DUCKS standing amongst them and no one even noticed!
He squeezed through the last group of people and appeared in front of the six-foot-two man, catching his breath. The professional hockey player stood there with an almost amused expression.
"Are you Charlie Conway?" the boy said after a moment, finally breathing normally.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am." Charlie replied with a smile.
"Awesome! Can I have your autograph? I'm your biggest fan!" Jeremy gushed.
Charlie chuckled. "That wouldn't be too hard, considering I don't have many fans. I've only played two games with the Ducks." He said, still grinning at the boy's childish enthusiasm.
"SO! I would have to say the best two games I've ever seen!" the boy said, still grinning madly.
Charlie's grin had grown as well. "I like you, kid."
Jeremy was still glowing. He, Jeremy Charles Bombay, was talking to a NHL PLAYER!
"Can I have your autograph, please?" Jeremy asked again, unable to keep still.
Charlie nodded and smiled. "Sure, why not? What exactly am I supposed to autograph?" he asked, still feeling awkward about autographing things. He couldn't think of anyone going through trouble just for him to write down his name for them. But he would have given a lung for an autograph when he was a child. In some cases, he would now.
"Um, how about this?" Jeremy asked, holding out an Anaheim Mighty Ducks photo his dad had bought him.
Charlie shrugged. "Okay. Let's come over here so I can write. My handwriting is bad as it is." Charlie joked.
They walked over to an empty table and Charlie got down on his knees, setting the picture out flat, ready to sign. "Got a pen?" he asked.
Jeremy nodded and pulled one out of his pocket. He'd grabbed one; just in case. He didn't REALLY think he'd need it though.
"What's your name?" he asked, looking at the boy. "You play hockey?" he asked when he noticed the boy's green peewee Ducks jersey. Something tugged at his heart at the sight of it, but he had to bury that feeling for the moment. He could analyze it later.
The boy beamed at the mention of hockey, completely forgetting about telling the man his name. "Yeah! I'm a Duck too!" he gushed.
Charlie smiled. "I see that." Charlie then noticed the boy's number. "We have the same number. Number 96." He noted.
Jeremy looked down at his jersey before turning his ecstatic face back to Charlie. "WE DO!" he said giddily.
Charlie felt a fond smile creep onto his face. "Do you like hockey?" he asked, though he knew the answer. He turned from the table to give the young boy his full attention.
"YES! It's my life! I play with my friends and my dad coaches the team. I don't know what I would do without it." Jeremy said animatedly.
"Yeah, I know how you feel. Hockey is the center of my universe, hence my occupation." He said, sitting Indian style next to the boy, who followed his example.
"It must be SO cool to play for the NHL! I'm gonna play professional hockey when I grow up!" Jeremy said, his face showing true adoration for the man sitting in front of him.
"Yeah, it's nice. I've wanted to play professional hockey since I was a kid too. I'm pretty stubborn, as well. I was convinced that was the only thing I was ever going to do. You could easily say I was a narrow-minded pipe- dreamer." He said with a laugh. Jeremy laughed too.
"At least you got that dream. That is so awesome. What is it like...ya know, playing professional?" the boy asked.
The older hockey player let out a sigh and grinned. "It pretty awesome." He said, watching the boy's face light up. "You travel and stuff. I've only played 2 games with this team, but I played Juniors in Canada and have been on a team since I was maybe a little younger than you. But I tell you, it never changes. There is nothing like the ecstasy you get when you step out on the ice and everyone is cheering for you. You get this feeling like you're on top of the world, and there's no way you could ever lose. I could almost say this is a whole new level for me in that way. Not that there aren't some hardcore hockey moms out there." Charlie said, grinning. Jeremy laughed, agreeing with him. "Anyway, it may be fun, but I am required to tell you it's a lot of work. It's safe to say there is more pressure and you eventually tire of that cursed bus-slash-airplane." Charlie finished.
Jeremy nodded. He then remembered the man's earlier question. "Oh, I forgot to tell you my name!"
"You did, didn't you?" Charlie said turning back around to write the boy's name. "I totally forgot. We got into such wonderful conversation there, I forgot that I am but a mere signature!" Charlie said dramatically, placing the back of his hand against his forehead, as if he would faint.
Jeremy laughed, grinning at the older hockey player. Charlie soon joined him in laughter. Charlie hadn't laughed this much in what felt like forever...
