Chapter 42

Monday afternoon, we found that we would be playing the Saturday before Thanksgiving. That suited me. The big colleges and pros took most of the Thanksgiving weekend which was good by me.

We, of course, were undefeated and thereby the champions of our small conference. Our opponent was far to our west and, likewise, undefeated. We would play at a “neutral” site away from either team’s home. The game would be “dignified” with a “bowl” appellation. The coaches were still looking at logistics for the trip. They had talked with our opposition’s coaches who were sending film as were we. Apparently, there were many details of our game to be determined. If we won, there would be another game in December. Both games would be televised. Tom grinned and said, “Yeah, probably on the Cooking Channel.”

Everyone chuckled. Coach Marshall said that we should prepare for more media attention. We were catching some notice as were our opponents from stations close to their location. He said that, because we were located in SEC territory, those teams would get the lion’s share of coverage. He concluded that winning one more game would garner us more media. On that cheering note, we broke up practice early and everyone headed out. I headed for Alice. We would need to talk.

Alice and Marilyn were together when we came out and the four of us went to supper in the athletic dorm which was convenient. We filled our trays and sat down. I prayed for our food. As we ate, Bob and I filled our ladies in on the information we had been given.

Alice was happy that we would have a free weekend and that we wouldn’t be playing over the Thanksgiving weekend. She looked at me. “Jerry, we will have to talk with our parents about these game weekends.”

“I agree. I’m not sure either of our parents can make this game. The coaches are thinking about us flying to Kansas City. Otherwise, we might have to miss school. We still may leave Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.” I shrugged. “Baseball can be that way for away games in the middle of the week. We’ll just have to work it out.”

Kate and Tom and Cheryl and Trevor had all joined us and were listening. They were nodding as we mentioned the issues of getting to the game as well as the holidays.

Tom said, “It sounds like we might lose our informal cheering section for this game.”

I said, “It’s early. We just found out who and where we would be playing. It takes a bit to arrange transportation. We know something but not much. Now, we’ll have to wait a little for specifics.” I grinned. “We knew this time would come if we continued to win.”

We finished our meals on a lighter note. I could tell that Marilyn and Bob were both troubled. I figured that Alice and I would talk to them. We went to the common room and sat down away, as usual, from the TV.

Marilyn and Bob joined us. I said, “You both looked troubled. How can we help?”

Bob said, “I know my parents can’t come to our game. Unless the school does something, I don’t think Marilyn will be able to make it either. We’ve both been concerned about Thanksgiving and being together. Sometimes, it’s tough.”

Alice said, “Jerry and I have been excessively lucky with both our parents being supportive and living relatively close to each other and to the school. I’m not sure what we can do about the game though.” She looked at Marilyn. “Like you, I won’t be at the next game unless the school can do something. Of course, Jerry and I knew this day would come. Thanksgiving is different. We’ll have to talk about that. Both of our sets of parents want us. We think we have worked it out. I know my brother will want to see Grace over Thanksgiving which puts a very slight extra wrinkle into the subject.”

Grace joined us smiling. “I’ve been talking to Mitch. I want a ride for the Thanksgiving holiday whether you stay with his folks or Jerry’s. That will save Mitch making a drive. Have you two decided what you will do about the game?”

Alice grinned. “Jerry will go play it and I’ll watch it on TV either here or at home. I don’t know if the school will get a group up that’s affordable and fast since we have classes Friday and Monday. We’re really talking about Thanksgiving.”

Grace said, “That sounds good to me. Classes end at noon on Wednesday and don’t start back until Monday morning. Have you two given any thought to your plans?”

Alice smiled. “Yes. It looks like my house for Thanksgiving but we aren’t sure of any details yet. I think we can work a ride for you one way or another.” She looked more serious. “We’re trying to think on Marilyn and Bob’s situation. Even though Marilyn has a car, there seem to be some issues.”

Marilyn said, “Neither my parents nor Bob’s really like our partner. I’m not sure either of us will be very welcome at the other’s house. Bob and I will have to figure out something else. I think that if both parents know we spent Thanksgiving together but away from both sets, it might get a useful dialogue started.”

Bob grimaced but nodded. “My folks think Marilyn is too fancy and her folks think I’m too blue collar. It’s stupid but real.”

I said, “I’m an only child so I know my folks will want me at home. Besides, they love Alice so she will be welcome. Her folks tolerate me pretty well, too.” I grinned.

Alice grinned, too. “Marilyn, what if you two joined Jerry and I if we go to his folk’s house?”

