Disclaimer : I don't know why I bother writing these things you know, but
here goes, I don't own the Mighty Ducks so therefore haven't made any money
( I wish ) from writing this story.
THIS UPDATE IS BECAUSE I'M IN SUCH A GOOD MOOD LOL.
BEANER - Yeah breathing is a good idea lol. Keep breathing, I don't wanna have to do a David Hasselhoff or Pamela Anderson(Baywatch) on ya lol. I'm in one of those mood where I go against what should happen, so you never know what'll happen lol. Yeah I though Connie's bit was pretty funny lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
DEATH TO ALL RUBIX CUBES - I know whenever I have to write Gordon or Bombay I can't decide what to call him lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
MISSA32189 - Thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
MARTAJLP - Thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
DUCKS-GO-QUACK-00 - Your question will be answered later on, I promise lol. Thanks for review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
RACHEL - You want Adam after Julie, get in the queue doll, I'm next lol. Your very welcome for your cake. Arrr you think I'm the best author, aren't you the sweetest, I'm gonna cook you another cake now for that comment lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
SNORTS90 - Unbelievably you didn't lose me, I don't think you did anyway - were you or where you not saying that you thought you hadn't read my D4 so went to read it, then realised you had already read it? I'm a great or am I great lol. Anyways, thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
JOC - I know isn't that song the greatest, I was actually singing that to my friend Amy today whilst we were trying to do synchronized riding in the school, then I got yelled at by my tutor because I was getting too giddy lol, right as for my song, another of THE greatest love songs of all time - WATCHING EVERY MOTION, IN MY FOLISH LOVERS GAME, ON THIS ENDLESS OCEAN, FINALLY NO LOVERS KNOW NO SHAME, TURNING AND RETURNING TO SOME SECRET PLACE INSIDE, WATCHING IN SLOW MOTION AS YOU TURN AROUND TO SAY: TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!!!! I love that song lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
ANNE918 - You'll have to wait to find out if what happens, won't ya lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
AUSSIECHIC - God don't choke, I'm might be a first aider but it don't mean I can remember how to treat ya lol. Hey get in the queue, I'm up first to marry Adam before you lol. Take that personality thing as a compliment lol. Arr you think I'm awesome, I might lend you Adam for the evening, but no hanky panky lol. Get writing some J/A stories, I'd be quite willing to check them for ya, since I have very little to do with my time. Think about it, we could always use another J/A author, there just aren't enough lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
DUCKHOCKEY00214496 - Oh God you got my shivering in my boots now lol. I know don't you just love cliff hangers lol. Oh by the way don't take the first sentence to heart, I just have a weird sense of humour lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
ROSIELADY- I don't know what Julie's doing lol - I do really but I ain't gonna tell ya lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
Chapter 05
CONNIE'S P.O.V
I had just arrived home with Guy, Adam and Julie. Knowing Julie and Adam would want some time alone, I dragged Guy into our apartment, where we both got changed. Though I hadn't been uncomfortable in my dress, I was glad when I finally got it off. Guy had already changed and was sat in the recliner. I went and sat with him, squeezing myself next to him. He flicking through the channels, searching for something to watch, I laid my head on his shoulder, breathing in his cologne and staring off into space.
"Guy? Do you ever think about our future"? I asked finally.
"How'd you mean"? He turned the TV off and looked at me.
"Well, like where you'll be in 5/10 years time"?
"With you. I've always known we'll be together. You know eventually getting married, having kids and growing old and grey together".
"Really"?
"Yeah. Why"? He looked at me quizzically.
"Just something I was talking to Adam about today". I answered as lightly as I could.
"Why what did he". Guy began but 9 ducks barged through the door.
"Arrr, where we having a lover moment". Averman commented.
"Would it make a difference if we were". I retorted.
"Not particularly". He answered me.
"What are you all doing here anyway"? Guy asked as they all surrounded us.
"Well since Adam and Julie seem to have fallen off the face of the Earth, we thought we'd come round and keep you company instead". Russ told us.
"What do you mean Adam and Julie have fallen off the face of the Earth"? I asked confused and just getting a little hint that maybe Adam was going to do what we had talked about today.
"They aren't in". Charlie replied before Averman had chance to reply in a sarcastic way. "Connie? Is there something you aren't telling us"? He suddenly asked.
