CH 41
Monday morning, Peggy got ready for school, had breakfast and walked with Joan down to feed the Alligator. This morning, the alligator was down in the yard near the dock, not far out of the water. It amazed her that for a supposes dangerous animal, this alligator didn't have any violent tendencies. Well, except for that one guy who hurt it. In fact, except for when that guy was here, the alligator didn't have much feeling to it at all.
The gang waiting for the bus had increased by one. Peggy stood by Johnny as they waited for the bus to come. Louise looked back and said, "At least Joan's alligator doesn't want to come."
"No, she guarding her nest," Jackie said. "It must be boring just laying there in the water doing nothing all day."
"For her, it's an important job," Joan reminded her. "Those are her babies."
"I suppose alligator eggs aren't good for breakfast," JJ said in a mussing tone. When Joan eyed him, he asked, "What?"
Peggy, Louise and Jackie laughed at him.
The bus came, and as usual, Joan got her seat beside Bob, Jackie in front of her. JJ and Peggy sat across the aisle, Louise in front of them. When they picked up Allison, she came on and sat behind Joan and Bob.
"We got found out," Allison said with a frown.
"Ummm, yeah, We left the computer on, Mom saw the game," Bob said meekly. "She also saw your eyes glowing and kinda added things up."
"We'll figure it out," Joan assured them.
"So we have to behave for a while," Allison offered. "It's not the end of the world, you know. We'll still see each other."
"Hey, I'll be 16 next year, I can get a license and a car," Bob said. "Then we can go on drives and things."
"Forget a car, I want to drive the EV," Joan said with an evil grin.
"Yeah, that would be a blast,"Allison agreed.
"That would be cool," Bob agreed.
"I know why you want to use that, that's your make-out vehicle," Jackie beamed.
Louise announced, "Grab your cowboy hats, they're going on a rodeo!"
Peggy caught the double meaning, she laughed with them and blushed. That idea did sound interesting.
.
Miss Winters was ready to got to her classroom. Walking by the office secretary desk. the woman stopped her with "Miss Winters, I have a file here in regards to Peggy Connor."
Miss winters cast her a brief smile. "You mean Peggy Littleton?"
"No longer, she's now Peggy Connor."
Miss winters picked up the file of the official name change. "What happened?" she asked.
"I don't know, we just got the notification this morning."
"Thank you for telling me," Miss Winters said and went on her way.
Going down the hall to her classroom she noticed the 'guard', slip back inside. Kids took turns, but one would be watching outside the room for teachers coming to warn everyone else to start behaving. Going in herself, she saw everyone was already in their seats. A few were smirking. "Are we having a good morning?" she asked.
There were some, "Yes, Miss Winters," replied and a few nods.
"Everything is good!" Jackie Connor announced.
Jackie Connor didn't make mischief, but she did promote it. By the twinkle in the girl's eye, she had a gem to promote. Miss Winters didn't take the bait. "I have some news this morning. Peggy Littleton is now Peggy Connor, correct?" she asked Peggy.
"Yes," Peggy agreed beaming her a smile. "It's really nice too!"
"Oh, Peggy and JJ are real happy!" Jackie said, her face beaming a wide grin.
There was the hook again, begging Miss Winters to ask why. A couple kids grinned widely, trying not to. "Good for them," she said, which made Jackie's face dim a bit. "And now who has been watching current events?"
Jackie's hand shot up. She called on someone else. Jackie's tidbit of information was going to have to wait. although most sixth graders didn't watch the news, enough had a tidbit to share that they new how the economy was doing and the fact the ''violent' protests were dropping off to almost nothing. China was newsworthy, it was no secret China wanted Taiwan back, and were upset the US was supporting the democratic government by word and with weapons sales as well as fleets in the south China sea where China claimed that was their territory, as well as Chinese fishing boats were coming too close to Latin American shores and Mexico was threatening to start sinking any Chinese vessels they found in their waters.
The pee wee baseball teams had a game during recess. John Connor Junior had joined 'Ike's clubber's', the team Ike was sponsoring. They were short a player due to one boy being sick at home. Jackie wanted to fill the spot. The between the coach and John Junior, they coaxed the others to let her fill in.
