Losing Charley

Chapter 11 Part 2

"Girls, I hope that you enjoyed your weekend because it's probably going to be the last fun one for a while. We've got our first meet the week before Thanksgiving. I need you all to focus and get ready because it's going to be a big one. We haven't beaten Livestone in over five seasons. I know that with the talent on this team, we are going to shock the hell out of them. Now, y'all get out of here, and I'll see you in the morning. Oh, and before I forget, plan on making your fall break shorter than planned 'cause ladies, we gotta workout." She sings 'workout' like She's sexy and she knows it! Ha!

I roll out of the pool and drag myself to the locker room. All the other girls do the same.

"So, if we have to come back early from break, who else do you think will have to do the same?" Georgia asks.

"Probably basketball I'm sure," Tori comments.

"I mean, I hate to drive all the way home for like three days, but I was counting on fall break. I miss home. I don't know about y'all," Georgia continues.

Yeah, I miss home, but mostly, I miss Cash. He's going to be upset when I tell him I won't be home a full week. I zone out to that thought, but am brought back to reality when Tori makes a smart comment about Joe staying with me.

"What did you say, Tori?"

"I said I think somebody is getting more action than they are letting on, or maybe Joe's gay? 'Cause if a guy looks that good and isn't getting any, he's gotta be gay!"

"Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but no, he's not getting any from me, and I can assure you he's not gay. Because those lips, holy moley! Y'all think those eyes make ya wanna melt? You should feel those lips!"

"Then, what's the hold up, Char? He did stay in your room last night, and the way y'all were dancing at Hank's, I thought you might have needed to get a room. Just sayin'!"

Tori cracks me up. She has no problem putting it out there. She's definitely not quiet about her relationships with guys, and I guess she just expects that we are all like that. I'm no prude, but my situation is different.

"Dang, Tori, give Char a break. I mean, not everybody puts their love life, or lack thereof, out there like you do, ya know?"

Wow! I can't believe that just came out of Georgia's mouth. She smiles at me. I totally get why she just did that. She's got my back.

We head back to Kluft. I'm beyond exhausted. I can't wait to shower and relax. We all decide to grab a pizza and watch a movie. Before we even press Play, I get a text from Joe then Cash. I can't help but smile knowing I can ask them for help and trust them completely. I find comfort in the fact that I have two guys who are willing to put their life on the line for mine, and I pray that the day never happens.

This week is filled with practice, practice, and more practice mixed with a little bit of class and a second to work with Joe on the Freshman Seminar project. Joe and I have volunteered for four of the ten hours for our project by Saturday morning.

Saturday morning, Joe and I meet for breakfast before going to the local special purpose school. Today, there is a softball tournament to raise money for equipment that the students need for their adaptive physical education class. The school for these students is great and meets all their needs, but with so much technology these days, more can be done.

Joe and I arrive at the school and begin to set up the concession stand and donation table. Joe's coach is here, as well as mine, and before we know it, the stands are packed. Taylor, a young boy with cerebral palsy, throws out the first pitch, and it's game on.