TITLE    : Two Hearts Stand Alone Pt. 02
STORYID  : two-hearts-stand-alone-pt-02
SUMMARY  : The state track meet, and the big dance.
AUTHOR   : photodad@lit
DATE     : 2010-06-26
CATEGORY : adult-romance
FLAGS    : hw
TAGS     : |friends|prom|highschool|romantic|novel|softcore|love|long story|relationship|tragedy|


<i>Author's note:



Wow, thanks for the reception to Part 1! For me, next to actual erotic details, introductions are the hardest to write. I was fearing a backlash that it would be boring, but so far your ratings and comments have proved me wrong. Anywho, this part is a bit less lengthy, because I wanted to leave some suspense. I'm still writing this piece, so part 3 might take a bit to post.



If you like this story, might I suggest you visit my other series, Angels and Guardians. It's a bit racier than this, but also received good marks.



Please remember to vote, 5's are appreciated.



Thanks.</i>



***



Chapter 9



They collected their bags after 2nd period the next Friday, and the bus was already warm inside. The two made their way efficiently through the school and were the first ones to the parking lot. Coach Drew was already loading equipment onto the bus and Chris dropped his bag and helped with the coolers.



The coach looked at them when the poles were laid on the floor. "So, CC...I know the nun (he loved calling their principal that) gave you two a lecture about being examples for the school, blah, blah, blah. But, this is a tight group, and we can tell you two are an item now. You're both 18, so just be yourselves around each other and enjoy this trip. Anything said or observed on this trip will stay on the bus when we get back. Try and keep it tame in front of the others, though, okay?"



Chris answered, "no worries, Coach. You won't have to worry about us embarrassing your innocence."



"Hardy har. Let's get everyone loaded up!"



Christine looked at the unblemished sky. "Uh, Chris. Does the bus have a/c?"



"Nope...this is the track team. We roll uncool."



She cocked her lips to one side, grabbed her bag, and hopped on board before anyone else.



Chris and his coach met the others who were sporadically appearing in the parking lot. The last finally arrived and Coach laid out some unnecessarily said rules for the trip. "And, lastly, you're ordered to have fun!" he finished his little speech.



Christine scrambled on hearing that to put things away in her bag. Chris was on board first and found her in one of the middle rows. "Whoa! When did you change?"



She was now in a pair of small jean shorts and a green bikini top that was chosen to contrast with her hair perfectly. "Just now," she said with a wink. "I didn't want to get too hot."



He sucked in a deep breath. "Too bad I missed it. I didn't realize you were so hot."



"I like keeping myself a mystery. You like the new swimsuit?" She undid the shorts to show him a hint of the matching bottoms. "Besides, you said that there was no air conditioning on this ride."



"Very nice. True, but that's not what I meant."



She flashed a brilliant smile at him as she worked with a t-shirt to get all the holes in order. "Aww, thanks!"



When the girls saw what Christine was, or rather, wasn't wearing, they were jealous they didn't think of that. "Hey Coach!" the lone tiny freshman Tina called out. "Can we change, too?"



"We gotta hit the road, Tina."



"I meant on here."



The coach rolled his eyes. "Alright...all guys to the front of the bus. Ladies, you have 3 minutes from now. Christine, do you mind making sure the guys keep their eyes forward?"



She shook her head and stood behind them while donning the t-shirt, keeping a keen eye on the males. They were good though and her interference wasn't necessary. Once the clamoring finished and Tina gave the "all clear" message, the coach fired up the long-aged bus.



She glanced out the window, noticing something missing. "No one is out to send you guys off."



Chris responded, "yeah, and?"



"Well, for last year's baseball state finals, half the school was out front, and we cheerleaders had to wear our uniforms to send that team off."



Chris started laughing. "Sweetheart, again, this is the track team. We get what's left over after baseball and football. You see, the athletic director is Coach Mike...he leads the baseball team as well. Why should he short his sport for our 'rag tag band' as he puts it?"



Coach shifted the bus into first (yeah, it was that old) and started pulling around the side of the school. Of course, no one was lining the sidewalks for this team. "Everyone to the right side of the bus! Now wave and thank everyone for coming out!"



The team did out of spite, sarcastically yelling things like, "we'll miss you. We'll win one for you guys. Thanks for coming out!"



Coach spotted Coach Mike getting out of his car and heading inside, and he slowly pulled even with the hated coach's path. "All right...raise fist, and...extend middle finger!!" 



He honked the horn, making Coach Mike turn around and see the spectacle. Then he gunned the engine for the light that turned green and they sped off toward the interstate. The team howled in laughter at their stunt. It was funnier to them because Mike's prized baseball team didn't even come close to the district title this year.



The bus made its way onto the interstate, and the team settled in. Some played cards on the cooler tops, while others watched. Christine curled up against Chris and started reading a book. A few dozen miles later, she noticed Chris was shifting around. She sat up and offered her lap as a pillow. They changed positions to accommodate with Chris' feet planted on the seat and his knees resting against the back. Christine played and toyed with his hair until he was firmly asleep.



Just outside of Tallahassee, the coach pulled into a large rest area, and Christine kissed Chris' forehead. "We've stopped for a break, dear. You need to get up?"



He groggily reoriented his surroundings as his coach wound around the service road to the bus parking. "Oh, yeah. I better. You coming?"



She nodded and he sat up. The coach opened the doors and called out, "twenty minutes, folks!" The team streamed out both ends of the bus and headed for the toilets.



Once they finished with their personal duties, Chris met up with Christine and they wandered hand in hand to the grass area to stretch their legs. Taking an easy stroll, they chatted about the weather, upcoming graduation, and how nice and easy their new relationship was going. The two circled back toward the bus and saw the whole team assembled there, watching them.



"What?" Chris asked when they reached the group.



Tony, the team captain and anchor leg for both the guys relays sang, "C and C, sitting in a tree, K I S S I N G!"



Chris punched his shoulder. "Oh just shut up!"



The group laughed, finished their sodas, and made their way back onto the bus. The team was refreshed from the break and talked animatedly while sharing stories with Christine and Tina about the team's antics in years past. Sometimes their coach would chime in from his driver's seat and fill in an embarrassing detail about the person telling the story, which was conveniently omitted from that story.



About 45 minutes passed before they pulled into a McDonald's in Tallahassee. Coach parked, shut the engine off and announced that he was going for some free food. He bounded off the bus and pranced toward the store. The rest chuckled at his childish side and walked to follow him. Being a busy lunch rush, the team was amused that Coach was still at the back of the line when they walked in.



Coach finally was able to step up to the counter and asked, "hey, I'm the bus driver. Do I get to eat for free?"



The crew member looked over her shoulder for direction from her manager. The manager nodded and Coach seemed to order the menu. CC were the last to go and Chris ordered his meal, then asked Christine what she wanted. She ordered while Chris fished out his wallet. Christine stopped him by lightly grabbing his arm.



"I got this," she said.



"No, I can pay."



She handed the clerk her card. "Eh, I gotta make sure my man is strong for his race," she cooed.



They got their food and joined their group at the tables. Chris smiled when he realized why Coach ordered so much. He discretely doled out two of his sandwiches and fries to Tony and Tina, who came from families that were not so financially fortunate.



The bus had been sitting in the blistering sun during lunch and was almost unbearably hot when they piled back in. As they got under way again, Christine pulled off her shirt and the rest of the girls followed suit. The guys had bug eyes for the next few miles, which the girls endured until the novelty wore off. Christine laid down on their seat with her legs across Chris' lap, her head propped up by a folded blanket she retrieved from her bag.



Chris traced lazy circles around the one small blemish on her legs, the scar from her surgery last year. "Does it still hurt?" he asked quietly.



"Sometimes," she responded. "But, I make do without the pills, now. I thought you knew I stopped taking them."



"Well, I hadn't noticed you taking anything lately. I'm glad you were able to kick that habit."



She sighed, "me too. They made me feel good for a while, but then I realized that they were interfering with a more pressing addiction of mine, so I finally sucked it up and quit taking them."



He frowned. "What other addiction?"



She gave a smile. "You, of course!"



"Good answer, but you know I wouldn't leave you for very long."



"Any amount of time away from you is too much, lately."



He took her sandals off and started rubbing her petite feet. "I feel the same way."



She sighed. "Well, I kind of figured, but it's nice to hear once in a while."



Chris nodded. "I suppose so. You know, I do love you, C. I guess I should tell you that more, too."



"And I love you, C! You can tell me so as often as you like." She closed her eyes with a contented smile and drifted off.



The clanking of the bus's turn signal roused her from her nap. "We're stopping?"



