Life Of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 5

Life Of Two Best Friends Chpt 4

CHAPTER 5

Ok guys, yeah I’m talking to you. What just happened to me? I almost forgot about Jenny. I get there and I go all beast mode on the guy. I confess. Then I’m accepted…? I wish I could pick your brain to understand what’s going on in this girl’s brain.

Jenny still had her hand on my arm. At least she was no longer shaking, and her breaths were getting more even. Hopefully she couldn’t feel my heartbeat through my skin, because it was racing. The adrenaline high was still there. The guy, I now know the jerks name…John Stevens, was getting an earful from the principal. We watched as we were sitting across the hallway. John was sitting head down, arms drooped, and his skin was red. Embarrassment or anger, it was too hard to tell. I peeled off my jacket and put it around her shoulders. She probably wouldn’t want her mom to see the purpling bruise on her shoulder.

I tensed. Jenny rested her head on my shoulder. I could feel my skin burning, where her head was. She wasn’t speaking, and I had no idea how to start the conversation, ‘what does okay mean?’ and I didn’t really want to start; especially as my mother and Mrs. Bailey came running up to us. Jenny jolted up.

“Honey are you okay?” my mom said as she pulled me up from the bench.

It was weird, her being all caring. It seemed out of place.

“Honey you are not answering me…” she kept dramatically pleading with me.

“I’m fine mom,” I answered to stop the begging.

“My little sweet pea, are you okay?” Mrs. Bailey said as she sat down next to her daughter.

Jenny lost it, and melted into her mom’s arms, and started sobbing into her mom’s chest. “Mom…” is all Jenny could get out through the sobs.

“I’m going to ring his neck,” Mrs. Bailey said as her gaze looked at John’s back.

John must have felt the glare, because through the yelling he turned to look back. Quickly regretting it, after seeing the face of one angered mom; he swiftly returned to his starting position of being yelled at. He probably thought it was safer in there.

My mom still trying to get me to talk to her. She was being overly dramatic. All I wanted to do was make sure Jenny was alright. Jenny’s sobbing had turned into soft whimpers as Mrs. Bailey hugged her and patted her head. “Jenny, you okay?”

Jenny stopped. She unfolded herself from her mom’s embrace, wiped her tear stained cheeks and runny nose, stood up and faced me directly, “Thanks to you, I am fine.” Then she stepped forward and hugged me.

I stiffened at first, and then relaxed and gave her a hug back. She whispered quietly into my shoulder, ‘thank you’. I hugged her a
little tighter. Suddenly that sweet moment turned into a painful squeeze. I looked over Jenny’s head and I saw the top of Mrs. Bailey’s head. She was squeezing both of us.

“Thank you so much George!!” she said with a high pitch squeal. “I owe you so much!”

It was uncomfortable for a quick second, but how could I be mad at Mrs. Bailey. That hug seemed to be full of care. I didn’t question her. “You are most welcome Mrs. Bailey.” She did a mom giggle, gave another quick squeeze and then let us go. Jenny had been silent the entire time, but I felt her body heat up. This time due to embarrassment. I slowly let go of Jenny; not wanting to, but thought the parents would find it odd if I continued to hold her. Jenny looked once more into my eyes, saying ‘thank you’ and then she stepped back to her mom.

I had no idea what my mom was thinking. She had a look of disgust or confusion. It’s hard to tell with her. Thankfully the principal’s door opened suddenly, successfully avoiding the mom situation. As John was exiting the office an older couple was coming up the hall. His face went from red to pale white. The older couple must have been his parents. The mom looked like she was going to blow a gasket; while the dad had that look of, ‘just wait until we are home.’ I know that look. For a
split second I felt sorry for him, but that split second was gone when I felt Jenny behind me again.

John looked like he was going to say something but he decided against it. The principal told John to sit in the chairs next to the office window and wait. I don’t know the principal’s actual name. This is my first time here.

The principal looked at me and said, “Mr. Matthews and Miss Bailey please stay on that side of the hallway and wait. I need to discuss matters with all parents present.”

“Of course you do,” dramatically my mom said; probably she wanted back into the conversation.

“Alright, Sir,” I say as I bring Jenny back to the seats and sit her down next to me.

The principal nodded in approval, and he ushered the parents into his office. John’s dad gave him the look of ‘shut up and sit still’, then he entered the office.

It was silent. I focused on my self control and Jenny’s movements. John sat with his head down but his legs were fidgeting. It seemed like hours
went by until John lifted his head. He looked at me. Then Jenny. However, his gaze quickly jolted back and rested on my face.

“What are…,” John started to say but decided against it. He looked back at Jenny.

I felt her body tense next to me. I gave her a side glance. She was silent and still, but her face showed hurt. She didn’t look him in the eye; instead, she turned her eyes to mine. They seemed to say, ‘please help me.’ I gave her a small nod.

I turned my gaze back to John, “Can’t you tell your making her uncomfortable? Stop staring.” I was okay with John hating my guts, if it made Jenny feel more at ease.

He switched his gaze to me, “Fine.”

