by Casey Peeler
Chapter 5
The remainder of the week I hang out with the girls on my hall and try to make a decision about joining the swim team. Gah, I could use some advice.
Piper: Hey girl! Had ya on my mind!
Charley: You've got freakin' ESP! Call me like yesterday!
Ten minutes later I hear “Hell on Heels” blaring on my phone. It’s Piper. I miss her so bad.
“What's up, Charley?”
“So, let me just go ahead and tell ya. I know this is the right place, but I don't know if I can keep my head on straight.”
“Okay, so what's his name?”
“Joe, but the other problem is Cash.”
“Charley, you know he loves you, no matter what you think is good for you.”
“I know he does, and he means so much to me. But I want to experience college life, and find out who I am without a guy, but now there's a bigger problem. Everyone here plays a damn sport, and they know I used to swim. What am I going to do?” I'm a little bit on the panicky side.
“Girl, do what you want. You love it, kick ass at it, and are worried about a problem that no longer exists. Go for it!”
“I just don't know; there's this red tape thing I gotta go to tomorrow, if I decide to do it. I'm telling ya, if I decide to do this, I better not have a chance in hell of running into that piece of shit!”
“Damn, Charley, calm down. You know he's off at some Division One. You're good.”
“Okay, well I guess I'm just going to weigh the pros and cons. So, how's the beach? I'm totally coming to see ya soon!”
“It's great, and ohmygah, these guys are eye candy everywhere I turn. My roommate’s pretty cool, too. She's an Army brat. She likes to have a good time. So far so good.”
“Aight girl, thanks for the pep talk, but I guess I better figure out where I gotta be in the morning and what I'm going to wear.”
“Char, why don't you wear your look pretty, play dirty camo racerback and your cut-offs? Just be you. You ain’t gotta impress anybody.”
“I heart you so much! You know exactly what I should do and are my fashion conscience. Love ya like a Choice Cherry Gold!” We both laugh and then hang up. I take a look at my schedule... 8:00 a.m. Biology. What was I thinking? I get my books, iPad, and notebook and place them inside my bag. I take a look in the closet. Where is that outfit? I swear Piper knows me better than myself sometimes. I grab my phone, set my alarm, and decide to talk to Georgia across the hall.
“Hey, Charley, I'm about to go over to Tori’s room. We’re gonna watch Scandal. Wanna go?”
“Sure, but my first class is at eight. What was I thinkin'?”
We are all chilling on Tori’s futon watching Scandal. During the last commercial, Georgia brings up a topic I've been dreading.
“So, Charley, did ya decide yet about the team?”
“Y'all, I just don't know.” How do I tell them what happened? Or do I?
Tori turns to me with a devilish grin. “Charley, there's this thing called Google. I know you swim faster than a fish!”
“Yes, Tori, I know I'm a good swimmer, but I just don't know if that is what is in the plan for me here.”
“How about you go to the red tape meeting with us tomorrow, meet Coach, and go from there. Why are you so wishy-washy?”
“Tori, some shit happened at home that I don't want to talk about or bring up. If, and I mean if, I decide to go with y'all tomorrow, there are no guarantees I will decide to join the team.”
“So, you'll go?”
“Y'all aren't going to drop this are you?” Damn Google!
“Hell no, you’re quick as hell, and we need someone on the backstroke leg of the four by two hundred medley relay.”
“All right, I'll go, but no promises. I guess I'm gonna head back to my room. I'll see ya in the morning. Anybody got Bio at eight?”
They all look at me and laugh.
“I know, I'm a freakin' idiot! I'll see ya at lunch for sure. Night, y'all.”
As I walk back to my room, I realize that I'm freakin' doomed. I love this sport. It's all I've known, but I just don't know if I can go back down that road again. There are so many memories I’ve pushed away that associated with it. Not to mention, there is too much at stake. It doesn't matter how fast I can swim. I can't run from what happened a year ago.
As I'm about to walk into my room, I notice a message from Crystal on the white board.
