Disclaimer : I don't own a thing unless they weren't in the movies.
SHELBERS - Thank you for your review, I'm afraid I can't tell you about anything that happens cos it'll spoil it. Cheers mi dears!!!!!!
ANNE918 - Arr, you're feeling all mushy inside. Anyways thanks for the review, I'm sorry this is only a short note, but I'm absolutely knackered and I'm working all weekend, don't you just feel so sorry for me. Lol. Anyways cheers mi dears!!!!!!
Chapter 13
ADAM'S P.O.V
The next morning, Connie awoke with her alarm and got up to get Kelly and Tyler ready for school. She was acting as though nothing was wrong and Kelly's constant questioning about where she had gone last night was ignored after she had explained, that she had, had to go out to see someone. I was getting more worried about her as the morning wore on, it was as though she was forgetting about everything that had happened yesterday.
"Right, I'll be home about 1pm". She kissed me quickly before heading out the door with Kelly and Tyler in tow.
I sat for about another half an hour, before Julie woke and stumbled out to me. Her hair was a mess and eyes still fighting to stay open. I chuckled gently at her as got up and made us a mug of coffee each.
"Connie gone to work"? She asked huskily.
"Yeah, she'll be back about 1 though". I replied.
"How did she seem this morning"?
"You know Connie, acting as though there wasn't a thing wrong". I answered.
"Looks like we came just in time". She told me and then we remained sitting in silence. It was by no means an awkward silence, it was one of simply two friends understanding what each other thought.
Within about and hour everyone was up and dressed. There wasn't much talk about Connie, but I could tell they were all thinking the same thing. At about 12.30, Julie and I began making a bit of lunch for us, expecting Connie home at about 1. Well she came home for about 1 but said quick hello before going to get changed. When she came back out, I was just stood next to the kitchen door, when there was a knock at the door. I was just about to head to it, when she stepped forward and opened it.
"Hi". She opened the door wide, revealing Pete, her second step dad. "You remember the ducks". She quickly re-introduced us. "Guy's you remember Pete right". She closed the door as we each said a quick hi to each other.
"Connie, I need to tell you something important". Pete began and he ushered her toward the dining room table.
"I have something to tell you too". She began. I wasn't exactly ear wigging, but we could all just about hear what they were saying.
"I've been transferred back to Minnesota, I have to leave in about 4 weeks".
"And your going right"? She asked in what I guessed was a rhetorical way.
"I have to, it's more money and it's a step up for me".
"Great, that's just great. Good luck by the way. Oh the kids bags are there". She said her voice dripping with sarcasm as she headed for the door.
"Connie don't be like this". Pete almost pleaded.
"Like what, I hope you'll be happy. I'll see you Sunday". She turned back to face him.
"Connie sweetie, where are you going"? He asked before she had the chance to leave.
"To see a woman who calls herself a mother". She spat with hatred as she left.
Pete looked at us for an explanation. Charlie was the one who stepped forward to give it. We had all crowded round him, but I left to go after Connie. When I got outside she was just rounding the street corner. I took off running after her and just caught up with her at the next corner.
"Connie, don't you think you ought to come back and talk to Pete about this". He said breathing heavily.
"I can't cope with him leaving just yet. I don't even want to think about it, first I'm going to lose Kelly and Tyler and then I'm gonna lose him, Jack and Cara". She answered with hurt in her voice.
"You aren't going to lose them, you have to believe that". I told her.
"Look, I have to go, I'll see you later". She leant up and gave me a kiss and began walking away, leaving me stood watching her disappear.
CHARLIE'S P.O.V
"What's going on"? Pete asked us as Adam ran after Connie.
"Connie got a letter from a lawyer, Terry's trying for custody". I told him, seeing his face fall.
"Why didn't she tell me"? He slumped into a chair.
"She only found out last night, she went to see a lawyer, but he isn't holding much hope for her". I continued.
"There's no wonder she went off like she did. How in the God's name did he find her"?
"Monica". I told him just as Adam walked back. We all looked at him, but he shook his head.
"I caught her, but she's just, I don't know, blanking everything out. She thinks she's going to lose Kelly and Tyler then she's losing you". He admitted.
