in reverse-adam banks(1)

chapter 4 - cuts like a knife

Adam's POV

First practice at Eden Hall today. Should go well right? I was walking down the crowded hallways with the ducks toward the ice. We were heading to an intense first practice after an equally intense first day of school. The ducks talked quietly among themselves and I was deep in my thoughts until I realized Connie had started talking to me.

"Hey Banksie," she called quietly, "what did you think of the varsity girl? I saw you checking her out." Connie gave a playful glare before laughing.

"There was no checking her out," I told Connie. "She's not terrible looking but she's on varsity. And they're jerks. Plus she's probably dating the Scooter guy anyways." I decided it was time to direct this conversation to another topic before things got out of hand. "So on a different note, are you excited for the first practice Connie?"

"Eh I don't know Banks what if Coach Orion is completely different from Bombay. Charlie's already mad enough. I'm not sure we can afford to get him anymore upset." 

"I know that's a possibility but we'll get through this Conners. The team just has to band together and be there for one another. And most of all, you need to stop stressing about what might happen and focus on what is happening right now." She sighed and then gave me a playful punch on the arm.

"Yeah I know Banksie. But thank you for your support. Remember, after practice you need to tell me everything about Layla. You may be a boy but you're my best friend and as my best friend you have to keep me updated on your love life."

"Will do Miss Connie. I'll let you know when my love life exists. C'mon let's get ready to go."

~

"Well that was kinda awkward," I laughed turning to Charlie recounting our pre-ice run in with the varsity team.

"Yeah. I'm kinda thinking they don't want us here," Charlie replied laughing, "but joke on them cause we're staying. All right team let's get going." We played the roping for a few minutes before Charlie was caught and tripped in front of Coach Orion's feet. And that is where it all went downhill.

After a long speech about hard work and effort Coach put us through tons of fundamental drills, assessing us for position placement. There was a lot of complaining, Goldberg, before Coach dismissed us to the locker rooms to go home and get our positions. Charlie was going off on so,e rant about Coach Orion's methods when he suddenly walked in. Luckily Charlie had just finished so he didn't get in trouble. After informing us of our 15 minute time limit to leave the locker room, he posted the positions and left.

I wasn't too shocked to hear that there had been some changes to the lines. That's normal. What was a little more surprising was the Charlie had been bumped from the captain spot. However, I was the only one to realize that if Charlie worked hard he would easily get the C back. Knowing that I had performed well at practice, Coach having told me so, I was astonished to see that my name was not on the JV list of players/positions. I began to question this when Connie interrupted me, finding my name.

"Here you are. Adam Banks third line center. Varsity?" I could hear murmurs of confusion sweep through the locker room as Connie saw varsity next to my name. Oh no. This was the ultimate dream to make varsity freshmen year. But the ducks is where I belong. I belong with my friends. On the other hand, I can't pass this opportunity up. My dad would kill me.

Charlie interrupted my thoughts, his words cutting through my conscience and stinging like a poisoned knife. "Well that's a surprise isn't it. Did Daddy buy you a varsity spot Banks? I should have known. Once a rich boy always a rich boy. Let's go team." He scoffed and walked out of the locker room with the rest of the team, with only Connie and Guy shooting me apologetic glances. 

Great. My first full day at Eden Hall and I've already lost most of my friends. This year is off to a rough start. I quickly packed my things before heading back to my dorm, wondering what happens next.

author's note: please vote/comment if you liked it and feel free to drop feedback. i also wanted to highlight some friendships that weren't focused on enough like banks and connie. PS: sorry for the late update the last week has been super crazy. i will do my best to get back to my updating schedule on Monday. thanks for reading!!