The Circle of Friends

III - Different Worlds-1

III - Different Worlds

Florida State was a very large school. One could roam the campus for days and not see the same person twice. Maria rarely saw a familiar face when passing from one class to another and had run into Lori’s husband only twice in the past two years.

So it was pure happenstance that she noticed Jason when returning to the dorms that afternoon. The Seminole’s quarterback was deep in conversation with several young men in the parking lot. He noticed Maria and she smiled at him in passing. Much to her surprise, Jason nodded at his friends and motioned for her to wait.

“Maria!” he called, trotting to catch up with her.

She stopped and clutched her books to her chest. Even after knowing Lori’s husband for two and a half years, Maria still felt intimidated by Jason. More than six feet tall, he towered over her tiny frame. Lori’s husband acted bold and so sure of himself, and his charismatic personality overshadowed weaker, more timid spirits. He had always been nice to Maria, but there was something daunting about the Seminole’s starting quarterback. She would never dare speak to him on her own and waited anxiously as he approached.

“Hi,” she said, peering up at him.

“Glad I saw you,” said Jason. “Been meaning to call. Lori’s parents and I are conspiring to throw a surprise party for her birthday next month.”

“Really?” Maria breathed.

“Yes. It’s also a little something to celebrate her victories last week, too.”

“I saw that she came in first for both races,” Maria declared. Her best friend continued to excel in her events and she felt happy for Lori’s accomplishments.

Jason’s shoulders straightened and he grinned with pride. “Yeah, Lori performed awesomely at the SEC Conference. Sorry you couldn’t be there. Anyway, her party is going to be the Friday night before her birthday at her parent’s house. I need everyone to arrive between six and six-thirty and park down the street. It’s gonna be a swim party, so be sure to bring your suit.”

“Okay,” she said, nodding.

“Let me get your email, and I’ll send you the details,” Jason said. “I’m still trying to track down a few people, too. You don’t happen to know her friend Cindy’s number, do you?”

“James might!”

Jason’s eyes narrowed. “That’s right. You’re seeing him now, aren’t you? Everything all right?” he said.

Maria smiled and held her books tight against her chest. “Yes, everything is wonderful. James is just so sweet! Is he invited, too?”

He regarded her with skepticism, his eyes dark. Confused by his hesitation, Maria wondered if she’d said something inappropriate and stared apprehensively at the young quarterback. Taking a deep breath, Jason nodded, his expression solemn.

“He can come. See if he has Cindy’s number.”

“I’ll ask him tonight!” Maria said, pulling out her notebook.

Jason wrote down his phone number and they exchanged email addresses. He promised to send her the details very soon and said good day. Maria breathed a sigh of relief and continued toward her dorm. She wondered if she would ever feel at ease in Jason’s presence. James did not tower over her and he certainly didn’t make Maria nervous.

James called that night around seven. He had missed her last weekend and Maria giggled at his enthusiasm over the upcoming Friday. It tickled her that he sounded so eager to see her again and she looked forward to his next visit, too. Maria remembered to mention Lori’s surprise party and asked if he could acquire Cindy’s phone number for Jason.

“Sure, I think I’ve got it,” said James, a little surprised. “I’ll pass it on to him.”

“He’d appreciate it. And you’re invited, too, James!” said Maria. “Oh, but you’ll probably go home for spring break, won’t you?”

“Yeah, I will, but I could always drive up that Friday,” he said, stunned that Jason would permit him to attend. “I mean, if I’m really invited…”

“You are!” cried Maria. “And I really want Sarah to meet you, too!”

“Well, I’ll just plan on arriving Friday and spending the night in a hotel,” James told her, calculating the cost of a road trip to Greenville. Perhaps he could help Shane for a couple days while home for spring break.

“That would be wonderful!” she exclaimed.

James really needed to begin working on an assignment and told Maria goodbye. With a sigh, he scanned through the numbers stored in his cell phone, searching for Cindy’s. He located the swimmer’s information, and James jotted it down beside Jason’s number and email address. He stared at the two phone numbers, reluctant to call Lori’s husband. Maria might have assured him of the invitation to Lori’s party, but James knew from where that offer originated. His involvement with Maria was the only reason Jason would tolerate his presence in Lori’s house.

He wasn’t feeling particularly brave that night and decided to just email Cindy’s number to Lori’s husband. Perhaps one day Jason would forgive him, but he doubted it would happen any time soon. James hoped Maria never discovered what transpired that terrible night.

James heard the door open and glanced up as his roommate burst into the room. Drew emitted a whoop of excitement as he slammed the door behind him and tossed his books on the bed.

“Spring break has begun!” he cried triumphantly. “A whole week of beach, babes, and partying until dawn!”

James smiled, not tempted in the least. Drew had enticed him to join their group of friends, but James knew better than to accept the offer. His roommate would return from Panama City Beach dirty, hung over, and sun burnt. Not to mention dead broke, he thought to himself as he slipped on his shoes.

Drew grabbed his half packed bag and flung it on the bed. “You taking off now?”

“Yeah, for Tallahassee,” said James with a wink.

“You’re going up to see that girl of yours tonight, aren’t you?” said Drew with a wicked smile.