"No, what makes you think that"? I realised I had been smiling, and immediately tried to make my face serious.
"Well, you have a gleam in your eye and your smile tells me different". He wound me up.
"I'm not hiding anything". I tried replying solemnly.
"You might as well tell us now, it's 10 against 1". Guy joined in.
"Tell you what". I fought the urge to just tell.
"Connie, your hiding something, if you don't tell us now, we may have to get our weapons out". Averman teased.
"NEVER"! I said definitely.
"Guy hold her". Charlie warned him, I felt Guy's grip around my waist immediately. I knew what was coming next. I was very ticklish especially on my feet.
"OK, OK, I'll tell you". I gave in before they started. "Are you gonna let me go"? I asked.
"Not until you tell us". Charlie told me.
"Ok, you CANNOT, and I mean CANNOT tell anyone". I said looking at Averman especially.
"We promise don't we guys". Charlie backed off a little.
"Adam's gonna propose to Julie". I said as they all up roared with merriment.
JULIE'S P.O.V
Adam had just romantically proposed to me, he was knelt down on one knee, looking up at me, the cotton still attached to my finger. I looked down at him, his face almost pleading with me.
"Adam, I'm sorry, but". I began, but he cut me off.
"It's ok, I understand". He stood and started to take the cotton and ring away.
"What are you doing". I said pulling back. "You really have to learn to let people finish what they're saying. Let me start again, I'm sorry, but there is no way I can say NO". I said smiling.
"You will". He said then picked me up in a hug before spinning me around.
"You think I'm stupid enough to actually say no". I said when he set me down.
He leant forward and kissed me passionately, before pushing the ring on properly. He took the cotton away and put it back in the box then put it in his pocket before taking my hand in his. We strolled along the wet sand for a few moments, before the silence was broken.
"You've made me the happiest guy alive, ya know that". He told me, letting our hands drift apart and draping his arm across my shoulders.
"I kinda got the gist when I saw your face fall, you thought I was gonna say no didn't you"? I rested my arm around his waist.
"You weren't exactly playing by the rules though Cat lady". He joked.
"Arrr, poor Cake-eater". I retaliated.
"What was that"? He grinned evilly as he grasped my waist tighter, then leant over lifting my legs into the air and walking towards the water.
"You wouldn't". I said slightly worried.
He continued to walk, the bottom of his jeans getting wet, he got to about knee deep and stood completely still, grinning widely at me, my arms grasping his neck tightly.
"I'm going down, you're coming with me". I tried threatening.
"Ok". He pretended to agree, on seeing me let my guard down and release my grip, he dropped me suddenly, cackling with laughter before running away from me.
"ADAM MATTHEW BANKS". I screamed as I chased after him.
Eventually after running almost the stretch of the beach, he laid down to wait for me, on my reaching him, he looked up innocently as though he'd been waiting hours. I started to sit down but quickly squeezed the little water out of my hair onto him. He pulled me down into sitting position and held me tightly.
"I deserved that". He smiled, his gorgeous smile that always made me smile.
"You deserve more than that". I answered.
"I'm sorry". He murmured as he kissed my gently adding a little laugh with it. "C'mon let's get home before you freeze to death". He stood offering me his hand.
"Well I'm pretty tired now, I think you should carry me home". I laughed.
"Jump on then". He turned round and offered me a piggy back.
"I was only joking". I stepped to his side.
"And I'm being serious". He answered.
I didn't need telling twice. I jumped on and let him carry me most of the way home. Just as we entered the apartment, 11 bodies flew into us, crowding round us, shouting their congratulations to us. I was rather confused by all this, as Adam had only just proposed and they already knew about it.
"CONNIE". Adam shouted.
"I'm sorry, but they threatened me". She jumped forward to us.
"With what"? He asked laughing.
"They were gonna tickle me". She pretended to be traumatized. We all started to laugh.
