The four seniors left classes Thursday afternoon and reported to the gym. There were numerous sports reporters in attendance, as well as Nell Daniels. She smiled and waved to Mitchell when he stepped onto the small raised platform. Since all four of the seniors had been involved in the shooter attack in some way, the press was very interested in the announcements. Three of the students had been shot during the attack and Tyler had been present when Mitchell killed the first shooter, and then opened the door for Mitchell that fateful morning. The sports reporters dwelled on the attack and the heroic actions of the seniors. They asked quite a few questions about that day and then a few about the championship season. Nell waited her turn and then asked the guys what career they would pursue after college and what majors they had selected. Then she asked how they had chosen the schools, or if they simply went to the school that offered the best scholarship. Mitchell was surprised at the
Mitchell was completely healed from his ordeal at the hand of the demented shooter, but he found his conditioning had suffered greatly over the past month. Between being shot, beaten, ill, and cold, he had done very little exercising. Rehearsals began at six in the morning and lasted until long after the sun had set. Thursday night found Mitchell and Christine alone in Mitchell's hotel room. "I thought we'd never be alone again." complained Christine. "I've been on the pill for a while and we still haven't had sex. I don't know about you, but I'm so ready I can hardly stand it." "Your dad spoke to me before we left. He asked me if we've had sex yet and I told him that we haven't done anything that would remove you from the virgin ranks. He told me he wanted you to remain in that rare state for a few more weeks," revealed Mitchell. "He said your mom wants to be sure that the birth control has had time to be effective. He also said he wants us to sleep in our own rooms at the hotel, an
"I can see that," responded Christine with a big smile as Mitchell headed in their direction. "I won't tell him what you said, but you should tell him what you think. He's really a very good guy. You'd get along great if you'd forget those little incidents.""Christine, you're stunning this morning," observed Mitchell as he ran his eyes over his girlfriend. "Jordan, you look great in that suit. I know Nell's good, but she didn't create that figure. You're really sexy.""You really mean it?" asked a surprised Jordan. "You really think I look sexy? You're gorgeous in that tuxedo. I mean, ... you look good, too."Jordan blushed as she realized that she had revealed more than she had intended. Mitchell had been cruel and overbearing to her and she didn't want him to think she was okay with that. No one could get away with treating her like he did that day.Christine was pleasantly surprised at the turnout for the promotion. They were attracting a lot of interest from shoppers of all a
Christine was silent as she took the scene in. Smiling, she pulled up her phone and took a picture of the group packed tightly on the bed. "Now we have to wake these girls up and get them to their rooms. We sure don't dare leave them here all night. It wouldn't be safe, for Mitchell." Christine began shaking the girls gently, beginning with Jordan. It took a few shakes before Jordan opened her eyes. She looked at Christine and slowly realized where she was. She had Mitchell's arm around her shoulders and draped across her ample bosom. "Christine. I'm so sorry. We were watching TV and fell asleep. Mitchell didn't do anything. His arm wasn't even there when he was knocked out. I didn't do anything. Donna and the girls were here. They can vouch for me," insisted Jordan. "You're beginning to succumb to Mitchell's charms, too? Don't worry about his arm. Maybe now you understand his relationship with Maddie better. He's really starting to like you, although he won't be making love to you.
She and Mitchell would open the show with a short introduction as well as deliver a few jokes. Dwayne decided that Mitchell would be the one to deliver the funny lines, while Christine played the ‘straight man.’ He based it on his belief that being the so-called 'straight man' required considerable singing and acting. He felt that Christine was better at it. Mitchell had to agree and was very happy to be the one to deliver the humorous lines. Christine and Mitchell danced numerous dances, in an array of costumes. They performed dances from swing to modern and everything in between. The choreographer drove them to make every step, lift, and turn perfect. Sometimes they sang together, sometimes with guests like Ali Gatie and Jordan, and even solo on occasion. Wednesday afternoon, Mitchell and Jordan went to a different studio to tape a music video for Jordan's comeback recording. "We always spent a week or more shooting these videos. Now Dwayne's giving us four hours," lamented Jordan.