Chris was replacing her sandals to her feet. "Yeah. We're about an hour and a half from Gainesville."



The bus was parked and they all headed to the restrooms to relieve themselves from the effects of their lunch. Back outside, the team found CC sitting at a picnic table, playing with each others hands and fingers.



Tony came up to them and said, "y'all must power pee or something. You're always the first ones out."



Christine grinned at him and said, "what do you think the rails in the stalls are for? Just grip it and rip it!"



Tony chuckled at that and then apologized for interrupting them. Chris said he wasn't and invited him to sit with them. Before long, the whole team was gathered around the concrete table and shot the breeze with each other. The coach emerged from the rest building and herded the team back onto the bus, saying he wanted to get to the hotel before dark.



They were under way again when Tina called out, "Coach, it's too freaking hot in here!"



He shot back, "oh, I'm sorry, let me turn on the a/c for ya!" He reached up and turned on a pitifully small fan on the ceiling over his head. "There, is that better?"



Of course turning the fan on changed nothing except for the rattle noise as the blades spun now. The whole group laughed.



He turned off the annoying vibrating contraption. "Think of this trip as a way to get acclimated to swampy Gainesville. We're all hot, and there's nothing that can be done. Just suck it up and keep quiet about it."



It really was hot. Actually, it was more like someone threw a wet blanked over them and then breathed hot moist air under the blanket. They all had at least a light sheen of sweat covering their bodies, and Christine vowed to herself that once settled, she was heading for the pool at the hotel. Nobody was talking much anymore, and most of them were staring at the pine trees zipping past. Sleep in these conditions was nearly impossible.



At long last, the bus pulled into the hotel parking lot. The coach pulled around to the side, finding a final space to leave the bus for the night. The team collected their bags and filed in to the lobby.



Christine looked around the nicely appointed reception area. "Whoa, this is NICE!"



Chris put his arm around her and said, "yeah. I really wasn't expecting this."



The coach walked past them with a grin. "The nun finally sprang for something worthwhile. And, it's right across the street from the track."



Both turned to look out the front door, and sure enough, a sizable building had a large nameplate that read "James G. Pressly Stadium and Persy Beard Track." The coach stepped up to the counter and checked the team in.



Christine approached the counter next to him and asked the next clerk how much for the night. She was told that they were booked up for the state meet. Christine had figured so, but made an attempt at paying her own way on this trip. A nice middle aged woman stepped up to her.



"Christine?"



"Yes? How did you..."



"I'm Carol. Wendy's mom. Are you having trouble here?"



"Well, sort of. I didn't know where we were staying, so I didn't call for a reservation. I figured if they were booked up, I'd just take the floor in one of the girls' rooms. I brought my blanket just in case."



The woman gave her name to the clerk, and while they were setting up the check-in, she said to Christine, "nonsense! You don't need to sleep on the floor. You can stay in my room."



Puzzled by the friendliness, Christine asked, "are you sure? Thanks, but you don't even know me."



The woman just smiled. "You're the better half of the pair known as CC, right? Look, if all I knew was that you were involved with Chris, that would be plenty. But, I've heard so much about you two and all you both do for the school. I know it's true, because I've seen how Chris helps with the team. It would be an honor to have you in my room."



Christine smiled and accepted just as Chris walked up. "C, the team's on the 4th floor. Coach said you could bunk in 409 with Julie, Tina, Marcia, and Carrie. There's a fold out loveseat in their room you could use." He saw who was standing next to Christine. "Oh, hey Carol! C, this is Wendy's mom, Carol. Carol, this is C...I mean Christine."



Christine giggled. "We just met. She's gonna let me stay in her room. Isn't that nice? Oh, wait. Where's Wendy sleeping?"



Carol responded while accepting two key cards and handing one to Christine, "She's part of the team, so she's staying in one of the two rooms with them."



They grabbed their bags and headed for the elevator. After dropping Chris off on his floor, Carol swiped her card in the elevator keypad and touched the second highest floor. The doors opened to a short hallway with only three doors. Carol went to the far door, swiped her card and opened the door. Christine gasped at the large suite. She explored in wonder, finding a full kitchenette, stocked with cookware, two baths, a large living room, and two bedrooms.



When Carol spotted her looking at the full minibar, she said, "don't get any ideas. I might be cool, but I'm not into plying minors with alcohol."



Christine knitted her eyebrows. "I'm not a minor..."



"Fine, under legal alcohol age, then."



"Don't worry, I won't even sneak one while you're not looking. I was just thinking that this is all so much...you gotta let me pay something to help with this room."



"Eh, it's fine. I didn't pay any more than the team's rooms."



"Combined?"



Carol laughed. "No, just the standard rate for one."



Christine was bewildered. "I don't understand. This doesn't cost $105, or even $150..."



"I know how to work the system. I asked for a handicapped accessible room, and they replied that all the rooms are. But, I insisted that my daughter needs more than that, as she's autistic. If a hotel does not have a room specifically for handicapped clients, they must upgrade to the next spacious room available at no extra charge. I looked it up, and this hotel fits that example. So, I paid only $130. Homework is good for more than just school."



Christine couldn't help but laugh. "But your daughter is..."



"You for tonight, so if any staff approaches us, clam up or insist on talking about the weather in simple terms."



"That's mentally challenged, not autistic," Christine protested.



"They wouldn't know that. Anyway, you're welcome to the second bedroom. We'll probably end up having the team up here tonight, as that's how things usually work out for these state meets."



"Been here a lot?"



"Wendy's awesome in the discus and shot put for her size, so the last three years, yeah. It was Orlando sophomore year, and Tampa last year."



"Huh...I don't remember anyone going the last two years."



"I drove her, and the guys 4X100 team those two years. That's all that qualified. This year is a little different. The guys have Mike in pole vault, Steve in the triple and high jumps, Jeremy running the 800, the 1600, and the 3200, plus the 4X100, and 4x400 relays. The girls, thanks to 'Lil Shrimp...er, Tina, have her in the open 100 and the two relays plus Wendy in the two throwing events. Actually, Tina has Chris to thank."



Christine sat on the sofa across from Carol and got a peculiar look on her face. "Why Chris? What did he do?"



Carol smiled at Christine. "No, nothing like what you're thinking. Everyone saw how quick Tina was from the first day at practice, but Chris saw how bad her starts were and he took her under his wing. He coached her every day until the district meet." 



She was no longer jealous, but Christine still couldn't see why Chris would be coaching a freshman. "But, he's just Chris. What would he know that could help her?"



Carol laughed. "How long have you known Chris?"



"Since kindergarten."



"Well, then, you should know that he's not the quickest out there."



"That's true...but didn't he do well at districts this year?"



"Yes, very well. What he doesn't have in speed, he makes up for with his starts and endurance. He can hold his sprint just a bit longer than many others, and, he's the fastest off the blocks."



"Off the blocks?"



"Honey, how long have you been watching practice?"



"Just this last week or so, why?"



"That explains it. Chris is the best in our area at getting out of the starting blocks at the sound of the gun, and he hasn't false started once...not even at practice. We've dropped broom handles, clapped, even thrown shoes at him to see if he'd go...but, the boy only moves if a gun goes off."



"So, that's what they were talking about..."



"What, dear?"



"Well, the team kept cracking one liners about Chris' fast starts and guns going off...I thought they were poking fun at him for being with me..."



"Why? Does he...you know?"



"I don't know. We haven't gotten to that point, yet."



"Well, just don't make it to that point the next two nights. I'd rather not have to explain to Sister Collins why there are sexual rumors about the track team."



"Don't worry."



"Really?" Carol eyed Christine's bikini top.



Christine rolled her eyes at herself. "Sorry, we were so hot on the way over, I forgot to put my t-shirt back on."



"So you rode the bus?"



"How else would I get here?"



"I thought you drove. You were at the counter alone when I saw you."



She shook her head. "No, Chris followed Coach to get his key."



"Well, you don't have to roast on the way back. You and Chris can ride with me and Wendy."



"Wow, thanks!"



"Don't mention it. Why don't you go downstairs and join the team? I'm gonna take a little nap. Bring whomever you want up here, I won't mind. Just, no sleepovers...they have to rest before the meet tomorrow."



"No problem. Thanks again Carol!"



Christine grabbed a towel and went down to the 4th floor. There was no question as to which rooms the team members were staying in. Five doors grouped together were open, with a teenager here and there darting between them. She found Chris with about half the team piled into the fifth one.



"There she is!" exclaimed Chris.

<hr pg="2" />"Hey guys! I was about to take a dip in the pool, anyone want to come?"



