A/N: Apologies for the long delay about this chapter due to unforeseen circumstances.
Previously from last chapter:
- Deviousness and Revenge leads to Michelle losing her relationship.
Chapter Nine:
After School
4222 Clinton Way
Peter's in his room sulking after going home from school early in the afternoon.
Jan knocks on the door and asks "Can I come in?"
"Sure." says Peter sadly.
"I heard about the breakup, shame things didn't work out." says Jan sympathetically.
"Thanks I thought she'd be a fun girl to hang out with." said Peter. "But I didn't think she'd be that consumed with revenge."
"It's better you found out now instead of later." said Jan giving him a hug.
A knock can be heard.
"That's Bella, I got to answer that." said Jan as she goes to answer the knock.
"Hey Jan." Says Bella giving her a hug.
"Good to see you Bella." said Jan.
"Like wise." smiles Bella.
As Jan and Bella go upstairs, Bella happens to see Peter in his room and asks "Why's Peter looking so sad?"
"I'll explain in my room." said Jan.
When they enter her room, Jan explains "Peter broke up with Michelle."
"Let me guess, something to do with that incident about the cheerleaders." guesses Bella.
"Afraid so." said Jan.
"We tried to warn her, look what happened." said Bella.
"She's got no-one to blame but herself." says Jan.
Jan and Bella would have some gossip time.
Gridiron Oval
Change Rooms
"Hey I heard Peter broke up with Michelle." said Jake.
"Yes she had a devious side." stirs up Lachlan.
As the gossip goes by Max tells them "Guys cut it out he'll be on his way any minute."
"Shut up Max." bites Lachlan. "Hey Lamb you better watch your back, Jan might be looking at another guy when your not looking.''
''Shut it Lachlan, don't badmouth Jan.'' says Jay in a raised voice.
''Face it your just a geek and someone like Jan won't stick around if you do badly cause she's not loyal.'' said Lachlan provokingly.
Jay approaches Lachlan grabbing him by the jumper telling him ''Let me make this perfectly clear you badmouth her again and I'll make you regret it.''
Teammates trying to restrain Jay and Lachlan while all this happens "Sounds like you are jealous Lachie cause Jay's got more talent in one arm than you ever will so I'd be quiet if I were you." said Lucas icily.
The door opens to reveal Coach Bateman coming in.
''Guys what's with all the fighting?" asks Coach Bateman.
''Jay was been aggressive towards me for no reason.'' says Lachlan trying to gain sympathy.
''That's such baloney." said Jay. ''He was goading me.''
''Enough guys don't care who started it as a matter of fact before we start practice you can all do 50 push ups.'' states Coach Bateman.
''Wait a second where's Peter?"
''Petey boy having love troubles.'' mocks Lachlan cheekily.
''Enough Lachie that's 100 pushups for you and see me after training.'' said Coach Bateman firmly.
4222 Clinton Way
The phone starts ringing and Jan answers.
"Hi Jay how's your day?''
''A really long day especially with training when some guys were acting like idiots.'' says Jay.
''Oh dear would this have anything to do with Peter breaking up with Michelle." asks Jan.
''Afraid so it got ugly that Lachie provoked me by saying nasty things about you.'' said Jay.
''Don't worry about that jerk, he's jealous.'' reassures Jan.
''When it comes to him taunting me I can handle it but no-one badmouths my girlfriend, I was just trying to stick up for you Jan." said Jay.
''Oh thanks Jay but those guys can be such jerks." says Jan.
''On another topic what's happening on thanksgiving?"
"My grandparents are coming down to visit.'' said Jay.
''I was hoping you could join us, Alice cooks the best turkey it's huge.'' says Jan.
''You can save me some and I can come by later.'' says Jay.
''Leave it with me, I got an idea but got to ask mum.'' said Jan.
''Ok Jan I better get back to the books, see you tomorrow.'' said Jay.
Next Day (Tuesday 19th November 1974)
Westdale High School
Recess
Michelle is walking outside with Leah and Mac talking when they overhear Donna and Nate gossiping.
"Hey isn't that witchy-witch who dated Peter?" queries Nate.
''Used to, idiot.'' says Donna annoyed clipping Nate on the back of the head. ''But on the other hand she was responsible for the break up.''
''Her future is looking bleak like an old maid who'll be alone.'' said Nate snarkily.
That remark was too much for Michelle as she runs out sobbing to hide not hearing Leah and Mac calling out for her.
Jay and Jan are sitting about to talk when they see Michelle in tears running to the toilets.
''Excuse me Jay, I'll catch up with you at lunchtime." says Jan going to find Michelle.
''That's ok, I understand.'' said Jay.
Girls toilets
Jan finds Michelle crying her eyes out.
"Hey want to talk?" asks Jan concerned.