“I would be a little embarrassed but I won’t repeat my last visit. It’s too cold and I don’t wear that suit anyway now. It’s hidden in a dresser drawer in my old room. It will stay there. I would like to spend some time in a healthy family situation. My folks’ encouragement is not good for my current moral stance”

I said, “We have the outline of a plan. Alice and I need to talk to our folks and get it working. It looks like Bob and I will be with the team for the coming game. I’m glad that, if we win, there’s only one more. Playing football over the holidays is not a good thing. Let the pros do it, they’re paid for it.”

We talked to both sets of parents. We would spend the holiday with mine with Marilyn and Bob joining us. My mother questioned me about Marilyn’s proposed appearance. I said, “Mother, she has truly changed. Her parents are not really happy with her new moral stance nor her attachment to Bob. Both she and Bob are striving to be better persons and being around a positive environment will be helpful to them. Also, it gives you another target for your teasing.”

“Well, we can bunk them across the hall from you and Alice in the other two guest rooms. That’s worked well for you and Alice.”

“Yes, Ma’am. We will stop by the Meadows’ farm and drop Grace off to be with Mitchell. They’re pretty much together and are getting serious.”

“Okay, Jerry. While you’re here, we can talk about Christmas.”

“Okay, Mom. We love you. Bye.”

I pocketed my phone noticing that Alice was doing the same. I smiled and said, “My parents are looking forward to the four of us coming for the Thanksgiving holiday. My mother does want to talk about Christmas while we’re there.” I shrugged. “We’ll work it out. Marilyn, Bob, you’ll be in the bedrooms across from the two of us.”

I saw Bob look up. I continued, “We’re comfortable at the house. Bring a swim suit. It may be a bit cool for the pool but we do have a hot tub. The only fancy clothing would be church on Sunday and it’s like ours here.” He seemed relieved. Marilyn and Alice were talking quietly. They were nodding.

Our evening gradually came to an end and we went to our rooms and beds. The week went by quietly. Friday, we left for Alice’s farm with Grace. She was anxiously looking forward to seeing Mitch. When we arrived and piled out, Mitch had come out and handed Grace out pulling her into his arms for a deep kiss. We went inside to hugs and kisses from Alice’s parents.

Mitch and I went back out for the case which he deposited in the bedroom adjacent to his and across from the one I usually used. I looked at him placing her case and grinned.

We went to the living room to sit beside our girls and with Marilyn and Bob until they headed to the kitchen to assist with supper preparations. I went with Alice and Mitch followed moments later.

Missus Meadows grinned. “I understand Jerry. He has learned to be minimally helpful. What are you doing here, Mitch? Did you get lost on your way out to the barn?”

Both girls giggled. Mitch blushed. He said, “I came to be with Grace and help.”

Alice tried a straight face and said, “Exactly what will you do to help Grace, Mitch?”

He grinned. “Stay out of her way.” We all laughed. We sat at the kitchen table out of the way while our girls helped Missus Meadows prepare supper. We did set the table and did it correctly. No one commented about our activities.

Mister Meadows came inside, washed up, and we all sat down for supper. It was an enjoyable meal with much bantering going around the table. Alice volunteered Grace and Mitch to clear the table and load the dishwasher since we would leave for my house.

As they came in, both Grace and Mitch were blushing. Alice said, “Hearing about why both of you are blushing would be interesting.” Mitch and Grace looked at each other but said nothing.

Mister Meadows was under no vow of silence, even one agreed by just looks. “I’ve just wondered about the sleeping arrangements. You two and they are all closely located. I just wondered about the level of hanky panky occurring.

I grinned. “There is neither hanky nor panky going on. We aren’t old enough to have dirty minds though we can try if you want us to figure that out.” Alice grinned.

Missus Meadows quickly said, “Don’t give them any ideas, Gerald. I think we will have a married daughter soon enough. It doesn’t need to be rushed.”

Mitch said, “I think Grace and I may beat Alice and Jerry to the altar.” He grinned. Grace just had a dreamy look n her face and scrunched more tightly into his side.

Mister Meadows smiled but offered no further comments.

Alice said, “Does silence mean that Jerry and I should practice what we’ve learned about sex to develop personal experience?” She grinned.

Her mother stammered. “Not at all. I think you two should stick to theory and not even study to retain what should be useless information.” Alice and I grinned at her mother’s response.

We had to leave for my parents’ home. Marilyn and Bob were ready to go and followed us as per plan. We considered leaving a car at the farm but didn’t. We arrived to hugs and kisses from my parents. Bob and I extracted our cases from the cars and delivered them to the various rooms before going into the living room where our ladies were sitting with my parents.