She felt the males check her out in her shorts and bikini top, and Tony about bowled her over, racing past to get clearance from their coach next door. The two appeared in the doorway about half a second later.



The coach looked at the group's pleading eyes. "Tony says y'all want to go swimming?" That was met with a bunch of yes's. "Remember, there IS a meet tomorrow. One hour, no horsing around. I don't want anyone hurt." There was a rush to their respective rooms to get changed. He yelled after them, "come up with dinner plans while you're down there! I want to eat before 9."



Christine waited in the hallway for Chris to come back out. About a half dozen male teens came out of various rooms and headed to the elevator before he was ready. The pair met up and went down together. The others were already in the pool by the time CC came out onto the deck. Chris made a neat shallow dive while Christine stopped at a chair to drape their towels over and kicked off her sandals. She happened to be facing the fence as she shimmied out of her shorts and was startled by a shrill cat-call.



"Chris, you are a LUCKY man!" shouted an obnoxious male voice.



Christine turned to find all eyes in the pool fixated on her. It dawned on her that no one had seen her in anything less than a long skirt or jeans and t-shirt. Maybe that was why all the first comers were male. She grinned, "Tony! I thought the Victoria's Secret catalogs under your bed were enough for you!" She glided into the pool as everyone laughed at her jab.



Tony retorted, "yes ma'am, but they're like comic books next to you."



She dipped her head in appreciation of the flattery. "Well, thank you." Then she turned to Chris who had come up next to her on the wall of the pool. "What do you think?"



"That I'm definitely a lucky man. May I kiss you?"



Her eyes sparkled. "Yes, but we have company."



He responded by kissing her cheek, which garnered a "PDA!" accusation from behind them. The rest of the team appeared, and soon the pool was filled with laughing and splashing teens. When things settled down and the group milled around in the pool, Tony, being the team captain, brought up that they needed to agree on dinner...hopefully within walking distance. The usual fast food was brought up and quickly discarded. TGIFridays and Olive Garden made the list, but Tina and Tony seemed hesitant, probably because they didn't bring much money.



Christine remembered that Chris once said that runners shouldn't eat a lot of red meat before races and that they need a lot of carbs. "Hey guys!" she called. "I saw a little grocery a few doors down, how about I make y'all chicken spaghetti? Mrs. Carol's room has a kitchenette, so what do you say?"



That sounded fantastic to them all, and she excused herself to shower and change. Chris said he'd throw on a t-shirt and walk with her when she came back down. She tried to say it wasn't necessary, but he insisted that it was getting dark, and there was no way he was going to have her walk alone next to a busy college campus.



After a while, Christine reappeared looking fresh, with Carol at her side. "I told you it wasn't necessary for you to get out of the pool. Wendy's mom is driving me. We'll have dinner ready in about an hour, so plan to be ready by then, guys!" The team shouted their promise to be ready, as well as their thanks. 



They had just reassembled in one of the rooms after their showers when Christine showed up, true to her word. She looked at the coach and asked happily, "y'all ready?"



Coach nodded and told everyone to lock their doors on the way to the elevator. They all packed in on one trip, and he asked, "you're not going to poison us, are you?"



After the snickers, Christine replied defiantly, "only your plate is 'special'."



The team laughed as she swiped her card. Once she opened their suite door, there was a chorus of low whistles.



Tony spoke up finally, "you've outdone yourself on this one, Mrs. K."



Carol said thanks, and invited everyone to grab a plastic plate and help themselves. They all took turns scooping the pasta from the two pots, and grabbed a can of soda from the open cooler. They took seats where they could, on the sofas, recliners, at the dinette table, or on the floor.



Christine finished her fill and looked around the quiet room. "I guess the silence means it's good?"



Everyone nodded enthusiastically. Coach got up and helped himself to thirds. "It's amazing. Thanks, Carol!"



Carol shook her head. "I was just the courier and sous chef, you should thank Christine. This is all hers."



The teens all looked up in wonder. Jeremy asked, "how much do I owe you?"



Christine smiled. "No, no. I wanted to show my thanks for letting me be here."



Tony couldn't help himself. "I thought that's what the fashion show was for in the pool." This was met by a shower of wadded napkins thrown at him by most of the other girls. "Oh, please. You're all pretty, but we've seen y'all before at various pool parties. Except Christine."



Jeremy said, "yeah. Why was that, C?"



Christine shrugged. "I was busy. Thanks for the compliment, though."



Chris changed the subject back. "So, what's in this?"



Christine answered, "Ragu with mushrooms, diced pan-fried chicken, a little garlic, some sugar, and a slap of chili powder for just a little kick."



Tony got hungry again just listening to that and jumped up. "I'm gonna get some more before Coach eats it all." The group laughed.



Jeremy came up to Christine and asked again quietly, "I'd like to help you with this. How much can I give you?'



She just smiled and said, "thanks, but please, it only cost me like $25 including the sodas. It was my pleasure, really."



When everybody was done, Chris and Tony helped Christine clean up the kitchen. It suddenly dawned on her that there were only two adults in the room, excluding her, Chris, and four other older seniors.



"Where's Coach Steve and Coach White, BTW?" she asked over her shoulder to no one in particular.



The present coach answered from the dinette, "they're sorry they couldn't be here. They're running in the Oklahoma City Marathon on Sunday."



The exchange prompted the team to start relating their favorite stories about the two respected coaches over the past year. When the dishes were done, Christine sat on Chris' lap on the sofa, listening to the stories and laughing with the team. It started getting late and coach announced that it was curfew, and that lights out would be in 20 minutes. The team filed out, each thanking Christine for the dinner.



Chris hung back to give Christine a goodnight hug. She looked up at him and grinned. "What?" he asked.



"You may kiss me," she answered sweetly.



He bent down and gave her a soft lingering peck on her lips. There was a ribbing "PDA" chorus from the elevator, and they just looked at the group and smiled. He whispered good night to her and joined the rest in the elevator.



Chapter 10



The next morning, they all took advantage of the hotel's breakfast downstairs. The runners chose their meal carefully, sticking with the eggs, cereal, and breads. Wendy, Mike, and Steve were the field competitors and loaded up on the sausage and bacon, much to the envy of the others. While he had everybody in one place, Coach ignored the other guests in the area and loudly ran down the day's plan. He was taking Wendy, Tina, Mike, and Steve over on the bus right after breakfast. Tina's first heat in the open 100 was early, so she had to go as well. The rest were to stay at the hotel until their event neared, to keep out of the heat. Carol would make runs back and forth from the hotel to keep everyone on schedule. Before they left, Christine was surprised when Tina came up to Chris, asking for her "trance." Tina put her hands on his shoulders, he put his on the back of her neck, and they rested their foreheads together. She couldn't make out his quiet, even words, but the expression on Tina's face melted into nothing. Everybody wished the four luck and watched them go out the door. Christine invited the rest up to her room, and they readily agreed.



She was watching TV on one of the couches with Chris when she asked him about what happened downstairs.



"What do you mean?" he asked.



"Tina said something about a trance?"



"Oh, yeah. She does that to help prepare for her race."



"Well?"



"Well what?"



Christine rolled her eyes. "What did you say to her?"



He sighed. "You really want to know?"



THAT perked her interest. "I really do now, yes."



"How about I go through it with you for my race later on, okay?"



She nodded. "When is that, anyway?"



"4X400 is last. It'll be a long day for us."



About three hours later, Carol showed up with Wendy, Mike, and Steve, and asked the teens running the short relays to come with her. Chris asked how things were going and Wendy brightly answered that the three all placed in the top 5 for each event. Mike was the big dog, winning 2nd place in the pole vault, bringing their school in the lead for the meet. Congratulations were said, then everyone asked about Tina. She placed 5th in her heat, qualifying her last for the 100m final.



"Atta girl," Chris said.



Christine shot him a look. "That's not good, is it?"



"Well, the first heat doesn't matter, so long as you come in 5th or better at this track. Sounds like she's saving herself for the other events, which is good. Besides, for some reason, she likes the outside lane."



Four hours went by before the first relay teams and Carol came back. Chris mumbled that at this pace, he'd be running at 1 a.m. Carol reported that the boys took first and broke a state high school record for the 4x100, and the girls finished 2nd. She grabbed a soda and took Jeremy back with her for the distance running. Christine jumped up and gave the runners a hug each. About an hour and a half later, Chris noted that the sun was dipping below the trees, and told everyone to grab their things and start heading over. Wendy texted her mom what they were doing before they set off.