-At Lucas’, BBT- (BBT code = be back tomorrow)
Awesome! Night to myself! I grab my bath caddy, robe, and head to the shower. Maybe I can clear my head. I take my time shaving my legs, washing my hair, and thinking about my present situation. All I’ve ever known is the pool. I've spent my entire life there. How can one stupid asshole change my life? What am I going to do tomorrow?
I finally talk myself into getting out of the shower and attempting to go to sleep. I grab my phone, check my alarm, and close my eyes. When I do, all I see is Dylan, my nightmare, laying on top of me, holding me down and I feel like I’m drowning. Quickly, I open my eyes and take a deep breath. He’s not here. I am okay, and I will continue to be okay.
At some point in the night I finally drift off to sleep. I wake to the most annoying sound in the world, my alarm clock. I swear that has got to be worse than nails on a chalkboard. I hit the Snooze button one more time. I’m exhausted.
Ten minutes later, I hop out of bed and grab the outfit that Piper advised me to wear. I decide to leave my hair down today with a few loose curls. I grab my bag with all my school stuff, a Choice Cherry Gold out of the fridge, and hurry to the Hope Science Building.
I slide into the lecture hall and take a seat on the right side of the room. It’s old and musty smelling in here. Yuck! How appealing to my senses at this time of morning. Dr. Deal enters; he is a cute old man with a loud ass voice. He calls the roll and then informs us that there is no need for it anymore because he has a photographic memory. Well, damn. And he does.
He dismisses us right at 9:00 a.m. I’m starved. I sure hope my Kluft girls are already waiting because I don’t want to sit alone. I walk in and notice Georgia and Tori eating at the same table from last night. I guess we can call that our table. I make my own waffle, grab an apple, a glass of milk, and walk in their direction.
“How was that eight a.m. Bio?”
“All right, except I know I can’t skip ‘cause that professor has a photographic memory. I mean, really? How did I get so lucky?
“Well, it won’t be that bad ‘cause if you join the team we’ll be up anyway.”
I look at them both like I could kill them. Really? They are starting this already?
“Now, look. I’m not makin’ promises. I’ll go today, but no guarantee.”
“Char, you’re gonna love Coach. She’s a freakin’ hoot. You never know what she’s going to say. Heck, she’s liable to call us one night needing a ride home ‘cause she’s had one too many,” Tori says with a mouth full of cereal.
“Y’all are kidding, right?” Seriously, they have to be!
“You’ll never know until you join our crazy team!”
We finish breakfast, and I head across campus. I have Freshman Seminar. I mean, do they really think we are that stupid that we need a class on how to survive in college? Ummmm, no we don’t.
I walk toward Good Hall and go into the room that sits outside the main part of the building. This time I find the back row. Straight Southern Baptist all the way. If I have to listen to this crap, I want to have the best seat in the house. I take out my phone to text Tessa.
Me: Might need a favor.
Tessa: Well hey to u 2
Me: Shut up! I might need my swim bag.
Tessa: WTH? Ur j/k right?
Me: Not sure, meeting today, might, miss it
Tessa: Let me know & I will get it 2 u gotta go bf I get busted in class
Me: K Love u!
Tessa: L
ove u 2!
About the time I look up from my phone, I see him. Joe. He walks into the room with so much swag and confidence it should be illegal. In fact, I might have to call the fire department to cool him off. It is very evident that he just left the gym. His hair is soaked on the ends with sweat. Ohmygawh. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be a little closer to him. I think this class just got interesting. To think, I was able to remove myself from that oh-so-hot situation this weekend, but I don’t know if I will be able to resist three-day-a-week scheduled occurrences.
As I am about to pick up my mouth off the desk (attractive I know), I hear that deep sexy voice.
“Hey, anyone sitting here?”
Take a deep breath, I tell myself.
“I don’t think so. How are ya this mornin’?” I say with my sweet Southern accent.
“Okay, if you don’t mind running about three miles before the sun rises.”
What I wouldn’t give to have seen that show this morning! I just might have to make note of that routine. Joe and his fine ass running across campus, ummmhumm!