Jenny relaxed again. I looked towards the office. John’s parents were sitting in the office sullen; anger was still somewhat there, but it was probably regarding their idiot son. Mrs. Bailey was sitting apart from them talking calm but still seemed firm. On the other hand, my mother was flailing her arms about like she was trying to swat flies. I couldn’t hear her but I could assume she was being overly dramatic and blowing it way out of proportion. I wish my dad had been the one
sent here. He was probably working on an album, or he would have been. The Principal was just sitting at his desk trying to listen to all four people; he looked frazzled. I was sure my mom was not helping.

“Jenny…I…” John started to say.

My gaze jumped back to John. He seemed to look apologetic. I looked at Jenny, but she was already looking away from me, down the hall; her body stiffen only slightly.

“I’m sorry. I was an idiot. I needed the punch in the face; it knocked some sense back into my thick scull. I…” John rambled.

I was still watchhing the back of Jenny. She was gently shaking. I again couldn’t tell what was happening, was it tears or was it anger? I reached over and squeezed her
hand, “You okay?”

With her face still turned she squeezed my hand back and softly whispered only to me, “I’m fine, but I won’t forgive him.”

“She doesn’t want to talk. You’ve hurt her enough. Just let her be,” I said directly looking into John’s eyes; hoping he would get the message and stop.

“I’m not talking to you. It’s none of your business!” John hissed.

“Since I’m over here with her, and you are in huge trouble over there, you better believe it is my business,” I said.

“Yeah, well don’t think for one second I believe she actually accepted you earlier. Why would she accept you over me? It doesn’t make sense,” he said rolling his eyes.

“What doesn’t make sense is why you are still speaking when you are the one who messed up. Shut up or I’ll make you regret it,” my blood was beginning to boil. I didn’t care about whether or not she accepted me at this moment. All I cared about was making him stop talking smack about what just happened.

“You…”

“Stop. Just stop John,” Jenny said with her face still turned. “I wanted to reject you when you came up and told me you wanted to talk after school. You rushed off like a coward without giving me a chance to politely decline. Don’t get mad at George. I asked him to be there. He was there for me.”

Jenny was beginning to shake, and this time I could tell that tears were there; she brought her hand up and brushed some away.

She sighed and turned to face John. Her face was tear stained and a little red and puffy, “You are the one who messed up. You. Not me. Not George. You. Don’t blame anyone except yourself for the outcome of today,” she said steadily as possible. “Don’t you ever speak to me again. Don’t ever look at me again. You will never be forgiven by me,” she finished what she had to say and then again turned her head away.

I was stunned, but also incredibly proud of her. She just put him in his place and denied him a chance to take anything back. I looked back at the broken John. His face showed no emotion. His head dropped and his body slumped.

I looked to see how the office was doing. Great, my mom was yelling at John’s parents. Mrs. Bailey was looking embarrassed. John’s parents looked somewhat similar to John at the moment. I know my mom cares, but I just hated how she portrayed it sometimes. My mom seemed to
be finished and she threw the door open. She stopped and looked at John. She looked like she was going to let him have it.

“Mom. It’s done. It’s been settled,” I interjet before she can embaress me more.

“Alright Honey. Good job then!” she said looking a little disappointed she didn’t get to finish her thoughts.

“It wasn’t me. Jenny put him in his place,” I said, as I friendly put an arm around her shoulder, bringing her back into reality.

She jumped suddenly at my touch, “What!?!” she said looking at me frantically.

“Good job Jenny. It is always good to put those who did wrong in their place,” my mother said having the last word.

Jenny looked at me quizzically and I just shrugged a ‘just go with it’.

John’s parents exited the office. They looked apologetic at Jenny.

“We are so sorry for our son’s actions. Please accept out deepest apology,” they said; it seemed like them might bow.

My mom gave a pleased smile; like she had planned or forced that. ‘Ugg…mom…’ I thought. Then they turned to me. I saw a hint of apology but also a hint of disapproval.

“We apologize. However, we do not think violence is the answer in any circumstance,” they were saying it to me but the last part seemed to be directed at my mom. “We would like you to apologize to our son.”

I was confused. I didn’t do anything wrong. Also I wasn’t the only one shocked. Jenny and her mom gasped. My mom looked like she was going to dramatically faint.

“It seems only fair since you threw the first punch. You started the violence,” John’s mom said flatly.

I was still flabbergasted. I wasn’t about to apologize to the creep for justifibly punching him.

“Okay with that logic, I want a sincere apology first.”

I was shocked. Those words came from Jenny. She was currently behind me. She touched my arm as if signaling me to let her stand in front. I wasn’t about to stop this daring girl.

“You say George started the violence. That’s false,” She unzipped my sweat shirt and pulled down a sleeve showing the bruise in shape of a hand. “Your son started the violence; if you insist George apologizes, I want one first.” She said firmly. Her eyes looked to mine as if to apologize, ‘sorry I’m making you apologize to the butthead’.

I slightly nod. I’ll apologize only if John grovels and does as Jenny asks. We both turn to John’s mother.

When Jenny showed the bruise Mrs. Bailey looked like she was ready to kill John. My mother actually had a genuine look of shock on her face. Now as I stare at John’s mom I see the realization on her face; that her son is a lying jerk. She glares at John; wishing she could probably take back all the words she just said.

“I will agree to you conditions. John Paul Stevens apologize to her!” John’s mom was back to the look of blowing a gasket.

