Chapter 7

            The rest of Alan and J's junior year passed smoothly and blissfully.  The only event of slightest notability until the end of their senior year was summer vacation '72.  As usual, J and her father went down to the shore.  Coach was taking Alan and Sheryl up to New Jersey.  They were going to stop at a couple of places there (Coach had a lot of friends in that state for some reason).

            Then, Gregory pulled a surprise of his daughter.  He announced that they were leaving a week early, because he had to go to a conference for his work.  This conference was in New York City.  He and his colleagues would be at a hotel all day, and J would be free to roam the city ONLY IF she found someone else to go with her.  Which her father didn't think would be hard, seeing as how there would be others there with their families.

***

            Alan and Sheryl finished loading the last of their luggage in the car, and returned inside to wait for Coach to check out.  Unfortunately, there was a bit of a line at the reception desk—there were a lot of people coming to check in to the hotel—so it looked like they would have a little delay.  Sighing, Alan and Sheryl settled down into a couch to wait.

***

            "Secaucus, New Jersey?  I don't get it.  I thought that you said that the conference was in the city."

            "We're only 10 minutes, if that much, outside of New York," Gregory answered as he pulled into the parking lot.  "They decided to hold the conference here instead.  This hotel is just as large as the one in the city that they were going to use, but the traffic isn't as bd."  J's heart skipped a beat when she spotted a car resembling the Yoast's in the parking lot.  Hope flared in her eyes for a second, but was reduced to embers when reality hit.  'What are the chances?' thought J glumly.

***

            Alan's head was lolling off to the side when Sheryl elbowed him sharply in the ribs.  "Alan!" she hissed. 

            Alan rubbed his still heavy eyes, struggling to wake up.  "Wha?"

            Sheryl pointed towards the door.  "Look!"  All fog in Alan's mind cleared instantly.  There, walking through the door that her father held open for her, was J.  The blonde youth was frozen in shock for a moment before jumping out of his seat, Sheryl's overjoyed smile following him.

***

            J had just walked through the lobby door when she heard a familiar voice behind her that sent tremors of recognition through her body.  "Hello, stranger."  Before she had a chance to react, familiar arms picked her up and whirled her around and around in circles.  When she was finally released, J launched herself into his arms with a delighted cry,

            "Alan!"  There they stood for awhile, reveling in being together again, after being apart for so long.  (yes, a whole week.  gosh, that's just forever, isn't it?  hehe…sorry)  Alan rested his chin on the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her hair.  It may just have been ordinary shampoo, but to him, it was heavenly.  It meant her.  Being close to her. 

            "Hey, Jules," he whispered.  When the couple drew back, they noticed their fathers' grinning faces, observing them.

            "The two of you had this whole thing planned out, didn't you?" accused J was she let go of Alan, though she established a hold on his hand. 

            "Your father and I were discussing vacation, and realized that we both were going to end up in/near Secaucus at relatively the same time," Coach explained.

            "So, I told Coach here," Gregory slapped Coach on the back, "the name of the hotel that my conference was being held in, and we worked things out.  We scheduled an entire day for all of us together."  From the shine emanating from J, Sheryl, and Alan's faces, Coach and Gregory were certain that they'd done good.

***

            'Twas a wonderful day. The group wandered throughout the streets of Secaucus for the afternoon, catching lunch at a cute little restaurant and doing much window shopping, though hardly any actual buying.  For the evening, Coach and Gregory had reservations at a medieval-themed restaurant.  Everyone had a fantastic experience there, especially J, who was overjoyed with the prospect of the absence of any utensils.

            Unfortunately, the day had to end.  However, it ended later than planned because Sheryl refused to let go of J who refused to let go of Alan.  Once they were finally, tearfully, unattached, each departed, soon to see each other again (in a week).  Though you couldn't tell from the somber mood of the parting.

