Disclaimer: We don't own the Ducks and probably never will because they belong to Disney. However, Emaliar Malfoy does own Bella, Emily, Alex and Johnson. Bobcatwriter owns Annie, Mike, Travon and all the characters at Lakeshore Academy.

A/N: This is the sequel to the other Mighty Ducks stories "The Way Things Are" and "The Way Things Were". We recommend you read those two first. However, this can also be read as a stand-alone story. Please read and review.

Chapter 2

January 23rd, 1998

Adam's POV

I wrote another letter. To the Ducks, I sent it to Orion and told him to read it at some point, I trust him. I think he'll do it. Travon says that it's like I'm a different person this week, which is true. I started to talk to him, Mike and Annie now, that's three people at least. Don't get me wrong I still can't stand it here. But it gets better with time apparently. I try to avoid the looks the other boys give me when I walk down the hallways. But they know better than to ask questions, they know who I am. Someone let it leak that I as an international gold medalist, but at least some of the looks are of awe and not like I'm deranged any more.

I decided to send another note along with the one for the ducks, one telling the truth. That letter is for Bella, Charlie and Gunnar's eyes.

Charlie's POV:

February 1st, 1998

"Alright team gather round, I got something for you,' Coach Orion said. It was a Sunday and he had made me go and find everyone and bring them to his office, well the Duck's only, oh and Gunnar. 'Banks sent me a letter a few days ago, he asked me to read it out to you so I am."

January 23rd, 1998

Hi,

It's Adam.

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to write I suck at these. As corny as it sounds, I miss you guys and I really wish I were there. Do me a favor and win the state Championship Okay? I hope I get out of this hell house soon, so I can play again.

See you soon I hope,

Adam

An eerie silence hung in the air for a moment because I think it just occurred to everyone where he was and the length of the situation. Because I've said it before and I'll say it again, no matter the amount of shit that life has dealt our way. We're still kids and none of us deserve this, especially not Adam. He's had it tougher than any of us and we take it all for granted. The letter may have been short and raw, but it was more than that. At least that's how it seemed.

"Alright, back to your dorms, Stahl, Conway and Ace a word," Coach Orion said. I smiled slightly even though Adam is gone we still never call her Banks. Never have and never will.

"I spoke to Gordon on the phone the other day,' Coach Orion said as the others began to file out. "He wants the three of you to know about Adam's progress so far. According to Adam's supervisors, Adam barely talks, he never raises his hand in class, doesn't talk to the therapists. He's been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, severe depression and anxiety, anger problems and severe PTSD. I had a feeling that you would be able to read in between the lines of his little note, better than the others."

"PTSD and Asperger's, are they major problem's? You know, the one's that require psychological help?" Bella asked.

"Well It depends on the severity and the person. There is one more thing that he sent me addressed to you. You guys can read it later," Coach Orion said.

"Okay, can we go now?" I asked.

"Yes, thanks for meeting me today, Oh and tell the others that we're having practices in the afternoon for the rest of the season," Coach Orion said.

….

"When are we allowed to go and see him?" I asked, as we made our way back to Bella's dorm. Portman was waiting for us at the door that lead to her room.

"So…" Portman asked.

Bella sighed before she said, "I don't know, Ms. MacKay told me that she and Coach went to see him 2 weeks ago, but it wasn't good." She unlocked the door and flopped onto the bed.

Gunnar opened the letter and we leant over and began to read.

"Was I really that stupid?

Was I so fucking stupid that I thought I had a chance?

Because you see, it's a tough life being Adam Jonathan Banks.

No one cares. No one fucking cares what you think.

I was never good enough, so why bother. Why give me the call back or cast me?

Why would we even let me think that I would somehow make it.

Maybe ships don't sail at 15, but it sure as hell feels like they do.

For once can't something go right?

They all say it was fate and everything happens for a reason.

So, is that the reason? Just to make me feel more worthless than I already do.

Because if it is job well done.

This is an extremely hard life if you're Adam Jonathan Banks.

And I'm done.

I'm so fucking done with this life and all the misfortunes that somehow always end with me.

Worthless.

Useless.

Talentless.

Unlovable.

Everything is a lie.

How dare you tell me that you thought I could do this?

How dare you build my confidence.

Lies! All of it.

I HATE YOU, ALL OF YOU. I HATE LIFE, I CAN'T DO IT ANYMORE!

No matter how hard I try, it always come back to what they think.

Because in the end that's all life is, a popularity contest.

That always bite me in the ass.

Which I can't take anymore.

It's not fair.

But that's the way the universe works.

Good things don't come to me, never have, never will.

So, you know what, I'm done.

No more of this shit.

Zero.

Zilch.

Nada.

Nil."

Bella place her head on my should and began to cry.

"Well,' I started. 'At least he's being honest."

It was more of a question than a statement.

"What's he talking about when he said, 'thinking he could do it?' Do what?" Portman asked.

"He means playing professional hockey," Bella whispered. "Everyone told us we'd go all the way and then some."

…..

After everyone left, I asked Bella, "Why did you ask that before, about the PTSD?"

"Adam and I were both diagnosed with severe PTSD and Asperger's when we were younger. We didn't think much of it at the time and neither did mom. But it started a chain reaction for Ads. We didn't get any treatment, or anything. But…"

"But what?" I asked.

"Just before we began to play for the hawks and before Dad began to drill us to death. There was an accident," Bella said.

"Wait a minute I thought you said that you're Dad stopped playing because of his knee?" I asked.

"Yeah, he did. He retired because of that. He thought that he was strong enough to make a comeback. I guess that is in every professional athlete, the competitiveness. And he would have had he not been in the auto accident. Adam and I were on the phone with him when it happened," Bella said.

"Oh," I said.

A/N: Ta-da! What do you think? Of Adam's letter(s)? His improvement? How will the varsity do in the final regular season and the in the playoffs? Bella's confession? Please Review.