Hey I have to thank my four precious reviewers!
Ann198- Thank you sooo much Gina! I really have gotten into writing. It's funny but I even like my chapter more. Anyway I really like this story, so I thought heck why not. Hopefully you'll love this one too!!!
Death to all rubix cubes- Thank you Allie!
Jess- Thanks for taking the time to review.
Spickey the Hedge hog- You rock for being the very first reviewer! I'm sorry I confuddled you! So first off there in Highschool, and yes there are four years. Each is named 9-Freshman 10-Sophmore 11-Junior 12-Senior. Now I know very little about hockey too, so yes I made 9 and 10 graders on the same team. 11 and 12 Varsity. Anway I hope this clears it up! If not I'm sorry and just tell me what confuses you! English huh? That totally and completely ROCKS!
Oh and just to clear up any confusion I always thought it was a stretch that all the Ducks were the same age and in the same grade. But you know I stuck with it, all the Ducks are Sophomores, Adam is a freshman, and any hawks I bring I will tell you as they come. Thank you all so much, and PLEASE tell me what you think!
The next day classes started. Each was pretty boring; I could tell this was the kind of place where the teachers just like to listen to themselves talk. I already had an essay to write and four pages of work. It was a lot but I could handle it.
Dean Whitman came and found me around two and told me I was going to meet the hockey coach, and that he'd meet up with us in a few minutes.
I walked over to the rink slightly nervous. Most of my coaches from the past had been tough on me, but I knew I still had some bad habits. I took a deep breath and knocked on the office labeled Coach Orion.
"Come in." I heard a fairly rough voice say through the door. I opened up and he glanced up at me. "What?" he asked. Not a chit chatter kinda guy apparently.
"Uh Coach Orion, I'm Adam Banks. The dean told me to come over to talk to you about me trying out." I said approaching his desk. This guy didn't intimidate me. I'd meet my Dad client's those are some scary people.
"So you're the little rich boy who's Daddy wants him on the team. I already told the Dean, I'm not going to let you on this team just because your Father owns half the school." I took a slight step back.
"Look I'm not just some spoiled little rich boy, I can play hockey. And I'm good." I said.
He laughed at me. I couldn't believe he stared laughing. "Fine little boy, will see how good you really are. Hockey practice starts in twenty minutes, go suit up. I'll put you to the test against my team. I hope your Father owns a hospital."
I nod not really a fan of this guy already. I walked out and ran over to my dorm to grab my hockey stuff. I jogged back having about fifteen minutes to get ready. I walked into the locker room to find the team still in there.
"Who are you?" A tall brunette girl asked me. She was dressed in goalie pads.
"He's having a little tryout today." Coach Orion answered for me. What's up with people not thinking I can talk, "The dean thinks he should be on this team. I don't. He's got one chance to prove himself."
"Ted, I need to talk to you, outside if you don't mind."
"You can say whatever you need to say in front of my team."
"What you and the ducks did last year was amazing, but at this school needs to keep our good relationships. You will be nice to Adam, do you understand, because the future of the hockey program at this school relays on our investors."
"Ahh man don't tell me where getting a preppy little rich boy, just because he's Daddy wants him to play." Said a very tall guy the name Portman written on his jersey.
"Save it for the ice." I said before any one could respond. I walked past them and changed.
The ice rink was very nice. It was almost an Olympic size rink. Eden Hall duck banners hung from the ceilings.
"Alright, Banksey lets see what you can do, Charlie take the face off." A medium sized male skated over. I study him for just a second and noticed the C in his jersey. So I had to take down the captain, fun! The puck was dropped and I took the face off, sweeping the puck past him. I weaved my way through players reaching the net I faked out the goalie and the puck sailed right on in.
I skated back to center ice ready to take another one. This time I put against Germaine, he technically won the face off, but I retrieved the puck within moments. He had a weak stance and I rock at defense, I drove the puck down the ice playing with it quite a bit, the goalie jumped for it early and I took the opportunity to duck behind the net and flick it in there.
