A Golfer's Dream - Book Two Chilly Winter Hot Summer         Written by TheCaddy

Disclaimer: This story is entirely fiction. It does not relate to any real 
person, living or dead. Any similarity to a real person, whether living or dead,
is purely coincidental and completely unintended. While actual places are
occasionally mentioned in this story, such mention is not to be a basis for
conclusion that any part of this story is real, or ever happened.
The following story is a work of fiction containing graphic descriptions of
sexual acts between adults and minors. All of the sex depicted is consensual;
the author does not intend to promote incest or sexual relations with underage
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Chapter Three - It's Rough in the Playoffs

Dave stripped down to his boxers, then looked at Jennifer's smiling face and 
dropped them to the floor as well.  He climbed into bed and was very happy when 
Jennifer spooned her back to him.  He put his arm around her, trying to avoid her 
breasts, as he held her tight against his excited body.  He could feel his 
hardening pole nestled against Jennifer's firm ass.  He wanted to make love to 
her -- but instead just kissed her neck and whispered, "I love you.  Goodnight"

He woke during the night and, for an instant, wondered where he was.  He felt 
warm flesh pressed against him, a familiar aroma in his nostrils, and remembered 
he was with Jennifer.  His hand was gently and instinctively caressing her large 
breasts; he could smell coconut from her hair shampoo.  He went back to sleep - 
he enjoyed the dreamy closeness of sleeping with the love of his life.  

In the morning, Dave felt movement in the bed and woke up to Jennifer's smiling 
face.  She whispered, "I love waking up in your arms.  I truly love you."

Dave shook the cobwebs from his head and replied, "Ummmm, you feel wonderful as 
well.  I love you, too."  

Jennifer rolled on top of him and he could feel his morning hard-on slide between 
her legs.  Her breasts were mashed into his chest.  She kissed him tenderly and, 
even with the awkward morning-breath problem, he loved the feel of her body 
against his.  He had missed her immensely and, for a brief second, he again 
considered making love to her -- but then the previous summer image of Ann's 
distraught face from discovering he had cheated on her, rushed into his head and 
he knew he couldn't make that mistake again.

The two teens hugged and cuddled in the bed for a while until Jennifer finally 
asked, "Feel like taking a shower with me?"

Dave smiled, "There is nothing I would enjoy more."  Then he smiled and corrected 
himself, "Well, that's not true.  There is something I would like much more but 
as I said last night, that can't and won't happen.  But I would love to conserve 
some water with you."

The two teens got out of bed and made their way to the bathroom.  After doing 
their morning duties, they climbed into the tub-style shower and turned on the 
water.  Jennifer wet her hair down first then switched places with Dave so he 
could get wet as well.  As he finished soaking himself, he suddenly felt soft 
soapy hands massaging his chest.  As the hands slowly moved down his stomach he 
felt his hard-on quickly return and point at the ceiling.  He stepped forward out 
of the water as Jennifer moved closer to him, worked her hands around his body, 
and tenderly cleaned his back.  She again started with his shoulders and worked 
her way down his back.  Their bodies mashed together as she pulled him into her 
arms.  Dave could feel her mounds pushing into his torso as his now rock-hard 
shaft tried to works its way into her belly button.

She continued to work her hands lower and lower; when she started to massage his 
ass he closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensual feeling of her hands.  Jennifer 
slowly moved back as she worked her hands around to the front and began caressing 
his balls and hard shaft.  Dave's eyes shot open as he looked down into her 
twinkling eyes.  She spoke softly, "I know what you said last night -- but I 
think your body is betraying you."

Dave smiled, "Oh, there's absolutely no question my body is betraying me; but the 
truth is, if I always listened to what that little hardhead down there says, I 
would never be faithful to anyone.  I'd probably spend my entire life in bed with 
any available girl with a pulse."  Dave leaned down and kissed Jennifer tenderly; 
then he took the soap in his hands and turned her around so her back was facing 
him.

