I'm SOOOOO sorry for the long wait! Almost an entire month. o.O And the
scary thing is I'm still having writer's block, but you don't know how bad
I feel for leaving you all hanging! So I'm gonna do some filler chapters
until I decide my next big plot point, when Charlie will run into them, and
how they will all react. Thanks for sticking with me, people! I love you
all!
Denverhockeygirl- Lol, I'm sorry for not concentrating on this more! I was gonna work on it this weekend while I was in Houston, but I had a total blank going...But I managed to finish this chapter anyway. Lol, I like playing puppeteer. ^_^ It's mucho fun. Lol...
Denverhockeygirl Review #2- Eep...What pressure...o.O...Lol, I wasn't planning on a tearful reunion...if there are any heartfelt parts, they won't be without bitterness from Charlie. Yeah, Charlie just doesn't seem the type to forgive and forget, eh? ^_^ Yes, thank you for that vital piece of info...it just might effect the course of this story...^_^
Banksiesbabe99- Lol. ^_^ I gotcha hooked! Yes! ^_^ Lol, then it's a good thing you're desperate to find out what happens; otherwise I would have to be maimed and left for dead by you people. ^_^
Shequita- I'm glad you like it so much! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Nebula- Lol, worry not. All your questions shall be answered...erm...eventually. I'm glad you still liked the chapter, even though nothing plot-significant happened. Lol. Hehehe, I have no clue where you could have gotten the impression that Charlie and Julie might end up together...What gave you that idea? *whistles innocently*
Adriana- Yes, what is a story of mine without maids? ^_^ Lol...I'm glad you liked them. I'm glad you liked the chapter! And I'm even gladder (lo and behold the professional words of Chelsea) that you like my writing in general! ^_^ Yeah...boredom isn't very fun...Sorry about your little sister. Luckily I don't have a little sister. As a matter of fact, I AM the little sister...but I'm a nice little sister. Lol. I never get my brother in trouble...lol...just ask Liz...she'll tell ya...Anyway...that bites. I would hate being grounded over Christmas...I hope you have a good one anyway, despite the evilness of your little sister.
Flat*Out*Crazy- Thanks for reviewing! ^_^ I'm glad you like the story, and that's it's a 'good' frustrated ^_^ Lol...
Sophie- *grins* Yeah, I'm evil that way sometimes...^_^ Lol, I have absolutely no problem with your bubbling enthusiasm. It makes me feel special. ^_^ Hehehe...I would NEVER laugh at YOU, Sophie dear. I will probably draw it out until I either A) Get sick of it, or B) You all beat me upside the head and I realize I better get a move on with the story. ^_^ Not sure which one yet. ^_^ Most likely the latter, though. Hee hee hee...you're sayin' "reckon"...*giggles* I reckon you're right there, missy. ^_^ Lol, Julie does reckon she saw Charlie...lol...*giggles again*...yeah, you're probably right. I would do something like that. *grins* Lol, I'm glad you liked Andy's attempt to pry Charlie from bed. I'm proud that I managed to write it to your liking. ^_^ And yes, your profile does say you like that scene. Heehee, it's just so FUNNY! *smiles proudly* I'm glad you laughed your hat off. Maybe I oughtta give my socks a rest too...one of them has a hole in the bottom. *pouts* And it's getting real cold down here...*shivers* I was really cold this mornin'...lol. But yeah, I'm glad you liked that line. It's good to know my humor isn't wasted on people who don't like it. ^_^ Lol...*giggles* I reckon you oughtta use it too. It's mighty fun once ya get the hang of it. ^_^ Lol...hehehe...I just finished watching 'Sweet Home Alabama'...good movie. They say "reckon" a lot too. ^_^ Lol, good luck with tryin' it with your mom...hehehe...yes, be sure to keep me posted on that one...Hee hee! I like maids. Especially evil ones. ^_^ I'm glad you liked them. Oh, yay! You're obsessed with my story! Whee! ^_^ But I'm really getting the idea I should have waited until 'Shattered Glass' was done before starting this. o.O Multi-tasking and Chelsea don't always mesh well...but I'm tryin'. Lol, Mr. Trodd wasn't even gonna be there? Lol...whee for spontaneity! Lol. Different emotions are good. Yes! Put LOTS of thought into it! I wanna know what happens! Lol...I wanna know your totally lame and unrealistic idea even if you aren't going to use it! Lol. Trust me, I have had more than my fair share of totally lame and unrealistic plots...lol...no shame...But yeah, whether or not you use it, I'm still curious to know. ^_^ Merry Christmas to you too!
