One Boy's Journey Chapter 19

Written by Brianna Demonet

Hi ladies shall we Ree? John asked.

Thank you, Mrs. Park!

You're welcome, Ree.

We drove to the diner, John ordered a steak dinner and he made me order a small steak dinner and a baked potato.

We sat together mostly by ourselves. But people kept coming and going. Julius got the Lion's share of attention. Judging by John's reaction John was fine with it. Julius was the game's hero.

Shelly and a few Varsity Cheerleaders stopped and said hello. They said John and I made a nice-looking couple. Vickie was hustling back and forth from all the tables. She smiled the whole time.

It was almost 11:30 pm when things started winding down. There were about 12 of us left in the diner. All of a sudden 4 of the Carson Cardinal football players walked into the diner...

When John saw it, he nodded his head to Julius. Julius took notice and looked at Vickie, and she got the cook and two busboys.

John changed seats and sat next to me on the outside.

Julius looked at me and said you'll be Okay, stay in the booth, whatever happens stay in the booth it will be fine.

Guys be careful, I said.

Blake Collins was the Defensive end for the Cardinals. He was huge, taller, and bigger than Julius and John. Blake had 3 friends with him all almost as equally big.

They all smelled like beer and liquor. They were breathing heavily. I was trying to meditate a little as my heart started racing.

Julius!!! How's it hanging, bro?

Fine Blake! Can I help you?

Actually, you can. Would you care to step outside?

Why Blake? So the other 15 guys you have outside can tune us up? Julius said.

Well, you don't want to mess up the diner, do you? Blake asked

Mr. Collins, I already called your father; he's on his way, so if you don't want to wind up in jail, you and your friends should leave, said, Vickie.

The cook came out holding a rolling pin. The bus boys walked out from behind the counter.

Blake, don't try it! Said, John! It's the only warning I am giving you!

You're warning me, Pipsqueak Park, said Blake.

Julius smiled and said you've no idea.

Shelly came out of the bathroom and saw Blake.

There's my girl Shelly! Exclaimed Blake.

Hands off Blake! Said Julius.

I grabbed Shelly and pulled her into the booth just before Blake grabbed her.

Who's this little cutie, Blake said.

My friend Blake! Leave her alone! Exclaimed Shelly.

All of a sudden a car skids to a stop in the parking lot. I heard a car door slam and a deep voice shouting. You boys get the hell out of here! Coming from the parking lot.

The diner door swung wide open. This 40-year-old man walked in. He was larger than Blake.

Blake! What the hell are you doing, boy?

Getting payback, Dad! Stay out of it!

Boy! You're drunk! You better get your ass in my car right now!

No, I'm finishing this!

Fine, let's finish it! Exclaimed Blake's dad. He grabbed Blake's left ear and dragged him out of the diner.

Boy, you need re-education. Get in the car, Blake! Now!

Blake's dad threw him against the car, and Blake and all his friends left. Blake was cowering, he got in the car.

That was close! Said Julius.

Sure was said, John.

You girls alright?

We're fine, Shelly said.

Ree? Ree? You can let go now! Said Shelly.

Thanks, Aunt Vickie! Said Julius.

You're welcome. Blake's Dad is a good man. It's a shame his son is such a lunatic! Said Vickie.

He was angry that Julius and I ran over him for a last-minute touchdown.

I was holding Shelly from jumping out of the booth. Shelly was like, you're a strong little thing, aren't you?

I smiled and said we can't lose our lead dancer.

Julius looked at me and said you dance too?

I do! I said.

She's my understudy, Julius, said Shelly.

My little sister Suzy is in your classes.

Little Suzy brown hair, big dimples, that Suzy? I asked.

That's her said, Julius. She's a sweetheart and a good dancer for a ten-year-old, I said, smiling.

She raves about you two, said Julius.

I can't wait to see the Nutcracker said, Julius.

If Blake's dad had not shown up when he did, there would have been a lot of nut-cracking, said John.

We all laughed.

I asked, what was going to happen to Blake?

