Chapter 3. Back Home.
As soon as the team got off the plane, practice
resumed its normal sessions. The talk in the locker
room was quiet and sometimes some of the guys would
try to get OC to crack about liking Annabelle. Almost
every night the guys would go to the bar and hang out
to relieve there tough day. Meanwhile, Annabelle would
be helping Herb with what ever he needed and she would
also help her dad.
"Hey, Annabelle, how's the team looking?" Herb asked
while looking at some plays from his book.
"It's looking great. I now know that you'll have a
tough time choosing who's right for the team and who's
going to get cut."
"Are there anymore fights going on that I don't know
about?"
"Nope, ever since Mac and OC had that fight on the
ice, no one is thinking of doing anything now."
"Good, now could you please help me with some new line formations that I want to
teach before the Norway game?"
"Herb, you must be kidding me! You're asking me for
help?"
"That's what I hired you for. Now do you want to help
or what?"
"Sure, if you really need it."
Annabelle sat down and helped Herb work on some new
line formations for his players. While they were
working, Jimmy Craig came in to talk to Herb.
Annabelle was about to leave when Herb stopped her
saying that since she was a part of this team and
staff she should know everything that was going on and
being said. When Jimmy left, Annabelle stood up and went
to the filling cabinet to put some of the plays that
were decided on away.
"Well the Coneheads are coming in." Annabelle heard
her dad say as he came in.
"Who?"
Annabelle started to chuckle while her dad explained
everything, but still not getting through to Herb.
Annabelle stopped her chuckling when the so-called
'Coneheads' came in.
"You wanted to see us, Coach?"
"Yeah, what would you say if I put you three
altogether on the same line? Is everyone ok with
that?"
"Yeah." they all said together.
"What do you say Buzz with Bah and Pav here?"
"We're doing good, moving the puck well, just a little
different playing that's all."
"Yeah I don't know how but we always find each other
at the other side of the ice and make things happen."
Bah continued.
"Yeah. Pass, shot, score." Pav said.
"Pass, shot." Bah said.
"And score." Buzz finished for him.
Annabelle looked at her dad and tried to hold her
laughter in.
"Well we'll see how it goes."
"Thanks coach."
When they left Annabelle continued to put the plays in
the file cabinet. As her dad left to go back to his
place, Annabelle stayed a little longer just to see if
Herb needed anymore help.
Oslo, Norway
When the team reached Norway, they immediately put
their hockey stuff up and got ready for practice.
Annabelle stood outside the ice looking at it with her
dad next to her.
"So what do you think will happen if we beat them? Do
you think Herb will lay off them?"
"Not a chance. With Herb you don't slow down until
it's completely over and even then sometimes he'll
push you."
"Well I'm just glad that the team is getting along
better then before."
Her dad nodded and they waited for the team to come
out.
(Norway Game)
While the Norway game was going on, Annabelle would
pace back and forth watching the game and players
occasionally. Every so often Annabelle would look at
Herb and wonder what was going on in his head since he
looked really mad. After the game ended he looked even
more upset and ordered Craig to get a whistle and get
the boys back out on the ice. Annabelle stood by Doc
and watched as Herb yelled at them and point to the
goal line. When he nodded, Craig blew the whistle,
which would continue for the next hour. About half way
through Annabelle was getting so worried and mad that
she couldn't control her shacking.
"Annabelle, are you ok?" Doc asked her.
"I will be when these guys get off the ice and Herb
stops this."
About fifteen minutes later, Annabelle went up beside
her dad after the lights had been turned off.
"Dad don't you dare blow that whistle. Please dad you
can stop this can't you?"
"Annabelle Herb is my boss. I don't agree with this
either."
"Herb, stop this! They've had enough!" Annabelle
yelled over at Herb.
Herb just ignored Annabelle and continued until,
"Mike Eruzione! Winthrop, Massachusetts!"
"Who do you play for?"
"I play for The United States of America!"
Herb looked around and finally stopped it. As soon as
he was off the ice Doc and Annabelle ran over to the
players along with her dad. All the players looked
ready to pass out or get even sicker. Though most of
them helped each other up, some needed help. When
everyone was in the locker room, Annabelle went with
her dad to the bus.
"So do you regret working with Herb now?" Craig asked uncertainly.
"I'm starting to, but I know this isn't the end of
it."
"Yep, well let's hope these boys make through the next
couple of months."
"More like games if he's going to keep doing this."
"Just don't quit for their sake ok? They will probably
need you since you're close to their age and you know
what's really going through their heads."
"Who said that I was going to quit? I'm not giving up
that easily."
"That's my girl." Craig said and kissed her forehead.
Thank you so, so, so, so much Lia06 for editing I wish that I knew all this before I even started the story. I hope that this seems better. Thanks again. Also thanks so much for the reviews they are very helpful.