Ike's team had a pretty high average, most of the time beating out Joe's Motorheads and Benny's batters. Today, knowing what she's seen Jackie do during the kidnapping, Miss Winters watched Jackie take her first time up at bat.
There were calls of, "easy out!" and "Just walk her." Then the pitcher threw, Jackie swung hard. The crack was loud, the ball shot skyward. Everyone in the outfield watched it fly high overhead as Ike's team was screaming for Jackie to run. Jackie did, getting her first 'homer' and bringing in another player on base. Miss Winters tracked the ball until it was a tiny dot descending to the ground, far off school property. Ike's team went wild, cheering. Pats and the back and a few hair ruffles met Jackie after she got back to home base. The next inning, John Junior was up, the outfielders moved back. The pitcher kept throwing low. John finally hit the third one almost in a golf swing. The ball flew low, gaining altitude as it headed for the outfield. John and the two runners on base were on the move. The outfielder jumped up but couldn't reach it. The ball sailed on past the fence to somewhere beyond.
Jackie playing on a team got other girls watching the game also. The short school game of five innings saw Ike's win against Benny's batters. A few girls ended up wanting to play also.
It was a good day at school.
.
Peggy was still noticing things at the Connor place. On the way home, she took note of the windmill that was turning. It was way up there on a tall, thick post, the windmill blades were mounted on a football shaped shack atop the post.
When they got off the bus, she asked, "What's the windmill for?"
"It makes the electricity," JJ told her. "Want to go see it?"
Peggy nodded.
"We'll get the bike and I'll take you over there," JJ told her. Partway down the driveway, JJ showed her the single lane dirt path heading off to the powerhouse. "We got to be careful, snakes like to sun themselves on that road," he told her. "Riding is better than walking."
"Don't go in," Joan said, "You can just look in the windows. Dad will go ballistic if you touch anything in there. That powerhouse supplies electricity for everyone on the lake."
"I know," JJ said defensively.
"Yeah, you'll be grounded until your kids graduate," Jackie added.
Louise giggled.
Going inside, JJ told John that Peggy wanted to see the powerhouse. He told them go ahead, but do not go in. If she wanted to find out how everything in there worked, he'd show them with the diagrams and pictures he had.
Getting on the four wheeled bike, JJ pedaled Peggy up to the path. This was narrower than the driveway, but so far a smooth dirt road through the brush and trees. Looking up at the windmill high above them, Peggy asked, "Why this and not, you know, normal electricity?"
"Mom and dad are paranoid about controlling things," JJ told her. "Making our own power means we don't have to buy it, and it can't be cut off. Plus, there's no monthly bill. I guess in the long run, it's cheaper this way."
Coming to a long, low building, JJ swung around in a turn around area. He stopped and pointed, "Peggy look, a rattlesnake."
Peggy looked where he was pointing. near the edge of the smooth dirt area, a large snake was slithering off into the bushes. "Wow, he's big!"
"Yeah, that's why we wear boots, just in case we don't see them in time," JJ said.
They waited until the snake was gone, then JJ looked around at the ground before he got off. He got a four foot metal pole off the back of the bike. He clasped Peggy's hand in his other hand. "Come on, we walk slow and keep a watch on the ground."
They walked slowly over to a large window. inside, there were long panels and switches on the wall.
"This is the control room," JJ explained. "All those switches turn things on and off, and route the electricity where it needs to go."
"There's a lot of switches," Peggy noted. "But there's only four houses on the lake, right?"
"Yeah, but there's more than the windmill that generates the electricity," JJ explained. "Dad can tell you better, but besides the windmill, there a whole bunch of batteries, emergency generators, and motor generator sets that make the electricity, and some things here that use t to make this place run."
"That looks real complex. Your parents build this?"
"They designed it. Most of it, contractors built. From what Mommy One said, this place cost more than all four houses," JJ said.
"I bet it did. Your parents are really smart." Peggy said. That also meant JJ would be too. She liked that.
JJ pointed up and said, "Somewhere inside, you can get inside that tall post and climb up into that little shack the windmill is on."
"We shouldn't try that," Peggy stated.
JJ laughed "No. It's a Loooong way down."
