Secrets Beneath Teenage Love: A Mighty Ducks and Newsies Story

Chapter 30 | Explanation and Consequences (Part 3)

Thursday, November 12th
Location: Eden Hall Ice Rink

Everything felt different now, Anastasia began to focus on herself, school, and hockey after the Ducks got their contracts reinstated. No thanks to Rick Riley trying to get them kicked out of school. The anticipation of the JV/Varsity showdown weighed heavy on the Ducks. Their goal: beat Varsity and prove to everyone they belonged here.

Line Up Warriors. Coach shouted.

The Eden Hall ice rink filled with the sound of skates coming to a halt.

This is going to be a tough week of practices. Coach walked down the line. The way Varsity pushed your faces in the dirt last time was no fluke. That's how they win not the first strike to the goal but the second and third. I have faith we can beat them at their own game. But you all have to work as a team to get there.

We're ready coach, Dean says

A slam from the door echoes through the rink, as everyone looks at each other.

There is one piece missing from our team and it's key to our success?

Anastasia knew the answer. She had been informed he was coming back to the Ducks. She looked at Dean seeing his determination.

A part of the team that was missing for a very long time that I know a lot of you missed. He gestures to the back of his hockey team. They all look behind them seeing Banks glide on the ice and stand next to Connie and Charlie. Anastasia looks at Dean seeing his jaw set.

Damn it's nice to have you back, Russ says patting Banks on the back. Connie smiles at him, Charlie and Adam do their hand sake, others are shocked.

Are you okay, Julie whispers to Ana.
Yeah I mean he's happy. Ana says looking at Coach.

One more announcement practice will be outside tomorrow and bring your outdoors equipment. Understand?

Yes Coach, the Ducks said.

Okay hit the showers.

As the team enters the locker rooms Banks changes his clothes realizing Portman and Vlanterrin are nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile Ana touches the handle ready to open the locker as she feels a presence behind her. She looks over her shoulder spotting Dean.

Yes? She questions him
We need to talk, the aggravation apparent in his voice.
Fine.

They walk into the locker together as Banks looks at them. Adam doesn't hesitate walking up to Vlanterrin.

I thought you said you needed to figure out what's right for you?

I do, Anastasia grabs her clothes from her locker.

But you just walked in with him, are you two together?

Anastasia stops what she's doing. First I don't think this is the place to talk about this. Second it's not really any of your business if I'm with him or not.

Adam scoffs. The hell it isn't.

Excuse me, Ana turns towards Banks anger in her eyes.

The locker room gets quieter as everyone tries to listen in on the drama.

You know I love you Ana. So if you're seeing him it's only fair that I know. He touches her palm gently with his finger tips and walks away.

Ana looks at a seething Dean, not really looking forward to their talk at this point. She changes quickly and packs her duffel. She walks out of the changing room waiting for Portman.