The group crossed the busy highway and entered the field through a side gate. They found Tina and Jeremy under a canopy in a corner of the outside field. Tina was listening to old Garth Brooks songs on her iPod for motivation when she saw the group come up. Her finals were up soon, and she asked Chris for a topup. They went off a little ways and Christine watched them repeat what they did that morning. When he got back, Jeremy told the group that he won 2nd in the 800, and 1st in the 1600. They all shared high fives with him, calling him the "Energizer Bunny." His scores placed the guys squarely in the lead. The girls were fifth overall, mostly because they qualified for so few events.



Tina's event was next, and the team watched from the corner behind her. As she readied herself on the outside 9th lane, she really did look the part of a shrimp like everyone said. After the second whistle, three runners lurched out of the blocks. Tina was rock still until the whistle sounded again.



"Well, she at least has 6th place," Chris remarked.



"Why is that?" Christine asked as she watched the remaining runners dance out the tension.



Tony said, "Florida High School rules...false start and you're out. This meet's been plagued with them, that's why it's been taking so long. They've been taking a really long time to reset each race."



The long ready whistle finally sounded. Tina paced for a bit, then stepped into the blocks, ensuring that her knee touched the ground last. The group chuckled quietly and one of the girls commented that Chris taught her well. Before Christine could ask, Tony explained that Chris' theory is that the shortest amount of time in the blocks makes it easier to hold the coil for a better start. Just then the second short whistle burst quickly, prompting the set stances of the runners. Immediately after the starting pistol fired, and Tina rocketed down the track. The team all cheered mightily for her, but from their position, they couldn't tell who won. Tina was walking back to them, all smiles when the results were posted on the scoreboard. The top slot displayed Tina's name and time. Chris dashed to meet her, wrapped her in a bear hug and swung her around.



They returned and the group met her with hugs and lots of "way to go, Shrimp!"



She thanked them all and still panting, turned to Chris, giving him a large hug. "Thanks so much, dude! That start was amazing...I had a two step lead on them the whole way." She cracked a bit and a tear of joy formed. "Without that jump, I'd have been in 6th. I owe it all to you."



He hugged her back. "Aw, it ain't no thing. You're just good at moving those tiny legs. Now, get some rest before your long run."



Jeremy trotted off to check in for his 3200m race when the ladies' race was on their final lap. The team watched and cheered him on, and when he passed by them, he always turned and grinned at them. He was in 10th when he rounded the corner on the second to last lap, and Christine thought for sure it was over. The team all shouted "NOW JEREMY" as he passed, and he kicked things into gear.



"Holy shit!" Christine exclaimed as he overtook five of the spots by the far turn.



"Oh yeah!" Chris answered happily. "For local meets, he'd hang back with the girls until the last lap."



"So, usually the boys and girls run together?"



"Yeah, to save time."



As Jeremy entered the last corner, he was in the lead and pulling away. The team jumped up and down, screaming as he finished a full three seconds ahead of the rest of the field. He came back to them, looking like his smile would crack his face in two. He received a multitude of hugs before the girls' 4X400 team went to warm up while the track was being set up for the 300 hurdles. The four ladies returned barely winded just as the men's 300 was wrapping up.



Chris pulled Tina to the side for some last minute tips, then tapped her head for luck. He gathered his team up, grabbed his baton and the four went off jogging around the block single file, passing the baton up and back as they went. When they returned, he pulled Christine to the side.



"I promised I'd show you what Tina asked me to do."



"Yeah, I'd like that."



"Okay." He pulled her head to his like he did with Tina. He closed his eyes and in a low steady voice, he said slowly, "Close your mind...Open your ears...Listen for the sound of the gun...Feel its shock ripple through your body and into your muscles...Move only for that sound...Use it to spring forward...It's only you and your lane...Nothing else exists until that gun."



When he finished speaking, everything outside his embrace disappeared for Christine. She backed away slightly and kissed his forehead for luck. He nodded and trotted off to check in with the rest of the relay team.



The girls finished 2nd in their race, and when Tina rejoined the group, she caught Christine's blank look. She went up to her and said, "he did it to you, didn't he?" Christine just nodded. Tina put her hands just before Christine's face and clapped hard. Christine jumped forward and bumped into the tiny girl. "It's freakin' spooky, ain't it? but it works."



Christine snapped out of it. "Wow, it sure does. How's he do that?"



"I'm not sure, but I think it's a little window as to what he goes through when he gets ready to race. It's helped me get so much better. You have an awesome boyfriend. Thanks for not getting jealous and letting him help me tonight." Tina reached around Christine and gave her a tight hug.



Christine returned the hug with a smile. "Congratulations on your performances, Tina."



Carol came over to Christine and told her what the coach was telling Chris on the track right now. The boys were in the lead by four, with three teams tied for second behind them. The relay team needed to finish no worse than fourth to ensure at least a tie for the championship. "He's telling Chris right now that whatever he does, do NOT false start."



"Oh, I think that's impossible for him right now," assured Christine.



Tina responded, "you'd think so, but this meet's been tough and riddled with false starts. Besides, it's 12:50 in the morning."



Christine checked her small watch. "Wow, Chris was right, he said he might be running at 1."



Their conversation was cut off by two short blasts of a whistle, getting the attention of the runners. A long "ready" whistle sounded next. Christine's heart pounded as she watched Chris kick out in the blocks all alone in lane 9 on the far corner. The "set" whistle chirped and the lead runners' butts came up in unison. After about four seconds, the field stood up in the blocks, except Chris. The starting coach noticed and blew two short blasts on his whistle, and then Chris jogged out.



"What happened?" asked Christine.



"Gun jammed," said Carol.



"Oh. Why didn't Chris get up with the others?"



Tina looked at her. "Remember what he said during the trance. He follows it better than anyone I've seen. Chris really does move only for the gun or the whistle."



"So why did he jog out? The others stood up."



Tina smiled. "Chris never stands up out of the blocks. That's his rule number one. 'Always move forward out of the blocks, standing wastes your motion,' he'd say."



It was a while before the gun issue was figured out, and the long whistle sounded again. Sure enough, Chris was the last to touch his knee down. The short whistle burst, then two runners darted out of the blocks. The pistol went off, and it seemed that Chris was out ten yards before the second "false start" shot rang out. The PA announced that lanes 5, 6, and 9 were DQ'd. The team erupted in strong disbelief, and their coach was sprinting out to the judges on the infield. Christine's heart sank, feeling very distraught that all of Chris' hard work was being thrown away.



Tina wrapped her arms around Christine. "I think Coach will change their minds."



"I hope so. What is Chris doing?"



He was standing near his blocks, animatedly pointing and waving his arms.



Jeremy stepped up to them and said, "I think he's protesting to the starter. I don't know why, 'cuz only the judges can overturn a disqualify."



Before long, the starter put down his device and strode across the lanes. There was much discussion on the infield, but after a while, the group broke up and Coach trudged back to the stands, shaking his head.



"Oh God," remarked Christine.



Just then, the PA announced, "we have a correction. Lanes 5 and 6 remain DQ'd. Lane 9 did not move until the first shot, and is reinstated."



Christine broke into sobs of relief, and the team surrounded her in support. The first whistle sounded for the third time. "How can y'all go through that every time?" she asked the group.



Jeremy answered, "oh, no...this never happens. Boy, it really must suck for Chris out there."



The second whistle burst, followed closely by the clap of the gun. This time there was no second shot. Chris was streaking along the outer rim of the track, doing his grunt-yell. The others in the group surrounding her and holding hands chuckled at the noise he was making around the track, but to Christine, he sounded pissed. They all screamed their support as he wizzed by, but his face was focused on the track.



"Oh yeah, he's pissed," Tina yelled after he went by.



From the far end, they could hear him yell "GO" to his second leg. The handoff was flawless as it was completed first out of the 7 remaining teams. The team's enthusiasm faded as the next two legs were slower, and the relay was in 5th when Tony received the baton. Being the sprinter in the group, Tony quickly regained two of the spots and was closing on the next when he rounded the corner near them. 



He started running out of steam when he passed the group, and Christine yelled at the top of her lungs, "don't you FUCKING quit on me, you SON OF A BITCH!" She was oblivious to the glances she received, watching Tony hit a hidden gear and taking off again. 

<hr pg="3" />The finish was extremely tight between the top four, and all eyes were glued to the scoreboard. The relay team made it back to the group, all smiles, except for Chris. The team parted like the Red Sea to allow Christine to run and hug Chris. "What's wrong?" she asked when they rejoined the group.



"That damn starter just didn't want to help me out. He's standing right there next to me, knowing I didn't move until he fired the pistol, yet he didn't want to say anything. God, I was pissed!"



"We could tell," said Tina who came up to give him a hug. "Your start was incredible, though. You were out four strides before the others even left the blocks."