Peggy giggle with him. They looked at each other, their faces softened. Gazing softly at each other, they came together in a tentative kiss. Then a more serious kiss. Their arms came up and they hugged as they kiss went on.
Out of breath, they broke the kiss to hug each other tight.
"I love you Johnny," Peggy said softly.
"That's perfect, because I love you too, Peggy," JJ replied and petted her back.
"CAUGHT YA!"
JJ and Peggy sprang apart and gaped at the loud voice. Jackie was on her bike, giggling helplessly at them.
"That's not funny!" JJ yelled.
Jackie paused he giggling to say, "Yes, it was."
Peggy frowned at her. "Did you want something?" she asked.
"Yup! I was sent to tell you, homework first, so smootchie up and head on back." Jackie said, then giggled as she turned around and left.
"Figures," JJ grumbled. Offering Peggy an apologetic smile, he said, "Homework comes first, always. Sorry, my fault."
"We still had fun, didn't we?" Peggy asked.
"Always, with you," JJ replied.
Peggy leaned into him, He put an arm around her. She loved being with her Johnny.
.
For the first time ever, Driftwood's High School girl's soccer team won the district championship. Both soccer teams were in the gym when Coach Nader read them the news. The girls cheered long and loud. He waited them out then said, "All of you will get t-shirts stating you were on this year's winning team. The best players from both our teams will be going to the regional games in Austin. Those players from the girl's team are..." He pause then said, "Joan Connor and Allison Young." Cheers went up for them.
"From the boy's team. Robert Tanner and Tom Lewis."
"YAY BOB!" Joan cried as she clapped for him.
Mr. Nader waited out those cheers then said, "Practices for the district team will be Saturdays at Johnson City High School for the boys, and here on Saturdays for the girls. Start time is Ten AM, Mr. Tanner and Mr. Lewis will meet here at eight thirty and I will drive them to their practice field. Congratulations on having a good year. Dismissed."
Joan wasn't happy Bob was going to be so far way on Saturdays now, but they still had Sundays to be together. Swimming, Bob and Allison, those were great cookout days!
Two days later, Mrs. Hughes gave Joan and Allison their official District uniforms. The shirts and shorts were medium blue with gold trimmed hems. On the backs, CONNOR and YOUNG were in big letters across their shoulders. below that were their numbers. , Joan was number 1, Allison was number 3. Below that was a big Texas star with DISTRICT 5 underneath it. Their knee socks were white with a gold and blue band at the tops.
"These are yours to keep after the games," Mrs. Hughes told them. "Very few girls get these. What is even more rare is the Regional team uniforms. I expect you will try hard for those, also, and the state championship."
"We will try," Joan said firmly.
Since they only had one uniform for the games, Saturday, Joan wore her gym clothes to the first practice. She rode her bike down to Allison's house, and then headed out from there to the school.
"You look funny," Allison said with a giggle.
Wearing her gym clothes, cowboy boots and wide brimmed hat and a pistol on her hip. Joan asked, "What?"
"We're going into town, and you're bringing your gun?" Allison asked.
"It's ways to town," Joan replied.
"Yeah, true," Allison agreed. She too went in put her boots on and put her cleated sneakers in her book bag, then strapped on her pistol. They could run into an alligator or some pigs along their way.
They made it into town without shooting anything. As per procedure, they went o the office to turn their guns in, but the office was locked. Going down to the coaching office, a few girls were standing around. A Latino girl with her Johnson City uniform on asked, "Why the guns?"
"We got gators and snakes out where we live. Plus, with wild pigs, it's shoot on sight," Joan told her.
"Those are loaded?" another girl asked.
"Wouldn't be much good if it wasn't," Allison told her. They went past the girls and into the office. "Mrs. Hughes?" Joan asked.
Mrs. Hughes looked up. "Yes, take off the hardware, I'll put them in my safe," she said.
They took their hats off, put their guns and belts in their hats and handed them over. Mrs. Hughes put a sticky note on each with their names, then locked them in the safe.
It was still quarter to ten when Joan and Allison went down to the field with the group by the Coaches' office. Another small group of girls and some parents were there.
Some of the girls Joan recognized. From playing against her, most of them recognized her. They were happy to see Joan and Allison here, they knew how good the two were.
