The Circle of Friends

III - First Few Weeks-2

“Those guys ever come near you again, I’ll hurt them and bad,” he said in a firm voice.

As she returned his kiss, Lori did not doubt his words. After tonight, she felt surer about their relationship, too. She was gaining confidence.

“I’d like to see you tomorrow night, if that’s okay,” Jason said, closely watching her face. “Just the two of us. Maybe make up for the awful movie tonight.”

Lori smiled. “We could rent one. You’re welcome to come here and watch it in the game room.”

“That sounds good. I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon then.”

“I’ll be home after four,” she said. Saturday afternoons were always spent shopping with Sarah and Maria. This weekend there would be much to discuss, too!

“All right. Goodnight,” he said, kissing her one last time.

He waited until she was safely inside before getting in his car. As he pulled out of the driveway, Jason smiled to himself. He was really beginning to like this girl.

Lori had a good time shopping with her friends, but Saturday night made her weekend special. Jason called from the video store and had her select the movie. She opted for something funny and lighthearted. It was too soon for a romantic movie, and they had just seen a bad action flick. Before watching the movie, he challenged Lori to a game of pool. He won three out of five rounds and bested her when they turned to video games. When she put in the racing game, Jason’s winning streak abruptly ended. The final lap concluded when he hugged her so tight she could no longer control her vehicle and crashed.

Sunday afternoon, she went to lunch with her father. They always shared a meal once a week and had done so for many years. Lori enjoyed the quality time with her father. She felt closer to him than her mother and never hesitated to discuss her problems and concerns. Lori purposely avoided the situation that had brought Jason into her life and she felt a twinge of guilt. She did not like hiding things from her father, but Joe and Devon’s behavior would have infuriated him. Jason had taken care of the situation, however, and she felt confident nothing more would come from the incident.

The following week brimmed with anticipation. Friday was the first football game and the guys were pumped for the event. Lori had attended a few home games over the years, mostly at the insistence of Sarah who just wanted to check out the boys. Lori quickly realized she would attend all of them this year. It would be inappropriate for the quarterback’s girlfriend to be absent.

As the week progressed, Jason’s affection toward her did not diminish. He always held her hand, whether walking her to class or just talking with friends. Physical demonstration was not an issue with Jason, and he had obviously grown up with loving hugs and touching from his parents and family. Until now, Lori had not realized how much contact she truly desired and relished the attention.

By Thursday, Lori talked Sarah and Maria into joining them for lunch. She did not want to exclude her best friends from her life. Maria sat quietly in her seat, afraid to speak to anyone, but Sarah held no such inhibitions. Fortunately, she put a rein on her tongue and kept her opinionated comments to a minimum. The group already boasted a boisterous Heather and did not need another outspoken young lady.

Friday afternoon, they ate outside on the grass. Matt had run to McDonald’s and brought back food for everyone. Lori consumed her normal lunch, but she did eat a couple of Jason’s French fries. The guys were primed for their game that night and threw the football around after lunch. Lori chatted with Heather and Tina as they watched the boys run around on the lawn. Tina was just telling them about a concert she wanted to see when Heather suddenly reached out her arms.

“Heads up!” she yelled as the football fell into her hands. She pulled it to her body and laughed. “Who missed that catch?”

Matt held up his hands. “Throw it here!”

Heather smiled wickedly. “You want the ball?” she taunted, sliding it under her shirt. “Come and get it!”

Lori and Tina jumped out of the way. Matt charged Heather and they rolled across the grass. Somehow Heather managed to keep the ball from him. She broke his grasp and tossed the ball at Lori.

“Take it and run!” she cried, laughing as Matt fell on her again.

Lori caught the ball and looked up to see Jason coming toward her. She decided to show him she was no easy target. Quickly she turned and took off running at full speed. Jason ran after her, but she had a good head start. Soon they were near the empty tennis courts. Lori opened the gate and ran toward the other side, putting as much distance between her and Jason as possible. He charged straight at the net and jumped over it, closing the distance between them. Lori darted down the court, exiting through a second gate, and she could hear Jason not far behind.

