A Reason (A Reason, Season, Lifetime Series)

by Champlain, CL

  I look at Grant, and he nods. “You could overstrain and hurt yourself needlessly. Let your legs do the work. You won’t have grips like that on your bedroom floor. You don’t need them.”

  I close my eyes, breathe for a minute, and let go with my left hand too. Grant sits down next to me on my left so he can rub the other hand. “Remember not to strain too much. Don’t force your eyes closed, if your face feels too strained, if you feel a head rush, you let it go. We will work up to what you need to do.”

  I open my eyes and concentrate to hear what song is on so I can sing along at least in my head. I love music, it helps me get through a lot. It motivates me in cheerleading, schoolwork, and my Walkman and headphones gets me through fights between my parents when I just don’t want to listen anymore.

  When I hear a gunshot, I try so hard not to laugh. Wild West by Escape Club. This song got the cheerleaders in a lot of trouble when we told the entire high school that they said we had to censor the words ‘safe sex’. So when they turned the sound off for that one small part, dozens of students yelled safe sex! It was hilarious. How was the principal going to punish dozens of people that were in a crowd? After that, the cheerleaders were censored more and they had to approve all of our music for pep rally. It was worth it, people talked about it, and would talk about it for years.

  I concentrate on singing along and what the cheer routine for it was. When it was over I realize Grant is laughing his ass off and Ryan is just looking at me.

  Oh, that routine was before he moved here. “I’ll tell you that story over the weekend? It was a cheer routine and it was hilarious.” I say to Ryan.

  “I know, I heard about it. I’m not just speechless over your dance and song routine, I’m in shock over the fact that you’re singing and dancing while holding up three hundred pounds for nearly eight minutes. Holy shit, Emma! I’m almost afraid to train you! If you kick me, I’m screwed! We’re getting a dummy when we start teaching you roundhouse kicks and shit.” Ryan says with a laugh.

  “He’s right, you’re seriously kicking ass here. Let it down, and then let’s try to walk and see how your legs are holding up.” Grant says.

  I lower the rack, and I have to admit, it hurts a bit. I turn toward Ryan, and start to stand up, and my legs are done. Luckily he catches me before I bash my head on the weights.

  “I’ve got you. I’m going to carry you to the tub. Grant, go ahead of us, smile and laugh. We don’t want to scare Eva and let her think Emma is hurt. Emma, you need to smile, or look happy to be in my arms or something. These leg cramps will subside after being in the tub for a bit. You will be a bit tender, but you’ll walk in about half an hour. Let’s not scare your sister.”

  “Good thinking. I think I can look happy to be in your arms. You sure you can carry me across the gym?”

  Ryan just arches an eyebrow and rolls his eyes. “Come on, Bambi. Let’s get you in the tub.”

  “I would smack you but I’m too sore. I’ll kick you later.”

  Grant laughs loudly while we walk out into the gym behind him. “I bet she will, too! She’s one tough little shit! I wouldn’t want to meet shorty when she’s in a bad mood, with legs like that she could make sure we never have kids!” Grant and Ryan both laugh and I flip them off with my left hand, since the other arm is behind Ryan.

  “Why are you carrying her?” Eva asks, sounding nervous.

  “I’m her slave for a week, did you not hear about the bet? I’m doing my slave duty. She’s a spoiled queen for a week. Word of warning, no one piss this chick off enough to let her kick you. These legs are dangerous weapons.” We all laugh and Ryan walks through the side door to the boy’s locker room.

  “Awesome! I’ve never been in the boy’s locker room before! Can I see? Is it dirty? Are there caveman drawings? Oh wait, there are written directions for everything on the walls so you guys don’t get lost, huh?”

  “If I had a hand free and didn’t feel bad for you being so sore, and you hadn’t already had a shitty day, I would smack your ass. No, no caveman drawings, and the tub is just past our locker room, so the lion’s den is off limits still.” Ryan says.

  We walk into a room, with Grant holding the door. There is a big white tub that kind of reminds me of an airplane ride at the stores for a quarter.

  It occurs to me then that I never did change into the school uniform. I’m still in my school clothes. Luckily I had worn black dress slacks and a sweater. My mom likes for us to have, and wear, nice clothes. I was glad I didn’t wear jeans, but I was not going to ruin this outfit. “Okay, put me down and get out.”

