X - A Special Christmas-3
1052 Words
Finally Lori decided she had endured enough attention and the girls reluctantly stepped aside. A couch remained open for the couple and she sat down while shrugging off her jacket. Sarah carefully placed it a chair piled high with coats. At last, Lori was able to take a sip of her drink. Jason collapsed beside her and draped an arm around his fiancé. He winked, quite amused by all of the fuss.
“Look at them!” exclaimed Heather, her voice drowning out all other sounds. “They really will be the first ones to get married!”
Her observation caused the questions and good-natured ribbing to begin anew. Once everyone became calm, the conversations turned to college and the upcoming bowl games. Everyone appeared in high spirits, happy to be home for the holidays after a four-month absence.
When the coffee shop closed, conversations continued in the parking lot. Slowly, the gang began to disperse. Eventually only Matt and Heather remained with Lori and Jason, unwilling to call it a night just yet. Matt and Jason were sharing football stories while Heather and Lori chatted about their college professors. Suddenly everyone fell quiet. Matt looked from one to the other and began to laugh.
“I still can’t believe it!” he said incredulously, “and you didn’t even tell me.”
“You know why I couldn’t tell you,” chastised Jason, his eyes on Heather.
“Oh, come on!” Heather cried, exasperated. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at Jason. “You don’t think I could keep a secret?”
“No, and neither can your roommate,” he insisted, referring to Sarah. Jason reached for Lori’s hand. “And I really wanted it to be a surprise.”
“More like a shock, man!” Matt declared, slapping his hand on Jason’s shoulder. “But it’s great news. You two are perfect together.”
As they were saying their goodnights, Heather gave Lori a hug. “I told you that you’d win his heart,” she whispered.
Lori smiled, remembering Heather’s words. “And you were right,” she said, thankful for the encouragement she had received from both Matt and Heather.
“Come on,” said Jason, opening his car door for Lori. “It’s gotta be really late!”
Lori slid into her seat and Jason went around to his side. When he started the engine, he exclaimed loudly as the clock flashed one in the morning.
“I’m sorry! You must be about to drop,” he told Lori, shifting rapidly as he drove across the parking lot.
“Actually, no,” she answered. “I’m still pretty wired.”
Jason smiled and patted her knee. “Did you sleep any last night?”
“Not much!”
He pulled her hand to his lips for a kiss. “Well, get some sleep tonight! I only have two more days and I want you awake for them.”
“You’re still coming over tomorrow evening?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes, and you’re joining us late Christmas Day!” Jason said eagerly, squeezing her hand. “If Jennifer doesn’t get to see you wearing that ring, she’ll have a fit!”
Lori could visualize Jennifer impatiently berating Jason. She liked his cousin, but sometimes she operated barely a notch below hyperactive.
“I wish you didn’t have to just drop me off and run,” said Lori wistfully.
“Believe me, I’d love to stay, but I think that might be pushing it with your parents. Besides, we’ll have three whole nights after New Year’s, just you and me!”
Somehow, Lori managed to sleep the next few nights. The following two days were indeed very busy. Jason came over on Christmas Eve to spend time with Lori and her parents and he stayed until almost midnight. She enjoyed her time with his relatives on Christmas Day, touched his mother had insisted on her presence. Jason’s family was very close and Lori looked forward to becoming a permanent part of the celebration.
When they said their goodbyes early the next morning, Lori felt none of the misgivings from five months prior. The ring on her finger guaranteed they would be together again soon. One day it would be forever.
Lori returned to campus two days later. With the room to herself, she watched the Seminole’s bowl game on the thirtieth. Marcus played the entire game, and sadly Florida State lost the game. However, next season Jason would have his opportunity and Lori hoped the team would perform much better.
On the third of January, the swim team rode the bus to Miami for a meet. Lori won both of her races, increasing her time yet again in the 100. After her short break at Christmas time, she felt vindicated. The last thing she wanted was for someone to accuse her of not giving a hundred percent effort to the team.
The following day, Jason arrived and stayed with Lori for four days. The employees at the Days Inn were becoming quite familiar with the couple. Lori proudly showed them her ring, hoping they would no longer be regarded as two kids sneaking away for some fun. They were rewarded with a complimentary dinner at a neighboring restaurant and congratulations from every staff member.
During lunch on the third day, they began discussing a wedding date. Lori had been thrilled with their engagement, and just the thought of an actual wedding made her head spin. She had not even taken the day into consideration.
“Well, when do you want to get married?” asked Jason, tearing off a hunk of bread. Lori was enjoying her usual salad while they waited for the entrées to be served.
“Do you want to get married after college?” she anxiously inquired.
His eyes grew wide. “I’m not waiting that long!”
Laughing with relief, Lori stabbed at a tomato. “Okay, something much sooner then?”
Slowly chewing his bread, Jason thought it over. “What about this summer?”
“Are you serious?” Lori gasped.
“Is that too soon?”
Lori shook her head and smiled. “No!”
“Well, let’s do it then! Pick a date,” he told her, tearing off more bread.
She stared at Jason, amazed he would want to get married so soon. “May Fourteenth,” she blurted before he changed his mind.
“Sounds good to me.”
Taking another bite of her salad, Lori realized how little time that gave them to plan a wedding. “My mom’s gonna panic when I tell her,” Lori said quietly.
“I’m sure my mom can help,” said Jason, unconcerned.
“I know she won’t want to cut corners. She’ll want the wedding to be big and fancy.”
Patiently, he reached across the table and covered her hand. “Just make sure it’s done the way you want, Lori. I’ll be happy with that.”
- Writer