All eyes turned to John. I was relishing in his discomfort. For what he put Jenny through, he should also feel the same uneasiness that she felt and is still feeling.

“I…I am sorry Jenny,” John huffs out.

“SINCERELY!” John’s mom shouted.

“I am sorry Jenny. I am truly sorry for my actions,” John spoke clearly.

I didn’t trust that apology; it was so forced. Afterwards he still looked uncomfortable so I was at least pleased by that. Jenny just nodded. She pulled the sweater back on, zipped it, and backed up until she was just inches from me. I sensed she was faltering. I placed a hand on her hip just to steady her.

I wasn’t waiting for anyone to force me, “John, I am sorry I took the first punch.” There, that wasn’t too hard. John looked startled; he probably thought I was going to hold a grudge. I wish I could say, ‘I’m not you idiot’.

“Well, with your logic of all violence is wrong, your son should apologize to my son for destroying his beautiful face,” my mom said.

Good job mom!

John’s mother huff, but she wasn’t about to argue against her own logic. “John.”

Sweet. I was going to see John uncomfortably apologize to me as well. Best idea of Jenny’s ever! I was waiting patiently knowing it was going to be painful for him.

John looked like he wanted to die before apologizing to the guy who ruined his cofession, but begrudgingly he said, “I am sorry George for punching you.”

That was a fakest apology ever, but I still enjoyed watching him do it. Mom looked like she was about to insist on a better one.

“No problem John,” I said in the same tone as his apology. All this apology stuff needed to just be done. If they aren’t sincere its not worth hearing.

“Okay it seems like all is cleared up. John Stevens will be receiving detention for two months. George Matthews…I am sorry but you did start the punching; you will need to volunteer five times for a club in your free time. And miss Jennifer Bailey, I extend my deepest apologies. If you need counseling, I can help set it up for you,” the principal said apologetic to Jenny and me, but sternly to John.

There was no fighting the punishments. I would do it again if I had to. John looked like he would protest but his mom grabbed his wrist.

“Are we good to leave?” she said to the principal probably wanting to leave and punish John at home for the lies, embarrassment, and stupidity of his actions.

“Yes you are all free to go,” the principal said to us all and then reentered his office.

The Stevens left quickly. They were gone. Mrs. Bailey said she would go get the car. She said she would text Jenny when she was there. Mrs. Bailey gave me one more hug, this one was gentle and caring; then she was gone.

“Hey mom can you go get the car too. I’m feeling a little bit sluggish now,” I said and it was a total white lie.

“Of course my Honey. Stay with Jenny until her mom is here,” she said and she was gone.

I turned to Jenny. She looked exhausted. She also was at a distance now; unlike how close to me she was earlier. I wanted to ask her now about what she said, but I knew that was going to be a long talk. As much I didn’t want to, I decided to just finish this crazy, awful, but surprising day just as her good friend. “You okay Jenny?” Man, I’ve got to stop asking her that.

“I’m good. Just exhausted. And I’ve got a painful headache,” she said quietly.

She seemed nervous, because she was fidgeting from one foot to the other. ‘ I wonder…nope. don’t go there today.’

Jenny’s phone chimed which startled her. She looked down and it was her mom. “I’ve got to go George,” she said stepping away and making the thumb gesture to the door.

“No problem Jenny. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I was disappointed that we were suddenly back to the friend zone.

“See ya,” she said and began to walk away. She stopped, turned back, and came back towards me. All the way. She hugged me. It was a sweet hug; not a thank you hug, or a sorry hug, or a friend hug. This one was different.

She peeled away, “Bye George,” and she turned and walked a little quicker out the door. She was gone.

So maybe I was a smidge out of the friend zone.

Life Of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 4

Life Of Two Best Friends Chpt 3

Chapter 4

We were done and already in the locker room. The hot water felt so good on my aching muscles. As I was getting dressed teammates came up and thanked me for the deadly workout. Most of them added in, ‘it killed me but I do feel stronger.’ It was a nice feeling that I made the right decisions. I throw on a sweatshirt and I head out. The guys waited for me; I lock up the facility and we stand for a bit in front of the doors.

“That was a killer workout, George. It was great. But Coach is going to love it too much; it will probably become a normal set for us,” Jerry said as he shoved me jokingly.

“Yeah, it was good. But I hate you,” both Ken and Matthews said simultaneously.

I chuckled, “Thanks guys. I personally thought of you lot as I wrote it. I thought to myself, ‘how can I torture my friends the most?’ But no really guys thanks for the support.”

Ken and Matthews left heading towards the back parking lot. Jerry said a quick goodbye and he was off too. I stupidly had parked in the opposite parking lot. So I had to drag my tired butt to the front of the school. Hopefully Coach will be happy with me tomorrow, and still think I am dependable. Dependable…Jenny!

I rushed to the football field. Jenny stood backed against a fence while a guy, I didn’t recognize, pressed her against it. She seemed to be struggling to get free. I sprinted to them, pulled and shoved the guy away from her. Then preceded to step between them. The other guy was about ten feet away, so I backed up towards her, “I’m sorry Jenny. You okay?”

“George…” Jenny muffled out.

She had been crying. I lost it. The guy was walking towards us; I don’t know how but I punched him across his smug face.