At ten Mrs. Hughes came down with her clipboard. She blew her whistle. "OK everyone, take a seat here by me!" she announced.
20 girls sat on the ground near her. First she called off roll, making sure they were all here. Then she said, "You girls here, are the best our District has to offer. Every one of you are good players. For how good you are, we need to turn it up a notch. After warmups, we'll be doing drills. Passing, speed, stop and start and goal shot drills. They will be a little more intense that usual. WE need to be more intense that usual. I know many of you are forwards, depending on how the drills go, you may be shifted to another line. We need strong offense and defense if we are going to take the Regional cup. That is our goal, THAT is what we are going to do! Make no mistake girls, we CAN and we WILL do it! All right, line up for warm ups!"
Two coaches from other schools had come along. While the girls were doing their exercises, they were putting traffic cones here and there on the field.
Mrs. Hughes timed them on everything, how they placed in the sprints, who did the best in the start and stop sprints, how they did on the head butts and ball stops with their bodies and their times on the zig-zag runs to each cone and after the last cone try for the goal.
The goalies also got a workout with their aim at kicking the ball to a specific place on the field, and ball stops at the goal.
By noon, all the girls were sweating and a break was called. As the girls sat on the bench and rested, drinking Gatorade, Mrs. Hughes came up with a first line team.
"OK, girls, listen up!" she announced. "Starting forwards will be Maria Gonzales, Jasmine Ewing, Joan Connor, Monica Stanford. Midbacks, Sandy Henderson, Ellen Ford, Erica Cardonza, Tammara Brown. Fullbacks, Nancy Santos, Allison Young. Mary Lopez will be the goalie. I know some of you are used to playing forward positions. Like I said before, we need a strong defense as well as a strong offense. Nancy, Allison, I know you are both top players. With our aggressive lineup, we need you two to guard the goal, and if it gets back to you, get the ball back to our forwards quickly and accurately. After the rest, we'll be doing passing drills first then ball stopping drills."
The practice went on until three. Many girls flopped down to lie and rest, being exhausted. Mrs. Hughes had pushed them hard. Only Allison and Joan seemed to have any energy left. That was a good thing, for they still had to ride their bikes home. Before they quit for the day, Mrs. Hughes stressed practicing drills at home, for they only had one more official practice before they went to Austin.
.
Their second practice, Mrs. Hughes had the starters form up as a team, and practice offensive and defensive plays. Joan, Maria Jasmine and Monica got each other's moves down. Joan was the speed ball. Maria was the most accurate kicker, followed by Joan. Maria also picked up on Joan's 'clip kick', not hitting the ball square on, to help misguide the goalie on where the ball was headed for. Jasmine was the best at blocking and passing, Monica seemed to know exactly where all the opposition was. She also had a loud voice. They memorized each other's numbers. If she called, "One to Eight!" Joan would pass to Maria immediately.
It was on this practice Mrs. Hughes had the schedule for next week's games. Single elimination, matches. Six Districts three tiers of games. 1 and 2, 3 and 4 and they would play district Six, then if they won, they would play the winners of the 3 and 4 match, then the 1 and 2 match. That didn't seem quite fair to Joan, but oh well. With what they had, someone had to play an extra game.
The games would be on Saturdays in a stadium in Austin. the first tier, then second then the third. After Christmas, if they got that far, then they would be playing for the state championship against other regions.
On these days, Joan would be leaving too early and getting home too late to feed the alligator. Peggy volunteered to do it for her, so she began going down with Joan every day to feed her.
.
The first game day came. Joan packed her uniform and Delilah drove her to Allison's house at six AM. They picked Allison up, then Bob and drove to the High school where the bus was waiting. Joan and Allison kissed Bob an wished him luck. Delilah then drove Bob to Johnson City where the boy's team was gathering to leave.
At seven, the whole team and coaches were on board. They left for Austin.
The ride was long. Many took naps along the way. Joan was nudged awake by Allison. "Joan look, a real stadium!"
It was! Joan eyed the gigantic structure as they passed the entrance where people were lining up to get in. They stopped behind another bus at a side entrance. hen that bus was offloaded, the pulled up. Mrs. Hughes met a man at the door, then said, "Let's go, follow me!"
