Chapter 38

The same lady sportscaster was there. She interviewed Trevor. He said, “I was just mad that I got caught on the fumble recovery. Jerry, our quarterback, called me in and set up a play that worked and got me a touchdown. The coaches let him call many plays and they work well for us. He’s a great leader.”

Coach Marshall was next while I headed for the locker area. He said, “Jerry Short is our quarterback. We give him a lot of latitude to call plays on the field. He does quite well and has proven to be a great leader.” Alice told me that as I came out. I made it out to hug her before the sportscaster got to me with the camera.

We had our arms around each other and faced the camera. The sportscaster asked, “Jerry, your coach and teammates were quite complementary about your play. Please comment.”

“Coach Marshall and Trevor were both very generous in their compliments. I’m just a team player. It’s the ability of the team that makes things happen. I enjoy playing with them on the field.”

She smiled, “I’ve also noticed that you have the same personal cheerleader.”

I said, “Miss Meadows seems to tolerate me well. I’m thankful.”

She smiled. “You two make a fine couple. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Thank you.” Alice smiled just before the camera’s light went out.

We moved off. I had to get on the bus while Alice would drive back in my convertible. I did get to see and talk a moment to her parents. Once on the bus, Coach Marshall reminded us that we and any guests were invited to the athletic dorm for supper which would be held for our arrival.

When we arrived, students with girls or families gathered them together and we crowded into into the dining hall. The meal was started only an hour late. As we were eating, Coach Marshall stood and said, “We won another. Congratulations. I want to pick out one of you tonight. He’s a great team player with a gorgeous young lady on his arm. Jerry Short, stand up and let us appreciate your efforts. Your calls on offense were splendid!” There was a lot of applause. When it died down, I sat down. After a moment, Coach Marshall did, too.

Alice pulled me half around and kissed me. She said into the silence, “Jerry, you’re always my hero.” She smiled at me.

A number of people sitting close to us heard it and gave us an “aw.”

When the meal was finished, we left for the common room in the athletic dorm and sat down together. Many of our friends came by to talk to us. Bob and Marilyn sat close to us to talk.

Bob said, “We were wondering when you two were going to formalize things and be engaged. We’re thinking about that for us.”

I looked at Alice and said, “Fair Galadriel, we know we love each other. When would you like to make it formal?”

“Jerome, I know you’ve talked to my folks. Ask away.”

“Fair Galadriel, will you marry me? It may be a lengthy engagement but I would like to nail you down before you can come to your senses.”

I had gone to a knee as I spoke. Alice looked at me. “Come to my senses? I would have to be crazy not to say, ‘yes.’ Now, we just have about two thousand details to resolve.” She smiled. “Yes, Jerome, I’ll marry you.”

Everyone in the area applauded. We kissed gently. I whispered, “I love you, Alice.”

“I love you, Jerry.” We sat back enjoying our closeness.

Bob and Marilyn whispered a bit but did nothing publicly at this time. I had a feeling that they would have an announcement of their own soon. It was moderately late when we left for our dorms.

I walked Alice to her dorm as Bob walked with Marilyn. We left them there and headed to our respective dorms. Monday would be another day.

Joe came in very late. He had no early classes so I let him sleep. I left to meet Alice at the cafeteria entrance which I did.

We ate an enjoyable breakfast. After classes, the team met to review film and hear about our coming opponent. Coach Marshall said, “Our opposition, the Patriots, only have one win this season. However, they aren’t rollovers. They have a first-rate defense. They’ve been beaten by more than a touchdown only once. We need to be careful so we don’t get surprised. Since we are undefeated and lead the conference, we will be the bulls’ eye on everyone’s target.”

He let us absorb that. He continued. “This will be an away game but we will make a run over there Saturday morning with a return early Saturday evening. We have tickets to give out for families and girls. There are also a number for sale. I expect our games to be better attended as long as we keep winning. Short, Stovall, you will probably be interviewed along with Adams. Your ladies may also be targeted so warn them to be prepared.”

When we were finished, Bob and I went to meet our ladies for supper. Bob said, “Hi, Honey. We have another close away game this coming Saturday. The coach has warned us and Trevor to be prepared for interviews if we win which we should.” He paused for a moment. “He also cautioned that you two and Cheryl should be ready for interviews, too.”

Alice looked at me, “Jerry, is that correct?”

“I believe that, if you come to the game, the informal cheering squad will be considered newsworthy. Coach Marshall thinks we should all be ready. Our winning streak is news. Also, our visible and gorgeous cheerleaders will be considered worthy of some camera time. I think that, if you aren’t there, it will be considered newsworthy enough for the campus to be invaded.”

Bob said, “Yes, there is a sports story with us going from all losses to all wins and another that many of the team members have informal cheering persons.” He paused. “It’s rare that a group of footballers have girls who go to their games and the practices. That has gotten around and is different enough to be a story. I think that, if we’re gracious, it will all work out.”

Marilyn said, “What do you mean, Bob?”

“News people are always looking for a story. It’s rare that there are so many of you regularly in attendance and are friends.”

Marilyn chuckled. “That’s particularly true since Alice introduced many of us to Jerry’s teammates. I bet that’s rarer. Alice and Jerry just naturally bring people together. On top of that, we’re winning this year. It’s quite a turn-around. Also, they make a beautiful couple.”

“Sheesh.” Alice groaned. “We didn’t do anything for notoriety.”

Bob grinned. “No, you were just trying to be helpful to those of us who didn’t have a person of the opposite sex. Jerry was just trying to help the team and wound up being our star quarterback after leading the helpers at the accident.”

I said, “You make me sound like some kind of hero. I’m just a guy.”

Alice cooed, “Jerome, you’ve always been my hero.”

Marilyn added, “Jerry, it’s just your nature to do well by and for people. You helped me and I know you weren’t sure about doing that. I’ve learned a lot from you and Alice. I applied it to my relationship with Bob to our mutual advantage.”