"My goodness, Mitchell. You seem to be doing quite well for yourself. A beautiful girl in your arms and another right behind you? Not many girls are secure enough to allow their boyfriends the pleasure of holding a young woman as lovely as Jordan like that,” Ms. Campbell. "We were just kidding around, Ms. Campbell. We didn't know you were here. I'll put her down right now if it makes you uncomfortable. I was going to eat breakfast with her on my lap," replied Mitchell with a straight face. "Oh, I think I can stand it as long as Christine can. The only possible problem is that I wanted to have a serious discussion with you and not many young men can think clearly with a girl like Jordan sitting in their lap," answered Ms. Campbell. "That sounds like the voice of experience to me," laughed Mitchell as he placed Jordan on her feet. "I guess you've made a few guys lose track of their thoughts before. I can see where you might cause that reaction." "I'm here because you've missed a lot
Ashley Campbell sat in stunned silence as she watched two of her students discuss attending a state dinner at the White House for the French President, and then asking to alter the invitation list. She listened as Christine made the call and spent several minutes in conversation. "That woman drove a hard bargain. She agreed to adding two invitations, but in exchange, Jordan, Mitchell, and I have to perform at least one song each. And, we have to dance our 'Lady in Red' signature dance for the guests. Do you think I need to work on my negotiating skills? At least I didn't have to promise the President a dance, although I'd be honored." "I'll have to call Maddie and let her know about this. She can meet us at the airport. She'll be pleased when she hears that Mitchell thought of inviting Jason. At least we all know where to get our gowns for the evening," sighed Melissa. "My life was never this exciting before Christine met Mitchell. I can't wait to call and tell Dan that he's going to
"I knew Christine was smart the way she played hard to get with Mitchell," asserted Hailey. "She made him work to be her boyfriend. I thought she was nuts for turning him down at the time. I really thought that she should've jumped into bed with him at the mattress place at the mall that day. She'd never been on a date, this amazingly gorgeous hunk asks her out to dance, and she declines. The results prove that she's way smarter than me." Hailey called. "I wasn't smart or playing hard to get. I was petrified. Why would a guy like Mitchell ask a girl like me to dance? I thought it might be a bet or a joke. I still can't believe that he focused in on me like he did and put up with so much to stay with me. I can't really explain it, but I'm sure not going to argue with it. He's my guy now," declared Christine as she clutched Mitchell's arm to her chest. "I was too dumb to realize that Christine was way out of my league. I was new to the area and thought I'd take a chance. I was just sta
"If Christine gets cold feet, or her conscience won't let her go through with it, I'd be willing to trade with her, just because that's the kind of friend I am," volunteered Jordan. "Thank you, Jordan. Christine, you're so lucky to have friends like Jordan," stated Melissa sarcastically. "She's willing to take a bullet for you, if the need arises." "Gee, thanks. I don't think I'll need any help, however. I have all the protection necessary, so those 'bullets' will not be hitting the intended target. There's really no need to worry about me. I'll make sure that the gun is empty by morning." "That's how class valedictorians talk these days?" demanded Hailey. "A few months ago, she hadn't ever been on a date and now she's talking about single handedly unloading a dangerous weapon." "I never said anything about using my hands, at least not tonight." laughed Christine, as Hailey was the one to blush this time. "If I may change the subject once again, we're invited to a costume party t
"Look. It's the Eiffel Tower," exclaimed Willow as she pointed out the window of the shuttle van. "Everybody get lots of pictures and we'll share them all when we get home. I have to thank you again, Christine, for making me part of this great adventure. I'm lucky to be your cousin." "You're lucky to be so pretty and shapely. You're lucky to have such understanding parents. You're lucky that Mitchell, for whatever reason, decided to take a chance on me that day at the mall. We're all lucky that Highland won that first football game. I'm lucky I'm not in tears right now because I'm so happy," Christine said. "We're all happy, Sis, but you've got more reason to be happy than the rest of us girls. Tonight, you're going to go to bed a girl and waking up a woman," stated Hailey with genuine happiness for her sister. "Spring Break in Paris with your hunky boyfriend. I don't think it can get much better than that." "It would get better if everyone left my personal life out of their discus
"Are you kidding," shrieked Hailey. "I'm going to Paris on Spring Break. This is way too cool. I can't believe it. I have to go shopping for some new clothes. We should get one of those CD's that teaches you how to speak French in three days. I'm going to call Willow." "Just a minute, Hailey," interrupted her father. "I can't go since we have to work. It's the busy time of year for those of us in accounting. I expect all of you to obey Melissa and Donna without question or dissent. That goes for you, too, Mitchell. You're a very mature young man, but Melissa and Donna are the adults on this trip. I want all of you to have a great time but be safe. Mitchell, I'll rely on you to keep them all safe. You seem to have assumed that duty already. No one wanders off alone and always be sure that Melissa and Donna know where you are. That's my speech on this trip." Later, as Christine was standing on the porch with Mitchell, she mentioned what she knew had to be on his mind. "I made sure tha
