The Circle of Friends

II - The Day After

II - The Day After

Lori felt twice as sore in the morning. The stiffness in her back slowed her progress and she arrived at school just in time for her first class. Maria shared her second class and immediately began to apologize, believing herself at fault for Joe and Devon’s attack on Lori. She was distraught to the point of tears, and Lori attempted to convince Maria it was not her fault while consoling her friend as well.

By the time they returned to their lockers for break, Maria finally stopped apologizing. Sarah teased Lori about her previous night’s visitor and tried to give her pointers. Maria casually asked if her advice had worked on Sarah’s last boyfriend and the two of them fell into a heated exchange.

Lori slowly sat down in front of her open locker, still feeling her injuries. She wanted to escape their angry conversation. Pulling out her English book, she pretended to ignore her friends.

Suddenly, their voices ceased. Lori was only vaguely aware of this until Sarah kicked her shoe. Looking up to see what she wanted, Lori realized Jason was present and watching her.

“Hi,” she said, closing the book in her hand.

“Hi. Wasn’t sure you were going to be here today,” he said.

Lori saw Sarah make a face and realized she needed introduce her companions before they embarrassed her. “Jason, these are my friends Sarah and Maria.”

He nodded. “You sit behind me in third period,” he said to Sarah.

“That’s right!’” she said boldly.

Trust Sarah never to lose her tongue, Lori thought to herself. With Jason’s attention diverted, she discreetly shoved the book into her locker. Sarah glanced at her and then slammed her locker.

“Let’s go Maria,” she said, grabbing her hand.

Somehow, Maria managed to pull her purse out of her locker without Sarah slamming it on her friend’s hand. They walked down the hall, glancing back over their shoulders and whispering. Jason hardly even noticed their departure.

Relieved they were gone, Lori sighed. She started to rise, but Jason gestured for her to remain seated. He sat next to her, his knees bent and back against the lockers.

“No, you sit,” he said. Jason reached for her hand. “Hurting today, huh?”

“Yeah,” she reluctantly admitted. “But I still worked out this morning, which is why I was late.”

“And why you hurt so bad now,” he said, squeezing her hand for effect. “I wanted to tell you that you don’t have to worry about those two jerks bothering any of you again.”

“Why? What happened?”

“They have gym at the same time I do, but with a different teacher. Before they left the locker room, a couple friends and I put some fear into them. Would’ve liked to beat the crap out of them. But we didn’t,” he said quickly. “Just pushed them around a bit. Anyway, when class ended, Coach Holt called them into his office. He was still yelling at them when I left. Trust me, Coach can be real intimidating when he wants. I doubt they’ll mess with you again.”

“Thanks. But I think you scared them pretty good yesterday.”

He flashed her a boyish grin. “Yeah, I did, didn’t I? Well, they deserved to get their heads beaten and they will if they ever touch you again.”

Lori had to smile. She could not have anyone better watching out for her than Jason.

“Anyway,” he continued, “I want you to come sit with me at lunchtime.”

“Sure,” she replied. “Just don’t laugh at my lunch.”

“Why would I laugh at your lunch?”

“I usually have just an energy shake and a piece of fruit,” she said wryly. “Sarah calls it a health snack.”

“Well, don’t laugh at how much food I put away and you can eat whatever you want,” he said, rising to his feet. “I’ll see you then.”

“Okay,” she answered.

She watched him walk down the hall and around the corner. Lori sat there for a moment, letting her heart rate return to normal. This was incredible. Just yesterday at lunch, Sarah had prompted her to get to know the football players. Now she was going to be sitting with the quarterback!

Sarah and Maria sent her over to Jason’s table at lunchtime with many words of encouragement. Lori felt bad for leaving them, but Sarah insisted. She pointed Lori in the right direction and gave her friend a shove. Sarah then took Maria and vanished into the crowd.

Jason had a seat waiting for Lori. There were five other boys at the table, every one of them eating like there was no tomorrow. Three girls joined them, two of whom were definitely coupled with someone at the table. Even as Jason introduced his friends, Lori realized that she knew most of them. His best friend, Matt, had even been her chemistry lab partner the previous year. This put Lori at ease and bolstered her confidence.

At first, she simply listened, not wanting to jump in on other people’s familiar conversations. Eventually, Lori asked the girl across from her a question, easily enticing Heather to talk about basketball. Matt chatted with her as well. She remembered his friendly disposition and was quite willing to rehash past science incidents. Most of the conversation centered on football or the morning’s classes.

Several times during lunch, Jason reached under the table to hold her hand or to touch her knee. Whether a demonstration of affection or a gesture of reassurance, Lori could not be sure, but she appreciated the strength she gathered every time she felt Jason’s hand. She made sure to save her biggest smiles for him as well.

