The Circle of Friends

VI - Springtime-1

VI - Springtime

Once Christmas passed, it became almost impossible to separate Lori and Jason. They went everywhere together. Many evenings were spent with friends, but rarely did either of them go alone. Lori soon discovered this required great time management on her part, but she did not neglect her training or let her grades suffer.

After that first swim meet, Jason attended every single one. He quickly became her greatest encourager and fan. Lori’s home meets now boasted a small cheering section as well, as other friends joined Jason. At every event she swam faster and her time for both races continued to improve. Fulfilling her role as team leader proved the greatest challenge, but she put forth her best effort.

Their time together eventually piqued the interest of Lori’s parents. One evening after a visit from Jason, her father entered the room to discuss matters. Phil asked several random questions as he floundered nervously through their conversation. Grasping his main concern, Lori quickly came to his rescue.

“Daddy, you don’t have to worry. I’m still a virgin,” she said, affectionately patting his hand.

“Oh, well, we knew you and Jason were getting rather close. Your mother and I just wanted to be sure…” he stammered nervously.

“We’re responsible, I promise. Besides, I know to wait,” Lori answered, touched by her father’s inquiry. She knew he had her best interests at heart.

Baseball season soon began. Jason played second base, his favorite position, while Matt tended first. Lori arranged her schedule to allow time for Jason’s games. She had earned enough credits to drop her afternoon classes that semester, ending her school day by lunchtime. Once swim season came to a close, she would shift her workouts to free her afternoons. Jason had been so diligent in his attendance of her swim meets she did not want to miss any baseball games.

Swimming finals took place the weekend after Valentine’s Day. Lori’s father dropped her off early that morning to ride in the van with her teammates. He retrieved Jason an hour later and they began the two-hour trip. Her father knew more about sports than Jason imagined and he enjoyed conversing with Phil. He did not see Lori’s father often and took advantage of the opportunity to discuss his favorite topic. Jason had just finished describing his aspirations for college and a football career when the conversation turned to the subject of their relationship.

“It’s been wonderful to see Lori so happy these past few months,” said Phil, one hand on the wheel. “I’m glad she gets out of the house more, too. Used to worry me that she was alone all the time. You’ve brought her out of her shell.”

“Lori’s a lot of fun to be around,” said Jason. “Ask any of my friends. They think the world of her.”

“Well, she certainly thinks the world of you,” her father said firmly. “Until she met you, swimming was her only obsession!”

Jason grinned, enjoying the flattery. “I’m pretty fond of her, too.”

“Which brings me to the next topic,” Phil said, nervously shifting in his seat. “I’ve already spoken with Lori, but I wanted to discuss this with you as well.”

“Are you talking about s*x?” asked Jason, sensing where the conversation might be leading.

“Yes,” Lori’s father answered quickly. “I remember being your age, because it wasn’t that long ago. I know what a seventeen year old thinks about all the time! Now, I know Lori’s got some firm beliefs in that area, which I support wholeheartedly. She’s also my only daughter, so I’m naturally going to be a little protective. I just wanted to know where you stood on the subject.”

“Well, sir, Lori told me she wanted to wait, and I respect your daughter’s request,” offered Jason, feeling a little uneasy. This was the first time a girlfriend’s father had ever discussed s*x with him.

“That’s good you both agreed to wait. I want you to be aware of the consequences,” Phil said sternly, glancing at Jason. “I know swimming in the Olympics has been a lifetime pursuit of Lori’s, and I want her to have every opportunity to accomplish that goal.”

Swallowing nervously, Jason nodded in agreement. Mr. Anders was completely serious. Jason certainly understood how to use protection and had always been careful. However, it remained doubtful he could have ever looked Lori’s father in the eye and admitted having s*x with his daughter, even with protection. Lori’s resolve might be an inconvenience at times, but it had saved him today.

After a moment of silence, Phil let out a short laugh. “Relax, son. I don’t own a gun!” he said, bringing a smile of relief to Jason’s face. “Besides, you’re both pretty responsible kids. I’m just being a father! It’s my job, you know.”

The remainder of the trip passed pleasantly and they reached the facility with thirty minutes to spare. A crowd had already begun to gather, but they managed to secure several seats halfway up the bleachers. Dozens of swimmers wandered poolside, representing the many different high schools in South Carolina. Several were warming up in the water and Jason located Lori doing laps in the main pool.

Shortly before the meet began, Matt and his carload arrived. Matt and Steve squeezed in next to Jason while Sarah, Heather and Maria crowded in behind them. Lori would have a cheering section this year. Phil expressed his gratitude and appeared to tolerate the group’s noisy antics while they waited for the first race to commence.

Eight girls lined up for the 200 with Lori occupying the third lane. She approached the block, lowered her head and then stepped into position. She appeared calm and composed for this race, and Jason suddenly realized he was holding his breath. Apparently Lori was more relaxed than he for this event.

Less than fifteen seconds after the gun sounded, it became obvious who would win the race. Jason and his friends were on their feet, loudly cheering until the final stroke. Lori hit the wall and immediately looked to the clock. This was the last time she would ever swim this race and Lori’s final run had improved her time by one and a half seconds.