  “I will try to set you down in the chair. You will try to stand up and see if you can get undressed. If your legs won’t support you, then you will have to deal. One of us is going to have to help you get undressed and get in that tub.” Ryan says, and sets me down in a chair. The cold hard metal chair hurts like hell. I can feel my muscles tighten and I grind my teeth together to keep from yelling out in pain.

  “What is your combination, and pick who stays and who goes.” Ryan says.

  I don’t bother opening my eyes, I am in pain and they could see it. I am glad I wore a dark bra and panty set.

  “I have a bag with clothes in it in my locker. It is locker 223 and the combo is 23-7-16. Just bring both duffle bags that are in there, please. One is mine and one is Eva’s. Just tell her I wanted some more comfy clothes, since I’ll be changing into sweats. Grant will have an easier time carrying both duffle bags at one time because they are both big bags that I have filled over time. Each one has a week’s worth of stuff for both of us in case we ever had to run. Thank you, for not being jerks about this.”

  “Do you want to change into a gym outfit to get in? There are some over here in the cabinet.” Ryan asks when Grant leaves.

  “No. I know it’s going to be hard enough to get these pants off right now. I pushed myself too hard and my muscles are screaming. I’m trying not to scream right now. Let’s just get this over with. My bra and underwear set aren’t any worse than a bikini bathing suit.”

  “Okay. The tub fills up fast. What you do is you get in, you tip it back, and then push the buttons to fill it. When it’s to the right height, you turn on what jets you need. We’ll do back and lower extremities. Let’s get you in before you undress. That is much more comfortable and warm than that chair you are in.” Ryan picks me up and sets me down in the airplane tub.

  “I feel like I should put a quarter in for a ride.” I say what I was thinking, and Ryan laughs.

  “I thought the same thing the first time I saw it. I’ll let you try to undress yourself first. I’ll go grab you a towel and cover you so you can have some privacy.” He turns and opens a cabinet behind him. Luckily the towels were meant for big athletes, so they are large and fluffy. The towel will cover me well enough. He sets it over me and turns back around. I take my shirt off first, and that was tender but tolerable. I reach down to unbutton my pants, and I am glad I had worn loose fitting slacks today. They unbutton fine, but when I try to lift up my butt to pull them down, it hurts so badly that I let out a whimper.

  “Just stop for a second, we’ll figure this out. There has to be an easier way where you don’t have to put the pressure on your legs too much.” Ryan says.

  I look into his eyes, and see concern. I’m tough, and I hate people being upset and worried over me. “It’s just muscular. It will be over quickly. Just have to pull them down and it’s over.” I mumble, knowing what would have to be done.

  “How strong are your arms, cheerleader?”

  “As strong as your wrestling holds I bet, mat rat.”

  “Alright then. Push yourself up with your hands. That will allow me to pull your pants off quickly. It’s the easiest way, with the least amount of pain. Can you trust me?”

  “I think you’ve proven that I can. I’ve lowered the pants so they are open and to my hips. Just make sure you only grab the pants please.”

  “No worries, Emma. When I get all
of your clothes off, it won’t be in a public place, and if it’s in a jet tub, it had better be big enough for two.” Ryan says with a straight face.

  I don’t even know what to say to that, so I just roll my eyes and lift myself up on my arms. Ryan grabs my slacks and has them off fast. Of course by doing that, my towel slips. Ryan just looks at my bra, and we both freeze for a moment. Ryan speaks first. “Betty Boop, huh? Cute. Do they match?”

  “Um, yeah. It’s one of my nicknames because of my curly hair and stuff. They had a good deal on matching sets and I really liked it.”

  “You wore this dressy, professional looking outfit with those dressy black slacks and fluffy sweater, yet underneath you are wearing cartoon characters? You are just full of surprises. Maybe instead of Bambi I should consider calling you Cracker Jack?” Ryan says with a laugh and a wink.

  I raise an eyebrow at him and move the towel. He was already staring at my bra, may as well make him more uncomfortable with the set, get it over with and get the damn water on! When his jaw drops, I know I surprised him. Kind of made a bad day much better. “Now that you have ogled my Betty Boop set, can we please remember that I am really sore and would love to turn this damn thing on?”