"I best get off, I'm going to go call work and turn the promotion down, then I'm going for the kids". He began to get up.
"Wait, this might be the chance we have, to get her to come back home. When I asked her a week ago why she didn't come back with me, she said because she couldn't leave you, Jack and Cara. This is a perfect opportunity". Adam suggested.
"Yeah, that could just about work". Julie joined in, then we all began scheming.
CONNIE'S P.O.V
I climbed off the subway and began heading up the escalators to the open air. I had just hit with another bombshell that Pete was moving back to Minnesota. I felt as though everyone was being dragged away from me, the next people I would be lose would be the ducks, and that would probably be my own fault after the way I'd been treating them. When I came into the open sunlight, I headed toward a building with large brick walls with barbed wire curled on top. New York state prison, what a great place.
I had only every been here a few times, not particular memories I cherished, in fact I had been frightened to death, the whole being searched thing, having to talk down phones to each other and only being able to see each other through glass. I walked through the metal detector and was quickly searched by an officer, I then was directed to the check in desk where my details were taken. Again being checked before I was allowed to sit down on one side on the cubical. I waited for 5 minutes before my mom was brought out. A grim look on her face, well that was until she saw me.
"Hi baby, how's it going"? She asked as soon as we had both placed the phone to our ears.
"I was doing fine up until I got a letter telling me that Terry was trying for custody of Kelly and Tyler". I spoke harshly and saw her smile suddenly dropped. "Why did you tell him where we were"?
"I thought it would be for the best". She replied.
"The best, the best for who, huh? Me? Terry? How could you do this to me"? I felt tears forming.
"The both of you, this way Terry will get to know his kids and you can go back to school".
"You are unbelievable. Didn't it actually enter you mind that I was happy with them, or that he can take them as far as possible away from me, Jack and Cara". I snapped as I saw a shocked expression enter her face. "No you didn't, I bet you didn't even know that he could, did you".
"I thought I was doing the best thing".
"Really, like the time you thought you were doing the best when you robbed that liquor store, or when you were drink driving, or was it when you were killing that innocent child". I snapped as tears flowed.
"Please don't throw that back at me. Ok I made some mistakes, but hell am I paying for them". She began crying now, but it didn't wash with me, she pulled these stunts all the time.
"Oh, please not the tears, I might actually believe you". I hissed. "You aren't the only one paying for your mistakes. I'm about to pay for the big mistake you made when you told Terry where I was".
"How can you say that. I've always tried to do the best by you, I'm your mom". I could hear the slight pleading tone in her voice.
"NO, you stopped being my mom when you started thinking about yourself". I put the phone down and got up to leave. Even as I was walking away, I could hear her yell my name. As far as I was concerned, I no longer had a mom.
I almost rushed home, I knew I had to get ready for work, I was going to have to work all the hours God sent to be able afford this lawyer, but then if I worked too much, the court would assume I wasn't a stable guardian. GOD there was no winning in this situation.
ADAM'S P.O.V
At turned 5.30pm, Connie re-emerged, no explanations were given and no questions were asked. She simply smiled at us and headed off to get ready for work. I didn't know about the others, but I definitely noticed the tear stains on her cheeks.
"I think one of you should go talk to her"? Emma suggested. She seemed to have kept her distance throughout this situation, only offering her opinion if asked or when she thought the time was right, which I couldn't blame her for, she didn't really know Connie that well, I however felt very much involved in the whole situation.
"I'll go". I offered and headed toward her room. As I entered, I could hear the slight murmuring of the shower. I sat down on her bed and waited for her return. "You wanna talk to me"? I asked as she entered wrapped in a towel and drying her hair with another.
"What about"? She asked looking at me as though I was mad.
"What happened between you and your mom". I suggested.
"I haven't got a mom". She answered.
"Connie, you said you were losing Kelly and Tyler and then Pete, Jack and Cara, you aren't but you are pushing them so far away from you that you ARE going to lose them. I know what your going through is the worst thing imaginable to you, but you have 4 friends out there and one guy sat here who love you more than anything and want to help you, then you have 2 kids who love you more than life itself, Pete has actually turned down the promotion to stay here and help you, but how can any of us help when your trying to do this on your own". I remained seated, though I could see tears emerging once again in her eyes, I had hit a nerve.