Liz- Lol, I'm glad you liked that part. ^_^ I figured you would. I'm glad you liked Julie sticking up for Jeremy. Lol, you're pathetic...lol...*pats Liz's head* But that's okay. Julie is cool. Hehehe, I hope you enjoy your week off to watch Newsies and LOTR...yes, I do still need to see Newsies, don't I? Ooh, what episode of Dawson's Creek was it? *grins*...*cough*...ermm...anyway...thanks for reviewing!
Chorins96- *giggles* Yeah, it is kinda fun to torture you guys. ^_^ Lol, don't worry. It'll come eventually. Lol...give it a few chapters though. I have to milk it for all it's worth. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing! ^_~
Christy S- Welcome to the Mighty Ducks fandom! ^_^ I'm glad my story made the cut. ^_~ Lol...I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 6-
Charlie had shifted into autopilot the second they got to Minneapolis. He had decided to split off from the group to avoid any suspicion. There were a few places he decided he might as well visit while he was there.
One of those being The Pond.
He had an emotional attachment to that pond...
He knew better than to visit Hans's skate shop or his house or something like that. He might be able to go to the Mall of America, but there wasn't much he could really do there.
He had given his teammates his cell phone number so he wouldn't be left behind. There was no way he would be abandoned in Minneapolis...
Letting out a depressed sigh, he walked by his old elementary school for the sake of nostalgia.
Some kids had just been let out for recess. He leaned up against the wire fence and watched them play; running and screaming as they chased each other around the playground.
He saw a group of kids arguing in the basketball court. One group had a basketball and the others had hockey sticks. Charlie figured they were deciding who got to use the basketball court.
It seemed as if the basketball players were winning...
One slammed his hockey stick down and started taunting one of the basketball players. Several of his friends held him back as he yelled and screamed; thrashing and slinging threats.
A fond smile crept onto Charlie's face. Ah, the days of elementary schoolyard hockey...
The group of hockey players trudged away, sending hateful glances at the basketball players. It looked like several wanted to duke it out, but the other, more reasonable, players were telling them just to give it up this one time.
Charlie was grinning to himself as he leaned up against the fence, resting his head on his arms. He rested his right foot on his left ankle as he watched them walk over to a patch of grass near him. One of the boys' faces snapped up in recognition.
"Charlie!" the boy said suddenly, running over as quickly as he could. The other boys' faces were clouded with confusion.
Once the child was in a one-foot range, Charlie ruffled the boy's hair. "Hey kiddo."
"What are you doing here?!" he asked excitedly, grinning.
"We had the day off, surprisingly. I guess Coach isn't too worried about us losing." Charlie replied.
"Wow, that's SO COOL!" The boy, Jeremy, squealed.
"So what did you end up doing with the picture?" Charlie asked, curious to know what the boy actually did.
Jeremy grinned broadly. "I have it with me at ALL TIMES!" Jeremy said, whipping it out proudly. "I never leave home without it! I was gonna frame it and all, but I couldn't find a frame." Jeremy said, grinning.
Charlie placed a hand over his hand in mock-shock. "Ah, such honor! I feel all special now!"
"Who are you?" one of the boys, Daniel, asked.
"Charlie Conway, nice to meet you." he said, holding out his hand.
When they looked at him warily, he shook his head, a slight smile on his face. "Don't worry; I'm not a drug-dealer, I won't shoot you, and I come in peace." He clarified.
Surprisingly, they all looked relieved at this revelation.
"You didn't really think I would associate with a mad-psycho-serial-killer, did you?" Jeremy asked with mock-horror.
"Of COURSE not! Only the happy-psycho-serial-killers." Charlie added with a nod.
Jeremy stuck out his tongue. "Shut up."
