Disclaimer : I don't own a thing, so there!
A/N : Right, because I'm not American and have never been to a graduation ceremony, most of this will more than likely be very wrong, but just bear with me, yeah!
BEANER – Step monster mother huh? When you said that I got visual pictures of stuff like the wicked Queen in Snow White and the ugly step mother and sisters from Cinderella, it's funny that isn't it, how you can say something and you automatically get a visual picture lol- ok shut up Sarah lol. Well if your not fond of Scooter, then this is the chapter for you lol, though I have to admit I'd rather have Scooter in my stories than Rat, but then I suppose you've noticed that since Linda isn't in ANY of my fics lol. I know wouldn't it have been funny if Karp had turned up to say that in D3, but saying that, he was never one of my faces, hey I've just had a brain wave, but I'll tell you about that later lol. You're just like me kid, I always try to see the positive side of everything, but what people forget to remember is that when someone is positive all the time, the negative kinda builds up then bursts out of you, well that's' my excuse anyway lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
SNORTS90 – I know I have a certain dislike for Julie's mom too, and the engagement ring bit was my fave too. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
JOC – Hey. Your mom would throw you through a wall, my mom would kill me, but then my mom isn't exactly a bitch to me so it wouldn't really happen lol. I know I've noticed I always write it that the dad's the best, I don't know why though, I think it's just because I go against stereotypical things, like I hate it when kids go away to camp and stuff and they are asked 'are you missing you mom', it's like my God they have a dad too, and that Iceland advert when it says 'because moms are heroes' or something to that effect – ok I'm rambling now lol. You can't help but feel for Adam in that situation can you, he's stood between them like a wet leper whatever that might be lol. Right for my song, it's the title song for one of my face comedies, so here we go – I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE THIS CITY, THIS OLD TOWN DON'T SMELL TO PRETTY, AND, I CAN FEEL THE WARNING SIGNS, RUNNING AROUND MY MIND, AND WHEN I LEAVE THIS ISLAND, I'LL BOOK MYSELF INTO A SOUL ASYLUM, COS I CAN FEEL THE WARNING SIGNS RUNNING AROUND MY MIND, SO HERE I GO, I'M STILL SCRATCHING AROUND THE SAME OLD HOLE, MY BODY FEELS YOUNG BUT MY MIND FEELS VERY OLD, SO WHT DO YOU SAY? YOU CAN GIVE THE DREAMS THAT ARE MINE AWAY, YOU'RE HALF THE WORLD AWAY, HALF THE WORLD AWAY, HALF THE WORLD AWAY, I'VE BEEN LOST, I'VE BEEN FOUND, BUT I DON'T FEEL DOWN – Oasis, Half the world away from the Royle Family soundtrack. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
Chapter 11
JULIE'S P.O.V
After the confrontation with my mom, my parents left, Adam gave me a hug before we both got ready and headed to college. There were just a few things we needed to do, before the ceremony, one of the first things, was to empty both our hockey lockers and our book lockers. With those two tasks out of the way, we had a team meeting with the Dean, basically all he wanted to say was congratulations on our victory and to give us all the trophies the team had won. We squeezed everything in the back of Adam's car and headed back to the rink, for one last practise, well I say practise, it was more like a mess around. As we hit the ice, I felt a lump in my throat, I couldn't believe this was the last time I was going to skate in this arena. It was this arena all those years ago, that me and Adam were reunited with the ducks, after believing we had been separated from them. By the end of the session, both me and Connie had welled up with tears, and although neither of us said anything, I was pretty sure most of the guys, if not all had tears in their eyes. After practise, we all headed for one last time into our changing rooms, where we donned our graduation robes.
"It only feels like 5 minutes ago, that you snuck up on me and Adam, when we all thought we'd been separated". I said quietly to Connie.
"I know, it feels weird knowing, that tomorrow, we have to start packing to head back home, leaving all our memories behind".
"I wouldn't say, we're leaving our memories behind".
"No, I know, but you know when you look at something, like your apartment for example, we automatically have a thousand memories about it, you know". She explained
"Yeah, I know what you mean, hey but at least, we're staying together this time". I tried cheering us both up.
"Oh come on, let's get going, if we keep talking like this, I'll be crying all the way through graduation". She wrapped her arm around my shoulder as we walked out, taking one last look at the room, we had, had chats similar to this one in over a thousand times before.