"I am trying my best to keep everything together Adam. I have to face facts that I AM going to lose them, I have no hope and I've hit rock bottom. What else can I do but be as normal as possible". She cried.
"Let us help you, believe in yourself. You are the strongest person I know. Who was the one who insisted and fought to stay on the same hockey team when we got to Eden Hall? Who was it who showed every hockey player out there that girls did belong in hockey"? I stood and went over to hug her. "The old Connie had more fight in her than you give yourself credit for, be that old Connie". I continued as she broke down in tears. I held her tight to me for about 15 minutes, after guiding her to sit down on the bed, her tears died down into hushed sobs and eventually she calmed.
"I have to get ready for work". She glanced at her watch and stood, going into her closet and pulling out a pair of faded blue jeans and a shirt and vest top.
I left her to get ready and went back out to the ducks, who were sat around eagerly awaiting my return. I gave them a small smile and sat down at the table.
"I think she's finally admitting that she needs help". I whispered.
We chatted about different things until Connie came back out. She looked stunning in her jeans and vest top with shirt tied at the hem and only a few buttons fastened. She looked like the Connie I had become to love, a smile crossed her face and tear stains were now gone. Me, Charlie and Guy wolf whistled as she past us.
"I finish at 1, so how about a girls morning in"? She smiled at Connie and Emma.
"Definitely". Emma and Julie said together.
"And where are we supposed to go"? Charlie pretended to look hurt.
"I'm sure you'll find somewhere". Connie laughed, the first real laugh I'd heard exit her lips in over 48 hours. "There's a couple of good clubs not far from hear if any of you are interested and all the good take-away menu's are on the refrigerator". She grabbed her bag and jacket, planted a quick kiss on my lips and left in a rush.
"You are sure something Banks". Julie praised me.
"Oh did I forget to tell you, I'm a miracle worker as well as the best hockey player"! I laughed as two playful punches were thrown my way.
So what did you think???? PLEASE R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SHELBERS - Thank you for your review, I'm afraid I can't tell you about anything that happens cos it'll spoil it. Cheers mi dears!!!!!!
ANNE918 - Arr, you're feeling all mushy inside. Anyways thanks for the review, I'm sorry this is only a short note, but I'm absolutely knackered and I'm working all weekend, don't you just feel so sorry for me. Lol. Anyways cheers mi dears!!!!!!
Chapter 13
ADAM'S P.O.V
The next morning, Connie awoke with her alarm and got up to get Kelly and Tyler ready for school. She was acting as though nothing was wrong and Kelly's constant questioning about where she had gone last night was ignored after she had explained, that she had, had to go out to see someone. I was getting more worried about her as the morning wore on, it was as though she was forgetting about everything that had happened yesterday.
"Right, I'll be home about 1pm". She kissed me quickly before heading out the door with Kelly and Tyler in tow.
I sat for about another half an hour, before Julie woke and stumbled out to me. Her hair was a mess and eyes still fighting to stay open. I chuckled gently at her as got up and made us a mug of coffee each.
"Connie gone to work"? She asked huskily.
"Yeah, she'll be back about 1 though". I replied.
"How did she seem this morning"?
"You know Connie, acting as though there wasn't a thing wrong". I answered.
"Looks like we came just in time". She told me and then we remained sitting in silence. It was by no means an awkward silence, it was one of simply two friends understanding what each other thought.
Within about and hour everyone was up and dressed. There wasn't much talk about Connie, but I could tell they were all thinking the same thing. At about 12.30, Julie and I began making a bit of lunch for us, expecting Connie home at about 1. Well she came home for about 1 but said quick hello before going to get changed. When she came back out, I was just stood next to the kitchen door, when there was a knock at the door. I was just about to head to it, when she stepped forward and opened it.
"Hi". She opened the door wide, revealing Pete, her second step dad. "You remember the ducks". She quickly re-introduced us. "Guy's you remember Pete right". She closed the door as we each said a quick hi to each other.
