Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 10

CHAPTER 11

After the class with Jenny and the girls, the rest of the day went somewhat the same. Every chance I got I attempted to stretch out my sore muscles. I didn’t have Brit’s extra support anymore; so instead, I just limped faster to each class. At least today, all of the teachers wanted to speak their opinions instead of the factual lectures; it might mean more homework, but I was able to rest my eyes throughout the day. In preparation for practice.

Practice. Coach was a smidge nice. He was sitting in his chair, drinking his coffee, as the whole team slowly waddled onto the pool deck. Jerry, Ken, Matthew, and I were all leaning against each other waiting for Coach’s command.

“Begin the stretching warm-up,” Coach said between sips.

Imagine sloth camels trying to do yoga; watching us do the stretches’ probably seemed similar to that. As a co captain, I tried to be the example of perfection, but like Jerry I was stumbling around trying to at least stand up. Don’t even mention balancing.

“Coach we are done. What is warm-up now?” I coughed out, as I wasted all my energy on stretching.

“Are you guys really that dead? You all look like you will topple over if I tap you.” As is to see if it was true, Coach got up from his chair and poked Ken in the side. Sure enough, Ken jumped and fell into the pool. “Right as always.”

We all busted into a crippled laugh, because it hurt too much to do a full belly laugh.

” You all have eight hundred yards freestyle. Mix it up. Enjoy this warm-up because practice will be great,” Coach finished with a smirk.

A smirk. ‘Great.‘ So much for thinking that Coach might be a little merciful. “Begin,” I yelled, just before I jumped into the pool to start.

Coach wasn’t lying. Practice was difficult, but was also good. After the warm-up, Coach had written up the set on the white board. There was lots of pulling and kick sets; not much swimming sets. Believe me, after the last two days, this was the best compromise. I knew Coach wouldn’t give up the chance to push us past our breaking point. Finishing the set, my muscles were burning, but it felt like a strange soothing burn. If you are an athlete you understand me; if not, I don’t know how to explain it more.

“Nice job today, all of you,” Coach said as he scanned the entire pool. “You should all be proud of yourselves. I wanted to push all of you to your breaking point. Then, for good measure, beyond it. I am proud of the workout you gave me. Lanes two through eight, you have a six hundred cooldown; again, slow it down and focus of your breathing.”

Then Coach turned to our lane, “You four will just continue to swim until all the lower lanes are finished. The…big incident that happened a few days ago, is causing me to leave practice early again. Can I count on you four?”

Without hesitation we said, “Yes, you can count on us.“

“Good,” Coach said as he walked off towards the exit. The lower lanes saw Coach leave and begun to goof off.

“We are still in practice time. Do as Coach said or I will relay your bad behavior tomorrow,” Jerry said.

I was thankful to Jerry; I was happy to not be the bad cop again. To help Jerry out I left the wall to begin our very long cooldown.

…

“So George, any more news about your ‘girlfriend‘?” Jerry teased as we were walking to my Jeep. Thursday nights always were spent at my house with the guys; because my dad always wanted barbeque. I also assumed my mom wanted to play hostess; whenever she was home, she would make sure to be home for a Thursday.

“Yeah, tell us all the gross details,” Ken and Matthew said as they pretended to kiss each other.

“Let’s talk when we get to my house,” I said as I threw my bag in the back, maybe a little too hard.

“Oh. Sure dude. No problem,” Jerry answered probably realizing he hit a sore topic.

He would be right. Great, now I have to tell my story of humiliating rejection to the guys. The jokes are going to be unbearable. The car ride seemed to take forever; even though, I drove like something was chasing us. I really didn’t want to attempt this talk in the car. Everyone in the car was silent. Jerry was in the passenger seat and he had pulled out his phone to do the mindless swiping. Ken was in the back with his eyes closed. Matthew was just staring out the window. At least the guys understood and were understanding in this situation.

Finally pulling into the driveway, I paused, “I will tell you guys what happened, but I would like to wait until after dinner. I would rather my mom not know; she would go ballistic or over the top dramatic at me if she found out.”

Matthew grab my shoulders from behind, “No problem Mister Sensitive; we will follow your lead.”

Sighing in annoyance, I got out. They all followed pursuit. They would rather not be the first one to enter the house first and find my mom waiting. She usually gives kisses on the cheek to the first one through the door. Jerry and Ken have both experienced this; their faces afterwards were priceless. I begin to open the door, just as Jerry shoves Matthew in front of me, right into my mom’s embrace. Sucker. Mom gives him a huge smooch on his left cheek; ending with a tight squeeze hug.

