The night of the big showdown had arrived. The Hawks versus the Ducks. The battle of the death for the PeeWee Championship State Finals. Knots were tied in my stomach all day through school. Didn't eat breakfast and didn't eat lunch at school. Charlie was really concerned for me but I told him I would be fine, lying to him to try and keep him calm.

I was in the bathroom of the apartment in the shared bedroom, applying makeup to my face. I never put on makeup for a game but I decided that since it was a special occasion, I would keep it light with just mascara, a little bit of blush, and some light pastel pink lipgloss. I popped my lips, then smacked the bubble that I blew since I was chewing gum to keep my anxiety down.

My hair was neatly slicked back into a high ponytail with my signature Ducks bow in my hair. My varsity jacket over my black and white striped shirt with my Ducks scrunchie on my wrist and my black jeans and high top Converse making me dress for success and determination to win.

I then took a deep inhale and exhale, staring down myself in the mirror as I clenched my jaw together, "Now this is the look of a winner." Smirking at myself, I then opened the door to the bedroom and stepped out of the bathroom. Charlie was adjusting his hockey bag on his shoulder with his stick in his other hand.

Charlie then looked up at me, "Someone is lookin' sharp." He nodded.

"You know it. Let's go give those Hawks a taste of they're own medicine." I said lowly. Charlie chuckled before we ran to each other, doing a high five.

Ms. Conway and my mother rushed us out to the car and drove to the rink where the showdown was being held, which was the same rink where the Semi-Finals were held when we played the Cardinals. As usual, the mothers dropped us off at the front door, Charlie and I walked side by side, strutting into the rink like we owned the place, then Charlie got pushed to the ground. When I snapped my head around to see who it was, Larson and McGill were chuckling and then gave each other a high five. My face scrunched up in anger as I balled my fists, I shoved McGill pointing my index finger at his face.

"What the hell man! Save it for the damn ice!" I spat.

He scoffed, "Oh, believe me, I am." Then rolled his eyes, then walked off with Larson.

Going over to Charlie, I helped him up from the floor, "You ok?" He brushed himself off and straightened his jacket.

"Yea just got a little bit of crap on my jacket." He nodded then readjusted himself.

"K, well we gotta go," I tugged on the sleeve of Charlie's jacket as he started in the direction McGill and Larson walked off in. Charlie then looked at me, then nodded with a frown. "Don't let'em get into your head, Charlie."

Charlie scoffed as he pushed the locker room door open, "Ha, I'll try!" He fake chuckled, then went to the back of the locker room to get dressed.

I stood in the front, taking in the moment. Everyone was smiling and chatting to each other while getting they're gear on. Then I cleared my throat loudly to get their attention, which worked, they turned to me.

"I would just like to take a few moments before the big showdown to say a few things to you all," I paused to think about my words. "Coach and I are very proud of you all. Our accomplishments are amazing and we all did this together. We're here right now because of you, not because of us. All of your effort and hard work has paid off. In the beginning, we weren't perfect, we sucked," Everyone chuckled at my comment. "We were so bad. We lost games and had disagreements with our team members," I then faked coughed, then looked at Banks. "Not to name names, but Banksie, I'm lookin' at you," I teased as Averman elbowed him, the two laughed along with a few others. Banks then smirked at me. "But we've all come so far and just remember, no matter how hard things get out there," I gestured to the ice. "Keep your heads held high and don't let them get into your heads, Ducks-" Everyone nodded.

"That's right Ducks!" Coach Bombay then stepped into the locker room, everyone smiled. "Cause we're a team. A flock. We're more powerful than they know it, so let's go prove it!" Coach finished. Everyone then screamed and finished getting dressed.

Coach then patted me on the back, "I see you got your motivation back." He smiled.

"Partly, I'm a nervous wreck inside, to be honest," I whispered to Coach.

"Nah!" Coach reassured me. "Ya got nothing to worry about," He nodded. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention, since there are an odd number of coaches, stand in the back in the very middle."

"What?" I scrunched my face in confusion.

"Ok, Ducks! Let's go! Let's go!" Coach clapped his hands together, everyone started filing out of the locker room while Coach and I were last to get out of the locker room.