"Connie, I need to tell you something important". Pete began and he ushered her toward the dining room table.
"I have something to tell you too". She began. I wasn't exactly ear wigging, but we could all just about hear what they were saying.
"I've been transferred back to Minnesota, I have to leave in about 4 weeks".
"And your going right"? She asked in what I guessed was a rhetorical way.
"I have to, it's more money and it's a step up for me".
"Great, that's just great. Good luck by the way. Oh the kids bags are there". She said her voice dripping with sarcasm as she headed for the door.
"Connie don't be like this". Pete almost pleaded.
"Like what, I hope you'll be happy. I'll see you Sunday". She turned back to face him.
"Connie sweetie, where are you going"? He asked before she had the chance to leave.
"To see a woman who calls herself a mother". She spat with hatred as she left.
Pete looked at us for an explanation. Charlie was the one who stepped forward to give it. We had all crowded round him, but I left to go after Connie. When I got outside she was just rounding the street corner. I took off running after her and just caught up with her at the next corner.
"Connie, don't you think you ought to come back and talk to Pete about this". He said breathing heavily.
"I can't cope with him leaving just yet. I don't even want to think about it, first I'm going to lose Kelly and Tyler and then I'm gonna lose him, Jack and Cara". She answered with hurt in her voice.
"You aren't going to lose them, you have to believe that". I told her.
"Look, I have to go, I'll see you later". She leant up and gave me a kiss and began walking away, leaving me stood watching her disappear.
CHARLIE'S P.O.V
"What's going on"? Pete asked us as Adam ran after Connie.
"Connie got a letter from a lawyer, Terry's trying for custody". I told him, seeing his face fall.
"Why didn't she tell me"? He slumped into a chair.
"She only found out last night, she went to see a lawyer, but he isn't holding much hope for her". I continued.
"There's no wonder she went off like she did. How in the God's name did he find her"?
"Monica". I told him just as Adam walked back. We all looked at him, but he shook his head.
"I caught her, but she's just, I don't know, blanking everything out. She thinks she's going to lose Kelly and Tyler then she's losing you". He admitted.
"I best get off, I'm going to go call work and turn the promotion down, then I'm going for the kids". He began to get up.
"Wait, this might be the chance we have, to get her to come back home. When I asked her a week ago why she didn't come back with me, she said because she couldn't leave you, Jack and Cara. This is a perfect opportunity". Adam suggested.
"Yeah, that could just about work". Julie joined in, then we all began scheming.
CONNIE'S P.O.V
I climbed off the subway and began heading up the escalators to the open air. I had just hit with another bombshell that Pete was moving back to Minnesota. I felt as though everyone was being dragged away from me, the next people I would be lose would be the ducks, and that would probably be my own fault after the way I'd been treating them. When I came into the open sunlight, I headed toward a building with large brick walls with barbed wire curled on top. New York state prison, what a great place.
I had only every been here a few times, not particular memories I cherished, in fact I had been frightened to death, the whole being searched thing, having to talk down phones to each other and only being able to see each other through glass. I walked through the metal detector and was quickly searched by an officer, I then was directed to the check in desk where my details were taken. Again being checked before I was allowed to sit down on one side on the cubical. I waited for 5 minutes before my mom was brought out. A grim look on her face, well that was until she saw me.
"Hi baby, how's it going"? She asked as soon as we had both placed the phone to our ears.
"I was doing fine up until I got a letter telling me that Terry was trying for custody of Kelly and Tyler". I spoke harshly and saw her smile suddenly dropped. "Why did you tell him where we were"?
"I thought it would be for the best". She replied.
"The best, the best for who, huh? Me? Terry? How could you do this to me"? I felt tears forming.
"The both of you, this way Terry will get to know his kids and you can go back to school".
"You are unbelievable. Didn't it actually enter you mind that I was happy with them, or that he can take them as far as possible away from me, Jack and Cara". I snapped as I saw a shocked expression enter her face. "No you didn't, I bet you didn't even know that he could, did you".
"I thought I was doing the best thing".
"Really, like the time you thought you were doing the best when you robbed that liquor store, or when you were drink driving, or was it when you were killing that innocent child". I snapped as tears flowed.
