Gwen knew real fear as she looked at Mort's face and heard his intentions. She threw her door open and ran into the woods. She heard Mort curse and then the engine started. Headlights lit up the forest, forcing Gwen to flee farther into the night. She remained quiet until she was certain that she heard Mort drive away. She had the presence of mind to listen carefully so that she could determine the direction of the nearest highway. Gwen had her phone, but until she could establish her location, calling someone for help would only create unneeded worry for her family.Not one to whine, Gwen began walking in the general direction of the highway. Half an hour later, Gwen found herself on a county road. Having grown up in the area, she only had to walk a half mile or so along the road before she was able to identify her location. With a sigh, she used the speed dial on her phone."Charlotte, I need you to pick me up. I'm stranded on Henderson Road, about halfway between the river and the
"That's what I was trying to tell you earlier this evening when you were getting ready to go out with butt-head," pointed out Kate. "You weren't going to tell Steve about Mort if you could help it. I guess all women are liars and cheats and really want men to play with their "girls". That's probably exactly what Mort believes.""Besides," added Gwen, ignoring Kate's observation, "Dad punched Steve tonight when he saw my torn blouse and Steve standing there all angry. That's enough to keep Steve away forever.""Ha! I'll give you odds that Steve will be back as soon as you invite him. He'll even apologize to Dad for making him so upset that he felt he had to hit Steve. Did you see how Steve just rubbed his chin and looked at Dad? I don't think Dad will be popping him in the chops again anytime soon," chuckled Kate. "But it was great that Dad was willing to mix it up with Steve for his daughter's honor."Steve had no idea what to expect when he entered the homeroom the next morning. He h
Steve and Ms. Walker were seated when Gwen arrived. Steve immediately stood and helped Gwen with her chair while Ms. Walker smiled her approval. Gwen once again wore the amazing red dress that Lisa had loaned to her. Steve wore a sports jacket over a dark mock turtleneck that emphasized his broad shoulders and powerful chest.Ralph Smith addressed the group. "Folks, we're in for a real treat today. In case any of you've been living in a cave for the past couple of months, you need to know that our high school football team is undefeated, and much of the credit for that goes to this young man, Steve Hammer, team quarterback."Even more amazing, at least to many of us men, is the fact that Steve has teamed up with this truly beautiful young lady, Gwen Anderson, who happens to have the number one GPA in her class, to entertain and amaze people with their dance skills. If any of you haven't already done so, I encourage you to search for Dave Kite's YouTube page. That young man has done a
"Honey, every woman that sees that boy is a potential competitor, if you're intending to keep him as your boyfriend. If you're going to break up with him, it shouldn't matter. As far as Diane and I are concerned, we're older and married, and want to stay that way, so we'll limit ourselves to a few harmless actions and fantasies," laughed Paula. "But if you want to keep Steve, there isn't a girl or woman around that can steal him from you. I've seen the way he looks at you. He's yours if you want him.""Then why was he out with that long legged redhead?" asked Gwen. "Why do I feel totally out of control here?""I can tell you the answer to that second question, but you won't want to hear it, at least not yet," responded Paula. "Ask Steve about the redhead if you really want to know. It isn't rocket science, Gwen. It's called communication. You sometimes seem better versed in rocket science than in relationships."The football team continued to win. Steve managed to post very impressive
"I don't know what you've heard about me, Steve, but I'm not going to have sex with you, if that's what you're after. I guess all males are, and you're certainly all male. Now for the weird part. I won't have sex with you, but I won't be with you if you're having sex, or any type of intimate relationship, with some other girl, or woman. I know that sounds crazy, or selfish, but that's how I feel. I'd rather not have a boyfriend than feel pressured to do something that I'm not ready for, or don't want. I have long range plans and I'm not going to do something stupid and screw them up. Now that you know all of that about me, maybe you'll want to find somebody else. I'll understand."Steve had listened to Gwen with great interest. This was the first time they had actually shared real feelings and hopes. He felt like he had just learned more about her in a two minute conversation than in the previous two months."Gwen, I realize that you're right. I haven't been totally honest with you, a
As Sparta's success increased, so did Amber Stahl's exposure on the local television channel. She was assigned to every game and finally had her own camera man during those tilts. Everyone in Sparta knew her by name and appreciated that she reported the team's successes so well. She was given ten minutes of broadcast time on the Saturday evening that Sparta won the regional title and qualified to play for the state championship. She had interviews of the coaching staff and players, including Steve. After a few football related questions, she sneaked a question about Gwen and their popular dance routines.Steve tried to remain calm and listen carefully to the questions so that he wouldn't sound like an idiot when he responded to the reporter's questions. He was somewhat surprised by the question but managed what turned out to be a great response. "That was something that just sort of happened. Gwen Anderson is a brilliant student, destined to become a great surgeon. She's not only a gr
"Holy cow!" yelled Amber Stahl as she watched in awe. "Tell me you've got that on video, Stan! Keep recording. We're looking at high drama here. I'm going on air in thirty seconds. I want the camera on me until something happens in the river.""Hello, Keith," began Amber as she spoke to the station anchor sitting in the studio, as well as thousands of viewers. "What was supposed to be a celebration and send off for the Sparta football team has suddenly turned into a struggle for life itself. A car with two toddlers just rolled off that hill and crashed into the river, taking the children with it. The mother is inconsolable. Just now a young man, Steve Hammer, the team quarterback, dove into the waters, presumably to search for the children. He must be down there over a minute already and the kids half a minute longer. How long can anyone survive under these frigid waters? Nothing is showing on the surface."Charlotte and Gwen heard the newswoman's broadcast as they huddled nearby. "Oh
Gwen gave Steve several breaths, all the time praying silently that he'd recover. Her heart felt colder than the waters she had so recently left. What if he died? She decided she'd breathe for him for hours if that's what it took. Suddenly she felt Steve cough. She quickly moved her lips off his and tilted his head to the side. A surprisingly small amount of fluid spilled from his mouth. Then Steve gasped for breath. Gwen watched Steve take several large breaths. Then, with tears streaming down her cheeks, she leaned back in and kissed his lips gently. She then pulled his head to her chest and hugged him as her tears of joy rained down on his face. Then she saw the blood!Steve's stomach was crimson as blood flowed down his abdomen and dripped onto the frozen ground. Gwen reached down and felt the red fluid, trying to convince herself that it couldn't be blood. As she rubbed it between her fingers, she soon realized that it truly was blood and it was coming from lacerations in Steve's