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Chapter 12
"The Bride and Groom, have written a few words for each other. We shall hear those before going and signing the registers", The reverend announced. I turned to face Adam, taking both his hands in my own. "5 years ago, I agreed to go on a date with you, never in all my wildest dreams did I expect to end up here with you. Over those last 5 years, we've been through some happy and sad times, but no matter what, you've always been right beside me. With every day, my love grows for you even more, and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you". I told him, gazing into his deep green eyes…
6 months had passed since my accident. I'm not gonna lie and tell you it had all been plain sailing, but Adam refused to leave my side. Adam's parents had been great, taking care of me when Adam wasn't around. I'm sure his Mom thought of me as a daughter she'd never had. I had stayed with them a total of 3 months, before the Doctor pronounced me fit to return to college, of which I then moved back home with the guys.
It had been an uphill struggle to catch myself up with college work, but I was determined to do so, as I didn't want to be held back another year. With a little help from the guys, I'd managed, and was able to graduate that year with the others. In less than a week, I would be a college graduate. As would all the other ducks. It was rather sad really, as now we knew that we would be separated for good. Just thinking about it, could cause me to well up, and a lump in my throat would form.
Portman and Fulton, would you believe were heading off to Harvard law school. I suppose we always knew those two would be forever inseparable, I wouldn't put it passed them to have a double wedding and any future kids to be inseparable too. Averman was staying in Minnesota, attending the University of Minnesota medical school, with high hopes of becoming a pediatrician. Goldberg and Russ were too staying in Minnesota, after being offered to run Goldberg's parents deli whilst they opened another in St. Louis. Julie was staying on for another year at Wisconsin, so she could get her full diploma in teaching. Dwayne, was heading home to work on his families ranch, Luis was joining him, to help out, but also so he could work on his art too. Ken despite, not having figure skated for over 10 years, had signed up to be a coach on a figure skating camp for kids, and if everything went well, there would be a job in Boston for him, where he was planning on apartment sharing with Fulton and Portman. Adam, Charlie and Guy were waiting to here if any of the NHL teams were interested, before they embarked on looking for other careers. Me, however had applied for a number of counseling jobs in Minnesota and Wisconsin, though I was prepared to follow Adam wherever he needed to go.
Another downfall of graduating was that our ceremony's were within an hour of each other, and though I was desperate to see Adam graduate, I also knew I'd never make it back from Wisconsin in time for my own graduation. Portman, and Russ' families had or were flying in to see them, Goldberg's parents were shutting their deli for the day so they could make it and Fulton's Dad was attending with his younger sister. It seemed all the Ducks families were coming except mine and Averman's.
My Mom was still off somewhere traveling, and I hadn't spoken to her in over 4 months. My Dad had gone on a business trip and had taken Mike with him, and as for Henry, he'd moved to LA 2 months ago, where he'd gotten a job as a night club designer. Averman's parents were just oblivious to the goings on around them. So knowing neither of us had anyone to be sat in the crowd, we'd vowed to be there for each other.
"So you guys, we really need to decide, what we're gonna do with the house"? Russ asked, as we sat around the dining room table, sorting about this months bills.
"What about it? You and Goldberg are still staying here aren't you"? Averman asked, looking up from his check book.
"We were planning on moving into the Deli. It just seems so pointless traveling to and from the deli, when we can live there". Goldberg answered. "What about you Connie"?
This had put me in a bit of a spot, I hadn't actually made any plans to leave yet, as I didn't know whether me and Adam would be staying in Minnesota. But I knew that me and Averman alone couldn't handle the rent, and even if Adam did move I with us, it would still be pretty tight.
"Um, I dunno yet. I suppose I'll stay for a little longer at least. But I don't know after that". I answered loosely.
"We're sorry, we thought you'd have just expected us to be leaving". Russ apologized.
"Hey no, we all have to do what's best for ourselves. I know it sounds incredibly horrible, but there's no point in you guys paying out for this place, when you can be living closer to work and saving yourselves some money". I told them.