The whistle blew, "Alright laps, Conway get over here." Coach Orion yelled. He did not look happy that I just beat his precious little team. I started my laps feeling quite satisfied with myself.
"Yeah Coach?" Charlie asked taking a sip of water.
"What do you think of Banks?"
Charlie did a major eye roll. I think he's a pompous jack ass that's what I think. But instead he gritted his teeth and said, "He's a good player. But I don't know. I've never been an big fan of Adam freaking Banks."
"Well we've got another JV/V game to win. Our defenses isn't nearly were it should be and the kid did just kiss all of your asses. What about the whole duck's hate new people policy.
"Oh don't worry, will just conspire together and hate him." Charlie replied sarcastically.
"Don't step on this kids toes. He's got some powerful people on his side." Orion warned. "I guess it's decided then." Ted stepped back thinking. Am I really doing the right thing? I don't want a whole bunch of problems with the Ducks; I can't help but really like those kids. But throwing a little rich boy into the mix. I guess of all people I shouldn't judge him. But I attended Eden Hall and I had the unfortunate pleasure of knowing Philip Banks back in High school. I guess I can't hold his son to his legacy but at first glance he seems to be filling out the prep legacy perfectly.
The whistle blew, "That's it for today team. Hit the showers."
I skated over to, "So?" I asked very cocky.
"You are good. You made the team."
"Thank you." I said mildly amused with him. He at least admitted that I was good. I skated off and walked back to the locker room.
Coach Orion followed me in handing me a locker number on a piece of paper. I scanned the numbers looking for locker 27. I found it at the end of a long row. I did the combination on the paper and smiled. I'd made the team, yeah go me!
"Let's get one thing straight now. We all made this team because of something other than our Fathers money."
"Yeah well it sure as hell wasn't talent. Check the score board I beat all of you at least once today."
"ohh, the new guy, dissing Jesse, the Jesse man, the Jester. What ya gonna do about it?" Averman said from his spot on the bench. Every one watched us from their seat. What was he going to do to me?
Thankfully at that moment Jason got tired of waiting for me out in the hallway, and him and the rest of the Varsity hockey team strolled in. "What are you doing in here?" Jesse anger suddenly directed over at Varsity.
"Chill Hall. Sit you gangster little ass down." Cole said pushing Jesse down on the bench.
"So?" Jason asked looking over at me cocking one eyebrow.
"You are looking at the newest Eden Hall JV player." I said quite impressed with myself.
"Congrats shrimp." Jason said doing our little handshake with me, "Dad's already called my cell six times to ask if you made it." He said tossing his phone over to me.
I finished up changing and left with the rest of the team. The varsity team that is. I snuck away to call my Dad. I dialed his work number.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" My Dad's receptionists, Samantha, said/
"Hi Samantha, is my Dad in?"
"Oh yes Adam. He's been waiting to hear from you. Hold one moment."
"Adam, did you make it? What happened?"
"What no hello." I said laughing slightly, "yes Dad I made the team."
"Congratulations son, not that I expected any less."
A small snort came flying out of my mouth, "well I better go. Jason is having some kind of celebration thing in his dorm."
"Wait a second how is the team?"
"There good I guess. The coach doesn't seem to like me very much. Besides that they're good players with a weak defence."
"Well that just means you'll have to work extra hard. Those bunch of losers need to make you look good. Get back to practicing. I want to see you the star of those losers by the first game."
"Whatever Dad."
"Young Man. don't you whatever me, this is your future you're talking about."
"I know Dad. But I already beat all of them at practice today. And I have three years before the scouts will even look at me."
"That is no excuse you will succeeded at this if it's the last thing I do,"
"Fine Dad, I'm not going to fight you. Bye." I said hanging up nearly throwing the phone.