From there, it was only a short distance to the fence around the football field and track. Lori ran down the length, her legs pumping hard. Hours of swimming and jogging had made her a very fast runner. Jason realized that unless he poured it on really soon, he would never catch her. He managed to close the gap between them as she rounded the corner. Reaching out, he grasped her right arm. Sensing capture was eminent, Lori immediately slowed per pace. She did not want to be tackled like one of the football players. Jason waited until they had nearly come to a complete stop before picking her up from behind.

“My God, you’re like a cheetah!” he panted, setting her feet on the ground. “The guys would’ve never let me live it down had you got away!”

“I run several miles a day, you know!” cried Lori through her laughter.

“I guess!” he said, taking the football from her grasp. Smiling, he grabbed her hand. “Come on!”

When they returned, the boys did give Jason grief for taking so long to catch Lori. Heather laughed and gave her a high-five.

“Good job!” she said, still enjoying the chase.

The bell rang, signifying the end of lunch. With a moan, everyone headed for the building.

“Were you going to the game tonight?” Jason asked as they walked inside. When Lori nodded, he yelled to Heather.

“Hey! Can Lori ride with you tonight to the game? That way I can take her home after pizza?”

“Sure,” said Heather, dropping back to join them. “How about if I pick you up at seven o’clock?”

Lori gave directions to her house and Heather said she would see her tonight. Jason gave her hand a squeeze.

“Just glad you never went out for football,” he said with a grin.

Heather arrived ten minutes before seven. Lori’s father let Heather inside and sent her upstairs. Lori was just putting on her shoes and apologized for not being ready.

“No, I’m early,” said Heather, scanning her room. “Jason said you had a killer game room upstairs.”

“Yeah,” said Lori, stuffing her ID into her pocket. “This way.”

Heather appeared very impressed. She slowly circled the room, asking questions as she moved. Lori liked Heather, as she reminded her of Sarah. Neither friend was afraid to voice her mind.

They departed promptly at seven. Heather liked to drive her little Nissan fast and Lori realized they would be across town in no time. Her new friend also liked to talk and Lori just relaxed and let her control the conversation. She found she learned more by listening.

Suddenly Heather stopped and looked directly at Lori. “He really likes you,” she announced.

“What?” asked Lori, caught off guard by her directness.

“Jason,” replied Heather, smiling smugly. “He really likes you.”

“How do you know?”

“I’ve known Jason since we were kids. I can tell by the way he looks at you. You play your cards right and you’ll have his heart in no time!”

Lori just smiled and Heather laughed.

“And I bet the feeling is mutual!” she said, pointing a finger at Lori. “That’s cool. I’m glad Jason’s dating someone nice. He deserves it.”

“Have you two ever gone out?” asked Lori.

“Oh, God, once! Enough to know we’d never do it again. No, we’re friends and that’s it. I’m not his type and he’s not mine!”

Lori refrained from asking about Matt, and Heather continued to ramble. It did make Lori feel good to know that Jason really liked her, though.

They arrived at the rival high school and proceeded to the visitor’s side. The bleachers were on the far side of the field and quite a hike from the parking lot. There was a good turnout already and half the seats were full. The team would have a decent cheering section tonight.

Tina and two other girls were waiting for them and had saved seats. Lori found herself in the unlikely spot of front row center. Usually Sarah would drag her to the top of the bleachers so she could boy watch. Tonight however, she was in a prime location to view the action and players up close.

Their school’s team emerged first and trotted across the field. Everyone screamed and stomped the bleachers with their feet. The players eagerly took their positions along the sidelines, the excitement in the stands contagious. Everyone quieted down when the other team was introduced, ignoring the shouts that drifted across the field.

Lori scanned the faces of the players, trying to locate Jason. She did not want to distract him before the game, but she wanted to find him before he took to the field. The players were shuffling around on the sidelines, making it difficult to read names on the uniforms. At that moment, number seven turned around and glanced at the crowd. When his eyes fell on her, Lori smiled, and Jason gave her a wink before turning away.