Vickie answered, his father's a Clark County sheriff Sergeant. If I know him as I do, Blake's going to be washing patrol cars and volunteering at the station until he graduates next spring.

His dad won't hurt him but he'll wish he never pulled that stunt again. Vickie said.

I was happy it was over but a small part of me wanted to see John kick Blake's ass. I am just glad no one got hurt like I was months ago. I don't want anyone going through what I did, especially my big sister Shelly!

We were running late; I called Aunt V and told her we were coming home and we would explain why. Vickie gave me her cell phone number in case Aunt V wanted to check it out.

We arrived at my house at 12:45 am.

John, please come in. Aunt V said calmly.

Okay, guys, what happened?

John explained that we were about to leave the diner around 11:30. Blake Collins and 3 of his Cardinal football teammates walked into the diner. He was drunk and ready to get revenge for the football game. Julius's Aunt Vickie called Mr. Collins, and minutes later, Mr. Collins showed up and sent everyone home.

Nothing happened thanks to Mr Collins.

Sergeant Collins? Asked Aunt V.

Yes Ma'am. I know of him he's a good man. I will have to thank him.

Ms Stockton, If I may. Nothing happened except Blake getting dragged out by his ear.

I understand, John. Thank you. Thank you for protecting my niece.

Always Ma'am. Here is Vickie's phone number. Her nephew Julius stood up to Blake. The big defensive back?

Now I have to call Vickie.

We smiled.

John went to leave; hold on, John! Have you called your mother yet?

No ma'am.

Allow me, John. Yon, it's Vanessa. Yes, John is fine, he's here at my place. Yes, they're both fine.

They were late getting home from the diner. They ran into a little trouble.

No! There was no fighting.

It was Blake Collins.

I know I feel the same way.

Sergeant Collins showed up before anything happened.

You should be proud of John, Yon! He and Julius stood up to these drunken boys and kept them from hurting anyone until Sergeant Collins arrived. No one threw a punch.

Yes! Vickie was working.

You're welcome, Yon. John will be home soon. Bye-bye.

Okay, John, you are covered, young man, and thank you again. Ree, I'll be upstairs. You two say good night.

Ms Stockton?

Yes, John.

Is it okay to take Ree out tomorrow night?

I don't see why not. Good night John.

Good night ma'am.

We watched as Aunt V disappeared upstairs. I walked John to the foyer, we went outside. I walked him to his car. I leaned in just a little. He grabbed my waist and pulled me in for a very deep kiss. Electricity flowed through my body. My nipples responded almost instantly. He held me tightly. I felt so safe with him. So secure.

We broke our kiss I said thank you for protecting me.

You're welcome. To be honest I think Blake was there more for Julius and me than you or Shelly.

I don't care, you still protected us. My personal Lancelot. I kissed his cheek.

Good night Johnny, I love you,

I love you too Ree! We kissed on the lips one final time.

Pick me up at 6.

I'll be here, he said.

John waited for me to go inside before he left. I went upstairs and started my routine. I wrapped myself in a towel and started the shower, and Aunt V walked in.

You never disappoint me Rianna. When I heard my first name I knew it was serious.

What Aunt Vanessa? I wanted her to know that I was going to take what she said next very seriously.

Ree, I want you to know that I am proud of how you handled this situation. You kept me informed in a very serious situation. It could have been much worse.

I know Aunt V, and you're right! I swear we didn't look for trouble.

I know that sweetie and that diner is normally a very safe late-night spot. I know Vickie a little. She owns the place or at least a piece of it.

We're you and Shelly scared. Yes but both of us were more angry than scared. They came in about five minutes after almost everyone left. It was like they were watching and waiting for us. Blake was drunk and stunk of beer and whiskey.

Truth is I think Blake was scared of Julius and John. I saw John's face. It's the same face he made in the game tonight before he and Julius made that final touchdown.

John gets this expression that looks like anger and focus. It's like he finds his target and focuses on how to achieve this goal. It's pure concentration. I've seen his father, Jii, make that same look, breaking board and bricks.