"Fine, I see how it is." Charlie said, pretending to be offended.
Jeremy whacked Charlie in the arm with his hockey stick. "No hard feelings?"
Charlie took Lucas's stick and hit Jeremy lightly back. "No hard feelings."
Luke accepted his hockey stick back and voiced the question that had been running through most of the boys' heads, completely forgetting about Jeremy's extensive explanation on the man.
"How do you know Jeremy?"
"We met last night at the game." Charlie answered.
"A complete stranger?! Jer, you dad would have a heart-attack if he knew you were talking to strangers!" Luke said with horror.
"Stranger danger!" one of the boys squealed jokingly.
"Shh, careful. These people might take you seriously..." Charlie said, looking around nervously. Coach would NOT like picking him up from the station for trying to 'kill' little kids.
Suddenly a lady in her late forties walked over. "What is going on here? Who are you?" the woman asked, narrowing her eyes skeptically at Charlie.
"Um, I'm a friend of Jeremy's and I was just stopping by to say hello." He said, hoping that they wouldn't accuse him of kidnapping or something bizarre like that.
"How so?" the woman asked, narrowing her eyes.
Charlie decided saying 'I met him at last night's hockey game' wouldn't go over too well...
After he was silent for a moment, the woman noticed something.
"Wait one second...you look...familiar." she said, blinking and looking closely at the 23-year-old. "Like an old student I had..."
Oh uh...danger...danger...RED ALERT! Gotta get outta there!
"I-uh...that would be impossible because I'm-uh...from Canada." He said, stuttering slightly. Not good...not good at all...
"No, I'm sure of it now. You look exactly like him! Well, older of course, but alike just the same. He disappeared awhile back. Poor thing. No one's heard from him since." She said, staring off into space.
"Umm...yeah." he said, nervously. He had to get out of there QUICK. "That's too bad. I-uh...should probably get back. I was supposed to meet up with some friends for lunch. See ya later Jeremy and friends!" Charlie said, backing away ever-so-nervously.
"But Charlie..." Jeremy whined, upset that his idol was leaving already.
"I might stop by after school or something. But I wouldn't want to bother the nice teachers or umm...yeah, see ya later!" he said, turning to walk off.
"Well that was strange." The teacher said, blinking before walking back to where she had been standing before.
Jeremy hit the kid who had said 'stranger danger' and muttered "Thanks, stupid..." before walking off. Luke shrugged and followed him, soon to be followed by the rest of the kids as well.
~~~*~~~
Charlie finally stopped to catch his breath as he leaned against the wall of a restaurant, breathing heavily.
That was too close...
"How on earth did that woman recognize me after nine years?" he asked himself quietly before sitting down on a bench. That had been way too close for comfort. There would be NO MORE of that...
Once his heartbeat returned to normal, Charlie stepped out onto the busy sidewalk. He checked the clock inside the restaurant. It was about lunchtime...Charlie couldn't help but wonder what the others were up too...However, if he found them again, there would be no escaping again...
He began wondering around aimlessly, searching for cheap food. He hadn't brought much money with him, so he was looking for quick and cheap. He had the rest of the day, after all.
The 23-year-old finally settled on a diner FAR AWAY from where his mom used to work. That would be bordering on WAY too nostalgic. That would be far into the realm of suicide.
He ordered a burger and stared at the clock. He was wondering whether of not to re-visit the elementary school. It was kind of nice to have someone who saw no fault in you. Even when you were aware of how screwed up you truly were, there was just something about being idolized that made it somewhat worth it.
Looking at the clock again, he decided he would drop by the school to see the kids again. He wasn't sure why, but Jeremy seemed like a younger brother to him. Besides, he had always wanted a younger sibling...
He finished off his burger and took one last drink before tossing his trash in the trashcan. That was it. He would visit.
~~~*~~~
Charlie Conway leaned up against the wire fence as children ran out of the building as if it were on fire. The man was standing in a crowd of feverish parents, searching frantically for their children. He couldn't understand why they didn't just wait in the car like a NORMAL person.