After his hands were coated in soap, he washed her back tenderly, slowly working 
his way down to her ass.  He gently washed her ass before he moved his hands 
around to her stomach as he pulled her close.  He kissed her neck and whispered, 
"I have missed our morning shower routine more than you can imagine.  I love the 
feel of you in my arms - it feels as if we were made only for each other.  Dave 
slowly worked his way up to her round firm globes.  He could feel her rubbery 
nubs react to his hands; not wanting to torment her too much, he moved his hands 
lower to her stomach after the brief cleaning of her nipples.  

He slowly trailed his hands lower until he felt her soft patch of blonde hair.  
With his arms totally wrapped around her, he gently moved his soapy hands between 
her legs and softly cleaned her thighs before he cupped her sex with his right 
hand.  He immediately felt the heat from her excitement.  He rubbed his hand 
around her nether lips but never actually penetrated her.  He heard a soft moan 
from her - his head was swimming in the excitement of the situation and he 
realized he was quickly losing control.  

In a quick sudden move, he spun himself and Jennifer around so that the water was 
suddenly beating down on Jennifer's body.  The gush of water broke the intensely 
sensual moment just enough.  He whispered in a whoosh, "You are driving me crazy.  
You are so hot and I want you so bad -- but I can't.  I'm going to wash your 
hair, then wash mine and get out of here before I do something I know I would 
love to do but will regret the minute I get home."

Dave rinsed his hands in the water before he reached for the coconut shampoo and 
generously poured some into one hand.  He then tenderly washed Jennifer's hair.  
He loved the feel of her hair between his fingers and he carefully washed her 
completely.  When he was finished, she took the shampoo and washed his hair.  The 
two teens stood sideways as the stream of hot water cascaded over their bodies 
and they kissed long and lovingly.  They exited the shower together and dried 
each other tenderly.

Jennifer left the bathroom and went to her room while Dave returned to the spare 
room and got dressed.  He decided to surprise Jennifer and went downstairs to 
cook breakfast.  He found eggs and bacon in the fridge and cooked a full 
breakfast.  When Jennifer eventually entered the kitchen, she was surprised to 
see the table set and her breakfast awaiting her.  She walked to Dave and kissed 
him with gratitude and love, "Thank you for cooking breakfast.  You are full of 
surprises, aren't you?"

He smiled, "I knew you needed some time to dry your hair, so I just wanted to 
make sure you started your day with a good meal.  I'm sure it will be a long 
day."  

Jennifer for the first time that day thought about her father.  She had been so 
at ease with her mother's comments the previous night that she had put all her 
thoughts and energies into letting Dave know she loved him and that she wanted 
him back.  She sat solemnly in a chair as Dave pushed it in for her; she ate 
quietly and reflected about what might happen that day.

Dave noticed the sudden change in climate and knew his comment about a long day 
must have set her off.  After several minutes of silence, he set his fork down, 
put his hand to Jennifer's chin, and lifted it so her eyes were looking directly 
into his.  He spoke softly, "Your dad is going to be fine.  Your mother said so 
last night.  He will be home in no time."

Jennifer smiled and nodded.  In a very low soft voice she said, "Thank you, Dave, 
for being with me.  You are truly my best friend and I love you."

Dave leaned across the table and kissed her to emphasize his response, "I love 
you, too."  To lighten the mood he added, "Now, eat your breakfast before my 
masterpiece gets cold."

Jennifer smiled and the two best friends began eating again.  

After breakfast they went to the hospital.  As they entered the unit, Jennifer 
got the good news that her father had been moved from intensive care to critical 
care.  The move was considered a positive response to his sound improvement 
through the night.  Jennifer and Dave found the different unit and one of the 
nurses explained the visitation rules.  She told them that only family was 
permitted to visit and no more than two were permitted in the room at a time.

Dave walked down the hall with Jennifer.  Jennifer went into the room, so Dave 
went to the waiting area.  Dave had only just sat down when a very tired looking 
Heather walked out of the room and towards him.  Dave stood as she approached and 
he hugged her tenderly.  He kissed her on the cheek and asked, "How is Ron 
doing?"

