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