When the Ducks stepped out of the locker room, the crowd went nuts, chanting 'quack', "And here they are District 5, The Mighty Ducks lead by Coach Gordon Bombay and Junior Assistant Coach Victoria Reed! Look at them! The coaches look slick and dressed for success!" I heard the announcer yell from his box.

The Hawks were already out on the ice practicing on they're end. The team logos were printed into the ice and two banners hung by the giant American flag. The Ducks started doing the warm-ups while Coach and I stood near the goal post. Coach Riley was staring at the two of us, then he popped his collar, turning away.

When everyone got their practice in, the ref blew his whistle, "Now ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the national anthem and gentlemen if you could remove your hats." The announcer requested. The two teams split into two lines with the coaches in the front and goalies in the back. Thankfully I remembered what Coach told me and stood in the back in the middle of the teams. Everyone then started singing the national anthem. The two teams players started daggers at each other. Larson and McGill were flustering Banks even though he stood behind Fulton who grew to respect him as a Duck. I then saw Banks look down at his skates and fix his hair. I seriously wanted to punch those two in the face but I knew better not to.

When the national anthem finished, Coach Riley and Bombay called they're teams and went over to the benches, "Careful not to choke!" Larson yelled to me from the ice while skating back to the benches I stared at him from the benches and gave him the I'm watching you fingers.

The two teams then chanted their special chants to get the crowd fired up while we quacked with our hands in the middle.

"GO DUCKS!" We screamed with the crowd.

Coach and I then briefed the team on what our objective and game plan was, "K team, Banks will start first in the center and Karp and Peter will follow behind defending him," I pointed on the play board Coach held in his hands. "Bank, Terry, and Jesse will be passing the puck back and forth, so get it to Banks so he can score."

When everyone broke apart, I saw Jesse stop Banks, "Hey Banks," Jesse caught the attention of Banks who turned to face him before stepping on the ice. "Don't forget what side you're on."

His face dropped as he put his helmet on and skated on to the ice, "Jesse, he's a Duck. He'll play like a Duck." Coach reminded Jesse before he skated out to the ice.

In the center, my stomach dropped when I saw McGill in front of Banks. The two scowled at each other before McGill turned to look at me. He threw me a wink with a smirk, I noticed that Banks got really angry cause his face started turning red. The ref snapped his fingers at the two boys before making sure they're sticks were on the ice, then blowing the whistle.

Right when the whistle blew, Banks was sandwiched by Larson and McGill, making him fall to the ice, allowing McGill to snag the puck from underneath him, "WHAT THE HECK! You jerks!" I screamed at McGill throwing my hands in the air. "Come on Banksie!" I encouraged him to pick himself up while the Hawks skated down to Goldberg with the puck.

"Alright, boys! That's the type of hockey I wanna see being played all day!" Coach Riley yelled, then looked over at the two of us, popping his collar again.

Coach looked away in disgust. Players were flying and being bucked off they're feet. Banks skated on the ice, snagging the puck, he tried to make it into the goal but failed. McGill had skated away with the puck. When he tried to pass it to another team member, Jesse intercepted and quickly turned to pass it to Banks who the skated all the way back towards the Hawks goal. On the far end towards the wall, Larson and McGill skated shoulder to shoulder, they were coming for Banks.

"Watch out!!" I screamed.

"Banks you coming in too hard!" Charlie warned Banks who skated by the wall, passing the puck to Charlie right before he got rammed into the wall by Larson and McGill.

Right as Banks hit the ice I threw my hands in the air, "Come on! Seriously! Give'em a break!" Pounding my fist into the wall. "Damn it," I mumbled.

Coach groaned. Banks lied on the ice for a minute before getting up. The Hawks scored a point with only a few minutes into the game.

Watching Banks get up, he looked stiff and in pain while he skated back to the center, "Is he alright?" Looking at Coach with a worried and anxious expression wiped over my face.

"Ya, looks like he's ok." Coach nodded his head while the two of us watched him skate to the center again.

Guy started in the center this time. He skated around the Hawks side, dodging and weaving in between players. Right as he was about to shoot, three Hawks players ran into him, making a Hawks-Duck pile on the ice. Larson grabbed the puck and passed it to McGill. McGill then went around the goal, pulling an Adam Banks Move, and sent it into the goal leaving the score 0-2 in favor of the Hawks.