All of a sudden, the door closes, and I hear Dr. Cope, the professor say, “Welcome to Freshman Seminar. Whatever you think this class is about, you are wrong. This is not a class about learning the ins and outs of college. It is a class to build relationships and figure out who you are now that Mommy and Daddy aren’t telling you what to do.”
That is definitely not how I thought this was going to go. Between Mr. Sexy and Dr. Cope, whom I think I’m going to get along with just fine, this morning is starting to look up.
While handing out the syllabus, Dr. Cope goes through her expectations and tells us all about herself, her kids, and her yellow lab named Sampson. Time flies in this class.
“Before I let you go, I want to explain how you are graded in this class. It is pass/fail, which means you have one attempt at passing this class. You have one project and one project only. Your homework is to read the syllabus, be prepared to start the project that is explained, and be able to complete the project with success. That’s all for today, you’re dismissed.”
Well, I thought Dr. Cope and I were going to get along, but maybe not. I’m going to have to check out this project. Pass/Fail?! Really? I begin to pack my belongings when I hear a laugh next to me. What the hell is so funny? I turn and look at Joe with an irritated glance.
“What?”
“Nothing, Charley. You just look like you’re ready to haul ass outta here. I mean, it’s just a project.”
“Yeah, I know. But pass/fail, really? I just think one project is a little unfair. She didn’t even explain it.”
“Oh, I see. You’re one of those people. Gotta know every detail, and you’re freaking out now, huh?” Well, shit. How did he know that?
“I guess you could say that.”
As we walk across the front lawn, Joe adjusts his backpack on his shoulder and gets quiet all of a sudden. Is he nervous or something?
“Charley, I’m going to grab a bite to eat before my next class. You want to go with me?”
“I guess I can. I’m planning on meeting the Kluft girls there now, anyway.”
“Whoa, did you just say Kluft girls?” he asks with a smirk and brief chuckle.
“Uh, yeah. That’s who we are. Second floor Kluft. We’re the best girls on campus hands down.”
“Well, there’s no argument there,” he answers, as he looks me from head to toe.
“What? It’s just easier than going down the list of my hallmates. I mean, I can do that each time if you like. Let’s see. Caroline, Georgia, Tori…”
Joe interrupts me, “Nah, I get your point.”
When we walk into the café, Joe decides to eat with his teammates, and I go toward the Kluft girls. I try my best to keep my mind off him and this project. We finish lunch, walk back to the dorm, and decide that since the sky is that perfect Carolina blue, we will hang out on the lawn and grab a little Vitamin D.
“Hey, y’all. I’m going to go make some Kool-Aid,” Anna says with a wink.
“Oh, I want some of that!” Caroline states in that enthusiastic cheerleading voice.
I know that isn’t just Kool-Aid by the way they are talking, but I also notice that no one else jumps at the chance. Must be because of the red tape meeting in an hour.
We enjoy our fun in the sun until the last minute and hurry across our oh-so-huge campus to the gym. When we get there, it looks as if everyone on campus is inside. When we walk through the double doors to the basketball gym, the number of athletes at this school is overwhelming. As I’m taking it all in, I notice him. Joe. He smiles as his eyes meet mine and my heart starts racing. Lord help me if I see him again today because my poor heart might just explode.
We take our seats and listen to the Athletic Director, Jones Monroe, go over all the details. How you can play a sport, when you can’t, grades, etc. Then we are dismissed into teams.
“Hey, Coach, this is Charley. Ya know, the one we Googled?” Tori says with a smile.
“Nice to meet ya, Charley. I really hope that you will think about joining our team. We have a great group of girls here. We are like a family. I’ve also done my research on you as well, and if you decide to join us, there is no doubt Southern States isn’t going to know what hit them! Not to mention, you’d be joining a solid team. We have a good record and are predicted as a favorite at Southern States. Charley, you would only increase that prediction. Now girls, load up, we’re going to get some ice cream!”
“Are you for real?” I ask.
“Real as the come. Now load up and let’s roll out this piece!” she says as she places her hands on her hips then proceeds to roll her hips in a circular motion.