Instinctively we all chuckle silently to ourselves; the chuckles quickly die down as we watch Matthew shaking in annoyance. “Mom, I’m right here,” I say as I step beside her; trying to save my friendship with Matthew.

Mom suddenly lets go of Matthew and looks at me, and then back at him, “I should have known; Matthew is quite taller than you.” She says as she tilts her head all the back to look up into Matthew’s face. “Sorry my dear,” she says as she steps away from Matthew.

“No problem Mrs. Matthews. Thank you for commenting on your son’s current height situation; it has always been a deep topic for us to discuss with him,” Matthew said all annoyance gone an smiling once again.

“Whatever, lets go find Dad and eat! I’m starving,” switching topics as I walk towards the kitchen area. Why must they always jab at my height.

As always the guys follow my lead, setting their bags down in the entry hall, and following me to the kitchen.

Dad is grilling up some delicious smelling meat, “I made lots today thinking you would want extra for the all the pain you all are in.”

“Great idea Mr. Matthews.. Don’t expect there to be any leftovers,” Jerry says as he pulls up a chair. We all dig in!

…

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 9

CHAPTER 10

My muscles burn. You know that feeling when you’ve done a great workout, and you know you are going to be hurting tomorrow; well that is me today. I try to sit up in bed and my limbs scream at me. Coach finally killed me; however, I still have to go to school today. So I pry myself out from under my comforter and swing my dead legs over the side. Ouch. The cold ground burns my feet and I try to stand. Yep. Nope. I fall backwards and land on my bed. Thankfully my head did not collide with the wall behind me. Well this sucks; I should have stretched more after my shower. Hopefully my last resort is home, “Hey Dad. Can you come help me?”

I just hear panicked feet scurying around and then suddenly my door bursts open. My dad looks frightened; crumbs from his breakfast still linger in his mustache. He walks over to me, “What’s wrong son?”

“I hurt. Can you help me stand,” I say knowing he probably thinks I’m joking.

Dad sighs and then laughs as reaches down and grabs my arm. He sits next to me, drapes my arm over his shoulders, and pulls me up into a standing position. “Your Coach is doing his job I see, and I like it!”

I laugh, “Thanks Dad.” Still standing with my Dad’a support I feel my stance becomeing stronger, as I slowly take all of my weight. “Thanks Dad. I should be good now,” I say trying to untangle myself from him.

He gives me back my arm, but he still is beside me. He keeps an arm hovering around my waist incase I decide to fall again.

“Don’t worry about it. Father’s are supposed to be there no matter what. Even if it’s to help their sixteen year old son to stand in his young years. Just think in the future there will be a day I yell for you to come help me get up from bed,” He finishes while doing a deep belly laugh.

I can’t imagine my dad old. For sure and no doubt, I will be taking care of him in his older years. I’m finally feeling good. I swat my Dad’s hovering arm away and take some small steps around my room. Painful but doable. “Thanks, I’m good now.”

“No problem Son. Call me if you need me to help you with the stairs; we could look into one of those machnical chairs if you want,” he chuckled basically calling me an old grandpa.

Hopefully Coach gives us a break today, because I don’t know if I will survive, or even before. I did not need my Dad’s help at the stairs; I grab my breakfast and lunch money. Again picking up Matthew up today. This time, I wasn’t about to share what happened yesterday.

“Hey Matthew, how are you feeling today,” I call out to him as he lilmps to the car. It seemed like one hundred years had passed before he climbed into the passenger seat.

Glares. Just glares. “Hopefully you are feeling worse than I am. If not I might help you,” he said as he was about to punch my legs.

Reacting quickly but regretting my sudden movement, “Don’t worry about that. Coach held me back after you all left and I did about fifteen hundred more yards.”

“Good. You deserve to be dying,” content with my misery, he settled back into the seat.

We just drove silently to school; probably we were both gathering up our energy. We parked in our normal spot, and we pretty much fell out of the car; the first time I hated my jeep’s height. People were staring at us like we were weird. I wish non swimmers would understand, but unless they want to try a day in the life of a swimmer they never will. About ten minutes later we reach where both Ken and Jerry were laying plastered to the lunch table. They are so still they actually look dead. No pranks or jokes today. Matthew and I walk up to them and said a collective, “Hey.”