"Thanks." He seemed to cheer up a bit on that news.



The coach came running up, almost skipping. He bounded onto Chris, making him catch him. "HA HA! Animal here handed off at 49.03...take two seconds off for the handoff and that time is good enough to win the open 400!"



Chris put down the coach and the team mauled him with high fives and hugs. The PA cut things short with, "race results are being posted. Sorry for the delay, we have an electronic finish." 



Christine looked up at Chris. "What's that mean?"



"The equivalent to a photo finish at a horse race. They're going by the electronic beam at the finish for the times, and they're using video to determine the placements."



The team watched the scoreboard intently. The coach wrapped his arms around several of the athletes, reminding them that 4th ties, 3rd wins. The results were posted by starting lane number. Lane nine was on the second slot. Christine broke down in tears of joy, along with a number of the girls as the team erupted in celebration. The scoreboard flipped to the team results. First were the girls' results. Their team finished 3rd, no small feat for participating in only five events. Their cheers were renewed when the board showed that the Catholic boys team had won the championship.



They all hugged, cried, and jumped up and down at the victory. Tony came up to Christine. "Thanks for the kick in the ass!"



She wiped away a tear and said, "you heard me? I was so gonna kill you if you gave up."



He chuckled. "Yeah, and good thing, too. It was exactly what I needed."



The two hugged, and then the group headed to the infield to receive their medals and trophies. Christine and Carol took pictures of the team as they posed with their well-earned hardware. Christine's favorite shot was the team standing behind their trophies, with little Tina being held while laying in a cocky pose midair in their arms. She emailed that shot and one with the boys and their huge championship trophy to Sister Collins from her phone.



The group started to break up when the coach called out, "wait! Wait! We gotta take a couple with the team's cheerleader!"



She declined, but the team applauded and cheered their encouragement. It won out, and Christine went to one side of the group. The coach wouldn't have it that way, saying that she was a cheerleader, and there should be something special for the shot. It was decided that a cool shot would be if she stood on a couple of shoulders above the back row. Tina got prepared for her earlier midair pose while Christine climbed using Chris' thigh as a step.



"Y'all better not fucking drop me," she chided as she steadied herself on Chris and Tony's shoulders.



The group laughed at her sudden foray into cursing and she put her fists on her hips in a champion's pose for the camera. Carol clicked off a couple of shots from her camera, then a few more from Christine's cell phone. Then coach announced he wanted a special shot to give the baseball team. The group knew what he meant, and they all raised a middle finger while Christine shot a double bird from the top. 



Years later, that photo would have a permanent home on Christine's desk, and it always made her smile when she was down.



At some point that evening, the coach had retrieved the bus. He told the teams that they were going to Denny's to celebrate and to gather up their things. A hearty cheer went up since everyone was starving. No one had thought about lunch or dinner that day. The restaurant waitress looked dismayed to see so many kids coming in. The dining room was empty except for them. Coach Drew told the waitress that they would be patient, as long as the food was good. She seemed to relax a bit and even joked around with the teens as they ate.



Coach and Carol left a large tip for the waitress, and everyone piled back onto the bus. The lights wouldn't come on and Coach uttered an "oh shit." They were just a bit too far away, and it was too late at night to walk back to the hotel. Left with no other choice, the leader put on the four way flashers and drove slowly down the service road toward the light. A police vehicle came from the opposite way, and sure enough, turned around to pull them over.



"Get ready to call the nun!" Coach shouted as he got off the bus to meet the officers.



A round of 'shh!' made it's way through the bus, as the team did not want to irritate the officers. Nothing clear of what was said could be heard, but after about 10 minutes, Coach Drew climbed back on.



"They've decided to give us an escort back to the hotel, since they don't want y'all to be walking for two miles on the street at this time of night."



Jeremy shouted from the back, "it's only 2 miles. We can hoof it there in less than 15 minutes."



That was answered by a chorus of "shut up's!" from the rest of the team. The police car pulled around and Coach followed it back to the hotel.



Coach put the bus in park, shut it down and leaped down the steps, shouting behind him, "I'm making a break for it! Call the nun! They're gonna take me to jail!"



Everyone was shocked. He ran around the back of the bus as the cops flashed their lights and drove off. Chris was the first to get the prank.



"They're leaving! He's not going to jail. Let's get him!"



There was a mad dash off the bus as the team rushed the hotel to find their coach. He was in his room, and Chris and three other guys picked him off the bed. The girls laughed hysterically as the goofy coach was carried to the elevator, with the shouted destination being the pool. Things were a bit anti-climatic as they piled into the lift and waited to somber music for the car to lower. Once on the ground floor, the coach was hefted again and carried out into the pool area. He didn't resist, and had this crazy grin on his face as the four swung him back and forth toward the pool. On the count of three, they released his body, and he landed dead center in the middle of the pool.



Christine got wrapped up in the hilarity of the payback on Coach, and so she gave Chris a shove. As he was falling, he reached out and grabbed for her. He caught the front of her shirt and bra underneath, pulling her with him. She shrieked at the surprise, couldn't break free and fell on top of Chris in the pool, clothes and all. They cleared the side by swimming away as the prank was being repeated. Soon, the entire team was frolicking in the cool water.



"You're lucky I was wearing a shirt, you broke my bra," she said to Chris.



"Aww, sorry...maybe I better check to see if it's really broken," he said.



Her eyes got wide when she felt his hands reach under her shirt and palmed both of her breasts. "Chris, behave!" she hissed.



He got a twinkle in his eyes as he fondled her. "Yup, it's really broken. I'll buy you a new one when we get back."



She slapped his hands away when she felt him rise against her leg. "I said, behave," she whispered in his ear. "You may kiss me now, but that's all. Keep it tame."



He did as she asked and pecked and caressed her lips with his own. They ignored the ribbing from the others and continued their lip play until a staff member from the hotel came along and ordered everyone out of the pool. It was almost 4 am and guests were trying to sleep. The team removed themselves from the water and returned to their own rooms, leaving a dripping trail behind them.



Late that morning, Christine got ready and packed for the trip home. She and Carol met Chris and the rest of the team downstairs for breakfast. The mood between the tables was happy, if not very tired from the long night before. Chris finished his meal, and Christine told him that Carol would like to hit the road soon. He left to go pack while the others finished eating. Chris returned with his bag while Carol was checking out. He, Wendy, and Christine went around the tables saying good bye to their teammates and wishing each other a safe trip. Carol came back to see if they were ready, and the whole team stood up to take turns thanking their unofficial team mom with long hugs. It was a tearful goodbye for many, as her daughter was a senior, and Carol's time with the team had ended.



Chapter 11



The ride home was cool and comfortable, thanks to Carol's spacious car. She was a speed demon, and they listened for warnings of police on her CB while they were on 75 for the first leg home. Once she turned onto 10, things quieted down considerably, and Christine broke the silence by asking why Carol was absent from the state practices last week. She was told by Carol and Wendy that her husband worked on the oil rigs out in the Gulf. Last week, he had shore leave in New Orleans, and she went to be with him. 



Wendy changed the subject. "That was an unreal start you had last night, Chris."



"Yeah, but it almost didn't happen."



Christine looked at him. "So, what did happen over there? Y'all were on the track for like 10 minutes."



He sighed and gave his version of the story. "Things were going like normal. I got down in the blocks, got set, and then it seemed like an eternity for the gun to go off. At one point, there was a click and nobody moved, I guess. I looked over and the starter was fooling around with the pistol, and I knew it had jammed. He told us to get out of the blocks, but I stayed. He finally blew his whistle, and I ran out of them. After a while, they brought him a new pistol and hooked it into the track's timer. So, we got ready again. I heard two sets of steps behind me, then the gun went off, so I took off. It fired again, so I started walking back. That's when he told me to clear the track. I told him no, since I didn't false start. I kept telling him to tell the judges what he saw, but he kept telling me to clear the track. I refused to leave my starting area."



"Good thing, too, because if you had left the track or your lane, you would have been DQ'd for sure," Carol chimed in.



"Exactly. I didn't have any more to lose, so I stayed put, repeatedly telling him to see the judges. FINALLY, he said okay. When he went over there and told them that I didn't move until he fired the gun, the judges insisted that their decision was final, but Coach pulled out his FHSAA rulebook and I assume he showed them where new evidence would prevail. I never left my starting area through all that, and when the starter returned, he said I could run. I was so pissed, it made me focus all that much more. I decided that I would go for it on the next start, even if it meant I false started for real. The gun went off and I didn't look back."



