Banksie// Adam Banks

Chapter 2

My parents had told me it would be a good idea to go into town after I finished cleaning and try to make some friends because summer is right around the corner. I thought about it for a bit before I decided it might be a good idea. I might find out how to join some hockey teams while I'm out.

I was about to head out until I noticed that I was wearing an old t-shirt and sweatpants. I hurried back to my room to change. I put on a over-sized shirt, ripped jeans, and my black converse. I re-brushed my hair and grabbed a beaded bracelet off the fold out table I put in my room until my furniture was moved in.

On my way out the door my mom stopped me to give me some money if I wanted to buy anything while I'm out. I know I won't buy anything but I took the money because I didn't want to sound ungrateful that she was giving me money, if you know what I mean. 

I decided to take my roller skates, I ride them as much as I can when I'm not on the ice, it's good practice. I put on my knee pads and helmet before I made my way down the sidewalk. I didn't exactly know my way around but it couldn't be that hard to figure out. my neighborhood is right outside of the city part of Minneapolis so it's not as busy as one would think. 

I passed multiple houses on my little journey, I paid close attention to the lawns. It's very entertaining to look at how other people like lawns to look. I saw some lawns with unmowed grass, some with young children at play, and some with fancy little gardens. I didn't have a plan with our house, but I knew it would have various fun colored flower bushes. I love color, it makes me feel happy. I didn't exactly know my flowers, but I would pick the most vibrant and beautiful ones I saw. 

Not long after I saw some outdoor tables to a cafe, and some clothing racks outside a building. I knew that was uptown Minneapolis. It's the quiet part, the not extremely busy part, well I guess that's just another way to say quiet. I stopped in front of a large building. I immediately knew it was an ice rink. I could tell by all the posters of hockey teams and figure skaters in the windows. I took off the blades and walked inside. I slowly made my way to the front desk. I was nervous, I don't usually talk to people I don't know but I had to. 

The place was pretty empty for the most part, the only people there were the employees I'm guessing. The rink was probably closed, it was a Sunday after all. There was a tall lady at the front desk, she was wearing glasses and was looking down. I felt bad interrupting her but she's a desk lady, she gets paid to talk to people, so I guess she gets interrupted multiple times during the day. 

"Hi, do you guys have any sign ups for hockey by chance?"

"Hey sweetie, hockey teams, classes, or camps?" she responded. She had the voice of an angel. It was so gentle.

"Teams!" I said that so quickly my voice cracked on the 'a'. I could feel my face turn hot, I know she probably didn't even notice but it's still super embarrassing. 

"We sure do! Now, I don't know if you know this, but District-5 Mighty Ducks are actually looking for players." She said. I don't know who the District-5 Mighty Ducks are, but if they're looking for new players I'll be quick to sign the forms.

"Oh, who are they?" I asked, she gave me a shocked look like it was weird that I didn't know who the Mighty Ducks were. 

"They won Pee Wee states last year!  

"Oh I just moved here, I'm from Michigan so I didn't get much information on Minnesota hockey." I let out a nervous laugh. I didn't really know what to say. 

"Oh honey I'm sorry, I'm sure somebody will tell you all about it sooner or later. Here is some paperwork that you'll have to fill out and return here by May 28th!" She handed me the paperwork, there were about 3 papers all stapled together. I was surprised, I had expected there to be more but I guess there wasn't.

"Thank you, have a nice day!" I said as I grabbed the papers.

"You too sweetheart." She said, I made my way out the door. I folded up the papers and put them in my pocket, I didn't want to ride around with a bunch of paperwork in my hands. What if I dropped them, then I would have to go through that whole conversation again and I did not want to do that.

I sat down on a bench outside the building to put my skates back on. It was so hot outside, it was only like 70 degrees but it felt like it was 1000. I wiped the sweat off my forehead before I started tying my skates. My clothes were sticking to my body, it felt like they were being glued on. I had finished tying the first skate when I heard a group of people approaching. I looked up to see a group of boys and one girl skating past. They came from the same street that my house is on so I'm guessing that they lived around here. I didn't really pay attention to them. I started looking back down to tie my other skate when my eyes met one of the boys'. He had the most amazing eyes I had ever seen. They were the most gorgeous shade of blue. I quickly turned away to finish tying my skate. 

Once I had finished I got up and started to skate away. I turned back to get a quick look at the boy again. He seemed turned back the second that I did, I turned away and almost ran into a light post. I did a quick swerve so I wouldn't fall. Hopefully it looked smooth in case the boy was still looking. I couldn't seem to get over his eyes. They were stunning. I was kind of hoping I would see him sometime again. 

I couldn't stop thinking about him on my way home. Just thinking of that quick moment of eye contact gave me butterflies. I walked inside the house and the feeling of cold air made me feel so much better. I'm a summer person, but not a hot summer person. Heat isn't really my favorite thing ever. I placed the papers on the counter, informed my mom that they would have to be signed, and went straight to my room. I had a lot of unpacking to do.