Since they had the third game today, they were shown to the bleachers, taking their coolers and snack boxes with them. The stadium was filling up with spectators. Joan felt their family across the pitch on the other side. She and Allison stood up and waved. Everyone waved back.
The announcers went through who was playing, and that this was the first round of of the Regional championship matches.
The first game was. District one and two. Joan watched intently, both teams were good, and played hard. It was a nail biter, District two one three to two in the last minute of play. The crowds cheered.
A half hour later, District three and four took the field. The first half was close, teams tied 2 to 2. District three then managed to keep the ball down on the District four side of the field and scored twice.
They were called to the locker room to get ready. As they changed, Coach Hughes said, "We're going with our starters, secondaries, be ready to be called on the field at any time. Remember to stay focused and play to win!"
When they were ready, they went out to their box. Mrs. Hughes said, "Joan, as soon as you get that ball, haul ass downfield and get a goal in. We want to make them defensive at the start. Maria, Monica, watch their return into play closely, Joan and Jasmine, stay back and watch receivers. Play hard, you can win this!"
They went out on the field and got in position. the girls Jasmine and Joan faced were seniors, and bigger. A ref tossed a coin District six got the ball first. Joan braced herself to run. At the first tap of the ball,Joan watched the other center kick it to Joan's right. Joan launched herself at the ball. The outside forward was running towards her. Joan got to the ball first and kicked it downfield hard, racing after it. Running full out, she got between the mid-backs, then jogged to the side and passed through the fullbacks. Racing on, she passed in front of a wide-eyed goalie and kicked it into the corner. The goalie dove for it, but didn't have a chance at catching it.
The crowds cheered.
Taking the ball to one side behind the goal. District six set up to bring the ball back into play. Joan faded back fifteen yards on this side, watching closely. Maria was right in front of the thrower. The second the ball was thrown, Joan got the trajectory and raced to intercept it. She got to the ball a dozen feet before the receiver. It was still high, so she head butted the ball hard at the goal. The shocked goalie again dove for it too late, the ball bounced out of her hands to land in the net.
District Six called a time out.
As the teams want back to their coaches, Joan hurried a little and said, "Coach wait, let me listen." Everyone looked at her. Joan giggled. "Keep the ball away from that little shit, she'd faster than greased lightning. Wherever she is, make sure the ball is nowhere near her! We're already down by two goals! We can't afford to let them get another one! Close up and guard."
"All right, let's use that. Joan, keep them pinned to the right side of the field, Keep up the pressure on them," Coach Hughes told them.
At the same time, The announcer said, "Not only a first goal after a ball steal, but TWO goals from stole balls within the first quarter! "It's looking like District Five is HOT this year!"
They went back out on the field. this time, District Six had their receives close in. Monica was close in also, Joan stayed farther back.
The ball was thrown low, District Six had players on each side of the kicker. Jasmine was in front in them, forcing them to move apart. Joan appeared in front of them, the ball was passed to the outside, Jasmine did a slide and knocked the ball back. Monica kicked out out towards the center field, Joan raced and caught it before a District Six mid back could get on it. She faked a big kick at the goal, then passed it to Monica who was in the clear. Monica belted it at the goal. This one, the goalie caught.
Again, the goalie threw the ball to the right, away from Joan. Passing furiously and maintaining a tight of guard as possible, District six got the ball down to mid field. Tammara and Erica blocked their advance. A kick towards the center, and Sandy got on the ball to kick it downfield to Joan. Joan got the ball and raced for the goal again. Charging hard, she flew down the all but empty left side of the field, this time not faking a kick at the goal. She belted the ball hard. A fullback raced over too late to try and stop the kick. The goalie paused, seeing the ball go to the right instead of the left. She wasn't even close when the ball sped past her and into the net.
3-0 in the first part of the first quarter. The District Six coach was ready to pull her hair out.
By the end of the first quarter, the score was 5-0.
Cameron and Delilah started the chant, John the rest of the family, then those around them took the chant up.
"TNT, Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! TNT, Hoy! Hoy! Hoy!"