We met the guys outside and headed out of the ice arena. I was chatting with Connie, yet being pulled by the hand by Adam. Suddenly I felt someone barge through us all, it wasn't until we all started shouting obscenities that I realised it was Scooter again, oh great.
"Oh look, it's the ducks, well long time no see". He said smarmily looking directly at me.
"Not long enough". Adam growled.
"My, my Banksie, you have got an attitude problem".
"I've only got an attitude problem with you, since YOU thought it ok to hit on my girlfriend". Adam stepped closer to him.
"Adam no, he isn't worth it". I tried pulling him away, but I quickly realised all the ducks were behind him. I looked pleadingly to Connie, who began helping my guide them away, Adam being the last one who was in the middle of a stare down with him. "Adam come on". I dragged at his arm.
"That's right Banksie, do what the little woman tells you". He said with a sly grin on his face.
"Why you"... Adam began turning round to hit him, but luckily Luis caught him then was immediately helped out Dwayne and the others.
"Scooter". I got his attention.
"Yeah"? He replied turning his head slightly to look at me.
"Ever realised, you're a little boy lost in a real mans world. Get a life and stop acting like the pathetic 16 year old you were 6 years ago". I walked away from him.
"You know you still want me Jules, you know it and I know it". He called after me. I turned back to face him then walked back over to him.
"How's your little friend holding up after having a run in with my knee, cause we can always organise a reunion, I've got another knee that wants to meet with the little guy". I talked to him like he was 3 years old.
"You wouldn't". He smiled.
"Wouldn't I"? I asked as I immediately brought my other knee up to his crotch, he immediately doubled over in pain, I bent at the side of him. "Oh I'm sorry, they were just DYING to meet. Next time you wanna start something, just remember our little run in, Ok". I told him, putting my hand on his forehead and pushing him backwards.
The ducks were all wincing at what I had done, but wanting laugh at the same time, I knew Scooter wouldn't tell anyone what I'd done, as the prospect of being beaten up by a girl was hilarious as it was.
The whole school, filed into the auditorium and took their seats. The Dean stood at the front of the stage and looked out across the vast crowd of students. There was one row of ducks, surrounded by different classes, all in alphabetical order. The Dean began calling names out, to give us our diplomas. Before I knew it, it was our turn.
"The last group of people, are very remarkable young people, they came to us on Hockey scholarships, expecting them to only excel at what we knew they were excellent at, many of us had low expectations of their academic abilities, not only have they fought to earn their respect on the ice, they have fought doubly as hard off the ice, they are The Mighty Ducks". The Dean introduced us. "Lester Averman, Adam Banks, Charles Conway, Julie Gaffney, Guy Germaine, Gregory Goldberg, Luis Mendoza, Constance Moreau, Dean Portman, Fulton Reed, Dwayne Robertson, Russ Tyler and Kenneth Wu". He called us and we stood and headed onto the stage, quacking. We continued quacking as we each climbed down, soon the whole school had joined in with us. One quick glance and I saw coach Orion and Bombay smiling proudly. I felt proud, everything the Dean had said, was true. Then I caught a glimpse of Scooter sat 3 rows back with a grimace on his face, I choose to ignore him and not let him get to me, with any luck I'd never see him again.
"QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, GGGOOO DUCKS"! We shouted at the top of our lungs as we dropped our robes, revealing us all wearing out hockey jerseys. A cheer rang out, as everyone stood and began heading out.
When we got outside, Orion and Bombay pulled us each into a hug, obviously very proud of us. Just as I came out of a hug with Connie, I felt my sleeve being tugged, then two arms wrap around me. It was my dad, he held me there for a few moments, before planting a kiss on my forehead and releasing me.
"I'm so very proud of you". He told me, looking in to my teary eyes.
"I love you". I whispered to him.
"I have a surprise for you". He stepped aside revealing a tall masculine body.
"Brian". I yelped and dashed into my older brothers arms.
I hadn't seen my brother in over a year, he was constantly travelling, he had graduated college and immediately started his pilot training. He was now a pilot for a Virgin flights. At turned 26 years old, he was very successful and unsurprising my mom was more than proud of him.
"Hey J". He held me tightly. "How's it going". He slowly released me.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming"? I swatted his arm.