A week later, everyone knew of our engagement, bar Casey and Gordon who were still cruising around the Mediterranean though they were supposed to be due back just in time for our game. It was our last game of the season and a championship one at that. We were all pretty nervous, wanting to go out on top and everything, we were one of the top college teams and a lot was riding on this game. We were playing the Boston bears, a tough team and we had struggled to tie the game last time. They were full of dirty tricks, especially around the goal, though I was determined not to let a puck past me. Instead of Goldberg skating on defence, on our last practise with both our coaches, Gordon and Orion had decided that Goldberg should be suited up to play goalie and that we were going to take shifts. Goldberg had spent the last 6 weeks practises in goal as well as defence, reacquainting himself with his old position. We slowly headed out of our changing rooms after having a prep talk by Orion. I think our main worry was that Bombay hadn't arrived yet and though we knew Orion was more than capable of being the only coach, we just wanted to make them both proud.
"Right, c'mon guys, lets show them what we're made of". Charlie told us as we stepped out onto the ice to warm up.
Goldberg and I got in goal, taking it in turns to be shot at, after warming up, we headed to the bench and the starters remained on the ice, whilst everyone else crowded up on the bench.
"Win or lose ducks, you've done yourselves proud just to get here, go have some fun". Orion told us.
"QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, GGGGGGOOOOOO DUCKS". We fired ourselves up, the whole arena joining in with us. This was what got my adrenalin pumping, knowing we had so many supporters out there, who were proud of us for doing our best.
I took my position amongst 'the pipes' as Goldberg often labelled them. I watched with eagle eyes as Charlie took the face off. He managed to sweep the puck to our left wing Guy, but Charlie was knocked straight off his feet, he got up immediately and followed Guy and Connie who were passing the puck back and forth toward the opponents goal, Russ and Luis weren't far behind, just as Guy caught the puck from Connie, the bears enforcer crashed into Guy, stealing the puck and heading straight toward me, though Luis and Russ were right beside him, he bombarded his way through them both and whacked the puck toward me. My heart stopped as I dived forward, landing with my chest on top of the puck. When it was clear to the refs that the puck was underneath me, the players around me, skated slowly away, leaving me to clamber to my feet and the ref to retrieve the puck. My heart often skipped a few beats when I was going after the puck, it was just something I presumed all goalies did at one time or another. We weren't as successful in the next face off, though Charlie intercepted a pass and headed toward the other end, before the puck was stolen. This went on for the rest of the period, neither team making it near either goal, much to my relief. The short break between periods, I swapped with Goldberg and sat down heavily onto the bench right next to Connie. By now Bombay had turned up, and he and Orion both gave us another prep talk before sending Portman, Fulton, Adam, Ken and Dwayne out. We watched with lumps in our throats as Fulton and Portman cleared the way for Adam, Ken and Dwayne to get the puck down to the bears goal, Dwayne faked once and passed to Ken who shot the puck into the back of the net. We all went wild with excitement, the crowd joining in, on our cheerful chants. Half way through the second period, I was sent back out, exchanging spots with Goldberg. I was just getting myself ready, when Bennett, the bears scorer skated toward me giving some usual comment about me doing a guys job. I ignored him, something which I always struggled with as I always wanted to retaliate. I watched eagerly as they took the face off, Adam won it and flew down the ice before being hooked and the puck being stolen, I watched in anticipation as every single player glided across the ice toward me, I dived to the side as the puck aimed for the goal, I felt the familiar knock hit my chest, letting me know I had saved it. I pushed it away with my glove to my awaiting team and speedily climbed to my feet, preparing myself to dive again as the puck was still in our zone. Bennett took his aim and shot at me again, this time diving forward and catching the puck in my glove, though nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. Bennett skated straight for me, no intention of stopping, though as he reached me he jumped in the air to make it look like he meant to avoid me, though he purposely let one foot drop, allowing it to kick my side. Though there was padding there, I felt the sharp blow and the considerable pain along my left side. I let out a yell, grabbing hold of my side, the bears players skated away leaving the ducks to come and crowd round me. I slowly sat up, revelling in pain but knowing I had to get up. I managed to see out the rest of the second period, feeling the spasms of pain when I dived forward for the puck. In the changing rooms, I took a seat next to Connie. We all looked weary, though our spirits were kept high as we were winning. The silence remained amongst us, until Coach Bombay and Coach Orion came in.
"Doing good ducks, doing good". Bombay declared.
"Julie, you ok, he kicked you pretty hard"? Orion asked stepping to my side.
"Yeah, I think so, I think he's just bruised me". I replied.
"You sure, if you think it's more, let's get it checked". He pursued.
