Once again I don't own this stuff.

Chapter 38: If the Dean Asks.

The next morning was the day of my second hockey game and I went looking through my closets for something to wear but couldn't find anything. I had 35 minutes to get to class which meant I would miss breakfast. I settled on my track pants, a tank top, and Seth's jersey with Dean's jacket over top. Problem was I couldn't find the jersey or Dean's jacket. 'I could have sworn they were in here last night.' I thought, my temper rising again. It was getting late so I just grabbed the nearest shirt and my old jean jacket. On second thought I grabbed a granola bar and then sprinted to my locker. Once there I pushed Dean aside and looked up at Fulton.

"What's today?" I asked.

"Friday," Fulton answered.

"Dean, you didn't happen to take your jacket back did you?" I asked digging for my math and history homework.

"I would be wearing it if I did babe," he answered in a huff as if it was his favorite coat. I looked up and saw he was wearing his other coat.

"Right of course, scatterbrained today."

"Come on Lizzy, we'll be late for math if you take any longer." Fulton said. I shoved the homework in my back pack and scarfed down the granola bar as we walked to math. When we got there Dwayne looked at me and leaned back as the teacher started talking.

"What's with the shirt?" Dwayne asked.

"Misplaced my jersey and this was the closest shirt I could find," I answered.

"So the first shirt you could find was the one that says you're 'property of Dwayne Robertson' and not your boyfriend who looks like he wants to kill me?"

"It's just a shirt."

"A shirt that says I'll shoot him if he touches you," Dwayne pointed out.

"Aw hush," I said but knew that Dwayne was right and that could be why Dean seemed so mad.

"Whatever."

"Liz, homework," Fulton hissed. I dug it out and handed it over shutting up.

At lunch Dean seemed even more angry and distant than he had been all morning. "Hey handsome what's wrong?" I asked stroking his arm.

"It's nothing," he answered jerking away from my touch.

"Bull, it's one thing when you snap at me and another when you don't want me touching you."

"I don't want to get shot," he hissed.

"Lizzy...your shirt," Fulton said.

"My...It's really that much of a problem? Dean, it's just a shirt." I really didn't want to believe it but Dwayne had been right.

"Just a shirt?" Dean asked. "It's got his name written on it."

"Look Dean, it was the first shirt I could find after taking all morning looking for Seth's jersey and your jacket. It's like things keep disappearing from my room."

"Hey man did you and Lizzy break up yesterday?" Scooter asked looking at Dean and sitting next to Fulton.

"Sitting right here," I said.

"Sorry but didn't you tell me on Sunday that you loved him and were going to talk to him? And nice shirt. If you were gonna dump him you shouldn't have jumped straight to another teammate. That's the best way to rub it in. I didn't think you were that mean."

"Wait if you hadn't seen my shirt till now what makes you think we broke up?" I asked.

"Well isn't that his jacket?" he said pointing to a JV cheerleader.

"That little..." I said standing. "By the way I made up with him yesterday."

"Well I guess you two are still together then," Scooter muttered as I made my way over to their table. I walked up behind her and put my hand on her shoulder.

"Hand over the jacket and I won't hurt your overly made up face," I whispered in her ear.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said turning slightly to look at me.

"Yes, you do. That jacket you're wearing belongs to my boyfriend Dean Portman, but as I remember it was hanging on the back of my computer chair last night. Now give it back before I tell Dean Buckley that you rats broke into my room. I'd hate to see you in detention for the next two weeks." I said digging my thumb into her shoulder blade.

"Fine." I let her up and she handed me the jacket back. I took it and then saw one of her friends wearing something she shouldn't have been.

'That explains where the jersey went. I guess I really should think about locking my door then maybe I wouldn't have this problem. Then again maybe a threat will keep them out.' I thought before striding around the table. I looked at the girl's face and a name popped into my head. "Meghan, I'll give you three seconds to hand over my brother's jersey before I take your head off." The way I knew it was mine was because from here I could see the name Jacobs on the back and she was born and raised in the Bronx. You could tell it by her accent.

