Chapter 12

Monday, April 28, 2031 – Avon Grove High School

Jessie had to talk with her phys ed teacher after class, so she was running late when it was time to head to third period. She headed up the north stairs to the second floor and her third period math class. The halls and the stairwell were nearly deserted. Jessie expected the late bell to ring any second. She took the steps two at a time. At the landing half way to the top, she noticed a girl staring out the window, with her back to the stairs. The sound of a sniffle caught Jessie’s attention.

The girl was Nora Conrad, a 5’-3” freshman, in a couple of Jessie’s classes, including the math class she was hurrying to.

“Hey, Nora, you better get going,” Jessie called out. “We’re going to be late, and you know how Mr. Cunningham hates that.” Nora turned slightly to look at Jessie.

“It doesn’t matter,” she said. Jessie saw her cheeks were streaked with tears before Nora turned away again.

“What’s wrong, Nora?” Jessie asked. Walking over to the girl. “What’s up?”

“Nothing you can do anything about,” Nora said. “Go to class. Don’t be late because of...” The late bell sounded mid-sentence. “ ... me.”

“Too late,” Jessie responded. “You look like you need a friend. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing you can help with,” Nora said sadly. “Nothing at all.”

“I’m a good listener.” Jessie persisted. “Tell me what’s wrong. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

“Well...” Nora murmured. Jessie put her hand on Nora’s shoulder, smiled and nodded her head. “I told my ... my boyfriend that I might be ... be pregnant. Now ... now ... He says ... he’s...” Nora turned towards Jessie and started to cry. Tears ran freely down her face. Jessie hugged Nora to reassure her. “He ... he dumped ... me when ... he found out.”

“Are you sure you’re pregnant?” Jessie asked quietly when the tears slowed.

“My period is nine days late,” Nora said. “Kaiden and I had sex the first time at the worst time of the month, right between periods.”

“Kaiden? Kaiden Randall?” Jessie asked. Nora stared at Jessie.

“You know Kaiden?” Nora asked.

“He’s on the swim team with my brother,” Jessie said. “Why do you think you are pregnant? Being off a little with your period is common.”

“Missing my period is only part of it,” Nora said. “I got scared last week when I was about three days late. I went on-line and found out more about the early symptoms of pregnancy. I threw up Saturday morning and then felt fine the rest of the day. I did the same thing yesterday morning. I had to rush out of first period and barely made it the bathroom before I barfed this morning. My breasts are tender. I know I am pregnant. I just know it.”

“Kaiden offered no help?” Jessie asked.

“He laughed at the news and said it probably isn’t his anyway,” Nora responded. “I’ve never slept with any other boy than Kaiden since he took my virginity three weeks ago.”

“He didn’t use protection?” Jessie asked.

“None of the three times we did it,” Nora said. “Kaiden promised me that a girl couldn’t get pregnant the first time she has sex. I insisted he bring rubbers after the first time. He brought them along but while we were making out things got carried away and we did it bare – twice more.”

“Let’s go to math and get a pass to take you to the nurse,” Jessie said. “Mr. Cunningham will understand.”

Jessie used a tissue to dry Nora’s face. The two walked to class and stopped just inside the door. “Mr. Cunningham, I found Nora in the stairwell, not feeling well. Could you give us passes to go to see the nurse?”

“What’s wrong, Nora?” Mr. Cunningham asked.

“Girl’s things,” Jessie answered quietly for Nora. Nora just blushed.

“Oh!” Mr. Cunningham stuttered. “OK, I can get you passes.” He wrote them out while the girls waited by the door. Jessie led Nora down the hall after they were dismissed.

“I can’t tell the nurse about what is going on,” Nora said. “Why are we going to see her?”

“You can tell her you have an upset stomach,” Jessie said. “You are getting something to calm it. Still, I think it would be better to tell the nurse the truth.”

“Would she have to tell my parents?” Nora asked. “I just can’t tell them ... at least not now.”

“Why don’t we ask?” Jessie offered. “I bet the nurse can keep it secret if you are pregnant.”

“I guess,” Nora agreed reluctantly.

When they arrived at the nurse’s office, Jessie took the lead. “My friend, Nora, got sick and threw up this morning. Same thing yesterday morning. She had morning sickness on Saturday too.”

“Do you have to tell my parents everything I tell you?” Nora asked.

“Morning sickness?” the nurse asked. “Are you pregnant, Nora?” She shrugged her shoulders. “I can’t report anything about a possible pregnancy to anyone, Nora. Is there a chance you could be pregnant?”

“Maybe,” Nora replied weakly.

