The Circle of Friends

VIII - College-2

He nodded, his hands pressed firmly against her back. Finally he released Lori and climbed into his car. His father had already pulled out and was waiting for him. Glancing at Lori one last time, Jason backed out of the driveway and drove away, his father following in the pickup. Lori and Jason’s mother solemnly watched as they drove to the corner and turned out of sight.

“My dear,” said Gloria, laying a hand on Lori’s shoulder. “Why don’t you come in for a minute and have some tea or hot chocolate?”

Lori made a feeble protest, aware she needed to return to her swimming lesson. Judy had been very understanding and allowed let her to come say goodbye. She did not want to keep her trainer waiting.

“Come on,” said Jason’s mother, “I think you need some company right now.”

Lori followed her into the kitchen and his mother cleared a spot at the table. The remains of breakfast still covered the surface and the aroma caused Lori to feel slightly ill. She sat at the very end of the table and as far away from the breakfast fare as possible. Gloria busied herself with the teakettle.

“Which would you prefer?” she asked, producing a mug for Lori. “Hot chocolate or tea?”

“Tea, please.”

“I’ll join you in that!” she said, retrieving her mug from the table.

While she waited for the water to boil, Jason’s mother cleared the dishes from the table and stacked them in the sink. Once the food had been removed, Lori’s stomach quieted and she casually observed her surroundings. She liked their small and cozy kitchen. The formal dining room rarely saw action in this house. Everyone preferred the kitchen nook.

The teakettle whistled and Gloria poured hot water into both cups. Draping a teabag into each one, she set Lori’s mug on the table. Jason’s mother sank into a chair and waited for Lori to speak first.

As Lori sat there dunking her teabag, the reality of the situation hit her full force. She would not see Jason for over three weeks, perhaps never again. Lori took a deep breath as she felt tears well up inside. Unable to stop the flood, she covered her eyes with her hand and gasped.

“Oh, honey, it’ll be okay!” cried Gloria, reaching over to touch her arm. She gripped Lori reassuringly, her touch as gentle as her son’s.

“I know,” replied Lori hoarsely, attempting to regain control. “It’s just… he’ll be so far away. What if he finds…?”

Jason’s mother smiled. “What if he finds someone else? My dear, he’s far more concerned you will find someone new! Jason has worried all summer about you.”

Lori wiped away her tears. “Really?” she asked.

“In fact, if you promise never to tell him,” continued Gloria, her voice low. “Last night, when he came in from saying goodbye to you, Jason went straight to his room. I followed him upstairs, as I wanted to know if they needed a lunch today. My dear,” she said, setting down her mug. “He was actually crying. I haven’t seen Jason cry since he was ten years old!”

Lori regarded Gloria with surprise. Jason had not acted overly emotional last night. Perhaps her own tears had prevented him from letting down his guard.

“I had no idea,” said Lori slowly.

“And I think you nearly had him this morning, too,” she added. “Lori, dear, I doubt you have anything to worry about. I’ve never seen my son more smitten with any girl than he is with you!”

“Thank you,” said Lori, a smile slowly emerging. She felt better already.

“Jason has a good head on his shoulders, but I’ve always worried about the girls he’d date. He’s always been firm but gentle, and I feared he’d end up with a girl who would just beat him down. I’m very pleased he spent the past year in your company. You’re always so positive and encouraging!”

Feeling herself blush, Lori smiled and ducked her head. Praise always embarrassed her, but she wanted to hear more.

“I told Jason that if he messes up this relationship, I’d never forgive him!” Gloria said with a laugh. “I want a nice daughter-in-law like you.”

“Mrs. Phillips,” cried Lori, overwhelmed. “That’s beyond what I could imagine now.”

“Think bigger,” she answered, taking a sip of her tea.

They sat talking in the kitchen for nearly an hour. Lori relished the comfort and attention of a mother figure, especially one who approved of her wholeheartedly. Her own mother rarely had the time to listen in depth as Lori expressed her concerns and triumphs, although Rhonda supported her daughter’s activities. The difference lay in passive versus active interest. Jason’s parents were extremely involved in his life and instilled confidence at every opportunity. After an hour in Gloria’s presence, Lori understood from where Jason’s gentle nature originated and hoped she could live up to the standard set by his mother.

By the time she returned to her lesson, Lori felt she had a new understanding of Jason and his feelings toward her. She had not doubted his love for her, but now she knew the extent of his attachment. All they had to do was survive the next four years of college. How difficult could that be?

Jason called her that night and every night afterwards. Thrilled to hear his voice, Lori suppressed her loneliness and sorrow whenever they spoke. She missed him tremendously, but Jason needed to concentrate on football and not be worried about his lonely girlfriend back home. The last thing she wanted was his calls to cease because she made him feel worse.