The next play was an absolute mess. People were being thrown everywhere, Banks kept getting bucked off his feet, lots of Hawks-Ducks piles on the ice.

Thankfully when McGill shot the puck, Goldberg caught it, "Nice save Goldberg!" The two of us cheered for Goldberg, then within the next minute, McGill scored leaving us with 0-3.

Coach then brought everyone in for a pep talk, "Don't be scared of them Ducks, that's what they want. Keep your heads up, play proud!"

"Let's fly!" I screamed, hyping up the team as the new line of players stepped out on to the ice.

Right before Banks was about to leave, I caught him by the arm, which made him flinch and turn around, "Hey, be careful." I sent him a soft small smile.

"Thanks," He nodded. "I'll try not to be." He teased, which made me laugh. When he skated on to the ice, I saw Coach Riley talking to Larson and McGill, which made me suspicious.

I got the worse thought ever, my stomach started turning in circles and my anxiety went through the roof as I drummed my nails on the wall. When the Hawks player, Stickler, stole the puck, he skated over to our goal, Charlie came up from behind and grabbed it, racing away, then Banks lined up near Charlie so he could pass it.

Clapping my hands together, "Nice one Charlie!" I cheered for Charlie.

Banks then received the puck, going straight down the middle crossing the blue line. The rest of the team on the benches cheered on Banks as he went to the goal, then I noticed McGill coming up behind him.

"Shoot it!" I screamed, Banks then shot the puck as he got shoved down by McGill. Banks went down face first, crashing into the goal post with the puck going in.

Everyone went wild except for me, my heart broke, "Oh my god! He's hurt!"

Coach grabbed my arm to try and stop me, "Vic! No, wait!" Ripping my arm from his grasp, I wobbled on the ice while trying to reach him. Larson threw off his helmet, kneeling down behind Banks with McGill behind him.

"Adam! Adam, you ok?" Larson looked down at Banks who was unconsciously sprawled out on the ice. He snapped his head back looking at McGill, "What you do?" He scowled.

"My job." He said lowly.

I shoved McGill out of the way, "Get outta the way, ya psycho!" I snapped, then shoved Larson out of the way.

Dropping to my knees, I managed to flip him over on his back and lay his head propped up on my legs as I took his helmet off, "Banks! Banks! Come on, wake up you big idiot!" I said frantically while wiping strands of sweaty hair from his face. My stomach wanted to make me throw up from all the anxiety going through my body. I cupped his sweaty pink cheeks with my hands, "Come on Banksie, wake up." My hands started to shake, then a tear drop fell from my eyes, on to his nose. "Please wake up." I pleaded, then his eyes started to flutter open slightly.

I half chuckled, wiping my eyes dry, "Did it make it in?" He said in a gravelly voice.

Nodding my head, "Ya, ya it did." I croaked out.

"Will ya still come to dinner?" I wide smile spread across my face as more tears started to come out.

"Of course I will! I don't care if I have to eat dinner with you in the ER, I'll be there." I smiled down at him.

"Ooh, Banksies got a girlfriend." Larson elbowed McGill.

I snapped my head up, "Go piss up a flagpole!" I snapped, which made Banks suck up a chuckle.

Finally, the refs realized he was hurt and called in the paramedics, one of them dragged the goal away so the stretcher could get through, "Come on son," The ref dragged McGill away. "Number 7 McGill, cross-checking!" He led McGill into the penalty box. I was infuriated by him not getting thrown out of the game.

"Vic, it's ok," Banks reassured me. "I'll be ok." Coach, they came running up to the two of us with some of the team around us.

"He's alright." I nodded, while tears ran down my face.

The paramedics and I helped get him on to the stretcher before strapping him down. I put his hands over his chest. Jesse, Goldberg, Guy, and Averman all stood around us. Coach patted my back.

"Jesse, do me a favor," Banks started, his eyes twitched as the paramedics checked his pupils for a concussion with the flashlight. "Kick some Hawk butt."

Jesse smiled, "Alright, Cake-Eater." He nodded.