  Ryan is biting on his lip again, then he grabs the remote to start leaning me back. When I am reclined nicely, hot water starts gushing into the tub from several angles. That feels heavenly. “There is a bubbles spout if you want bubbles. You can only use certain kinds, but the safe ones are loaded in it. There should be some, the maintenance people keep this thing in good shape.”

  I smile widely and couldn’t help a giggle. “I.Love.Bubbles. Where is that button?”

  Again, Ryan gives me a huge breathtaking smile. Then pushes on a nozzle near my feet to add bubbles.

  The water is really warm but not scalding. Once it reaches a fill line, Ryan pushes another button on a remote control and starts the jets. He turns on my feet first, which is like heaven. Then the thighs, which makes me close my eyes. Lastly are jets around my butt and back, and I moan in ecstasy.

  “Oh God, that is amazing. That is the best thing I have ever felt. This is heaven, I’ve died a very happy girl and I’m in heaven.” With my eyes still closed I moan again.

  There is a knock on the door, you know, a shave, waiting for the haircut. Ryan knocks back as the haircut to answer. Grant walks in and seems surprised. “Um, with all of the calling out for God and talk of Heaven I wasn’t sure what the hell I would find in here.” Grant says with a laugh.

  “Ha, ha. Very funny. This thing is amazing, have you ever been in it?” I ask him.

  “Um, no, not that one.”

  “I bet it is better than sex. Seriously doubt anything could be better than this. I may never get out. You two go do something else and let me die in perfect peace.”

  “Um no, it is not better than sex, and you have fifteen minutes.” Ryan answers.

  I flip him off, and open my eyes to look into his. “Why are men always in a hurry? Fifteen minutes? Is that all? I had such high hopes for you, I would have thought the star wrestler would have a bit more stamina. What a shame.” That was payback for comments about my underwear.

  Grant snickers, Ryan stays quiet. I lean my head back against the back of the tub and wish I had a pillow. “Crap, my hair will get wet and it’s cold out! Do either of you guys have a pencil?”

  “What does a pencil have to do with hair?” Grant asks.

  Ryan chuckles. “Yeah I saw one over here, just a sec.”

  He hands me a pencil and I’m happy to see it is long and unsharpened. Yay, no point! I wrap my hair up in a bun and use the pencil to keep it in place.

  “Pencils for hair styles? Wow you are full of surprises. No wonder you have guys fighting over you.” Grant says.

  “No one is fighting over me, and I have long curly hair, you learn to work with what you’ve got. I don’t always have a hair tie with me. Now shush so I can pretend I’m in a Jacuzzi with Pedro, a Spanish masseuse who doesn’t speak much English. The perfect man.” I close my eyes and lay my head back again.

  “If he’s a masseuse he is probably gay.” Ryan mumbles. Grant laughs. I flipped them both off, with both hands, eyes still closed. I can feel the tense muscles in my legs being worked out. I’m still sore, but the pain is getting better.

  I hear a buzzer a few minutes later, and the jets stop. “Time’s up. Why don’t you try to sit forward and stand up? See how your legs are feeling? Grant and I will be on either side of you.”

  I’m still in my bra and panties set, but whatever, they are black and red and not see through. It’s not any worse than a bikini, other than it is Betty Boop. I sit forward and I’m tender but okay. I stand up and my legs feel like jello, but I can stand.

  “Alright. We’ll get you some Tylenol and water. I would do a rub down of muscle rub a couple times a day for a few days. Don’t overdo it with legs the rest of the weekend. Do some hand blocking and some simple things. Talk out strategy, watch some videos on defense. I have a ton if you want to follow me to my place before you bring her to your house.”

  “Thanks, Grant.” I tell him, while wrapping the towel around me.

  “Let’s make this as easy on you as we can. We’ll pick an outfit out of your bag and leave it on the chair. We’ll bring the chair next to the tub closer so you can do as little walking as possible. I’ll carry you out to the car through the side door down this hall. Then come back for everyone else, or see if someone else wants to bring Eva if she isn’t ready to leave. We’ll be right outside the door if you need us.”