Her little cheering section simply exploded. She flashed a brief smile once she realized her accomplishment. Her teammates were excited but kept their distance, letting her climb out of the pool unencumbered. Lori still had one more race.

The group chatted amongst themselves as they waited for Lori’s next race. Jason slipped out to the car to retrieve the dozen roses he had purchased for the occasion. He would give them to her after the second race. After breaking her own record in the 200, he hoped she would do the same in the 100. Sarah promised Lori always improved during finals and the only time she had placed second was her freshman year. Lori had sworn she would never lose again.

When the gun went off for the 100, everyone jumped to their feet. Their voices rose as Lori went down the length of the pool and turned around, headed for home. Sarah screamed at the top of her lungs and even Lori’s father was quite animated. Jason could hardly stand the suspense. When she finally hit the wall, Lori glanced up with everyone else to see the verdict. More than a second faster!

Lori’s relief was obvious. She smiled and leaned back in the pool, floating with her eyes closed. Another competitor said something to her in passing and Lori responded. Slowly she swam toward the ladder, letting everyone else exit the pool first. Two of her teammates met Lori as she climbed out of the water and she graciously accepted their congratulations. Pulling her cap from her head, she turned to face the crowd. Accepting a towel from a teammate, she walked toward the rail surrounding the bleachers. Flowers in hand, Jason went down the steps to greet Lori.

“You did it, Baby,” he said giving her a hug before presenting the roses.

“Oh!” she cried, her arms wrapping around the bouquet.

Jason gave her a quick kiss, proud of Lori’s accomplishment. Her eyes bright, she simply beamed with joy. Reluctantly she took a step back, her fingers holding on to his as long as possible.

They waited for her outside of the locker room when the meet ended. Lori finally emerged, still holding the flowers. She was all but attacked by seven very excited friends as everyone tried to congratulate her at one time. Overwhelmed by the attention, Lori let her father embrace her first. She then retreated to the safety of Jason’s arms, who protectively guarded the shy champion until they reached the car.

“We need to celebrate!” cried Sarah, patting her friend’s arm.

“Yeah, I’m starving,” said Matt. “Let’s go somewhere to eat.”

“Honey?” her father asked, leaving the decision to her. Lori realized everyone would be disappointed if she said no and she agreed to stop for lunch.

She slid into the back seat of her father’s car, the roses still in her arms. Jason tossed her bag into the front seat before joining her. While Phil maneuvered out of the parking lot, she leaned against Jason and closed her eyes. He put his arm around Lori and pulled her close.

“You did it!” he whispered, giving her shoulder a squeeze. She placed her free hand on his knee and he covered it with his own.

“Thank you for the flowers,” she said, holding them closer. “No one’s ever given me a dozen roses before.”

“Well, now someone has! I’m proud of you, Baby,” he answered.

She remained quietly snuggled to his side until they arrived at the restaurant. Jason wondered if she would sleep in his arms the entire ride home and decided that would not be a bad thing.

Once seated at a table, Lori livened up considerably. She accepted everyone’s praise with grace, patiently listening while each person recounted their thoughts during the race. Maria spoke of her concerns while Sarah and Steve became involved in a good-natured heated discussion. It amused Lori that such a diverse group had gathered together today to celebrate her success. Credit her relationship with Jason with that minor triumph.

Jason came over that night to spend a quiet evening with Lori. The excitement of the day had exhausted her energy, and she was quite happy to sit and watch a movie with him. Knees pulled to her chest, she snuggled on the couch with Jason, totally at peace with the world.

After the movie, Lori retrieved sodas while Jason flicked through the sports channels. He eventually settled on a hockey game. They sat quietly watching the game and sipping their drinks.

Lori finally realized Jason’s attention was no longer on the hockey game. He began to play with her hair, gently pulling it away from her face. His other hand lay curled around hers, his thumb gently stroking her fingers. She knew that meant he had something on his mind.

“What?” she asked softly, eyeing him suspiciously.

“Nothing,” he said innocently. “Just enjoying being next to you.”

She flashed him a warm smile and leaned her head against the back of the couch. Jason leaned closer and gave her a kiss.

“We talked about you on the way to the meet today,” he teased.

“Oh?”

He held up her hand, still caressing the fingers. “First time I’ve ever had a girlfriend’s father discuss s*x with me.”

Lori moaned and covered her face. “I’m sorry! I didn’t realize my father would talk to you, too.”

“That’s okay, I got through it. I’m glad I didn’t have to lie about it. Or worse, tell him we were!” he exclaimed, smiling with relief.

“Anyway, he just really cares about you and wants to keep you safe. And you know what?” he asked when she ducked her head. “So do I. In fact, I’ve never felt so protective of anyone in my life.”

“Jason,” she said softly, embarrassed by his declaration.

“No, you just let me love on you for a moment,” he said firmly. “You make me feel needed. Not just wanted, but needed. And it means a lot to me. It doesn’t matter what I do, I feel appreciated, even if it wasn’t my best effort. I love you so much for that.”