He thudded to the ground. “Dude! What is your problem? This doesn’t concern you. Stay out of our business,” the guy said as he slowly pulled himself up.

“She is my business,” I was all riled up. My hand was throbbing in pain, but it didn’t see to phase me. The only thing that brought me back to earth was Jenny’s hand on my arm. I turned around to her. She was slightly better; she wasn’t shaking anymore. She had a red handprint on her shoulder; where he had held her in place…
Ready to lay another punch on his kisser, I turned and WHAM! His fist hit the target, my face. I didn’t fall but I felt the wind knocked out of me. I shoved him away; trying to give myself some time to collect myself. Jenny was beside me; she was trying to help me to stand, but I pushed her behind me. She was shaking again.

“What’s your deal? You don’t have any reason to interfere. Unless you are interested in her?” The other guy said, but added a smirk on the last word.

“And what if I am?” Did that just come out of my mouth? I guess the cat is out of the bag. Jenny’s hand on my arm became warmer; I give a side glance in her direction and watch as her cheeks turn a hue of red. Was it embarrassment or just surprise? I returned my gaze back to the other guy; learning from experience, never let your guard down.

“Sucks for you man, if they don’t answer you it’s a rejection,” he said laughingly.

I saw teachers coming at a distance. He started walking towards us again.

“Okay.”

The other guy stopped dead in his tracks. I froze. That was Jenny’s voice. Was she accepting him or acknowledging me? This time I turned my body to Jenny.

Her hand still on my arm she looked up into my eyes, “Okay.”

I froze not knowing what to do. I heard a confused, ‘what’ and snarl from the other guy but I was too startled. I just continued to look at her. She smiled back at me. I guess the smile was too much for the rejected guy because he charged us again. I knew the teachers were almost here; so, I just pulled her into a protective hug waiting for the teachers to stop him.

Everything was a blur after that. She said, ‘Okay’. Jenny. Jenny said ‘okay’! All I know is we were walking back to the main office. The other guy was being dragged there, while Jenny walked beside me. Her hand still on my arm.

Life Of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 3

Life of Two Best Friends Chpt 2

CHAPTER 3

Jenny.

If you you saw her you would understand why I waited. Jenny was wearing tight jeans and a red shirt. The shirt brought out the red in her hair. But my eyes drifted to her steel green eyes; eyes that seemed to smile all on their own. Jenny was with her group of girlfriends. We all were in the same next class.

Her friends were not big fans of me. They seemed to not understand Jenny and I’s friendship. I’m sure they also thought I brought her “cool factor” down. First in the group was Chelsea Walter. She was blonde and dressed with all brand names; at least I assumed, she never stopped saying it. She was the one that desperately wanted me gone. She did not filter her words or actions; she made it very obvious. Britney Halt was actually cool. Of Jenny’s three close friends she would be my
favorite. She was super chill; she would sometimes hang out with me and the guys when Jenny and the others were at cheer practices. Lastly Addison Carlton, she was the top student type; she had dark brown hair, glasses, and always had books in her arms. Addison was nonconfrontational to me, but she also was not accepting. Which is funny because I actually hang out with Matthew Wu, who is the top student of our school. Probably she thinks I ruined Matthews cred with my only above average grades. Jenny was the only one that I truly saw.

Jenny walked towards me; with her group trailing behind. “Hey George. What’s up?” Jenny said as she glanced at what I was wearing. “Is your mom stopping by today?” as she gestured to my look.

“You would be correct. She is stopping by at some point; so I’m prepared for all times possible.” I said as we began walking to our next class. Chelsea and Addison were close behind Jenny; while Britney walked beside me. She was cool.

“How’s it going Brit?” Knowing only this cool girl would actually acknowledge my presence.

“All things are good. I’m just going through the days until I can be done with sophomore year. Can’t wait!” as she spoke her expression changed from chill to ultra excitement.

We collectively reached our classroom door and the second bell chimes.

Jenny stops me, “George, can you wait a moment?”

Chelsea, Britney and Addison all leave and enter the classroom; leaving Jenny and I outside. We probably had about five minuets until the next bell.

“Sure what’s up?” I say causually, but knowing where this was going.

“Can you help me again after practice today? Another guy said he would confess after school and I don’t want to be alone with this one. The girls have to leave right after practice. I was going to tell him right off the back that it wouldn’t work out between us, but he brushed me off and left suddenly. And my mom is too busy to get me early,” She said nervously switching from one leg to the next. “I know you are probably annoyed or bothered to be the one I ask, but if I had anyone else I would give you a break.”

As much as I did hate being the barrier for her, and also having to listen to the cringe worthy confessions, I wasn’t about to leave her alone with someone she already felt uncomfortable with. “No problem Jenny. I’ve got your back. I’ll head over right after practice. Is that good?”

“That would be perfect,” relief washed over her face. “Thanks George. I can always count on dependable you.”

“No problem Jenny, but let’s head in or we will be marked tardy,” I say while opening the door and ushering her inside. Just as we sat the third bell rang.

“Good call George.” Jenny said as she gave me the warm smile that turns me into a cheesy human.

“No problem,” I smoothly get out.

Then class begins.

