Steffi |
1:
Carrie:
I stared blankly out the airplane window. Outside, everything seemed to be so carefree and limitless. The fluffy white clouds gently danced across the faint blue sky, going wherever they pleased. The sun’s rays knew no boundaries, shining light onto every high mountain peak and every low valley wall. Why, then, did I feel my heart pressing against restraints when the outside world had none?
“Baby Princess, what would you like to drink?” my dad asked, interrupting my deep thoughts.
“Um… I’ll have a can of tomato juice Daddy,” I replied, and my dad relayed my response to the flight attendant.
“What’s on your mind Baby Princess?” my dad inquired, his eyes reflecting genuine concern. “It’s okay to be grieving, but you have to move on. Aren’t you excited to move to California? ”
To me, California was not a foreign place; it was like my second home. My parents actually met in California, while they were finishing their graduate studies at Stanford. After marrying in San Francisco and residing in a small, upscale neighborhood for several years, my parents decided to move to London. Since both my parents were originally from London, they decided it be best to raise a family there. My sister, Susan, and I both spent our childhood in a sheltered, wealthy British neighborhood. We often spent the summer getaways in our mansion near San Francisco. However, the fun getaway I had always known, would soon become a place of refuge for my dad and me.
A few short weeks before, my mother lost her battle with breast cancer. I felt a huge part of my childhood, my memories and my dreams, drift off with my mother into another world. I felt like I was to blame for her death; I had aspirations to become a doctor. I had even won a scholarship to Stanford University, my mother's University, to attend medical school. However, a scholarship to Stanford was insignificant to me, since my mother would not be able to relish in my accomplishments.
(This line denotes a scene and perspective change.)
Kevin:
“Nice pass Train. Okay guys, that was a good practice!” the coach exclaimed. “Now go hit the showers.”
I immediately darted for the changing room. Several of the guys clutched onto my leg for dear life, and some even leaped onto my back. Freeing myself from their vigorous grip was like escaping from the jaws of bloodthirsty wolves that had not eaten in days. These types of life or death wrestling matches happened every day after practice. But who could blame them? There were 5 showers for 25 guys.
After my long shower, I strolled out into the changing room and quickly changed. As I wiped the excess water droplets from my face, I noticed that I was under the gaze of 24 other guys.
“What?” I questioned, wanting to know what the guys were engrossed about.
“You were only in there for like 30 minutes. People are waiting for the shower ya know!” Gary scolded. Instantaneously, the anger drained from his face and was replaced by goofiness. He beckoned me near the door. “You gotta see the new assistant, Kevin. She is fine!”
“Are you serious? Most of the girls who volunteer are either geeky or slutty,” I retorted in disbelief.
“This girl is neither. I tell you, you’re gonna fall in love once you see her. She’s got half the guys in the dressing room drooling!” Gary continued.
“Sure…” I was caught in mid-sentence, because someone had tapped me lightly on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, can I get through please?” the most beautiful girl I had ever seen in my life asked politely in a British accent. Her auburn curls fell gently over her shoulders, like a waterfall. I stared into her beautifully angelic face. In the middle of her face was a cute little nose, bordered on either side by soft, high cheek-bones. A pair of hazel eyes looked at me pleadingly. She flashed me a playful, flirty smile.
“Oh sorry,” was all I could manage to get out. After she set the clean towels on a bench, she came back to where I was standing.
“Hi, my name is Carrie Kensington. I’m very pleased to meet you,” she beamed, extending her hand.
I froze in utter shock, while the sweat glands on my forehead and hands were overloading. “Carrie Kensington?” I stuttered. “Daughter of Richard and Vivienne Kensington?”
“Why yes, I am. What is your name?” she responded, the curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
“Kevin Richardson.” I answered. I could not believe my ears. My mother and I had been visiting prospective universities for me when we met Carrie’s mother. Since Stanford was my first choice, I spent much time in San Francisco, familiarizing myself with the surroundings. When I was there, I stayed at the Kensington residence. Although the Kensingtons had already relocated to London, they often returned to San Francisco for visits. During those visits, Carrie and I spent much of our time together. However, the last time I saw her was at least 4 or 5 years before. She had always been a very pretty girl, but that girl had blossomed into a sinfully attractive, sexy young woman.
Carrie:
“Kevvy Kev,” I gasped in astonishment. He blushed from the affectionate nickname I used to call him by. The last time I saw Kevvy Kev was a good 4 or 5 years ago. Although I was a shy young schoolgirl, I always felt comfortable with him. I guess my feelings towards him classified as infatuation. Seeing him again reminded me of my old feelings towards him. Suddenly, new life had been breathed into these old feelings. Kevin was the perfect example of a “tall, dark and handsome” man. Those defined facial features, those mysterious brown eyes, those sexy lips and those thick, manly eyebrows… what was not to love about him? Again, my deep thoughts were interrupted for a second time that day, as the coach cleared his throat.
“Well, I see most of you have met the new assistant for the team. Miss Kensington, I hope you have an enjoyable experience working with our team. I know my Boys will sure enjoy you working here,” the coach snickered. After a brief meet and greet with each team member, I decided to explore the other facilities.
Kevin:
As soon as Carrie left, the coach started to whisper. “Gary, my boy, she’s for you. When I was picking among the volunteer applicants, I saw her and thought ‘she’d be perfect for Gary.’ You know what they say, satisfied men play better on the field!” he grunted. “So now that my star defense-man is satisfied, my next target is Train. Now you didn’t think I would forgot about my star quarter back did you?” I chuckled lightly at his comments. The coach launched into fits of grunts and pretty soon the whole changing room was echoing with testosterone.
I pulled Gary aside from the festivities. “Do you really like her?” I asked, praying that he did not have feelings for her. But deep within myself, I knew the answer.
“Of course man. Look, I saw the way you were looking at her. I’d appreciate if you’d back down. I’d hate to fight with a brother for a girl,” he hinted. Before the battle begun, I had already lost the war and I knew it.
“Yeah sure, I’m not gonna give you any trouble bro,” I monotonously replied. Why did I always have to play the role of the nice one, the mature one, the peacemaker one? As the old saying goes, the nice guy never gets the girl. For once, I would like to be the one who did not have to back down. But this was a lost cause. Gary left excitedly to look for Carrie.
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Steffi |
