I know it's been a while but here it is. I hope you all are still interested in it and will read.

Chapter 29: The List

"Fulton, Fulton, talk to me," Lizzy said the second Kyle walked away from their lunch table. Fulton looked angrier than he had in a long time. His jaw had tightened and if it were a cartoon his nose would be blowing smoke. She really couldn't blame him for being angry. It wasn't fair for varsity to only take five of the team. In her opinion, Fulton was better than Portman as an enforcer but she knew he didn't believe that. What she didn't know was that he wasn't angry about not making varsity.

"That really sucks. We worked hard, come a long way, and now this." The long sigh he blew out his nose was accompanied by a deep growl.

"It's just a year, Fulton," Lizzy shrugged.

"You can't sit out for a year. Even if hockey isn't in your future, you're too talented to sit the bench," Fulton argued.

"What? Me? Oh, that? Fulton, if I have to sit more than four games he'll be hit with a discrimination lawsuit or something like that. I'm talking about you not making varsity." Lizzy reached across the table and took his hand.

He stared at her for a moment but saw that she definitely looked confident that she wasn't going to be bothered by the discrimination. Fulton shook his head. "You know, I've only been playing hockey since the sixth grade, it doesn't bother me so much that I'm not on varsity. I'll get my chance. I'll be fine," Fulton answered.

"And the rest of you?" Lizzy asked.

"If Kyle's right, I don't want to go through that," Connie mentioned barely looking away from her lunch.

"I get to teach new kids how to play high school hockey; I've always been more of a coach than a player," Charlie told her.

"Goldberg?" Lizzy asked when he didn't say anything.

"I never thought I'd be more than a goalie, you know? Used to be barely that. Now, I get a shot to be all that I can be and I wanna see where it goes and to be honest," his voice dropped a few levels, "I work better with Fulton than Portman." Everyone at the table smiled. They went back to talking until another brunette stopped by the table. She was pretty and reminded Lizzy of herself but with a few differences.

"Jacobs," she said plainly.

"Calloway," Lizzy answered. The girl's eyes landed on Lizzy and Fulton's hands and then traced back up to the blue eyes that were watching her. Lizzy swallowed at the look on the girl's face and tried to pull her hand back. Fulton's grip tightened.

"Aly, babe, come on, stop mean-mugging my best friend and sit down," Fulton said, rubbing his thumb across the back of Lizzy's hand.

"You can't see my face, how do you know—" Aly started.

"Because my best friend suddenly looks scared. And I've come to recognize that look as she thinks she's overstepping. She will never be overstepping, sit down," Fulton insisted. Aly smiled and sat down beside her boyfriend who took her hand. Fulton smiled at Aly and she relented.

"Oh come on, Fulton, I'm just teasing. I love getting to see someone who is so strong look so afraid just because of me. A simple girl terrifies her."

"You're going to tolerate that from her?" Lizzy asked astonished.

"I tolerate it from you. Mean-mugging all my girlfriends," Fulton answered simply.

"I've never met one of your girlfriends."

"Sara, Heather, Christine. All of them you met over school breaks and all you mean-mugged into dumping me."

"Fulton, I—"

"I don't blame you. Though it is kinda nice seeing you get it back." He smirked.

"And here I thought when Benji went off to college the teasing would end," Lizzy muttered.

"Someone has to do it," Fulton answered. He paused a moment before going on. "You know, Dad has a saying. If you won't tolerate it in your best friend, don't tolerate it in your significant other." Then the bell rang.

That day after school varsity showed up for their first practice and it seemed okay. Wilson didn't say anything to Julie or Lizzy and it seemed like he didn't mind them being there. The same happened over the next week.

Lizzy found Kyle after practice on Thursday. "Hey, about this misogynistic vibe you say Wilson has? Are you sure?" Lizzy asked.

"Yeah, and I get it, you don't see it yet, but at the game tomorrow, you'll see."

"Okay. I mean I have noticed he doesn't speak directly to me or Julie and he has yet to include either of us in any of his plays."