When the bell sounded, everyone arose and moved toward the stairs. In the middle of an intense discussion with Matt, Jason continued to hold her hand as they walked. When they reached the top of the stairs, Jason turned to face Lori.

“Can I see you again tonight?” he asked hopefully.

“Sure,” she answered.

“If you give me your number, I’ll call first this time.”

Lori slowly recited her cell phone number. “I swim until six, though.”

“I’ll call after six then,” he said with a smile. Jason hesitated, toying with the idea of kissing her again. The steady stream of people moving around them discouraged that course of action and he simply released her hand.

When she arrived at her locker, Sarah awaited Lori. “Hey!” her friend cried, closing her locker and grinning eagerly. “Well, how did it go?”

“Fine,” answered Lori, turning the tumbler on her locker.

“Just fine?” asked Sarah in her most persuasive tone.

Lori opened her locker. “It went great,” she laughed, pulling out her books. “Jason asked to see me again tonight.”

“I hope you said yes!”

“Of course I said yes, Sarah.”

“Good! I’ll want a full report tomorrow,” her friend instructed, turning to leave. “And pictures!”

Lori was eager for Jason’s call, but it thrilled her just as much to get back into the water. She had been swimming since the age of three and the water was definitely her comfort zone. Her rhythm felt off when she first slipped into the pool, which bothered Lori. Once her muscles began to cooperate, Lori put herself through a grueling workout.

She did not want to miss Jason’s phone call, though and pulled herself out of the pool at five-thirty. She toweled off her body and padded into the kitchen. Aware of the housekeeper’s visit that morning, Lori hoped the woman had prepared her a simple dinner. Pleased to discover a large pasta salad just for her in the refrigerator, she pulled it out immediately. As she finished her dinner, the door leading to the garage swung open. Her mother strode purposefully into the kitchen, her arms loaded with paperwork. Surprised to see her mother so early, Lori assumed she just passing through on her way to her next appointment.

Dropping her load on the island counter, her mother slapped down her keys and took a deep breath. She adjusted her sharp blue dress, maintaining a high level of professionalism even in her own house. Her short hair was still curled to perfection, every strand in place. As much time as Lori’s her mother dedicated to her work, she could not be constantly fixing her hair. Lori thought she spent too much time at her office, but her father insisted her mother was happiest when working. Sometimes Lori had to wonder, for even she took time to relax now and then. Rhonda Anders, however, never seemed to relax.

“Hi Mom,” said Lori brightly.

“Good evening, dear,” she answered, glancing up from her papers. “Have a good day?”

It was just the usual nightly conversation, but Lori decided to give her a real answer tonight. “I had a great day,” she said, slowly emphasizing every word.

Her mother absently reached for the mail. “What was so great about it?”

“A guy,” said Lori, taking the last bite of pasta to hide her smile.

“A guy? Who is he?” Rhonda asked, giving Lori her complete attention at last.

Lori finished chewing and set her bowl in the sink. “His name is Jason Phillips. He’s the quarterback on our football team.”

“Phillips,” her mother said thoughtfully. “As in Phillips Construction?”

“I believe so. Lives over on Malcolm.”

Her mother nodded approvingly. “I’ve dealt with them before. Good family. Is Jason a decent kid? Get good grades?”

“Mom!” said Lori, exasperated.

“Just want my daughter to date someone worthy of her!”

“He more than qualifies. And,” she added quietly, “he wants to see me tonight.”

Rhonda scooped up the rest of the mail and her papers. “Just make sure he comes in so I can meet him.”

Her mother’s focus shifted to the items in her hand as she strode down the hall to her office. Lori eagerly went upstairs to shower and change.

On a typical weekday evening, she never bothered to dry her hair. She might tie it back or wrap it up in a towel, but rarely did she put forth much effort. Tonight however, she took special care to dry it completely. Her hair hung to her waist, the length pulling the curls into gentle waves. Even after years of swimming, Lori preferred long hair. It was perhaps her only vanity.

Her phone rang just as she finished dressing. Glancing at the caller ID, she knew this was her awaited call.

“Hi,” she said expectantly into the receiver.

“Lori? Hi. I guess you know who this is then.”

“Yes I do,” she answered, still trying to free her hair from the back of her shirt.

“Are you through with your workout?” asked Jason.

“All done!”

“Great. Thought you might like to go out for a cola or something. Can I pick you up in fifteen minutes?”

“Yes,” Lori replied, glancing at her schoolbooks. Her homework tonight was light and could be done later.

“Okay, see you in little bit.”

Lori grabbed her cell phone and keys and jammed them into her jean pockets. She picked up her wallet and paused in front of the full-length mirror. Lori stared at her reflection and took a deep breath.

Jason Phillips was coming for her! One of the most popular boys at school was taking her out for a soda. She felt like a kid at Christmas. Lori hoped she would not appear too eager. Sarah’s enthusiasm had seemed childish yesterday, but now she felt a little giddy, too.

