One Boy's Journey Chapter 48

Written by Brianna Demonet

It was almost 5 pm when I finished getting ready. I wore my purple full-length evening gown. I had been experimenting with different makeup techniques since I started school.

Brianna one time came to school and picked me and we went to the Xtreme Salon and Spa in San Francisco. Sara was one of their makeup artists.

She showed me all kinds of things I could do with makeup, especially the MAC makeup I love.

When I was done, I looked like I was 25 years old.

John was just staring at me. His face was the look of pure shock!

John? Everything alright? Do you like it?

I, I love it! You take my breath away!

Just wait until later tonight big boy! I said in a sexy voice!

His eyes got a little bigger when I said it. He offered me his arm and we went to dinner. He took me to a little surf and turf restaurant at the edge of the city.

I'm so glad I went all out on my dress and makeup. It was mostly an older affluent crowd. The women were dressed in very elegant fashion.

We had a great meal and an even better time. When John asked for the check the waiter nodded.

The general manager came to our table.

Your dinners have been comped for tonight!

Sir? John was puzzled by his statement.

You are John Park, Correct?

Yes sir! I'm not sure I understand!

No worries young man! Many of our patrons know who you are! You're a local hero and celebrity!

Sir, I mean no disrespect but I'm happy to pay my way! Said John.

Your money is no good here! Besides, I know what you and your lady friend did for my godson!

I'm sorry, sir, you have me at a loss! Said John.

The boy you two saved in the bathroom a couple years ago! That's my godson!

Sammy! I said in shock.

The way he tells it, you and your friends showed up in the nick of time!

I never got a chance to thank either of you! So consider this a way of thanking you both.

How is Sammy? I asked.

He's doing great! He's attending USC. He's studying Accounting.

John stood up and they shook hands.

Good luck in the playoffs, we're all rooting for our local boys!

The whole restaurant was clapping!

I took a picture of them together. I sent it to the manager.

We left the restaurant and headed to another local spot. It was a private club. It looked very posh! It was an upscale jazz and piano bar. I was worried about getting in.

Mr Park! Your table is ready. Right this way.

Mr Park? I asked

One of the boosters is a fan. I asked for a small favor. I wanted to impress you! Said John.

Consider me impressed! I kissed his cheek.

We sat down and ordered iced tea.

The music was very romantic! We danced over half the night slowly! A few women complimented me on my dress and shoes.

I was in the bathroom freshening up and bumped into Mrs Fountain.

Rianna! So good to see you! You look stunning in that dress.

Thank you! I love your dress too! I said.

It was a genuine compliment, her cocktail was black satin trimmed with lace accents and rhinestones. She really was an attractive woman.

I see you and John are still together, that must be difficult being so far away from one another.

It's not easy, but it's worth it!

How's school going? Are you still studying to be an Attorney?

Yes ma'am! I'm on the Dean's list. I speak 4 languages now if you include Latin.

Impressive! Said Mrs Fountain in a pleasing manner.

How's Cheryl?

She's doing great. She's at Notre Dame. She's visiting family in Chicago for the holidays. We just got back from Chicago this morning. She's studying Pre-Law just like you.

Happy holidays, it was nice seeing you! I said.

Happy holidays Rianna! We air-kissed.

I went back and sat with John. The bar closed at midnight. I called Mom. I explained that I was spending the night with John.

Be home at 9 am remember you're going shopping with your friends.

Yes ma'am!

I couldn't believe my mom actually didn't argue the issue. I just figured she trusts me.

We only got about 4 hours of sleep that night. John and I made love almost half the night and then again in the morning. We both knew our togetherness was limited.

John took me home and I started getting ready to go shopping. I made a cup of Korean coffee that I kept hidden in the pantry.

Lexi drove over. I was still getting ready when she walked in.

Ree, we're going to be late! Lexi said.

Why is your hair still wet? Wait! Are those bags under your eyes?

You were out all night, weren't you?

Not out exactly! But I was up over half the night!