"You'll see tomorrow. I know you probably already have plans with Banks or Reed or another one of your friends but next weekend it's homecoming and I was thinking maybe you wanted to go with me?" Kyle asked softly. He shifted his weight and for the first time he seemed nervous.

"I didn't actually have plans. I didn't know when it was. I wasn't here for that last year, but I don't know you all that well," Lizzy said.

"Isn't that kinda the point of dating? Getting to know someone?"

"Yeah, but first out of the gate being a big school dance? And I don't really dance."

"As long as you follow my lead, you'll be fine. And besides, you don't really go to a dance to dance. So, what do you say? Will you go to homecoming with me? After we whip the Rams."

"We're playing the Rams for homecoming? The Hampton Rams?" Lizzy asked.

"Larson's school? Yes."

"Oh, okay. Yeah. I'd love to go to homecoming with you." Lizzy smiled softly and Kyle grinned, ruffling his hair.

"So, the lobby of our dorm? Next Saturday, say six?"

"Okay, but no limos. We aren't that far from the gym, we can walk."

"Yeah, okay." Kyle grinned again and walked off. Lizzy dropped onto the bench she was standing next to in the courtyard and stared across the parking lot.

"Lizzy?" a voice asked. "Liz?" it repeated. "Hey, you okay?" She felt a nudge against her shoulder and looked up to see Adam hovering. Lizzy shook her head trying to clear her mind but he must have taken it as a no because he sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. His thumb brushed against it until she took a deep breath.

"Kyle just asked me to homecoming," Lizzy whispered.

Adam stared at her for a moment. "Kyle Riley?" he asked. Lizzy nodded, still not looking at him. "That's not a bad thing. I mean, I know you still have feelings for Port and all, but going out with Kyle isn't betraying your feelings. You'll have fun and at the very least, you'll gain a new friend."

"What if he becomes more than just a friend?"

"Then that's good. Get a break from Ducks and guys like Portman." Adam shrugged.

"I don't have a thing to wear."

"Day after tomorrow, you and me, one hour and prettiest dress you can find."

"I hate dresses and shopping."

"That's why it's an hour and unfortunately dresses are part of homecoming."

Lizzy sighed and leaned against him. "You're too good to me."

"I am not. Just trying to be there for you."

"Thanks, Ads," Lizzy said.

"Any time," Adam answered. "Come on, dinner time."

"It's not, but you can walk me back to my dorm."

When it came to the game the following day, Kyle was absolutely right. Wilson completely ignored her and Julie throughout the game. Lizzy didn't want to say that because of that the game was a total disaster but it definitely had an effect. About a fourth of the way into the second period she leaned over to Adam and Kyle. "Their center, number 24, has a problem with accepting passes, he overcorrects. And their goalie, his left side is his weaker side."

"What about their shooters?" Kyle asked.

"They're good. Your brother is better, but they're good," Lizzy said.

"So what do you suggest?" Adam asked.

"Not sure, try to keep control of the puck," Lizzy said, shrugging.

"That's all you got?" Kyle asked.

"Banks, Riley, you're on," Wilson snapped. Adam shot her a sympathetic grin then jumped the wall. Lizzy continued to watch the game and tried to figure out who was their most frequent shooter and how to stop him. It took until the end of the that period before she recognized it and came to a conclusion. Luckily their goalie, Thomas Harkins, was really good at his job and hadn't let a single goal in though three of the seven shots on goal were really close. During halftime, she listened as Wilson took out some anger on and berated Thomas for those close shots and then praised Kyle and Adam for their two goals. "If you could play as well as these two, Jacobs, maybe you'll make it to a game once this year," Wilson spat at her. Lizzy bit down on her tongue and pulled on the back of Adam's jersey. She knew he'd try to protect her but she really didn't want him to get into trouble. He needed to be on the ice for her plan to work. As they walked back to the ice from the locker room, Lizzy saw Julie and Thomas talking. She couldn't hear what they were saying but hopefully it was something to help Thomas out.