''Your brother dumped me.'' cries Michelle.
''I heard.'' says Jan sadly.
''How could I be so stupid?'' sobs Michelle.
Jan puts her shoulder around to comfort Michelle.
''It's ok, we all do stupid things when it comes to love.'' says Jan.
''Now I really regret what I did.'' said Michelle. "I have really blown things with Peter.''
''It's not too late.'' reassures Jan. ''Will fix this somehow.''
At the same time
Coach Bateman's Office
''Now reason why I've called for a chat is you weren't at training yesterday why was that?" asks Coach Bateman.
''Didn't feel like training after a bad break up I had.'' said Peter.
''Peter when it comes to football, I don't tolerate missed practices unless you have a very good reason but this issue was not a good reason and I'm very disappointed you picked a very bad time to pull this stunt.'' says Coach Bateman.
"I reckon you being benched for the last game of the regular season before playoffs should sort out the issues you have right now.''
''I'm really sorry, I let this team down.'' says Peter.
''Apology accepted so use this time to train harder and get your mindset clear so your ready to take care of business for when you get back.'' said Coach Bateman.
Lunchtime
Lunch Hall
Jay and Jan are sitting at the table with Peter and friends having lunch.
''Can't believe it, I got benched for missing a training session.'' says Peter angrily.
''Well that was stupid besides that's your own fault for missing training over a girl.'' snaps Bruce.
"Shut it Bruce.'' says Peter in a raised voice.
''Guys quiet please we don't want to draw any attention." said Bella trying to defuse the situation.
Jan and Jay whisper to each other ''Let's go.''
They leave the table to go outside away from the commotion.
''That's a good idea.'' thinks Bella to herself as she stands up from the table.
Looking over her shoulder Bella says to the guys ''Grow up you two.''
Outside
''I'm relieved to get away from that scene, things are getting tense lately.'' says Jay.
''Which is why we needed a diversion to get out of there.'' said Jan.
"Good thinking.'' says Jay.
''What I was going to say before we got interrupted this morning is I asked my parents and they said It'd be ok if you and your family joined us." says Jan.
''Ok, I'll check with mum and dad.'' said Jay. "Sure your folks won't mind.''
''No they'd be happy to, we're cooking up a stack of food anyway.'' says Jan. "Let's go cheer Michelle up.''
''Things that bad are they.'' said Jay concerned.
''She's so upset about the breakup.'' said Jan as they go to find Michelle.
At the same time
Peter's walking in the hallway when he overhears three people talking.
''Hey, I heard Brady got benched for the last game of the regular season."
''How did you hear about that?''
"A little birdie told me all about it.''
Peter approaches the group telling them "How's that any of your business?"
''News gets around pretty quick if your not careful.''
''Tell the truth, what's wrong with you?''
''Can't maintain a relationship.''
''Whatever, not gonna waste my time explaining to you jerks.'' says Peter as he storms off.
Library
Jan and Jay find Michelle reading a book by herself.
Michelle puts down her book and says "Hey I just, oh hi guys."
''Hi Michelle.'' said Jan as her and Jay sit next to her.
"Glad you guys are here." says Michelle.
"That's what friends are for." said Jay.
''How do I go about winning Peter back?'' asks Michelle.
''I'd let things settle for a little while.'' says Jay.
''Like he said, let my brother figure out what he is missing." said Jan.
''But what if he moves on?'' asks Michelle.
''Then it's not meant to be but don't worry he'll eventually realize he misses you, don't come on too strong at the beginning.'' says Jan.
''I won't have any weekends free cause I have to work at a thrift shop.'' says Michelle sadly.
''That's very nice of you, could pick up bargains." smiles Jay.
After school
4222 Clinton Way
The attic
Jan and Jay are listening to some music on the record player.
"Loved Davy Jones." smiles Jan.
"You girls what is it about that pretty boy's face." laughs Jay.
"I'll show you some good music, my turn to put a record on."
Jay puts on a record of the beach boys for them to listen to it's good music.
Marcia comes upstairs just getting back from her activities.
"Hey guys what your listening to?" asks Marcia.
"The beach boys." says Jan.
"Yeah such a great band, Is that your record Jay?"
"Yes it is, my parents really liked the band when I was a young kid." says Jay.
"You got good taste in music." said Marcia as the three continue to listen to the record.
Later that day
Mike comes home from work carrying his briefcase.
"Hi honey how's your day?" asks Mike as he kisses Carol on the cheek.
"It was good, how was your day at the office?" says Carol.
"Was busy all day but got a phone call from Coach Bateman." said Mike.
"What about?" says Carol dreading the answer.
"He told me Peter skipped training yesterday and after a discussion he got benched for the next game." said Mike concerned. "I think a discussion with Peter is in order."