"Yeah, I'll be fine". The pain was now a lot easier than before and I knew there were no broken ribs as the pain wasn't bad enough, it was probably just a contusion that would be bright colours of purple and red by tomorrow morning.
"It starts hurting, you come straight off, ok". Bombay told me, receiving a nod in response. "Ok, instead of focusing on scoring, I think we'd be better of thinking defence, score if you can, but don't try to hard for it". He continued.
"Stick with your man, get in their faces, they may foul you that way. You're playing your hearts out, we're really proud of you. Now lets go out there and finish what you've started". Orion concluded.
We all let out a cheer and bounded out of the locker rooms feeling as energetic as we had before the game. It was up to me and Goldberg to chose between us, who was going to be in the net, we devised a plan and I headed for the benches. Goldberg was going to give me a clear signal when he was ready to come off, though secretly I was hoping he could last the full period. I think he guessed that and told me that we'd swap at some point, then if I wanted to come off we could swap back, which put me at ease once more.
In the first 5 minutes, the bears managed to get the puck into our zone, though Goldberg saved the first 3 attempts at a goal, icing the puck, on the 4th attempt, one of the players tripped him as he stepped to the side of the goal, though Russ attempted at helping Goldberg out, the puck flew past him and hit the net behind him. I feel the disappointment rack all of us, and hearing the crowd sigh dejectedly didn't particularly help.
"PORTMAN, FULTON CHANGE IT". Orion hollered.
As soon as the bash brothers hit the ice, the crowd roared, expecting some bashing to come. Much to my surprise, the first 5 minutes of them being out there, they simply played defence, and behaved fairly gentleman like, well that was until one of the bears enforces threw Connie into the boards.
"Let the bashing commence". I heard Fulton shout to Portman as they both went on a rampage, knocking down every opponent they could find.
Within minutes, they had more or less cleared the way for Connie to get the puck into the bears zone and pass to Adam who glided it into the back of the neck. Dwayne and Connie came in and Charlie and Guy headed out. I watched as Portman and Fulton continued bashing the players as Charlie, Guy and Adam worked on getting the puck down the ice. Adam skated around 3 guys, passing to Guy, who faked to Adam, but passed to Charlie who triple deeked it into the goal.
"TIME OUT". Bombay yelled as both teams headed back to the bench.
"Great going guys, we're two up with 5 minutes left. Adam, Portman and Fulton you come in and we'll have Luis, Averman and Connie out, Julie you up to going out too"? Orion looked at me.
"Yeah". I grabbed for my helmet.
"Right, play it cool now, stick handle, ice the puck whenever possible, try and stay clear of our zone as much as possible, play your best defence ever. Let's go". Bombay concluded as we headed out.
I got in the goal, and quickly did a few stretches, then watched eagerly as Averman was swept clean off his feet as he faced off. The bears shooter and a few others headed my way, by now my head totally into the game never let the pick out of my sight, the shooter faked once past Charlie then took his shot at me, I deflected the puck back to Averman who iced the puck just before he was tripped. As the players skated after the puck, I glanced up at the clock, 2 minutes to go. I continued to watch the game as Connie was thrown over one of the bears backs as they fought for the puck, luckily she wasn't hurt badly, but bad enough for her to be taken off. The final face off went well, Adam, Ken, Portman and Fulton where sent out to replace Connie, Charlie, Guy and Averman. We slackened off a little as there was only 30 seconds left on the clock and no possible way for them to get two goals in that amount of time. I've never felt as much relief as I did when I heard that buzzer. I dived into a hug with Adam, Averman, Ken, Portman and Fulton who were less than 5 strides away from me. We were soon surrounded by everyone else and though my side was killing as I was sure Connie's back was, we continued diving in on the embracing even more. After the initial embracing was over, a large crowd of fans had encircled us, all wanting to congratulate us, throughout all this, I was searching for Adam, the one person I had yet to get a hug off. Eventually I found him, letting myself bound into his open arms. I leant up and kissed him softly, ignoring the happening around us.
"You played one hell of a game Cat lady". He told me once we parted.
"You didn't play so bad yourself Banksie". I answered, as he leant forward to kiss me again.
Right I'm VERY proud of this chapter, as this is the FIRST chapter in any of my stories that has had such a large part of hockey in it. I think I did well, however if you find any mistakes, please let me know. PLEASE R&R!!!!!!!