That's quite an observation, Ree.

Well, it's Mrs Park's training. She is showing me how to channel my anger into fuel to focus my energy on seeing all the angles of a situation, not just the initial situation.

On another subject, how are you feeling right now?

Tired mostly.

What else, honey?

I told John I love him tonight, he said he loves me too. It just came out. I couldn't help it.

He's a very nice young man Ree. But you still need to remember you're very young. Take your time, young lady.

I will, Aunt V, I promise.

Aunt V hugged me; goodnight, sweetheart.

Goodnight, Aunt V.

4 weeks later

We played the Reno High School Miners for the state championship at UNLV stadium on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Over 25 thousand people showed up for the game. Caleb and Cathy came to the game. Again we did our halftime dance routine with the Varsity squad. We were a big hit. We could see ourselves on the jumbotron. The Miners were ranked number 1 in the state.

The first half of the game was uneventful for the most part. It was smash-mouth football, each team trying to control the clock running the ball. The coach moved John, Adam, and Julius all over the field.

Halftime score 7-7

In the third quarter, things heated up. Miners were moving down the field slowly converting three third downs. Our coach put Julius in at free safety. Julius wasn't happy but he did as he was told. The Miners were on our 45-yard line, and the Miners threw deep. Julius was patient and waited.

When the Miner's quarterback passed the ball Julius broke formation in a full run. He beat the receiver to the ball and our defensive end and a linebacker saw it. Julius was in a full run ball in hand. His guys delivered two great blocks. Julius ran to the 5-yard line before he was knocked out of bounds.

The whole crowd went wild. It was a great play. Julius was brought in as a fullback again. Just like before John ran around and through and over the defense for the touchdown. John handed the ref the football and he handed it back to John.

John handed the ball to his mother in the stands. The Park family was cheering, his little sisters screaming Johnny!!!! It was adorable.

We kicked off, and the Miners ran the ball almost to the 50-yard line. On third down with 7 yards to go the Miners went to pass the ball. Julius again lined up as an outside linebacker.

Julius saw a hole, rushed the quarterback, and sacked him. He fumbled and Julius ran in for the touchdown. Julius handed the ball to his mother after giving it to the ref.

End of third quarter 21-7.

We kicked off the start of the 4th quarter. The Miner returned the kickoff for a touchdown.

Score 21-14

John returned the kickoff to the 50-yard line. We ran the ball, play after play. Converting 4 third downs in a row. The Miners were blitzing every play trying to sack our quarterback. Between John and his full-back Adam Stewart, they worked to the Mustangs down to the Miner's 12-yard line.

Third down with 2 yards to go to make the first down. There was less than 5 minutes on the clock. Julius was brought in replacing a wide receiver. We hiked the ball to John directly. Our whole line pushed forward. Adam and Julius made a small hole. Before the Miners could react John broke through diving forward and just broke the end zone line. TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!! The crowd roared.

All the cheerleaders were jumping and kicking on the sidelines. We were screaming Mustangs!!!!!. We kicked our extra point.

Score 28-14.

We kicked off, and the Miners returned the ball to their 45-yard line. The Miners went to a quick passing offense. They gained 12 yards in two plays on the second set of downs they thought they had a chance at a deep play. With five receivers they passed deep.

Julius was backpedaling almost as fast as the receiver ran. The pass was slightly long. It hit Julius right in the numbers on his jersey. He ran almost 30 yards before he was tackled. There were only two and a half minutes on the clock.

We had to make a first down to run out the clock. John ran the ball to the right. Gaining only 3 yards. In the second play, Adam Stewart pushed through for 6 yards. Third down and one yard to go.

Julius was brought in again. The Miners stacked up on Julius's side. This time they hiked the ball to Adam. Adam ran for 19 yards. The 2-minute warning sounded off. We lined up on the ball, let the clock run down for the downs, and it was over.

The Mustangs congratulated the Miners on a tough and well-fought game.

Our Mustangs State champion!

The game MVP was Julius Rowe.