"There is no way..." She started but I cut her off.

"That is an official New Carlisle Federals' hockey jersey from 95-96 school year and I know for a fact that neither you nor anyone you know, other than me, knew anyone on that team during that year making it near impossible for you to get that jersey unless you stole it and it says Jacobs on the back."

"You dirty little slag. You think you've got him wrapped but soon you're gonna lose him and I'll be the one laughing," she said throwing the shirt at me.

I caught it and leaned in looking at all of them. "You have until I get done with hockey practice to return anything else you stole from me, Connie, and Julie. If I find out you haven't done so I'll go to the Dean. Detention isn't pretty and trust me two weeks will seem like a cake-walk compared to what I'll do to your social lives. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal," Tiffany answered reluctantly. I walked away a bit then turned and went back. I pulled Meghan out of her chair and slapped her really hard.

"Don't you dare touch my stuff again; you have absolutely no idea what this jersey means to me. And if you touch my stuff without my express written permission I'll make that slap look like the pimple under your eye compared to what else I'll do to you. That goes for all of you." I said shoving her back into her chair. Then I went back to my table and plopped down in my chair. "Well that answers why I couldn't find these this morning."

"You leave your door unlocked?" Scooter asked.

"I didn't think it would be a problem; but if the Dean asks then no it was locked." I pulled off my jacket and pulled the jersey over my head. I looked between the two jackets and pulled Dean's on. I stuffed mine in my backpack and looked at Dean who wrapped an arm around me now happier.

"Absolutely beautiful," he said.

"How come it doesn't bother you if I wear Fulton's peewee Ducks jersey?" I asked.

"Because I know there's nothing between you two. I also know Scott and Guy would never try to take you from me because Guy is scared of me and Jules would kill Scott. That and you said Cowboy is my only real threat. That shirt...well I don't like being threatened," he said.

"That's my big loveable Goose," I said hugging him.

"Alright. Now eat, we've got a big game tonight," Dean said kissing my forehead.

"I've never seen a relationship change that much that fast," Scooter said smirking.

"Game against?" I asked.

"At Hampton Academy," Fulton answered.

"Ooo bus ride. How long?"

"About 45 minutes," Scooter answered.

"It'd be 20 if I drove," I said.

"Because you like to break the speed limit and drive the highway. The driver goes about 55 and takes a few back roads." Dean said.

"Oh...Well more time to meditate."

"There are other things you can use the ride for," Dean said smirking.

"Very funny. But Coach is bound to be more attentive and besides it's meditation time." I said.

"She has to get psyched for the game Port, let it go." Fulton said.

"Fine," Dean sighed.

"Lizzy let's go, we're gonna be late." Charlie hollered at me around six that night. I pulled open my door and grabbed my dry erase marker. 'JV hockey game, be back L8r.' I wrote. I grabbed my back and keys and after locking the door I followed Charlie to the bus.

"Moreau, Germaine, Conway, Mendoza, Jacobs," Coach rattled checking off names. "Robertson, Wu..." I found my seat and tuned Coach out waiting to see if he'd start his prebus ride speech. Seeing that we were still waiting on Julie, Dean, Fulton, and Russ I folded my legs Indian style and pulled out my CD player getting lost in thought.

Portman's PoV
It was 6:05 and I still couldn't find my keys. "Come on dude, we can't be much later," Fulton said impatiently.

"I can't find my keys," I told him.

"Screw it, I have mine besides Lizzy can pop the lock if we can't get it open," he said. I shrugged and grabbed my bag. He grabbed his and slammed the door behind him and we made our way out to the bus. After stowing our bags we climbed aboard.

"Reed and Portman. Just in time grab a seat," Orion said. Fulton and I spotted Lizzy in the very back.