***

            Coach woke with a start.  His eyes drifted to the clock: 6:30 a.m.  Sheryl or Alan won't be awake yet.  They had driven late into the night in order to reach their motel in mid-south Jersey.  There was an uneasy feeling in Coach's stomach that had woken him up.  Something wasn't right.

            Coach glanced over at the kids.  There was Sheryl, fast asleep.  And Alan—wait—where was Alan?  His uneasiness mounting, Coach lifted the covers and got out of bed.  A few quick steps and he was over at the bathroom.  No Alan.  There, on the bed table, was a note.

            Coach,

Don't worry about me.  I'm just fine.  I can't get her out of my mind, Coach.  So I'm taking my stuff and I'm catching a bus to Secaucus.  Yesterday, J's father mentioned that his company set him up in a big suite, and that they'd have a whole separate room with a sofa-bed.  I'll call you when I get there so you'll know that I'm fine.  Thanks for understanding…and for being such a great dad.  See you soon!

--Alan

Shaking his head, Coach couldn't help but smile despite his worry.  Those two were going to be very happy someday.

***

            Gregory felt guilty.  He had promised his daughter that she'd have something to do the entire day while he was in meetings.  But as it turned out, he was the only one who had brought any family members remotely near J's age with him.  Now J was stuck in the hotel room, suite or no suite, until he was free from his meetings.  His daughter was currently off sulking in the bathroom.  From the spraying sounds, she was in the shower.  Mr. McConnell was about to get ready to leave when there was a knock at the door.

            Assuming that it was the maid, Gregory strolled over and stated while opening the door, "My daughter is in the bathroom right now, but you still can—" he stopped when he saw Alan standing there, suitcase in hand.

            "Hi, Mr. McConnell."  Gregory sighed.  This boy…he still couldn't get Alan to call him Gregory.  But Alan loved and respected J, and that's what counted.

            "Hello, Alan.  May I ask what you're doing here?"  No, wait," Gregory massaged his temples, "I know what you're doing here.  The better question would be: does Coach know that you're here?"

            Alan switched the hand that that was holding his suitcase uncomfortably.  "Well…I left him a note…" 

            Gregory couldn't hide his smile, "I guess that's as close as we're gonna get."  He waved Alan into the room.  "Come in, come in.  J's in the bathroom.  Why don't you call Coach and let him know that you're here while you're waiting."

            After Alan was finished on the phone with Coach, Gregory checked his watch and grimaced.  "I have to get a move-on or I'll be late for the first meeting."  He addressed Alan, "you two go ahead and do what you want.  Catch a bus into the city, wander around, but BE CAREFUL."

            Alan nodded, "yes, Mr. McConnell."  Gregory acknowledged this with a slap on the back.  Before leaving, he rapped on the bathroom door.

            "Red, sweetie?"

            "Yeah, Dad?"

            "I'm going to the meeting now.  I found someone for you to walk around with."  Alan had to stifle a laugh at that.  "If you want, you can do that, okay?  I'm leaving now."

            "Okay, Dad," came the reply.  Gregory gave Alan a final wave before exiting the room.  Alan had only to wait a couple minutes before J emerged from the bathroom.  Her hair was wet and she was wearing simple jean shorts with a t-shirt.  She walked right past Alan and over to her bed before noticing him.  When J finally did realize that Alan was there, her face was etched with disbelief.

            "Wha?  But—you—"

            Alan grinned and moved to sit closer to where she was standing.  "I left the motel where we were, got on a bus, and came here," he explained.  "After seeing you yesterday, I couldn't stand it.  I need to be next to you." 

            J managed a small smile.  "That's great!  Now I won't be alone today."

             Alan placed a hand on his chest in mock-hurt.  "That's it?  That's all you have to say to me after what I just did?"

            J sighed, "You know me.  It's too early.  Give me a couple of hours, and then all of a sudden I'll just start shrieking and hugging you till your face turns blue."

            Alan stood up and leaned in to place a light kiss on her lips.  "That's good.  It is too early for you.  I'd be worried if you reacted any other way."