He saw Jeremy and Luke walk out, talking animatedly. Jeremy saw his 'hero' standing there and left poor Lucas standing all by his lonesome. However, the other boy soon took off after Jeremy.
"YOU CAME! YOU CAME!" Jeremy yelled excitedly. He nearly tackled the six- foot-two Charlie.
Charlie grinned and ruffled the kid's hair. The boy's energetic attitude was endearing. The enthusiasm was almost over-whelming.
Luke was more timid as he cautiously approached the man. Jeremy had CLAIMED this was the professional hockey player he adored...but what would an NHL player care about a bunch of kids?
"That I did." Charlie answered.
"Where are we gonna go? Where are we gonna go?" Jeremy asked, bubbling with enthusiasm. He had ACTUALLY come!
"I don't know it this is such a good idea-" Luke started.
"Shh! You be quiet. Of course it is!" Jeremy protested, gesturing with his hands for Luke to be quiet.
"If you aren't comfortable coming with me, I won't blame you. Heck, if I were your age, I would be kind of taken off guard too. But I have a phone if you'd like to call your parents or something. I guess you probably a little cautious. There are some pretty crazy people out there." Charlie said, taking out his cell phone.
Luke cocked a reluctant eyebrow. Should he? Or should he not? That...is the question...
He looked between the two one more time before shrugging and accepting the phone. "Okay."
Once Luke was done with his phone call, Jeremy took the cell phone and dialed in a number.
"Hello? Dad? It's Jeremy. No, no. I'm not home yet. I'm gonna hang out with some friends for awhile. Yes, I know. I'll call mom and tell her that I'll be late coming home. Yes, I know. I KNOW! Gosh...yeah, bye Dad." Jeremy said, hanging up the small, navy blue cell phone.
Luke was somber.
"What's wrong, kiddo?" Charlie asked Jeremy's best friend.
"I can't go." He said, sticking his lower lip out slightly. "It's not fair." He whined.
"Aww...don't worry, I'll bring ya back a souvenir!" Jeremy said with a shrug. Luke shot him a pointed look and sighed.
"Oh well." Luke said. "Maybe next time. See you guys later."
Charlie and Jeremy nodded and said goodbye to Luke.
"I guess we're on our own, kid." Charlie said with a shrug.
Jeremy nodded. "So...what are we gonna do first?"
Denverhockeygirl- Lol, I'm sorry for not concentrating on this more! I was gonna work on it this weekend while I was in Houston, but I had a total blank going...But I managed to finish this chapter anyway. Lol, I like playing puppeteer. ^_^ It's mucho fun. Lol...
Denverhockeygirl Review #2- Eep...What pressure...o.O...Lol, I wasn't planning on a tearful reunion...if there are any heartfelt parts, they won't be without bitterness from Charlie. Yeah, Charlie just doesn't seem the type to forgive and forget, eh? ^_^ Yes, thank you for that vital piece of info...it just might effect the course of this story...^_^
Banksiesbabe99- Lol. ^_^ I gotcha hooked! Yes! ^_^ Lol, then it's a good thing you're desperate to find out what happens; otherwise I would have to be maimed and left for dead by you people. ^_^
Shequita- I'm glad you like it so much! ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Nebula- Lol, worry not. All your questions shall be answered...erm...eventually. I'm glad you still liked the chapter, even though nothing plot-significant happened. Lol. Hehehe, I have no clue where you could have gotten the impression that Charlie and Julie might end up together...What gave you that idea? *whistles innocently*
Adriana- Yes, what is a story of mine without maids? ^_^ Lol...I'm glad you liked them. I'm glad you liked the chapter! And I'm even gladder (lo and behold the professional words of Chelsea) that you like my writing in general! ^_^ Yeah...boredom isn't very fun...Sorry about your little sister. Luckily I don't have a little sister. As a matter of fact, I AM the little sister...but I'm a nice little sister. Lol. I never get my brother in trouble...lol...just ask Liz...she'll tell ya...Anyway...that bites. I would hate being grounded over Christmas...I hope you have a good one anyway, despite the evilness of your little sister.
Flat*Out*Crazy- Thanks for reviewing! ^_^ I'm glad you like the story, and that's it's a 'good' frustrated ^_^ Lol...