Banks then reached down for my hand, grabbing it and interlacing our fingers. I was shocked and embarrassed by this gesture but this gave me butterflies. I walked with him all the way to the end of the ice.

A man, assumed to be Mr. Banks, frantically stepped on to the ice going to his son. I about half died when I saw he had a Hawks jacket on and his son had Ducks gear on, "Oh my God!" He mumbled, looking down at his son.

"He'll be alright, sir." One of the paramedics said to Mr. Banks. When they got Banks off the ice, our hands slipped away, our fingers touched before letting go and the barrier was closed. I stood there holding my hand, blushing.

"The Vicster got a crush," Averman said from behind me in his announcer's voice. I snapped around to see the five looking at me.

"Let's win this damn game for Banks," I said lowly before the four cheered. Coach chuckled at my comment, the four then all skated back to the benches.

Right near where Banks had taken his dive, his helmet was lying on the ground with his stick. Coach waited for me, watching me pick up the helmet and the stick before walking next to him. I slung the stick over my shoulder and held the helmet in my other hand, walking back to the benches looking like a badass.

Everyone looked at me in worried expressions, "Let's go kick their sorry asses." I shook my head, dropping the stick from my shoulder. Everyone then roared with excitement and fire, holding they're sticks in the air. Riley and the Hawks were all looking over at us with disgusted expressions wiping their faces. "You're going down Riley." Mocking Riley, I popped the collar of my jacket, snapping my gaze away from him and jumping over the wall into the benches.

"Look, guys! It's time to hit'em where it hurts! Up there!" Coach pointed to the scoreboard above the ice. "It's time to play Duck hockey. Fulton your in."

"But they'll be all after him!" Averman added.

"Jesse! Make sure Fulton has enough time." I added.

Team members were parting Jesse and wishing him luck, "Let's have fun, Ducks!" Coach smiled.

The new line of players flooded the ice from both teams. When Guy started in the center, Fulton stayed way back. Guy passed Fulton the puck, Jesse covered Fulton by clearing the ice. When Fulton slapped his stick against the puck, people started screaming and ducking for cover. The goalie stared straight at the puck, sending him and the goal flying backward, hitting the wall.

"Yes!" Coach and I screamed as we high-fived each other. Fulton jumped up, rapidly skating to us in the benches as we all gave him a victory hug.

The crowd screamed, "We Will, We Will Quack You!" I was happy that the crowd got excited about our effort at the game.

Both teams skated back and forth on the ice. No one made the goal in a good amount of time until there was a center pile-up of players, "Come on! Fish it outta there! Fish it outta there!" I clapped my hands together. When one of the Duck fished the puck out of the pile, it was stolen by McGill who then scored another goal of 2-4 favoring the Hawks.

Coach called a time out a gather everyone back in, "Come on guys! We gotta continue playing strong!" He pleaded. "Tammy, Tommy, let's show these Hawks something they've never seen before!" Coach smiled as he explained the plan which included some figure skating.

When the play started, Tommy skated around towards the Hawks goal with his sister Tammy in front then she started spinning in a circle, making the Hawks stare at her in confusion.

"NOW!" Tommy screamed, Tammy abruptly stopped to catch the puck and punch it into the goal. The two skated back happily, Tammy was figure skating back when McGill pushed her down.

"Hey what the hell!" I screamed. Fulton got so mad he threw down his helmet and stick.

"Come on Coach!" He called out to Coach Bombay but he never noticed.

"Oh my God, Fulton no!" I laughed while trying to stop Fulton.

He stormed over to McGill who was getting water, he whipped him around and threw him over the wall into the benches. Then the whole team started to pick a fight with Fulton but he just shoved back. Back at our own benches, I was dying laughing my guts out.

The ref then came over and pulled him away for a game misconduct, "Sorry, I'm off Coach." He frowned at Coach Bombay.

"Nice one bro!" I wiped the happy tears from my eyes while giving him a high five which made him smile.

"He barely touched him!" Coach threw his hands in the air.

"It's alright Coach, he was just standing up for Tammy." I patted his back, shaking my head.