Heather sighed and smiled wanly, "He is doing remarkably well.  He is still a 
little groggy but is already growling about being in the hospital.  I can see his 
old spirit starting to slowly return.  I want to thank you from the bottom of my 
heart for coming over.  Jennifer was distraught yesterday and I was so worried 
about Ron that I couldn't give her what she needed.  I knew you were the only one 
who could; and I am especially glad you were there for her even after everything 
that happened in the fall."  She kissed Dave on the cheek, "You are like a son to 
Ron and me; thank you again."

Dave hugged her and replied, "Anytime."

He stepped back from her looked her in the eyes, "Did you get any sleep last 
night?"

She smiled weakly, "Yes, one of the nurses found a bed for me, I slept for a 
couple of hours."

Dave said, "Why don't I drive you home so you can shower and freshen up.  
Jennifer will be fine here; you could use a little break from this place."

Heather started to protest but Dave cut her off, "Ron will be more worried if he 
sees you worn out.  You look beautiful -- but it is pretty obvious you didn't get 
much sleep.  Let me take you home for a while and then you'll be ready to spend 
the rest of the day with Ron."

Heather could see she wasn't going to win this argument so she finally brightened 
up and said, "Let me tell Ron and Jennifer where I'm going."

Dave watched her walk back into the room.  Several minutes later she joined him 
in the hallway.

He drove back to their house and, while Heather was in the shower, he again 
cooked a good breakfast.  When she entered the kitchen almost an hour later Dave 
looked at her from head to toe.  She was wearing navy dress pants and light blue 
blouse.  Her white shoes went well with her outfit and he beamed at her, "You 
look gorgeous.  Ron will be very pleased to see you looking so re-energized.  I 
cooked breakfast for you."

Heather smiled at Dave, "Thank you, Dave; I am kind of hungry."

Heather ate a large breakfast before Dave drove her back to the hospital.  
Heather went into the room and Dave again returned to the waiting room.  He sat 
there reading a Sports Illustrated magazine.  

Jennifer eventually came out and sat in his lap.  She kissed him and said, "Mom 
looks totally refreshed.  She said you cooked her breakfast as well.  Thank you 
for getting her out of here for a while - she really needed a break."  Dave just 
nodded agreement.

Jennifer sat with Dave for about a half hour.  Heather eventually came out of the 
room and sat with them while the doctor did some tests.  

Thirty minutes later the doctor walked up to the three of them sitting in the 
waiting room.  There was no one else there so the doctor looked at Dave and 
Jennifer questioningly.  Heather understood the look and explained, "Dave is a 
very close family friend and anything you have to say about Ron, you can say in 
front of him.  Jennifer is also old enough to hear the truth, so please tell us 
what you found."

The doctor nodded and began, "As you know, Ron had a coronary yesterday.  He is 
in good physical shape -- but you know his family has a history of heart disease.  
You also told me he has been working long hours on a big case; I would suspect 
that stress and the family history are the two major causes of this incident.  
His heart muscle has been weakened but there does not appear to be any permanent 
damage.  We will continue to observe his progress and, if all goes well, he 
should be able to go home next week -- but he will have to stop all work for at 
least two months.  I would recommend a three month leave with a gradual return to 
work in month four."

Heather, Dave, and Jennifer were all holding hands as the doctor explained 
everything.  When he was finished, Heather thanked him.  The doctor left the 
waiting room.  Heather looked at Dave and Jennifer, "It looks like Ron got a real 
wakeup call.  He's going to have to take it easier on the work."  Dave and 
Jennifer both nodded agreement.  Heather continued, "It's almost dinnertime.  Why 
don't you two go to dinner?"  Heather then hugged Jennifer, "Dave, if you want to 
head home after lunch, you can.  Things are much better here now and I will be 
going home tonight.  Jennifer will probably spend most of the day with her father 
and me, so you will probably just get bored."

Dave nodded understandingly and said, "Everything does seem better here and I 
have a hockey practice tonight so I will probably head home after dinner."

