~Pucker face~ Charlie Conway

Chapter one: Eden Hall

Being unique is key. It doesn't matter how you're different, it's the basic building block of you. It can be something that's embarrassing, something you're proud of, a physical trait, a mental trait, anything. We all have many.

That's what got me into Eden Hall Academy. Being unique. Being the #1 U16 female hockey player in New York. I could say it's nothing, but really, I worked my ass off for it. Hours of training on ice, weight training, rollerblading too. I usually play left wing forward, but have subbed in for center a few times, and done fairly well. Talent, time, and dedication.

It's not just hockey, its passing a small thick disc while doing good footwork, sweating like a pig, cursing under your breath, trying to "hurt" the opposing team while not actually hurting them to get off your back, and getting that puck in the goal.

The day I got into Eden Hall was easily the best day of my life. It was completely unexpected as admissions are super competitive.

*Flashback to that day*

"Dear Ms. Hagen,

On behalf of Eden Hall Academy I am pleased to congratulate you on your acceptance into our program for the fall 1997 semester. We were very impressed by your academic history and believe that you will prove that our confidence in you is not unfounded.

Enclosed with this letter, please find the necessary enrollment form for you to fill out and return by July 1st, 1997. A timely response can increase your chances of finding accommodations on campus. You will be contacted upon receipt of the form by our student advisor, who will give you all further details regarding scheduling. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact us at the admissions office by phone at (555)-555-5555 . We look forward to hearing back from you.

We at Eden Hall Academy are pleased to welcome you and feel that you will make a great addition to our student body. We wish you the very best in success in your future and hope that you will find all of your needs satisfactorily met here. Thank you for your prompt attention and for choosing Eden Hall.

Yours sincerely,

Susanne Smith

Head of Admissions

Eden Hall Academy"

I screamed out of excitement. I couldn't believe my ears. I was going to Minneapolis!

*Current day*

My grandparents were helping pay for my tuition, and we also got some aid. It was highly prestigious, so of course it had to cost a lot of money. Two days ago, I stuffed all my clothes into a trunk, and all my hockey gear into a couple bags. Took a flight to Minneapolis, and here I am. Today is the the day I move into Eden Hall.

I'm in the boarding program, so no living with my parents anymore. More freedom? Yes please. I was just so ecstatic to meet people who loved hockey as much as I did.

At 9 am sharp, we arrived at the dorm check-in.

"Hello! Welcome to the Eden Hall Academy residents hall! Name please?" A women sitting at a table asked my family.

"Hagen." My father recited nervously.

"Sloane?"

"That's me." I said, smiling. This was all so crazy. I was living in a dream. Regardless, whether it felt real or not, I was so thankful I was given such an amazing opportunity.

"Okay Sloane, this is Julie Gaffney, she'll show you and your family to your new living arrangements. Have fun!" The women said, waving us off.

"So! You're Sloane Hagen! Signed to be on the JV hockey team?" Julie asked excitedly.

"Yeah! Are you on it?"

"Of course! We are the Eden Hall Ducks. Name adapted by the team USA ducks from the Junior Goodwill Games!" Julie added.

"No way! You're Julie the cat! I had no idea you went here. I was on the edge of my seat watching the games you guys played. Nothing was more priceless than your team's combat against Iceland. Seriously incredible." I said, adjusting the heavy bag on my shoulder as we started walking into an elevator.

"Thank you! Now enough about me and my team. How about you? Your history?"

"Well, I've been on skates since I was 4, started the travel team when I was 7, and won my first state championship at 11." I said, listing off a few key details of my sports career.

Julie raised her eyebrows in surprise. I wasn't trying to brag, but if I don't list ages, people get weirdly skeptical.

"That's insane!" She said laughing as we stepped off the elevator at the third floor.

Julie and I chatted as she walked my family down the hall. I'm guessing they saved this hall for the hockey players because Varsity letters with little hockey pins were hung on a few doors. Finally, we stopped at door 322 and she handed me a key.

"Welcome home!" She exclaimed, "This is your dorm. Now if you couldn't tell already, this is the hockey floor. Each sport has a designated floor in the two residence halls we have. Now if you need me, I'm across the hall in 321. Take some time to get settled in, hockey starts at 3:30 today in the rink. Bye guys!"

Julie waved and walked off. The shiny key she had given me was hooked on a lanyard, I unlocked the door an walked into the dorm. There were the basics, a bedframe, bathroom, desk, and closet. Blank and customisable. Works for me.

My parents who trailed behind while Julie and I were chatting had one of my hockey bags, and a rolling trunk. We set it all in the room, and began to unpack.

"I'm so proud of you Lonnie." My mom said, "We know you put yourself through immense stress and hours of training to get here....so we got you a little present."

My dad pulled out a Boston Bruins jersey. "Ta-da! Here ya go kiddo." He said, tossing it my way.

"Oh my gosh! This is mine?! Thank you!!" I said, checking it out. The jersey had my last name on it, Hagen, and my lucky number, 03.

I slipped it on over my t-shirt and continued to unpack. This day couldn't get any better.

***********************

Soon enough, it was time to say goodbye. I hugged my parents and we all had a little cry. I wouldn't see them until winter break. We walked out together, they drove off waving out the window as far as I could see.

The campus was buzzing with new and returning students everywhere. Walking back, the dorm halls had gotten so much more crowded. I took the stairs to the hockey floor and started back to my dorm before brushing someone. I could feel a pair of eyes on me and turned.

"Are you new?" A tall boy asked.

"Oh- Uh yeah. JV hockey." I answered really just wanting to leave and get back to my dorm.

"JV huh? I'm Scott Holland. Goalie for Varsity hockey. It takes a lot to get into this place so you must be pretty good. Y'know, if you need anything, don't be afraid to holler." He said, touching my shoulder lightly at the end. I smiled awkwardly and tried to think of what to say. Something, anything, that wouldn't inflate his ego any bigger than it already was.

"Thank you...for caring. I'll see you around I guess." I said turning to walk away.

"See you on the ice no-name!" He yelled to me.

"10-4."

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A/N:

Hey Guys! Sorry if this chapter is kinda odd, but I'm just figuring out how long I should make them. Sloane will meet the ducks in the next chapter, though.