Ree!!! Really? With John!

Yes, we had a great time! I said.

You little minx! Said Lexi with a sarcastic grin.

It looks like it! Come on, girl, let me help! Said Lexi

With Lexi's help, I was ready in no time. We picked up Emma and spent the entire day shopping!

We had lunch at the food court in the mall. By the time we sat down over half the cheerleaders we cheered with showed up. We were loud! But not obnoxious. Just having fun catching up, and telling stories about college and life after high school.

Anita was studying Pre-Law at UCLA. She wanted to follow in her mom's career, but kick it up a notch and become a real estate developer.

Lori was studying accounting at UNLV and working for her dad in his accounting firm.

We bumped into Shelly! She was at UNLV studying Pre-med. She was being hounded by Yale, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins for med school already.

Everyone was doing something. It was great seeing everyone. It felt like high school all over again, even if it was a couple of hours.

We made our way home after a great afternoon with the girls. Emma had a date with Evan. Lexi had a date with James. I had a date with my pillow, and I was exhausted.

I saw John only twice before the playoff game on January 2nd. The last night I saw him was New Year's Eve. He was sore! I gave him a deep tissue rubdown like Aunt V gave me a couple times.

John's body was firm and almost completely devoid of body hair. After two hours of massaging my man, we made love. I spent the night in his room. It wasn't hard; there was no one on campus. Most of the football players had rooms in another building.

John liked his privacy! Plus he was one of only a handful of players that were actually there to graduate. His 3.99 GPA was proof of that.

January 2nd, we had our 40-yard line seats. 6 rows back from the field on the UNLV side of the field. Mom, Dad, myself, and Aunt V sat with the Park family, including Soo-Min and her husband.

I hugged her and introduced her to my mom and Aunt V.

There's no way we are going to miss John's game. Said Soo-Min.

UNLV won the kick-off and John was starting as kick returns. He caught the ball, ran out of the end zone, and passed the 50-yard line before being tackled.

UNLV won 31 to 17. John averages over 35 yards per return. And had a punt return for a touchdown.

They were unstoppable! My Dad was one of the loudest people in the stands. Soo-Min and her husband loved it.

The Parks had closed the restaurant for the game. They were only doing deliveries.

The Parks invited us to the restaurant for dinner afterward. John brought a few players with him. Blake Collins was with him. Blake was even bigger now than in high school. He looked taller and added at least 20 pounds of muscle!

Blake picked me up and hugged me!

That's from Peggy! She told me to give you a big hug and say hello! Blake explained. No offense John!

None taken! I like Peggy too.

Where is she? I asked

She got a part-time job in the Vegas crime lab. She gets the shifts nobody wants.

What are you studying Blake? I asked. Let me guess! Criminal Justice?

Good guess! With a minor in psychology. I want to go federal! FBI, US Marshall, Secret Service, and maybe even Homeland Security.

That's great! I said. You guys were great out there!

John's the real leader! He is only a sophomore, and he's captain of the Special Teams. Said Blake.

You didn't tell me that! I said looking at John!

It's not that big of a deal! Said John being modest.

Sure it is! Said my Dad! You're an NCAA Division 1 athlete and a team Captain. You're a hometown hero! You both are! Dad looked at Blake when he said it.

Thanks Mr Milford! Said Blake.

Thanks, Dan! Said John.
.
We had a great time as always. The food was incredible, and so was the coffee.

We parted ways and went home John and Blake headed back to campus. They had a tape review in the morning and afternoon. They had a national championship game to prepare for.

During the next 10 days, John and I saw each other 3 times. I spent two nights in his room.

Dad was a little apprehensive about it. But he likes John. My Mom was less worried than Dad. Aunt V was very happy for me. She knew better than anyone how I struggled with sex and love.

We flew to Phoenix, Arizona, for the big game. We rented an Airbnb house. Lexi and Taylor came. Lexi had to start school soon after the game was over, so it made sense not to fly back to Vegas.

