"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name." All the Ducks read out at Jan's brother Hans' funeral. The newer Ducks hadn't met him but we could tell how much he meant to the older Ducks. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen." I grabbed onto Fulton's hand and he squeezed it.
"Excuse me, one second." Bombay said. I didn't even notice he was there. He unfolded a green Ducks jersey that said 'Hans 11' on it. He placed it on the casket. "Every time you touch the ice, remember it was Hans who taught us to fly." I felt tears well up in my eyes, I didn't even know the dude! Bombay looked over to Charlie but he just walked off. Julie placed the flowers on the casket and then Bombay gave each of the Ducks a hug. When he hugged me, I didn't hug him back, it felt weird. He was hugging the team, the team he left! Bullshit.
"Hey, nice move!" Goldberg shouted out as we played hockey at an abandoned parking lot.
Banks had rejoined the team, and now we were just waiting on Charlie to show up. "Hey, on your left. That doesn't count. That was below the belt." Goldberg said as Fulton sent the puck into the trash can. "Hey, it's coach Bombay!" Dwayne yelled out. "Damn, Conway, what took you so long?" Russ asked. "Come on!" Averman shouted out to them. "Get in the game!" "Yeah, come on, Coach!" "Come on, guys let's go!" Charlie and Bombay joined us and we started a scrimmage. At the end, we all picked up Bombay and placed him in the trash can, and then they put Charlie in it. Then, Charlie picked up the trash can and put it over Goldberg's head.
I followed Julie onto the bus and sat next to her. Charlie got on the bus after everyone else had gotten on. "Conway?" Coach Orion questioned. "I want to be on the team, Coach. I want to play two way hockey. Can I come back?" Charlie asked. "Take a seat. We're running late." Coach Orion told him. "Let's go. We got a game to catch." "It's about time, Conway." Russ said as everyone cheered. "Crank her up, Mr bus man!" Russ yelled out. "Oh, man, you should have seen your face. Oh, Coach, I want to play two way hockey. Can I come back?" Russ mocked Charlie but was soon elbowed.
The two started hitting each other and then
Dean Buckley got on the bus. "I almost missed you. Coach, you mind if I have a few words with your boys?" He said. "And girls." Julie corrected from the seat next me. "Yes, of course.
And girls." "If you can make it quick, Dean.
We're running late as it is." "I'm afraid this is important. We have a board meeting scheduled tomorrow, and well, you all are on the agenda.
We have to think long term here. What's in your best interest. Hard as it is for me personally, because you kids have been a breath of fresh air around here, the board is going to approve the withdrawal of your scholarships." The Dean told us.
"Now, you'll be welcome to stay through the end of the semester, but after that, it will be necessary for you to enjoy other educational opportunities." "Dean, I need a word with you." Coach Orion said. "I think I've said all I need to say." "No, now." Coach Orion said and the two of them stepped off the bus. "Other educational opportunities?" Dwayne questioned. "What's he saying, Russ?" "I'll put it in terms you can understand. Adios, amigo." Russ said. "Oh, I see."
We all rushed to the front of the bus. We watched as coach Orion argued with Dean Buckley. "They stay or I go." Coach Orion said.
"We'll miss you, Ted." The Dean said and walked off. They all got off the bus. "We're just pawns, puppets for the stage show, jesters to entertain the king, barnacles on the bottom of-" Averman ranted but Harlow interrupted him.
"Averman, shut the fuck up!" Coach Orion didn't even bother to tell her to watch her language.
"Coach, is this legal?" Goldberg asked. "I mean, don't we have contracts or something?" "I don't know what it is. All I know is we're gonna fight it."
"Do I have a motion for reconsideration?" The Dean asked in the board meeting the next day.
No one said anything. "I'm sorry, Coach, but unless there is a motion from a board member and a second, the decision must stand." "You leave us no choice but to bring in our attorney." Coach Orion said. The door opened and in walked Bombay. "Dean Buckley, members of the board. As counsel for coach Orion, and the freshmen hockey team, I'm here today to set forth your legal options, so that you may make the best possible decision for all parties concerned." Bombay said, walking to the podium.