After dinner
Everyone has finished their dinner and when they put their dishes in the sink.
Mike tells Peter "Pete we need to have a chat in the den."
Peter hangs his head knowing what's about to come when Bobby squeals "What have you done Pete?"
"Shut up Bobby." snaps Peter.
"Boys enough of that, Peter come with me now." says Mike firmly.
The Den
"Pete I can see your not in a good place, what's going on?" asks Mike.
"Nothing." said Peter.
"Doesn't seem like nothing, I got a call from your coach saying you missed practice yesterday now I'll ask you once more why was that?" says Mike trying to get an answer.
"Didn't feel up for it after a crummy day I had breaking up with Michelle." says Peter.
"I'm sorry things didn't work out Pete but if anything it's good to get out and exercise, put all those bad feelings into something positive and constructive." said Mike.
"Easy for you to say." snaps Peter.
"I'm getting a feeling something's a bit deeper going on here." says Mike concerned.
"It's the guys giving me a hard time about my breakup." said Peter sadly.
"Have you talked to the coach, you got to let him know he needs to be aware of any problems about you guys working together." says Mike.
"Can't say anything, It'll make it worse." said Peter annoyed.
"I'll set up a meeting with the coach and get this all straightened out." says Mike reassuring his son.
During the evening
"Have the Bishops replied yet mum?" asks Marcia.
"Yes they've confirmed." said Carol. "And don't worry Jan, Jay and his family are coming too also will get to meet his grandparents."
"Thanks mum." said Jan.
Next Day (Wednesday 20th November 1974)
Bella and Bruce are talking when the topic of Thanksgiving comes up.
"What are you doing for Thanksgiving?" asks Bella.
"I'm going with my parents to visit my grandparents at Wilson's Creek." said Bruce.
"Oh." said Bella disappointed.
"Are you feeling ok, did what I say disappoint you." says Bruce worriedly.
"It would've been great If we could've spent Thanksgiving together but I understand that you need to visit your grandparents." said Bella.
"Now enough chit-chat, let's get this homework done." says Bella as they proceed on with their homework.
Two Days Later (Friday 22nd November)
Football Field
"There's four and a half minutes left unless Lamb musters up something, Westdale will be in for a long night cause they're down 18 to zip, he takes the snap at their own 44-yard line in which he finds Jacobs for a 31 yard gain and a big first down." said Commentator 2.
A minute after
There's about three minutes left in which it's second and one at the Sundale 16, Lamb takes the snap he finds a target in the end zone in which Chris Jackson makes a catch for a touchdown they badly needed before half time." says Commentator 1.
While it's half time
Grandstands
"Hope this game gets better soon." says someone behind Carol.
"Been poor at the start, don't see it changing soon." said the snarky supporter.
"Now is not the time to jump off the boat yet." says Mike.
Westdale Team Rooms
"First half been very disappointing with a couple of turnovers and sloppy plays." says Coach Bateman annoyed.
The team go through their talk before next quarter begins.
Last Quarter
"There's seven and a half minutes left, this you would think is their last chance to get back in this game where Westdale have the ball at their own 29 yard line trailing 32 to 14." said Commentator 2.
"This game is all she wrote, played lousy I'm leaving." said a snarky supporter.
"Should still stay till the end, I recall the fat lady hasn't sung yet." said Carol.
"Lamb takes the snap, moves in the pocket which he passes to Carter for a 23-yard gain and a first down." says Commentator 2.
A few plays later
"It's first and ten at the 16-yard line, Lamb will take the snap in which he throws into the end zone where he finds Carter for a touchdown in which Westdale are going for two that Lamb takes the snap fakes the throw finds an open route that he'll take himself to end zone for a 2-pt conversion." said Commentator 1.
"There's still some pulse in which that Westdale trail 32 to 22 with 5 minutes left in this match." says Commentator 2.
The crowd's cheer is starting to get loud after that touchdown.
A minute or two later
"It's 3:41 left on the clock at the Sundale 43, O'Reilly takes the snap, he throws it but it is intercepted by Jimmy Mason, he's running making a tackle or two miss as he takes it 61 yards to the end zone for a pick six and with the extra point converted they make it back to three with about three minutes left." said Commentator 1.
"Two touchdowns in a short amount of time just shows that you don't count Westdale out of this match."
A minute or two later
"It's 2:28 left, after managing to get a badly needed stop, Westdale have the ball first and ten on their own 24 and with no timeouts left, Lamb takes the snap and he finds Chambers at the 38 which takes it till the two minute warning." said Commentator 2.
"Lamb takes the snap he sees not much options to throw to, he better look out but somehow he escapes the sack which he sees a corner open that he runs it himself, it's first down and more that he takes it out of bounds for a gain of 32 yards which stops the clock at 1:37." says Commentator 1.