The Parks sat in the row in front of us this time. John was playing great he was averaging 31 yards a return.

It was old-school smash-mouth football. Both teams running the ball as much as possible.

UNLV was down 24 to 31 in the fourth quarter when disaster struck! Their starting fullback was injured, and the very next play, their tailback was out.

Their backup tailback was injured before halftime on a punt return play

I saw the head coach talking to John. I saw John point to Blake. I saw the coach shake his head at first. John looked his coach in the face. The coach nodded.

55 yards to tie the game with a touchdown. I saw John and Blake take a position in the backfield.

Aunt V and I looked at each other and smiled. I looked at Yon. She said here we go again!

Jii said what?

What's going on Ree? Asked Dad!

Just watch Dan! Said Aunt V. Taylor, and Lexi smiled; they knew.

With less than four minutes on the clock, they need 6 yards for the first down.

They set three receivers for a passing play. I knew this play from high school. They beat Blake's team with it.

Our Quarterback took the snap and pitched it to John. Blake was out in front, the offensive line shifted to the left and plowed through the defense. Blake pancaked two defensive linemen. John got the first down.

Two receivers blocked for John. John kept running. The defense's free safety was the only one in front of John.

The safety had John in his sights. John saw him fixated on him. John juked right and left, but the safety didn't budge. John ran full steam a faked a dive. The safety bought the fake as John jumped over him.

Touchdown!!! John's first on offense.

Score 31-31

UNLV kicked deep in the end zone. The return man took a knee in the end zone. Bringing the ball to the 30-yard line.

Blake was put in as a weak-side linebacker! In the first play, they ran four yards. In the second play, they lost six yards. Third and 12 yards to go. The Texas Longhorns set up four receivers for a passing play.

Blake was still at outside linebacker. I could see Blake twitching his fingers. Blake held his position reading the offense. Blake saw the hole in the line and charged.

The quarterback took his eyes off his right side for a split second as he planted his feet to throw. Blake tackled him so hard that it forced a fumble. A defensive lineman dove on the ball.

The two-minute warning horn blew with 1 minute and 49 seconds left to play.

The crowd went crazy!

With 1:49 on the clock, John and Blake went back on the field together.

Diner Johnny! Remember the Diner! I screamed!

Yon looked at me and smiled! Diner, Diner! We started chanting. Soon half the crowd was chanting diner!

I saw John disappear in the huddle.

John looked in my direction! And nodded.

Blake and John flanked each side of the quarterback. John was on the weak side this time.

The quarterback took the snap and dropped back to pass. John was the only open player. John caught the ball and ran. He was tackled at the 2-yard line.

The clock was still running. They tried a quarterback sneak. They gained half a Yard. They needed a field goal to win and they had to wind down the clock. On third down they stacked the right side with John.

The center hiked the ball to Big Blake Collins. Blake ran left. He knocked two players over before he was tackled and broke into the end zone.

Touchdown!

After the extra point; Score 38-31UNLV

The UNLV did an onside kick. John and Blake ran side by side. Blake picked up the ball and pitched it backward to John.

Blake performed a huge block for John. John had 3 longhorns chasing him. The one player was really fast. He was actually catching up to John. When John saw it, he found another gear and started pulling away.

Touchdown!!!! With the extra point, it was 45-31 UNLV.

With 37 seconds on the clock, UNLV kicked deep. The return man took a knee in the end zone to preserve time and protect the ball position. It was the right thing to do.

Blake was moved to a strong safety position. Blake was standing in the center of the field. He's 3 yards deeper than the normal position. I noticed it. I think I was the only that did.

Blake stayed still watching the play develop.

The Longhorn quarterback threw the ball to his tightened. Blake took a full run straight at him. The quarterback overthrew the tight end by a yard. Blake caught the ball in the numbers and ran.

Blake was determined to get a defensive touchdown. He ran as hard as he could. He had three players on his back when crossed into the end zone.

Touchdown!!!!! Blake Collins, number 57!!! His second touchdown of the night and his first touchdown on defense!

