The Perfect Couple

25

Every now and then he'd lean over as if he were whispering something sweet and confidential in my ear.

Even though he was only repeating the weather report that had come over the radio that morning he made it look good. I was so thrilled that everything was right between us again and that he was still willing to help me, that I played my part to the hilt. I gazed up into his eyes and I smiled softly, fanning my lashes that were surprisingly long and thick with the touch of mascara I applied to them these days. Once he touched my hair and a minute later I stroked his jaw. It was kind of fuzzy. Before long he'd have to start shaving.

When it was finally time to go inside, we walked up the stairs, still hand in hand. Alan was standing there with his usual admiring circle around him, including Gloria, who appeared to be stapled to his arm. Marcus nodded to Alan, but then acted as if he were too absorbed in me to pause. I took my cue from him and smiled dreamily. Alan had no way of knowing he was the one I was dreaming about. I could only hope his competitive spirit made him wish he was.

That afternoon as Kim and I waited for the bus, she told me everyone had been watching Marcus and me that day. "The kids think you've got a big romance going."

"I know one person who doesn't care if I elope with Marcus," I said. "Alan didn't even look up from his book when I walked past him in history."

"Don't worry. All this talk is bound to make an impression on him," Kim insisted. "He's the kind who'd like to break up a couple who were really serious about each other."

I didn't like the way she made that sound. "We already agreed he'd only be interested in me if I was going with another boy. It's his competitive nature, so you don't have to make it sound as if he had a major character flaw," I said sharply.

"Whatever you say."

I didn't like the way that sounded, either, like she was humouring me, but I let it go. I told her about Coach Barnes working with Marcus. "Wouldn't it be great if Marcus got to play a few minutes in the big game? If the Cougars get far enough ahead, the coach my rest Alan for awhile."

The big game was to be played the Saturday afternoon before Thanksgiving and that wasn't far away. The Cougars would play the Eagles of Valley View and the winner would be the champion of the league.

"I know Marcus would be a great quarterback. I only hope he gets the chance to show his stuff," Kim remarked. "Hey, how about going to the mall this afternoon?"

At one time I would have groaned, but no more. "I could use a new dress for Friday," I said.

"What's doing Friday?"