THIS UPDATE IS BECAUSE I'M IN SUCH A GOOD MOOD LOL.
BEANER - Yeah breathing is a good idea lol. Keep breathing, I don't wanna have to do a David Hasselhoff or Pamela Anderson(Baywatch) on ya lol. I'm in one of those mood where I go against what should happen, so you never know what'll happen lol. Yeah I though Connie's bit was pretty funny lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
DEATH TO ALL RUBIX CUBES - I know whenever I have to write Gordon or Bombay I can't decide what to call him lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
MISSA32189 - Thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
MARTAJLP - Thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
DUCKS-GO-QUACK-00 - Your question will be answered later on, I promise lol. Thanks for review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
RACHEL - You want Adam after Julie, get in the queue doll, I'm next lol. Your very welcome for your cake. Arrr you think I'm the best author, aren't you the sweetest, I'm gonna cook you another cake now for that comment lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
SNORTS90 - Unbelievably you didn't lose me, I don't think you did anyway - were you or where you not saying that you thought you hadn't read my D4 so went to read it, then realised you had already read it? I'm a great or am I great lol. Anyways, thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
JOC - I know isn't that song the greatest, I was actually singing that to my friend Amy today whilst we were trying to do synchronized riding in the school, then I got yelled at by my tutor because I was getting too giddy lol, right as for my song, another of THE greatest love songs of all time - WATCHING EVERY MOTION, IN MY FOLISH LOVERS GAME, ON THIS ENDLESS OCEAN, FINALLY NO LOVERS KNOW NO SHAME, TURNING AND RETURNING TO SOME SECRET PLACE INSIDE, WATCHING IN SLOW MOTION AS YOU TURN AROUND TO SAY: TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!!!! I love that song lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
ANNE918 - You'll have to wait to find out if what happens, won't ya lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
AUSSIECHIC - God don't choke, I'm might be a first aider but it don't mean I can remember how to treat ya lol. Hey get in the queue, I'm up first to marry Adam before you lol. Take that personality thing as a compliment lol. Arr you think I'm awesome, I might lend you Adam for the evening, but no hanky panky lol. Get writing some J/A stories, I'd be quite willing to check them for ya, since I have very little to do with my time. Think about it, we could always use another J/A author, there just aren't enough lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
DUCKHOCKEY00214496 - Oh God you got my shivering in my boots now lol. I know don't you just love cliff hangers lol. Oh by the way don't take the first sentence to heart, I just have a weird sense of humour lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
ROSIELADY- I don't know what Julie's doing lol - I do really but I ain't gonna tell ya lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
Chapter 05
CONNIE'S P.O.V
I had just arrived home with Guy, Adam and Julie. Knowing Julie and Adam would want some time alone, I dragged Guy into our apartment, where we both got changed. Though I hadn't been uncomfortable in my dress, I was glad when I finally got it off. Guy had already changed and was sat in the recliner. I went and sat with him, squeezing myself next to him. He flicking through the channels, searching for something to watch, I laid my head on his shoulder, breathing in his cologne and staring off into space.
"Guy? Do you ever think about our future"? I asked finally.
"How'd you mean"? He turned the TV off and looked at me.
"Well, like where you'll be in 5/10 years time"?
"With you. I've always known we'll be together. You know eventually getting married, having kids and growing old and grey together".
"Really"?
"Yeah. Why"? He looked at me quizzically.
"Just something I was talking to Adam about today". I answered as lightly as I could.
"Why what did he". Guy began but 9 ducks barged through the door.
"Arrr, where we having a lover moment". Averman commented.
"Would it make a difference if we were". I retorted.
"Not particularly". He answered me.
"What are you all doing here anyway"? Guy asked as they all surrounded us.
"Well since Adam and Julie seem to have fallen off the face of the Earth, we thought we'd come round and keep you company instead". Russ told us.
"What do you mean Adam and Julie have fallen off the face of the Earth"? I asked confused and just getting a little hint that maybe Adam was going to do what we had talked about today.
"They aren't in". Charlie replied before Averman had chance to reply in a sarcastic way. "Connie? Is there something you aren't telling us"? He suddenly asked.
"No, what makes you think that"? I realised I had been smiling, and immediately tried to make my face serious.