The crowd went wild. 52-31 UNLV

UNLV kicked off 24 seconds on the clock. Another deep kick-off, the return man ran out from the one-yard line. He was actually pretty good. He ran out to the 45-yard line before running out of bounds to stop the clock.

The last play was a hail Mary. The ball hit the field and the game was over.

Ree!!!!! I heard John screaming my name.

Johnny!!!!!! He caught me as jumped into his arms. He was sweating and smelled musky. I loved it!

It was a real rush! I was so excited for him. I saw Blake pluck Peggy from the crowd.

Ree!!!!! Screamed Peggy!

Peggy!!!! We hugged each other excitedly.

I'm glad to see you! Said Peggy.

Me too!! I was afraid you'd miss the game! I said.

No way I was going to miss this one! Our guys were great out there!

They sure were! A real team! Said Peggy. I'm so proud of my Blake!

I noticed Peggy was wearing a gold necklace with Greek letters.

What's this? I asked.

Blake gave it to me! He Lavaliered me over Christmas!

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I said I hugged her again.

How are you and John doing?

Great! The distance is tough, but we love each other!

We went back to our guys. The field was crowded with friends, family, and fans. As crowded and crazy as things were it was, behaved.

The Collins family and Park family had reservations at a big Mexican restaurant and catering service. Everyone was invited.

It was a very festive day! We spent the next 3 hours eating, drinking and chatting. I met Peggy's parents and Blake's parents and little brothers.

Blake has a very nice family. Blake's mother is a very charming lady.

Nice call! "Diner"! I looked and it was Blake standing next to John! I didn't understand what that meant at first. But as soon as John heard it, he took command of the field!

You guys were awesome out there! I'm so proud of you both. You guys played so well together. I never realized how great a player you are Blake!

Thanks Ree! That means a lot coming from you! Said Blake. I've never seen John run so fast!

I have! Many times! I smiled at John.

It was one of the best gatherings ever!

Two days later I was back at school. My party girl roommate was already there. We swapped holiday stories for a bit. I didn't say anything about John or the games.

After a while, she disappeared with her girlfriends. I stayed and reviewed for my upcoming classes. I was pretty confident about this semester. My first semester terrified me. But I was in my grove with school.

Mid-term exams came just before spring break. The dorms were so loud I almost lived in the library. My sleep schedule was way off. I was so tired I could barely focus enough to get some sleep. The weekend before Exam week was almost a pre-spring break party in the dorm.

I called Bree on Wednesday and asked to stay the weekend and study.

Thursday afternoon Bree picked me up. She brought Caitlyn with her. 90 minutes later, I was in peaceful surroundings.

I talked to Becky, and she is going to let you use her private office in the back. Becky rarely lets anyone in here besides me, or Lisa. You're welcome to the books. Just don't touch her computer or use a landline phone.

Not a problem! Thank you I said with a huge hug and cheek kiss.

I'm very proud of you Ree! Your family! Becky wanted me to invite you to stay here for spring break. If you want to?

I'd love to! I could get a lot of work done!

Yes, you can! I think they might want you to work at the firm for a day or two. Bree said.

Not a problem! I'm here to help! I said.

Help yourself to anything in my old room. Relax, study, and enjoy. Bree said. Dinner is at seven! Here's the key card for the office it's behind the kitchen.

I'll let you freshen up. See you at dinner.

Thanks, Bree! For everything!

No problem! That's what big sisters are for!

I smiled and settled into her room. I noticed her enema kit, hair dryer, and rollers. I knew what I was going to do before bed.

I was kinda relieved that I could stay in SF over spring break. Working at the firm would give me some great experience, and the money wouldn't hurt either.

Ian made yellow-fin tuna for dinner. Gosh, he can cook! The house was very lively with the kids. James was toddling everywhere. Violet was talking practically like an adult.

There is a lot of love in this house! It felt like a second home to me.