Mitchell lifted his overnight bag and went to Jordan's room and knocked. She quickly opened it with her suitcase in hand and tears running down her cheeks. She stepped into the hall and slammed the door behind her. "Let's get out of here. I watched the news while I was packing. They had a clip of you carrying me half naked, but with my tits blurred out. Then they bleeped the bad parts of my brilliant speech about you bleeping me with your big bleep. I've probably destroyed both our careers and lost Christine's friendship. I hope she doesn't believe that we did anything. I don't know how I'm going to be able to face her." Jordan said. Mitchell had called for a cab to take them to LAX. When he and Jordan entered the lobby from the elevator, several photographers began snapping pictures of them and calling out questions. Mitchell calmly led a teary-eyed Jordan out the door to the waiting cab without making any comment. It was dusk when Mitchell pulled into the Leonard driveway "I can'
"You're right, Sweetheart. This relationship, this love that you two have isn't like anything I've ever seen. You aren't normal or average. Your capacity and ability are exceptional. Don't let me discourage you. I admire and respect your confidence in each other, as well as the Acep love you share. It's very rare and extremely special," Mitchell finished speaking with Christine and went to check on Jordan. She had managed to push the covers down, so she was on her side with her amazing breasts on display. Shaking his head, Mitchell covered her back up and went and stretched out as well as he could on a stuffed chair in the corner.He was awaited some time later by an unfamiliar sound and sat up to listen. Unable to identify it, he stood and walked toward it. He found Jordan huddled in the fetal position on the floor of the bathroom, sobbing uncontrollably. He gently picked her up, carried her back into the room, and sat back down in his chair while Jordan cried and clung to him. Mitc
Mitchell remained silent as he carried Jordan to the door while everyone watched. Before leaving, he gently placed Jordan on a chair, unbuttoned his shirt, took it off, placed it over her, and buttoned it up. More than a few of the watchers noticed the way Mitchell's biceps filled out the sleeves of his undershirt as he easily lifted Jordan and left the suite.By the time the elevator reached the bottom floor, Jordan was making no sense at all. She had her arms wrapped around Mitchell's neck and her head buried in his shoulder. Mitchell turned to his left and exited the hotel through a side door. He crossed the street as quickly as he could, entered his hotel from a side street, and hurried to the elevators. Jordan's room was next to his, but when he reached it, he realized that she didn't have her card key. All she had was a thong and the shirt Mitchell had placed over her nakedness.Mitchell had no choice but to take her to his room. As he kicked the door closed, Jordan began maki
Dwayne called Mitchell later in the day. "You and Jordan are going to perform on your big hit on 'American Singer' on their season finale. That's Thursday and they'll have a huge audience because that's when they name their season winner. The show's supplying two round trip tickets, two hotel rooms, and paying each of you ten grand for the day's work. If you want that directed to the hospital fund, I'll see that it happens. I have it set up for the two of you to fly out to LA Thursday. You'll do the show that night, stay in a good hotel and fly home the next morning.""That sounds great. That show's huge and millions of people watch it, especially the season finale," pointed out Christine when Mitchell told her about Dwayne's call. "You'll promote your song and make money for the hospital fund. I'm not upset about not being included. We're going to be apart a lot in the future, and we have to deal with it. You can bet I'll be watching the show and wishing you and Jordan the best."T
"This campaign has been an unbelievable success, and that's mostly the result of everything you two have done to make this work. We have almost three months left, so we should be able to build the total even higher. It would be great if we had a million dollars by graduation. I know that isn't likely, but it would be a tremendous pleasure to announce that total in front of all the parents. But whatever the total, it'll be a wonderful moment for all of us.""Do you want to tell Ms. Metzger, or shall I?" asked Christine, as she watched for Mitchell to nod at her. "Dwayne Burton called last night. He's roughly edited those TV shows we shot in LA, but ABC has already been pushing very hard to buy them. He told us that the network offered a huge sum. It would guarantee at least a million dollars for the hospital fund. Dwayne told them it wasn't enough. He said we'd agree if ABC would ante up another million just to buy an option to hire us to tape two more shows. If they decide to enforce
"She said her news director heard the rumor that Hardy clashed with us this morning and was escorted from the hotel. The local station was disappointed that it didn't have more coverage of Saturday night. They told Nell that she'd be traveling with us when we went to any significant events from now on. Her interview tomorrow will be replayed, at least in part, on the network's morning show. She's going to meet us at school a little early. She thought it would be a good backdrop while she asked us questions,” Christine stated."She wants Hailey, Jordan, and us to be available for the interview. She's going to ask about that encounter you had with that Chechen, so be ready for that. I'll probably tell her about our invitation to Paris, unless you have an objection, Mitchell.""I'm going to be on TV. What should I wear? What will she ask me? What if I sound stupid? Mom, you have to record it for me," insisted Hailey."Go ahead and tell her about Paris. She'll be excited about that tri