Whispers gradually escaped into Christine's consciousness. She opened her eyes to see Ashley, Liam, Hailey and her mom sitting around the living room, speaking in hushed voices. She started to sit up but felt the weight on her chest. Looking down, she saw Mitchell opening his eyes. Slowly, he looked at the part of Christine's chest that his head wasn't covering. Then he turned his eyes to Christine's. She tried to look upset but was unable to hide her smile. Mitchell appeared relieved as he slowly extricated himself from Christine's firm, but so very comfortable breast."That makes twice today that you woke up in Christine's arms," laughed Hailey. "In fact, you were in more than just her arms. You sure looked comfortable. Sis makes a pretty good pillow, doesn't she?""I can't speak for all of her, but the parts I've had my head on today are really soothing, I must admit," grinned Mitchell as he ducked the pillow that Christine flung at him."We're sorry to wake you two sleeping beauti
Everyone was surprised by Christine's passionate defense of Liam's bravery. Nothing was said for half a minute, until Ashley began to laugh. She wrapped her arms around Liam and told him, "You are a hero, Liam. You're my hero, too.""Now that we have that settled, I've got to call Laura and ask her if she can make it early tomorrow morning for the show," stated Christine. "She said she wanted more exposure and Mitchell's making sure that she gets it. I wonder what she'll say when she hears this?"Christine spoke to Laura for a couple of minutes and then returned to the living room. "She's in. She was surprised at how quickly we took her up on our promise to include her in more promotions, but really pleased. Mom, I was thinking maybe Mitchell could sleep in my room tonight, so he'd be sure to be here and ready for the interview in the morning. Would that be okay with you?"Melissa turned pale and stuttered as she searched for the words she wanted. "I, your Dad and I, we don't think, H
"I watched you deliver your commentary as these heroes worked to save lives, Nell. I was quite surprised when I examined the children. They were wet and cold, but in excellent health. I had just seen them plucked from icy waters after being submerged for over three minutes and they were crying and healthy. We x-rayed them and kept them overnight for observation, but they're fine this morning, thanks to the quick thinking and courage of these students. Mitchell must have been cut across his chest and abdomen when he swam through the driver's window after smashing it with a rock. Other than that, he's in great shape. He lost a little blood, but we saw his courage and determination yesterday. A mere football game should be a walk in the park for him. However, at the insistence of his coach, I'll attend the game and be prepared to lend medical assistance if Mitchell, or any player, requires it. Coach Anderson places safely above winning, which is a bit unusual in football these days, but
Saturday morning found Laura, Hailey, Melissa, and Christine traveling together in Melissa's SUV. The conversation had been light until Christine asked, "Laura, would you be able to prescribe birth control pills for me. I'm just asking if you would, not if you will, yet."Laura looked back at Christine and picked her words carefully. "Has Mitchell been pressuring you? I can prescribe birth control. I have many times, but I always interview girls your age thoroughly before I do. I need to know why you would feel you need them.""No, he hasn't pressured me in any way. Mitchell and I are hardly ever alone, let alone think about sex. He'd never suggested anything like that. He's only kissed me a few times, but I can't stop thinking about him. When I look at him, I feel weak. You have no idea how he affects me when he takes his shirt off. He seems so masculine, yet gentle and kind. It's hard to describe," concluded Christine."I know exactly what you mean. Do you think I'm made of stone or
The Capital Warriors were the defending state champions. They had not lost a football game in well over a year. They featured a brutal defense that punished its opponents. The offense was mediocre, but with the defense constantly providing them with great Field position, it was sufficient. Capital players and coaches read the papers and watched the news, the same as everyone else. They realized that Highland relied heavily on the strong right arm of its big quarterback, and their plan was simple; neutralize Mitchell Kays.As the players warmed up, the spectators began to file into the stadium. Maddie and two girlfriends joined her family as they entered the arena. The game was being played at the home field of Maddie's university. The huge television screens hanging at either end of the field gave some of the fans a few seconds of fame as their faces were displayed.Shortly before the start of the game, Laura prodded Christine on the side and pointed at the huge screen. To her amazeme
Capital managed to run the ball for a couple first downs. After the next first down, the ball was on the ten-yard line. Two running plays later and with the ball on the seven-yard line, the two-minute warning was given. After the warning, another running play netted another yard. Capital lined up for the field goal attempt. It fooled no one when the place holder tried to run around the left end for the touchdown. Every kid on the Highland team had seen Capital run the same play on the videos they had studied. The runner was pushed out at the five-yard line. Highland got the ball back on downs with a minute and twenty seconds left on the game clock and no Time outs."Mitchell, I want you to use three receivers and keep everyone else in the block. We're just 95 yards from victory. Now go get it." yelled Coach Anderson to Mitchell and the other players.Mitchell quickly explained the play and calmly walked his team to the line of scrimmage and looked over the defense. Liam snapped the ba
Christine gasped when she saw how much blood had soaked into his bandages. "It isn't as bad as it looks. Blood always looks magnified. He'll be fine. We need to cut these old bandages off and get him cleaned up."Laura pulled out her scissors and began cutting the bloody wrappings as players and fans began entering the locker room laughing and celebrating. As soon as they saw Mitchell, they went quiet. Laura ignored the onlookers and worked on removing the dressing with Christine's help.Christine heard the telltale sound of high heels. She turned in time to see Nell O'Leary, with a concerned look on her face, striding directly toward Mitchell. With no conscious thought, Christine stood up and purposely stepped between the redhead and Mitchell. Nell O'Leary came to a sudden stop as she looked at Christine over from head to toe."So, it's the incredible Christine Leonard herself," began Nell as she raised her eyebrows, and smiled slightly. "Also known as 'The Lady in Red', and the 'Her
"I've been kicking this around since the whole thing happened. What was wrong with me? With the other parents, and the other players? Why is it that none of us risked our lives to help those kids in that car, or even Christine and Mitchell afterward? Am I a coward? Are all of us cowards? I've done some soul searching about this. I've finally reached the conclusion that most of us all acted in a normal human fashion. We stood there horrified and uncertain as to what we should do. There are a few people that do not think through situations like that. They simply decide what needs to be done and act. Mitchell is one of those rare types."It doesn't make the rest of us less human, or less brave. It simply shows that Mitchell has certain rare qualities the bulk of humanity lacks, especially in stressful situations. Christine has those qualities. Liam Marsh exhibited them as well. Any of us could have attempted to do what they did, but we watched. Our reaction was the average, or normal rea
"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