Summary: Craig Patrick has two daughters that live with his ex-wife in Boston. Herb asks his oldest, Annabelle Rose, if she would like to work with them during the 1980 Olympics. How will Annabelle react to the up coming events from June of 1979 to February of 1980?
Disclaimer: I don't own the movie or characters except Annabelle and her sister and mom.
Chapter 1. The Beginning of a Miracle
Early morning in the ice rink stood a very skinny and tall girl with very light brown hair, almost blonde. It seemed to early for someone to be there, but with meeting with someone named Herb Brookes you had to be there early to hear what he said.
"Hey Belle!"
"Hi Herb." She said skating up to him.
"What would you say about working with your dad and the Olympic Hockey Team this year?"
"Is this because of my dad or is this because you know my sis needs to go to school more?"
"It's both. Do you want to?"
"Ok. Where do I need to meet you?"
"Meet me at Colorado Springs at the USOC."
"Alright. Hey Herb, how come you didn't call me AB like you always do?"
"Because I know that Belle gets you when it comes from me." Herb said while walking away.
"I'll never understand you Herb!" Annabelle whispered to herself.
Her name really wasn't Belle or AB, but Annabelle Rose Patrick. She was the oldest daughter of Craig Patrick that was really into hockey.
(Colorado Springs)
"Hey daddy!" said Annabelle while running up to give her dad a hug.
"My is that my Rose? Wow have you changed."
Annabelle and Craig walked down to the office that Herb was in while watching the players on the ice.
"So doc cleared him saying it's just a sprain. Hey Herb I just wanted to say how pleased I am to work with you."
"You were one hell of a player Craig, you'll make one hell of a coach."
"Thanks."
"I need you to stick with these kids and tell me if there's anything big or you just handle it."
"Ok."
"Take a look at this."
"What's this?"
"Twenty-six names. The tough part is getting it down to twenty before the opening ceremonies."
"This is the final roster? You're kidding me right? This is our first day Herb. We've got a week of this. What about the advisory staff? Aren't they supposed to have a say in this?
"Not technically."
"You're missing some of the best players Herb." Piped up Annabelle.
"I'm not looking for the best players, AB. I'm looking for the right ones."
Annabelle sat down and zoned out Herb and her dad while watching the players try out on the ice. Every once in a while she would glace at the roster and smile to see a couple of familiar names. When practice ended Annabelle followed Herb and Craig down to the ice. Lot long after that, Doc showed up and went out with Craig to read the final list. Annabelle sat in the back not really wanting to be noticed, but not trying to hide either.
"Hughes. Ross. Auge. Delich. Horsch. Strobel. Christoff. Morrow. Suter. Ramsey. Janaszak. Christian. Pavelich. Verchota. Baker. Harrington. Schneider. O'Callahan. McClanahan. Silk. Johnson. Craig. Cox. Eruzione. And that's the roster for now. The rest of you thanks for coming out."
Annabelle watched as they congratulated each other and breathing sighs of relief.
"Take a good look gentlemen, they're the ones getting off easy. I'm putting a few of you on reserves just incase an injury or your game goes to hell. Give me ninety-nine percent you'll my job very, very easy. I'm not here to be your friend, and if you need one of those talk with Coach Patrick, Annabelle Patrick, or Doc."
They all looked at each other with confusion and watched as Herb walked away.
"Congratulations to all of you. Before you leave pick up one of these you've got some homework… before you celebrate."
Annabelle watched as the guys walked down to the front and got a packet.
"Bell Bell!"
Annabelle looked up from the doorway and walked down the stairs and up to O'Callahan.
"Well fancy seeing you OC."
"Do you want to go to the bar with us?"
"As long as there's no fights, if you know what I mean." Annabelle whispered.
"There won't be. So is that a yes or no?"
"Yes I guess. Just don't push it."
Once everyone was out of the ice rink, Craig (Annabelle's dad) watched as his daughter skated across the ice like an angel. He was amazed that her mother didn't take away her dream of being a figure skater.
"Was your mom disappointed about you not giving up skating?"
"A little. But I think she was happy that I didn't play with boys after school."
"You never listened to her when you were younger. You only listened to me."
"Well that's because you knew what I wanted to do and didn't challenge them."
"How's Grace?"
"She's doing alright for being deaf and blind. Mom isn't around that much anymore so Grace has been depending on me to be her eyes and ears when I'm around."
"I'm sorry if I left you with your mom. I just didn't think she would want the both of you."
"Well that's the past and I'm here with you and at the Olympics. It was actually Grace that pushed me out the door since she knew I wanted to do it."
Annabelle and her dad stayed out on the ice until it was late afternoon. When Annabelle went to her dorm room at the U, she quickly changed and went to the bar. When she got in side she saw two different groups one of Minnesota guys and the other Boston. Annabelle walked up to OC and put her hands over his eyes.
"Guess who?"
"Belle, Belle!"
"Why do you keep calling her that when you know that she hates it?" asked Cox.
"Because she keeps doing it until I get it right."
Rizzo and Silk just chuckled looking at Annabelle while she sat down.
"So how are things going?"
"Besides being asked all these questions?" answered Silk.
"It's a test though. You've taken one or two before."
"Not to play hockey I haven't."
"Can you even read Silky?"
"I try."
"Hey I'll catch you guys later. I'm going to cause some trouble with summer friends." They watched as Annabelle got up and quickly walked up to the other table.
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Your not going to threaten us are you?" asked Bah.
"No. Not yet at least."
"That's what you said last time Annabelle." Said Buzz. "And you knocked out one of the Minnesota players."
"Well he gave me a reason."
"And what was the reason?" asked Verchota.
"Well one said girls couldn't play hockey and that they were only good in the kitchen. So I proved him wrong by hitting him in the head with a puck on accident."
"Yeah and I remember it too, but it didn't seem like an accident." Came a voice that Annabelle knew.
"Mac. Nice to see you again and by the way it was unless you want me to do it on purpose."
"So did the guy bother you anymore?" asked Johnson.
"No but I wouldn't be surprised if he switched Universities."
Everyone laughed and continued to talk to each other.
"Hey guys I need to go. See you at practice tomorrow."
They all said goodbye and went on with their tests. Annabelle went over to the Boston table and said goodbye to them.
"Hey Annabelle let me walk you to your car."
"It's alright Rizzo."
"I'm leaving so I might as well."
"How did Jack take it when he saw that Mac is on the team?"
"He's pissed. Now he's on this revenge thing."
"Well I guess that tomorrow will be eventual."
"Yeah. Well I'll see you tomorrow morning."
I hope you like it. If you have any suggestions please tell me.
Bye, bye
Icesk8er7-08