The nurse turned to Jessie. “Why don’t you go back to class? It looks like it could take Nora and me a while to talk things through. Thank you for bringing your friend down here.”

“Good luck, Nora,” Jessie said. “I’ll see you around.”

“Thanks, Jessie,” Nora said.

Jessie returned to math class. Nora didn’t. Jessie found out what happened when Nora grabbed her at lunch. Nora led Jessie off to an empty table where they could talk privately.

“How did things come out?” Jessie asked.

“Mrs. Williams gave me the test,” Nora said nervously. “It was positive.”

“You’re pregn...” Jessie exclaimed.

“Ssshhh!” Nora said. “I am not saying that word around other kids. I don’t need all the teasing that will come with it. At least not until I am showing.”

“I am so sorry about the ... news,” Jessie said. “What can I do to help?”

“Be a friend?” Nora asked. “After Mrs. Williams gave me the test and confirmed things, she took me to talk with the social worker. The social worker is going to help me tell my parents in a few days, when I am ready.”

“What about Kaiden?” Jessie asked.

“May the bastard rot in hell,” Nora replied.

“Agreed,” Jessie said. “Tell me how I can help. I will do whatever I can.”

“That’s appreciated,” Nora said. The two continued talking about school topics instead of the elephant in the room – her pregnancy. When lunch was done, Nora remarked, “Thanks for pushing me to find out what is going on. You have been a good friend to help me.”

“I am glad to do it,” Jessie said. “Tomorrow, why don’t we both sit over with Kaylie and Ann. They have got to be dying to know why I sat with you today instead of them.”

“Should I?” Nora said. “They’re some of the popular girls. I’m just plain old me. They wouldn’t want me eating with them.”

“Nonsense,” Jessie said. “I had fun talking with you today. They will too. Join us tomorrow. Please.”

“I will,” Nora promised. “Thank you for everything.”

“I am happy to do it,” Jessie said. She and Nora headed out for the next classes. Jessie felt good that she was able to help Nora in her crisis.

Later in the evening Jessie found David alone in his room. “You have a real asshole for a swim teammate,” Jessie said as she sat down on David’s bed. He stopped working at his desk and looked up at his sister.

“Was Kaiden hitting on you?” David asked. “I warned that idiot.”

“No, he wasn’t hitting on me,” Jessie replied. “He got this girl I know pregnant.”

“Pregnant?” David said. “I told that idiot where this was leading after the fiasco at the state swim meet.”

“Fiasco?” Jessie said. “What happened?”

“Do you remember Emma Baechthold?”

“Your old girlfriend from Pittsburgh?” Jessie said. “I remember her.”

“He sneaked out of our room one night during the meet and seduced her,” David said. “No rubbers, no protection and she’s two weeks after her period. Totally ignored what he might be doing to wreck her life. He is an asshole.”

“He’s not the brightest guy around either,” Jessie said. “I will stay clear of him.”

“You do that,” David agreed.

Sunday, April 27, 2031 – NovaCare Complex –Philadelphia, PA

“I’m still stunned to be here, Coach,” Aiden Anderson commented as he sat down in the chair in Kyle Martin’s office.

“Don’t be Aiden,” Kyle responded. “You have the size, arm strength and smarts to be a top NFL quarterback. Ed and Ryan will work with you on your mechanics. You have a lot of work to do.”

“I hope it works out,” Aiden said.

“It will,” Kyle replied. “You know Trevon Williams with the Steelers?”

“Everybody knows him,” Aiden answered. “He would have been the Super Bowl MVP if the Washington kick returner hadn’t gotten loose to score near the end of the game.”

“I agree,” Kyle responded. “Trevon was just as raw when the Steelers drafted him a few years ago. Who do you think turned him into a top QB?”

“Coach Fritz?” Aiden answered.

“Coach Ed Fritz,” Kyle confirmed. “You are in excellent hands. Ed and I feel you can develop into Trevon’s equal or perhaps his superior as a quarterback. It will take a hell of a lot of work and study, but we are confident you can do it.”

“I promise to do my best,” Aiden replied. Kyle smiled.

“Boy Scout?” Kyle asked.

“It shows?” Aiden replied.

“The way you worded the promise,” Kyle said. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet and displayed his membership card. “I’m still a member. My kids are all members. I am looking forward to a trip to Philmont next summer.”

“Philmont? I did that when I was fifteen,” Aiden responded. “It is great. You’ll love it, Coach. My troop did a Switzerland trip the next summer. That is what fired my interest in international things and why I majored in International finance.”

“Has your agent contacted Troy Vincent or Julian Lurie yet?” Kyle asked.