Another full day of meaningless classes and a buttload of homework. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind the homework; it’s just after three hours of brutal swim practice, homework is the last thing you want to be doing. Finally, however, the best part of the day has come: Swim practice! I was heading towards the gym just as Jerry and Ken came into view. They were waiting at the door for me like always. Matthews came rushing up behind me; he did a small bunny hop and wrapped his arm around my neck and gave me a noogie. I did deserve it; I had done this exact thing to him yesterday.

“Seriously dude,” I said as I broke away from his death hold. I forgot to mention, Matthews is tall. Not like Jerry tall, but his own category of tall. He was close to being six foot.

“You know you deserve this. Just be happy I’m taller, because when you did this to me I thought my neck was going to break because of all the force from your jump,” Matthew ended with a chuckle and a punch on my shoulder.

He of course said this knowing that my height wasn’t my strong suit, “Whatever dude. Let’s go,” I said rushing up to Jerry and Ken, who were laughing their butts off.

“Mister sensitive is here. Mister sensitive says its time to practice,” Matthews said laughing as he caught up to us.

Entering the Locker rooms, our teammates were frantically changing. They saw us and gave a collective, ‘Hello,’ and added a ‘Hurry up, Coach is pissed today.’ Understood. We quickly changed and rushed out to the deck. Coach was indeed pissed; he was standing dead center of the pool deck facing the water. If he was in a somewhat pleasant mood he would be sitting in his camping chair drinking his coffee. Not sitting and no coffee meant pissed. We all lined up and Jerry and I started the stretching warm-up. Coach still just stood. Once done with the warm-up, everyone began to fix their suits or messing with their goggles; not wanting to be the one for the deadly deed. Everyone on the team feared Coach, especially when he was pissed. So it fell on the co team captains, Jerry or myself, to ask Coach what we should start with.

Jerry patted me on the shoulder and said, “Thanks buddy,” shoving me forward and skirting away.

This is the norm. Knowing I’ll be on the receiving end of that the ‘chewing out process’, I headed over to Coach. As I walked I tried to be confident and strong as I came to Coach’s side, “Coach what should I start them on?” Silence. “Coach?”

“What!?!” turning to me, ” Oh yeah. Sorry George. What did you say?” Coach said quite startled.

Did Coach just apologize? Coach had mentioned at the start of the year that sorry was not in his vocabulary. “What should I start them on?”

Coach pulled me aside, “George, could you run practice today. I’ve already called a life guard. I need to leave today. Right now.”

WHAT!?! Okay something must be wrong. Coach’s life is this pool, this team. I didn’t hesitate, “Sure. No problem. Is it my choice or do you want some input?”

“Do long distance. I want them and you tired. Write out a workout, one you know I would approve. You may stop occasionally to see if they
are not wimping out; but I want you, especially, to finish the set,” he said with a stern grim face. “Here are the keys. Lock up and just give me the keys tomorrow morning. I’ll give you a pass,” Coach said stepping away. However he stopped suddenly, “Thanks George. It’s a great feeling as a coach to know I can depend on my captain. If the teammates ask just say I said, ‘none of your business,’ they will know I said it. Again Thanks George,” after that he walked past his swimmers and out the door.

I didn’t hesitate, I went towards the whiteboard. I began writing down a set that I knew the team was going to hate my guts. Slowly everyone gathered around me as I finished writing. It was about a three thousand yard set; yeah, they were going to hate me. I turned around to them, meeting gaping mouths. “Well as you can see I’m in charge today. This is today’s set. I will be keeping tabs on people. If people are slacking I will mention it to Coach. Any questions?”

“What’s up with Coach?” Jerry asked but a majority of the team echoed him as well.

“His words, ‘none of your business,'” I said as I waited for arguments, There were none. Coach was right. “Okay well split into your normal lanes. We will begin with the warm up. For the main set follow this rule: lanes in groups of two, intervals will increase by fifteen seconds. Your lane can decide your difficulty but you will
stay and finish. I will have the lifeguard casually watching, and if he sees people stopping he will let me know, and I will relay the info to Coach. I will be staying until everyone is done. Everyone is expected to give it their all. Okay enough with the chit-chat. Let’s get going.” I jumped into the pool and it began.

Man, I was right this workout was going to kill us. Believe me, I was dreading showing Coach my workout, because knowing him, we would probably be doing this again in the future. Occasionally I would stop, and the team would be doing the workout! They looked like they were dying, but they were still moving. I would look to the life guard and he would shake his head and then give me thumbs up. Sweet. Everyone was giving it their all. I continued.

Stopping for the short break, I look at my teammates, and they were still swimming. I looked at the clock and we only had thirty minuets left of practice time, but we probably had about forty minuets of the set left. I was going to finish! However let’s be honest, they would probably opt to stop. As everyone came into the wall they all plopped out of the pool breathing deeply and choking on water.

I only had two minutes to ask them, “Okay everyone we are almost done, but we are running out of time. I’ll give the option. Do you want to finish or do you want to stop on time? I can’t make you stay late, but I will be finishing the set.” Most of them looked up at me like I was an insane person.

“Let’s continue!” a swimmer down in the lower lanes said. “We’ve come this far. And whatever is happening with coach we should do something for him. We should finish.” He said choppy because he was still catching his breath. “If Coach was the one here, he wouldn’t give us the option. Let’s do this!” he ended as he threw his fist into the air.

