Chapter 9

The first week back at school was not as bad as it could have been. Academically it was a total joke; the teachers all gently eased their charges back into the system that would run their lives for the next ten months. Homework was never assigned with any seriousness until the weekend. However Coach O'Brian was not your average teacher. In the eyes of the Ducks he was at times the devil incarnate, and the first week back was one of those times.

"Right, we're going to start right where we left off boys and girls." The coach barked at their first Wednesday afternoon practice.

"5km run Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings at 6:30am, followed by 45mins of weights. Practices on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 4pm to 6pm and I expect you all to find some form of athletic activity to occupy your Saturday."

Portman slyly cast a glance over at Julie, " I have some suggestions, if you want to meet later to discuss…ouffh!" Dean was cut off by Julie punching him in the shoulder.

"Dirty boy," she whispered, smiling nonetheless.

"Our first game of the season will be October 20, let's start the season on a good note." Coach O'Brian finished. "Does anyone have any questions?"

"Umm, just one," Julie voice tentatively, " I thought you were going to start us on different training methods this season, what happened to those?"

"Well I'm not just going to drop you into yoga cold, that wouldn't be very kind of me now would it?" The Coach had a sneaky smile on his face. "Oh yes my little prodigies, you will be doing yoga, I went to a workshop over the summer and believe me, I will have you in the best shape of your young lives"

"I am alternately frightened and intrigued at the same time" Averman whispered to Goldberg

"What are you frightened for? I'm the goalie dude, who do you think the yoga is for!"

When at long last the training speech was over the team left the rink and began to disperse. Dean took Julie, Goldberg and Fulton in his car, Adam loaded up his with Connie, Guy and Charlie and the rest either headed towards their dorms or headed to the bus.

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"So Miss Gaffeney, is there any chance I might be able to take you out on a date this Saturday night?" Dean enquired as he pulled up to Julie's house. He had practically thrown Fulton and Goldberg out of the car when he got to their respective houses in his anticipation to ask Julie out on an actual date.

"Well Mr. Portman I would love to go on a date with you" Julie repressed the urge to scrunch her nose and grin, a trademark face she always made when she was exceptionally happy. " May I ask where? Am I going to need protective wear? A weapon of some kind?"

Dean smiled at her and winked, "I think it's a little early for that don't you?" He asked

Julie blushed to her toes, she was certain of it.

"Oh, no no, no that's, I didn't mean.."

"Relax Jules, I'm just teasing you because I can. I was thinking something fairly traditional, dinner and movie?"

"Oh good, yeah, that sounds nice." Julie hoped she didn't look as relieved as she felt. "So, I'll see you tomorrow?" She had her hand loosely on the door, not sure if she should kiss him good-bye or not. Yesterday her mom had picked her up after school and she hadn't had a chance to say good-bye to Dean like she would have liked to.

"I will be here at 8am, I promise" Then he leaned over and gently kissed her on the lips, lightly touching her chin as he did. Julie's heart soared.

"Okay..bye" She smiled as she hopped out of the massive SUV and scampered up the front walk, looking over her shoulder at Dean before she let herself in to her house.

"Damn, you are fine little girl" Dean smiled to himself and shook his head slightly as he drove away. How he had gotten so lucky he wasn't sure but he was not going to screw this up, no way.