The team MVP was John Park.

John took the mic. This doesn't belong to me alone. Adam!!! Get up here! Everyone! My fullback and friend Adam Stewart. He's one of many reasons I hold this plaque and we hold this trophy! Let's hear it for Your Mustangs!!!!!!

I heard him screaming Ree!!!!!! I looked at Aunt V and Mrs Park.

Go on, girl, go! Said Aunt V.

I rushed into the crowd. When they saw John moving towards me the crowd parted for us. John threw me in the air. As he caught me, he raised me above his head, and then down to his lips. We kissed in front of 20 thousand plus people.

I was floating on air; We cheered a state championship football game, and we won the championship; my boyfriend and his best friend are MVPS!

I introduced the Park family to Cathy and Caleb. Mrs Park took an instant liking to Cathy.

I see why Ree speaks so highly of you, said Yon.

I told Cathy that Mrs Park knew about me, but I wasn't sure about Mr Park.

Cathy and Yon were speaking in Korean for quite a bit. Cathy loved it. Caleb would chuckle once in a while listening to them. Caleb thought John was great. Mr Park and Caleb chatted quite a bit more than I thought they would.

Mrs Park invited all of us to Dinner Saturday night. She explained that they didn't have Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday due to the game being on Friday.

Shall we dress in Korean formally? Asked Cathy.

You don't have to if you don't have a dress.

I have a dress Cathy said smiling.

Does anyone care for a bite to eat?

I know a great diner! Said Mr Park.

I could eat said John.

I'll bet said Caleb. We all laughed.

We went straight to the Black Bear Diner. We got there just early enough to beat the after-game crowd. Vickie sat us all together.

We just finished ordering When Julius and his family walked in. John waved them over and introduced everyone.

Julius, Mr. and Mrs. Rowe, I'd like you to meet Cathy and Caleb Elgin, Dr. Vanessa Stockton, and her niece, and my Girlfriend, Rianna Stevens. We exchanged greetings.

Julius said Caleb Elgin?

Yes?

Thee Caleb Elgin, you played Free safety for Notre Dame? 2 interceptions in the Citrus Bowl. Returned one for a touchdown!

That's right young man.

If I recall correctly, you also won a National Championship for wrestling for 188 lbs.

Dad, do you realize who he is?

Yes, Julius, I was listening.

You know your sports, Julius!

I'm honored, Mr Elgin.

Call me Caleb.

We ended up pushing 3 tables together.

We had a great meal Julius was star-struck with Caleb. John listened for a little while, and so did I. I was impressed; Caleb never mentioned anything about sports around me. Cathy even listened a bit. Caleb was so smooth changing the subject to John and Julius and the great game they played.

Caleb started. You know Julius, I played with some talented players, and you have them beat on defense. I've never been able to read an offense the way you did tonight.

John, your leaping and pass-catching made me think I was watching Rogers Craig highlights. Your team played extremely well together. Mr Rowe, Mr Park you must be very proud!

We are very proud. They said.

Dinner was kind of divided into guys and sports and us girls and girl subjects, one of which was my ballet recital.

Mrs Rowe said you dance ballet?

Yes Ma'am.

When is your recital?

I told her, she says you dance with Shelly?

Yes, I'm her understudy.

Really?

Aunt V interjects. She's been working on it all summer and school year in her free time.

She's very graceful. Said Aunt V

I blushed.

I've been watching Shelly dance for years. Mrs Rowe said.

Yon, will you and your family like to join us for Rianna's recital?

We'd love to, said Jii! My mother was a dancer in Korea. It wasn't ballet, but she was graceful. That's how my father first met her. Jii looked at John and smiled at him.

Things started winding down, and we were about to leave when two Clark County deputies walked in. I immediately recognized the big one with the stripes on his sleeves, Sergeant Collins.

What a coincidence, I wanted to talk to you all and here you are.

Sergeant! Said Mr Rowe standing up and shaking his hand.

Sergeant Collins had a deep, authoritative voice; he sounded serious but sincere.