"Port," Lizzy hissed as he walked by.

"What's up, Mav?" Portman said.

"Number 42, he's their star shooter. You and Brown keep an eye on him, it should help."

"Got it. About Wilson—"

"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm fine," Lizzy answered. Portman stared at her for a few moments but they reached the ice and he had to get back to the game. Lizzy skated back to the bench with Julie and they both sat on the bench. "Everything okay with you and Harkins?"

"Yeah, just talking about some glove techniques. We're working together over the next week to help both of our weaker sides out. You and Port?"

"Just a tip I thought he could use."

"Can I ask you something?" Julie asked softly.

"Sure."

"Wilson said if you could play like Banks and Riley you'd see a game this year. You already play better than both of them. Well, almost as good as Banks and Riley may have a shot or two on you but he's not much better. Plus you have an eye that he doesn't. What if Riley was right? What if Wilson won't let us play in any game? I can't sit the bench for a year."

"We won't have to. He drags it out more than a month ... well, my dad's the best lawyer with a degree in Minnesota. And he knows some pretty good ones too. It's called sexual or gender discrimination. It's also illegal," Lizzy answered softly. "Just the threat of it will scare most of the board. You saw how they bent to Bombay's will your freshman year. Yeah, Fulton told me about that."

"Ladies! There's a game going on. You may not be playing, but you could learn a thing or two!" Wilson snapped at them. Lizzy and Julie shared a look but stopped talking and looked back at the ice. The game ended, thankfully with a four-zero score, and they all headed for the locker room. Wilson didn't say much but both Tom Riley and Lizzy's Dad Rob were outside the locker room when Lizzy and Julie exited.

"Hey, Kiddo," Rob said.

"Hey, Dad," Lizzy answered. "Mr. Riley. Kyle will be out in a minute."

"Of course," Mr. Riley answered.

"Oh, Julie, you remember my dad and Mr. Riley, president of the school board and Kyle's father," Lizzy said.

"Of course. Afternoon," Julie said.

"I noticed you both didn't play this game. Harkins looks good but there were a few times where you would have been a better choice, Ms. Gaffney," Rob said.

"Maybe, but Thomas is a senior and the scouts need to see him play," Julie answered.

"And you little girl? You made varsity. I expect you to be playing," Rob said, turning to his daughter. "You didn't piss Wilson off, did you?"

"He's not Bombay or Orion. With Bombay I get rolled eyes and a "come on now". With Orion, I get a "behave" and maybe a few laps. I don't know Wilson well enough to know how far I can push him so for now, it's best I just do what he wants." Lizzy frowned as she stared down at her feet.

Rob watched his daughter and felt terrible. A sinking feeling began to grow in his stomach. He looked Tom Riley. "If what you told me two weeks ago is true, and I really hate to say this, but if it is and it lasts more than a month, I'm going to have a word with you and that coach. This isn't right and you know it."

"I know. I've already had a word with Coach Wilson and if it continues I will back you, not him," Tom agreed.

"Girls—Ladies, has Wilson said why you didn't get to play today?" Rob asked.

Lizzy and Julie shared a look and glanced at Tom before looking back at Rob. "No, sir," Julie said. She shifted her bag on her shoulder and Lizzy knew that though Julie wanted to say something, she really didn't want to say it in front of Tom.

Lizzy knew then she had to say something, something diplomatic and quickly. "The team has theories, but Wilson hasn't said anything in particular," Lizzy answered softly. She caught a glimpse of a man down the hall and changed the subject. "Did you see Jim here?" she asked her dad as she tried to recognize the man down the hall.

"I did; he was in the stands," Rob answered. "What are you looking at?"

"I thought I just saw—couldn't have been." Lizzy shook her head.

Rob looked that way too as did Julie who was starting to feel even more uncomfortable. "Couldn't have been who, Liz?" Julie asked.

"No, it couldn't have been," Lizzy answered, shaking her head again.

"Couldn't have been Bombay?" Julie asked.

