Chapter 40

We woke Tuesday and went through our usual routine including practice. I noticed that the television lady, Miss Jones, cornered Marilyn and Bob this time. We couldn’t hear the interview but I figured we would hear an edited version later from them.

Alice and I talked as we walked to the common cafeteria. I have to admit that I enjoyed the variety of people more than at the athletic dorm. The food was simpler but still quite good. We had just finished our prayers when Marilyn and Bob joined us with their meals.

They were both grinning. “We had an interesting talk with Angela, much of it about you two and your real places in the current goings on.” Marilyn grinned.

Bob said, “You two minimized your roles in our football play and in the relationships around here. We have corrected her understanding. She will talk to Trevor and Cheryl tomorrow afternoon. You might prepare a more honest response for Thursday. I think she will be ready for you then.”

Alice and I looked at each other and grimaced. Alice said, “This is the thanks we get?”

Bob grinned. “No good deed ever goes unpunished.”

Marilyn added. “And you two have so many. It will be good to see both of you get the recognition you deserve, individually and together.”

After a pause, she added, “You changed my life for so much better and introduced me to a great partner.”

Alice said, “We never meant to change you. I guess we did try to show a better way to live and find a partner but making it happen was always up to you.”

Bob said, “We know. You two are grand examples of lives well lived. That’s contagious. Angela senses that but you almost had her fooled into believing that Marilyn and I were the leaders. We’ve corrected her and Trevor will complete that story with Cheryl tomorrow.” They grinned at us.

I looked at Alice and grimaced some more. We ate our suppers and then left for the common area of the girls’ dorm. The four of us sat down in love seats with each couple facing the other. I noticed that Alice and I had our backs to the wall. I figured that was both literal and figurative. While I knew our friends wouldn’t hurt us, they would place us in the spotlight more than either of us would desire.

We continued in our classes and I went to practice. All the girls came out to watch as usual. I was glad that this would be a home game. Both sets of our parents would be present for the weekend which would be nice. Mitch was, of course, coming to see Grace and would stay in my dorm room since Joe would be gone as usual.

On Thursday after practice, we met with Miss Jones again. Before she started the cameras, she said, “You two minimized your roles in my last interview. Subsequently, your friends have told me more about both of you and your entanglements in events. They care for each of you a lot and for the two of you as a couple.” She grinned. “Now, let’s get the real story.”

She made a signal and the lights brightened and the camera behind and to one side of her showed a red light. Miss Jones said, “We are meeting with Jerry Short and Alice Meadows. Jerry is the quarterback for the Bobcats and Alice, his girl, leads many girls as informal cheerleaders for the ‘Cats players at games and even at practices.

“Jerry, many people have bragged on your ability to read plays and players and on your knowledge of the ‘Cats playbook. Please comment on that.”

“Miss Jones, I have a good memory and learned the playbook. I am fortunate in having great teammates who tell me what happened on plays. I’ve been fortunate to put that information to work by modifying plays with our coach’s permission to fit those circumstances.”

She said, “Please call me, Angela.” I grimaced but didn’t nod nor say anything. She said, “Bob Stovall, the ‘Cats number one running back, says you are allowed to modify the plays in the huddle.”

“Miss Jones, I am fortunate that Coaches Marshall and Edwards have many plays with options. I am allowed to call one of those different options when it seems best. Most of the time, I’m just running for my life and try to get the ball to someone who can do something good with it.”

Miss Jones moved to Alice. “Alice, you attend Jerry’s games and the practices. Do you enjoy watching him play and practice?”

“Yes, Miss Jones. I enjoy being with Jerry and being identified with him. We met at orientation before try-outs when he walked on for football. It’s been a magical time ever since our first meeting. We both miss our homes with the time requirements of football. Both sets of parents will be in town this weekend which will be fun. My brother will be here also.”

Miss Jones made a motion and the lights on the cameras faded. She asked, “Why won’t you use my first name?”

I said, “My parents always taught me it was disrespectful to call an older person by their first name. It’s a habit that I don’t plan to break even when asked to change.” Alice smiled and nodded.

Miss Jones made a motion and the camera lights went back on. She said, “Jerry, you and Alice profess to have strong beliefs. How do those limit you?”

“They don’t. I am polite, care about people, and want the best for everyone I meet. That doesn’t limit me but keeps me on a positive, consistent path of which I am not ashamed. I have found nothing about the Christian faith that limits me from anything good. I would like to think that our friends have seen something in Alice and me that is worthy of emulation. I also recognize that other people have different beliefs and don’t thrust mine upon them. However, I do not permit them to thrust their beliefs or lack thereof upon me.” I looked at Alice and she was smiling serenely. We had been holding and continued to hold hands.

Miss Jones asked, “Jerry, what is your stance on practicing or playing on Sunday?”

“Miss Jones, I prefer a day of rest. After breakfast, Alice and I go to the local United Methodist church to worship. After that, we have lunch. After that, we study. Practicing would be, in my opinion, a type of study. Playing an actual game would be acceptable. I am not willing to skip worship services to play but could move the time if I were asked. Most churches have multiple services. I haven’t been asked to practice or to play on Sunday morning.”

She then said, “How would becoming a pro affect your stance?”

“I cannot imagine that as a possibility. I have given it no thought. I don’t expect anything to change that would make professional football an issue that I ever will need to address.” I grinned. “I hope that our coaches will recruit a real quarterback to lead the team next year.”

Miss Jones responded, “You seem to do quite well. Maybe they will keep you to play next year.” She grinned at me.

“My volunteering ends with the season, Miss Jones. I have more involvement in football than I had ever planned now. I have no plans to play next year.”

She was surprised and speechless. Alice just sat beside me smiling serenely.

I don’t know where else, if anywhere, the interview was supposed to go. However, Miss Jones signaled the cameras off. She asked, “You’re serious about not playing?”

“Quite. This season has become much more than it was supposed to be. I was originally going to be a substitute linebacker for the year. That changed when the coaches found I knew the playbook. Now, the situation has me playing quarterback. I’m just trying to help during a transition year. It has morphed out of control into something that isn’t me. There are many better guys to play quarterback. Recruiting one for next year or picking up a transfer from another college or a junior college would be great. Alice and I have other things to do. Neither of us requires nor desires a spotlight.”

It seemed the interview was over. I stood and gave Alice a hand up. We left the room for supper holding hands. We ate in the athletic dorm’s dining hall. Our friends were there. We were asked how the interview went.