Jennifer hugged Dave, "I'm just going to tell Dad where I'm going.  I'll be back 
in a minute."  Jennifer trotted down the hall and into the room.

Heather smiled at Dave, "Thanks again for all your support; we couldn't have 
gotten through this without you."  She hugged him again.

Dave replied, "Thanks, but I'm just happy you called.  Mom and Dad asked me to 
tell you and Ron, if you need anything, just call them."

Heather nodded as Jennifer came walking down the hall.  She kissed her mother 
before she and Dave left.

They ate at a local fast-food restaurant.  When Dave dropped Jennifer back at the 
hospital, they kissed goodbye and promised they would phone each other soon.

The drive back to QAI passed quickly and Dave thought a lot about both Jennifer 
and Katherine.  He really liked Katherine but, deep in his heart, he knew 
Jennifer was his true love.  He thought about the time he spent with Jennifer and 
how Katherine would react to it.  In his mind he didn't cheat on Katherine - he 
didn't have sex with Jennifer.  But in his heart; he had changed.  His heart now 
belonged totally to Jennifer again.  He decided he had to have a long talk with 
Katherine but first he wanted to get his sister Julie's view.

Dave arrived home shortly after school had let out.  He had an hour before he had 
to go to hockey practice.  He was happy to find Julie was home.  Julie and Beth 
both asked about Ron and, after Dave explained everything, Beth went to her 
friend, Cindy's house.  Dave asked Julie if they could talk.  They sat in the tv 
room and Dave told Julie everything that happened with Jennifer.  Julie was 
smiling because she knew how much Dave loved Jennifer and how upset he had been 
when they broke up.  Dave then asked for thoughts about Katherine and Julie's 
happy face turned grim.  She could tell that Dave was totally in love with 
Jennifer and any relationship with Katherine would be like a charade.  

After thinking about the whole situation, Julie finally said, "Dave, I think you 
know what you have to do.  Katherine is a sweet girl.  I really like her and I 
know you do too; but the key word in that sentence is like.  You love Jennifer.  
You will have to talk to Katherine and, likely, breakup with her.  You can't lead 
her on, when in your heart you know you want Jennifer."

Dave nodded agreement as he had thought the same thing.

Dave hugged Julie and thanked her before he got his hockey gear together and went 
to practice.

At practice Dave saw a huge change in his team.  They seemed as if they were 
beaten and ready to give up.  As soon as he walked into the dressing room several 
players criticized him for abandoning them.  Dave said he would explain 
everything when the whole team was there.  Within ten minutes the whole team had 
arrived, as did the coaches.  Dave asked the coaches if he could talk to the team 
alone for a minute.

Once the dressing room door closed, Dave moved to the centre of the dressing 
room.  He spoke with the emotion he was feeling, "Guys, I'm really sorry I missed 
yesterday's game -- but my best friend's father took a heart attack and she 
thought he might die.  She needed me there to support her; as much as I love 
hockey, I had to be there for her.  I know we lost yesterday but we are not out 
of this series.  All we have to do is go into their barn tomorrow and kick their 
ass.  We can win this but we have to do it as a team.  We are ten times better 
than they are.  We have more talent; we have more heart - we can win - WE WILL 
WIN!"

The whole team started to scream in excitement and, in that one short speech, the 
entire team's attitude changed completely.  The coaches were pleasantly surprised 
by the change in enthusiasm and patted Dave on the back for getting the team back 
on track.

Dave left the rink tired but confident the team would rebound.  He arrived home 
and ate a quiet supper alone before he called Katherine.  Katherine was happy to 
hear him call but Dave noticed an unusual tone in her voice.  Dave asked if he 
could come over to talk to her; he could hear some panic in her voice as she said 
she would be waiting for him.  

Dave drove to Katherine's house.  He had debated how and where to have this 
conversation.  He considered having the talk in her house but he felt that would 
be too uncomfortable.  He further considered driving around while they talked but 
didn't want that distraction.  In the end, he decided to just talk in the car 
while parked in her driveway.  That way, if she felt a need to escape, she could 
just run into the house.