"Well, you have a gleam in your eye and your smile tells me different". He wound me up.
"I'm not hiding anything". I tried replying solemnly.
"You might as well tell us now, it's 10 against 1". Guy joined in.
"Tell you what". I fought the urge to just tell.
"Connie, your hiding something, if you don't tell us now, we may have to get our weapons out". Averman teased.
"NEVER"! I said definitely.
"Guy hold her". Charlie warned him, I felt Guy's grip around my waist immediately. I knew what was coming next. I was very ticklish especially on my feet.
"OK, OK, I'll tell you". I gave in before they started. "Are you gonna let me go"? I asked.
"Not until you tell us". Charlie told me.
"Ok, you CANNOT, and I mean CANNOT tell anyone". I said looking at Averman especially.
"We promise don't we guys". Charlie backed off a little.
"Adam's gonna propose to Julie". I said as they all up roared with merriment.
JULIE'S P.O.V
Adam had just romantically proposed to me, he was knelt down on one knee, looking up at me, the cotton still attached to my finger. I looked down at him, his face almost pleading with me.
"Adam, I'm sorry, but". I began, but he cut me off.
"It's ok, I understand". He stood and started to take the cotton and ring away.
"What are you doing". I said pulling back. "You really have to learn to let people finish what they're saying. Let me start again, I'm sorry, but there is no way I can say NO". I said smiling.
"You will". He said then picked me up in a hug before spinning me around.
"You think I'm stupid enough to actually say no". I said when he set me down.
He leant forward and kissed me passionately, before pushing the ring on properly. He took the cotton away and put it back in the box then put it in his pocket before taking my hand in his. We strolled along the wet sand for a few moments, before the silence was broken.
"You've made me the happiest guy alive, ya know that". He told me, letting our hands drift apart and draping his arm across my shoulders.
"I kinda got the gist when I saw your face fall, you thought I was gonna say no didn't you"? I rested my arm around his waist.
"You weren't exactly playing by the rules though Cat lady". He joked.
"Arrr, poor Cake-eater". I retaliated.
"What was that"? He grinned evilly as he grasped my waist tighter, then leant over lifting my legs into the air and walking towards the water.
"You wouldn't". I said slightly worried.
He continued to walk, the bottom of his jeans getting wet, he got to about knee deep and stood completely still, grinning widely at me, my arms grasping his neck tightly.
"I'm going down, you're coming with me". I tried threatening.
"Ok". He pretended to agree, on seeing me let my guard down and release my grip, he dropped me suddenly, cackling with laughter before running away from me.
"ADAM MATTHEW BANKS". I screamed as I chased after him.
Eventually after running almost the stretch of the beach, he laid down to wait for me, on my reaching him, he looked up innocently as though he'd been waiting hours. I started to sit down but quickly squeezed the little water out of my hair onto him. He pulled me down into sitting position and held me tightly.
"I deserved that". He smiled, his gorgeous smile that always made me smile.
"You deserve more than that". I answered.
"I'm sorry". He murmured as he kissed my gently adding a little laugh with it. "C'mon let's get home before you freeze to death". He stood offering me his hand.
"Well I'm pretty tired now, I think you should carry me home". I laughed.
"Jump on then". He turned round and offered me a piggy back.
"I was only joking". I stepped to his side.
"And I'm being serious". He answered.
I didn't need telling twice. I jumped on and let him carry me most of the way home. Just as we entered the apartment, 11 bodies flew into us, crowding round us, shouting their congratulations to us. I was rather confused by all this, as Adam had only just proposed and they already knew about it.
"CONNIE". Adam shouted.
"I'm sorry, but they threatened me". She jumped forward to us.
"With what"? He asked laughing.
"They were gonna tickle me". She pretended to be traumatized. We all started to laugh.
A week later, everyone knew of our engagement, bar Casey and Gordon who were still cruising around the Mediterranean though they were supposed to be due back just in time for our game. It was our last game of the season and a championship one at that. We were all pretty nervous, wanting to go out on top and everything, we were one of the top college teams and a lot was riding on this game. We were playing the Boston bears, a tough team and we had struggled to tie the game last time. They were full of dirty tricks, especially around the goal, though I was determined not to let a puck past me. Instead of Goldberg skating on defence, on our last practise with both our coaches, Gordon and Orion had decided that Goldberg should be suited up to play goalie and that we were going to take shifts. Goldberg had spent the last 6 weeks practises in goal as well as defence, reacquainting himself with his old position. We slowly headed out of our changing rooms after having a prep talk by Orion. I think our main worry was that Bombay hadn't arrived yet and though we knew Orion was more than capable of being the only coach, we just wanted to make them both proud.