I want to apologize to everyone here for my son's behavior last month. I can reassure you he and his so-called friends will not be causing anyone any trouble from now on. Vickie, please join us asked Sergeant Collins.

You and your staff deserve an apology as well.

He talked to us for a few minutes, explaining the punishment his son and his friends are receiving currently. They were all forced to be police explorers. They had to spend all their spare time working at the sheriff's department. They washed cars, doing all kinds of menial duties.

He also gave them a first-class tour of the County Jail. If you see or have a problem with any of them, call 911 and call me. He handed all of us cards.

He finished by congratulating John and Julius on their championship victory. He added I was a Mustang too!

We thanked him for coming over.

Vickie said your order is on the house Bill!

Sorry, Vickie, we can't accept that; the sheriff's department has rules on this kind of thing. But I will accept your kindness in listening to me. He paid her, smiled, and left.

I was dumbfounded as the big sergeant walked out of the diner.

That's a great cop right there said Cathy.

Agreed said Caleb.

He'll make a great sheriff someday said Mr. Rowe; I played football with him!

Mr Park said that took guts.

He has a lot of integrity, said Vickie.

Caleb insisted on paying for dinner. He said it was congratulations for a great game and a thank you for the dinner invite. Caleb left 100 dollars for a tip.

I asked him about it later. He said it was because Vickie and Julius stood up to those thugs. I hate bullies!

I hugged Caleb tightly. He really was a gentleman Alpha male like Cathy said.

We all got back to the house. I got my Dinner Dress ready for the next day. There was a knock on my door. It was Cathy.

I heard you have hot rollers and a hair dryer.

Yes, ma'am, I do!

Can you roll your hair, Ree?

I sure can!

Do you mind if I use your shower? Caleb is using ours.

Mi casa a su casa I said.

Thanks, little sis!

I did my therapy while Cathy showered. Cathy took a long shower. I used the extra time to prepare the rollers and solution. I hung a towel for her. I was in my room preparing for the night and I walked in the bathroom as she walked out. I didn't mean to catch her naked but I did.

Oh, Cathy, I am so sorry! Don't be. We are sisters. We are girls, silly.

You are so beautiful, Cathy.

So are you Ree Ree! Double naval piercing, when did you get that?

About 2 months ago, I said. Ever since I saw yours and Aunt V's, I had to have one. I had to beg for it.

Emma and Lexi have the same we all got them done. Even Emma's mom, Linda, got the same.

Well, you have the stomach for it.

Thanks, Cathy.

She saw my dress. If you are going to be wearing this more than once in a while you'll need more than one.

It's only the third time I've worn it.

I got your mother one too, and Dan a shirt to match.

She just finished wrapping herself with a towel when I hugged her.

I love your hugs, Ree Ree.

I love you, Cathy.

I love you too sweetheart. I put my robe on.

Have a seat, let's get started.

She towel-dried her hair a bit. I used 1/2" rollers in her gorgeous Black hair. I wasn't as fast as Lexi, but I was able to roll her hair. Cathy's hair was tough to roll, but her straight black hair was easy to separate evenly; however, rolling took some effort. Her Korean/Italian hair was very strong and straight.

It took almost 45 minutes to get all the rollers in. I soaked her hair in the new perm solution Aunt V bought me. I put her under the hair dryer for over an hour before her hair would hold a decent curl; gosh, I wish Lexi was here.

I used plastic rollers in Cathy's hair and suggested she sleep in them to ensure the curl holds. Cathy wasn't thrilled but she understood.

Caleb was even less thrilled about Cathy sleeping in rollers until I showed him a picture of a beautiful Korean woman with a perm.

Cathy hugged me tightly and said thanks, little sis!

I love you, Aunt Cathy

I love you too Ree Ree! I noticed Cathy's tummy was a little bit rounded and firm, but I didn't think anything of it at the time. As she closed the door to her bedroom Caleb winked his approval. I thought to myself he and John are so much alike.

It was almost midnight when sleep overtook me.

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