"Well, the look on your face is enough reason for me". He told me pulling me in for another hug.
"Wait here, there's someone I want you to meet". I pulled away and dashed off into the crowd of ducks and some of their families. I grabbed Adam's hand and tugged him along with me. "Adam this is Brian my brother, Brian this Adam, my fiancé". I introduced them, as I watched them pass pleasantries and shake hands.
Later that night, I said goodnight to my dad who was heading back to the hotel where my mom had stayed instead of coming to my graduation, Brian had left earlier, having to catch a flight back home to Claire his wife and Tally his daughter, before having to go to work. I was sad to see him go, but had long since gotten used to his 'flying' visits. The celebrations were much more low key than our previous celebrations, though my glass seemed permanently stuck to my hand and top ups became more and more frequent. By the end of the evening, we were all dancing around the furniture, well apart from when Portman who decided he wanted to do a repeat performance of his strip tease on the coffee table. Again when we finally all calmed down, the ducks crashed all over the living room, laid in odd positions including myself and Adam. I woke the following morning, to find my feet resting on Ken's chest, my lower torso was sat on Adam's lap and my head and shoulders sat in Dwayne's lap. My head was pounding and the bright morning sunshine beamed through the open window straight onto me and my fellow ducks. I sat up carefully, trying not to awake anyone, though I succeeded in awaking Dwayne, who headed into the kitchen with me, where I put a pot of coffee on. I grabbed a glass and poured myself some orange juice and grabbed the packet of aspirin. I tossed two to the back of my throat and gulped down the orange juice before offering Dwayne some. He gratefully accepted.
"Your head pounding too huh"? I asked him.
"Yeah". He replied simply.
"Why do we do it to ourselves, we know that drinking causes hangovers but we continue to drink". I babbled.
"I wish I could answer, then maybe it would stop me from drinking". He rubbed his head. "So, you looked pretty happy to see your family yesterday". He pointed out.
"Yeah, I hardly ever see my brother and as for my dad I see him as regular as possible".
"What about your mom"?
"Ugh, I see her as little as possible".
"Why"?
"We've never really gotten on, hell there's times I think I truly hate her, I don't, I mean she's my mom and I'll always love her, but she just doesn't understand me, she's never tried to. She's never approved of a thing I've done, I mean hockey = man's sport, not for little Julie, Eden Hall = not posh enough, UCLA = still not posh enough and Adam = heck his family just aren't posh enough. It's all about money and keeping the family name".
"But your dads so different".
"I know, I don't know how he puts up with her. Why can't she be... normal". I said. "Anyway, weren't your parents supposed to be coming yesterday". I remembered our last conversation, when he had told me that his parents were coming.
"They were, but my Gran isn't well, so I'm going home for a few weeks instead". He told me.
"I'm sorry". I said, not really knowing what else to say.
"Oh no, she isn't dying, she's just got this flu thing, my Gran is a strong person, she'll probably out live most of us". He chuckled.
We chatted a little longer, one by one, the ducks woke and grabbed for the aspirin and a cup of coffee. By lunch time, the ducks had all disappeared, most of them to pack their bags, ready to head home for a few weeks, before meeting up with us back in Minnesota to begin our training. When my headache had gone, I started packing a few things in boxes. Most of the stuff we were keeping were going to be driven back to Minnesota, where Adam's parents had kindly offered to keep in the basement and garage until we had found our own place. We were planning on leaving by the end of the week, driving there, with Connie, Guy, the other ducks had opted to leave a few belongings with us whilst they flew back. I know driving across 4/5 states would take ages, but we didn't have much choice. We had Adam and Guy's cars to get back to Minnesota, and the travel cost of flying our stuff there would be more expensive than the gas and motel fees we'd have to pay. Our plan was that whilst the guy's were driving, me and Connie would be sleeping, then after a few hours we'd swap, allowing the guys to sleep, that way motel fees would be at a minimum and we could keep moving. Personally I was looking forward to the trip, it was like mine and Adam's own personal road trip, with Guy and Connie following. Within a few days, everything we were taking was packed into boxes, awaiting to be picked up by the dispatch people. The stuff the ducks were leaving with us, was separated into stuff they'd need by the time we got to Minnesota and the stuff we could send with the rest of our stuff that would be brought separately.