It was then that it clicked in Lizzy's mind. "There are four other Ducks who could have played tonight. He's here for them and I need to be understanding of that," Lizzy said mostly to herself.

"He could be, but I didn't call him," Julie said.

"None of us did," Portman said from behind her.

"I did. I wanted his opinion on something," Mr. Riley said. All three Ducks looked at him. Mr. Riley nodded. "I may not like his coaching methods or his occasionally brash attitude but he was right two years ago, he is very good at what he does."

"Speaking of Bombay, Liz, you and I need to have a talk," Rob said. Lizzy nodded and followed her father down the hall after say goodbye to the rest. They walked out front of the rink and he took her by the shoulders pulling her out of the way of everyone walking past. "I know I haven't been the best father and because of that most of the care you felt came from Jim, Nat, Matt, and Casey. I get it, really I do and I know that's part of the reason you're so angry with Bombay. Part of your hatred is actually just fear. Fear he's going to hurt your aunt again, fear you'll never see her again, and fear that he'll hurt Charlie again. I really do understand, kiddo. But there is something I need you to understand. Your aunt isn't naïve. After getting hurt by this man so many times she's guarded around him. Wants to make sure it's serious this time before saying anything to you or Charlie," Rob explained.

"Charlie doesn't know?" Lizzy asked shocked.

"No, and she's not going to tell him yet. You can't either."

"So she's really seeing him?" Lizzy asked.

"Yes."

Lizzy swallowed as she stared at her sneakers. Here was another opportunity to prove she wasn't self-centered or a brat. "That stings but it's her decision and there's nothing I can do about it. Maybe he'll screw it up and I won't worry so much or maybe he'll prove himself worthy." Lizzy shrugged. Rob sighed but didn't say anymore. "Can I borrow 100 bucks?" Lizzy asked.

"You have a credit card from your grandmother."

"Right, so do I have your permission to use it to buy a dress? I have a date to homecoming next weekend."

"Who's this boy?" Rob asked.

"A friend." Lizzy shrugged. Rob stared at her hoping to break her down. "Promise don't be mad."

"I promise."

"Kyle asked me. Kyle Riley."

"Tom's boy?" Rob asked. Lizzy nodded. "That's good. Yeah, go ahead but try not to spend a lot. Your grandma gave that to you for emergencies not so you can go on frivolous spending sprees."

"I know," Lizzy said irritated. "Dad, it's one dress and I'm sure if I asked grandmother she'd tell me to get the one I like the most and not worry about it. I promise I won't go overboard."

"You're right, it could be worse. I knew a lot of girls when I went to Eden Hall that were constantly shopping and buying things. You barely do and you're focused on school. Okay, but if you're only going to wear it once, maybe find somewhere to donate it or something?"

"Yes, sir."

"Enjoy. Call me if you need anything."

"Always," Lizzy said.

After three different dress stores that Saturday, Lizzy was torn between two dresses. The green one had a halter style neckline but it also had lace 3/4 length sleeves. The red one on the other hand was completely form-fitting with no sleeves but she smiled as she put it on. She stepped out of the dressing room and looked at Adam.

"Well? What do you think?" Lizzy answered.

"It's—" Adam scratched his head.

"You hate it, don't you? I look like a little kid dressed in her mommy's clothes." Lizzy slipped her hands into the pockets of the dress, the best part of the dress, and frowned. She loved this dress and she was sure Kyle would too but she couldn't figure out why Adam didn't like it. "You like the green one better?"

"It's not that. I just—" Adam stopped and looked down at his shoes. Lizzy waited. Finally he spoke. "It's weird. I don't think I've seen you in a dress in a long time."

"Maybe ever? Does it look bad?"

"It's not bad. It's different and I'm just not sure what to make of it. I'm used to the jeans and jerseys and not dresses."

"So don't think about it on that level." She glanced at his face and saw his eyes trained on his shoes. Adam sighed and looked her over.

"Okay, if I don't think about it like that, then yes, you look great."

"Thank you," Lizzy answered. She changed back into her street clothes then made her way to the counter and paid for it.