***

            In another 15 minutes, Alan was situated and J was ready to go.  They took an elevator (J was still waking up) down from their 5th floor room, then hopped a bus to the city.  Should I go into all the juicy details of their gallivanting through America's largest city?  Nah…I'll let you guess.  Anyhew, they visited Central Park, wandered around Madison Square Gardens, and eventually made their way to the Brooklyn Bridge.  By this time, J was fully awake. 

            "Alan, c'mon, let's go on the Bridge!" J tugged on Alan's arm.  She looked up at him pleadingly, and was rewarded with a,

            "why not?"

            "Yes!" she cried.  J dragged Alan onto and across the Bridge until they reached the center. Ignoring the roaring sound of the cars whizzing past, J leaned over the edge of the Bridge and bellowed, "AAAAAAAHHHHHH!"  Entirely satisfied with herself, J stood back up and beamed at her utterly perplexed boyfriend. 

            "What…was…that…for? he asked slowly.

            J shrugged, "I dunno.  It was fun, though.  You should try it with me."

            Alan gazed unbelievingly back at J.  "You're kidding me, right?"

            J grinned, "of course not.  I'm dead serious.  It's really fun, trust me.  It's not like it's illegal, and besides, no one can hear you over all the traffic anyway."

            Alan chewed on his bottom lip—a sign that he was contemplating the decision. "Oh, alright."

            J giggled, "Yey!  On three, okay?  One, two, three!"  She and Alan leaned over the Bridge,

            "AAAAHHHHH!"

***

            The rest of the week was much the same.  Alan and J spent their days in/around New York.  On their final day, they stayed in the hotel, running around from the pool to the weight room to their room to crash in front of the tv.  It was their goal to buy something from each one of the vending machines in the hotel, which they accomplished.

***

            Let's hit the fast forward button again, shall we?  Alan and J had a spectacular senior year, and as for the Titans, well, I'm not quite sure how they did.  But I'm positive that they did great.  How could they not, with the best team in high school history?  That's my opinion, anyway.  But once again, that really isn't part of our story.

            Senior Prom.  Kelly and I have had a lot of discussions on this particular topic.  I still do not see the purpose of attending such an event if one does not enjoy dressing up and spending 4 hours dancing.  If anyone can explain the concept/purpose of Senior Prom to me, I'd love to hear what you have to say.  Who knows…someone might finally help me to understand it.  But enough of that.  There's a story to be told, and I'm sure that you're sick of listening to me ramble.

***

            Senior Prom.  Usually J wasn't much for dances, and she was completely against the popularity contest idea of Prom King and Queen, but it meant a whole night with Alan, so there was no complaining.  The prom started at 7:30.  Alan was at J's house at 7:20.  J wanted to arrive "fashionably late" as she called it.  Normally Alan was one of those people who was compulsively early.  But for J…what was the harm?  A little late wasn't going to hurt anything. 

            Alan shifted uncomfortably on the coach and glimpsed at Mr. McConnell, who was sitting across from him in an armchair.  Alan was on great terms with J's father, but there was something about being the date of Daddy's little girl on prom night that had him nervous…

            Gregory glanced at Alan, shook his head, and smiled.  "This is the part where I'm supposed to tell you that I know every cop in the city, right?"

            Alan's head snapped up and he stuttered, "Well, um, I…"

            Gregory laughed.  "It's alright, Alan.  Don't worry.  I've known you since before you could walk.  I trust you.  Besides, Red could beat you up if she had the mind to."

            Alan grinned, relieved.  "Yes, Mr. McConnell, she could."  He didn't have time to add anything else for at the next second, he heard familiar footsteps on the stairs.  (Alright, cliché moment.  But it's such a cute cliché!)  The breath caught in Alan's throat in a stifled gasp as J descended the stairwell.  Her hair tumbled down to just past her shoulders in a tangle of wild curls.  Her dress was a deep forest green, sleeveless and form-fitting that gleamed as it captured the light.