"But you and Averman, can't handle the rent for this place on your on". Russ pointed out.
"If we are staying in Minnesota, Adam will probably move in here. And if we still struggle, then we'll get someone else. Look don't worry about us, you concentrate on not burning the deli down". I laughed.
A week later, it was graduation day. I was nervous, but nothing compared to Goldberg, who had convinced himself, that he was going to fall over and humiliate himself. I had spent an hour this morning, trying to calm him, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, Russ who was suffering with his nerves, got fed up, and went around the house, collecting ties, before we all ganged up on poor old Goldberg, and tied him to a chair to stop his pacing, and Averman stuffed a pair of socks in his mouth, promising he'd get all Goldberg's things ready for him. With Goldberg quiet, I managed to hear myself think again.
"Connie, phone". Russ shouted up the stairs, just as I was searching for my black shoes.
"Hello". I asked after dashing for the phone.
"Hey baby, I just wanted to call and wish you good luck and to tell you I love you". Adam spoke softly, though I could hear a slight nervous pang in his voice.
"Arr thank you baby. How you feeling"? I asked.
"I'm ok at the minute. Little bit nervous 'bout falling over on stage, but I think everyone's worried about that". He answered, a slight chuckle in his voice.
"Tell me 'bout it. We've had to tie Goldberg up, just to get him to calm down". I laughed. "I just wish we could come and see you guys graduate first".
"I know, but we're all coming back tonight, so we'll celebrate together then". He said softly. "Listen, my folks are here, and they just want a quick word. I love you, and I'll see you later". He told me.
"I love you too". I answered quickly.
"Hey Kiddo, you have a good graduation, try not to fall over though will ya". Adam's Dad spoke down the phone.
"I'll try not too". I giggled.
"Philip, don't put those notions in her head". I could hear Adam's Mom shout. "Hi honey. Don't you listen to him. You'll do brilliantly. Just don't wear too high a heel and you'll do fine".
"I won't". I promised. "Take loadsa pictures for me won't you"?
"5 rolls and the video camera". She almost sung down the phone. "Listen, we've gotta go, I'll talk to you later. Good luck". And with that she put the phone down.
20 minutes later, we were untying Goldberg, who blasted us with complaints, but had ultimately forgotten all about the possibility of him falling over on stage. In fact he didn't remember until we were there, and saw the stage. Honestly, I felt my own stomach lurch. Everything looked so formal. I turned to my friends, who had all suddenly gone quiet and pale.
"This is it you guys"! Averman mumbled.
"Why does that suddenly make me feel like the end of the world is nearing". Russ almost whispered.
"C'mon you guys, it's just like high school graduation". Goldberg replied confidently.
"The world felt like it was ending then too". I answered.
After standing for 5 minutes in silence, we managed to pull ourselves together enough to collect our robes. With each passing minute, I knew it was getting closer to the actual event. Unlike our high school graduation, I wasn't to be sat with Averman, Goldberg and Russ. They were sat with the boys hockey team, and I had to sit with the girls team.
"Boy's hockey team, line up, alphabetically". One of the professors shouted, trying to get us all organized.
"Good luck". I hugged each of them, feeling slightly emotional.
It was weird, I felt incredibly proud, my 3 big brothers had finally grown up, into the men I always knew they'd become. I suppose this was what parents felt, when they saw their children go through exactly what we were about to. Averman the 2nd in line for the team, turned back and looked at me, winking at me quickly before they set off walking down the carpet.
Out of the 3 boys I'd spent the last 4 years of my life, living on top of each other, I was most proud of Averman. He'd gone through everything he had done, and still come out on top. I was the only family, other than Russ and Goldberg, he had in the crowd.
"Ok, girls hockey team, line up". The same professor called us.
I took a huge breath, and lined up, before slowly walking through the hall filled with fellow students and parents. I could feel eyes watching me, as though awaiting me to mess up and trip as well as causing the other girls to fall too. With this idea planted in my mind, it was all I could concentrate on, and before I knew it, I had taken my seat, safely. I sat through most of the ceremony staring into space, well that was until I heard the boys hockey team announced.