Jerry’s head lifts slowly and then Ken follows his action. They have the same expression that Matthew had earlier, just glares.

“Don’t worry Coach killed him after we left. He is probably hurting more than us,” Matthew said relishing in my pain.

“Good,” Ken and Jerry said together.

“Yeah, I had to have my Dad help me out of bed today,” knowing that the jokes woould be brutal, but that they would liven up after my
statement. As if instantly, we all busted out in laughter. Only to quickly regret it because our cores were now in stabbing pain.

The first bell chimed. Matthew and I helpled Jerry and Ken up and we stumbled our way to our homeroom. Excited to sit in our chairs, but dreading having to stand again afterwards.

Homeroom was the same. However, Ms. Chaplen kept looking at us four with a quizzical look. She asked Ken to come up front and write something for her. She cancelled that request after she witnessed Ken trying to get himself up from his seat for about a full minute.

The bell rang and Ms. Chaplen came towards us, “Are you four okay?”

We collectively said ‘yes, and not to worry. Just swimming stuff.‘ She seemed okay with our response and she let us leave. We four walked out of the classroom into Jenny and her girls. Not caring about how we are percieved we just stood there trying to hold up our own weight.

“Hey George,” Jenny said like always.

“You guys okay?” Brit said instantly. “You look like zombies,” she ended with a laugh.

We would have laughed but it is just too painful. I answered for the group, “No. Coach just killed us yesterday and the aftermath is what you are seeing now.”

“Seems like your coach is one tough cookie. I’m happy I didn’t join the team when I had thought about it,” Brit continued.

“Well we have to head out,” Ken and Jerry said slowly walking away, “we don’t now how long it’s going to take us to get to class.” We watched as they limped away to their class. Matthew was the next to leave. He didn’t look as hurt as earlier but he wasn’t walking at his normal pace.

“Yeah we should head over too. And don’t worry about me I’ll be there eventually if you all want to go ahead.”

“Don’t worry about it. Our teacher likes me. I’ll stick with you and she won’t mark you tardy if I’m with you. If anything just walk more like a zombie and I’ll claim I helping a hurt person,” Brit said as she stepped to my right; swinging my arm over her shoulder attempting to give me extra support.

Brit was great that way; helping without any expections or reward. Noticing that Jenny wasn’t speaking. I looked at her and she gave me a smile, “I’m coming,” Jenny said as she took position on my left. No surprise that Chelsea and Addison rushed on ahead.

We just slowly worked our way to the classroom. The second bell had gone off, and time was ticking by, “Jenny, just go on ahead and get to class. Brit will stay with me and hopefully her magic of being teacher’s pet will help me out. If anything you can let the teacher know the situation if it takes longer.”

At first I thought she didn’t hear me. But she nodded and walked on to the classroom. We were probably about ten feet from the door as the third bell chimed and the teacher was walking in the classroom. Brit left my side and waved our teacher down. As Brit said, she convinced the teacher to let my lateness slide.

We got to our seats and I plopped into mine. I turned to Brit, “Thanks Brit. My dreams of the Montana school would have been shattered if not for you.”

“No problem George. But hush the teacher is starting,” Brit finished as she turned back to the teacher.

Good’o Brit maintaining her teacher’s pet title.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 8

CHAPTER 9

Her hug awakened my senses; they were dead a moment ago. She was still shaking softly; not really crying anymore, but she was still sniffling. I hugged her back. Stepping up to the plate, I patted her on the back and stroked her hair trying to calm her. She stiffened suddenly to the touch, but then slowly relaxed again in my embraced. ‘Good. I didn’t just screw this up.‘ “Jenny, I need you to talk to me.”

She sighed and pulled back looking me in the eyes, “Okay, but can we get in,” gesturing to the jeep, “I’m freezing.”

“Sure.” I pulled away from her and unlocked the jeep. She ran around to the passenger door and clambers inside. ‘That was cute. Focus George.’ I open the back door, throw my bag in, and then climb into the driver seat. I turn the jeep on and turn the heat all the way up; because, even though we were in the car she still looked cold. “Don’t worry about the heat, Coach killed me today and the heat feels good.”

