Disclaimer : I don't own nowt so there!
XSARAH : She had to leave though. I mean as much as I love Adam/Vincent I'd so head off to New York, cause let's face it, being apart will either break them or make them stronger. Personally, I'm not all the keen on this chapter, but I suppose we'll see won't we lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
CASNYL21 : Thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
CONNIE/ADAM FAN : Arr, I'm sorry, but you know how the song goes don't ya – things can only get better lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
CAKEEATER : Hey no worries, I actually hadn't noticed, I've been that busy with work and everything, cause we've got two new foals so I've been on night duty, awaiting their arrivals lol. Glad you enjoyed your trip. Sorry chick, You have no chance of turning me into a Connie/Guy fan. I can stand reading about them, but I much prefer Adam/Connie and Charlie/Connie lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
This chapter is dedicated to Willow and Ripple, the new foals at work!
I know they can't read this, but it's something I have to do lol
Chapter 6
"I Connie Anne Moreau, do take thee Adam Matthew Banks"… I began my vows. There had been times when I thought we wouldn't get this far. Looking back, I could remember our very first argument…
I had been at NYU now just over a month. Already I was finding everything that little bit more trying. It wasn't really the work load, or maybe it was, but I felt a bit lost without the ducks. They had been the force behind me for so long, now that I was finally out there doing it on my own, it was scary and hard. I was beginning to think it was too hard.
When I had first told my parents about New York, although they had supported my decision, they had told me, they couldn't support me financially whilst I was out there, whereas if I went to Minnesota I could continue living at home, rent free. Well being the independent person I am, I told them that I would support myself. So I had to get myself a part time job, to pay for the odd things I wanted. Tuition was free since I was on scholarship, but balancing work and school was proving difficult.
I talked to Adam almost daily, and then the other ducks were weekly, though emails were sent regularly. Adam seemed to have settled in straight away, though he had Charlie, Ken, Luis, Julie and Guy. Whenever we talked he would tell me about the team, practices, the new coach and each game he played. Sometimes I couldn't get a word in edgeways for his excitement and exhilaration as he described everything in great detail.
All the ducks had seemed to have settled with their new teams, even Julie. I however was struggling, though I got on with all the team, I hadn't yet to come to see them as 'my' team. They never would be either. I still felt that the only team I belonged to was the ducks. I hadn't told Adam or anyone else any of this, I suppose I was hoping that any day now, I would turn up for practice and everything would feel right.
Another thing about my new team. Every single player was a girl. Yes I know that was to be expected when I was playing with an all girls team, but I was used to playing with guys. Though I had the obvious advantage of playing harder and was less scared of coming up against the, shall we call them 'larger' girls, a disadvantage was that I had a habit of being slightly too strong. On more than one occasion had I played slightly too rough, which when playing other teams was a bonus for our team, but in practice was a deadly weapon. Instead of being a shooter, I was now an enforcer, of which might I add both Portman and Fulton were very proud of me for. Though I was happy being an enforcer, I missed my old position, hell I missed my old team.
It hadn't skipped my notice either, that I wasn't exactly the most popular girl in school. I know I hadn't been miss popularity at Eden Hall, but at least I had the ducks and a few other friends there. Here, we didn't hang out as a team, in fact I barely saw half them during school hours. I had made a few new friends, though I didn't hold them half as dear as the ducks. I didn't have a great room mate, hell I didn't even have a room mate. I had been placed in a private room, which yes had more advantages than disadvantages, but I missed the nights in me and Julie used to have, when we used to plaster ourselves in face packs and watch movie after movie.
I had just gotten off work half an hour ago. Working at a local telephone operator service. It paid fairly well, but sometimes, depending on the caller, it didn't pay enough. Outside my window, I could hear the laughter of some of my fellow students who were just on their way out. Every night around here, there seemed to be different parties to go to, more so like tonight, which was of course called Friday night, start of a long weekend full of drinking and partying. I, of course never had time or energy for partying. I had only ever been to the one party, and that was because it was Emma, our goalie that had been throwing it.
When I got into my dorm room, I quickly changed into some sweats, and settled myself down on my bed and began studying. That's all I seemed to do these days – work and study. 5 minutes later, I still felt as though the information I was reading wasn't going in, but forced myself to read that same passage over and over until it seemed etched into my brain. I vaguely heard a knock at my door, and shouted that it was open, still staring at the page my book was open on, hoping that just looking at it, would make it go in.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I was told this was Connie Moreau's room". A voice stated.
