My Brother, The Hockey Player

Chapter 3

Ski

"Okay guys, line up for shots!" I heard Coach yell over our skating. I got behind Adam and in front of McGill. We scoot up inch by inch to get in front of the line to shoot.

I looked up in the stands and saw Dad. He is always watching me and Adam practice. I love my dad. He was the one who got me into playing hockey. Adam played hockey way before me. I used to hate hockey. Now, I can't get enough.

Adam got a puck with his stick and started to get closer to the goal, he shot it, and made it. I got the puck and started to skate. I shot it, but missed.

"Cloud, get over here." Coach called. I started to skate over to him. My nickname for him is Cloud since my name is Ski, like sky. I don't really like it, but I deal with it. Banks is Adams nickname and mine is Cloud, go figure. I stopped right in front of him.

"Yes, Coach." I said. He didn't look to happy.

"What was that?" He asked. He was talking about my shot.

"I know, Coach. I missed. But it was that one time." He shook his head in denial.

"That 'one time' could have been at the championships and we are down one. When we make it to the championships, you can't do a 'one time'. You understand?" Coach said. I nodded. "Good."

He looked up at the wall. I looked up to. It was the only yellow "Hawks second place championships" up there. He shook his head again. "I wish they could take that one down, don't you?" He asked. I said nothing. He sighed. "Okay, get back out there." I skated back.

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We were heading back home with Dad. Mom drops us off, Dad picks up. "What did Coach have to talk to you about?" Dad asked. I sighed.

"I missed that one goal. Just by an inch." I replied. I saw him nod.

"You know Coach, in it to win it."

"Yeah, and you can't make fails like that in front of him." Adam stated. He started to laugh at his remark.

"Shut up!" I yelled again over his laughing. Dad doesn't care what we say shut up to each other, it's always Mom's rule.

Dad drove the car up to the driveway and parked it. We all got out. Adam and I went to the trunk and got our bags and went inside the house. I walked into my room and dropped my bag by my bed. I left and went to the living room.

I sat on the couch and got the phone. I dialed Courtney's number, then put the phone up to my ear. I saw Adam come in and sit down next to me.

"Hello?" I heard her dad say.

"Hi, it's Ski, can I talk to Courtney?" I asked.

"Hey Ski, yeah hold on." There was a short pause. "Courtney! Ski's on the phone!" I heard faintly. Another pause.

"Hey Ski!" I heard Courtney say.

"Hey Courtney." On the corner of my eye, I saw Adam scooting closer to me. "Wanna go ice skating today?"

"Yeah. I'll meet you guys down there. Adam's comin', right?" She asked. I laughed.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"He always comes. But I don't mind it." She said. I nodded.

"Alright, see you down there." I hung up. I got up and went into my room. Adam got up quickly and started to follow me into the room. He sat down on my bed.

"What did she say?" Adam asked. I smiled.

"We're going."

"Did she asked about me?" He asked.

"Yeah, she asked if you were going." I answered. He sighed.

"She likes me." He said like he was stuck by the love truck. I went over and sat next to him on the bed.

"Adam, she asked because you always come with me and she figure you were coming." He snapped out of it and looked at me disappointed.

"Wow, Cloud. Way to ruin it." He said. He got up and left my room. I went into my bag and got my ice skates. I put them on my bed and changed clothes.