"Jeremy. My name is Jeremy Bombay." The boy then said once their laughter had subsided.
Charlie froze slightly when he first heard it. Bombay? No, it had to be coincidence. There had to be other Bombays in the world...
He shook himself out of it. Yes, this boy couldn't be related to his Coach Bombay...because that would mean his old coach was here...
Luckily the boy didn't notice Charlie's lapse in movement. "Okay...Jeremy..." he said, taking the cap off of the pen and began writing. After scribbling down the signature and a quick note, he handed the photo back to the boy with a smile.
"It was nice meeting you, Jeremy." Charlie said with a genuine smile.
"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Conway! I swear I will frame this on my wall and brag to all my friends when you become the next Wayne Gretzky!" Jeremy gushed happily.
Charlie laughed. "Don't I wish...and Mr. Conway makes me sound old, so you can also brag to all your friends that you're on a first-name basis with the next Wayne Gretzky. Call me Charlie. Not that I'll probably ever see you again, but that's beside the point." Charlie joked good-naturedly.
Jeremy's eyes brightened even more. "Okay! Thanks Mr.-ummm...Charlie!" Jeremy said, grinning. He was nearly over-flowing with excitement.
"See ya kid." Charlie said, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately and walking off.
Jeremy clutched his prize as he watched his hero walk off through the crowd. Giving one last squeal of excitement, Jeremy rushed off to relocate his dad, the photo still held protectively against his chest.
He suddenly stopped in mid-stride and held the photo out to read what the man had written:
'Jeremy-
Chase your dream; never give it up. If you're a Duck, you MUST be good. ^_^ Don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough. And when on roller blades, always look out for those danged park benches; they always seem to get in the way! (I speak from personal experience)
-Charlie Conway #96'
Jeremy felt a smile creep onto his face. He clutched it back to his chest and continued his trek to find his dad and friends.
He finally saw them off in the distance. He called through the crowd. He weaved through the masses of people to the group.
"THERE YOU ARE! Where did you go?!" Gordon Bombay exclaimed when he saw his son reappear.
"Hey dad. Sorry, I had to go to the bathroom." He lied with smile.
"And that's why your clutching onto that photo like it holds the key to the universe?" Julie asked, raising her eyebrows with amusement.
Jeremy looked at her like a child who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "What? This?" he asked innocently.
"Yeah, can I see it?" she asked, curious to see what he had his death-grip on.
He shook his head vigorously. "No! Mine!" he protested.
"Can we please not speak in monosyllables, Jer?" Jeremy's father said with a smile.
Jeremy turned his stern face to his dad before gently placing his autograph in his backpack.
Julie laughed. "Fine. Be that way. Don't tell us. See if WE care." The just- turned-twenty-four year old woman said, crossing her arms.
Jeremy stuck out his tongue and smiled. He then began talking animatedly with his teammates about the game.
Julie, as well as Gordon Bombay and the other Ducks, just shook her head. The child was teeming with excitement. It's safe to say those tickets were worth every penny.
Banksiesbabe99- Lol, I'm sorry to keep you hanging. ^_^ I could just hardly resist...^_^ Aw, don't cry. I'll update! I promise! Lol. Don't die either! Then you'll never know what happens...dun dun dun...