"It"… I looked up, and saw who it was. "ADAM". I shrieked, and dove up from my position on my bed, then jumped off the bed into his arms.
After hugging him tightly, I pulled back a little, and planted an array of kisses all over his face, then diving back into his arms, burying my face in his chest. I could have stayed there for hours. Just seeing him, reminded me how much I missed him and the others, but mainly him. I finally pulled away, looking into his sea blue eyes.
"What are you doing here"? I asked. "I mean why didn't you tell me you were coming, I could have picked you up or something"?
Although I was ecstatic to see him, I couldn't help but think how inconvenient his visit was. I had 3 huge assignments to write over the weekend, as well as working 6 hours tomorrow and Sunday. Just thinking these thoughts made me feel guilty and I quickly scolded myself for it, before forcing myself to think of all the good sides to his visit.
"The look on your face is reason enough". He laughed. "So, how about you pull on your glad rags, and let me take you out to dinner"? He offered, he placed his arms around my waist, before gazing longingly at me.
"Adam, I'd love to". I began, feeling even more guilty now. "But I seriously can't. I have so much work to do, and not nearly enough time to do it in".
"Ok, so, how about tomorrow"? He looked so hopeful.
"It depends how much I get done tonight". I told him, though I knew in a way, that unless I worked like superman, I wouldn't get nearly enough done tonight to permit me to go out.
"Well, I'd best get going, let you get on with your work". He chuckled gently, whilst tucking a stray hair behind my ear.
"No, stay". I gripped his hand, before gently pushing my door shut.
So, eventually, he settled himself on my bed, pretending to become interested in the book I had just finished reading for English. I knew he was bored out of his brains, but wanted him to stay. Though my attention strayed to him every so often, I soon found myself getting loads done. I got my first assignment done before 1am, and turned round with a triumphant smile, to find him fast asleep. Deciding that I was tired, I slowly and quietly joined him. Almost immediately on my laying next to him, he snuggled further into me.
I awoke the following morning at 7am. I managed to get a start on my next assignment, then after an hour, got dressed and ready for work. Adam was still fast asleep, and though I felt awful waking him, I knew that if I didn't, he would only wake up alone, wondering where I was. I grabbed my bag, before heading over to the bed, and kissing his soft lips gently. He stirred but only slightly, so I kissed him once more.
"Adam, listen I gotta go to work. I'll be back about 2.30. There's a spare key by the door. I'll see you later". I whispered to the now slightly awake form, planting one more kiss on his lips, then leaving.
Work went by slowly that day. All I seemed to get was old ladies ring up, complaining, then droning on about this and that. Eventually, 2pm arrived, and I dashed out of there, before Darren my boss had chance to ask me to do any more over time. As expected I got back to my room by about half past, to find Adam sat only vaguely interested in a film he had put on.
"Hey". I said, closing the door behind me and taking my jacket and bag off.
"Hi". He replied.
"Sorry I had to leave you this morning. I bet you've been bored stiff". I sympathized.
"Just a bit". He said getting up off the bed and coming toward me.
"Sorry". I apologized again.
"So, you know anywhere good for us to go"? He wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Not really. I haven't really been out anywhere yet. But I really can't go out until I've got some more work done. If I don't I'll fall behind and never catch up". I ran my hand through my hair, feeling a slight headache coming on, as well as an argument.
"Oh c'mon, surely you can spare one hour to just come and grab something to eat with me". He pouted, giving me his puppy dog eyes.
"Adam I'm sorry, but I really can't, until I've got this 2nd assignment done". I stepped away from him and headed to my desk to get a start.
"So what, I just have to sit here and wait for you to finish before we can go out. I'm only here while tomorrow afternoon". He sounded a bit pissed off now, of which I really couldn't blame him, but I too was beginning to get annoyed with the situation.
"Look Adam, I've apologized over and over again. I can't just drop everything and go out. If you wanna go out and get something to eat, then go, but I can't". I tried to calmly explain, but I could feel myself slowly getting more and more annoyed, not really with him.
"I don't want to go out on my own. I came here to see you, to spend time with you". His voice getting stronger.
"If you'd have told me you were coming, I could probably have gotten out of having to go to work and asked for an extension on my assignments, but I didn't know". Yeah, this was definitely an argument, our first would you believe.
"So what, I have to have an appointment to see my own girlfriend now".