I looked around and even though they were exhausted, everyone nodded in agreement. The mark to leave was coming up, “okay then let’s do this.” I jumped back into the pool to finish this impossible, a Coach worthy set.

Life as A Mama #14

I felt so accomplished, but it was abruptly dismissed.

I really do hate alarms. But at least it’s going off at 8:30am and not like in my younger years at 4:30am.
She has her own bed, but occasionally she “snuggles”
Clothes picked out. Breakfast prepared!
Muffins, check
Tea, check
Alarm, check
#1 Baby dressed #
2 Baby fed
#3 Jacket on
Ready to….
hahahaha…now ready…
Original
emily2jane
1-27-21

Probably a mom has experienced this many times. My feeling of accomplishment was taken by surprise snow. I despise surprise snow when I have to go somewhere. Well it was a crisp 18 degrees this morning; so the snow keeps on giving. Enjoy your Wednesday.

Life of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 2

Life of Two Best Friends Chpt 1

CHAPTER 2

Getting ready for school is a minor thing. You would think that if your dad was not a famous artist. Mine is, so I have a “certain persona to uphold,” words said by mom constantly. Dad doesn’t care one way or another. If it was just his opinion I needed to care about I would probably rock a pair of jeans and a hoodie. Why dress to impress. It’s high school. Nobody is going to remember anyways. Unless you are that depressing wannabe jock turned gym instructor; who constantly talks about his glory days, while rocking a beer belly and balding head. Our gym instructor is my inspiration for that statement. Sad poor Mr. Hanly.

Anyways back on topic, dressing for school. Usually I dress casually; jeans, hoodie, vans, maybe a hat. Just the run of the mill chill clothes. However today, I know mom will becoming home at some point and I don’t want a lecture; especially if the guys are around. Mom usually picks the greatest time to lecture me. So I guess today is dark jeans, button up, and my nicer shoes; unknown to the brand. Let’s be honest, I dress for comfort. I’m boring. Also as a swimmer you wear jammers, so what’s the point on spending an immense amount of money on clothes you won’t be wearing when it truly matters.
The only perk I did take was a car. I hate the bus. Not because of the general idea that the bus is lame, but because I live on the edge of town; I would have to walk several blocks to the nearest bus stop. Why would I waste my time walking when my dad offered me a car. I’m a teenager with a permit and a sick ride. A tricked out jeep wrangler. Imagine all the bells and whistles, and times it by ten then that would be my jeep. Remember teenager guy, all guys like their stuff to be over the top.

Leaving the house is a hit or a miss. Either I say goodbye or I grab some cash and lock the door behind me. Today like most days, it was a grab and dash day. Usually I pick up Ken and Matthews on the way because they live in the close neighborhoods. However, Ken had an early practice with coach and Matthews had to get there super early since his parents had to leave on a quick trip. So just being me, I ran through McDonalds and then headed to school.

I decided to skip the part where I describe to you what my drive looks like, because let’s be honest, you wouldn’t really care about the neighbors, scenery, or buildings.

Slowly I pull into the parking lot at Charleston High School. The only good part about this place is the swim team. And Jenny. But nothing else is really worth my time. Well let’s go look for the guys. Ken will probably be at the pool still. Our coach usually will push us until the last possible minute; Coach Brown might be a strict, uptight, and my way or the highway type of guy, but he is also a genius coach. You’ll meet him later today at practice. So my best bet was to look for Matthews. He would probably be in the homeroom or in the yard; either dead asleep or doing all the homework for the rest of the year. Jerry would sprint in at the last possible moment; Jerry always gets as much sleep as possible so that he has enough energy for practice.

Maybe I should describe this place to you. Well its a typical high school. Tall brick building at the front. No fences; probably the understanding that if students skip the principal will just flunk them and take pleasure in ruining their lives. The halls are as generic as you can imagine. Lockers lining the walls; white walls, white lockers, white tiled floor. As I mentioned before, boring and not worth much. After the many halls of lockers you walk into the yard area. Imagine all concrete ground, lunch tables surrounding, various seating nooks, and the occasional pep talk poster shoving positive thinking down your throat. I’ll be stoping the tour here because I see Ken and Matthews chillin at a table across yard. But beyond this area is the classrooms; the place where teachers talk more about their opinions or what they disagree with in the world, and then reward us with hours of homework.

“Ken. Matthews. You seen Jerry yet?” I said walking up to the guys.

“Nah George, he won’t be here for,” looking at his watch before answering, “about another ten-ish minutes,” Ken said as he leaned his lower back against the table top.

Matthews was, of course, laying on top of the table; he really didn’t care about the rules. Give him a break, we had a gruling three hour practice last night and then he had to wake up at six o’clock. You would not care either if you were in his shoes.

“Yeah I guess so. How was practice Ken?” I asked as Ken was stabbing Matthews with a pen in various places.

“The norm. Coach had me doing speed intervals with repetitive sets. I did about two thousands yards worth of twenty-fives. It was tiresome but I can’t complain. Twenty-fives are the best!” he said ending his statment as he jabbed the pen into Matthews side.

