Chapter 6: The First Practice
After celebrating for another hour, Peyton bid her good nights to everybody and headed to her room for some much needed rest. Duke snuck out of the room and headed to Peyton's room to check on her.
Once inside her room, Peyton did a quick change and sat on her bed holding the picture of her and her parents. Duke was watching this through the crack that was left open of her door.
"I wish you were here mom not only am I making dad proud but I know that you would be proud to see me on that ice with one of the best teams in the NHL." mumbled Peyton letting tears slip down her cheeks.
"So that's what she meant when I wish someone else was here too celebrate with us." whispered Duke.
Then Peyton put the picture on the bedside table and inquired, "Who's there?"
Duke cursed but opened her door and walked in. He began rubbing his neck not knowing what to say about spying on her.
"I guess you heard all of that." remarked Peyton placing the picture back on her nightstand.
Duke nodded his head not wanting to say a thing. Peyton smiled and gestured for him to take a seat on the bed. He smirked but took the offered seat on Peyton's bed.
"Did my dad tell you about the accident?" inquired Peyton looking down at her hands.
"He did and Peyton why abandon figure skating?" remarked Duke choosing to gently touch the subject.
"I quit figuring skating thinking I would embarrass myself or get injured again." informed Peyton.
"What would you do if I would offer to get you back into figure skating?" injected Duke as he grabbed Peyton's chin and tilted it up to look into her eyes.
"Probably smack you first then accept the offer." admitted Peyton smirking at Duke.
"That is a chance I'm willing to take so tomorrow after practice." suggested Duke.
"Sure." declared Peyton before kissing Duke's cheek.
Duke just smiled and stood up heading out of the room bidding Peyton good night. Peyton smiled to and blushed before turning off the light. Neither of them knew that Draguanus was listening in on the conversation.
"Boys it's time for the ducks downfall." pronounced Draguanus.
The team was up bright and early the next morning getting a fine breakfast and preparing for practice. As they walked to the elevator Duke just looked over at Peyton and smirked. Peyton caught the look so did Mallory gave her a look of confusion.
"You don't need to know Mallory." snickered Peyton as she stepped inside the elevator.
Once in the locker room, the girls changed quickly before heading out to the ice letting the boys take their time.
"Before we begin, Peyton what position do you play?" inquired Wildwing gliding over to her.
"I play all three forward positions and I can play a little defense." informed Peyton fiddling with her stick.
"Okay better question. What position do you play that you like?" questioned Wildwing heading for the goal.
"Center or right." inform Peyton heading for center.
Wildwing nodded to the team and called out a play letting the team explain to Peyton. Peyton understood once the play was explained and easily played them in front of Wildwing. Finally, after going through all the plays Wildwing broke the team up into pairs to do face-offs.
"Alright Duke and Peyton you two are the first to go and whoever wins by scoring a goal is done with practice understood." informed Wildwing standing between them with the puck.
They both nodded and smirked willing to do anything to win. Wildwing quickly threw the puck down and got out of the way. Peyton was able to get the puck past Duke and did a quick spin around him. She was able to get a great distance start before Duke caught up trying to get the puck. With a quick fake out, Peyton was able to do a smooth slap shot making the goal.
"Good job Peyton you seem to be a naturally with fake outs." remarked Mallory as she skated up to her.
"Thanks but I'm used to doing it just in roller hockey." admitted Peyton before heading for the locker room.
She did a quick change into black pants and silver tank top then laced up her skates again. Peyton headed for the bench watching the team finish the practice up before breaking up.
"You ready Peyton." inquired Duke skating up to the bench side.
"Yeah but don't you want to get out of that gear and change." giggled Peyton placing a hand on his shoulder.
"What I can't figure skate in this?" retorted Duke skating out away from Peyton.
"Duke just take off the jersey and equipment and then I join you." ordered Peyton laughing after she said it.
Duke gave in to Peyton and shortly after they began getting into the routine of a figure skating duet. With a little bit of persuasion from Duke, Peyton did an individual skate to a song she knew. She ended with her hands above her head and a slight arch in her back when she heard cheering from behind her. With a quick spin Peyton saw her father and the rest of the team smiling at her which caused her to sob. Duke skated up to her placing a hand on her shoulder and the other under her chin and raising her head up to look into his eyes, which showed true joy. She gave him a weak smile before shaking to the others not noticing Chameleon standing in an upper box.