Half A Dream

Congrats

<Danny Langway’s point of view> (Tall, shaggy blonde hair guy…. There are going to be many characters and I will do my best to make sure yall don’t get confused.)  

The ice was smooth under my skates, I was skating next to Larkin. He reminded me much of myself, just more confident.

“So Langway it is?” He spoke.

“Uh… Danny yes.”

“You boys call yourself by the first name I see.” He slightly laughed.

“Most of the time.”

“Well here we mostly go by last names, Langway, better get used to it. Once you get a nick name you’ll go by that most of the time.”

And with that Larkin skated off. Jaymes was stretching in the center with some other goalie and Marcus was talking to the small guy McCormick. I wasn’t sure what to do for the next ten minutes. So I just started stretching myself.

After what felt like forever the coach came out and so did a few other guys in black jump suits.

“Boys gather up!” The coach yelled.

I skated near the middle and stood rested my arm on Jaymes’ shoulder. I held my helmet in my hand.

“My name is coach Ferrings. Todd Ferrings that is. But only call me coach or Ferrings.” He looked around.

“Alright, you all are here to try out for the Martinsville Cougars. Brave souls you are, either that or you just suck so much you thought you could make it here. Well if you suck walk out right now. I don’t care if we have only ten people on this team! If you don’t meet my qualifications your out. We are a very serious organization and if you’re here for a joke leave!” He shouted and pointed towards the benches.

Then I swore he looked right at me. It was like he was staring into my soul.

“Okay, now with that over, let’s begin!”

The next 3 hours we were put through multiple skill tests and conditioning. Half way through I got a little tired. I didn’t expect things to actually be as hard as they were. We got a few breaks here and there where I would say something quick to Marcus, but Jaymes was off with the goalies and who I assumed was the goalie coach. There were only two goalies here including him, so he had already basically made it.

Once tryouts were over we all went back to the locker rooms to change. Many of the guys were old team mates and jumped in the showers with no hesitation. Jaymes laughed as he tore off his pads.

“Gonna get a shower Dans?” He laughed. He only mentioned it because I would never go in the showers with the other guys. I would always wait till no one was there. I just felt uncomfortable, I hated that I was like that but I couldn’t change.

“Don’t bother him.” Marcus chirped in as he took a seat. Sweat poured down his face.

“I’m sorry Dans, I know how you are.” Larkin walked by and smiled. He was in jeans and a gray sweater. His hair was wet and dripping.

“Dans, looks like we got a nickname.” And he walked away. I laughed on the inside.

Jaymes was in his jeans and Predators sweatshirt, with his camo hat. He walked in last and you could hear the click of his boots he took a seat next to me. Larkin was on the other side of me and Marcus was right in front.

The coach walked in just as soon as he sat down.

“Boys, believe it or not you all did a pretty dang good job out there. Never give up because you are probably a lot better than most people. This isn’t mini mites so I’m not gonna give any longer of an inspirational speech. If I call your name you have made it. Good luck.”

He called out a few names.

“Healy.” He called out. Jaymes smiled and I patted his shoulder.

“McCormick, Yanakeff, Bennett.” Marcus looked behind and he smiled at Healy and Larkin gave Marcus a pat on the back.

I was becoming nervous. He had called many names. I felt as if the world was spinning. I began to sweat.

“And finally Langway, congrats boys. Now those of you who didn’t make it, I’m sorry but please make your way out.” I huge wave of relief came over me as Larkin rested his hand on my shoulder.

“Nice going, your whole little trio made it.” Larkin stood up and quickly sat down next to McCormick.

After the few other guys left the coach spoke again.

“You all need to fill this out and be here Thursday at 4:30. Congrats again.”

We all stood up and Marcus looked at me and we laughed. Jaymes joined in.

“For a second I didn’t think you were gonna make the Martinsville cougars.” Marcus laughed.

“That would have been awkward.” He added.

I didn’t laugh or say anything as Larkin walked over.

“Thought you guys were different, but you’re just like the rest.” He walked off.