Dave waited in the car as Katherine walked out of the house and got in.  She 
leaned towards him and he kissed her tenderly.  He could see the fear in her 
eyes.  He took her hands in his and spoke softly, "Katherine, yesterday when I 
got home from school I got a call from my friend Jennifer.  Her father took a 
heart attack and she and her mother wanted me to go to Charlestown to be with 
her.  I have never really told you much about Jennifer because I thought she was 
in my past.  To make a long history short, Jennifer and I have been best friends 
for six years.  Her family have a trailer beside ours in North Beach and we have 
spent the last six summers keeping company with each other.  Before last summer 
we were just super close friends but that changed and we became lovers."

Dave could see tears forming in Katherine's eyes but he doggedly continued, "Last 
fall we broke up.  That's why you and I were free to get together.  I really, 
really like you and I have enjoyed our times together very much.  But this visit 
changed things.  I would be lying to you and to myself if tried to ignore the 
love I still feel for Jennifer."

Dave paused and waited for what he had said to sink in.  He had learned from his 
experiences last summer and was prepared for anything.  Katherine was half crying 
when she asked, "Did you sleep with her last night?"

Dave looked into her eyes and replied, "No ... well ... not the way you mean.  We did 
sleep in the same bed but that's all we did was sleep."

Katherine looked surprised, "What do you mean no but yes?  Did you sleep with her 
or not?"

Dave answered, "As I said, we slept in the same bed but we did not have sex.  I 
promised you I would never cheat on you and I didn't.  She needed to be comforted 
-- that's all."

Katherine's sadness was turning to anger and Dave knew he had seen this look 
before, "You slept with her but you didn't have sex?  Is it fair then to assume 
you were dressed when you slept with her?"

Dave immediately thought, "Oh-Oh, I'm in big shit now."  He held her hands a 
little tighter, "Don't torment yourself with images of what didn't happen.  I 
swear to you I did not in any way have sex with Jennifer.  You already know that, 
when I say there are boundaries I just will not cross, I won't.  That's how I am 
with you and that's how I was with her."

Katherine began to openly cry as she pulled her hands from Dave's.  She glared at 
him, "I don't know what to say -- but I do know I don't want to talk to you 
anymore."  She opened the door and ran into the house.

Dave sat there for minute unsure what to do; it seemed very much as if they had 
broken up.  He finally started up the car and drove home.  He felt horrible.  
When he entered the house, his mom was sitting on the couch reading.  She saw the 
sad look on his face and patted the couch for him to sit down.  

She said, "Julie told me about your planned talk with Katherine.  I assume by the 
look on your face that it didn't go well?"

Dave kind of shrugged, "How could it go well?  She is a very nice girl and I just 
broke up with her even though she did nothing to deserve it."

His mom looked into his eyes but didn't have a good answer for him.  She was 
happy to see Dave take Katherine's feelings so seriously and she felt a twinge of 
sadness for both him and Katherine.  After giving Dave a little time to collect 
his thoughts, she said, "Heather called and Ron is doing much better.  She wanted 
to thank you again for helping both her and Jennifer.  She told me what you did 
for her this morning.  I know this doesn't make you feel any better right now, 
but your father and I are very proud of you.  You continue to show maturity 
beyond your years.  Getting Heather to leave the hospital for a short break was a 
great idea and I'm sure she, and the entire family, will never forget your 
kindness."

Dave thanked his mom but she was right - it didn't help right now.  He went to 
bed feeling guilty about Katherine but, when he finally fell asleep, he had 
convinced himself he had done nothing wrong.  He just wished he didn't feel so 
bad.

The next day in school was really tough.  Suzie was all over him and he finally 
had to say to her, "Suzie, this has nothing to do with you.  Get out of my face."  
He turned and walked down the hall with John.  As usual, John was on his side.  
He had told John the whole story and John felt helpless when he didn't have any 
advice for his friend.  Dave saw Katherine several times in the hallway but each 
time she turned and walked the other way.