Chorins96- I'm glad you liked my twist. ^_^ *grins really big* Surprised ya, didn't I? ^_^ Hmmm...you'll just have to wait and find out in this chapter! Lol...I SO should have done that...lol...Joshua Bombay...heeheehee...I wish I woulda thought of that. ^_^
Soph- *is really flattered* Aw! Thanks! I'm glad you like it so much. ^_^ Ooh...a demand? *grins really big* I GOT A DEMAND! *does happy dance* YAY! WHOOPEE! YOU REALLY LIKE IT! ^_^ Lol...yes. I love irony. ^_^ Heehee! I shocked you outta your socks, didn't I? *grins* I love being spontaneous and unpredictable! *jumps up and down* DUN DUN DUN! Lol...I think I'm okay now...Lol...that's cool. English accents sound so friggin' awesome...lol. I'm actually kinda getting' the hang of it though. ^_^ People who aren't in Choir are confused because I'm walking around talking all British-like. ^_^ Only us way-cool Choir kids know what we're doing. ^_^ Lol, I bet it is. It's funny to watch people try and talk in different accents. I crack up every time I watch "Lone Star State of Mind" because Josh Jackson (Charlie) plays a Texan...heeheehee...he actually isn't that bad at it though...lol. But seriously It's some funny stuff. ^_^ Lol, I bet that's interesting. ^_^ I guess some of us do...I can't really tell because I'm around it so much, it all sounds the same to me. ^_^ but I know there are some uber-hicks that DO talk like Dwayne...lol. I guess it depends on where in Texas you are. Like my friend Liz has a thick accent (love ya Liz! I'm gonna poke fun at you but I love you! ^_^) and says 'ya-lluh' instead of 'yellow'...lol. we tease her, but we love her. But she says that all the time. When she goes to Abilene or Odessa (in West Texas) she come back with a slower, more hickish accent. I guess it all depends. I'm probably the biggest hick in the world and I don't even know it. ^_^ Anyway. That's your Geography lesson-of-the-day. Moral of the Story: You should come and visit me in Texas to see for yourself. ^_^
Adriana- Aw, thanks! ^_^ *grins* Now I feel all dang SPECIAL! ^_^ Eek...yikes. That's not good. O.O I'm terribly sorry about that. Lol. ^_^ I just got back from a four hour Choir rehearsal...tomorrow night we are hosting the Madrigal Dinner alongside the Theater people and yeah. I have to wear this big dress (a.k.a. the big pink and green tent), stand for four hours, serve dinner, sing a bunch of songs, NOT mess up, remember what to do, and help clean up afterwards. Not fun. At all. The ONLY good thing is that I get to speak in a British accent. *squeals in happiness* I'm so excited! It's so fun. ^_^ It isn't often we Texans get to talk all British- like without getting funny looks. ^_^ I'm actually getting rather good at it. ^_^ I wuv you very much! ^_^ Thank you again for your feedback! I don't know what I would do without you!
Denverhockeygirl- Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. ^_^ Lol, don't worry. Most of us are sadistic that way too. ^_^ And thank you again. ^_^
Suzie Sue- Why thank you! ^_^ I'm glad you like it so much. *grins*
Shanks- Aw, you're going to check every day? *eyes water with happiness* I FEEL SO LOVED! I will try not to disappoint you! I won't keep you waiting! In fact, I'll update it right now! I am really honored that you love my story! *hugs* I LOVE YOU! ^_^
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 4-
Charlie had managed to pump himself up. He was going to do this!
He took a calming breath and pulled his jersey over his hockey gear. He grabbed his hockey stick and listened to the words of inspiration emitting from his coach.
It wasn't long before they were stepping out onto the ice. Charlie could feel the adrenaline pumping as he looked up at the roaring crowd. They may not be the Home team, but they still had fans.
They all gathered around the bench as the coach decided who would play first.
"...McDonald, and Conway! You're up." Coach Babock said.
They all nodded and assumed their positions on the ice. Charlie had the face-off and was putting on his game face.
He stooped over, staring his opponent in the face. The man was slightly bigger than he was, but Charlie had grown used to it. He, himself, was nowhere NEAR small, but that didn't mean no one else was big.
Conway won the face off and took the puck. He passed it to McDonald who shot it back to Krog. Krog was about to pass the puck to Simpson when one of the opposing players stole it. Johnson then checked the player into the wall and shot it to Charlie Conway, who then in turn scored the first goal of the game.
~~~*~~~
Jeremy grinned as he watched Conway score the goal. He shot a look that said, 'I told ya so' to Luke before his eyes were trained to the ice again.
Gordon sat behind the group of children with some of the original Ducks. Julie, Fulton Russ, Connie, Guy, Averman, and Goldburg either came into town or had been staying in Minnesota. They had wanted to see a game anyway so they decided to tag along and help pay for the team's tickets. Adam Banks had wanted to come but wouldn't be able to make it until the next day. They were going to hang out and become reacquainted.
"Does anyone know who that player is?" Averman asked, taking a large bite out of his hotdog before washing it down with a drink of Pepsi. Goldburg then grabbed Averman's nachos and started eating them. Averman was to busy indulging his senses into his hotdog to notice.
Connie shrugged. "I dunno. Can't see his jersey. And with all the cheering, it's hard to hear the announcer. If we had better seats, we could probably figure it out."
Guy nodded in affirmation. "Yeah, these seats do blow." He admitted.
"Hey now, it's the best I could do the day of the game. Stop complaining." Coach Bombay said with mock-contempt in his voice.