Sophie- *grins* Yeah, I'm evil that way sometimes...^_^ Lol, I have absolutely no problem with your bubbling enthusiasm. It makes me feel special. ^_^ Hehehe...I would NEVER laugh at YOU, Sophie dear. I will probably draw it out until I either A) Get sick of it, or B) You all beat me upside the head and I realize I better get a move on with the story. ^_^ Not sure which one yet. ^_^ Most likely the latter, though. Hee hee hee...you're sayin' "reckon"...*giggles* I reckon you're right there, missy. ^_^ Lol, Julie does reckon she saw Charlie...lol...*giggles again*...yeah, you're probably right. I would do something like that. *grins* Lol, I'm glad you liked Andy's attempt to pry Charlie from bed. I'm proud that I managed to write it to your liking. ^_^ And yes, your profile does say you like that scene. Heehee, it's just so FUNNY! *smiles proudly* I'm glad you laughed your hat off. Maybe I oughtta give my socks a rest too...one of them has a hole in the bottom. *pouts* And it's getting real cold down here...*shivers* I was really cold this mornin'...lol. But yeah, I'm glad you liked that line. It's good to know my humor isn't wasted on people who don't like it. ^_^ Lol...*giggles* I reckon you oughtta use it too. It's mighty fun once ya get the hang of it. ^_^ Lol...hehehe...I just finished watching 'Sweet Home Alabama'...good movie. They say "reckon" a lot too. ^_^ Lol, good luck with tryin' it with your mom...hehehe...yes, be sure to keep me posted on that one...Hee hee! I like maids. Especially evil ones. ^_^ I'm glad you liked them. Oh, yay! You're obsessed with my story! Whee! ^_^ But I'm really getting the idea I should have waited until 'Shattered Glass' was done before starting this. o.O Multi-tasking and Chelsea don't always mesh well...but I'm tryin'. Lol, Mr. Trodd wasn't even gonna be there? Lol...whee for spontaneity! Lol. Different emotions are good. Yes! Put LOTS of thought into it! I wanna know what happens! Lol...I wanna know your totally lame and unrealistic idea even if you aren't going to use it! Lol. Trust me, I have had more than my fair share of totally lame and unrealistic plots...lol...no shame...But yeah, whether or not you use it, I'm still curious to know. ^_^ Merry Christmas to you too!
Liz- Lol, I'm glad you liked that part. ^_^ I figured you would. I'm glad you liked Julie sticking up for Jeremy. Lol, you're pathetic...lol...*pats Liz's head* But that's okay. Julie is cool. Hehehe, I hope you enjoy your week off to watch Newsies and LOTR...yes, I do still need to see Newsies, don't I? Ooh, what episode of Dawson's Creek was it? *grins*...*cough*...ermm...anyway...thanks for reviewing!
Chorins96- *giggles* Yeah, it is kinda fun to torture you guys. ^_^ Lol, don't worry. It'll come eventually. Lol...give it a few chapters though. I have to milk it for all it's worth. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing! ^_~
Christy S- Welcome to the Mighty Ducks fandom! ^_^ I'm glad my story made the cut. ^_~ Lol...I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 6-
Charlie had shifted into autopilot the second they got to Minneapolis. He had decided to split off from the group to avoid any suspicion. There were a few places he decided he might as well visit while he was there.
One of those being The Pond.
He had an emotional attachment to that pond...
He knew better than to visit Hans's skate shop or his house or something like that. He might be able to go to the Mall of America, but there wasn't much he could really do there.
He had given his teammates his cell phone number so he wouldn't be left behind. There was no way he would be abandoned in Minneapolis...
Letting out a depressed sigh, he walked by his old elementary school for the sake of nostalgia.
Some kids had just been let out for recess. He leaned up against the wire fence and watched them play; running and screaming as they chased each other around the playground.
He saw a group of kids arguing in the basketball court. One group had a basketball and the others had hockey sticks. Charlie figured they were deciding who got to use the basketball court.
It seemed as if the basketball players were winning...
One slammed his hockey stick down and started taunting one of the basketball players. Several of his friends held him back as he yelled and screamed; thrashing and slinging threats.