"I think that's just about it". Adam closed the trunk, locking the last few boxes and suitcases in.
"Yep, I can't believe we've packed our whole apartment up in less than 4 days". I said as we made our way back upstairs.
Gordon, Casey, Charlie and Coach Orion were there, they had been a big help, making sure we had everything packed in time. Charlie had at first wanted to come back with us, but then after much thought decided against it, realising he would be alone with us. Guy and Connie were removing the last few boxes as we entered our now empty apartment. They all left us to help Connie and Guy, but I think it was because they wanted to give us a few minutes alone. I felt a little emotional, this had been our first home together. I took Adam's hand as we entered and exited each room, as if saying goodbye.
"You ready"? Adam asked me.
"As I'll ever be". I replied as we closed the door, sliding the key under the door, ready for the next tenants.
By now Connie and Guy were making their way back upstairs to do the exact same thing as we had. Out front, Casey, Gordon, Charlie and Coach Orion were all waiting for us. Casey, Gordon and Charlie would be following us in a few days and Coach Orion had already sent most of his belongings ahead of him as travelling the long distance in a car wouldn't do Lilley any good, so they were flying home tomorrow.
"Right, be careful". Casey warned us, hugging us both. Tears were evident, she had always treat us all like her own, though I'm pretty sure she was glad we weren't.
"We will, you too". I replied.
"Let other drivers pass you, you can't see out of the rear window". Gordon hugged us next as Casey told the now present Connie and Guy the same.
"Stop worrying". Adam said.
"Call us when you get home". It was Coach Orion's turn to hug us now.
"Definitely". I replied, tears now entering my eyes.
"You sure you don't wanna come Spazway"? Adam asked Charlie as he hugged us separately.
"What and be surrounded by you love birds, I don't think so". He laughed.
"There's no escaping it Charlie, don't forget your mom and Gordon are newlyweds". I hugged him tightly.
"Shit, I never thought of that". He said. "OHHH, Coach Orion, can I please come with you". He pretended to beg.
After another 10 minutes, we all climbed into our cars and set off, I looked in the side mirror watching the remaining of 'our family' wave us off.
So what do you think??? PLEASE R&R!!!!!!
A/N : Right, because I'm not American and have never been to a graduation ceremony, most of this will more than likely be very wrong, but just bear with me, yeah!
BEANER – Step monster mother huh? When you said that I got visual pictures of stuff like the wicked Queen in Snow White and the ugly step mother and sisters from Cinderella, it's funny that isn't it, how you can say something and you automatically get a visual picture lol- ok shut up Sarah lol. Well if your not fond of Scooter, then this is the chapter for you lol, though I have to admit I'd rather have Scooter in my stories than Rat, but then I suppose you've noticed that since Linda isn't in ANY of my fics lol. I know wouldn't it have been funny if Karp had turned up to say that in D3, but saying that, he was never one of my faces, hey I've just had a brain wave, but I'll tell you about that later lol. You're just like me kid, I always try to see the positive side of everything, but what people forget to remember is that when someone is positive all the time, the negative kinda builds up then bursts out of you, well that's' my excuse anyway lol. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
SNORTS90 – I know I have a certain dislike for Julie's mom too, and the engagement ring bit was my fave too. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
JOC – Hey. Your mom would throw you through a wall, my mom would kill me, but then my mom isn't exactly a bitch to me so it wouldn't really happen lol. I know I've noticed I always write it that the dad's the best, I don't know why though, I think it's just because I go against stereotypical things, like I hate it when kids go away to camp and stuff and they are asked 'are you missing you mom', it's like my God they have a dad too, and that Iceland advert when it says 'because moms are heroes' or something to that effect – ok I'm rambling now lol. You can't help but feel for Adam in that situation can you, he's stood between them like a wet leper whatever that might be lol. Right for my song, it's the title song for one of my face comedies, so here we go – I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE THIS CITY, THIS OLD TOWN DON'T SMELL TO PRETTY, AND, I CAN FEEL THE WARNING SIGNS, RUNNING AROUND MY MIND, AND WHEN I LEAVE THIS ISLAND, I'LL BOOK MYSELF INTO A SOUL ASYLUM, COS I CAN FEEL THE WARNING SIGNS RUNNING AROUND MY MIND, SO HERE I GO, I'M STILL SCRATCHING AROUND THE SAME OLD HOLE, MY BODY FEELS YOUNG BUT MY MIND FEELS VERY OLD, SO WHT DO YOU SAY? YOU CAN GIVE THE DREAMS THAT ARE MINE AWAY, YOU'RE HALF THE WORLD AWAY, HALF THE WORLD AWAY, HALF THE WORLD AWAY, I'VE BEEN LOST, I'VE BEEN FOUND, BUT I DON'T FEEL DOWN – Oasis, Half the world away from the Royle Family soundtrack. Anyways thanks for your review and support. CHEERS MI DEARS!!!!