The next play was hardly anything. The players skating back and forth. More Hawks-Ducks piles, people being shoved into walls, people being bucked off they're feet, people flying and landing on their faces.

Coach then sent in the Oreo Line, "LINE CHANGE!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

Jesse, Terry, and Guy all skated around. Jesse then went behind the net with Terry and Guy and a few other Ducks. Jesse waited for a signal from Coach.

"FLYING V!" We screamed at Jesse who nodded and skated out.

"It's the Flying V!" The announcer cried out. Jesse then dropped back the puck to Guy.

The Flying V soared across the ice as some of our players pushed around some of the Hawks. Guy then slapped the puck into the goal making the score even 4-4. The Flying V all jumped in, tackling each other for a group hug before make it they're way over to us in the benches.

The last play would decide the game. There was enormous pressure on both teams. I was about to start biting on my nails from anxiety, but I thumped my foot on the ground rapidly. Charlie then received the puck from Connie. Charlie raved straight up the middle with 10 seconds left.

"Come on Charlie! You can do it!" I smiled. Then Larson came from behind yanking his arm back making him fall forwards on his face as the buzzer sounded.

"Come on!" I slammed my fist on the wall.

"Where's the call!?" Coach exclaimed. The two team coaches were arguing about what happened when the ref came up to us.

"Coach Bombay, Coach Reed, you have a penalty shot. Anyone on the ice can take it." The ref nodded before skating away.

"K, who's gonna take it?" Coach looked at the team.

"I think Guy should take it!" Connie suggested, then everyone agreed.

"What about Charlie?" Coach folded his arms.

"What about Charlie?" Everyone asked.

"What about me?" Charlie looked at the two of us confused.

"You started this and we think you should finish it." I looked at Charlie who was a sweaty hot mess.

"Coach," Charlie groaned. "We have a chance to win."

"Damn straight we do," Coach nodded then pulled Charlie aside. I walked over to them. "Have you been practicing that Triple Deke?"

"Ya?" Charlie nodded his head.

"Then your all set! You may make it, you may not, but that doesn't matter, Charlie. What matters is that we're here. Look around," The three of us looked around at the rink, taking it all in. "Whoever thought we'd make it this far?"

"One, two, three. Triple Deke. Take your best shot. We believe in you, Charlie, win or lose. We're still proud of you." I finished for Coach who looked and smiled at me.

"Thanks, guys, thanks for believing in me." Charlie smiled. Then I brought him close for a hug.

"I love you, Charlie. Your the best brother ever." I smiled into his shoulder.

When we broke away, he patted the side of my arm, "Thanks Vicki, you're the best sis." Coach and I slowly backed up to the benches with the team.

I stood next to Fulton who wrapped his arm around me and brought me close for a side hug. Charlie then took a big inhale and skated over to the team. They all wished him luck and cheered him on. Charlie then gave me his helmet to hang on to. Charlie skated to the center where the ref stood waiting for him. The ref said something to Charlie then went down to the Hawks goalie and said something to him before looking at Charlie, giving him a thumbs up. Charlie nodded at the ref the started skating circles around the puck, his stick dragging on the ice as he concentrated on the puck. Connie then started chanting his name, then one by one, the whole team started.

Charlie stopped skating in a circle and started the triple deke. My heart stopped beating as I watched the puck, then my eyes went up to Charlie's face. The Hawks goalie was on the edge of his skates waiting to catch the puck. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the sounds take in. Letting the darkness fill my vision. I heard a loud slap of the stick hitting the puck, then a loud clang. My heart sank down to my stomach, I didn't want the same event to repeat itself. Coach would be so disappointed. Then as I opened my eyes a loud roar came from the Ducks and the Ducks supporters in the audience. Charlie had made the goal.

"VIC! WE WON!" Fulton shook me, all of the Ducks then ran out on the ice to Charlie. I dropped his helmet in the benches and ran straight for him. He kneeled down while skating, pumped his fist, cut the edge of the ice to stop before the two of us collided.

"Charlie you did it!" Happy tears trailed down my face. "We won! You did it, Charlie!"

"Vicki please don't cry." Charlie broke away, wiping the tears away from my face with his thumbs.