The second quarter, District Six made some replacements. They changed their lineup to 3-4-4 to get more defense in the back field. It helped a little, District Five only got 4 more goals, and Six did get one goal attempt in.
During the half time break, the announced said, "This is unprecedented! District Five is ahead 9-0! Their number one player, Joan Connor has been a demon out on the field! Chances are she will slow down or be replaced. That girl HAS to be exhausted from the speed she's been running around at! The fifteen year old in eighth grade seems to be unbeatable out there. Even if she doesn't go back out for the second half, I don't see how District Six of going to make up the points difference."
Mrs. Hughes did take Joan out of the front line for the third quarter. She put Allison in Joan's place, Nancy in Maria's place and shifted Joan and Maria back to fullback.
Thinking they got a reprieve, District Six got another shock from speedster Allison. At the end of the third quarter with a score of 12-0, District Six conceded the game. There was no point in going on, they knew they were beaten.
The district 2 and 3 coaches watched the game with their players, and became very worried about their chances to pull off a win against district 5.
From the bleachers, Joan and Allison got to watch Their boys play. Bob got 3 goals in the game, They won five to four. It wasn't huge but it was a win.
By the time the games were over, it was getting dark. On the way home, Joan slept most of the way.
.
Sonya had come over to stay with JJ, Peggy and Louise. Peggy had to stay to feed the alligator, Since Peggy was staying, JJ stayed too. Louise didn't have an sports interests.
Alligators didn't have what Peggy would call 'normal feelings'. They were much more feral. She did note that this morning, the alligator was nervous about being being out of sight of her nest, so Peggy went down to the end of the dock to feed her. At first, the alligator was hesitant about approaching. Peggy sent 'calm' and 'Food' thoughts, and the alligator came closer. When she tossed it chunks of ham, the alligator quickly snapped it up. After the last one, the alligator swam back to the nest and resumed her vigil.
Peggy had a good day with Johnny. For a while Johnny sat in one of the porch chairs, Peggy cuddled up on his lap, enjoying the feelings she was getting from him. Just being close and bathing herself in his feelings of love for her was wonderful. JJ was happy just holding her. She was ready for more if he wanted.
The night feeding, JJ walked down to the dock with in hand, they went down and looked for the alligator. At first they did see her. A ripple in the water showed where the end of her snout was, then her eyes appeared.
"Her tail moves back and forth like a fish," JJ noted as she swam towards them.
Peggy grinned. "Well yeah, that's what her tail is for."
"I know, it just looks cool."
Peggy tossed a ham chunk.
SNAP
"This is actually fun," Peggy said, an tossed another chunk.
SNAP
JJ chuckled. "Feeding the alligator is fun?"
"Yes. At least I think so." Peggy said. "Here I am, tossing pieces of meat to an animal that could eat me, yet she is calm and ... content, is the best I can describe it." She tossed another chunk.
SNAP
"It's like, I've made peace with a big, dangerous animal. It feels good," she beamed an tossed the last piece.
SNAP
"You put it like that and yeah, I can see what you're talking about," he agreed. "Just don't go feeding other alligators." he the added with a grin, "She might get jealous." He got a giggle and a kiss for his attempt at humor.
Peggy walked back down the dock, the alligator returned to her nest. Part way up the yard, Peggy frowned. Seeing JJ look at her she said, "Today was Saturday. The day Mother Mika goes shopping. I was hoping to meet her at the store."
"About what time?' JJ asked.
"Early afternoon, usually right after lunch."
JJ winced. The sun was going down. "Well you missed it today, but we can try next weekend," he offered.
.
The gang got home. Still in her District 5 uniform, Joan told Sonya about their win. "We didn't just beat them, we buried them!" Joan beamed. "We get to go on to the next round!'
"All right!" Sonya replied, smiling at her. "I want to see whatever trophy you get."
"You will, Like when we won the district, we'll get a team photo. The schools get the actual trophies," Joan explained.
Cameron said, "That was a pretty once-sided game. 12-0, the other team conceded the match a the end of the third quarter."
Dinner talk was centered around Joan and the plays she made. Peggy could tell everyone was letting her go on because she was so excited about playing and winning in a real stadium. "It felt like a real official game!" Joan announced.
They all laughed.