“Sweet, not about the dying,” she said with a soft giggle, “but don’t mind if I do.” She put her arms up to the vents, letting the heat travel down the long sleeves of my sweat shirt. Her body began to relax. She must have soaked up enough warmth because she leaned back in the seat. A sad look slowly creeping back onto her face.

“Do I need to get you home?” Why do I keep saying things that makes it seem like I want her gone. ‘Idiot!‘

“No. I told my mom I was with you, and that you would bring me home. She said to take our time. She understood that I might need to vent to someone who was there,” Jenny said, and as she spoke her emotions ranged from frantic, to anger, and ending on sadness.

“Okay. So vent if you want, but can we go get some food. I’m on empty,” as I talked I texted my dad letting him know the situation. I got a reply.

‘Thanks for the heads up. Give my girl a hug from me. I’ll let your mother know. Don’t be out too late, but I understand.’ Dad totally understood me.

“Totally, and I might have you buy me something too,” Jenny answered.

“No problem,” I say as we take off to the Wendy’s near by.

…

We just decided to eat in the car; then we could talk after we finished. I turned to look at her. There was warmth in her cheeks again and a smile on her face. This is the Jenny I love. I think she could feel my stare because she stilled and side glanced me.

“What?” She said caught a little off guard.

“Nothing. Just watching my…ah… Jenny become Jenny again.” That was close I almost said ‘my girl‘. That would have been awkward.

She just smiled in reply and continued to eat her frosty.

“Jenny…”

She sighed and turned to me. There was something new in her eyes; it seemed like guilt or an apology. “George…I…”

So I’ve got my answer. Her ‘okay‘ was just to stop John from continuing. Thankfully she cut me off right now, and not after I spilled my heart out. This, I think, is the best kind of rejection; where it’s not said but both people know. “Don’t worry about it. Let’s just move on,” I don’t know if I really believed my words but why add to the hurt.

“George, I’m sorry. I just don’t understand…” She said as she fumbled over the words.

“No problem. But really let’s just drop it. What did you want to vent to me about?” Switching topics, to end this conversation as quickly and as smoothly as possible; I was a little annoyed, but I tried to keep my cool.

“Oh. Okay. I just wanted to say thanks for helping me avoid John today. The girls know about what happen, well most of it,” she said implying she didn’t tell them about my confession.

‘Good. I don’t need any more embarrassment.’ I let her continue.

“Brit is understanding. She has decided to stick around me. But now with the stupid rumors I don’t know if I’m going to stay at this school,” she said hesitantly.

That last part brought me back from my wandering mind. ‘She might leave.’ Yeah I was rejected but I wasn’t going to stop being her friend. ‘She might leave.’

She continued, “I don’t know what my plans are. My mom said I could always go and study at a school in Belgium; we have family there. It sounds amazing, but I don’t know that would be running away. Or maybe I should just face it.”

I didn’t really know how I was feeling with this news. I always just assumed Jenny would be here. I am also planning on leaving; so, it shouldn’t be to strange that she wants to move on with her life too. I strangely don’t have that need to stop her anymore. That is, if she is just running away sure I’ll say something, but I’m not sad or mad about her leaving. Probably the rejection is already making its way to my brain, not just my heart.

“It’s your decision. However, I will say, if your are leaving just to run; that is never a good idea. First stop and think, about whether its something you really want to do or not,” I say giving my two cents. “If you start running you, will always be running.”

“True George. Thanks. That’s why I like talking to you. You always make me think twice,” she said smiling in my direction.

That melting smile is now is a painful smile, and eventually that smile will just be a plain smile. I didn’t know rejection would feel like this; again nothing like the movies. “Well, let’s get you home. I’m exhausted and I still need to do my mountain of homework.”

“Oh. Sure. No problem,” Jenny said a little surprised.

We drove in silence until I pulled up her driveway. She hopped out and came to my window, “Thanks for the talk and the ride. See you tomorrow,” she said as she was waving goodbye, and then she was stepping in her front door.

“See ya, Jenny,” those words burned as they came out of my mouth because I knew that tomorrow would be different.

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 7

CHAPTER 8

I wanted to talk to Jenny after classes but my day kind of snowballed. Classes were non stop; the teachers seemed to actually want to teach today. Don’t get me wrong, I know not all teachers are the same; however, the teachers at our school seem to be over trying to get through to some of us.