She went downstairs, her bounding limited by her sore back. Walking down the hall to her mother’s office, Lori almost ran into Rhonda as she emerged holding her phone.

“He’ll be here in a couple minutes!” Lori cried, unable to conceal her joy.

“Well, I’ll get the door when he arrives,” her mother said, handing her the receiver. “Your father would like to say hello.”

Rhonda strolled to the kitchen and Lori anxiously held the phone to her ear. “Daddy? Hi!” she exclaimed, leaning against the wall.

“Hi, Pumpkin! I hear we have a date tonight!” he replied, obviously aware of the situation.

“He’s just taking me out for a soda.”

“That’s called a date, Hon,” said her father warmly. “So, tell me about Prince Charming!”

As Lori described Jason, she wished she could tell her father about yesterday afternoon. He would be impressed with Jason’s brave actions.

“Hope I get to meet him soon,” her father said wistfully.

“When are you coming home?” Lori asked. She missed him terribly when her father traveled. Unfortunately, his business trips occurred quite often.

“Tomorrow,” he answered. “It’ll probably be late.”

“I’ll wait up!” she promised.

The chime of the front doorbell sounded loudly. “Daddy, I’m sorry, but I gotta go,” she said quickly, taking a step toward the entryway. Her mother proceeded to answer the front door and Lori prayed she would not embarrass her daughter.

Her father laughed. “Okay then, you have a good time tonight. I love you!”

“I love you, too,” said Lori, trying to peer around the corner without being seen. She could hear Jason’s voice. “Bye, Daddy.”

Her mother had invited him inside and asked about his father’s line of work. Judging from her tone, she approved of the young man here to retrieve her daughter. Lori stepped around the corner, receiver still in hand. Jason was politely answering her mother’s question when he caught sight of Lori and smiled. Returning his grin, she joined them and handed her mother the phone.

“You kids have a good time,” said Rhonda, excusing herself. “It was nice to meet you, Jason.”

“Nice to meet you, ‘mam,” he answered quickly, holding the door open for Lori. “Ready?”

“Yes!”

They stepped outside and walked down the steps to his car. His metallic-silver BMW convertible shone brightly in the circular drive. He held the door for her, playing every part the gentleman, and Lori slid into the passenger seat. The dark interior was a sharp contrast to the outside. It was very clean too, which impressed her more than the make and model.

Jason jumped into the driver’s seat and started his car. “Thought we’d go to Max’s Grille. Dinner crowd should be clearing out and we can get a booth.”

“Sounds good.”

The restaurant was not far away and Jason wasted no time getting them to their destination. The parking lot was only half full and he parked near the entrance. He helped Lori out of the car and escorted her to the door, nearly placing a hand on her lower back. He caught himself just in time and moved his hand to her shoulder.

Once inside, they were directed immediately to a small booth. The table and seats were rounded, allowing couples to sit side by side. Obviously Jason had this feature in mind when selecting the restaurant and sat close to Lori. The waitress tried to talk them into dessert, but they settled for soft drinks. The girl appeared disappointed, but whisked away to retrieve their sodas.

Lori flipped the drink coaster in her hand, eyeing the delectable desserts pictured on either side. Jason leaned closer and asked if she was sure she didn’t want something else besides a diet cola.

“Oh, no,” she said with a laugh, dropping the coaster. “I think it’s been years since I had pure chocolate.”

“No chocolate?” he asked in mock horror.

She shook her head. “I try to eat healthy. Can’t do what I do weighing 200 pounds.”

“Hard to do what I do if you don’t!”

Lori laughed. Placing her elbows on the edge of the table, she decided to take the first plunge. “So, how long have you been playing football?”

“Since sixth grade,” he said, leaning forward on the table. “I’d always played Little League baseball before that. Thought I was going to be in the Major League. But my dad encouraged me to try out for football and the rest is history.”

“Were you really good at it?” she asked.

“No, actually I wasn’t!” he laughed, recalling his first season. “And I didn’t play quarterback, I was on the line. And wasn’t crazy about being hit all the time.”

“So what did you do?”

“Well, my dad practiced with me, throwing the ball and stuff. I did like to throw and it just took some time to get used to throwing the football. I eventually got better and tried out for quarterback in seventh grade. By eighth, I was starting.”

“You still play baseball though, right?”

Just then, the server returned with their drinks. They each took a sip before continuing their conversation.

“Yes, I still love baseball. But I’m going to college on a football scholarship.”

“Wow,” she said. “Want to go pro?”

He nodded. “Yes, I do.”

“If that’s what you really want, then I know you will.”

“What about you?” he asked, reaching over to take her hand. “I understand you’re aiming for the Olympics.”

Lori straightened her shoulders. “Yes, in four years. And I’m going to win the gold.”