When the final buzzer sounded to end the day, Dave was relieved.  He had arranged 
to get a drive to the western team's rink with one of the other players because 
Julie needed the car for a date.

After the long drive, he was happy to find the sanctuary of the dressing room and 
he started his pre-game routine to get focused.  Just before game time, the 
coaches did their customary speech.  When they were finished Dave stood in the 
middle of the dressing room and asked, "Did we drive two hours to lose?"  

The team yelled, "NO!"  

He asked, "How are we going to win?"

The team yelled, "WITH HARD WORK!"

He yelled, "WHO'S GOING TO THROW THE FIRST CHECK TONIGHT?"

The whole team jumped to their feet and yelled, "I AM!!!"

Dave yelled, "LET'S KICK THEIR ASS!!!"

The players screamed as they exited the dressing room.  After a short five-minute 
warm up, Dave's line started the game.  He was again shadowed by two players, but 
he fought through the shadows and skated hard to find enough open ice to receive 
a pass.  He got the puck just over centre and accelerated down the wing.  He beat 
the opposing defenseman to the outside and cut hard to the net.  He was still 
coming hard off the right wing when he faked a shot which froze the goalie.  He 
then cut hard to his left across the top of the goalie's crease and, as the 
goalie slid across with two goalie pads stacked, Dave roofed his shot into the 
mesh in the top of the net.  

The red light went on to signal the goal and Dave sprinted towards his team's 
bench with his hands in the air.  The whole team was going nuts as he jumped over 
the boards in one smooth motion and into his screaming teammates' arms.  Dave's 
enthusiasm fed the team and brought them to euphoric heights.  Several minutes 
later, on his second shift, Dave set up a second goal and, fewer than five 
minutes into the first twenty-minute period, they were leading two-nothing.

Dave's team was all over the western team and they dominated the first period.  
Ninety percent of the play was in the western end and the shots on goal were 
twenty-five for Edwardton to two for the western team.  Dave scored a second goal 
late in the period to make the score three-nothing but the western goalie was 
playing extremely well - the score could easily have been seven-nothing if not 
for his heroic saves.

The second period started just as the first had -- with Dave scoring another 
goal.  The second period ended with a four-nothing score.  Edwardton again out 
shot the western team significantly by a nineteen to four margin.  Edwardton 
consistently beat the western team to the puck and, even when they didn't, the 
western team was quickly hit off the puck.  

Dave made another inspiring speech before the third period and the team skated on 
the ice ready to win the last twenty minutes and go home for the deciding fifth 
game.  Edwardton again went on the attack to the western team but the goalie 
couldn't be beat.  Three minutes into the third period one of the western wingers 
were streaking down the right side.  He let a slap shot go from the just inside 
the blue-line.  Edwardton's goalie misjudged the shot and the puck hit the back 
of the net for the western team's first goal.

The western team seemed to feed off of this goal and, over the next ten minutes, 
took the play to Edwardton.  They scored twice more and closed to within a single 
goal.  After the third goal, the Edwardton coach called time out and pulled the 
whole team together.  He tried to get them re- focused.  As the coach finished, 
Dave looked at his teammates and screamed, "I'M NOT LOSING THIS GAME."

Dave took the face-off at centre after the goal.  He checked the clock and saw 
five minutes and thirty seconds left to play.  He won the draw back to his right 
defenseman.  The puck was moved quickly across the ice to the left defenseman who 
snapped a quick pass to the left winger.  Dave moved to the right side of the ice 
and even with two western players all over him, he was in full stride when he hit 
the blue-line.  The left winger dumped the puck cross-ice into the corner to the 
right of the goalie.  Dave timed crossing the blue-line just as the puck crossed 
and when the puck hit the corner boards Dave was half way to it.  He blew past 
the defenseman and picked up the puck as he carved around the corner, headed 
behind the net.