Anyways, at lunch I thought maybe I would find her, but she was at counseling; I guess she decided she needed it or Mrs. Bailey insisted. Which of course caused the whispering to begin. The rumors started out as Jenny was confessed to and she beat the guy up. Turned to Jenny was confessed to, and I out of jealously fought the guy. Then it completely changed into John was beating me to a pulp and Jenny came to save me. I went from not being there, to jealous, to a wimp. Yeah, I really do hate high school rumors, but the rumors were not going to lessen Jenny’s emotions. Before I could maybe help her, it was practice time and I had to stay away.

Practice was normal. Coach discovered I used the pass and he told everyone of my wonderful decision. They were all dying from yesterday, and now they had to do more because of me. Thanks Coach. Not like today should be any easier.

As I said practice was normal. We swam. We died. We swam. We died. Repeat as many times as you think is enough, and then times by a hundred and you got us. However, my mind wasn’t in the pool, it was on Jenny and how her day went. I can imagine not well. I’ll try and find her after practice if possible.

“Okay everyone that’s it. I saw the practice you did yesterday; I don’t want to completely kill you, and besides you will be feeing it tomorrow,” Coach said with that satisfied smirk. “I liked the set though, you can expect to do it in the future,” Coach said gleefully.

‘Great. Thanks Coach.’ I think to myself as I look around at the exhausted glares.

“Get out of here,” Coach says and everyone pulls themselves out of the pool. As I climb out, “George, come here a minute.”

What else is new. Coach probably wants to critic my running ability or take away all the prideful words he said this morning.

“Where is your head at? I know is not here. Mental is a huge part of swimming. You just swam like a struggling dog,” Coach suddenly switched to his frustrated, pissed tone.

“Sorry Coach. I’ll be better tomorrow,” I said half believing myself.

“Nope. I’ve already let your parents know,” Coach said as he finishes a text and slips his phone away. “You will be staying late. You will do a new set, and you will continue until I believe you are giving it your all. Giving me a pathetic workout does nothing for you or me. I need one hundred percent effort. Let’s go.”

Pointless to argue, I jump into the pool to begin my stupid punishment for being a high school teenager athlete.

This is my first time where I want to hit or push Coach into the pool. Coach stopped me and made me start over about three or four times, before I finished the first half. He kept saying I was distracted and I needed to give it my all. I understood what he wants me to do but I’m a teenager guy who is worried about his girl…or maybe girl. I started the second part, and Coach threatened to make me start all over. So I did what he wanted; I became a swimming robot. My mind was all about the
water. Done. I must admit it was probably the best workout I had done all season, but I wasn’t about to tell Captain Cranky Pants Coach that.

“That was better. Good hustle George,” Coach said as he sipped his coffee. “I’m tough on you because I want you to succeed. I want you to be the best you can be. Now, I want this George,” he said gesturing to exhausted me, “to be at practice from now on. Got that?”

‘Yes Coach,” I answered barely breathing.

“Good. Now go change and go home. See you tomorrow,” Coach said as he left the deck.

In so much pain, I made it to the locker room. It was quiet. I showered enough to be clean and then I changed. I grabbed my belongings and headed out. I probably looked like a zombie as I headed to my car; I defiantly felt half dead. It was already dark outside, but I still saw her. There stood Jenny leaning against my car door. She was
alone, which seemed dangerous to me; she looked lifeless again.

“Jenny?” I said weakly since I was in lots of pain.

Her head slowly turned to me. She was crying and whimpering to herself.

I walked up to her, “I sorry to ask you this again, but are you okay?”

“No. I’m not okay,” She said as she stepped forward and hugged me. “But with you I’m better.”

Life Of Two Best Friends CHPT 6

CHAPTER 7

My hand hits the door frame just as the bell chimes. Panting and gasping for air, I plop down into my seat. The guys, of course, look at me like I’m nuts?

“Mister Matthews,” Ms. Chaplen says as she comes into the room. “I do believe this will be your first tardy.”

“Please let this slide,” I plead not wanting my teammates to hate me two days in a row.

“Can you give me a concrete answer that would make you deserving of my mercy?” Ms. Chaplen said knowing that she had won.

“I would rather my teammates not hate my guts. I do have a pass, but if I use it I will be hated by them,” I can feel the guys’ stares.

“That is not a legit reason for me to be merciful. Will you be using the pass or will you be marked tardy?” Ms. Chaplen said flatly.