A fond smile crept onto Charlie's face. Ah, the days of elementary schoolyard hockey...
The group of hockey players trudged away, sending hateful glances at the basketball players. It looked like several wanted to duke it out, but the other, more reasonable, players were telling them just to give it up this one time.
Charlie was grinning to himself as he leaned up against the fence, resting his head on his arms. He rested his right foot on his left ankle as he watched them walk over to a patch of grass near him. One of the boys' faces snapped up in recognition.
"Charlie!" the boy said suddenly, running over as quickly as he could. The other boys' faces were clouded with confusion.
Once the child was in a one-foot range, Charlie ruffled the boy's hair. "Hey kiddo."
"What are you doing here?!" he asked excitedly, grinning.
"We had the day off, surprisingly. I guess Coach isn't too worried about us losing." Charlie replied.
"Wow, that's SO COOL!" The boy, Jeremy, squealed.
"So what did you end up doing with the picture?" Charlie asked, curious to know what the boy actually did.
Jeremy grinned broadly. "I have it with me at ALL TIMES!" Jeremy said, whipping it out proudly. "I never leave home without it! I was gonna frame it and all, but I couldn't find a frame." Jeremy said, grinning.
Charlie placed a hand over his hand in mock-shock. "Ah, such honor! I feel all special now!"
"Who are you?" one of the boys, Daniel, asked.
"Charlie Conway, nice to meet you." he said, holding out his hand.
When they looked at him warily, he shook his head, a slight smile on his face. "Don't worry; I'm not a drug-dealer, I won't shoot you, and I come in peace." He clarified.
Surprisingly, they all looked relieved at this revelation.
"You didn't really think I would associate with a mad-psycho-serial-killer, did you?" Jeremy asked with mock-horror.
"Of COURSE not! Only the happy-psycho-serial-killers." Charlie added with a nod.
Jeremy stuck out his tongue. "Shut up."
"Fine, I see how it is." Charlie said, pretending to be offended.
Jeremy whacked Charlie in the arm with his hockey stick. "No hard feelings?"
Charlie took Lucas's stick and hit Jeremy lightly back. "No hard feelings."
Luke accepted his hockey stick back and voiced the question that had been running through most of the boys' heads, completely forgetting about Jeremy's extensive explanation on the man.
"How do you know Jeremy?"
"We met last night at the game." Charlie answered.
"A complete stranger?! Jer, you dad would have a heart-attack if he knew you were talking to strangers!" Luke said with horror.
"Stranger danger!" one of the boys squealed jokingly.
"Shh, careful. These people might take you seriously..." Charlie said, looking around nervously. Coach would NOT like picking him up from the station for trying to 'kill' little kids.
Suddenly a lady in her late forties walked over. "What is going on here? Who are you?" the woman asked, narrowing her eyes skeptically at Charlie.
"Um, I'm a friend of Jeremy's and I was just stopping by to say hello." He said, hoping that they wouldn't accuse him of kidnapping or something bizarre like that.
"How so?" the woman asked, narrowing her eyes.
Charlie decided saying 'I met him at last night's hockey game' wouldn't go over too well...
After he was silent for a moment, the woman noticed something.
"Wait one second...you look...familiar." she said, blinking and looking closely at the 23-year-old. "Like an old student I had..."
Oh uh...danger...danger...RED ALERT! Gotta get outta there!
"I-uh...that would be impossible because I'm-uh...from Canada." He said, stuttering slightly. Not good...not good at all...
"No, I'm sure of it now. You look exactly like him! Well, older of course, but alike just the same. He disappeared awhile back. Poor thing. No one's heard from him since." She said, staring off into space.
"Umm...yeah." he said, nervously. He had to get out of there QUICK. "That's too bad. I-uh...should probably get back. I was supposed to meet up with some friends for lunch. See ya later Jeremy and friends!" Charlie said, backing away ever-so-nervously.
"But Charlie..." Jeremy whined, upset that his idol was leaving already.
"I might stop by after school or something. But I wouldn't want to bother the nice teachers or umm...yeah, see ya later!" he said, turning to walk off.