"Right, c'mon guys, lets show them what we're made of". Charlie told us as we stepped out onto the ice to warm up.
Goldberg and I got in goal, taking it in turns to be shot at, after warming up, we headed to the bench and the starters remained on the ice, whilst everyone else crowded up on the bench.
"Win or lose ducks, you've done yourselves proud just to get here, go have some fun". Orion told us.
"QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, GGGGGGOOOOOO DUCKS". We fired ourselves up, the whole arena joining in with us. This was what got my adrenalin pumping, knowing we had so many supporters out there, who were proud of us for doing our best.
I took my position amongst 'the pipes' as Goldberg often labelled them. I watched with eagle eyes as Charlie took the face off. He managed to sweep the puck to our left wing Guy, but Charlie was knocked straight off his feet, he got up immediately and followed Guy and Connie who were passing the puck back and forth toward the opponents goal, Russ and Luis weren't far behind, just as Guy caught the puck from Connie, the bears enforcer crashed into Guy, stealing the puck and heading straight toward me, though Luis and Russ were right beside him, he bombarded his way through them both and whacked the puck toward me. My heart stopped as I dived forward, landing with my chest on top of the puck. When it was clear to the refs that the puck was underneath me, the players around me, skated slowly away, leaving me to clamber to my feet and the ref to retrieve the puck. My heart often skipped a few beats when I was going after the puck, it was just something I presumed all goalies did at one time or another. We weren't as successful in the next face off, though Charlie intercepted a pass and headed toward the other end, before the puck was stolen. This went on for the rest of the period, neither team making it near either goal, much to my relief. The short break between periods, I swapped with Goldberg and sat down heavily onto the bench right next to Connie. By now Bombay had turned up, and he and Orion both gave us another prep talk before sending Portman, Fulton, Adam, Ken and Dwayne out. We watched with lumps in our throats as Fulton and Portman cleared the way for Adam, Ken and Dwayne to get the puck down to the bears goal, Dwayne faked once and passed to Ken who shot the puck into the back of the net. We all went wild with excitement, the crowd joining in, on our cheerful chants. Half way through the second period, I was sent back out, exchanging spots with Goldberg. I was just getting myself ready, when Bennett, the bears scorer skated toward me giving some usual comment about me doing a guys job. I ignored him, something which I always struggled with as I always wanted to retaliate. I watched eagerly as they took the face off, Adam won it and flew down the ice before being hooked and the puck being stolen, I watched in anticipation as every single player glided across the ice toward me, I dived to the side as the puck aimed for the goal, I felt the familiar knock hit my chest, letting me know I had saved it. I pushed it away with my glove to my awaiting team and speedily climbed to my feet, preparing myself to dive again as the puck was still in our zone. Bennett took his aim and shot at me again, this time diving forward and catching the puck in my glove, though nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. Bennett skated straight for me, no intention of stopping, though as he reached me he jumped in the air to make it look like he meant to avoid me, though he purposely let one foot drop, allowing it to kick my side. Though there was padding there, I felt the sharp blow and the considerable pain along my left side. I let out a yell, grabbing hold of my side, the bears players skated away leaving the ducks to come and crowd round me. I slowly sat up, revelling in pain but knowing I had to get up. I managed to see out the rest of the second period, feeling the spasms of pain when I dived forward for the puck. In the changing rooms, I took a seat next to Connie. We all looked weary, though our spirits were kept high as we were winning. The silence remained amongst us, until Coach Bombay and Coach Orion came in.
"Doing good ducks, doing good". Bombay declared.
"Julie, you ok, he kicked you pretty hard"? Orion asked stepping to my side.
"Yeah, I think so, I think he's just bruised me". I replied.
"You sure, if you think it's more, let's get it checked". He pursued.