A short while later they were in Tallahassee for lunch. Their lunch conversation about Prom and graduation carried over onto the road. Carol and Wendy were surprised the two top members of the senior class were still undecided about what college they were going to. Christine sheepishly explained that the decision had gotten harder since her and Chris got involved and it came to light that none of their potential schools matched. Carol assured them that they would figure things out soon, and whatever happened would work out, as they were both strong.



Two hours after lunch, the car pulled into the school's senior parking lot next to Chris's car. They all climbed out and loaded the bags into Chris's. Chris thanked Wendy's mom for all she did for the team and for the ride home, and then he hugged them both. Christine hugged her roommate tight, thanking her for the weekend.



"It was my pleasure, doll. Be good and I'll see you again on graduation night."



Christine nodded and gave Wendy a congratulations for her two 4th place finishes and goodbye hug.



The next day the track athletes were bombarded with congratulations from the students and teachers alike. The boys' championship trophy and girls' 3rd place trophy were placed on display in the senior hallway for the entire week. Chris was told through the grapevine that the coaches wanted to run a challenge against his relay, but the schedules wouldn't sync up with the busy seniors, and the event never happened.



Anticipation was high among the senior class about the upcoming Prom, and that event was on everyone's lips. Even more than graduation. The principal took the ticket list as an example of how tightly knitted that class had become. It would be the first prom in the history of the school that included not only just the seniors from the school, but also ALL the seniors from the school. All the participants were matched up with someone in their own class.



On top of all this, finals were held this week for the seniors, as the next week was filled up with graduation and baccalaureate rehearsals. The week following was senior skip week with award nights scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The Baccalaureate Mass was scheduled for that Friday, with graduation on that Saturday.



Chris and Christine spent a lot of time together those afternoons and nights, but most of it was helping prepare each other for the finals the next day. At last, Friday came and they only had their Peer Counseling final in the morning. They were done with their finals and so they were released from school. The two ate lunch at the mall and picked up Chris's tux. He asked about her dress, but Christine said it was already at her house, and no, he couldn't see it until he picked her up tomorrow night. They dillydallied around town, passing the time by just enjoying being with each other.



The next day was filled with appointments for Christine. She got her hair trimmed and clear-glazed, but not arranged. She had spent much time deliberating on whether to go all out for a fancy hair style, but decided in the end that she really liked her natural color, and Chris seemed to find it fetching as well. As for style, her dress dictated that decision too. She put it on, and watched herself in the mirror as she tried wearing her hair up, down, in between, fancy, and simple. Her mom agreed with her that simple with that dress was the way to go. Next were her nails, which ended up being only natural tone acrylics. Every other color just didn't suit her personality. Her toes were done similarly, as she was going to be wearing elegant thin strap sandal flats for comfort while dancing. She had decided that the only people who would look at her shoes were the other girls, and the goal of this date surely wasn't to impress them. Last before heading home, she picked up Chris's boutineer. 



It was already 3 in the afternoon when she got home, and she started her preparations so as to be ready as close to 5 as she could. She had just zipped up the back of her dress when the doorbell rang. Her mom yelled that Chris was there and she called back that she was just about ready. Christine slipped on her new sandals, then brushed her hair for the hundredth time and clipped an ornate barrette on the back. She slipped on the matching half length suede jacket, pulled her hair from out of the back, and checked herself in the mirror. She darted into the kitchen to retrieve Chris' boutineer from the fridge, then emerged into the living room with her heart racing.



Chris saw her walk in and his jaw dropped. He had seen her in some very nice dresses before, but tonight she looked like she stepped through a movie screen. Instead of the usual satin of choice for proms, Christine's dress was rich in color and fabric. The emerald green dress was constructed of crushed velvet with a burgundy panel supporting her bust line and stomach. Her jewelry was a minimalist pair of diamond stud earrings and matching necklace borrowed from her mother, as well as the small silver watch and petite class ring she normally wore. She held a small matching clutch, and the burgundy suede jacket that covered her shoulders seemed to pull her ensemble together. Some would argue that this was a winter formal dress, but to those that knew her, it was perfect match to her personality for this occasion.



Chris knelt before her and said a modified version of a short familiar Catholic prayer. "Dear Goddess, I am not worthy to serve you. But, say the word and I shall be healed."



Christine laughed lightly. "Oh please, just get up. You look wonderful yourself." 



She put her hands delicately under his elbows to urge him standing. She took the small flower arrangement out of its box and proceeded to pin it on his lapel. He brought out a petite corsage from behind his back, and for a second, she was dismayed that it was not a wristlet. 



He paused at her reaction. "What's wrong?"



She looked at her jacket. "This is suede, not fabric. The holes from the pin will be there forever."



Chris looked at her dress. "I could pin it to your strap," he offered.



She looked around the room and noticed that her parents weren't there. Softly she said, "fuck it. I'm only wearing this tonight, anyway."



"Such a potty mouth recently," he grinned.



"Oh, shut up and give it to me, already."



They both chuckled softly at the unintended double meaning of her statement. She held out her palm to receive the small arrangement, but her eyes opened wide instead when he reached his hand under her jacket to protect her from accidental pricks.



"Chris!" she hissed. "What did I say about permission?! Feeling me up in the pool last week wasn't enough?"



"Shh," he warned. Whispering he said, "just pipe down for a second and let me do this once, please? Besides, I'm not touching anything important."



The hand brushed against her upper chest and shoulder. While innocent enough, to her it felt like the most intimate contact she had to that point with anyone, including Chris's brief rough pawing a week ago. Christine inhaled sharply and whispered back, "don't you think that's for me to decide?" Nonetheless, she held still and allowed him to pin the accent on her.



He finished and removed his hand just before a low whistle came from the foyer entrance to the living room. "So that's what $700 on my bank statement looks like." The comment came from her father, who was followed by her mom and Chris' parents, who came to take photos.



Chris gulped at the figure and Christine turned to shoot daggers from her eyes. "Dad!" she protested.



He went up to his daughter and gave her a hug. "Sorry, sweetheart. You look amazing!"



The compliment was repeated by her mom and Chris's parents. She blushed and tried to get Chris to leave with her. His mom moved to block the way.



"Oh no, no!" she said. "Not before I get some last high school dance photos!"



The couple rolled their eyes, but Christine secretly wanted to go through this ritual. It was part of her idea of the perfect Prom. So, they patiently and pleasantly endured the two moms directing them in front of various backgrounds in the yard and in a number of poses. When the photos were done, his dad told him to trade keys.



Chris looked at him warily. "Really?"



"Yeah, you deserve to borrow my car for the night."



Chris shook his hand and thanked him. He went to his car and moved something to his dad's midlife crisis Firebird. He opened the passenger door to let Christine inside. The vehicle was a sports car, but large enough in the front to seat Christine and her dress comfortably. Chris waved to the two sets of parents and pulled away.

<hr pg="4" />His dad chuckled and said to his wife, "he thinks I did him a favor, but there is no way anyone can mess around in that tiny back seat."



Chris' mom gave a little snort. "Why do you think he moved his blanket, dear? We can't keep them apart forever."



Christine's mom overheard the little banter and came over. "No, we can't keep them apart, but if you look at them and how they are with each other, would you really want to?"



His parents decided that they agreed and the Barrons invited the Zehyrs to stay for dinner.



Christine eyed the blanket in the back seat. "I know I told you that I'd let my guard down tonight, but are you planning to make me your love slave?"



Chris replied honestly, "the thought didn't cross my mind until you just said that." He grinned at her. "Actually, I thought we might just sit on the beach afterward." Then as an afterthought, "but I'm open to more if you like."



She smiled to herself. "I don't know...we'll see."



They arrived at the swanky restaurant downtown. As he was letting Christine out of the car, Chris noticed a distant flash out of the corner of his eye. He reached in the car and grabbed the neatly folded blanket.



"What's that for?" Christine asked, but the answer presented itself as a distant roll of thunder.



"It's just in case. I didn't see an umbrella."



"Ah, my you're resourceful."



"I do what I can," he grinned.



They went inside, and Chris ignored the glances the maitre d' gave his grey flannel bundle. They were seated immediately at his reserved table, and the friendly waiter took their order for a light appetizer. Their dining went splendidly, both chatting freely and laughing lightly at the other's more humorous stories. They skipped dessert, as the steak meals were more than filling. Time got away from them slightly as they got lost in conversation over a few refills of their sodas. Chris finally checked his watch and said they were about to be late. He settled the bill and they walked out under the awning.



The rain was coming down in buckets, so Chris unfurled the blanket and stretched it over their heads before they trotted together out to the car.



Once inside the car and the blanket discarded in the back seat, Chris grumbled, "so much for the beach."