"Well that was strange." The teacher said, blinking before walking back to where she had been standing before.
Jeremy hit the kid who had said 'stranger danger' and muttered "Thanks, stupid..." before walking off. Luke shrugged and followed him, soon to be followed by the rest of the kids as well.
~~~*~~~
Charlie finally stopped to catch his breath as he leaned against the wall of a restaurant, breathing heavily.
That was too close...
"How on earth did that woman recognize me after nine years?" he asked himself quietly before sitting down on a bench. That had been way too close for comfort. There would be NO MORE of that...
Once his heartbeat returned to normal, Charlie stepped out onto the busy sidewalk. He checked the clock inside the restaurant. It was about lunchtime...Charlie couldn't help but wonder what the others were up too...However, if he found them again, there would be no escaping again...
He began wondering around aimlessly, searching for cheap food. He hadn't brought much money with him, so he was looking for quick and cheap. He had the rest of the day, after all.
The 23-year-old finally settled on a diner FAR AWAY from where his mom used to work. That would be bordering on WAY too nostalgic. That would be far into the realm of suicide.
He ordered a burger and stared at the clock. He was wondering whether of not to re-visit the elementary school. It was kind of nice to have someone who saw no fault in you. Even when you were aware of how screwed up you truly were, there was just something about being idolized that made it somewhat worth it.
Looking at the clock again, he decided he would drop by the school to see the kids again. He wasn't sure why, but Jeremy seemed like a younger brother to him. Besides, he had always wanted a younger sibling...
He finished off his burger and took one last drink before tossing his trash in the trashcan. That was it. He would visit.
~~~*~~~
Charlie Conway leaned up against the wire fence as children ran out of the building as if it were on fire. The man was standing in a crowd of feverish parents, searching frantically for their children. He couldn't understand why they didn't just wait in the car like a NORMAL person.
He saw Jeremy and Luke walk out, talking animatedly. Jeremy saw his 'hero' standing there and left poor Lucas standing all by his lonesome. However, the other boy soon took off after Jeremy.
"YOU CAME! YOU CAME!" Jeremy yelled excitedly. He nearly tackled the six- foot-two Charlie.
Charlie grinned and ruffled the kid's hair. The boy's energetic attitude was endearing. The enthusiasm was almost over-whelming.
Luke was more timid as he cautiously approached the man. Jeremy had CLAIMED this was the professional hockey player he adored...but what would an NHL player care about a bunch of kids?
"That I did." Charlie answered.
"Where are we gonna go? Where are we gonna go?" Jeremy asked, bubbling with enthusiasm. He had ACTUALLY come!
"I don't know it this is such a good idea-" Luke started.
"Shh! You be quiet. Of course it is!" Jeremy protested, gesturing with his hands for Luke to be quiet.
"If you aren't comfortable coming with me, I won't blame you. Heck, if I were your age, I would be kind of taken off guard too. But I have a phone if you'd like to call your parents or something. I guess you probably a little cautious. There are some pretty crazy people out there." Charlie said, taking out his cell phone.
Luke cocked a reluctant eyebrow. Should he? Or should he not? That...is the question...
He looked between the two one more time before shrugging and accepting the phone. "Okay."
Once Luke was done with his phone call, Jeremy took the cell phone and dialed in a number.
"Hello? Dad? It's Jeremy. No, no. I'm not home yet. I'm gonna hang out with some friends for awhile. Yes, I know. I'll call mom and tell her that I'll be late coming home. Yes, I know. I KNOW! Gosh...yeah, bye Dad." Jeremy said, hanging up the small, navy blue cell phone.
Luke was somber.
"What's wrong, kiddo?" Charlie asked Jeremy's best friend.
"I can't go." He said, sticking his lower lip out slightly. "It's not fair." He whined.
"Aww...don't worry, I'll bring ya back a souvenir!" Jeremy said with a shrug. Luke shot him a pointed look and sighed.
"Oh well." Luke said. "Maybe next time. See you guys later."
Charlie and Jeremy nodded and said goodbye to Luke.
"I guess we're on our own, kid." Charlie said with a shrug.
Jeremy nodded. "So...what are we gonna do first?"