"Joshua Allred, Lester Averman". The Dean began.
"WHOOO". I suddenly screamed.
Realizing what I had done, I smiled slightly, before biting on my lower lip. Everyone seemed to be looking at me, causing me to slump in my seat. Kelly Ratcliffe who was sat next to me, let out a slight laugh, before she too bit her lower lip embarrassed.
"Hum, hum". The Dean cleared his throat. "Thomas Beard, Joseph Boothe, Ian Butler, Gary Foden, Gregg Goldberg, Christopher Helliwell, Scott Hopkinson, Gary Jamison, David Lawson, Errol Lewis, Kiel Monday, Jonathan Morris, Liam Pearson, Dean Portman, Brian Osbourne, Fulton Reed, Greg Rodriguez, Russ Tyler and Joe Woodhouse". In turn, the boys each accepted their diplomas, and exited the stage proudly.
As they retook their seats, I readied myself for my turn. The Dean began his usual little speech about the girls team, before announcing fully that it was our turn.
"Tammy Barrett, Kate Evans, Eleanor Glaves, Felicity Herbert, Crystal Hopkins, Laura Humphries, Hayley Jackson, Michelle Jennings, Connie Moreau". He began, as we each stood at the sound of my name.
"WOOOHOOO"! I heard. I turned slightly, to see Goldberg, Fulton, Portman, Russ and Averman all stood, Russ whistling his loudest.
Then at the back of the room, stood Adam and his family, Charlie and his mom and Coach Bombay, Julie, Guy, Dwayne, Ken, Luis and Coach Orion. I smiled, a stray tear forcing it's way into my eyes. I couldn't believe they were all stood at the back of the room.
"Kelly Needham, Natalie Platts, Chloe Ratcliffe, Katie Roberts, Zoë Scanlan, Kimberly Smith, Emily Smith, Lucy Stewart, Rebecca Taylor and Jodie Walsh". The Dean continued through the ducks outburst.
After the rest of the classes accepted their diplomas, as tradition, we all threw our caps in the air, before grabbing fellow students in a congratulation hug. I hugged Tam and Crystal tightly, before I felt Averman say my name and grab me in his arms, followed soon after a big group hug of me, Averman, Portman, Fulton, Goldberg and Russ.
I wiped a few stray tears, then grabbed Averman's hand as we headed up toward the others, who were still stood at the back of the auditorium. When I was close enough, I let go of Averman, and jumped into Adam's arms.
"How"? I asked, when I pulled away slightly.
"Well, we all knew neither you or Averman had anyone here, so we just thought we'd try and get here to see you". He answered.
"Thank you". I kissed him gently.
I was then pulled away, and grabbed into hug with everyone else. Both me and Julie had a few tears rolling down our cheeks, as we hugged each other. I couldn't decide why she was crying though, as she hadn't yet graduated yet, she was staying on for another year. Casey I could tell had been crying at some point, but that was probably back when Charlie accepted his diploma. We slowly made our way back to the house, where, there was some champagne, beer and wine, for the celebration which we all knew would happen.
There was idle chatter amongst us all, as me and Julie handed glasses of champagne out to everyone. I'd just put my empty tray down, when there was a clinging noise. I looked up to see Gordon glass in hand, awaiting to give a speech.
"Just over 10 years ago, I was forced to coach a group of young kids at ice hockey. I thought it was possibly the worst things I'd ever been asked to do, if only I knew then what I know now". Gordon began. "I can still, to this day, vividly remember Jesse telling me 'this is a drug free zone' and to get 'my sorry vanilla booty outta here'. You guys taught me a lot, and I suppose you saved me". He smiled at the memory of Jesse. "So I suppose, I should be saying thank you, but it doesn't mean to say I haven't forgotten about all those pranks". He laughed. "To the ducks". He raised his glass, as he completed his toast.
"THE DUCKS". Everyone chorused.
"Oh and Coach, we haven't forgotten about the pranks either". Goldberg informed him.