"Under a minute left, it's second and ten at the Sundale 16, Lamb takes the snap he throws it to near where the end zone which is caught by Jacobs at the 2-yard line with the cornerback trying to tackle him but with the extra effort towards getting in the end zone, Jacobs makes it for a touchdown with 48 seconds left." said Commentator 2.
"What a comeback we are witnessing Westdale are in front for the first time this match and with the extra point converted they led 36 to 32 in which they were down by 18 points almost seven minutes ago." said Commentator 1.
Westdale Locker Room
"That was a splendid comeback out there guys should be proud guys." said Coach Bateman continuing "I know it was rough but it will hold us in good shape for the playoffs."
"The game ball goes to Jay Lamb."
Jay catches the game ball and getting pats on the back from his team mates.
Next Day (Saturday 23rd November 1974)
Jan and Cindy's Room
Jan is working on a project while her and Jay are talking.
"What got you interested in trying this subject?" asks Jay.
"My sister did ceramics last year, I thought I'd give it a go." says Jan.
"Pottery hey." smiles Jay. "Perhaps you can make me a cup."
"Well I'm actually working with a mixture of materials but I sure could give it a go, put a nice glaze on it, a bit of color and a logo maybe your name." smiles Jan.
"Cool I'd like that Jan, thanks." grins Jay.
"Your welcome Jay." says Jan. "I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving on Thursday cause I'll get to spend my first Thanksgiving with my boyfriend."
"Me too that I get to be with my girlfriend." said Jay happily. "And speaking of Thanksgiving I'd also mention my grandparents are staying till the new year."
"That's terrific, what do you and your family tend to do for Thanksgiving?" said Jan.
"We tend to watch the Gridiron on tv in the afternoon." says Jay.
"Funny enough Peter mentioned a game being on tv between Washington and Dallas on Thursday." smiles Jan.
"Exciting division matchup I hear." said Jay. "Your birthday's coming up soon."
"I'm 16 in a fortnight which means I can go for my drivers permit like my brother." says Jan.
"I'm sure you'll ace that permit." smiles Jay.
"How are we going to go out close to my birthday?" asks Jan.
"Leave it to me, I'll think of something." said Jay reassuring Jan.
"Where will we be going?" quizzes Jan.
"Can't tell ya, it's a surprise." said Jay.
Two Days Later (Monday 25th November 1974)
Westdale High School
Assembly Hall
"I've called for an assembly this morning to discuss several topics, firstly congratulations to both Westdale football teams first-string and second-string on making the finals this season." said Mrs. Warner.
Everyone applauds the announcement with clapping can be heard.
"We had fill-in cheerleaders for two spots the last few matches because of an incident at Fremont a few weeks ago but those two spots in the cheer squad will be decided by Wednesday as we need to settle the squad for finals, if girls are interested in applying for one of the spots come and see me or Mrs. Ryan after school."
"Our matchups for semi-finals are Westdale's first string team plays Coolidge and the second string team play Fremont on Saturday."
"Hopefully we've moved on from the incidents at the start of the school year and make sure the rest of the year goes smoothly."
As the assembly comes to a close Mrs. Warner tells the whole hall "Thanks students for been present, let's proceed straight to class."
Lunchtime
Mrs. Warner's Office
"Thanks for coming to see me in my office." said Mrs. Warner as she sits down on the chair.
"What did you want to see me about?" asks Jan.
"I was wondering if you wanted to help take phots of the high school football team like for team presentations and matches." says Mrs. Warner. "Which would mean you get prime position at the matches."
"Don't get distracted now, I don't want every photo to be filled of your boyfriend." says Mrs. Warner cheekily.
"Of course Mrs. Warner, I take this job quite seriously." grins Jan.
"I know how teenagers get when it comes to romance." said Mrs. Warner.
"Thanks Mrs. Warner for the opportunity." says Jan as she goes out of the office.
"Your welcome." said Mrs. Warner.
When Jan comes out of the office, she finds Jay telling him the good news.
Before Dinner
4222 Clinton Way
Jan is looking at the photos from the training session when she hears Marcia come screaming into the house.
"What's with all the screaming?" asks Carol.
"I made the cheerleading squad for the football team, they needed someone after Susie pulled out." said Marcia excitedly. "I'm glad I've been given a second chance."
"That's terrific, I'm so happy for you." says Carol giving Marcia a hug.
"That's good news cause I'm a photographer for the football team." said Jan coming from the background.
"Fantastic Jan you'll be so good at that, It looks like us Brady girls are making a come back." says Marcia as she gives Jan a hug.
Carol gives Jan a hug as well.
"Your father has got big news too about a new shopping mall." says Carol.
"Looks like this year is finishing on a major high." said Cindy and Bobby in unison.