  “Thanks guys. You have been really awesome on a bad day. I really appreciate it. All of it.”

  “Appreciative enough to tell me or show me what other cartoon character underwear you have?” Ryan says with a smile and a small laugh. Grant chuckles.

  “Open the black bag, that one’s mine. There are a few pair in there, I guess you can see them and help me get an outfit. I want a warm fleece outfit, please.”

  Ryan unzips my bag and looks in. “Bugs Bunny will never be the same. Tweety really did see a putty tat, and oh my God, is that Taz? The cartoons will never be the same again. I think we’ll go with Tweety, they match this outfit. 34c, huh? You are short, you poor thing it’s amazing you don’t fall forward. Not that I’ll ever complain.” He pulls out a warm sweat outfit, the top is a warm fluffy pink fleece. The Tweety bra and underwear set has pink hearts.

  Grant smacks Ryan in the back of the head and I laugh and clap. “Thanks, Grant!”

  “You’re welcome. He’s a little ahead of himself saying he will never complain. She kissed you once, dude. She just broke it off with your best friend and she’s going through hell. Slow down before I make you a speed bump.”

  “You guys can step out now, please. The water is gone, and I’m freezing my ass off just sitting here in my bra and panties! Move it so I can get dressed in my warm clothes!”

  “Fine. But I’ll be thinking of Tweety the rest of the night.”

  “Your problem, you shouldn’t have looked or asked if you couldn’t handle it!” I tell Ryan, while I stand there shivering in my towel.

  “Well, who wears cartoon character underwear sets at our ages? Is it a new popular thing? Should we do a panel to see how many girls have these matching sets? It should be a locker room discussion next week, I think.” Ryan says. Grant just shakes his head and pushes Ryan out of the room.

  I get dried off and I laugh putting on my Tweety Bird set. It is kind of funny that cartoon characters are on teenage girls’ underwear that was why I had to have them. They are adorable, and funny.

  I was a bit sore getting dressed, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I walk to the door and open it. The guys are in the hall waiting for me. “You ready to be carried again, my Queen?” Ryan asks me.

  “Um, I think I’m okay to walk. The spasms aren’t so bad. I can handle it. Thanks though, Ryan.”

  Grant grabs my big duffle bags while Ryan walks next to me as I head
towards the back door that leads to the parking lot. It’s not that far to walk, luckily. This is the gym we have our games in, so it is on the edge of the building to make it easy for guests to enter and exit for games. I could still feel a couple of sore spots, but it isn’t anything worse than what I had felt in cheer practice to be honest.

  Ryan drives a Jeep. Not those stupid ones with no sides that are dangerous and scary, though the top on this one does come off.

  I manage to be tough enough to walk to it, but I have no idea how the hell I was going to get up in it.

  Ryan opens the passenger door and leans against the side of the Jeep. “Are you done being the tough girl long enough for me to get you up into the Jeep?”

  I sigh heavily. “Yes, fine. I’m not used to people doing things for me. I need to get my legs used to doing new things since we’ll be training and, thanks.”

  Ryan smiles, kisses me on my forehead and picks me up again. I have to say it feels nice to be in his arms. No one has ever carried me around like this before. He gets me in the seat and closes my door. I put my seatbelt on while Grant puts the bags in the back.

  I roll my window down and he leans on it to talk to me. “Eva is going to stay a bit longer. Ms. Rivers is going to bring her to the house later. Do you need me to come along, Emma?”

  “We can drop you off at your house, Grant. I want some food and then we’ll work on simple things like basic blocking and maybe trying to get out of a couple of hand holds so my legs don’t overdo it.”

  “I’m going to put in some work out time myself if you don’t need me to go to Ryan’s with you. I need to keep these guns in shape too, not just train you there, strawberry shortcake.”

  I laugh when he flexes his muscles and kisses one. His arms are huge for a teenager. “I’m good, Grant. Thank you. I’m going to make him feed me and like I said, we’ll stick with easy stuff. No worries, my legs are sore, but I can take him.”

  “No doubt, shorty, no doubt. You behave yourself, mat rat.” Grant looks at Ryan. They do some secret handshake thing and Grant walks back into school.