Chapter 11
JULIE'S P.O.V
After the confrontation with my mom, my parents left, Adam gave me a hug before we both got ready and headed to college. There were just a few things we needed to do, before the ceremony, one of the first things, was to empty both our hockey lockers and our book lockers. With those two tasks out of the way, we had a team meeting with the Dean, basically all he wanted to say was congratulations on our victory and to give us all the trophies the team had won. We squeezed everything in the back of Adam's car and headed back to the rink, for one last practise, well I say practise, it was more like a mess around. As we hit the ice, I felt a lump in my throat, I couldn't believe this was the last time I was going to skate in this arena. It was this arena all those years ago, that me and Adam were reunited with the ducks, after believing we had been separated from them. By the end of the session, both me and Connie had welled up with tears, and although neither of us said anything, I was pretty sure most of the guys, if not all had tears in their eyes. After practise, we all headed for one last time into our changing rooms, where we donned our graduation robes.
"It only feels like 5 minutes ago, that you snuck up on me and Adam, when we all thought we'd been separated". I said quietly to Connie.
"I know, it feels weird knowing, that tomorrow, we have to start packing to head back home, leaving all our memories behind".
"I wouldn't say, we're leaving our memories behind".
"No, I know, but you know when you look at something, like your apartment for example, we automatically have a thousand memories about it, you know". She explained
"Yeah, I know what you mean, hey but at least, we're staying together this time". I tried cheering us both up.
"Oh come on, let's get going, if we keep talking like this, I'll be crying all the way through graduation". She wrapped her arm around my shoulder as we walked out, taking one last look at the room, we had, had chats similar to this one in over a thousand times before.
We met the guys outside and headed out of the ice arena. I was chatting with Connie, yet being pulled by the hand by Adam. Suddenly I felt someone barge through us all, it wasn't until we all started shouting obscenities that I realised it was Scooter again, oh great.
"Oh look, it's the ducks, well long time no see". He said smarmily looking directly at me.
"Not long enough". Adam growled.
"My, my Banksie, you have got an attitude problem".
"I've only got an attitude problem with you, since YOU thought it ok to hit on my girlfriend". Adam stepped closer to him.
"Adam no, he isn't worth it". I tried pulling him away, but I quickly realised all the ducks were behind him. I looked pleadingly to Connie, who began helping my guide them away, Adam being the last one who was in the middle of a stare down with him. "Adam come on". I dragged at his arm.
"That's right Banksie, do what the little woman tells you". He said with a sly grin on his face.
"Why you"... Adam began turning round to hit him, but luckily Luis caught him then was immediately helped out Dwayne and the others.
"Scooter". I got his attention.
"Yeah"? He replied turning his head slightly to look at me.
"Ever realised, you're a little boy lost in a real mans world. Get a life and stop acting like the pathetic 16 year old you were 6 years ago". I walked away from him.
"You know you still want me Jules, you know it and I know it". He called after me. I turned back to face him then walked back over to him.
"How's your little friend holding up after having a run in with my knee, cause we can always organise a reunion, I've got another knee that wants to meet with the little guy". I talked to him like he was 3 years old.
"You wouldn't". He smiled.
"Wouldn't I"? I asked as I immediately brought my other knee up to his crotch, he immediately doubled over in pain, I bent at the side of him. "Oh I'm sorry, they were just DYING to meet. Next time you wanna start something, just remember our little run in, Ok". I told him, putting my hand on his forehead and pushing him backwards.
The ducks were all wincing at what I had done, but wanting laugh at the same time, I knew Scooter wouldn't tell anyone what I'd done, as the prospect of being beaten up by a girl was hilarious as it was.