"Yeah, I'll be fine". The pain was now a lot easier than before and I knew there were no broken ribs as the pain wasn't bad enough, it was probably just a contusion that would be bright colours of purple and red by tomorrow morning.
"It starts hurting, you come straight off, ok". Bombay told me, receiving a nod in response. "Ok, instead of focusing on scoring, I think we'd be better of thinking defence, score if you can, but don't try to hard for it". He continued.
"Stick with your man, get in their faces, they may foul you that way. You're playing your hearts out, we're really proud of you. Now lets go out there and finish what you've started". Orion concluded.
We all let out a cheer and bounded out of the locker rooms feeling as energetic as we had before the game. It was up to me and Goldberg to chose between us, who was going to be in the net, we devised a plan and I headed for the benches. Goldberg was going to give me a clear signal when he was ready to come off, though secretly I was hoping he could last the full period. I think he guessed that and told me that we'd swap at some point, then if I wanted to come off we could swap back, which put me at ease once more.
In the first 5 minutes, the bears managed to get the puck into our zone, though Goldberg saved the first 3 attempts at a goal, icing the puck, on the 4th attempt, one of the players tripped him as he stepped to the side of the goal, though Russ attempted at helping Goldberg out, the puck flew past him and hit the net behind him. I feel the disappointment rack all of us, and hearing the crowd sigh dejectedly didn't particularly help.
"PORTMAN, FULTON CHANGE IT". Orion hollered.
As soon as the bash brothers hit the ice, the crowd roared, expecting some bashing to come. Much to my surprise, the first 5 minutes of them being out there, they simply played defence, and behaved fairly gentleman like, well that was until one of the bears enforces threw Connie into the boards.
"Let the bashing commence". I heard Fulton shout to Portman as they both went on a rampage, knocking down every opponent they could find.
Within minutes, they had more or less cleared the way for Connie to get the puck into the bears zone and pass to Adam who glided it into the back of the neck. Dwayne and Connie came in and Charlie and Guy headed out. I watched as Portman and Fulton continued bashing the players as Charlie, Guy and Adam worked on getting the puck down the ice. Adam skated around 3 guys, passing to Guy, who faked to Adam, but passed to Charlie who triple deeked it into the goal.
"TIME OUT". Bombay yelled as both teams headed back to the bench.
"Great going guys, we're two up with 5 minutes left. Adam, Portman and Fulton you come in and we'll have Luis, Averman and Connie out, Julie you up to going out too"? Orion looked at me.
"Yeah". I grabbed for my helmet.
"Right, play it cool now, stick handle, ice the puck whenever possible, try and stay clear of our zone as much as possible, play your best defence ever. Let's go". Bombay concluded as we headed out.
I got in the goal, and quickly did a few stretches, then watched eagerly as Averman was swept clean off his feet as he faced off. The bears shooter and a few others headed my way, by now my head totally into the game never let the pick out of my sight, the shooter faked once past Charlie then took his shot at me, I deflected the puck back to Averman who iced the puck just before he was tripped. As the players skated after the puck, I glanced up at the clock, 2 minutes to go. I continued to watch the game as Connie was thrown over one of the bears backs as they fought for the puck, luckily she wasn't hurt badly, but bad enough for her to be taken off. The final face off went well, Adam, Ken, Portman and Fulton where sent out to replace Connie, Charlie, Guy and Averman. We slackened off a little as there was only 30 seconds left on the clock and no possible way for them to get two goals in that amount of time. I've never felt as much relief as I did when I heard that buzzer. I dived into a hug with Adam, Averman, Ken, Portman and Fulton who were less than 5 strides away from me. We were soon surrounded by everyone else and though my side was killing as I was sure Connie's back was, we continued diving in on the embracing even more. After the initial embracing was over, a large crowd of fans had encircled us, all wanting to congratulate us, throughout all this, I was searching for Adam, the one person I had yet to get a hug off. Eventually I found him, letting myself bound into his open arms. I leant up and kissed him softly, ignoring the happening around us.
"You played one hell of a game Cat lady". He told me once we parted.
"You didn't play so bad yourself Banksie". I answered, as he leant forward to kiss me again.
Right I'm VERY proud of this chapter, as this is the FIRST chapter in any of my stories that has had such a large part of hockey in it. I think I did well, however if you find any mistakes, please let me know. PLEASE R&R!!!!!!!