I knew it was a long shot. Ms. Chaplen is a no nonsense type of teacher. I could have used my Dad as an excuse; she is a huge fan. Why lie and be on her bad side. “I will be using the pass,” I say as I get up and hand over the only thing keeping me as a likeable captain. I go back to my seat, “Sorry guys, but just wait for death at practice today.” They finally understood; I got death looks. If these guys are hating me, yep, my teammates are going to be way worse.

Now was the time I would see Jenny again; I wonder if things would be different. The guys decided to wait around for a bell to see Jenny and mine’s exchange. They wanted to see if I truly did what I claimed.

“Hey George,” Jenny said quieter than normal.

She was in dark jeans, a white t-shirt, and my sweatshirt. Yesterday was crazy, but I’m now seeing her in my clothes. I like it; she looks good as always. It seems like she has more make-up on; probably to cover up the redness from crying. She was still Jenny. However, she seemed a little more closed off; like a protective layer was around her. Chelsea and Addison were not around just Brit. Brit was also on edge; she kept looking around and her guard was up too.

“Hey Jenny,” I said not knowing what else to say. Remembering the guys were still around, I turned to them, “You guys should head out. Don’t be tardy like I was.”

They were stunned, probably because they knew it was my jacket. Realizing that some of what I had said is becoming true.

“Yeah, let’s head out. See ya Jenny, Brit,” Ken said, while Jerry and Matthew nodded in agreement. They were off.

“Let’s go to class. I don’t have a pass anymore and with the consequences it takes, I don’t know if I ever want one again,” I rambled just trying to fill the awkwardness. I start forward, but stop realizing Jenny and Brit had not moved; turning, there stood John. The nerve of that guy. Once again, I was in front of Jenny with Britney next to her. “Dude, don’t you remember yesterday. Stay out of her and my sight for life,” trying so hard to stay composed.

“I want to talk to her,” John said ignoring me. “Without you two around. Leave.”

Yeah, like that was going to happen. “Let’s go to class. I say taking Jenny’s hand and hoping Britney follows. She did, of course, but she was cautious moving towards the jerk.

John stepped in front of me, “Again, this is not your business. I am talking to her whether you let me or not.”

Wow. I knew there were moronic jerks in the world but I was naïve to believe our school was different. “Nope.” I said not really caring to listen to his stupidity any more. Realizing I was still holding Jenny’s hand, I stepped around John towing Jenny with me. Britney was close behind. John was starting to twitch; probably anger, but whatever. The guy seems to always be pissed off at something. Thankfully he stayed where he was. While we walked to our class the second bell rang. Finally reaching our class I remember, and let go of Jenny’s hand. My hand is burning. I don’t really wait; I just usher them into the class room and we take our seats as the last bell chimes. I need to start getting to class earlier.

I turn and look at Jenny. Any ounce of life she had in her was gone. She looked hollow and lifeless. My hand itched to grab her hand and give her a squeeze of encouragement. I stopped knowing we haven’t talked and that we are currently in public. I didn’t want rumors to spread. Especially after what happened yesterday. Instead I write a note and place it in front of her. She opens it and giggles. Good she is still with us. She turns to me and smiles; the melting George smile kind. She turns back to the teacher to listen to the lecture; I’m just thankful she has a glow about her again.

Life Of Two Best Friends Chpt 5

CHAPTER 6

Let me tell you. It is not like the movies. After you act like a hero you still have to do things. Like homework, and your normal night routine. Its not like they say ‘cut‘ and move on to the next scene. Also, the bruises on my face and knuckles are not make-up. It is killing me; but I’ll wear my battle scars with pride. Well goodnight, I’m exhausted.

Heading downstairs to hopefully a quiet house, I’m ready for this new day. Maybe another grab and dash day…No such luck. Mom and Dad are siting at the buffet drinking their coffee. I’ll take this chance to describe my parents to you. My mom, you’ve met her. Her personality is as it was yesterday, dramatic; she cares in her strange way. She is about five foot four; however, she is always wearing three to four inch heels. She has blonde hair, rosy tanned skin, and dark brown eyes. My dad says she
has a bubbly but strict personality; I’ve never seen her bubbly side. She does the ‘my way or the highway’ attitude the best.

On the other hand, my dad is very laid back. Not about his music though, he is passionate about it; similar to me and my swimming. He has dark brown hair, a short beard mustache combo, and green eyes. Since he is
usually the one home, we have a great relationship. Think less like a friendship, and a bit more like a father and son.