“Um ... I still don’t have an agent,” Aiden replied. “I never expected to be drafted. I figured I’d be in grad school next fall, not in football.”

“No regrets?”

“None, Coach,” Aiden said. “I am looking forward to playing some more. I thought my final game was last November.”

“I am sure you’ll have some agents contacting you if you aren’t represented yet,” Kyle said. “Interview them and pick someone out. You don’t want to sign anything until you have a good agent.”

“Who is good?” Aiden asked. “I know nothing at all about agents. Who did you use when you played?”

“I used ... still use Todd Rosenbaum,” Kyle said. “Don’t take my word for this. Interview a few and pick the one that best represents you and your needs and interests.”

“I’ll work on it, Coach,” Aiden promised.

“I’ll see you on the practice field tomorrow,” Kyle said.

“I’ll be ready,” Aiden promised.

Kyle spent most of Sunday afternoon meeting and getting to know his draftees. Kyle and Troy Vincent did a late afternoon press conference to introduce the media to the new Eagles players.

Kyle, Ryan and Ed invited Brandon Evans in for a meeting later in the afternoon.

“I wanted to clarify your role with the team,” Kyle said.

“First and foremost, you are the guy on this team who knows and understands the offense we are installing,” Ed added. “Your job will be to help tutor and bring along the other players, so they understand what we are doing and to help them run this offense successfully.”

“I suspected that, Coach Fritz,” Brandon replied. “I am excited to continue working with you and Coach Martin. This is great for me.”

“Is Briana moving down here too?” Kyle asked. Briana was Brandon’s fiancée.

“She’s staying in Pittsburgh until OTAs are done,” Brandon explained. “Things will be too hectic in the next five or six weeks to organize a move. I’ll use one of my days off to find us an apartment.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Kyle agreed. “Have you and Briana set a date for the wedding?”

“Not yet,” Brandon answered. “We expect it won’t be until after the season is over.”

“It’s good to have you aboard,” Kyle said. “Any questions?”

“I have one,” Brandon replied. “Do I get a shot at winning the starting position or are you guys locked in on Harris being your starter?”

“I got this one, Coach,” Ed said. “Best QB wins the starting job, whether is you, Harris or the new kid, Anderson. You have a leg up on Harris because you know, have practiced and even played a few snaps in this offense. He also is older, wiser and has seen more than you have. It will be up to you whether youth and playbook knowledge beat out wisdom and experience.”

“What about Anderson?” Brandon asked. “Does he have a shot at the starter’s job?”

“Outside chance,” Kyle allowed. “Anderson is from a small school and has faced a lower level of competition. He has some physical gifts, but he knows next to nothing about playing in the NFL. Your job will include helping educate Anderson about how to be an NFL quarterback and teaching him our playbook.”

“I can do that, Coach,” Brandon agreed.

Thursday, May 1, 2031 – Avon Grove High School

Kaylie and Jessie were walking down the second-floor hallway to their second period class when they passed Kaylie’s cousin and Jessie’s regular Saturday night date, Adam Morrison, heading down the hall the opposite way. Adam was accompanied by three of his eleventh-grader friends.

“Hey, Adam,” Jessie said as they passed. “I had fun Saturday night. I am looking forward to next Saturday.”

“Hey, Jessie,” Adam remarked quietly. “That’s cool.” He continued walking with his friends without looking back at Jessie or Kaylie.

The two girls were close enough to overhear one of the guys with Adam remark, “You robbing the cradle with that freshman?”

“Hell no,” Adam answered. “We’ve been to a couple movies, that’s all.” Kaylie watched as her friend’s sunny attitude crashed.

“What am I doing wrong?” Jessie asked. “Adam and I have a great time together on our dates. He’s just about the perfect boyfriend, though officially we aren’t a couple. At school, it’s almost like I embarrass him.”

“That may be exactly your problem,” Kaylie said. “My cousin is always worrying about what other people think about him. I bet he is embarrassed to date a freshman.”

“I am fifteen,” Jessie said. “He’s sixteen, at least for a few more weeks. Is the difference in our ages that big a deal?”

“You heard how Mike teased Adam a minute ago,” Kaylie said. “It’s the two grades apart that is bugging him.”

“I am going to have to talk with Adam next Saturday,” Jessie said. “I think I deserve to be acknowledged if he’s going to date me. Is that asking too much?”

“I don’t think so,” Kaylie agreed.