We spent the rest of the afternoon, reminiscing about our pasts. Remembering all the fun things we'd gotten up to, over the past 10 years. Every memory such as Charlie whacking the egg with force causing it to shatter and smear Coach Bombay's sweater with egg yolk, or running rings around Bombay at the all stars game, was remembered vividly. I can't remember the last time I had laughed so hard, yet as the evening wore on, it came lucidly clear that we were being split for good. All moving on with our lives, spreading ourselves across the states.
2 weeks later, our nightmares had become true, and more than half the ducks had moved on and away. We stayed in touch weekly with each other, and all seemed to be having the times of our lives, though maybe we were all still in the honey moon period. Adam had moved in with me and Averman, Guy too had taken up our offer willingly, well it was either stay with us or go back to his parents. Julie and Charlie had also ended up taking the final room off our hands. Though Julie was definitely staying, Charlie obviously had to keep his options open, incase a team further away recruited him.
Adam had been getting a little uptight about the fact he hadn't heard anything, as he felt like he was in limbo. I couldn't blame him, as he'd gotten his whole life on hold until he knew the leagues decision. He tried remaining positive, especially around me, but the fact I'd felt him tossing and turning at night, hadn't eased my worries. I tried talking to him, but it was as though he was scared that if I knew he was worried, then I too would worry. I did worry though, however I also knew if the league didn't want him, it wasn't the end of the world, he'd gotten a few degree's and could do anything he wanted to with his life.
"You ok"? Averman asked me, one day as we were watching a film together.
"Yeah, why'd you ask"? I replied, though didn't move my head from his shoulder where it rested.
"You just seem a little tense". He told me.
"I am… a little". I admitted. "It's just I'm worried about Adam. He'll be crushed if the league doesn't want him".
"They will, their just making them all sweat".
"I'm sure you're right". I answered, falling silent again.
We continued watching the film, but my mind kept venturing to Adam, and how much longer we'd have to wait. It wasn't fair on any of us, having to wait…
"WE'RE IN"! my train of thought was disturbed, as Adam and Guy barreled into the living room. "WE GOT INTO THE WILDS"!
"Wh"… I began. "ARGGHHHH"! I screamed, jumping up and diving into Adam's arms in realization.
A round of hugs were given to both Adam and Guy by me and Averman, before we noticed, Charlie was absent. Thoughts flashed through my mind, that maybe the Wilds hadn't wanted him, maybe another team had, or maybe no one had chosen him.
"Where's Charlie"? I managed to ask, after curiosity got the better of me.
"He's gone to see Julie at work". Guy answered.
"He got in right"? I slight panic boiled in my stomach. Thoughts of him having to move away or not getting in, running haphazardly in my mind.
"Yeah, course he did". Adam replied. "What made you think otherwise"? He laughed slightly obviously at my expression.
"I dunno, I suppose with him not coming back here and you not mentioning him".
That night, the 6 of us hit the town in celebration. Despite the fact both me and Julie pointed out that none of us could really afford a night out, the guys argued saying that it was all taken care of, and they'd be making plenty of money soon anyway.
The next day, despite having a huge hangover, myself and Adam went over to his parents for a family get together, something his parents had been planning for weeks now. It was there Adam broke the news about getting into the Wilds. His Mom instantly began crying with joy and his Dad kept hugging everyone tightly and acting how I assumed all father's did when well they first became fathers.
Before we knew it, the guys were going to their first team practice. It was weird really, how they were each nervous. They looked like 10 year olds, going to their first ever hockey practice. Now that we knew we were all staying put, I started seriously applying for jobs, attending a few interviews a week, until I finally got offered a job half an hours drive away, in a small community centre, where I began counseling kids who had a range of different problems. I suppose you could say life had really settled down.
So what do you think? I know this chapter was hideous lol, but I really struggled with it. I think I'm gonna leave this story alone for a while, until I get itchy feet to continue it. If you don't want me to take a break from it, then tell me, if not, I'll either start writing another story, or take a break from writing all together. PLEASE REVIEW!