Junior Year Box Set

I let the run help focus me for the day. I dropped into the zone where I could figure everything out. Unfortunately, the answers weren’t forthcoming, so I focused on my breathing. I concentrated so I could relax and let the tension wash away. I said my little prayer: ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’ I couldn’t change Cal, but I could change how I reacted to him. I needed to make him understand I wasn’t going to just lie down and accept his attacks unchallenged. Too many people relied on me for that ever to happen.

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When I stepped out of the shower, I started to plan my day. In my head, there was a to-do list, and at the top of the list was to talk to my friends. I was surprised when the first person I wanted to call was Tracy. She and I had gone through a lot, and I knew she’d tell me what was going on before I called Brook, Zoe, or Halle.

“How’s your vacation?” Tracy asked as she answered her phone.

“Sucks. All I’ve done for the past two days is deal with this stuff.”

“What did you do this morning to get my dad upset?” Tracy asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him since yesterday.”

“I think Kendal called him. He was ranting about company exposure and how could they be so stupid.”

I decided Tracy didn’t need to know and changed the subject. She and Pam were best friends.

“How’s Pam doing?” I asked.

“Do you really want to know?”

“Tracy, what do you think? Pam and I have been friends for a year now, and not just friends. She’s carrying our baby.”

“I understand, David. It’s just, I don’t know. Pam won’t talk to anyone, and I can tell this is tearing her up. Everyone’s on her about the restraining order, and the comments are starting to get nasty. There’s been talk about kicking her off the squad so you can play.”

“I’ll get the word out for everyone to back off. Kicking Pam off the squad wouldn’t work anyways. The order says I have to stay at least 100 yards away from school grounds, so it won’t matter if she’s there or not. I need you to be her friend. Do you have any extra pepper spray or a Taser you could give her? I don’t want her to get hurt,” I said.

“I’ve already taken care of it. You’d be amazed at how the snapping noise of a Taser will get a crowd to back up. You need to talk to your friend Yuri. He’s been the most vocal, and if he doesn’t back off, I might zap him.”

“Let me call him before you do that. If he smarts off later today, you have my permission to make him flop like a carp out of water. If you do it, I want to see the video,” I said, which made Tracy laugh.

People didn’t realize that Tracy would throw down if you got her pissed. For that matter, so would Pam. Tommy Cox would attest to that. They had kicked the shit out of him when he’d puked on them last year. It had brought a smile to my face as they alternated between kicking him in the nuts and spraying his face with pepper spray. The poor bastard didn’t know which end to cover up. Personally, I would have covered my jewels. After all, I was a guy, and even blind guys get laid.

“If I can talk Mona into having a party Saturday night, will you come?” she asked.

“That would solve my dilemma with Brook. She’s my date to the dance, and we have our costumes ready. As much as I need to talk to Pam, can you talk to her and ask her not to go?” I asked.

“Will you pony up for the booze?” Tracy asked.

“No! I’m in enough trouble as it is. I’d be willing to contribute for decorations, food, and sodas,” I said, and then had an idea. “Tell Mona that I’ll take care of everything. She just needs to get me access to her place Saturday afternoon.”

“I’ll tell her,” Tracy said. “I’ve got to get going. Please tell me if you need anything. Pam may be my best friend, but so are you.”

“I would never put you in a position to test that friendship. Can you tell Pam that I’m not mad at her? I’m sure her dad’s behind the mean stuff that’s going on. Tell her I’ll do whatever she wants as far as the baby’s concerned. I mean anything.”

“You’d marry her?” Tracy asked, sounding shocked.

“If that’s what Pam wants, then yes,” I said. “Does that surprise you?”

“No, not really. I guess after what’s happened, I was afraid you’d be annoyed with her.”

“I’m guessing she thinks the same thing. Pam and I aren’t supposed to talk right now. I’ll do everything to help her with our child. I hope that she and I can raise him without a lot of drama,” I said.

I heard Tracy giggle.

“So, you think it’s a boy?” she asked.

I smiled. I guess it just slipped out that that was what I’d hoped for.

“Of course it is, I’m a Dawson,” I said as if that explained everything.

Tracy just laughed at me and hung up. I was sure that little tidbit would make the rounds today.

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