Chapter 41

I had reserved places and meals in the athletic dorm dining hall for us all. We came in and found seats. Coach Marshall had made it into a bit of a banquet. Many players had parents and girls with them. It was a big room and full of happy people. We had a good meal and were then served dessert.

As we ate the desserts, he stood and it quieted down. He said, “We had a great game. It was a team effort but I want to recognize four players for their contributions. Bob Stovall is our scoring machine.” He gave Bob a hand. “Next is our speedy receiver, Tom Jackson.” There was more applause. “On defense, our top scorer is Trevor Adams.” There was a laugh with the applause. “Finally, our spark plug on this team is Jerry Short, an exemplary linebacker leading us quite well at quarterback.” There were more laughs and even more applause. “Stand up, Jerry.” I stood and the applause became louder.

Alice pulled me down and kissed me. That was applauded. I was in favor of that, too. The meal time was finally over and my love and I headed for the common room in her dorm with our parents. We sat together there and talked a bit about Thanksgiving and Christmas. After some discussion and negotiation, I would be at the farm with Alice for Thanksgiving day and then leave for my parents’ home with Alice. Christmas would be similar and then Alice and I would go to my home staying until after the New Years party that my parents had every year. Alice’s parents would join us for that event staying over night and for New Years Day. I also thought that Mitch would need to talk to Grace about the holidays, too.

Sunday, we went to church and had lunch at a buffet restaurant. Shortly thereafter, everyone left. I walked Alice and Grace into the common room of their dorm. Grace looked happy but also concerned. Alice looked at me and then said, “Grace, what’s happening?”

“Two things. One good and the other isn’t good.”

“Tell me.”

“Mitch has asked me to be with him for the holidays. However, he has asked about my parents and that’s a sore subject.”

“Perhaps, you need to explain to me.”

“Alice, I’ve told you that I’m experienced.” Alice nodded. “I decided to change and I like the new me. My parents are not happy that their play toy has resigned from that position. I have never depended upon my parents for college but have scholarships and small loans to get me by. I also never did anything here but going home was sexual. I always returned tired. Now, I don’t go home and my folks aren’t happy but I will not return to that life. I want a new life and Mitch is part of that. I’m just not sure how to tell him.”

“Grace, there’s no good way but telling my brother is something you should do. I would make a full disclosure including how you got into it and, even more, why you got out of it. Mitch is a good guy though I know he’s experienced. You need to think on who you are and not who you were. You know the old issues and are, in my opinion, doing smartly to avoid getting into that trap again. Being with him for the holidays should work. Where will you student teach?”

“Originally, I was planning to be close to here. I might try your local system if things are still working. If I stayed at your farm, it would help Mitch and I to know each other better. I think there is something serious there. If we part, then I can student teach in the local system here. I will not go home and return to a life that I no longer want.”

Alice asked softly. “Grace, what life do you want?”

She gave a small smile. “I would like to be a farmer’s wife and teach school. At an appropriate time, I would like to become a mother.”

Alice said, “I think you should talk to Mitch. You two have much common ground.”

The ladies went up to their rooms and I went to mine realizing that Joe hadn’t come to get his key or pass. I prepared for bed and then got in deciding that I would wonder further about that in the morning. I slept with half an ear but never heard him knock or call.

I got moving to meet Alice for breakfast. I saw Marilyn meet Bob on her way to the athletic dorm. I went into the girls’ dorm as Alice got off the elevator. We walked to the cafeteria for breakfast.

After exchanging greetings and kisses, I said, “Joe never arrived last night. I wonder what’s going on.” Alice looked at me curiously. We got in line and my phone beeped with a message.

It was a text from Joe. I pulled it up and read, “J. I will be in later. All ok. J&B”

Alice said, “There is still some mystery but it should be okay with that message.” I nodded. We chose our food and sat down.

After prayer, Alice asked, “What do you think about Joe?”

“I don’t know. I’m guessing that the weekly run is getting old. If he and Barbara have found jobs, it may mean they will drop out. He had already told me that neither of them were going to stay in school here. They may decide to just dump it and start over at the community college. I’m guessing.”

Alice said, “Now, we just have to be concerned over Grace and my brother.” She smiled a bit. “However, I think that will work out successfully. They both like each other and their long run plans match up well. I think she feels she’s now on the right track for her life. I think they will work out okay. I’m praying for them to be together. Mitch will be here next weekend.”

“That should work out. I’m sure Joe won’t be here over the weekend.”

Alice and I finished our breakfasts and went to our classes. We met for lunch and there were Barbara and Joe. They were sporting wedding rings!

“Ah ha!” I exclaimed. “You’ve had a status change.”

“Yes, we’re married now. We both have jobs and are withdrawing from school.” Joe said.

“We’ve worked it out with the college. Now, we’re just here to collect our stuff. We won’t get any money back but can live with that. Joe and I are happy.” Barbara grinned. “Well, I am. Joe will have to speak for himself.”

Joe quickly said, “I’m happy. It’s all working out well for us.” He lowered his voice. “Let’s go somewhere less public and talk for a few moments.”

“Sure,” I said, “there’s a room over there. People can’t hear though they can see.” They nodded at me. We went inside and sat down.

Barbara said, “Just to clear the air, we didn’t have to get married.” She grinned. “We are quitting school. It took some talking but it will be a ‘W’ rather than a ‘WF’ which is good. We won’t get any refunds. We can turn our keys into our roommates along with our meal cards which will still be good. My roommate won’t care but, Jerry, you will get some use from the key and card I would guess.” I nodded.