The former Ducks all grinned and turned their full attention back to the game at hand.
~~~*~~~
This went on for the entire game. The Anaheim Mighty Ducks won 5-2.
Charlie had his post-win glow as the team gathered on the ice to congratulate each other. Charlie was ecstatic. He still couldn't believe he could score on these guys!
"Hey Charlie, I'll meet you back in the hotel later, okay?" Andy McDonald said. They were rooming together while they were in Minnesota.
Charlie nodded. "Sure, see you then!" he said as he walked into the locker room, soon followed by the rest of the team. He quickly changed out of his gear and put the jersey back on with a pair of jeans. He was going to re- explore the area...
He walked out of the locker room and mingled with the crowd as they hustled and bustled, struggling to get out of the rink area. He wasn't well known at all yet so he had no one tackling him.
Not that he particularly minded.
His body moved with ease as he dodged a fan, bolting for the stands selling Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Minnesota Wild merchandise. He smiled and shook his head. Crazy fans.
He was almost to the door when he heard the shrill voice of a young boy cut through the air, yelling his name.
Charlie stopped and turned to see a young boy running towards him, weaving thought he crowd. His hair was a light brownish-red color and his eyes looked blue. The child looked about nine years old.
~~~*~~~
Jeremy pushed yet another person out of his way as he struggled to reach his idol. He had left his dad and his friends in mid-conversation when he saw him. There was one of the ANAHEIM MIGHTY DUCKS standing amongst them and no one even noticed!
He squeezed through the last group of people and appeared in front of the six-foot-two man, catching his breath. The professional hockey player stood there with an almost amused expression.
"Are you Charlie Conway?" the boy said after a moment, finally breathing normally.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am." Charlie replied with a smile.
"Awesome! Can I have your autograph? I'm your biggest fan!" Jeremy gushed.
Charlie chuckled. "That wouldn't be too hard, considering I don't have many fans. I've only played two games with the Ducks." He said, still grinning at the boy's childish enthusiasm.
"SO! I would have to say the best two games I've ever seen!" the boy said, still grinning madly.
Charlie's grin had grown as well. "I like you, kid."
Jeremy was still glowing. He, Jeremy Charles Bombay, was talking to a NHL PLAYER!
"Can I have your autograph, please?" Jeremy asked again, unable to keep still.
Charlie nodded and smiled. "Sure, why not? What exactly am I supposed to autograph?" he asked, still feeling awkward about autographing things. He couldn't think of anyone going through trouble just for him to write down his name for them. But he would have given a lung for an autograph when he was a child. In some cases, he would now.
"Um, how about this?" Jeremy asked, holding out an Anaheim Mighty Ducks photo his dad had bought him.
Charlie shrugged. "Okay. Let's come over here so I can write. My handwriting is bad as it is." Charlie joked.
They walked over to an empty table and Charlie got down on his knees, setting the picture out flat, ready to sign. "Got a pen?" he asked.
Jeremy nodded and pulled one out of his pocket. He'd grabbed one; just in case. He didn't REALLY think he'd need it though.
"What's your name?" he asked, looking at the boy. "You play hockey?" he asked when he noticed the boy's green peewee Ducks jersey. Something tugged at his heart at the sight of it, but he had to bury that feeling for the moment. He could analyze it later.
The boy beamed at the mention of hockey, completely forgetting about telling the man his name. "Yeah! I'm a Duck too!" he gushed.
Charlie smiled. "I see that." Charlie then noticed the boy's number. "We have the same number. Number 96." He noted.
Jeremy looked down at his jersey before turning his ecstatic face back to Charlie. "WE DO!" he said giddily.
Charlie felt a fond smile creep onto his face. "Do you like hockey?" he asked, though he knew the answer. He turned from the table to give the young boy his full attention.
"YES! It's my life! I play with my friends and my dad coaches the team. I don't know what I would do without it." Jeremy said animatedly.
"Yeah, I know how you feel. Hockey is the center of my universe, hence my occupation." He said, sitting Indian style next to the boy, who followed his example.
"It must be SO cool to play for the NHL! I'm gonna play professional hockey when I grow up!" Jeremy said, his face showing true adoration for the man sitting in front of him.
"Yeah, it's nice. I've wanted to play professional hockey since I was a kid too. I'm pretty stubborn, as well. I was convinced that was the only thing I was ever going to do. You could easily say I was a narrow-minded pipe- dreamer." He said with a laugh. Jeremy laughed too.