Causing Matthews to yelp and throw his body into an upright position atop the table. “Dude! What’s your deal? Man…” Matthews complained as he rested back on his hands. Smartly not falling asleep again because he knew the awaited fate.

“Come on Matthews. I am saving you from being left like last time,” Ken said chuckling. Probably remebering the last time Matthews fell asleep on a table and we decided to leave him there. He slept through most of the day; it was a great prank. He got so busted when his parents found out, but he made up for it when he aced all the tests without being in the classroom.

The first bell went off and we slowly gathered ourselves up and started towards our homeroom. Luckily we were all in the same first class. It made coming to school on time worth it. Hanging with the guys for a bit before the boring classes begin made up for it. Our homeroom teacher is pretty legit. She never assinged seats; she just told us that if she caught us cheating or disrupting the class once we would be moved permenatly. So Ken, Matthews, Jerry, and myself took up the second row. We were all nerds, why sit in the back with the possibility of being behind a brainless idiot or behind a chatty girl. We all wanted to get through high school as clean and as smooth as possible. So we got in our seats waiting for the panicked Jerry to rush in the door almost being late. There went the second bell. I don’t know about your school but we have three bells. One is: ‘get to your class’, two is: ‘warning’, and three is: ‘you are tardy’. Jerry usually came in before the third bell. Just as I finished thinking it there came Jerry.

Panting like Jerry just ran a marathon, “Hey guys, am I late?”

“Nah dude, you are right at your norm,” Ken answered.

“Sweet,” Jerry sat himself down in his seat next to mine just as the third bell rang. He gave us a thumbs up; congratulating himself once again for beating the system.

“Congratulations Jerry once again,” Mrs. Chaplen, our homeroom teacher said as she entered the class, “for not being marked tardy again. Will this be your goal for the rest of the semester?”

“Of course Ms. Chaplen, I have to keep you on your toes,” Jerry said confidently and quite bravely added a wink.

If you remember I mentioned previously that Jerry didn’t like to talk to others, but when it came to official positioned adults he was a charmer. Girls our age, yeah only mumbling would come out of his mouth, but with Ms. Chaplen or any other teacher he would be daring. I asked him once why he was like that and he said, “Because the teachers probably hate their jobs occasionally. If one student makes their days interesting, maybe they will continue to teach the lazy teenagers of today.”

Its true what he said, but I wouldn’t be able to wink at my teacher. He is just crazy.

“Okay class, normal run of the mill announcements,” Ms. Chaplen said ignoring Jerry’s wink.

It was just the normal announcements: lunch specials, sporting events, new clubs, report cards, etc. Homeroom is just a class to keep the students informed of extra activities that students can do if they want to fill up their days. Our huge swim meet was mentioned. It’s the one that is at the end of the semester. It’s called Qualifying Champs. Pretty much all scouts or the people of the monatana school come and see what our team is capable of doing. It’s what me and the guys are mainly training towards.

Well after fifteen minutes of announcements and various students annoucing events within their groups; it was free time to talk amoung ourselves at a resonable volume. The room erupted behind us; Mrs. Chaplen gave them a look and it quieted quickly, but still their was a constant noise. The guys and I turned towards each other and just crabbed about the practice last night. Ten minutes goes by quickly when we don’t want it to; like all things good in the world. The bell chimed and there was a mad exodus. We said thanks to Ms. Chaplen and exited the class into the moving mass of students. Jerry and Ken left going to their next class, while Matthews went off to math class. I stood waiting for…Jenny.

“Hey George!”

Life of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 1

Introduction: You might have heard a similar story like this before; however, this story came from a dream. I have no recollection of how or why I dreamed this dream, but it was interesting enough for me to write down.

Hopefully you will enjoy, or even more so I hope I can complete a story for once. Completely fiction! Not based on people or real places.


Chapter 1

I’ve been best friends with Jenny since preschool; she has always been there. I guess I should just tell you right off the back, I am totally into her. I think I fell for her the first day she offered me the play dough; of course the big part of that story was the other kids were being mean and she ignored them and gave it to me anyways. That was the first time someone other than my dad cared; after that day I was hooked.

Back to Jenny, Her full name is Jennifer Bailey. Jenny is beautiful. She has steel green eyes, freckles over her nose, a shiny red-tint hair, and the softest looking lips. She is currently the same height as me; even though I do attempt to stand in ways so that I can seem taller. She is probably the nicest person; but that also means she is super popular. “Popular with the guys” is what I really mean, which means I get to listen to stupid confessions day in and day out. She keeps me around just in case the guys get ruff or creepy, which in turn makes me their next punching bag. Whatever, if she needs me there I’m there.

Maybe I should have started with myself, but Jenny is always one of the first things in my mind. My name is George. George Matthews. Yes, my dad is the famous country singer Adam Matthews. My mom’s name is Christine Matthews. She is some kind of manager, I only see her once or twice a month. I love my mom, but she seems more like a visitor than a mom.

Back to me, I am roughly five foot eight, blond hair, tanned skin, a nerd in school, a swimmer, and other than those to hobbies I am Jenny’s friend. You are probably thinking I am lame, and you would be correct, but its only the middle of sophmore year. I can grow and expand my horizons; I can be more than just a swimmer nerd, who loves a girl. Anything is possible.

Back to Jenny. Jenny has a widowed mom; her dad died when she was little. Car accident. Even with those circumstances, Jenny has been loved by her mom, Mrs. Bailey, enough to cover the loss of love from a father. Also my dad has taken over the title of replacement dad, which I’m happy for Jenny, but it makes me more and more like a brother and less like possible boyfriend material. Jenny is an only child, which is probably why she is super popular. Some kids make up not having siblings by having lots of friends.

Unlike me, I have no siblings but I am content with Jenny and my three swimmer friends: Jerry Roberts, Ken Peters, Matthew Wu. The guys are great company. Jerry Roberts is the typical swimmer: long, lean, built, short brown hair. You would think approcable, but not so much. Other than me or the guys he doesn’t like to talk or interact. He is a lot like me, nerd, swimmer, only child, hopeful olympic swimmer, his specialty is backstroke though, etc. Ken Peters is a swimmer not by choice. His parents found out that I swam so he also was roped into swimming. He is probably five foot six. This might come off mean, but pretty much average; other than his height. However he is a dynimte breaststroker in the pool. Back to Ken, he is pale skinned, red hair, pretty much normal. Matthew Wu. Another quiet friend. Other than swimming he does school and then goes home. He is just focusing on graduating and moving on to bigger better things; however, keeping freesytle swimming front and center. There is no reason to mention the guys’ parents. They are just average parents, and the gang have pretty much unoffically been adopted into my family.

So, that is the gang. I am the butterflier of the gang. Which if you don’t know swim lingo I’ll tell you the gist. Four strokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle. We can all swim all the strokes but like all swimmers you have a specialty. It worked out prefectly that we all each had one of the four. We create a medly relay, but we also compete in the all freestyle relays, also various solo races. Again if you don’t speak swimming no problem. I won’t be going into details too much, but I wanted non swimmers to know the basics. Moving on.


Our plan is to all go to college together and keep our dream team going, all the way to the olymipics. However, it all depends on their parents. My dad says, “Follow your dreams. “My mom says, “Sure whatever you say, honey.” Again I love my mom but wow. So yeah for me I’ll be continuing swimming until i’m old and unable, then maybe I’ll coach. There is a two year highschool in Montana that is fully swimming structured; however, you have to be invited personally. That would be awesome, but I have to wait until juinor year; they only want somewhat mature students. By that year of school you know if you want to continue swimming or not. The school load plus swimming load is unbelieviablly huge.


See I can talk about things other than Jenny; believe me if I didn’t know her my vocabulary would consist of only schooling and swimming jargon. The guys hate it when I go all mush when talking about her. They tell me to grow a pair and just tell her, or shut up about her when I’m in their presence. Which I opted for the latter. The first option will only happen if I needed to. So, when I talk to you about Jenny you can assume that my buds are not around.

I’ve pretty much summed up my life story; I’ll tell you more about my dad when you meet him later. If you meet my mom I’ll tell you what I know. I’ll introduce other people that are vital to this story when I need to, but for now you know the important ones in my life. This year is half way over, let’s head out to school so that we can see what a day in the life of two best friends is like.

Life As A Mama #13

All moms will understand…all husbands be grateful to your wife…go give her a hug or kiss. Us moms are always super moms…😎

1. On my phone
2. Watch a movie with family
3. Shower w/o baby
4. Played w/ baby
5. Off page but etc…
Imagine all the dishes dirty…and all the laundry…
ALL!
Close to collapsing…

The dishes were done also the entire kitchen…3 hrs later mama was exhausted. I did the laundry the next day…9 loads later…all done!!😓

So again…husbands give your wives a kiss and hug. They deserve both!! Mama’s are awesome!

I learned it from mine, thanks mama for teaching me the tools to be a mama ❤️ Have a fresh start to your week.

The original…(usually I draw these at night while my daughter is distracted…so like 15min)

Life As A Mama #12

Another comic of my life. It keeps me drawing even if it’s simple drawings.

Mental lists…moms understand…
Exhaustion…
Imagine this happening as your eyes are closed and you just hear baby feet and chairs moving. 6 times.
In our living room
She understands completely, but she is at the age of not forming word phrases well…
Just try and feel my lack of energy…

All moms in the world may understand this…

But my daughter loves to clean. She got a set of toy cleaning tools for Christmas from her grandma, and Elizabeth uses them constantly. It’s nice usually, she likes to clean up her own messes and gets upset when she cannot get it clean.

However when you want to relax and your toddler decides it’s cleaning time you cannot say no, because you want to continue her love of cleaning; so that you will have a helper in the future.

So I mustered up the energy and I mopped. The floor is clean but I was exhausted.

1/16/21
Drawn by: emily2jane

Life as A Mama #11

My experience today…

I decided to slow things down today and do a yoga exercise video. Just to stretch and strengthen my core. It sounded relaxing.

Going along it was great. Got to the cool down part of the video…this happened.

I had it casted on the TV so the voice said “now close your eyes and relax you entire body”
I felt like I died.

I died. So only close your eyes if you do not have a toddler around. She was so well behaved as I did the video, so I let my guard down…

It was funny that after she emptied my lunges the lady talking said, “Control your breathing, and let out all your air in your lunges,” Elizabeth was just a little bit ahead of the video…😜

Enjoy your weekend 😎