Christine patted his knee. "It's okay. I'm sure we could come up with something else if it doesn't stop by the end of the dance. Besides, I don't think a hurricane could dampen my spirits tonight."



He smiled at her. "Thanks! I'm having a great time as well."



That was an understatement for them both. So far, the evening was moving along perfectly, and both felt that, at long last, a dance date was complete. Separately, they thought to themselves that the missing piece they had been looking for in all those disappointing dances was each other.



Chris dropped her off at the new golf club's door and parked the car at the far end of the parking lot in an attempt to prevent door dings to his dad's pristine car. Thankfully, the rain let up briefly to a drizzle as he jogged to the entrance, although the wind had picked up.



For the last six months, all the senior class heard about was where their prom was scheduled to take place. Champion's Green was a brand new course and the clubhouse had opened just last fall. It seemed a little out of the way now, but there were grand plans for large upscale residences and shopping plazas to be constructed soon throughout the acreages surrounding the resort. The signs directed the prom attendees to enter the two story conference plaza for check-in and photos. Once the tickets were handed over, the couple was directed to a small meeting room that was set up for the portraits. 



Christine checked herself in a mirror nearby, and then smoothed Chris's windblown hair. Since they were late, they were also the last chance for the photographer to make some extra money. She had them pose in a multitude of positions, sitting, standing, facing each other, facing the camera, and so on. There was one pose where the photographer had them embracing with Christine slightly forward of Chris. The photographer asked her to take the barrette out and she arranged Christine's hair so that about a third of it covered her eye and side of her face closest to Chris. It was tastefully done, and made Christine look completely bad-ass. It was about as out of character for her as you could get, but Chris loved the novelty of it. Christine was putting her barrette back in, thinking they were finished, when one of the teachers walked into the makeshift studio. She was carrying a costume tiara and a king's crown and she approached the tardy couple as the photographer's assistant started arranging empty bags to get ready to pack up.



"As you both know, we held the elections for Prom King and Queen the previous Friday. Y'all were on your way to the track meet, so I'm here to get your votes. Chris?"



"Um, Sandra and Tony." He got a jab in the ribs from Christine for that.



"Okay..." the teacher commented with curiosity. "Christine?"



"Well, I'd rather not have to deal with the spotlight, so I agree with Chris. Tony and Sandra."



The teacher looked up as if calculating the votes in her head. "Hmm, including your votes, the winners are...YOU! Interesting you didn't vote for yourselves."



"Why do you say that?" Christine asked.



"The ballots were overwhelmingly in your favor. Actually, quite a number of them read CC for both titles. Y'all are on the tips of everyone's tongues lately. Do you really mean that this is a surprise to you?" Both nodded. "Well, anyway, the photographer is leaving, I thought it would be nice to let y'all get a photo with your evening's hardware."



They mumbled their thanks while the teacher arranged the tiara on Christine's head. Chris donned his awkward headpiece himself. The two looked at each other and grinned.



"You look goofy with that big thing on your head," said Christine.



"Oh yeah? Well, you look amazing with yours."



"Aw, way to make me feel bad about teasing you."



"Quite alright...I'm sure it's true. It feels weird."



They stood back in front of the backdrop to get a few snaps done of them with their crowns. The photographer asked them to sit at a table with her laptop to pick out the package they wanted. Meanwhile, her assistant was busily breaking down the equipment, trying to beat the next wave of rain. While they were looking at the screen, the teacher removed the headpieces so they could be presented properly during the dance.



The first thing the photographer showed them was that the background could be changed to whatever they wanted.



"I thought a lime green screen was a bit weird for Prom," Chris said aloud.



"What if my dress were a lighter color than this? I'd be a floating head!" Christine complained.



The photographer smiled. That's why I also have a blue screen as well.



To Chris, the possibility of different backgrounds made some of the poses make sense.



"Geez. They're all so good, how can I pick one for the package?" Christine asked aloud after a few minutes.



"What if we put a starlit background behind this one?" Chris suggested. The photographer clicked the mouse a few times. "Yeah...I think that would be nice."



The proposed photo had them posed with Christine resting her head against his chest, and his head resting against the top of her's. It looked like they were looking slightly up and sharing the experience of some celestial event unseen to the viewer of the picture.



"Ooh...that's perfect, Chris!"



He nodded. "Okay, we'll take two of the largest packages you have of that one."



"Why thank you!" exclaimed the photographer. "Since you like all the poses, might I suggest you purchase my 'go nuts' package?"



"What's that?" asked Christine.



"Well, you get a CD with all your photos in high resolution, plus the program to change the backgrounds to your liking. There will also be my copyright release on the CD so that you can have your pictures printed anywhere."



Christine drooled, but Chris squirmed just a bit. "Uh huh. And how much is that?"



"$150."



Christine touched her hand to Chris' lap. "I want it. I'll pay for it all tonight and later you can give me back half."



"No way! If you really want it, I'll get it. I gotta get a job this summer before college anyway, right?"



The photographer didn't want to be the cause of a quarrel before the dance started for her clients. She realized that she over judged their financial ability based on Christine's dress and his obviously expensive tuxedo rental. "Well, look. If you keep the two other packages, I'll throw in the CD for an extra $50. Then basically you're getting a whole lot of professionally touched up prints and two 11X14 posters for free."



"Sold!" Chris exclaimed. He handed over his debit card, knowing that this would finish off the rest of the money he got from Eagle Scout gifts several years ago. He didn't care, though, as he was eager to do his part in giving Christine her perfect night.



With the transaction finished, they left the room and followed the signs around the corner to the hallway adjacent to the grand ballroom. They were about to go inside, but their dean stopped them and gave a hand signal to the DJ in the next room. The thumping music stopped abruptly, and the couple could hear the groans of their classmates inside. The DJ made an announcement that the senior walkout was about to start, so all seniors were to report to the hallway.



Chris snickered and Christine looked up at him. "What's so funny?"



"Well, it's really going to be weird for the first few couples."



"Why's that?"



"This year, we're ALL seniors at this dance. They'll be walking into an empty room."



The dean smiled at them from the door. "None of us on the faculty thought of that when we decided to split the dance this year."



Their classmates started filing into the hallway and many started poking jabs at Chris for being late. Things like: "I thought Coach said y'all won State," "Nice of you to make it," and Christine's least favorite, "Way to go, Christine! I guess his quickie isn't so quick, huh?" 



That last one hung in the air until Christine answered, "so far, the only thing I've found quick about him is how he races. Why do you think I'm smiling?"



The excellent comeback combined with her jaw dropping appearance silenced the needling in short order. A number of girls came up to Christine to compliment her dress. Some of Chris's closer friends came over to find out why he was late. They were hoping for some hot story, but all they got was the explanation that dinner ran over.



From the ballroom came the familiar theme from the show "Friends." Chris and Christine rolled their eyes at the class's selection for their theme song. Back when that voting result was announced, Chris had commented that he was half surprised that the class didn't pick a funeral dirge. Nevertheless, the tune played over and over while the DJ read from cue cards the names and short school-related bios of the next couple to walk out. To the class's credit, they all clapped and cheered at their classmates' names, regardless whether they were in the hallway, or in the ballroom.



Alphabetically by Chris' last name, the two were the last to be announced for the walk. They clapped for the previous couple and stepped to the doorway. While they were waiting for the preceding couple's biography to be read, they looked around the ballroom in awe. Three large crystal chandeliers with their incandescent flame bulbs dimmed were suspended from the high ceiling, potted palm trees adorned with white lights lined the walls, and tiny flickering lights dangled above the expansive room to simulate a clear night sky. A rich cherry parquet dance floor occupied the majority of the center of the room, lit by color tinted spotlights. Positioned around three sides of the dance floor were two staggered rows of round tables, covered in white linen tablecloths. Along the wall next to their doorway stood a buffet line, currently burdened with catered snack sized sandwiches, chips, nuts, punch bowls, and sodas.



Chris made a mental note to thank their principal for making the dance rather special. He leaned over to the dean. "Hey, where is Sister Collins?"



"There was an emergency with one of the priests, so she's at the hospital."



"Well, tell her thanks for all this, it's very well done."



The dean laughed. "You don't have to thank her. It's what you get for paying $50 tickets per couple." She urged them to step under the decorative arch with her hand. "You're next!"



They settled into position as the biography ended, and all eyes turned to them. Christine jumped slightly when their class started applauding. The organized racket died down and the music stopped.



"Oh what now?" Chris muttered.



Christine tugged on his jacket in disapproval. "Whatever it is, just enjoy the night, okay?"



Reminded of his place tonight, he smiled down at her. "Sorry. I'll do my best."