"We can sit with her just don't try to mess with her. Seth did once and she sucker punched him for it." I nodded and we sat down on either side of her.

"So team we're all here now?" Charlie asked.

"Check," the team called.

"Mr. Bus Driver?" Russ asked.

"Present and accounted for." The driver answered.

"Coach Orion?" Charlie asked.

"I'm here."

"Alright everyone's here," Charlie confirmed.

"Let's get this show on the road." Orion said. The ride like the ones before it was exceedingly noisy. Somehow Lizzy managed to stay seated Indian style and meditating the entire way. Granted she did crack an eye when I wrapped an arm around her but she just smiled and went back to meditating. "Alright team pay attention," Orion called. As he tried to get the team's attention I turned to Fulton and gave him a look.

'Orion's speech, what do we do'. It asked.

"Lizzy, Lizzy," he began calling softly.

"Hey ER we need you to come back to us now." I said gently moving my arm. I glanced around and saw the entire team looking at us. Lizzy's eyes slowly flickered open and she slowly stretched out.

"What's up dudes?" she asked leaning her head on my shoulder after removing her headphones.

"Now that you're settled and paying attention..." Orion said. Lizzy blushed and Orion continued his speech ending with his normal words. "Remember not careless but not to careful either," he said as the bus stopped.

Lizzy's PoV
As soon as I stepped foot in the school I was picked up off my feet and wrapped in a bear hug. "Good luck tonight Teddy Bear," Matt whispered setting me back on my feet.

"Weren't you in Detroit?" I asked.

"Haven't missed one of your games yet, why would I start now? And by the way thanks for embarrassing me Lizzy-poo," Matt said turning me around.

"Chris and Ben?"

"They'll see the tape, Coach wouldn't let them off campus this time." Matt said stepping aside. I looked past him and saw Dad and Seth standing there.

"Dad, Seth," I said.

"Good luck tonight Slapshot," Seth said.

"This is gonna get expensive if you keep playing," Dad said.

"You're the one that keeps coming," I answered.

"I know. We flew up and Case and Gordon picked us up," He said. I stiffened and looked at my shoes.

"The divorce went though then?"

"Final stages, give him a chance Liz."

"He's a damn..."

"Lizabeth," Dad started.

"Good coach, but I don't like his personality. Alicia didn't come?"

"No, she's visiting her mom for the next two weeks."

"Jacobs, let's go." Orion called.

"Got to go Daddy."

"We love you win or lose," Matt and Seth replied.

"Your aunt and Gordon wish the team good luck," Dad said. I nodded and walked away.

"Hey guys, Bombay wishes you luck and your mom's here Charlie." I said as I walked into the locker room. The game was a hard one but I knew I had won Coach over for the most part when I played most of the game. As we headed for the locker room a hand caught my arm.

"Win every game don't you?" Joey said.

"Every one, especially when I get to kick Hawk butt." I answered.

"Great game tonight, I'll give you a call later and maybe we can hang out. For now run along Portman's waiting," he said smiling. I was a tad bit stunned by his smile but I continued on my way.

"Bye Joey," I said walking away.

"What took you so long?" Fulton asked.

"I was talking to a friend," I answered stuffing my helmet and gloves into my bag.

"Was Adam here?" Dean asked.

"Yeah, Mom brought him." Charlie answered.

"That's good, but I was talking about Joey."

"Larson?" Connie questioned.

"Do we know another Joey?" I asked. Fulton shook his head.

"What's going on between you two?" Dean asked. I pulled off my skates then jersey before answering him.

"Nothing we're just friends."

"Riiiiiiight," Dean said skeptically.

"Your eyes are turning green again," I said. "I know you think you have a reason but you really don't. Look if something was going on I would have shrugged off Fulton's question or agreed that it was Adam I was talking to." I rolled my eyes and pulled Dean down for a hard kiss. He looked a little dazed when he pulled back. "I love you and only you. Stop worrying so much, Goose." I had stripped down to a tight tank and short shorts just like Connie and Julie had done.