I got up early and started swimming. I didn't stop until I was exhausted. Ian made breakfast. I took a small nap and then started studying in the office for hours. I skipped lunch, I had blueberry yogurt. I was on a roll and powered through almost until dinner time.

We met up with Cathy, Caleb, and Evan for dinner at the Melting Pot. It was great seeing everyone. Caleb kept talking about John's game.

You know Ree! John might go pro in the draft next year. Caleb was pretty confident in his comment.

Maybe! I said. We'll have to see. John has been training for three years for his rematch Ji-Ho. If the US Team wins in Korea, it will be only the second time they won the adult division and the first time on Korean soil.

He sure is dedicated! Said Caleb.

So we're you if I remember correctly! Said Bree! Football and Wrestling were your religion when you were his age!

I guess you're Aunt Bree! I never really thought about it that way. Said Caleb.

I'm glad Ree is so dedicated to her studies! Said Becky. My grades were good but never as good as hers!

I've got a long way to go! I said.

Keep it up, Ree! You'll be fine! Said Cathy. The harder you work now, the better. It will pay off when you get to grad school! That I can promise you!

We got home and I was about to heat up the rollers. I noticed there wasn't any setting solution.

Bree, do you have any setting solution? I asked.

No, sweetheart, I haven't used them in a couple of years! Besides I thought you might enjoy going to the salon with me in the morning! I made you an appointment to join me. My treat! I'm sure a hard-working student could use a little pampering!

I could do a little personal R&R! I said.

That's the spirit! I hate going by myself! Said Bree.

The next morning we were on our way. We got there at 8 am. Amber opened the door for us! She's so beautiful! A Pamela Anderson clone with green eyes! Amber, like me, had an incredible bust line.

She wore a School girls uniform that exhibited a very sexy stomach and midriff. She has 8 hip dermals, 2 back dimples, and double naval like me! Amber was very perky and very sexy. She was a walking advertisement for all their salon services.

Above the reception desk, I saw multiple Salon Awards. There was a picture of Bree, Amber, and Terri together in different costumes and bikinis.

There was a picture of Terri and Amber with the best modeling awards.

I noticed Amber had her makeup tattooed.

I love your eyeliner! I said.

Would you like us to do yours? Amber asked.

I'm not sure Mom will approve. I'm not 18 yet.

We can call her and ask! said Bree!

I can email her a PDF Form; if she can digitally sign it, we can do it this morning. It only takes an hour. Said, Amber. Sara is working, she's the best!

Okay, I guess it won't hurt to ask. It would save me a lot of time in the morning. I said.

I'll call her said Bree.

In the meantime, let's get you into a robe, salon dress, and shoes. We don't want to mess up your clothes.

Soon, I was in a pink satin mini dress and robe with pink slip-on open-toe mules. Sara was my stylist, she was very knowledgeable. She colored my hair in dark auburn with red and slightly orangish red highlights.

Before my color was set Amber showed me the signed form. I was getting tattooed eyeliner like my Aunt V. I found out later Aunt V was with my mom when Bree called. It was Aunt V that talked my Mom into it. What's really funny is that my Mom got tattooed eyeliner last weekend.

Sara did a great job. I had single-wing eyeliner. It was laser-straight. Sara even did my water line.

Sara said you have a beautiful stomach! It's screaming to me to give you hip dermals! Your back could use a pair too!

I personally would love it! But I think I used up all my goodwill with my Mom for now. Maybe next year when I don't have to get permission.

Okay! But next year, I'm going to pierce that hot little body of yours! Even if I have to do it for free!

We giggled! Thanks, Sara!

You're welcome!

Do you need anybody waxing, Ree? Bikini season is approaching!

No, I'm hair-free! My Auntie V saw to that!

Really? Said Sara.

Two years of home electrolysis! I don't have a single hair anywhere below my eyebrows.

Come on girl! It's ringlet time!

Sara used 7/16-inch rollers. She was very meticulous about the way she rolled my hair. Her technique was very different from anything I had seen Lexi use. Two rollers on each strand. I watched her carefully as she rolled my hair.