She stopped to visit with his parents a couple times before departing for college. Gloria always acted delighted to see her and Lori felt very welcome in the Phillips’ home. Jason undoubtedly received an account of her visits whenever he phoned his parents.

A couple evenings were spent in the company of Sarah, Heather or Maria. Heather offered numerous tidbits regarding Jason’s childhood and Lori listened closely to her friend’s stories. She also discovered Heather and Sarah were to be roommates at Georgia Tech. This surprised Lori, as they seemed the least likely roommates, but she was glad Sarah would have a friend at college.

Jason was currently rooming with Chris, which caused Lori some concern. However, they were already planning to pledge a fraternity that included many of the football players. If successful, Jason would have his own room. The influence of dozens of football players might not be a good thing, but Lori knew Chris’s objectives for college and prayed Jason would not follow his example.

Finally, the day arrived for Lori to move to college. Her father took two days off from work and they loaded a U-Haul truck with her belongings. Phil would fly back to Greenville once Lori was securely in her dorm room. Towing her car, they rode together in the U-Haul truck. Lori enjoyed spending time alone with her father and they talked the entire trip. At first they discussed Lori’s upcoming college experience, but their conversation eventually touched upon every aspect of her life. Her father seemed sympathetic to her plight with Jason and understood the trials they faced. Lori wished they could make a side trip to Florida State, but Jason had already promised to come see her that weekend.

Once at the college, Lori was paired with a girl named Wanda. A straight-A student attending Florida on scholarship, she quickly informed Lori she had no intention of wasting her time socializing. Lori felt grateful to not be rooming with a party animal, but Wanda obviously walked a very straight and narrow line. Her ultra-conservative attitude would be challenging even for Lori.

Lori got through the enrollment process, taking one class more than necessary. She had no desire to stay longer than four years. Regardless, the semester before the Olympics she would have to lighten her class load to accommodate her training.

Jason’s classes also began next week, but his first game was scheduled for Friday. As the third string quarterback, it was doubtful he would play, but Jason was still excited. He planned to leave for Gainesville immediately after practice on Saturday. Lori watched the game Friday night, much to her roommate’s chagrin. As expected, Jason did not play, but Lori saw him once on the sidelines. Just the thrill of a brief glimpse made her heart pound and renewed her enthusiasm for Saturday afternoon.

Lori arose early Saturday to slip in her two workouts before Jason’s arrival. Feeling restless after her second trip to the pool, she went outside to read. Shortly before three o’clock, her cell phone beeped and Lori answered immediately.

“Hi there!” said Jason, his spirits high. “I’m pulling out of town now. Should be there in two hours!”

“And I’ll be waiting!” she answered. “Sure you can find my dorm?”

Jason laughed mischievously. “I’ve got a surprise for you! Can you find the Days Inn on Richmond Road?”

“Here in town? Probably.”

“Good. Meet me there in two hours!” he cried.

“You’re spending the night?” asked Lori, her voice full of elation.

“Why rush back? I might get back late and be locked out of the dorm. Besides, our practice isn’t until ten tomorrow. I’ll just head back early in the morning.”

“That’s great!” she cried, mentally calculating the time. They would have at least seven hours together tonight.

“Come spend the night with me!” he suddenly exclaimed.

“At the hotel?”

“Yeah,” said Jason, the grin in his voice unmistakable. “I promise to behave. But it would be great to hold you all night long.”

Lori hesitated for only a moment. She was free to come and go during dorm hours and could simply return tomorrow morning.

“Okay, I’ll do it!” she decided.

“Great. I’ll see you in a little while, Baby!”

Lori tried to continue reading on the bench, but she fidgeted with anticipation. She gave up in her efforts and returned to her room to prepare for the evening.

She checked her e-mail first and sent a reply to Sarah. Her friend had already begun complaining about Heather’s slovenly habits and Lori sensed it would be a long year for both. Next she checked the local listing for the Days Inn. It resided five miles from campus and the directions appeared easy to follow. Finally, she put together an overnight bag and remembered to leave Wanda a note. She smiled as she described her location, for Wanda would likely shake her head in disgust when she read the letter. Had she not been familiar with Maria’s prudish manner, Lori might have been unable to cope with Wanda.

When she completed her tasks, Lori realized she still had almost an hour before Jason’s arrival. She jumped online and casually searched the Internet, trying to kill time. Eventually she found a website of interest and became involved reading the content, all the while keeping an eye on the clock.

By four-thirty, she was in her car and en route to the hotel. It did not take long to find the Days Inn and she circled the parking lot searching for Jason’s car. When she failed to see his BMW anywhere, she parked near the front entrance and went inside to wait. Lori sat in the lobby where she had a clear view of the traffic in the parking lot.