There is no fucking way that would happen back home. I really think I love Coach already. I can tell beyond the shadow of a doubt that she loves this team, has expectations, but knows when it’s time to have a little fun. Now I have to figure out how to get my stuff. Yes, I could buy new swim gear, but that’s not how this chick works. I’ve used the same pair of goggles forever, and I don’t plan to get any new ones. I guess I’m a little superstitious.
After ice cream, Tori, Georgia, and I take our time walking across campus. In fact, we don’t make it to our rooms. There are a ton of people out on the stoop between Kluft and Dyer. It is a gorgeous day, there’s music blaring from a guy’s room in the bottom of Kluft, and there are Solo cups everywhere. We decide to enjoy the free entertainment, and all about lose a kidney from laughing when some idiot starts the “Harlem Shake.” We all join in, and then we notice campus police in the distance.
“5-1-5-0, someone called the Po-Po!” Tori sings as we hurry up the stairs.
“That was so much fun! And just so y’all know, I’m joining the team!” I say, grinning ear to ear. I haven’t been this happy in what feels like forever. About that time, my phone buzzes. Cash.
Cash: I hope u had a great 1st day! How was it?
Me: Thanks $! Went great!
I should tell him I joined the team, but how? He is probably going to want to kick my ass.
Cash: Blue misses you. He was lying at the
club yesterday.
Me: :(
Cash: Anything new?
Me: Nope $
Cash: U sure?
An odd feeling overcomes me that he knows something. Before I can even finish that thought, my phone plays “Crash My Party” by Luke Bryan. I know I should have changed that by now, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. That was our song. I take a deep breath and try to be as perky as possible ‘cause this isn’t going to be pretty. I think my shirt said it all today, “look pretty, play dirty,” which is exactly what I’m going to have to do.
“Hey, Cash Money. What’s up?”
“Char, what’s going on? ‘Cause first off, you only call me Cash Money when you’re up to something.”
Well, damn. This is going to be harder th
an planned.
“Nothing really, first day of classes. My Bio teacher has a freakin’ photographic memory, we have some pass/fail project for Freshman Seminar, and I’m joining the swim team.” Maybe he didn’t catch that last part.
“What did you just say? Please, tell me I didn’t hear you right!”
“My teacher has a photographic memory?” I say as innocent as possible.
“No, what was the last thing you said?” I can hear the worry in his voice.
“Cash, I love that sport, and the Coach and team really want me.”
“I understand that, Char, but what do you want? I don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t want you taking a chance of that asshole entering your life at any given moment.” I can tell he is on the verge of tears.
“I really want this Cash. It’s a part of me, and who I am. I’m scared about possibly seeing Dylan, but I can’t live in fear forever. I texted Tessa about it this morning, but I didn’t tell her I was for sure.”
“That’s why she hauled ass from feeding the pigs this afternoon. I knew she looked guilty about somethin’.”
“Are you mad at me?”
“No, Charley, and if this is what you want to do, I’ll support you, but I’m telling you right now, if you feel unsafe, get your ass outta there. You mean more to me than anything else in this world and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“All right, Cash. I promise. I do need a favor, though. I need my swim bag.”
“When do you need it by? I have to meet a guy past Charlotte on Thursday about buying our old tractor. Maybe you could meet me there?”
“I get done with class at twelve thirty. Maybe say two-ish? I’ll get Tessa to get it to you. Where you wanna meet?”
“Let’s meet at Hooters near the Mills,” he says surely.
“Seriously. Hooters, Cash?”
“Hey, I’m doing you a favor, remember?” I can hear the playfulness in his voice.
“Oh a favor? Just think you get to see me sooner than planned. I’ll see you then. Thanks for understanding. Bye, Cash Money!”
“Bye, Char-coal.”
We hang up, and I feel relieved. Now I have to figure out how I’m going to tell my parents.
Me: Cash can bring my swim bag Thursday.
Will u get it to him?
Tessa: Yes, u sure?
Me: Yes, don’t tell Mama & Dad yet
Tessa: I won’t tell unless they ask,