Jason smiled. “That’s pretty bold.”

“Why play if it’s not to win?” Lori asked. “If you’re not going to give it your all and expect to be victorious, then you won’t! I never go into a race hoping to win or worse, thinking I won’t! I expect to improve my time and come in first – every time.”

“So it’s all in the attitude, huh?”

“Attitude is most of it,” Lori laughed. “Wish it was all of it!”

He smiled, his thumb rubbing her hand. “Coach told me how hard you work. How long have you been swimming?”

“I had lessons when I was just three. My dad said I took to the water like a fish and they’ve never been able to get me out. Our first house had a small pool. I’d come home from school and swim every day. As soon as I was old enough to enter competition, my parents encouraged me. And I did well.”

She took a sip of her diet cola, thinking back to her early swim meets. “My parents were happy I had something to focus on. They hired a trainer when I was ten. I’ve worked out almost every day since then. Right now I spend five days a week with my current trainer, Judy, and the rest of the time I’m on my own.”

Lori paused, aware of what Jason was thinking. “I guess it’s been pretty much my entire life!”

“Well, now I know where you’ve been hiding,” he said. “But you haven’t always lived in Greenville, have you?”

“No. We moved here the summer before seventh grade. That’s when we found the house with the great pool,” she said with a grin. “What about you?”

“Lived here my whole life. Most of my family is here, too. My little cousin, Jennifer, goes to our school. She’s in tenth, I think.”

“You said your dad built the house you live in?” she asked, feeling completely relaxed in his presence now.

They spent the next two hours getting to know one another. Lori enjoyed discovering the young man she had known only from a distance. He had always appeared bigger than life, almost untouchable. Here in the restaurant, though, Jason was a real person. He was warm and funny and very engaging. She felt as comfortable talking to him as Sarah or Maria. Jason appeared to enjoy her many questions, too. Once they moved from facts to opinions, they found their views on the world to be similar. Lori delighted in the connection they were making verbally, not to mention physically. Jason maintained contact with her throughout the evening and certainly knew how to disarm Lori. His fingers, surprisingly soft and gentle, stroked her hand or shoulder at every chance.

Jason also enjoyed himself. At first he had simply been enamored by her looks, but quickly discovered there was a sharp, intelligent young woman within Lori. When on the subject of swimming, she sounded passionate and devoted to her lifelong dream. Most of the time she was light and joyful, her uplifting spirit positively contagious. Jason found it pleasant to talk with someone who did not complain all the time.

It still confounded Jason that he had not noticed her before yesterday. He only vaguely recalled her from one of his classes last year, perhaps because she normally wore her hair in a ponytail. Lori’s hair appeared prettiest hanging loosely over her shoulders, the locks framing her beautiful face. Lori might not have been quite tall enough to model, but she was certainly shaped properly. She was athletic, with the legs of a swimmer, but her features were still delicate and graceful. Unlike most female athletes, Lori looked more like a woman than a tomboy.

They could have sat there all night, but eventually Jason caught a passing waiter and asked for the time.

“Nine-thirty,” he answered.

They exchanged surprised glances. “I’m sorry, I had no idea we’d been here that long!” Jason said, sliding out of the booth. He held out his hand and assisted Lori to her feet.

“That’s okay,” she laughed. “I didn’t either!”

They had just pulled into her neighborhood when Jason said, “You know, I really enjoyed tonight.”

“So did I,” she replied, hoping it would not be the last time.

“And I wanted to ask if you would join me Friday night. A few of us were going to hit a movie and then hang out afterwards, maybe get some pizza.”

“Sure! Sounds like fun.”

Jason pulled into her driveway, circling around to the front steps. The white house almost appeared to glow in the night. The porch lights were on, but the real radiance came from the small spotlights placed at intervals around the massive house. Except for the main entrance, most of the windows were dark. Lori suspected her mother was probably still at work in her office.

Jason turned off the motor and turned to face Lori. His hand wrapped around hers, fingers entwined tightly.

“Actually, what I really wanted to ask was if you’d be my girlfriend,” he said, his expression almost anxious.

“Me?” she asked in surprise.

“Yes, you,” answered Jason, leaning closer. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Yes!” Lori said quickly.

He smiled and bent forward to kiss her. This time she was prepared and leaned in to meet him. His free hand quickly moved to the side of her face. Her grip on his hand tightened as this kiss lasted longer than the first. When they parted, her eyes locked on his and Lori smiled. Returning her smile, he kissed her one more time. Jason grabbed his keys and got out to walk her to the door.

Once on the porch, he stole another kiss from Lori before allowing her inside. She said goodnight and watched from the side window as his car rolled down the driveway. Lori stood there for a few minutes, her mind still reeling. Tonight had been incredible, and she couldn’t wait for tomorrow.