"He's such an asshole. I'm already going to this dumb ass school and I'm on the hockey team what more could he possibly want from me? God." I vented over to my brother.
He smiled at me, "I see you're in a lovely mood."
"Shut up." I said in a harsher tone than I meant.
He grabbed my arm and started to drag me towards his dorm. He pulled me down onto the bench right outside of his building.
"Look, I know Dad said something, just forget about him. Lest go back to be happy about making the team."
"I'll try."
"So how was you first practice with the little duckys?" I cracked a little smile.
"I guess it was alright. I'm not going to get along with anyone on the team but that's fine. Coach Orion doesn't seem to be my biggest fan but whatever I so don't care weather or not he likes me." I sighed. Growing tired of wallowing in my own self-pity I stood up, "Come on you said your self I need to celebrate. Lets go out."
The party was absolutely out of control. I got back to my room around three, maybe four in the morning. I'd had one to many beers and I could barley walk, let alone straight. I collapsed in my bad and fell asleep instantly.
.
Jason Banks knew all to well the pressure their Father put on them. At one point it had consumed him, until he felt nothing. But that was the past for him. Now it seemed to be Adams turn. Adam had always wanted to please Dad. More than Jason ever had. He saw the disappointments in his little brother's eyes. He had wanted Dad to say just this once "Son I'm proud of you." But no. The man had to go off on Adam undoubtedly about practicing harder, doing better.
This year would bring one of two things for Adam. He would either crack under the pressure, giving into his Fathers verbal abuse. He would throw his life into hockey, hell he'd probably make NHL. He's that good. He could be the next great player. But he'd never be happy. Because it's never be enough.
Or he'd follow in my footsteps. And realize that hockey is not the most important thing in life. And that there Father's opinion didn't count for shit. He's just a bitter miserable man who was taking it out on a fifteen- year-old kid.
So I let Adam drink. I let him escape. I didn't know what else to do. The only thing that pulled me though this point of my life ironically enough was the friendships I made on the hockey team. I just had to figure out how to be there for Adam.
Ann198- Thank you sooo much Gina! I really have gotten into writing. It's funny but I even like my chapter more. Anyway I really like this story, so I thought heck why not. Hopefully you'll love this one too!!!
Death to all rubix cubes- Thank you Allie!
Jess- Thanks for taking the time to review.
Spickey the Hedge hog- You rock for being the very first reviewer! I'm sorry I confuddled you! So first off there in Highschool, and yes there are four years. Each is named 9-Freshman 10-Sophmore 11-Junior 12-Senior. Now I know very little about hockey too, so yes I made 9 and 10 graders on the same team. 11 and 12 Varsity. Anway I hope this clears it up! If not I'm sorry and just tell me what confuses you! English huh? That totally and completely ROCKS!
Oh and just to clear up any confusion I always thought it was a stretch that all the Ducks were the same age and in the same grade. But you know I stuck with it, all the Ducks are Sophomores, Adam is a freshman, and any hawks I bring I will tell you as they come. Thank you all so much, and PLEASE tell me what you think!
The next day classes started. Each was pretty boring; I could tell this was the kind of place where the teachers just like to listen to themselves talk. I already had an essay to write and four pages of work. It was a lot but I could handle it.
Dean Whitman came and found me around two and told me I was going to meet the hockey coach, and that he'd meet up with us in a few minutes.
I walked over to the rink slightly nervous. Most of my coaches from the past had been tough on me, but I knew I still had some bad habits. I took a deep breath and knocked on the office labeled Coach Orion.
"Come in." I heard a fairly rough voice say through the door. I opened up and he glanced up at me. "What?" he asked. Not a chit chatter kinda guy apparently.
"Uh Coach Orion, I'm Adam Banks. The dean told me to come over to talk to you about me trying out." I said approaching his desk. This guy didn't intimidate me. I'd meet my Dad client's those are some scary people.