The whole school, filed into the auditorium and took their seats. The Dean stood at the front of the stage and looked out across the vast crowd of students. There was one row of ducks, surrounded by different classes, all in alphabetical order. The Dean began calling names out, to give us our diplomas. Before I knew it, it was our turn.
"The last group of people, are very remarkable young people, they came to us on Hockey scholarships, expecting them to only excel at what we knew they were excellent at, many of us had low expectations of their academic abilities, not only have they fought to earn their respect on the ice, they have fought doubly as hard off the ice, they are The Mighty Ducks". The Dean introduced us. "Lester Averman, Adam Banks, Charles Conway, Julie Gaffney, Guy Germaine, Gregory Goldberg, Luis Mendoza, Constance Moreau, Dean Portman, Fulton Reed, Dwayne Robertson, Russ Tyler and Kenneth Wu". He called us and we stood and headed onto the stage, quacking. We continued quacking as we each climbed down, soon the whole school had joined in with us. One quick glance and I saw coach Orion and Bombay smiling proudly. I felt proud, everything the Dean had said, was true. Then I caught a glimpse of Scooter sat 3 rows back with a grimace on his face, I choose to ignore him and not let him get to me, with any luck I'd never see him again.
"QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, GGGOOO DUCKS"! We shouted at the top of our lungs as we dropped our robes, revealing us all wearing out hockey jerseys. A cheer rang out, as everyone stood and began heading out.
When we got outside, Orion and Bombay pulled us each into a hug, obviously very proud of us. Just as I came out of a hug with Connie, I felt my sleeve being tugged, then two arms wrap around me. It was my dad, he held me there for a few moments, before planting a kiss on my forehead and releasing me.
"I'm so very proud of you". He told me, looking in to my teary eyes.
"I love you". I whispered to him.
"I have a surprise for you". He stepped aside revealing a tall masculine body.
"Brian". I yelped and dashed into my older brothers arms.
I hadn't seen my brother in over a year, he was constantly travelling, he had graduated college and immediately started his pilot training. He was now a pilot for a Virgin flights. At turned 26 years old, he was very successful and unsurprising my mom was more than proud of him.
"Hey J". He held me tightly. "How's it going". He slowly released me.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming"? I swatted his arm.
"Well, the look on your face is enough reason for me". He told me pulling me in for another hug.
"Wait here, there's someone I want you to meet". I pulled away and dashed off into the crowd of ducks and some of their families. I grabbed Adam's hand and tugged him along with me. "Adam this is Brian my brother, Brian this Adam, my fiancé". I introduced them, as I watched them pass pleasantries and shake hands.
Later that night, I said goodnight to my dad who was heading back to the hotel where my mom had stayed instead of coming to my graduation, Brian had left earlier, having to catch a flight back home to Claire his wife and Tally his daughter, before having to go to work. I was sad to see him go, but had long since gotten used to his 'flying' visits. The celebrations were much more low key than our previous celebrations, though my glass seemed permanently stuck to my hand and top ups became more and more frequent. By the end of the evening, we were all dancing around the furniture, well apart from when Portman who decided he wanted to do a repeat performance of his strip tease on the coffee table. Again when we finally all calmed down, the ducks crashed all over the living room, laid in odd positions including myself and Adam. I woke the following morning, to find my feet resting on Ken's chest, my lower torso was sat on Adam's lap and my head and shoulders sat in Dwayne's lap. My head was pounding and the bright morning sunshine beamed through the open window straight onto me and my fellow ducks. I sat up carefully, trying not to awake anyone, though I succeeded in awaking Dwayne, who headed into the kitchen with me, where I put a pot of coffee on. I grabbed a glass and poured myself some orange juice and grabbed the packet of aspirin. I tossed two to the back of my throat and gulped down the orange juice before offering Dwayne some. He gratefully accepted.
"Your head pounding too huh"? I asked him.
"Yeah". He replied simply.
"Why do we do it to ourselves, we know that drinking causes hangovers but we continue to drink". I babbled.
"I wish I could answer, then maybe it would stop me from drinking". He rubbed his head. "So, you looked pretty happy to see your family yesterday". He pointed out.
"Yeah, I hardly ever see my brother and as for my dad I see him as regular as possible".
"What about your mom"?
"Ugh, I see her as little as possible".
"Why"?