James arose and grabbed his keys. “Yes I am!”

“Wish you were coming with us, man,” said Drew, extending his hand. “But you have a great week anyway!”

“You, too!” replied James, slapping his hand.

He left Drew to finish packing, grinning at his roommate’s enthusiasm for what would surely be a disappointing week. James was unsure how his own week would proceed, especially once he reached Orlando, but tonight would be pleasant. He looked forward to an evening with Maria after missing the previous weekend. He hoped he could make up for his prolonged absence.

It was after three when James arrived and he led her downstairs. James even had a little surprise awaiting her in his Camaro. Maria squealed with delight when she noticed the tiny stuffed pony on the dashboard. It wasn’t much, but she’d mentioned her horse fetish during his last visit, and James figured he couldn’t go wrong with a stuffed toy. She was thrilled with her small but thoughtful gift and rewarded him with a big hug and a kiss.

They went to the multi-plex first, and he let Maria select the movie. James did not even protest when she choose a romantic comedy. He did not care either way, and if it made her happy, then so much the better. At least he was able to hold her hand for the duration of the picture. He did select their restaurant, though.

They chatted over a light supper, sharing their interests. Eventually the conversation turned to photography. James mentioned that he’d like to see some of her pictures, especially if she was as good as Lori boasted. Maria asked if he wanted to come up to her room tonight and look at her photo album. Hoping her roommate would be absent when they arrived, James agreed.

Maria called Brenda and discovered her roommate was out for the evening. She still knocked before opening the door to her room just in case, but discovered it empty. Maria turned on the light and allowed James inside. She set her stuffed pony on the dresser beside the now dead rose from two weeks prior. James shrugged off his jacket and Maria hung their coats over the back of her chair.

“I think it’s in here,” she said, opening up the largest drawer in her desk and rummaging through the papers.

James sat down on her bed, his eyes scanning Maria’s half of the dorm room. He had been right on target with his stuffed toy selection. Several pictures of horses adorned the walls and a dozen or so statues lay scattered throughout the room. Interspersed between the images of ponies were posters of young male actors and musicians. James had to smile, as every man possessed long, dark hair. Cutting his own locks was out of the question now.

“Here it is!” Maria cried in triumph, pulling out a very nice portfolio binder. She flipped open to the first page and grimaced.

“Some of these are a little old,” she admitted.

“I’d still like to see them,” James offered.

Flashing him a quick smile, she sat beside him on the bed. Maria held up the book for James and he helped steady the large album. Discreetly, he slipped his free hand behind her back.

“Okay, this one is really old,” she explained, “but it’s still one of my favorites.”

James peered at the print and was struck by the sheer simplicity of the image. The main subject was a horse running down a grassy slope, his breath visible in the air. A large row of trees stood behind the animal, the morning sun just peeking through the lower branches. There was a low-lying fog and the ensuing haze had worked well to mute some of the details and brighter colors. The composition well balanced, the eye was immediately drawn to the prancing horse. Maria had captured the moment to perfection.

“That’s beautiful!” exclaimed James. “I like it.”

“Thank you,” Maria said.

She turned the pages, letting him examine every picture in silence. Many of the photos boasted horses and scenery, with a few close-ups of flowers dispersed throughout the album. Maria obviously appreciated simple beauty and had an eye for capturing landscapes. Her collection reflected her gentle, feminine nature, and every picture possessed a soft quality. James was impressed with her skill and how much consideration had gone into arranging her portfolio. Perhaps she could help him organize his work into something more pleasing and professional.

“Those were wonderful, Maria,” he said with all sincerity when they finished. “You’ve got a good eye.”

“My sports photos still need a lot of work,” she said, looking up at him. “I don’t do people as well as you do.”

“I’ve been doing it longer, that’s all,” assured James. “Besides, my photos are nowhere near as artistic as yours. I’m more of a practical, utility photographer.”

“They’re still really good,” Maria said.

James was flattered by her praise and smiled. Their eyes met and he bent to kiss her. When she responded wholeheartedly, he pressed his hand against her back and held her closer. Her fingers remained wrapped around her album even when he grasped her arm with his other hand. Maria returned his kisses but appeared reluctant to reciprocate his touch.

He pulled away and thoughtfully regarded her, concerned he had done something wrong. Maria gazed with wide-open eyes, her expression innocent. It began to dawn on him why she had not moved. Her subdued reaction stemmed from inexperience rather than a lack of interest. The girls he had dated in the past were forward and aggressive. James realized that not only would he have to lead but proceed slow and cautious, as well. Unfortunately, he felt lost when it came to the steps in between kissing and s*x. Perhaps they could figure it out together.

James cleared his throat. “You know, you’re just like your pictures. Soft, delicate and very beautiful.”

Maria blushed and glanced at the album in her hands. When she looked up, James gave her another quick kiss.

“And you’re really special,” he said.

Maria’s smile brightened her entire face. James squeezed her shoulder and rose to his feet. She stood up, her arms tight around her album, and watched him reach for his jacket.

“Guess I better head back,” he said with reluctance. “I’ll call you Sunday, okay?”