Dave noticed immediately that the whole western team seemed to be moving towards 
him so he continued deep into the left corner to draw the players closer to him.  
He spotted his right winger moving from the distant corner towards the far corner 
of the net.  As Dave reached the hash mark on the left side-boards he did a quick 
button-hook move to get to his forehand.  He found a small opening between the 
rushing players and he snapped a quick cross-ice air pass that landed right on 
the tape of his right winger standing to the side of the net.  A quick touch shot 
by the winger and Edwardton went back up by two goals.

Dave and his teammates went crazy with excitement.  The winger slid through the 
centre ice zone on his knees as his line-mates tackled him.

For the next four minutes, Edwardton controlled the play and seemed to have the 
game well in hand but that quickly changed.  The western team worked the puck 
into the Edwardton zone then pulled their goalie for an extra attacker.  With 
forty-five seconds left, a huge scramble developed in front of the Edwardton goal 
and the western team knocked in a rebound to close within one goal, again.  

Dave was on the bench at the time getting a short rest.  He had already played 
well over half the game but conditioning was not an issue in this playoff game.  
Dave's coach tapped him on the shoulder to get on the ice and Dave went to centre 
ice to take the draw.  He won it cleanly back to his defenseman who passed it 
quickly to the winger who dumped the puck into the Edwardton zone.  Dave again 
swooped into the zone and banged into the defenseman in the corner.  Dave only 
wanted to chew up the clock, so he continued to work the puck deep in the western 
zone.  

After an extended battle for the puck Dave dug it loose and skated behind the net 
with it.  He moved through the corner area and was skating along the side-boards 
when he felt a stick blade grab onto his side and spin him away from the puck.  
Pulled off balance, he landed on the ice.  He looked to the referee for a hooking 
penalty.  The referee was looking right at him but his arm never went up to 
indicate he was calling the penalty.  

Dave jumped to his feet and looked at the clock.  Only eight seconds left.  The 
player who hooked Dave to the ice quickly picked up the puck and passed it to one 
of his players breaking across their blue-line.  Time was quickly ticking down 
and as the western player crossed centre ice his team was yelling, "Shoot, 
Shoot!"

Dave was now skating towards his own end as he saw the player pull his stick back 
to shoot.  Dave glanced at the clock - four seconds.  When Dave looked back at 
the western player he was just following through on his shot and time seemed to 
stand still as Dave watched the puck float toward his goalie in almost slow 
motion.  His goalie put up his glove but the puck glanced off the end of the 
glove, and in what seemed like super slow motion, hit the mesh behind him.  The 
red light went on and Dave doubled over with his stick across his knees as he 
glided into his end in disbelief.  The whistle blew and the clock showed a five-
five tie with two seconds left on the clock.

Dave skated to his goalie and tapped him on the pads, "Okay, Chris, we're still 
in the game.  It's not over yet."

Dave skated to centre ice and the two teams lined up for the face-off .  The puck 
was dropped and Dave shot it into the opposing zone as the horn blew ending 
regulation time.

Dave's team lined up around the bench to get a short breather before the first 
ten minute sudden death overtime period.  The coach regrouped the team.  He told 
them to work hard and it would pay off.  After a thirty second rest the teams 
lined back up at center ice.  Dave took the draw and this time pushed the puck 
between the opposing center's feet and raced around him to pick it up.  He made a 
quick move to avoid the winger then cut to the outside of the defenseman on the 
right side of the ice.  Dave was cutting to the net much the same way he had 
scored his first goal of the game but the other defenseman was quickly cutting 
him off this time.  Dave saw his left winger sneaking in behind the cutting 
defenseman and he drew the defenseman closer before he slid a perfect pass to 
his left winger.  The winger one-timed the pass and Dave saw it sail towards the net.  
Dave was about to raise his hands in the air when he heard a metal sound as the 
puck made solid contact with the post and bounced to the western defenseman Dave 
had just soundly beat.  The defenseman turned and made a quick pass to his centre 
iceman who passed to a streaking winger.  Dave turned to race back up ice but he 
was well behind the play as the western winger beat the Edwardton defenseman with 
a nice move to the inside.  The opposing winger then raced in on Chris, the 
goalie and deeked him out completely before shoveling the puck into an open net.