“Hey Mom, Dad,” I say getting my quick breakfast and lunch together.

“Well done my boy. You have made the Matthew’s name proud,” Dad said as he came to hug me. “I’m so proud of you for taking care of Jennifer. I would have probably punched the other kid into outer space.”

“Thanks Dad,” I said accepting the hug.

“You need to be more careful. What if this tarnishes your father’s reputation or puts a demerit on your school file. I think you should stay away from Jennifer for the time being, and focus on your future.”

Yep that’s my mother. Always thinking about only us and casting others aside. “Mom…” I start, but my Dad cuts me off.

“Christine, he did nothing wrong. He was in the right. I will back him up a hundred and ten percent. If anything this might make me more popular. ‘Artist son defends family friend against crazed classmate,’ has a pretty nice ring to it,” Dad said ending it with a wink at me.

I knew he was joking. He loves Jennifer, and would never do that to her.

“True. That would help your career,” Mom said pondering it to herself.

“However, if that type of statement comes out, I will sue the piss out of them for slandering the innocent girl,” Dad said staring down Mom.

That was my cue to leave. Dad is pissed at my mom for even pondering the notion of using Jennifer for helping his career. “See ya Mom and Dad. I’ve got to go see Coach first thing,” I left without waiting for their response.

I picked up Matthew. His parents were not back from their trip. “What’s up dude?”

“Nothing. How was your night?” Matthew replied.

“You guys missed everything,” I told him everthing that happened.

“Yeah, right. Sure you confessed and she said okay. There is no way you had the guts to do that,” he said with disbelief all over his face.

“It’s true,” I insisted, but of course that’s what he focused on.

“Let’s wait and see what the other guy’s reactions are,” Matthew’s said knowing the other guys would say the same thing.

…

“Yeah, there is no way you did that,” Jerry said after I finished. “I’m sorry dude, but outside of the pool you are kind of a wimp, no offence,” Jerry finished with a punch.

“All I do believe is that you punched the guy and you got hit back. Note the bruise on your hand and face,” Ken added.

“Whatever guys. You don’t have to believe me. But I’ve got to go and see Coach; I’ve got to go give the keys back,” I said not wanting to hear any more of their jabs.

“Okay mister sensitive. We’ll catch you later,” Matthew said as they headed off.

I got to the gym and Coach was leaning against the glass door patiently. Coach is a tall, built man. He exudes toughness. He was wearing his normal attire: white hat, polo shirt, and kaki shorts. His head jumped up when he heard someone approaching; realizing it was me his body relaxed. “George.”

“Hey Coach,” I said as I handed him his keys. “Everyone did the workout. We were running out of time and they all decided to finish instead of quitting.”

“Good. That is good. I’m happy to know that I choose the right person to be my captain,” Coach said proudly, patting me on the shoulder. “I was, however, informed by the altercation that happened yesterday. I am glad you stood up for her, but next time don’t swing first. Note, I’m speaking from the school faculty stand point. This won’t be on your permanent record because Steven’s was in the wrong, but next time you will probably be marked up. The Montana school will not invite you if you have any demerits,” Coach finished trying to get the point across to me.

Loud and clear, “Understood Coach. Montana school is still my goal. I won’t do anything to ruin my chances,” I say knowing that I would still protect her, but maybe next time I’ll just shield her and myself and take the beating.

“Now, I will quickly step out of my faculty role,” Coach said as he removed his hat. Now knowing why he always wears the hat, his hair was untamable. “I am proud of you. As a coach, I don’t just want to mold outstanding athletes but I want you all to be outstanding human beings as well.”

Wow. When Coach wanted to he could make you feel ten feet tall. I was swelled up with so much pride that I’m sure my face was all smug with confidence.

Putting his hat back on, “Still, remember my words. The Montana school will be the best thing for you. I do hope I can hand you over to them at the end of this year.”

“I will not let you down Coach. But could I get that pass? I’m probably going to be late to homeroom,” looking at my watch realizing I have about five minutes until the last bell.

“You may have it, but I do believe you could make it without. If you use it will be an extra thousand yards today at practice for everyone. If you do not use it I will drop five hundred yards off everyone’s practice. It’s your decision,” Coach said as he handed me the pass, unlocked the door, and left.

“Coach loves to make my teammates hate me,” I say as I bust my butt to homeroom.