Author's Note- [Kaila] Sorry it's taken so long to update if anyone is attached to this fic by chance. I've had the worst writer's block lately and haven't been able to write any of my fan fic or originals. This chapter is just to break the ice and get me back into writing, so sorry if it's underdeveloped, unexciting and short. And just regarding the last chapter, I really despise that 'To the Window' song, for the record.

Disclaimer- Once again I don't own jack. If you'd like to sue I can get Cubby to buy you a frosty and get a free Prijon kayak with complimentary stickers instead. I don't own Smoky Hill HS, the Cherry Creek SD does. And I don't own Chris or Donna Miller. They live in North Van and own themselves.

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[crazy4nc128] Thanks again!

[NYgoldfish54] You foretell correctly. However I'm hoping it won't be along the lines of stereotypical Charlie/Adam angst. 

[anne918] Don't worry mon cherie, Adam's family problems won't be left as they are currently. I'll elaborate.

[Padfoots-Pirate] Cubby is quitting his job at Wildwasser, therefore no more free Prijon stickers. However I'll get you a copy of the awesome article on them I wrote for the Smoky paper.

[Meme-Anne] Yes, I get Kariya :does a little dance: I'd be glad to share him though.

[C-chan96] I'm working on some good Spazway angst that hits deep yet realistically. It's hard but I'll eventually think of something… I hope.

And once again thank you to everyone who's taken the time out of their busy schedules to read this.

~*~

"So Con, how do you like Smoky Hill so far?" the middle aged blonde asked from across the dinner table. Pausing a moment to swallow she cleared her throat.


"It's a pretty good school, I like it," she smiled sweetly, knowing she wasn't lying yet not exactly being truthful. There was no hockey team at the school, due to what Chris had explained as district policy, the 3,000 member student body was much larger and uninviting than her former prep school, her boyfriend wasn't there, the usual things people who are new to an area have trouble with adjusting to. Then again what was gained by spewing petty complaints to her hostess at the dinner table? Nothing.

"A bit different than Minnesota eh? But that's great to know, if you have any trouble adjusting, just let me know. I'll have Chris show you around," she beamed, her cheerfulness welcoming, yet in due time would probably become overwhelming. "Right hun?" she asked the teenager who sat beside her.

"Yea mum," he mumbled deeply, casting his deep unfathomable hazel eyes at his plate. Chris was Donna's only son, 17 like herself and also a senior. Connie noticed that he held an aura about himself. His shyness was respectable and convivial compared to the immature rowdiness she had found in most guys, yet he had a radiant side to him, enjoying conversations and chuckling. Not that she knew why she was passing judgment on the brunette yet, seeing as she had been in Colorado for only 3 short days.

"Thanks Donna, it's really great of you to be this hospitable and open for me," she thanked generously courteously swallowing her final bite of spaghetti. "Especially when you're new to the area as well."

"Oh it's absolutely no problem! It's nice having an extra someone around the house. Chris doesn't like to stay home much and even Emily gets lonely," she pouted youthfully, referring to her small black dog who seemed to have run of the house. Like her owner she was petite and proper yet amusing and energetic.

"Mum… I'm not always out, especially since most of my friends are still in BC," he rebutted, grabbing another piece of bread. Chris and Donna had moved to Aurora a year prior from Vancouver, because of a job opportunity. Even landing a spot on the Littleton Hawks Midget AAA team hadn't been quite enough to satisfy him, he must have had a hard time starting a new with his quiet demeanor.

"I know, I know Christopher, I'm sorry. But anyway Connie, when is your first practice?" the blonde asked attempting not to run the dinnertime conversation into the void of personal problems.

"Um tomorrow after school, 4:30 at the Arapahoe," she recalled out of memory. When she was still in Minneapolis the team had sent her a tentative schedule of practices, games and tournaments, which she had read many times over after Julie had fallen asleep. The idea of being able to skate with one of the best female teams in the country was a continuous adrenaline rush, and contrary to her ex-goaltender's bitter and harsh remarks, she knew it was an honour, and a real chance to expand her horizons with hockey.

"That's great. But you'll need a ride… I'm sure Chris could, right honey?" she asked the close to unconscious figure, who had taken a sudden strong interest in the roll he was tearing apart, having yet to make eye contact with his mom or Connie.

"Um, yeah sure, it'll be okay." And for some reason, the uneasy anxious feeling in the pit of the teenage girl's stomach intensified, making her even more eager for the following day.

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A/N 2- I was planning on expounding upon what happened to our dear friend Conway, but decided not to since my boyfriend invited himself over. I'll write that in due time though, never fear :chuckles: