Life Of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 54

CHAPTER 55 END

There we stood. Jerry, myself, Ken, Matthew, Dad, and Jerry’s mom. We were about to go through security.

I nudged Jerry and gave the signal. ‘We had planned, beforehand, to give Ken and Matthew painful hugs.’ We walked towards them, but they had something else planned. Ken and Matthew surrounded us and gave us a sandwhich hug, with Jerry and I squeezed in the middle.

“You guys done?” I squirmed my head around to get my question out.

Ken and Matthew sighed and let us go. Dad and Jerry’s mom were chuckling off to the side of us.

“We will come up and visit as soon as possible. Probably towards the end of summer,” Matthew swung his arms across our shoulders. Ken gave us a two thumbs up pose.

“Photo! Ken turn towards me,” Dad had busted his phone out. “Good. Good. Now, one..two..three..say cheese!”

Ken seemed to scream “CHEESE” as loud of possible, which caused us three to bust out into laughter.

“I got a good one, and the pretty ugly expression one of the laughter. But we should probably hurry this along. You guys still have to go through security and find your gate,” Dad came towards me arms stretched out.

I accepted the hug. ‘Probably my last hug until he drives the jeep up.’ “Bye Dad.”

“Good bye, Son. Enjoy yourself, but stay focused.” Dad was still hugging me.

“You too. Try and find me a stepmom while I’m away,” I pull away from Dad.

He was chuckling, “I will try, but no promises. Any advice for your old man?”

I step away swining my backpack on, “Maybe…be picky. Choose the right one, whatever that means,” I laugh.

Jerry was getting his hug from his mom. Jerry’s mom was smiling, but I could see the hidden sadness. For a slight moment, I missed my mom; just that feeling… Moment gone.

“Dad,” I hint and nod towards Jerry’s mom.

Dad turns, looks, and then winks at me realizing the situation. Dad gave me one last hug and he walked over to Jerry’s mom.

“You ready to go, Jerry?” As I pick up my carry-on.

“Yeah. Bye Mom,” Jerry scooped up his backpack and grabbed his carry-on from Ken; then headed towards me.

Dad placed his hand on Jerry’s mom’s shoulder; to comfort her but also hold her steady. She was already beginning to sway. “Goodbye, my son. I love you,” Jerry’s mom said, but it only came out as a whisper.

“Love you too, Mom,” Jerry said as he followed my lead; presenting his ID and walking through the first gate towards our future.

I looked back through the glass wall. There stood Jerry’s mom, Ken, Matthew, and…Dad. I am going to miss him. ‘Bye Dad.’ Jerry nudged me to make me move forward. My view of Dad was gone. ‘Move forward, George. Forward.’

Life Of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 53

CHAPTER 54

We all headed out of those doors for the last time. Jerry and I stopped and looked back once more. ‘Last time.’

Almost like deja vu, I turn around and almost topple over little Lily, “Lily?”

“Uncle George,” Lily jumped for joy, spreading her arms out waiting for her hug.

I accepted. I am happy I did, because it was a hug and kiss on the cheek. ‘I’m going to miss this little one.’

“Don’t forget me, Uncle George,” Lily snuggled back down into my shoulder.

“Not possible. I will miss my little big helper,” setting Lily back down to the ground. “You’ll need to be big and help your Uncle Ken and Uncle Matthew next year. Can you do that?”

“Yes, sir!” Lily did a cute salute and moved to my left and did the same hug and kiss for Jerry.

Looking around, my other teammates were dispersing but there stood Coach, Matthew, Ken, Brit, and Jenny. If you add my dad to the mix, you would get the most important people in my life.

“Well you two better do me proud,” Coach stepped towards us and clapped our shoulders. “I do not expect any calls from Coach Jones, but if I recieve one,” Coach’s face
changed to “the look”, “You better run and hide. Run and hide.”

‘Message received.’ I don’t need Coach coming all the way to Montana to kill me. “Understood!” Jerry and I said together.

“Aside from that, Congratulations and good luck. You will need it,” Coach chuckled as he scooped Lily up. “Let’s head out Lily,” off walked Coach with Lily in his arms.

“See ya later, Coach!” I yelled, and Coach stopped, turned, and nodded in my direction; then he continued to his truck.

‘My last nod.’

“Well dude. Matthew and I will be at the airport to say goodbye, so we are going to head out now. You good?” Ken slapped my back, and he dodged mine instinctively while backing away to the parking lot. Brit followed along behind them.

‘I can’t believe my hand did not connect with his face again.’ “Yeah I’m good. You good?” I turned to Jerry.

“See you in two days,” Jerry yelled, but Matthew and Ken were already halfway across the parking lot. “Let’s head out,” Jerry turned back, heading to my jeep.

But there stood Jenny. Looking over to Jerry, I could tell he understood that she wanted to talk.

“Don’t worry about it George. I’ll go catch up to them. You are going to be stuck with me for two years anyways,” Jerry started walking backwards. “See you, Jenny,” Jerry yelled as he turned and dashed off to catch up to Ken’s ride.

“See you,” Jenny said only loud enough for me to hear, “He is not going to hear me anyways.”

I nodded in agreement. Knowing what was going on, “Ride?”

Jenny nodded and started heading to the jeep.

…

I seriously did know this route by heart. ‘This is probably the last time I will be driving her home.’ “You know, this is probably the last time I will drive you home.” She didn’t say anything. I kept driving. But a sudden movement caught my eye. Did she wipe away a tear? I pulled over, “Are you okay, Jenny?”

Jenny sniffed and again wiped at her face.

‘She was crying.’

“Yeah I’m good. Just you saying this is the last time hit me that, that is true,” She tried to compose herself and turned to face me. “My best friend is leaving me.”

I honestly have no words. I thought she would be somewhat upset, but I never expected tears. ‘I don’t know what to do when a girl cries, with me in mind.’ “I will be back at some point. Either two or six years.”

“Six years!” Jenny blurted out.

‘Nice dude. You are an idiot.’ I took the time and explained to Jenny about the college in Montana; that they only take a few from the Montana High school. That it is a very pretigious school that takes only the top five from each swim high schools. I probably gave her more information than she needed.

“Okay. I understand, but wow. I didn’t realize you would be gone so long,” Jenny turned her body away and towards the window.

‘There she goes shutting me out again.’ I pull the jeep back onto the road. ‘I don’t understand girls,’ pulling into her driveway. ‘Probably the last time
I’ll pull into this driveway.’ This time, I turned the jeep off and got out with her. “Since its the last time, I’ll take you to the door; I might as well make it one of a kind!”

She giggled.

‘At least she giggled.’ We had reached the door. ‘Should I?’ I turned to her.

Jenny stood awkardly next to me; she was shifting from one foot to another.

‘Screw it.’ I pulled her into my arms and gave her a hug. “I’ll miss you, Jenny.” Her body relaxed into my embrace. ‘Why does she fit perfectly?’ “But don’t worry. I always visit my family.”

Jenny’s body pulled away; she caught my gaze, “You still see me as family?”

“Of course. Just like Dad, Coach, the guys, and Brit. My family,” I released her from my hold. ‘We’ve been like this too long.’ We each step away. Backing up towards the jeep, “See ya, Jenny. I’ll see you again.” I turn and walk. I buckle up, put the jeep in reverse, I start to roll back, and I see Jenny. She was still standing where I left her. I roll down the window and wave.

Jenny nods and waves at me to go first.

‘All good.’ I roll the window up, back up onto the street, and head forward. Jenny’s house disapears from my rear view mirror. This was another strange feeling. Knowing it would
be years until I saw that house again…

Heading home.