Then I turned around to give Coach a hug. The two of us tackled each other and accidentally bumped heads, making us wince in pain and clutch our foreheads while laughing, "Vicki, I am so proud of you. You have taught me a lot and I hope I taught you a lot."

"You really have Coach, I am eternally thankful for that. I also hope you learned something too." I brought my hand down from my forehead.

"I have. I know there is more to learn from each other in the future, but you will and always remain coaching at my side." Coach gripped my shoulder, then patted it.

Smiling sympathetically, I nodded my head, "Thanks, Coach-"

"Oh and have fun at your dinner date." He added with a wink before going to tackle Charlie. Then a guy in a red coat gave Coach the trophy and the audience all came out to congratulate us. Coach and I were then lifted into the air as we held the trophy up.

"VICTORY FOR THE DUCKS!" The two of us screamed.

Then I felt someone tug my pant leg, which made me look down to see Hans smiling up at me, "Just a little confidence can get you all the victory you deserve."

"Thank you, Hans!" I smiled, bending down to pat his shoulder.

"How would you feel if you and Charlie became apprentices at me shop over the summer?"

"We would love that! Thank you, Hans!" I smiled and shook his hand.

After smiling and posing for the papers, I was put down back on my feet.

Connie then ran up to me screaming, "Vic! We did it!" The two of us tackled each other, jumping around.

"I know I'm so freaking happy!" I squeaked.

"Now Cinderella, you gotta go get ready for your date!" She started pushing me towards the benches.

"Please don't remind me," I facepalmed myself as I stepped into the benches and picked up Banksie's helmet and stick. Charlie was talking to a few other people including Hans and Coach, "Charlie! Come on! Gotta go!" He snapped his head to look at me, said his goodbyes, and skated over to us.

"Hey, is it ok if I spend the night as like a victory party? My mom already said yes if your parents say yes." Connie smiled.

"Of course! Just gotta ask our parents-"

Connie then cut me off, "I just really wanna see you off." She fluttered her eyelashes.

Charlie picked up his helmet from the floor, "Of course she does." He teased, Connie then smacked Charlie over the head playfully.

Then we all went to the locker room to get everything. Charlie and Connie decided to shower at the apartment. I carried Banksie's bag and hockey stick out to the car where our mothers engulfed us in hugs and kisses.

"Momma, can Connie spend the night?" I asked with pleading eyes.

"Ya, can she?" Charlie looked at his mother.

"Well, I'm completely fine with that!" Ms. Conway smiled and ruffled Charlie's sweaty hair.

We all high-fives each other before piling in the car, "So Vicki, whose stuff is that?" My mom asked gesturing to the hockey bag and stick that sat in my lap.

"The kid that got dragged out on the stretcher, it's Adam Banks's stuff. I figured I'd take it to him since I'm going there tonight anyway."

"That's nice of you." Ms. Conway smiled at me through the rearview mirror.

My face dropped, "I just hope he isn't in the ER."

"I'm sure he isn't, he's probably just fine Vicki," Connie reassured me.

"But young lady, when we get to the apartment you get all your clothes and makeup off in my bedroom so I can do your hair." My mother turned around to look at me from the passenger seat.

"But mom! I don't want my hair done!" I groaned.

"No buts, Victoria Winona Reed! You have to make a good impression for my boss!" She scolded.

"Ha, ha, you gotta get your hair curled." Charlie poked.

"Ya, rub it in." I playfully shoved his face towards the window.

When we arrived at the apartment, Mr. and Mrs. Moreau were at the apartment waiting in they're car for us. Mrs. Moreau got out of the car to hand Connie her bag and kissed her on the cheek before leaving. My mother pushed me up into the apartment, into her room. I dropped Banksie's belongings on the floor.

"Vicki! Where's your dress?" Connie yelled out from in another room of the apartment.

"Everything is in my closet!" I responded. My mother then sat me down on the closed toilet seat and started warming up the curling iron.

I saw Connie walk into my mother's bedroom and set down my dress and matching shoes on the bed, "Thanks Con!" Connie then brought all my makeup into the bathroom.

"No problem! I know ya love me!" She smiled before walking out.

"I know!" I smiled then my mom took my ponytail and bow out.