Dave was just skating over centre as the puck went into the net and the western 
team threw their gloves and sticks into the air in celebration of a huge come-
back victory.

Dave's whole team skated over to their bench and leaned against the boards in 
disbelief.  Dave could feel tears running down his cheek as the fact that they 
were now out of the playoffs and finished for the year struck home.  The dejected 
Edwardton team lined up in single file at centre ice and waited for the 
celebrating western players to come out of their zone and shake hands.  Dave felt 
numb as he moved through the line.  He got all kinds of compliments on how well 
he played but he felt like screaming, "Who gives a fuck how I played.  We lost!"  
But he graciously nodded and continued on.  

As soon as the last player shook Dave's hand, Dave skated quickly to the dressing 
room.  He was one of the last players in the room and everyone had their heads in 
their hands.  Most were overcome by emotion.  Chris was a total mess as he blamed 
himself for the loss.  Dave walked over to him and rubbed the back of his head, 
"Don't worry about it, Chris.  We'll get them next year."

Dave sat down as the coaches entered.  They congratulated the team for their hard 
work.  They said they were proud of how hard they fought to win.  The coaches 
left the room.  The truth is they were as shocked and disappointed as the 
players.

The drive home was quiet - no one wanted to talk about the game.  Dave was 
dropped off and his father was waiting for the news.  One look at Dave's sad face 
told the result.  Dave sat with his dad in the tv room and explained what 
happened.  Roger just shook his head and said, "Tough game, Dave.  You played 
your hardest and that's all you can ever do."

Dave just nodded before he went to bed and replayed the overtime in his head, 
over and over.  If only he had deeked the goalie instead of passing.  For an hour 
Dave tossed and turned until he finally fell fitfully asleep.

The next day was a very tough day for Dave.  He was still recovering from the 
tough loss but, worst of all, rumors were going through the school that he had 
missed the previous game to go to Charlestown to sleep with his old girlfriend.  
The details of the rumor were clear enough that someone had mis-used the 
information on what he had been doing with Jennifer.  Dave had only told two 
people outside his family and one of those was John, who Dave knew would never 
repeat it - Dave immediately knew Katherine had started the rumor or had at least 
told someone who did.

Dave found Katherine at lunchtime and asked to speak to her alone.  Katherine was 
obviously not happy with the idea but Dave insisted.  When they were alone, Dave 
asked her if she knew anything about the rumors.  She just shrugged her shoulders 
and looked at her feet.  Dave gently put his hand to her chin and raised her face 
to look him in the eyes.  He spoke softly and with a lot of emotion.  "Katherine, 
I told you the entire truth.  I do truly like you and, if I had never met 
Jennifer, I would love to be your boyfriend; but I can't change the fact that, 
right now -- my heart belongs to someone else.  I'm truly sorry I hurt you, but I 
never intended to.  I have always been truthful with you.  I don't really care 
about these stupid rumors but I do care that you understand how I feel."

A tear ran down Dave's cheek as his continued deep feelings for Katherine came to 
the surface.  "I would do anything to help you stop hurting; but I don't think 
there's anything I can do."

Katherine was surprised by his heart-felt comments; she finally seemed to 
understand and she hugged him as she started to cry as well.  She whispered, 
"Dave, I have liked you for a long time; being with you these last three months 
has been the best experience of my life.  I think I have fallen in love with you 
and I don't know what to do without you.  This mess is my fault; I made the 
mistake of telling Suzie about your trip to Charlestown.  I guess I knew she 
would tell everyone and I wanted you to feel the pain I am feeling -- but I 
finally realize that you already feel bad about the whole situation and do not 
deserve this.  I'll tell Suzie to stop spreading the lies.  Goodbye, Dave."

She started to walk away but he gently held her arm, "I don't care about the 
rumors as long as you understand the truth."  She nodded so he released her arm, 
"You are a good person, Katherine."  She just shrugged as she walked away.