I love your hair, Ree! I would love it if you would consider being my model this summer for the city-wide Salon competition coming up in August.

Me? A model?

Sure, honey! You move very gracefully. You have great facial features and an amazing body. It wouldn't take much to train you to walk a runway. We will have to pierce your hips and add back dimples! They judge us on body piercings and tattoos!

Tattoos! I'm not too sure about a tattoo, except permanent makeup for now! I said.

Alice walked over with a Beautiful Asian stylist.

Did you ask her yet? Asked Alice.

Yes, Ms. Alice! I just did!

I'd be happy to do it but I have a busy summer planned working for Ms Stapleton's law firm.

Don't worry about that! Both Becky and Carol are big supporters of our salon.

Have you ever modeled before? Just once at the country club, it was a fundraiser for charity. We modded wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. It wasn't a big competition.

Darling, this is the biggest salon/beauty service contest on the West Coast! We need another model.

Amber is in, and Sharon from Becky's law firm is in. But we need one more! Said Alexis.

We need you! You're a ringer for sure! Said Alexis.

But I'm not a trained professional! I said, hoping they'd drop the subject.

Perfect! Said Alice. This contest only uses amateurs.

You ladies will have to ask my mom! I'm flattered, but I don't know!

The contest is in August we have plenty of time to get you ready. If we win your picture goes on our wall! By the way, did you notice the picture of Cassandra Peterson and Kathryn Bigelow?

No, I must have missed that one! There are several up there with celebrities.

This can be a big notch in your belt! Said Alexis.

Bree told us you're a ballet dancer. Is that correct?

Yes! I was also a cheerleader and I'm a martial artist.

Really? Said Alexis what style?

Hap-ki-do and Tai-kwon-do. I have my red belt.

Alexis started mumbling in Korean.

No, I'm not full shift! I said in Korean.

Alexis, mouth dropped open! Where did you learn Korean?

Rosetta Stone and my boyfriend and his family! He's Korean. I showed them pictures of him on my phone.

Wait up! He and that other guy made those great plays for UNLV when they won the national championship!

That's John and my friend Blake Collins. Here's a picture of the four of us at dinner that night that's Peggy Blake's girlfriend.

We chatted some more about the contest and my school and work.

Bree sat and listened. Bree giggled quietly as we talked. I enjoyed our morning together.

I told you, ladies, she's a very special person! Said Bree with pride.

She sure is, said Alexis. I'm very impressed!

Me too, said Alice.

Amber and Sara just smiled!

We stopped for a light lunch and I went back to my books.

Ian made me a chef's salad for dinner and gave me a huge Stanley thermos.

This is for you, drink one cup in the morning before you take a test! It will give you focus and energy! Just one cup!

What's in it?

It's just a little mixture of electrolytes, a touch of protein powder, and a special Chinese tea. Keith and I discovered it in Chinatown while playing football. It's great for focus and endurance.

Just a single 6-ounce cup is all you need. Nothing harmful or illegal. I swear said, Ian.

I trust you! I said.

That was one hell of a football game! John was incredible! He's one hell of a player! And your friend Blake reads an offense better than I ever did! Keith and I were impressed.

Caleb thinks he will go pro! I said.

It's possible! But he'll have to start at running back next season.

John isn't interested in football. He wanted to go to Stanford with me on an academic scholarship. But he was wait-listed. UNLV offered him a full ride, parking on campus, a private room,, and a full meal plan.

He didn't want to turn it down but he didn't want to play running back. He doesn't want to risk injury because of his martial arts career. John said he has one or maybe two tournaments left before he retires from competition. Unless he's invited to join the US Olympic team.

Sounds like he's got some serious goals!

He sure does! I'm behind him all the way.

That's great Ree! A good man needs that kind of support!

Good night Ree!

Good night, Ian; see you in the morning!

I packed up my stuff and studied for a couple hours. Despite the few detours I actually accomplished a lot!