I winced and complained, "Oh hush!" She scolded as she started curling my hair. One by one, low Victorian styled curls started forming in my hair after a few minutes.

"Ok, get some makeup on and slip your dress on." She said before leaving me in her bedroom.

I fixed my mascara, filled in my brows, and put some dark red lipstick on my lips.

Then someone knocked on the door, "Come in!" I said while putting on some concealer under my eyes, Connie came in, holding on to the door.

She squeaked when she saw me in the mirror, "Oh my God! Your so pretty!" She clapped her hands together rapidly while I rubbed everything together with my fingers.

"Aw, it's nothin', but thanks though." I nodded my head while blending everything together.

"Like if Banks doesn't drop dead over you, me, Charlie, and Fulton will literally kill him." Connie teased, hopping on to the countertop.

"I'm just having dinner with him and his family. We're not boyfriend-girlfriend, we're not getting married, just having a nice formal dinner." I pointed a finger at Connie who sat on top of the counter.

Connie scoffed, "Well it's still a date."

"Ok, whatever." I scoffed back, playfully.

Then I looked at myself in the mirror, then if I fluffed my hair before walking out of my mother's bathroom and into her bedroom. Connie followed behind me and showed herself out before I got dressed. I unzipped the back of the dress and slipped it on, fixing the dress at the top, then I put my short black open-toed block heels on. Then I walked out into the open where everyone was waiting in the living room. Charlie elbowed Connie who then got the attention of Ms. Conway and my mom. The four gasped at my appearance.

My mother slowly got up from her chair and walked over to me, "Vicki your absolutely beautiful," She smiled. "But since I forgot its winter, let's put some stockings on." She whispered before pulling me into her bedroom again. She rummaged through her drawer to find a black pair of tights with flowers on it. They were formal an intimate but also they worked with my dress. She threw them to me, so I sat down on her bed behind me, took off my heels, pulled up the skirt slightly, and slipped them on.

My mother was continuing to rummage through her drawer when she gasped and held a big white necklace box in her hands, "What's that?" I asked while putting my shoes back on.

Mother walked over to me and kneeled down in front of me, "Your great-grandma, when she died, she left you something." She opened the box to reveal a pearl necklace.

I gasped at the beauty of them, "Momma, are those real pearls?"

She nodded her head, "Yup, you sure bet they are. She wanted you to have them. She took them out of the box and held it in front of me. I went over to a mirror above her drawer and watched my mom put the necklace on me.

When she clipped it on, she placed both of her hands on my shoulders, "Now, your perfect." She whispered, staring at me through the mirror.

Knots started to tie in my stomach again, I looked down at my hands, "Thanks, Momma." I fake smiled.

"Don't worry, it's just nerves. Your beautiful." She kissed the top of my head and zipped up the back of my dress before the two of us walked out into the living room again.

Charlie apparently went into my room, cause he got my winter coat for me. My mom then walked over to Banksie's hockey gear and picked it up. Charlie, like the best brother he is, helped me put on my coat, then gave me a hug. I gave Connie and Ms. Conway a hug before leaving with my mom to drop me off at the Banks' house.

In the car, my stomach was not only in knots, it was doing backflips and running in circles. I just kept my legs crossed and my hands folded in my lap, thumping my foot on the floor of the car.

When arriving at the Banks house, my mom gasped as she ducked to see the house out my passenger window, "Damn, that's a house." She said with her mouth agape.

"God, I'm probably gonna be sick." My hand clutched my stomach as I stepped out of the car. The house exterior lights were on and the matching vintage Christmas lights lined the house neatly, a good amount of snow was still on the ground that covered the lawn and the walkway leading up to the house was salted. The lights inside were also turned on. My mom stepped out of the car, taking Banksie's hockey gear with her as she walked me up to the front door where there was a beautiful wreath hanging on it. Mother sat the hockey bag down on the ground near my feet and gave me the hockey stick.

"I love you so much, I want you to be happy, Vicki, so please have fun." She smiled.

"Thanks, Momma." We embraced each other before she walked down the walkway, got into her car, and drove back to the apartment.

A/N: I'm sorry I forgot to post this yesterday, the pictures weren't working. Hope to see you all tomorrow for the ending 💕💕