"That's all I ask."



The DJ urged the group to be quiet and then said, "okay, I've been requested to ask this question in exactly these words: Are you two FINALLY a couple?"



They grinned broadly and looked at each other before giving small nods. Tony called from the back of the crowd, "prove it!" Soon, a chant erupted. "Prove it! Prove it! Prove it!"



Chris looked down fondly at his date. "May I?"



She smiled back up at him. "Oh, you better!"



He leaned down and they pecked on each other's lips lightly for a couple of seconds. A huge cheer sprang up from the crowd with a series of cat calls mixed in. More than a few shouts of "PDA" were heard.



The DJ continued, "so, I'll start with the biographies first. She's the valedictorian of her class, and when she's not with her current companion, she can be found singing or playing the violin. Featured in the Who's Who of the National Honor's Society and a former cheerleader, she's known to exemplify the definition of school spirit. 



"He happens to be the salutatorian of his class, a three year letter-man in Track, and if you can't find him with tonight's date, you probably can't find him." The crowd chuckled at that. "He was a Yamaha organist finalist in his freshman year." 



Christine mouthed "really?" and Chris nodded. "Huh," she remarked.



"Never known to say no to any teacher's request, he sometimes convinced his companion to perform with him at school functions. His caring listening skills will long be remembered at this school." The tune from Cheers started playing. "Without further ado, here's the couple you all know as CC! Senior Christine Barron and Senior Christopher Zehyr!"



The last sentence was timed so that it matched the lyrics playing "everybody knows your name." Their class erupted in loud cheers and applause. Chris and Christine were moved nearly to tears to receive such an ovation from people they saw every day. They each nodded their appreciation a number of times.



The applause finally drifted away, and the crowd looked at the couple expectantly. Christine took the unrehearsed cue, turned toward the DJ table and yelled out, "hey DJ! Let's dance!" The girls in the class let out shrill yells and the DJ smiled as he started mixing a variety of popular high-energy dance tunes.



Christine led Chris to a table to drop off her handbag and jacket. He followed suit by removing his tailed coat and draping it on a chair. She had coached the dance shyness out of him throughout the years by showing him moves while listening to the radio in her room. Not so much specific moves, but rather how to move to the beat. Tonight, it paid off in spades. Even with the fast music, he confidently led her out to the dance floor in the middle of the gyrating girls. Most of the guys still hesitated to dance fast, so the floor was currently dominated by the females. The couple endured a number of glances as their appearance had changed somewhat. Christine's shoulders were naked now, except for the right sized straps holding her gown up. Chris' shirt draped nicely on his track-toned torso, accented by suspenders.



Christine looked in his eyes. "I was right about the suspenders. They make you look so yummy right now."



"I could say the same about your shoulders."



There was a brief slowdown between mixes, and Christine started moving her body in time to the slow thumps. "So, are you ready to work off some of this frustration?" she asked, eyes twinkling.



The music started revving back up again, and Chris caught the beat. "You bet."



"Alright! Let's do this!"



The music started in earnest again, and the two danced close together. Long ago, she taught Chris that the easiest way to move on the dance floor was to bend those knees of his. That and not worry what others thought. If you were having fun, you were doing it right. Once he learned that, it was easy for him to keep his hips and arms moving with hers. Tonight, he kept up with her perfectly and they gyrated, bounced, and turned as one. He loved touching her arms, ribs, stomach, and back, just as she loved feeling the heat of his hands, and doing the same to him. To them, it felt like one long, up tempo seduction. There were a few other guys more limber than he who had braved the fast thumping music, but many of the girls whose dates watched from the sidelines bounced around them and cast envious looks their way.



The beat transitioned into a much slower ballad, and Chris seamlessly guided Christine into a traditional ballroom dance position. He kept his hand on her lower back, the other hand slid down her arm, coming to rest by clasping her hand. They rocked and swayed to the calming beat, and it wasn't long before her head came to rest against his chest. The solo girls on the dance floor marched up to their dates and dragged them back for the slower dance. The slow pace lasted for a few songs, until the DJ gradually picked up the tempo, attempting to keep the newcomers on the dance floor for the benefit of their dates. It worked, as the males seemed to shed the embarrassment of their awkwardness, and did their best to keep up with their dates.



CC kept things right up and didn't leave the floor once for the first couple of hours. A second string of slower tunes was wrapping back up to speed when the teacher from earlier came up to them on the floor. "We're gonna start the crowning ceremony in about 15 minutes...just letting you know," she called in Christine's ear.



Christine nodded at her, then raised up to yell over the music to Chris. "Hey!"



He grinned at her. "Hey back!" he yelled in her ear.



She rolled her eyes, yet smiled while shaking her head. She stood up on her toes again. "They want to do the crown ceremony in a few. I need a break before that. All that soda!"



He nodded at her and led her to the table to pick up their jackets and her handbag to get ready for the event. They left the ballroom and entered the conference plaza hallway to find a restroom. They held hands down the hallway, breaking their contact just before entering their respective facility. Chris finished his business, washed his hands, combed his hair the best he could with his fingers, and blotted his sweaty face with a paper towel before heading back to the hallway. He waited patiently for Christine, assuming she was busy touching up her makeup.



She appeared after a few moments, looking nearly as fresh as when they first walked into the dance. Christine grabbed his hand to lead him back, but he didn't move.



"Wait," he said with a barely detectable tremble. She looked at him questioningly. He haltingly said, "I just wanted to say that I love you."



She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a tight hug. "I love you, too," she said from his shoulder.



As they stood there embraced, he noticed that the music was only a faint thumping. "Boy, they really soundproofed this place."

<hr pg="5" />"Hey, don't get any ideas. Someone could come around the corner at any moment." Christine looked up at him and caught a peculiar expression. "What is it?"



"I wasn't thinking that right now. It's just that I'm trying really hard not to kiss you."



"Why?"



"Well, because you look so incredible right now. Because tonight is going so well between us. And, because I know that I've loved you since I first saw you on that playground."



She inhaled sharply. "Oh Chris...shut up and go ahead and just do it. I give you my permission from now until forever. Just kiss me already!"



He took an unsteady breath, leaned down and covered her lips with his. Christine was braced for what she thought would be an invasion with his tongue, but he started off extra gentle and careful, brushing her lips with his own. She leaned back against the hallway wall to steady herself when his tongue touched her lips, and she opened her mouth to invite him in, gliding her hands up to cradle the back of his neck. Their tongues played and danced with each other for a few more seconds before he broke the kiss with a few pecks. To her, she couldn't think of a more perfect first real kiss. Her euphoria was short lived when she felt an uneasy sensation burst through her stomach.



Chris' face contorted. "Whoa, did you feel that too?"



Her face mirrored his concern. "Yeah, I feel like I was just kicked in the gut...my knee really hurts, too."



He looked around the hallway, putting the warning flags he subconsciously had been keeping track of in his head together. "We gotta move," he said urgently.



"What is it?"



"I'm not sure, but I don't think we're safe here." Knowing what was in the men's room, he pushed open the ladies' door. "Not there either," he mumbled as he dragged her down the hallway.



"What isn't there?" she asked, frightened and running to keep up.



"Cover," he replied while taking out his wallet with his free hand.



He fished out his debit card as he found a door he was looking for. As expected, it was locked, so with a trembling hand, he slid the card in the seam near the latch. "I hope I remember how to do this."



"Chris, what are you doing?" Christine was alarmed and it showed in her voice.



"Looking for something to get under. I might be wrong, but I think really bad weather is coming." Just then he got the latch to pop open. He flipped on the lights. "Good, this is perfect."



The room appeared to be the club workers' breakroom. A large table sat in the middle with its chairs turned upside down on the edges, probably allowing the cleaning crew to scrub the floor. As they entered the room, the floor beneath their feet seemed to vibrate slightly.



Christine felt the vibrations and turned to run out of the room. "We gotta warn..."



Chris grabbed her arm. "There's no time. Grab those bottles of water from the counter and get under the table." She did as he instructed while he snagged some containers of leftovers from the refrigerator and then joined her on the floor. She eyed him warily. 



"Don't worry, if I'm wrong, we'll put them back," he said to reassure her.



They sat there for a brief moment and the oscillations beneath them grew worse. Their ears popped as if they were on an airplane. Suddenly there was an earsplitting series of cracks and groans above them. Chris grabbed Christine and in one motion, laid down and rolled her on top of him next to the table legs. A nanosecond later the ceiling and contents of the floor and roof above them slammed down on the table and filled the room, breaking the table in two. One of the chairs flipped down and it's back struck Chris in the head, instantly rendering him unconscious.

