𝑯𝒆𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒉 | ᴹᴰᴳᶜ

TRACK TWENTY-TWO: Afraid

Jace and I went for a walk around campus and he asked what Minnesota was like.

"It's practically what you see in movies." I answered as he nodded his head. He threw his arm around my shoulders as we kept on walking. I saw the team and tried to ignore their looks of pity or disappointment after word spread about Sean and Corey. Jace was the only one who was truly on my side.

Evan held the door open for us to walk into the lounge for a team meeting. He was heading in the opposite direction, most likely going to a team meeting of his own.

"Sup, guys?" Jace said under his breath. "Thanks." I responded as I passed Evan.

"Okay, guys, look, I know yesterday was tough. Okay? But today we get to pick a team captain! This is so exciting!" Alex announced.

"Yay." Sam responded, sarcastically as he threw his hands a little and then letting them flop onto the couch next to Cody. "Come on!" Alex replied.

"Feels like nominating someone to be the captain of the Titanic," Nick said. "While it's sinking." He added.

"Come on, guys, this is a big moment! When Evan left, we lost a leader. We became a rudderless ship. But it's time! This is our chance to regroup! We're gonna re-rudder and rally, with a strong captain to guide us. The possibilities are endless." Koob told us.

"Koob! Maybe you should be captain." Alex told him. "Oh, oh, no, no, no! Sorry, I did not mean for that to come out so inspiring! I'm definitely not your guy! Uh, carry on."

"Maybe we can get Evan back? Also, who is Evan?" Gertie stated. "Well, I think Delilah should do it!" Jace suggested. I looked at him like he was crazy because he was. "I appreciate the nomination, but no." Alex's phone chimed and she retrieved it from her pocket. "He's gonna help us!" She exclaimed. "Alright, everybody, get your stuff together! We are going on an unsanctioned field trip!"

She loaded us all up in the RV. Jace and I sat on one side of the table. I was next to the window and he had his arm thrown over my shoulders. I put my hand in my pocket and felt a piece of paper. I pulled it out a little bit to see what it was. It looked similar to the note I previously received. I got nervous and shoved it back into my pocket, trying not to bring attention to myself.

As we drove down familiar roads, I realized where we were headed. Yet, I had no idea why. "Kids, I present to you, The Honda Center!" Alex announced as she gestured to the big building. I smiled as memories ran back to me almost like a flood.

It was my first birthday with Dad and he wanted to go big. He loaded me, Shawn, Uncle Fulton, as well as Uncle Ken into Shawn's car and we roadtriped here for an Anaheim Ducks game.

We all climbed out of the RV, impatiently. "Pretty exciting, right? This team was formed- this building was built because of a group of kids, just like you!" Alex said. "You especially, Delilah." She added, pointing to me. I smiled and let out short chuckle.

"Today, we are meeting the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks!" My smile widened at the idea of the surprise reunion. I looked at Jace who seemed a bit off. "You alright?" I asked. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." He replied as we walked to the arena.

"Oh, there they are," a man said as he walked down the hall to meet us by the stands. "Uh, hi, I'm Gabe. I think we spoke on the phone." "Yeah." Alex replied with a nod. "I'm the assistant... to the assistant... to the director of fan relations." "Yeah, that's made up." Nick murmured. "He's a funny one." Gabe responded through small chuckles.

"Uh, anyway, I hear you guys are Mighty Ducks." We all nodded proudly with smiles. "Yeah, that name means something around here. We're gonna give you the first class treatment." He said. "Unfortunately, that doesn't include meeting Coach." "What?" Nick questioned.