"No, that's not what I'm saying". I butted in.
"I came to surprise you. You know as in unexpected visit".
"I know what a surprise is Adam, you don't need to talk to me like I'm 10 years old. I know you came out here especially to see me, but you can't expect me to just drop everything at the last minute".
"No, but I expect a bit of compromising".
"I've tried compromising with you, we can go out when I've got some more work done".
"You call that compromising"? He asked, his eyes widening. "I call that you just telling me what's going to happen".
"Well it's obvious I'm not getting anywhere here, I think I'll just go and get my work done somewhere else". I gave in, grabbed my jacket, bag and books before leaving.
I headed straight for the library, hoping I could get my assignment done with enough time to spend time with Adam. I know he had valid points in our argument, but I also felt that I had. I was ecstatic that he had taken the trouble to come out to visit me, but at the same time, he was expecting me to put my life on hold while he was here. I was on a free ride, and if my work wasn't kept up to scratch, I would find myself benched, and the more dramatic consequences being that my scholarships could be revoked. He however wasn't under that kind of pressure. Though he too was on scholarship, if need be, his parents could afford to pay his tuition. As soon as those thoughts crossed my mind, I regretted them. I knew Adam would never ask his parents to pay for tuition. Though Jesse had created the nickname cake-eater, Adam had always known we called him it, in jest, just like we called Charlie – Spazway. But I knew Adam hated the fact that people who didn't know him as well as myself and the ducks, thought that, all he was, was a preppie hanging with 'white trash' as we had often been called by the old Eden Hall Varsity team.
I attempted more than once at continuing my assignment, but each time I tried, my thoughts quickly drifted back to Adam, who I had simply abandoned in my dorm room. Eventually, realizing I wasn't going to get anything done, until I had resolved everything with him, I repacked my bag and headed back to him. Though I knew I needed to apologize for a few things, I was also very aware that my apology needed to be reciprocated. I unlocked my door, and stepped in, to find the lights out. I fumbled for the light switch, but upon the light being turned on, I found my room empty.
I glanced around for any tell tale sign that he had just popped out for a bite to eat, but there was nothing. That's when I saw it. There sat on the middle of my bed, was a single red rose, and a folded sheet of paper. I dropped my bag to the floor, and walked tediously over to my bed, sitting right on the edge, before picking up the rose and smelling it's sweet scent. Next came the paper. I unfolded it slowly, seeing immediately his neat handwriting.
Dear Connie,
I'm sorry for everything I said to you, there is no excuse for my words or actions, except maybe that I'm too deeply in love with you that it often clouds my judgment. I know now me turning up out of the blue, wasn't my best ever plan, my only excuse being that I was desperate to see you.
Please understand that I never meant to hurt or upset you in anyway, however I do realize I may have done just that. I had no right turning up the way I did, and I now understand that you can't simply change plans or schedules because of my presence. I promise next time I will give you notice – that's if you want there to be a next time.
You may be wondering why I'm not there with you to tell you all this in person. Well I wasn't sure whether you'd still want me around, and didn't really want to be there to see the words exit your lips.
I'm sorry for everything. I love you more than life itself.
All my love
Adam
xxx
After reading the letter, tears ran down my cheeks. I couldn't believe he could think I wouldn't want him to still be here when I got back. Just reading it made me realize, what a rocky patch our relationship was going through. We both just expected ourselves to cope with being away from each other. It wasn't possible, a long distance relationship just wasn't going to work out, we needed and wanted to be together far too much for it to work.
I sat studying his words for the following 10 minutes, before reaching for my phone and dialing the number I didn't even need to think of. Almost immediately I got his cell's voicemail.
"It's me. Um, I just called to say that I love you, and I'm sorry. I'll call you later. Love you". And with that put the phone down.
Within the next few seconds, I was reaching for the phone again, arranging and organizing as best as I could. When I had almost finalized things, I ignored the fact that I still had 2 more assignments to do, and climbed into bed, feeling more relief and happiness wash over me, than I had in weeks.
Over the following week, I was constantly organizing. I was late for practice twice, which caused me 20 extra laps and a stern look from my coach. By the end of the week, my bags were packed ready for my trip home. As I left the dormitories, most students were also packing bags ready for the October break, trip home. At the airport, as I expected, it was pretty busy, what with families heading off on vacations and students heading home.