Saturday, May 3, 2031 – White Clay Creek State Park

The naked teen couple was sprawled on a blanket that was spread at the edge of the meadow within sight of the White Clay Creek. It was an idyllic setting. Adam Morrison was pounding away as he got it on with Jessie Martin. Jessie begged for her lover to go faster and harder. The boy’s banging on and rubbing of her clitoris drove Jessie to climax. She gave a loud squeal and was lost in the endorphin induced ecstasy. Adam speared her a few more times with his dick before the spasming of her pussy around his already primed dick became too much. Adam stroked into her twice more before freezing, fully buried in her twitching belly. He let out a low moan and blasted spurt after spurt of semen and sperm into her pussy, which sucked it all up into her uterus. The two teens, spent and satisfied, collapsed together in a heap.

“God, that was wonderful, Jessie,” Adam sighed as he recovered.

“You were great, lover boy,” Jessie replied. The two cuddled together. Adam’s shrinking dick plopped out, unplugging Jessie’s pussy. She felt her juices and his come drip out and down to her asshole.

“You were special too,” Adam replied as he caressed Jessie’s shoulder.

“Why don’t you say things like that around school?” Jessie asked.

“Around school?” Adam repeated.

“Yes, around school.”

“Um ... um ... uh ... It not that uh ... simple,” Adam stammered, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Why isn’t it?” Jessie asked. “We’ve been on six dates. We have had sex eight times. I’d like it if you could give me a hug in the morning when we run into each other or a kiss on the cheek. Just acknowledge you are friends with me.”

“It’s not that simple,” Adam protested. “My friends ... they wouldn’t...”

“You ARE embarrassed to be dating a freshman,” Jessie said. “I insisted to Kaylie that you weren’t that shallow. Now maybe I see different.”

“You don’t know how it is,” Adam protested. “The guys ... they’re...”

“Save it!” Jessie snapped as she stood up. “I won’t embarrass you further. Get dressed. You can take me home now.”

The ride home to Landenberg was quiet. Jessie was sorry to end things with Adam, but she wanted more from the relationship than he seemed to want to give.

Friday, May 2, 2031 – NovaCare Complex, Philadelphia, PA

Friday was medical check day, equipment issue and orientation for the 49 players attending the rookie OTAs. The group included the four veteran players signed as free agents, the ten players from last year’s practice squad, the eight newly drafted rookies and 27 rookie free agents. Kyle and the other coaches got the chance to look over their new players in the afternoon while Adam Blanchard, the head trainer, and his staff worked out the players. The rest of the day was spent in classrooms, each player group learning about the Eagles’ offensive and defensive schemes and terminology.

Everyone attending the rookie camp assembled in the NovaCare auditorium. Kyle strategically placed the coaching staff in the back row of seating to chase the players forward towards the front of the room. He wasn’t going to have church-style seating with the front rows empty and the back rows filled. Kyle glanced at the ten-foot-tall photos on either side of the narrow auditorium.

“Welcome to the Philadelphia Eagles, everyone,” Kyle said as he began his carefully rehearsed speech. “Most of you here for this three-day mini-camp are rookies, new to the NFL and its ways. A few of you are veterans new to the Eagles’ organization. You veterans are here to learn your way around NovaCare, get a locker, to learn our system and most importantly, to provide the leavening as this group of rookies rises to the challenge of playing in the NFL.

“Everyone here today made the leap from high school level competition to college level competition. Most of you made it into the FBS, the highest level of competition in college ball. A million kids play high school football each year. 100,000 or so make it into the college level. You saw the big leap in competition, just as I did when I started college twenty-two years ago. Everyone was bigger, faster and more capable than you had been used to in high school. All of you made that transition successfully and thrived at the college level. That is why you are here today.

“100,000 college players get winnowed down to 90 players a team for 32 teams. 2,880 players in total. That’s it. Probably one quarter of that total are rookies like most of you. The leap you made from high school to college is nothing compared to the leap you now must make from college to professional football. Every player that makes it onto a team was a star player in college. Every single one. They are bigger than the best player you ever faced. They are faster and they are stronger.

“You must give 100% of your time, effort and will to succeed. Notice I didn’t ask for 110%, that would be a metaphorical request. When I say 100% of your time, attention and effort, I mean literally 100% of you must be given to winning a spot on this team. I’ll tell you a personal story when I came up. I was studying my playbook on the morning of my wedding day.”

Ed Fritz stood up in the back and announced, “I can vouch for Coach’s story. I was his best man. He was looking at one of those old Apple iPads studying plays an hour before his wedding. I was there watching him do it.”

“Don’t tell my wife that story,” Kyle cautioned. “I have a lovely wife and four wonderful kids. If she knew I was studying football on our wedding day, I’d be an old bachelor now, living in a tiny, smelly apartment in Philly, not enjoying my time with a great family.