Finally, a familiar car pulled up to the front doors. Lori eagerly bounded outside. Jason stepped out of his car and smiled the moment he laid eyes on Lori. Closing the distance between them, Lori gave a joyful cry as she threw her arms around his neck.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you!” Jason exclaimed in her ear. Leaning away, he gave Lori several urgent kisses.

“It felt like forever!” murmured Lori, stroking his hair.

“I know,” said Jason, giving her one more kiss before grasping her hand. “Come on! Let’s get our key and get to the room.”

He released her hand long enough to sign for the hotel room, but immediately grasped her fingers again. Lori clung to Jason with both hands during the process. Once he had the key in hand, Jason went outside to park his car. He pulled alongside Lori’s Mustang and she retrieved her bag. Jason immediately took it from her grasp.

“I’ll get that!” he said, leaving no room for argument.

They went inside and down the hall to their room. Lori let them in with the key and Jason set their bags just inside the door. Moving into the main room, Lori inspected their accommodations. A king-sized bed occupied one wall, opposite a large television and table with a microwave. The room smelled fresh and the staff had turned on the air conditioning.

She was about to check the bathroom when Jason suddenly picked her up and they fell heavily on the bed. Lori had only a moment to laugh before Jason began kissing her with great urgency. With her back pressed comfortably into the mattress, she wrapped her arms around his neck and surrendered herself to Jason. They kissed passionately for several minutes before he gasped and pulled away to see her face. He smiled and lovingly stroked the side of her face.

“Gosh, have I missed you,” he whispered. “I think about you all the time!”

“I’ve missed you, too,” Lori answered. “I can’t believe you’re here!”

Jason silenced her with a kiss. “You knew I’d come! Nothing could’ve kept me away today. And getting to hold you…” he trailed off, kissing her neck. “I haven’t eaten yet, but now I don’t know if I’m more hungry for food or for you.”

“We’ve got all night!” exclaimed Lori with a laugh.

“You’re right,” said Jason, leaning back. “How about I take you out to dinner?”

“It’d be wonderful!” said Lori, looking forward to sharing a meal with him again.

“All right then,” said Jason, sitting up and extending his hand. “Let’s go before I change my mind and order room service instead!”

They found a nearby restaurant that was not crowded and asked for a booth. For the next hour, they eagerly chatted as if they had not been apart for the better part of a month. Talking on the phone every day was better than nothing, but a real conversation was far more pleasurable.

Jason filled her in on his football practices and schedule. It was tougher than high school, which he had expected. He continued to adjust to the sensation of being completely worn out every single day. The coach was fair but tough, and Jason held a great respect for him. He expected a lot more from a quarterback there on scholarship than he did from the average player. Coach Holt had held him to a higher standard as well, expecting the best from the team’s leader. Jason’s new coach was also preparing him for the day when he would be the starting quarterback and leading the Seminoles.

Lori just listened, content to let Jason do most of the talking. Being deprived of his loving touch and warm smile for over three weeks had been difficult. Tonight however, their time apart seemed to just melt away as if only a bad dream.

The rest of the evening passed wonderfully and they fell asleep in each other’s arms. With Jason curled tightly next to her body, every care and concern fled her mind and Lori felt secure. The last thing she heard before drifting to sleep was Jason whispering in her ear that he loved her.

They arose shortly after six the next morning. Jason still had a two-hour drive and did not want to be late for practice. They got a quick bite to eat in the lobby before checking out of the hotel. Reluctantly, Jason carried the bags to their vehicles. Lori glanced toward the east and caught the brilliance of the rising sun. It would be another warm day. She planned to spend as much of it in the campus pool as possible.

Closing his car door, Jason turned to hold her one last time. After the pleasure of last night, this morning’s farewell did not feel as gut-wrenchingly terrible as the first goodbye three weeks ago.

“We’ll have to do this again,” said Lori softly, her eyes closed.

“Yes!” said Jason enthusiastically, leaning away to see her face. “We will. Every couple weeks, depending on when our games fall. I’ll come see you and maybe you can visit me.”

Lori smiled, pleased with the idea. Jason kissed her, his hands pressed firmly against her back, enjoying one last moment before he returned to Tallahassee. Their lips parted and Jason leaned his forehead against hers.

“We can do this,” he said in a low voice.

“And we will,” Lori replied with conviction. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he answered, giving her one last kiss. “Now, get in your car before I change my mind about leaving.”

He held her door and she slid inside. He waited until Lori had backed out of her parking spot before opening his own car door. Lori gave him one last wave as she pulled out of the hotel parking lot. In her rear view mirror, she saw him pull out as well, heading in the opposite direction. She sighed, still disappointed they would not see one another for several weeks. But she would be seeing Jason again, and that was what mattered most.