"I apologize," he said softly snaking his arms around my waist. I hugged him back and he gently squeezed my butt. I smacked his chest and pulled back then pulled on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. "Just letting you know I know what's mine." Dean whispered in my ear before he got dressed. I rolled my eyes and pulled on my brother's jersey and Dean's jacket.

"When you're done changing head out to the bus." Charlie said. As soon as I stepped out of the locker room I was pulled away into a strong pair of arms.

"Drop the bag," a male voice said. I complied and tried not to panic. "You're fine; I promise I won't hurt you." The voice said calming me slightly. "Don't remember me do you?" I turned in his arms and swallowed. The voice had deepened like most guy voices did but his looks hadn't changed so much. He was definitely older but it was the same jerk.

"Let go of me, McGill," I spat. His hands dropped to his sides in an instant.

"I'm..." he sated.

"Go to hell," I whispered dangerously. I spun around, grabbed my bag, and stormed off.

"Great game Becca," Matt said slinging an arm around my shoulders. I leaned against him and slowly we came to a halt. "Going swimming?" he asked taking in my clothes.

"Huh?" I was still a little angry.

"That jacket and jersey dwarf you." He smiled rubbing my back. It's like he knew exactly why I was angry.

"Thanks," I said sighing. He did his best to make me smile but I just couldn't. He sighed and looked out to the bus.

"You have to get going. I love you Lizzy," he said hugging me tight.

"Love you too Matt," I answered reveling in his comfort. He let me go and I went to the bus stowing my bag before climbing on board. I looked around and it appeared as if I was the last one. Then everyone started cheering. Something about it calmed me and made me angry at the same time. "Hey, as much as I appreciate your applause, it wasn't just me out there on the ice tonight. You all did a good job tonight and you played your hearts out. Just because I scored four of the seven goals it doesn't make me queen of the ice because I would have been no where without our astonishing defense. Making the goal and scoring are important but if you can't stop the other team from scoring you rarely are able to win."

The team settled down but most of them still held their hands up for fives as I walked passed to sit with the Bashes. I sat between them as Coach stood up.

"Alright it was a good game and great playing by all. You showed everyone we're not a team to mess with." The team cheered and Orion held up his hand. "Settle, don't get too cocky to with this win, our game with the Sharks is coming up and you know how hard it is to beat them. For tonight relax enjoy your well deserved win and keep the noise down." Orion sat back down and Charlie ran through his checklist again. When he finished the lights went out and the bus got quiet.

"Hun you're shaking, what's wrong?" Fulton asked pulling me to lean against him.

"Hey," Dean protested. I patted my leg and he lay down the best he could with his knees bent and head in my lap.

"Lizzy?" Fulton asked.

"Ran into a jerk." I answered threading my hand through Dean's damp hair pausing every now and then to work out a tangle.

"Lizzy, it's hard to keep the guys quiet for long after a win unless..." Charlie started.

"I got it; get the driver to turn the radio on low." I said.

Fulton passed along the message that 102.9 was a good station that played soft songs of any genre around this time of night. Shortly the radio was turned on and my favorite song was on. Connie and Guy both prodded me to sing louder and I couldn't help myself but comply. I kept my eyes on Dean the entire time and although I was mainly singing for the team I tried to put passion into it just for him. Occasionally Guy's voice would join in and sometimes Julie would as well. Fulton began running his hand down my arm and I knew he was trying to calm me down and all things together it was working. When the bus came to a stop outside the dorm I think everyone but me and Guy were asleep. I stopped singing and prodded Dean up a few times. "Team it's time to get up for about ten minutes." I said not bothering to keep my voice low.

"But sleep is so good." Russ complained.

"Not on my bus kids." The driver said flipping on the lights.

"Aw man..." I heard several guys complain. Dean stood and helped me up then Fulton stood, as did the rest of the team.

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