"Please don't throw that back at me. Ok I made some mistakes, but hell am I paying for them". She began crying now, but it didn't wash with me, she pulled these stunts all the time.
"Oh, please not the tears, I might actually believe you". I hissed. "You aren't the only one paying for your mistakes. I'm about to pay for the big mistake you made when you told Terry where I was".
"How can you say that. I've always tried to do the best by you, I'm your mom". I could hear the slight pleading tone in her voice.
"NO, you stopped being my mom when you started thinking about yourself". I put the phone down and got up to leave. Even as I was walking away, I could hear her yell my name. As far as I was concerned, I no longer had a mom.
I almost rushed home, I knew I had to get ready for work, I was going to have to work all the hours God sent to be able afford this lawyer, but then if I worked too much, the court would assume I wasn't a stable guardian. GOD there was no winning in this situation.
ADAM'S P.O.V
At turned 5.30pm, Connie re-emerged, no explanations were given and no questions were asked. She simply smiled at us and headed off to get ready for work. I didn't know about the others, but I definitely noticed the tear stains on her cheeks.
"I think one of you should go talk to her"? Emma suggested. She seemed to have kept her distance throughout this situation, only offering her opinion if asked or when she thought the time was right, which I couldn't blame her for, she didn't really know Connie that well, I however felt very much involved in the whole situation.
"I'll go". I offered and headed toward her room. As I entered, I could hear the slight murmuring of the shower. I sat down on her bed and waited for her return. "You wanna talk to me"? I asked as she entered wrapped in a towel and drying her hair with another.
"What about"? She asked looking at me as though I was mad.
"What happened between you and your mom". I suggested.
"I haven't got a mom". She answered.
"Connie, you said you were losing Kelly and Tyler and then Pete, Jack and Cara, you aren't but you are pushing them so far away from you that you ARE going to lose them. I know what your going through is the worst thing imaginable to you, but you have 4 friends out there and one guy sat here who love you more than anything and want to help you, then you have 2 kids who love you more than life itself, Pete has actually turned down the promotion to stay here and help you, but how can any of us help when your trying to do this on your own". I remained seated, though I could see tears emerging once again in her eyes, I had hit a nerve.
"I am trying my best to keep everything together Adam. I have to face facts that I AM going to lose them, I have no hope and I've hit rock bottom. What else can I do but be as normal as possible". She cried.
"Let us help you, believe in yourself. You are the strongest person I know. Who was the one who insisted and fought to stay on the same hockey team when we got to Eden Hall? Who was it who showed every hockey player out there that girls did belong in hockey"? I stood and went over to hug her. "The old Connie had more fight in her than you give yourself credit for, be that old Connie". I continued as she broke down in tears. I held her tight to me for about 15 minutes, after guiding her to sit down on the bed, her tears died down into hushed sobs and eventually she calmed.
"I have to get ready for work". She glanced at her watch and stood, going into her closet and pulling out a pair of faded blue jeans and a shirt and vest top.
I left her to get ready and went back out to the ducks, who were sat around eagerly awaiting my return. I gave them a small smile and sat down at the table.
"I think she's finally admitting that she needs help". I whispered.
We chatted about different things until Connie came back out. She looked stunning in her jeans and vest top with shirt tied at the hem and only a few buttons fastened. She looked like the Connie I had become to love, a smile crossed her face and tear stains were now gone. Me, Charlie and Guy wolf whistled as she past us.
"I finish at 1, so how about a girls morning in"? She smiled at Connie and Emma.
"Definitely". Emma and Julie said together.
"And where are we supposed to go"? Charlie pretended to look hurt.
"I'm sure you'll find somewhere". Connie laughed, the first real laugh I'd heard exit her lips in over 48 hours. "There's a couple of good clubs not far from hear if any of you are interested and all the good take-away menu's are on the refrigerator". She grabbed her bag and jacket, planted a quick kiss on my lips and left in a rush.
"You are sure something Banks". Julie praised me.
"Oh did I forget to tell you, I'm a miracle worker as well as the best hockey player"! I laughed as two playful punches were thrown my way.
So what did you think???? PLEASE R&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!