"We've never really gotten on, hell there's times I think I truly hate her, I don't, I mean she's my mom and I'll always love her, but she just doesn't understand me, she's never tried to. She's never approved of a thing I've done, I mean hockey = man's sport, not for little Julie, Eden Hall = not posh enough, UCLA = still not posh enough and Adam = heck his family just aren't posh enough. It's all about money and keeping the family name".
"But your dads so different".
"I know, I don't know how he puts up with her. Why can't she be... normal". I said. "Anyway, weren't your parents supposed to be coming yesterday". I remembered our last conversation, when he had told me that his parents were coming.
"They were, but my Gran isn't well, so I'm going home for a few weeks instead". He told me.
"I'm sorry". I said, not really knowing what else to say.
"Oh no, she isn't dying, she's just got this flu thing, my Gran is a strong person, she'll probably out live most of us". He chuckled.
We chatted a little longer, one by one, the ducks woke and grabbed for the aspirin and a cup of coffee. By lunch time, the ducks had all disappeared, most of them to pack their bags, ready to head home for a few weeks, before meeting up with us back in Minnesota to begin our training. When my headache had gone, I started packing a few things in boxes. Most of the stuff we were keeping were going to be driven back to Minnesota, where Adam's parents had kindly offered to keep in the basement and garage until we had found our own place. We were planning on leaving by the end of the week, driving there, with Connie, Guy, the other ducks had opted to leave a few belongings with us whilst they flew back. I know driving across 4/5 states would take ages, but we didn't have much choice. We had Adam and Guy's cars to get back to Minnesota, and the travel cost of flying our stuff there would be more expensive than the gas and motel fees we'd have to pay. Our plan was that whilst the guy's were driving, me and Connie would be sleeping, then after a few hours we'd swap, allowing the guys to sleep, that way motel fees would be at a minimum and we could keep moving. Personally I was looking forward to the trip, it was like mine and Adam's own personal road trip, with Guy and Connie following. Within a few days, everything we were taking was packed into boxes, awaiting to be picked up by the dispatch people. The stuff the ducks were leaving with us, was separated into stuff they'd need by the time we got to Minnesota and the stuff we could send with the rest of our stuff that would be brought separately.
"I think that's just about it". Adam closed the trunk, locking the last few boxes and suitcases in.
"Yep, I can't believe we've packed our whole apartment up in less than 4 days". I said as we made our way back upstairs.
Gordon, Casey, Charlie and Coach Orion were there, they had been a big help, making sure we had everything packed in time. Charlie had at first wanted to come back with us, but then after much thought decided against it, realising he would be alone with us. Guy and Connie were removing the last few boxes as we entered our now empty apartment. They all left us to help Connie and Guy, but I think it was because they wanted to give us a few minutes alone. I felt a little emotional, this had been our first home together. I took Adam's hand as we entered and exited each room, as if saying goodbye.
"You ready"? Adam asked me.
"As I'll ever be". I replied as we closed the door, sliding the key under the door, ready for the next tenants.
By now Connie and Guy were making their way back upstairs to do the exact same thing as we had. Out front, Casey, Gordon, Charlie and Coach Orion were all waiting for us. Casey, Gordon and Charlie would be following us in a few days and Coach Orion had already sent most of his belongings ahead of him as travelling the long distance in a car wouldn't do Lilley any good, so they were flying home tomorrow.
"Right, be careful". Casey warned us, hugging us both. Tears were evident, she had always treat us all like her own, though I'm pretty sure she was glad we weren't.
"We will, you too". I replied.
"Let other drivers pass you, you can't see out of the rear window". Gordon hugged us next as Casey told the now present Connie and Guy the same.
"Stop worrying". Adam said.
"Call us when you get home". It was Coach Orion's turn to hug us now.
"Definitely". I replied, tears now entering my eyes.
"You sure you don't wanna come Spazway"? Adam asked Charlie as he hugged us separately.
"What and be surrounded by you love birds, I don't think so". He laughed.
"There's no escaping it Charlie, don't forget your mom and Gordon are newlyweds". I hugged him tightly.
"Shit, I never thought of that". He said. "OHHH, Coach Orion, can I please come with you". He pretended to beg.
After another 10 minutes, we all climbed into our cars and set off, I looked in the side mirror watching the remaining of 'our family' wave us off.
So what do you think??? PLEASE R&R!!!!!!