"So you're the little rich boy who's Daddy wants him on the team. I already told the Dean, I'm not going to let you on this team just because your Father owns half the school." I took a slight step back.
"Look I'm not just some spoiled little rich boy, I can play hockey. And I'm good." I said.
He laughed at me. I couldn't believe he stared laughing. "Fine little boy, will see how good you really are. Hockey practice starts in twenty minutes, go suit up. I'll put you to the test against my team. I hope your Father owns a hospital."
I nod not really a fan of this guy already. I walked out and ran over to my dorm to grab my hockey stuff. I jogged back having about fifteen minutes to get ready. I walked into the locker room to find the team still in there.
"Who are you?" A tall brunette girl asked me. She was dressed in goalie pads.
"He's having a little tryout today." Coach Orion answered for me. What's up with people not thinking I can talk, "The dean thinks he should be on this team. I don't. He's got one chance to prove himself."
"Ted, I need to talk to you, outside if you don't mind."
"You can say whatever you need to say in front of my team."
"What you and the ducks did last year was amazing, but at this school needs to keep our good relationships. You will be nice to Adam, do you understand, because the future of the hockey program at this school relays on our investors."
"Ahh man don't tell me where getting a preppy little rich boy, just because he's Daddy wants him to play." Said a very tall guy the name Portman written on his jersey.
"Save it for the ice." I said before any one could respond. I walked past them and changed.
The ice rink was very nice. It was almost an Olympic size rink. Eden Hall duck banners hung from the ceilings.
"Alright, Banksey lets see what you can do, Charlie take the face off." A medium sized male skated over. I study him for just a second and noticed the C in his jersey. So I had to take down the captain, fun! The puck was dropped and I took the face off, sweeping the puck past him. I weaved my way through players reaching the net I faked out the goalie and the puck sailed right on in.
I skated back to center ice ready to take another one. This time I put against Germaine, he technically won the face off, but I retrieved the puck within moments. He had a weak stance and I rock at defense, I drove the puck down the ice playing with it quite a bit, the goalie jumped for it early and I took the opportunity to duck behind the net and flick it in there.
The whistle blew, "Alright laps, Conway get over here." Coach Orion yelled. He did not look happy that I just beat his precious little team. I started my laps feeling quite satisfied with myself.
"Yeah Coach?" Charlie asked taking a sip of water.
"What do you think of Banks?"
Charlie did a major eye roll. I think he's a pompous jack ass that's what I think. But instead he gritted his teeth and said, "He's a good player. But I don't know. I've never been an big fan of Adam freaking Banks."
"Well we've got another JV/V game to win. Our defenses isn't nearly were it should be and the kid did just kiss all of your asses. What about the whole duck's hate new people policy.
"Oh don't worry, will just conspire together and hate him." Charlie replied sarcastically.
"Don't step on this kids toes. He's got some powerful people on his side." Orion warned. "I guess it's decided then." Ted stepped back thinking. Am I really doing the right thing? I don't want a whole bunch of problems with the Ducks; I can't help but really like those kids. But throwing a little rich boy into the mix. I guess of all people I shouldn't judge him. But I attended Eden Hall and I had the unfortunate pleasure of knowing Philip Banks back in High school. I guess I can't hold his son to his legacy but at first glance he seems to be filling out the prep legacy perfectly.
The whistle blew, "That's it for today team. Hit the showers."
I skated over to, "So?" I asked very cocky.
"You are good. You made the team."
"Thank you." I said mildly amused with him. He at least admitted that I was good. I skated off and walked back to the locker room.
Coach Orion followed me in handing me a locker number on a piece of paper. I scanned the numbers looking for locker 27. I found it at the end of a long row. I did the combination on the paper and smiled. I'd made the team, yeah go me!
"Let's get one thing straight now. We all made this team because of something other than our Fathers money."
"Yeah well it sure as hell wasn't talent. Check the score board I beat all of you at least once today."