"At least you got that dream. That is so awesome. What is it like...ya know, playing professional?" the boy asked.
The older hockey player let out a sigh and grinned. "It pretty awesome." He said, watching the boy's face light up. "You travel and stuff. I've only played 2 games with this team, but I played Juniors in Canada and have been on a team since I was maybe a little younger than you. But I tell you, it never changes. There is nothing like the ecstasy you get when you step out on the ice and everyone is cheering for you. You get this feeling like you're on top of the world, and there's no way you could ever lose. I could almost say this is a whole new level for me in that way. Not that there aren't some hardcore hockey moms out there." Charlie said, grinning. Jeremy laughed, agreeing with him. "Anyway, it may be fun, but I am required to tell you it's a lot of work. It's safe to say there is more pressure and you eventually tire of that cursed bus-slash-airplane." Charlie finished.
Jeremy nodded. He then remembered the man's earlier question. "Oh, I forgot to tell you my name!"
"You did, didn't you?" Charlie said turning back around to write the boy's name. "I totally forgot. We got into such wonderful conversation there, I forgot that I am but a mere signature!" Charlie said dramatically, placing the back of his hand against his forehead, as if he would faint.
Jeremy laughed, grinning at the older hockey player. Charlie soon joined him in laughter. Charlie hadn't laughed this much in what felt like forever...
"Jeremy. My name is Jeremy Bombay." The boy then said once their laughter had subsided.
Charlie froze slightly when he first heard it. Bombay? No, it had to be coincidence. There had to be other Bombays in the world...
He shook himself out of it. Yes, this boy couldn't be related to his Coach Bombay...because that would mean his old coach was here...
Luckily the boy didn't notice Charlie's lapse in movement. "Okay...Jeremy..." he said, taking the cap off of the pen and began writing. After scribbling down the signature and a quick note, he handed the photo back to the boy with a smile.
"It was nice meeting you, Jeremy." Charlie said with a genuine smile.
"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Conway! I swear I will frame this on my wall and brag to all my friends when you become the next Wayne Gretzky!" Jeremy gushed happily.
Charlie laughed. "Don't I wish...and Mr. Conway makes me sound old, so you can also brag to all your friends that you're on a first-name basis with the next Wayne Gretzky. Call me Charlie. Not that I'll probably ever see you again, but that's beside the point." Charlie joked good-naturedly.
Jeremy's eyes brightened even more. "Okay! Thanks Mr.-ummm...Charlie!" Jeremy said, grinning. He was nearly over-flowing with excitement.
"See ya kid." Charlie said, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately and walking off.
Jeremy clutched his prize as he watched his hero walk off through the crowd. Giving one last squeal of excitement, Jeremy rushed off to relocate his dad, the photo still held protectively against his chest.
He suddenly stopped in mid-stride and held the photo out to read what the man had written:
'Jeremy-
Chase your dream; never give it up. If you're a Duck, you MUST be good. ^_^ Don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough. And when on roller blades, always look out for those danged park benches; they always seem to get in the way! (I speak from personal experience)
-Charlie Conway #96'
Jeremy felt a smile creep onto his face. He clutched it back to his chest and continued his trek to find his dad and friends.
He finally saw them off in the distance. He called through the crowd. He weaved through the masses of people to the group.
"THERE YOU ARE! Where did you go?!" Gordon Bombay exclaimed when he saw his son reappear.
"Hey dad. Sorry, I had to go to the bathroom." He lied with smile.
"And that's why your clutching onto that photo like it holds the key to the universe?" Julie asked, raising her eyebrows with amusement.
Jeremy looked at her like a child who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "What? This?" he asked innocently.
"Yeah, can I see it?" she asked, curious to see what he had his death-grip on.
He shook his head vigorously. "No! Mine!" he protested.
"Can we please not speak in monosyllables, Jer?" Jeremy's father said with a smile.
Jeremy turned his stern face to his dad before gently placing his autograph in his backpack.
Julie laughed. "Fine. Be that way. Don't tell us. See if WE care." The just- turned-twenty-four year old woman said, crossing her arms.
Jeremy stuck out his tongue and smiled. He then began talking animatedly with his teammates about the game.
Julie, as well as Gordon Bombay and the other Ducks, just shook her head. The child was teeming with excitement. It's safe to say those tickets were worth every penny.