Their team played extremely well. Not three minutes into the first quarter, Jason threw a pass to Matt who ran twenty yards for a touchdown. Five minutes later, it was a handoff to Steve who took it in for another touchdown. The score was twenty-four to seven by the half and became only more lopsided as the game continued. By the end of the fourth quarter, they were up forty-two to ten.

When the final whistle sounded, Heather grabbed for Lori’s hand. “Come on! We gotta go save tables!” she cried, pulling her out of the stands.

Lori found herself trotting to keep up with Heather’s long strides. The team headed to the locker room and much needed showers. Lori gave Jason a quick wave before he was lost in the crowd and she continued to chase after Heather. She did not want to lose her ride.

Heather got them out of the parking lot in record time. Lori just closed her eyes and let Heather bully her way to the exit. Once at the pizza parlor, they tipped chairs at one large table for the players. Other students filed in and took possession of the tables surrounding them. When Tina and the other girls arrived, Heather ordered pizza and drinks for their immediate group. Lori simply marveled at all the excitement in the restaurant. There were thirty people present and the football team was still on the way.

When the team arrived, everyone stood up and cheered. There were high fives all around and about as much machismo as one room could handle. Most people were standing, either watching for the next player to enter or waiting for their order to be called.

“There they are,” said Heather just as Matt and Jason entered.

It took several minutes for the boys to reach the table. Moving to her side, Jason slipped his arm around Lori’s waist. Throwing her arms around his neck, she abruptly closed the distance and kissed him.

“Well, hi!” he said, wrapping both arms around her body. Surprised but pleased with her boldness, Jason kissed her again, leaning Lori back over the table.

“Hey, watch it! Pizza’s here!” cried Heather, returning to the table with her hands full.

Jason released Lori and held out her chair. He and Chris retrieved the remaining pizza and the pies soon covered the table. Lori knew it would be gone in about five minutes, though.

They stayed until almost midnight. Jason had to drag himself away from the table so he could get Lori home on time.

“We could stay a little longer if you like,” she said once they were in the parking lot.

“That’s okay. I’m tired anyway,” answered Jason, giving her hand a squeeze. “Besides, your dad seems to like me and I’d like to keep it that way!”

During the drive home, Jason talked about the game. He discussed what he felt they had done right and where the team still needed some work. Lori had not noticed anything erroneous in his performance tonight.

“You were awesome, though,” she said with sincerity. “You really know how to put on a show for the crowd, too. You’re a lot of fun to watch.”

“Well, thank you.” Jason reached for her hand. “I’m glad you enjoyed watching me play. Some girls don’t like football.”

“Most girls don’t take the time to understand football. I do and I like it. I like pretty much any sport.” She leaned back against her seat, her eyes on Jason. “But you really made the game tonight. Made it thrilling to watch.”

Jason laughed, delighting in her approval. “Don’t inflate my ego bigger than you can handle!”

“You don’t have an ego problem.”

“I appreciate your compliments, then,” he said. “I’m glad Heather was able to pick you up.”

“I am, too,” Lori replied, her mind on their conversation on the way to the game. “It gave us a chance to talk.”

“Heather? Talk?” said Jason in mock disbelief. “I can only imagine what she must’ve told you! Anything I need to deny?”

He was rubbing her hand gently and she smiled. “Nothing I want you to,” Lori said softly.

Jason remained silent and concentrated on the road. She watched the neon business lights blur past as the late hour began to catch up with her senses. Her six o’clock workout would come early tomorrow.

Jason walked her to the door. It was now a little after midnight, but Lori knew her parents would not be worried. Absently, she wondered if they were even still awake.

“Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?” Jason asked suddenly.

“Can you?” exclaimed Lori in disbelief. “Of course! I enjoy being with you.”

He kissed her softly, one hand resting aside her cheek. “I like being with you, too. You’re really special,” Jason said, gently stroking the hair away from her face. “Five-thirty? Dress nice.”

Saying their goodnights, Lori slipped quietly into the house. She waited until she heard Jason’s car pull away before creeping upstairs as silently as her joyful heart would allow.