"You sound pretty cocky," observed Hailey. "I've been swimming since I could walk. Christine is the only one here that can beat me, and I'm getting closer to her every time we race. How about five laps? If I win, you have to be my partner in some chicken fights later on.""Sounds good. Let's make it that the loser carries the winner in those chicken fights. We'll win as long as your legs hold out," teased Mitchell."Okay, we have a deal because I know that I won't lose. Everybody moves back from the middle of the pool. Mitchell and I are racing five laps," declared Hailey as she dove into the pool and began swimming furiously.Calmly, Mitchell pulled his shirt off and watched Hailey until she reached the far end and started back. Then he dove into the water while barely disturbing the surface. Christine had been standing next to Mitchell as he pulled his shirt off. She only managed a brief glance before he joined the race with Hailey, but what she had seen astounded her."Good God," e

Liam was a big, likable kid that carried more than a few extra pounds. Mitchell and he had become friendly over the weeks they had practiced together on the team. Mitchell worked to conceal his irritation at Liam's insensitive remarks."Liam, my classroom is here. Ashley was kind enough to show me how to get here and I appreciate her help. To answer your surprisingly cruel comment, I'm going to be hanging with Ashley quite a bit. Is that a problem? I happen to think she's a very bright, friendly, nice girl. I want you to walk with her to her next class and use that time to apologize for being such an ass. I'll be seeing her at the class meeting later today and if she gives me anything but a glowing report about how contrite you were, I'll be doing a prostate exam for you every time you snap the ball to me," threatened Mitchell quietly as he stopped by his classroom door. "Show some pride, for God's sake, and treat the lady with respect." Ashley was amazed to see Liam Marsh blush at M

"Christine, it looks like your boyfriend is going to shatter all the passing records at Highland by midseason," observed Ken Smith as they filed out of the stands. "He's good enough that a lot of colleges Parker be taking a long look at granting him a scholarship. I don't know if schools like Stanford Parker are interested, or not. They play with the big boys for the national championship. Still, he could land a scholarship to a state school and have a free ride in college.""Mr. Smith, I haven't talked to Mitchell about colleges, but believe me, Stanford would be foolish to think he can't play with the "big boys" next year," replied Christine with some emotion. "He'll be able to pick and choose schools by the end of the season. You can take that to your bank."Ken Smith and Dan Leonard exchanged glances with each other at Christine's strong support of Mitchell. Melissa just patted Christine's back and smiled to herself. Her daughter was growing up.The school gym was the setting for

“We won’t break up, so don’t worry about it. But if we do, you’ll be first in line to catch him on the rebound. Maybe he’d settle for the younger sister. You’re beautiful, and he already knows your family,” laughed Christine. “Dad won’t have to give him “the talk” again.”“Sis, that’s not funny. If Mitchell dumps your cheating ass, I’ll be all over him and treat him right. That is if he’d have me.” Hailey retorted hotly.Melissa Leonard was torn. She liked Mitchell. She even harbored her secret fantasies after seeing Mitchell in swim trunks at the pool party. He had transformed Christine from an almost reclusive scholar into a confident, lovely young woman. Melissa knew that Mitchell wasn’t responsible for Christine’s beauty or ability but rather for the confidence to show the world some of the many things she was capable of.On the other hand, Cole Baker was educated and financially secure in an excellent position in his family business. Most parents would be quite pleased to have th

“Mitchell, I am not inviting you in. Please go away. Leave me alone,” insisted Christine loudly as Melissa hurried into the living room to find Mitchell and Christine in a heated exchange.“I want some answers, Christine. Somebody did this to you, and I want to know who,” demanded Mitchell.“Mitchell. Christine. What’s going on? What happened to you, Christine? Are you okay?” asked a perplexed Melissa as Hailey came rushing into the room, followed by her father.Dan took the scene in and started for Mitchell. “Young man, I warned you what would happen if you mistreated my daughter.”With that, Dan pulled a fist back and punched Mitchell in the jaw. For his part, Mitchell never even flinched. He slowly brought his hand up to his jaw and rubbed it. Christine was horrified. This was precisely what she had been hoping to avoid. What a horrible ending to an awful night. Her father had just struck Mitchell. Now there was no doubt that she and Mitchell would never be together again, not that