The Mighty Ducks Imagines

Construction Crew

In a change of topic, the kids complain about their boredom and loss of a hockey hangout. We reassure them that things will work out - retelling stories about how they did for us. As if someone heard us, they receive invitations to a reputable hockey camp. It's gonna be rough, but I know they can do it.

"What'd we tell you?" Fulton smiles as Dean fist-bumps everyone he can to show his support.

"That's awesome. Enjoy it - these guys are the real deal." I give them a gentle reminder before they leave.

I'm genuinely proud of them for getting this opportunity. It kind of reminds me of when we started at Eden Hall but way more stressful. With the kids now gone, Fulton asks about my earlier outburst.

"What did he do?" As the question is asked, Portman fails to sneak away due to Fulton grabbing his arm and dragging him back.

"Look at this." I hand him the photo. "See it?"

"See what? I have no idea what I'm meant to be looking at. This is just us and Julie."

"Remember my favourite purple bandana that I got during the Goodwill Games?"

"Yeah..." He looks confused as Dean knows he's been caught after many years.

"Remember how devastated I was when it went missing? How it actually fucked me up for a while when it was nowhere to be seen?"

"You literally cried for like a week when none of us could find it." Can you blame me? That was the highlight of my life and there were so many memories with it.

"What does this look like to you?" I point to the object in question.

"That's definitely that bandana hanging out of Portman's pocket."

"Exactly." I then turn to the criminal. "You stole it and denied it! Even after all of you saw how crushed I was, you never owned up! What the hell is wrong with you, man?" I berate him.

"I'm sorry, okay, I'm sorry." He admits it. "I just really liked it and thought it'd look cool."

"You had so many! What did you do with it?" No answer. "Where is it, Dean?"

"It's in a box of high school photos." He gives in.

"Not only did you lie about it for decades, but it's been in my house for months!"

"Yeah, but Fulton knew about it too!" He panics and throws his best friend under the bus in defence.

"What? You knew this whole time?"

"He made me promise to keep it a secret." He reluctantly answers.

In an unbridled rage, I pick up a nearby sledgehammer with a yell and chase them. Their screams bring me an unexpected joy. Fortunately for them, nothing comes from the chase. I spend the rest of the day keeping to myself as much as possible - even walking home instead of going in Fulton's car with them.

Is this petty? Maybe. Do I care? No. But you have to understand - that bandana meant more to me than anything I'd ever owned. It was the first thing I ever bought myself. I got to hang out with my friends all day. We all got one. Hell, I thought it was lucky because we started winning as soon as I started wearing it in games. I took it everywhere as a reminder of the best time of my life. I was crushed when I thought I'd never see it again. Sure, Fulton was keeping a secret for his best friend - but I'm his best friend too.

Whilst walking home, I decided to take a detour. I sit on a park bench and think about things. Am I overreacting? They knew what it meant to me. My thoughts are interrupted by Alex shouting my name. After a brief conversation about the situation, I realise that I've been here for over an hour.

I pull out my phone to see our group chat and individual messages blowing up. Each notification is filled with pleads for forgiveness. The messages turn to panic as I scroll - they probably think I'm dead in a ditch. Still being salty and petty, I head home without texting them back.

For the rest of the walk, I think about what Alex said. In the end, we're still the closest family we have. We've been through so much together. Despite the lie and its meaning, I can't let an old bandana break us up.

I barely get through the door before I'm surrounded and pulled into a group hug whilst caught off guard. They apologise profusely and express their worry and regret. Definitely thought I was dead. I also apologise for overreacting. Dean leaves but quickly returns with the bandana to hand.

"Here." He hands it over. "Sorry it took so long to get back to you."

"It still smells like the victory campfire. We almost killed Averman." I laugh - almost tearing up. "Thank you." I hug him and Fulton joins.

"Come on, the game starts soon."

The guys order food from my favourite place as I change out of my work clothes. Tonight's game is Ducks vs Penguins. I sit between the brothers as we wait for it to start. I put the bandana on for the first time in a long time.

"Now I'm ready."

We love watching Ducks games not just because we started this. Each game we point out Coach Conway with pride when we see him. More excitement builds as we notice Ken and Connie sat right next to the box. I immediately text them to say we saw them on TV.

Ducks win! Just like old times. I'm telling you... It's the power of the bandana.