"ohh, the new guy, dissing Jesse, the Jesse man, the Jester. What ya gonna do about it?" Averman said from his spot on the bench. Every one watched us from their seat. What was he going to do to me?
Thankfully at that moment Jason got tired of waiting for me out in the hallway, and him and the rest of the Varsity hockey team strolled in. "What are you doing in here?" Jesse anger suddenly directed over at Varsity.
"Chill Hall. Sit you gangster little ass down." Cole said pushing Jesse down on the bench.
"So?" Jason asked looking over at me cocking one eyebrow.
"You are looking at the newest Eden Hall JV player." I said quite impressed with myself.
"Congrats shrimp." Jason said doing our little handshake with me, "Dad's already called my cell six times to ask if you made it." He said tossing his phone over to me.
I finished up changing and left with the rest of the team. The varsity team that is. I snuck away to call my Dad. I dialed his work number.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" My Dad's receptionists, Samantha, said/
"Hi Samantha, is my Dad in?"
"Oh yes Adam. He's been waiting to hear from you. Hold one moment."
"Adam, did you make it? What happened?"
"What no hello." I said laughing slightly, "yes Dad I made the team."
"Congratulations son, not that I expected any less."
A small snort came flying out of my mouth, "well I better go. Jason is having some kind of celebration thing in his dorm."
"Wait a second how is the team?"
"There good I guess. The coach doesn't seem to like me very much. Besides that they're good players with a weak defence."
"Well that just means you'll have to work extra hard. Those bunch of losers need to make you look good. Get back to practicing. I want to see you the star of those losers by the first game."
"Whatever Dad."
"Young Man. don't you whatever me, this is your future you're talking about."
"I know Dad. But I already beat all of them at practice today. And I have three years before the scouts will even look at me."
"That is no excuse you will succeeded at this if it's the last thing I do,"
"Fine Dad, I'm not going to fight you. Bye." I said hanging up nearly throwing the phone.
"He's such an asshole. I'm already going to this dumb ass school and I'm on the hockey team what more could he possibly want from me? God." I vented over to my brother.
He smiled at me, "I see you're in a lovely mood."
"Shut up." I said in a harsher tone than I meant.
He grabbed my arm and started to drag me towards his dorm. He pulled me down onto the bench right outside of his building.
"Look, I know Dad said something, just forget about him. Lest go back to be happy about making the team."
"I'll try."
"So how was you first practice with the little duckys?" I cracked a little smile.
"I guess it was alright. I'm not going to get along with anyone on the team but that's fine. Coach Orion doesn't seem to be my biggest fan but whatever I so don't care weather or not he likes me." I sighed. Growing tired of wallowing in my own self-pity I stood up, "Come on you said your self I need to celebrate. Lets go out."
The party was absolutely out of control. I got back to my room around three, maybe four in the morning. I'd had one to many beers and I could barley walk, let alone straight. I collapsed in my bad and fell asleep instantly.
.
Jason Banks knew all to well the pressure their Father put on them. At one point it had consumed him, until he felt nothing. But that was the past for him. Now it seemed to be Adams turn. Adam had always wanted to please Dad. More than Jason ever had. He saw the disappointments in his little brother's eyes. He had wanted Dad to say just this once "Son I'm proud of you." But no. The man had to go off on Adam undoubtedly about practicing harder, doing better.
This year would bring one of two things for Adam. He would either crack under the pressure, giving into his Fathers verbal abuse. He would throw his life into hockey, hell he'd probably make NHL. He's that good. He could be the next great player. But he'd never be happy. Because it's never be enough.
Or he'd follow in my footsteps. And realize that hockey is not the most important thing in life. And that there Father's opinion didn't count for shit. He's just a bitter miserable man who was taking it out on a fifteen- year-old kid.
So I let Adam drink. I let him escape. I didn't know what else to do. The only thing that pulled me though this point of my life ironically enough was the friendships I made on the hockey team. I just had to figure out how to be there for Adam.