Before I knew it, I was boarding the plane, staring aimlessly out of the window. I paid no attention as the Captain gave his introductions and the stewardess gave all the safety instructions. I was sat beside the window, and the two seats beside me were empty, thankfully, as on my trip out, I had been stuck in a similar position by a mother and child. The mother had been pleasant enough, but the child had continually asking questions, of which got very irritating after being around him only 5 minutes.
Half an hour into the journey, I reclined my seat slightly, not enough to annoy the passenger behind me, but just enough to sit more comfortably. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep, a sleep which lasted the full journey. I was woken by a stewardess reminding me to put my seatbelt back on ready for landing. After the long process of landing and parking at the right gate, I followed the crowds of people off the plane, and into the arrivals lounge.
"Connie-meister". Someone shouted then picked me up into a great big bear hug.
"Hi Aves". I smiled as he put me down. "Are you sure you don't mind having me"? I asked.
"Mind having you? Having you in my humble home is a pleasure". He replied sarcastically.
"Don't Goldberg and Russ mind"?
"All they care about is one extra person helping out with the rent". He laughed. "Though I am a little shocked that you didn't go straight to Adam's for a few days". He hit it right on the head.
Averman might act dumb, but he was anything but. He was and always had been the only duck who could read, with inconceivable accuracy, between the lines of situations. He was the first to notice when me and Guy were starting to break up, he was the first to notice when Julie got a crush on Charlie and the first to notice when Charlie reciprocated Julie's feelings.
"Well, the last time I saw him, we kinda had a bit of an argument, and I didn't just want to turn up, if you know what I mean". I admitted.
"So he doesn't know you're not in New York"?
"Nope. I've talked to him a little over the past week, but I don't know, everything seemed a little weird. So I'm gonna go see him once I've settled in and everything".
"He's not the reason you came back though is he"?
"Yes and no. I mean I suppose the argument put things into perspective, but, I just wasn't happy out there. I missed him and you guys. It just wasn't right, I felt as though I was an alien out there".
"And how do you feel now"?
"Relieved, happy. I'm back home, where I belong"., I smiled as we grabbed my luggage and headed back to the house I was going to be sharing with Averman, Goldberg and Russ.
I spent the full weekend, unpacking my things and settling in, luckily I didn't have a lot of things, as I hadn't taken that much with me to New York. I spent some time with Averman, Goldberg and Russ, being joined soon after by Portman and Fulton who were shocked to see me, though they managed to make me tell them all about my stint as enforcer at New York. Sunday evening came round, and I tried calling Adam, but he wasn't in. Going over there had crossed my mind, but then I remembered exactly how we got in this mess in the first place. I didn't manage to get hold of him at all Sunday, but to be honest, I wasn't too worried, as I guessed he might have gone home with it being October break.
The following day, I was dragged out of bed early by Goldberg, who thrust a glass of orange and some toast in my hand before telling me to get dressed and grab my street skates. I needn't ask why, I knew we were going to be playing hockey. I did as I was told and was ready even before Averman and Russ.
The basketball courts were within walking distance, and we met Portman and Fulton on the way, who both looked anything happy at having to be up before lunch time. The first thing I remember when we reached the courts, was thinking there were a lot of cars parked, then I recognized the odd one or two as some of the ducks.
"Do they know I'm here"? I asked Averman. He shook his head. "You guys thinking what I'm thinking"? I asked them all, and immediately I saw the mischief gleam in their eyes.
The guys put their skates on, outside the courts, remaining out of sight of the court we knew the other ducks had secured. When they all had their skates on, I ducked around the outskirts of the court, trying my hardest to remain unseen by them, then silently walked up behind them
"C'mon guys. What time do you call this"? I heard Charlie shout.
"Too early". Fulton replied jokingly.
"Sorry guys, but we had to get our new enforcer sorted". Averman told them.
"New enforcer"? Charlie questioned, panic clear in his voice.
"Yeah well, you guys whip our butts every time having the bash bro's so me Averman and Goldberg thought we'd get our own enforcer". Russ replied.
"This new 'enforcer', where is he then"? Guy asked cockily.
"SHE is right here". I replied, as I grabbed his shoulder and yanked him backwards, making him fall backwards, but managed to land him gently. "Did I teach you nothing all those years ago"? I laughed.
Immediately I saw most mouth's drop open, others just stared at me like I was an alien. Eventually, when they'd gotten over the initial shock, they all bombarded toward me, hugging me tightly. I turned, just in time to see Guy pull himself off the floor.
