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Dean Buckley reached out, and placed his hand on Adam's shoulder. "You've more than proven your skill as a hockey player, and will make an excellent addition to our Warrior Varsity team, next year, as a first line starter. The first sophomore ever, on the Varsity team."
Adam looked from the dean's hand, back up to his eyes.
They were trying to bribe him.
To be honest, five years ago--before joining the Ducks--he would have said yes, before the dean could even finish his speech.
"I just wanted to tell you, in person, that Eden Hall will renew your scholarship, for as long as you wish to stay with us," Dean Buckley continued, a welcoming smile upon his face.
Adam stayed silent, his brows furrowing, as he looked over the dean's shoulder, out of the window of his office.
Hanging around the community gathering area by the pond, a handful of the Ducks had gathered--including Julie, the afternoon sun glinting off of her golden hair--goofing off, and chasing each other around, laughing, roller blades sitting nearby, in the grass.
The school had already cut them off, without even an ounce of regret.
The Ducks had been to the Junior Goodwill Games two times--and had won the gold both times.
The Ducks hadn't even been at Eden Hall for one semester, and they were being given the boot, because they hadn't immediately settled in, and meshed seamlessly with a new coach's style of training.
And here was Dean Buckley, offering him a chance to stay on--alone.
A single Duck--alone in a school of "Warriors".
Ducks flew together--not alone.
"Well?" Dean Buckley prompted, at Adam's continued silence. "What do you say? Would you like to remain a Warrior?"
Adam refocused on the dean, his expression flat, dismissive.
"No, thanks."
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