Life Of Two Best Friends: High School CHPT 52

CHAPTER 53

Well things have been in a blur. I’ve forgotten to write everything down. Still…it is the last day of school! Finally Jerry and I’s goals will begin. Yep. Jerry is going with me; I super hyped I will have my best bud with me. His parents figured out the finances, and the Montana school helped out as well, but with the knowledge that Jerry will have to maintain a B avergae the next two years.

That day of fun at the pool, Matthew did call and tell Coach Jones he would not be joining, and to give his spot to another. I get it now. ‘I didn’t that day, but I do now.’ Also this way, Matthew and Ken will finish out the last two years of swimming together.

On the other hand, we will be leaving in two days. Dad will be driving my jeep up at some point, so that I have some wheels. I recieved my swimming schedule in the mail yesterday. It pretty much stated that I would not have any days off, except holidays or family engagements. So my dad gifted Jerry travel money. Assuring Jerry’s parents that whenever Jerry was needed home he would have the funds. Dad called it a congratulations gift for achieveing The Montana School. ‘Pretty sweet gift, if I must say.’

Today was a stange day. Classes were…whatever. But the thought of not swimming here or seeing Matthew, Ken, and Coach everyday…strange.

Jerry walked up next to me, “Does it feel weird dude? It’s our last day here for the next two years?”

“I was just thinking that. Also not to see Matthew and Ken everyday…will they make it to school everyday if their chauffer is not around,” I laughed, but actually thought about that.

As if they heard their names, Ken and Matthew sprinted towrds us. “Dude can I borrow your phone. My mom got ahold of the school and wanted to talk to me. My phone is dead,” Ken stretched out his hand pleading. I didn’t hesitate; I gave it.

“Me too. My parents need to talk to me and my phone is also out of batteries. Bro, can I borrow,” Matthew asked Jerry, not as severly as Ken but still somewhat urgent? ‘At least it was urgent for Matthew’s standard.’

“Sure,” Jerry too handed over the phone.

With that Matthew and Ken turned their backs to us and seemed to urgently call their families.

“Let us know if you need anything. We are going to head in,” I said backing away. Their hightened mannerisms made it seem like they were going to be dead meat from
their parents. I tapped Jerry’s shoulder waving to him to follow my lead.

“Yeah, lets us know,” Jerry followed.

Walking throught the doors it hit me again. ‘I won’t be walking through these doors for two years or longer.’ Like normal we proceed to the locker rooms. They were empty. Coach had told us to not change and be out on the deck at four-thirty. So we ditched our bags and head to the deck.

“Woo Hoo! Yeah!” applause, cheering, and whistles eruptted in front of us. There stood the team, Coach, Jenny, and Brit. ‘They were celerbrating us?’

“Wow. I like being appriciated!” Jerry draped his arm over my shoulders, relaxing his body.

Instead I was tense. Being celebrated is good, but not with this team. ‘I’m sure they have something planned.’

As if instantively, the crowd charged us, lifted our bodies, and tossed us into the pool.

‘Knew it.’ Jerry was spitting and sputtering like an idiot. I think he had his mouth wide open when he submerged. “You still happy to be celebrated?” I asked treading water.

“Dude. Ken and Matthew,” Jerry pointed to the deck, “that’s why they needed our phones. Those jerks.”

I busted out laughing, beacuse the look on Jerry’s face should scare the crap out of Matthew and Ken. He was pissed. Probably because he wore his brand new shoes today,
to celebrate himself. Yelling over to Ken and Matthew, “you guys are dead; not because of me,” I assured them with a shake of the head no, but turned and pointed to the fumming Jerry, “he is going to kill you two.” Ken and Matthew turned and hid behind the rest of the team. The others hid them and acted like nothing happened.

‘I’m going to miss this. The team, Coach, the guys…’ I knew what my goal was going to cost me, but the thought of leaving was settling in. Jerry and I finally made our way to the ladder and dredged ourselves out of the pool. I was drenched; Jerry looked all washed up. Jerry had also simmered down now; mostly because Matthew said he would buy him a new pair.

‘Last day.’