“I happen to be a very strong swimmer and I’ve done some diving. I felt that I was probably the best swimmer in the entire crowd that day. That made me the best chance those kids had. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I just knew that I’d never be able to look into a mirror again if I didn’t try. I was pretty frightened when I had those two infants in my hand and couldn’t get the car door open. I sure didn’t feel like a hero. I don’t remember anything after starting for the surface until Gwen brought me around on the river bank. I owe her and Billy my life. I’ll never forget that. The hospital was great and I have to thank Dr. Masters. I hope she’ll be working in the new wing within a few years.”
“Dr. Laura Masters, you treated the children at the hospital, as well as Steve when he came in. How are the toddlers doing? Will Steve be able to play quarterback in the state championship game tomorrow?”
“I watched you deliver your commentary as these heroes worked to save lives, Amber. 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. Steve 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 Steve, or any player, requires it. Coach Watkins places safety above winning, which is a bit unusual in football these days, but very admirable.
“Our hospital is small, but we always strive to give the best care possible. The idea of a new wing seemed like a farfetched dream a couple months ago. Now these kids have made me a believer. The area, especially the children, deserve the best health care possible. These kids have the courage to work toward that goal and I’m pledging my support any way possible. We need better equipment, more room, more doctors, and more supplies if we want to truly serve the area properly. Yesterday’s near tragedy demonstrates how quickly bad things can happen. A better hospital will make us a safer, better community.”
“So there you have it,” concluded Amber. “Two toddlers strapped into car seats are in a car that plunges into the frigid waters of Emerson River. Because of the quick actions of these three Sparta students, this story has a happy ending. It was a tragedy averted by their courage and daring heroics. And these kids are working hard to improve the local hospital. Think about the quality of youth this area is producing, and be proud. Thank you all. And good luck in your game tomorrow.”
Gwen drove Steve to school after the interview was concluded and walked with him to the players’ bus. Kate had ridden with them and was watching as Gwen stopped Steve before he boarded the bus. She pulled his face down to hers and kissed him long and hard on his lips as the other players cheered and whistled.
“I can’t stay mad at you, Steve,” whispered Gwen. “When I thought you might die, I realized that I was being foolish by treating you so poorly. I hope that kiss keeps those big breasted cheerleaders away until tomorrow. I’ll be there cheering for you on every play. Just be careful. I worry about those cuts.”
Steve grinned and rubbed Gwen’s nose with his. “I never noticed any cheerleaders, Gwen. Where are they? All I can see is you. I’ll never do anything to hurt you, Gwen. Trust me on that. See you tomorrow!”
“Where’s my sister? What’ve you done with her?” demanded Kate as she joined Gwen. “A couple months ago you were the girl that didn’t date. You weren’t even interested in boys. You wore bulky sweaters and loose jeans and slacks. Now you strip down to your bra and panties in front of a TV crew, wear really cool outfits that are mostly red for some reason, and have a hit dance video and a swim suit video that makes men drool. You grab the best looking guy in the school, the star quarterback, and kiss him hard in front of his teammates and the whole world, including several very jealous cheerleaders. How did you change so much, so fast?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have kissed Steve in front of everyone, but I couldn’t help myself,” admitted Gwen. “Sometimes I can’t believe that a guy like Steve could be interested in a girl like me. He’s gorgeous, smart, athletic, strong, brave, and polite. He could have any girl he wants.”
“And that should tell you something, Sis. Steve can have any girl in the school, maybe the whole world, he’s that cool. Why would he want you? Could it be that you’re gorgeous, smart, athletic, strong, brave and very polite, most of the time? Is it possible that he did go for the best girl for him, and that the best girl happens to be my big sister?” asked Kate. “That kiss was perfect, by the way. You need to mark your territory. Let those hussies know that he’s your guy. I think that kiss quelled any possible doubts.”
Steve smiled at the good natured teasing of his teammates. He knew that they thought Gwen was beautiful and he was a lucky guy. Once the bus was under way, Coach Watkins explained that the team would arrive in time to have a practice in the stadium in which the title game was scheduled. He also cautioned the players about making any hard contact with Steve during the practice. He warned that if Steve showed any signs of injury, he would be replaced immediately. To a man, the team knew that scenario guaranteed defeat.
That Friday at school was like no other Gwen had ever experienced. Every student she came in contact with expressed their admiration and appreciation for her part in the rescue of the two infants, and then Steve. When she entered a room, talk would suddenly stop. Then everyone would rush to speak to her and be as friendly as possible.
“Gwen, you’ve dried out and warmed up, as well as covered up since yesterday,” observed Ms. Walker when Gwen entered homeroom. “I have to tell you that I’ve never seen anything close to being as remarkable as that rescue yesterday. I still get chills when I think about it. Dave Kite has some amazing video posted, but with the news channels playing it so much, he hasn’t had as many views as I’d expect. Our ‘Lady in Red’ is becoming a national treasure, rather than just a Spartan gem. Your interviews, both at the hospital and again this morning on national TV, were perfect.”
Saturday morning found Laura, Kate, Paula, and Gwen traveling together in Paula’s SUV. The conversation had been light until Gwen 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 Gwen and picked her words carefully. “Has Steve 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! Steve 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 Gwen.
“I know exactly what you mean. Do you think I’m made of stone or something? He’s incredible, Gwen, but what you feel, what I feel, what Kate probably feels is normal lust. I wouldn’t be surprised if some married women and mothers feel it, too, when they look at him. He’s way beyond the normal, everyday, run-of-the-mill jock,” chuckled Laura as she glanced at Paula. “But that’s no reason to have sex with the guy. You can’t win a man, or keep a man simply by having sex with him. Sex makes your bond stronger when everything else is in place. It strengthens love, but has been the ruin of many a person, male and female, when used for the wrong reason. When you decide that you love him, he loves you, and you want more than a kiss and a squeeze from the guy, let me know. Then, if your mom agrees, or you’re living away from home, I’ll prescribe the pills. Until then, no sex, and that’s your doctor’s orders!”
Paula remained silent as she considered her daughter’s description of her feelings for Steve. She had to admit that it was no surprise that Gwen found Steve so attractive. Paula had been concerned for her daughter when she seemed uninterested in boys. She worried when she appeared to be unaffected by Steve’s magnetism. Now she learned that Gwen was not immune to Steve’s charms. A whole new list of concerns had been introduced into the equation. Gwen was turning into a woman and Paula resolved to do her best to help Gwen through the transition with as little pain, embarrassment, and heartbreak as possible.
The difference in her daughters also crossed Paula’s thoughts. Lisa never spoke of birth control until Paula found a package of the pills in Lisa’s suitcase when she came home for the Christmas break her freshman year of college. Gwen had always been one to meet a situation head on. If she wanted something, or to do something, she would face her parents with it and try to use reason to support her stance. Lisa had always been less confrontational. She practiced the philosophy that it was easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.
“I told him that I wasn’t going to have sex with him, even though he never indicated he wanted it. He seemed okay with that. I thought he’d probably drop me like a hot potato, but he still likes me. I’m amazed that he does,” admitted Gwen. “But I’ve decided to work a little harder to keep him interested in me.”
“A few kisses like Gwen gave Steve before he got on the bus this morning should go a long way,” laughed Kate. “That redhead with the legs had better not show her beautiful face around Sparta again. Gwen’s determined to make Steve forget she exists, and she has what it takes to do that. I didn’t see any redhead pull Steve out of that river!”