"Hey you". He smiled and pulled me into a hug.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist". I hugged him back. "But in my defense, you were expecting a guy". I laughed.
"Well, in my defense, I wasn't exactly expecting you either". He replied when he'd released me from his grasp.
"What are you doing here anyway"? Charlie asked from behind me.
"I've kinda transferred back to Minnesota. NYU wasn't really working out". I admitted.
"Oh". They all seemed to say at once.
"Why 'oh'? Is there something you aren't telling me"? I looked at them cluelessly.
"Well, um, Adam. He's kinda gone out to New York to see you". Julie told me.
"Please God tell me you're kidding. Why? Why would he go out there"? I babbled.
"Well duh, to see you". Goldberg piped up.
"When? When did he leave"?
"Late Saturday night". Charlie answered.
"Ok. Ok, so he'll have figured out I'm not there by now, and be on his way home, right". I worked out.
I quickly gave my apologies and dashed back to the apartment, hoping I could get hold of him on cell phone. I rang it a few times, but got nothing but his voicemail. Undecided what to do, I decided to ring Charlie or one of the guys, and ask them to check their answer machines incase he'd called them. I went into my room in search of my cell that I had left on charge, and turned it on. I had 3 missed calls and voicemails. I felt my heart skip a beat, as I quickly listened to my 1st voicemail.
"Hey, its me. Well I'm in New York. I know this was kinda how the 1st argument came about, but I had to come out to see you and sort everything out. So, I'll call you later, and arrange a time to meet you or something. I'll see you later. I love you. Bye". That had been left around yesterday lunchtime.
"It's me again. Um I've been in my hotel room a few hours now, and I'm bored out of my mind. So I kinda figured I'd come around to your dorm. There's no pressure or anything, I just really need and want to see you. So I'll hopefully see you in a bit. Love you". I felt my bottom lip tremble, in thought that he was out there all alone.
"I suppose you've probably figured it's me again. I'm pretty confused, I've just come back from your dorm room, and you weren't there. One of the girls there told me that you'd left. So I'm kinda figuring that you had the same idea as me and headed back home. Well I've called the airport and booked a ticket for the 9.30am flight tomorrow. Um, I'll hopefully catch up with you when I get back. See you soon. I love you".
After listening to that last message I quickly checked the time, before reaching for the phone again and calling the airport. I got through pretty quick and asked immediately whether Adam's flight had arrived yet. The woman on the other end told me that it hadn't but it was due anytime in the next ¾ of an hour, as it had been late taking off. I thanked her before slamming the phone down and dashing out of the apartment, grabbing my keys and wallet on the way.
Outside the building I hailed a cab, and gave the driver my destination. The whole journey, my mind rarely left Adam. What he must have been thinking when I hadn't answered any of his calls, what he was thinking when he realized I wasn't in New York. It was now I began feeling incredibly guilty for not letting him know I was coming home.
In less time than I thought it would take, the driver was pulling up outside the airport and telling me his fee. Luckily, I had just enough cash to give him, before diving out of the backseat and inside the airport. I ran up to the front desk, before asking directions to whatever gate the flight was going to be arriving in. The gate unfortunately was at the other side of the large building, but I put the distance aside and began running, dodging people as I went. As I was running, I heard Adam's flight being announced over the tanoy.
I made it just in time to see the first passengers disembarking. I stood a little further back, so I could see him as he came through the gate. After what must have been 2/3 of the plane had come through the gate, I saw his head bobbing over just about everyone else's. I pushed my way through some people, before I was in his full view. He stood completely still, as though shocked to see me there. I too stopped, trying to figure out whether he was happy or sad at my appearance. After a few seconds, I dashed forward, seeing him too do the same, I picked up more momentum, before finally reaching him and diving into his arms.
After about 30 seconds, he slowly put me down, and I pulled back slightly, before kissing him, my arms remaining firmly around his neck. Immediately, I felt him return the kiss. Eventually, I pulled away, looking him straight in the eye, only faintly aware that a few stray tears were rolling down my cheeks.
"I'm sorry". I whispered.
"I'm sorry too. About last weekend, about the argument, about not telling you about"… He began apologizing.
"Adam, shut up". I managed a smile before leaning forward, and kissing him gently again. "Forget about it. All that matters is that I'm here with you". I kissed him once more, before stepping away and walking hand in hand out of the airport.
So what do you think? PLEASE R&R!