            J beamed at Alan when she reached the bottom of the steps.  "You ready to go?" 

            Alan worked his jaw as he fumbled to hand her what he was holding.  "Uh, Jules, you're—here!" he stated triumphantly upon managing to hand her the box.  J opened it and pulled out a halo of flowers.

            "It's gorgeous, Alan, thank you!"

            "Here, let me put it on for you," Alan offered, affixing it perfectly amidst her curls.  J hadn't wanted a wrist corsage—she found them outdated.  Alan had been hard-pressed to find her something else, but, evidentially, he'd done good. 

            Alan stood back and gazed at her.  "You're beautiful, Jules." 

            J grinned and kissed his cheek.  "You don't look too shabby yourself." 

            Gregory held the door open for the couple as they walked out.  "Have fun, the both of you!"

            "We will, Dad," J called over her shoulder as she headed to the car, arm entwined with Alan's.

***

            The dance was going full force now.  Alan and J had danced together several times, both and slow and fast songs.  It was about then that J decided it was time for a change of pace.  She told Alan to go and find one of his friends and hang out for a little bit while she searched for Gerry.  There he was—in his wheelchair, off to the side, sulking.  J jogged over to him.  "Hey!" she chirped.

            "Hi, J," replied Gerry, unable to hide the downer in his voice.

            "Aren't you gonna dance with me?  You promised me a dance at my senior prom years ago," asked J accusingly.  "You are my big brother and all." 

            Gerry chuckled sarcastically and gestured to his wheelchair.  "One problem."

            J's eyes flashed with defiance.  "That's what you think.  Hold on a sec--I'll be right back," and she dashed off.   J ran through the school hallway till she reached the nurse's office, which was thankfully unlocked (security wasn't as tight back in the early 70's).  She seized an object out of the corner of the office and dragged it behind her as she made her way back to the gym.

            Panting, J reached Gerry and flopped down in what she had brought with her—a wheelchair.  "There.  Now we're even," she announced.  Gerry glanced over and rolled his eyes.

            "You're kidding me, right?"

            "Of course not," J answered, wounded.  "I'm getting a dance out of you whether or not you like it, and I'm not gonna just forget it because you're feeling sorry for yourself.  Now c'mon," she grabbed Gerry's hands and immediately began spinning in the wheelchair.  After a few seconds of this, Gerry couldn't hold up anymore, and he burst out laughing.

            "I don't see what's so funny," declared J indignantly.  "I'm only getting my dance out of you that you promised me about.  I don't take excuses."  Gerry stated at J, grinning widely, still spinning with her.  That was all it took.  J promptly cracked up as well.   When the song was over, Gerry bowed (as much as one can in a wheelchair)

            "Thank you for the dance, m'lady."

            J giggled and curtsied, "'twas my pleasure, good sir."

***

            The night wore on.  It was an hour until they announced Prom King and Queen, and the recipients of the other assorted awards.  J was bored.  Suddenly, she noticed a long brown haired, brown-eyed girl in a crimson dress standing off to the side.  Alan's sister Adrienne. A plan formulated in J's brain.  A mischievous smile snuck onto her face.  She nudged Alan.  "Hey, Alan?" the youth turned to her.

            "What?"  He noticed her smile.  "No.  Whatever it is—no.  I'm not getting involved in another one of your crazy schemes."

            "Alan, please?" J stuck out her bottom lip and widened her eyes in a perfect puppy-dog plead.  "Just go and ask Adrienne to dance.  You haven't danced with her yet.  You should be ashamed.  She's your sister and everything."

            Alan eyed his girlfriend suspiciously.  "And what, exactly, do you have up your sleeve?  This is more than just you giving Sunshine the dance that you promised him."

            J grinned affectionately.  "You know me too well.  In the middle of the song, you cut in, take me, and leave Adrienne with Sunshine."

            "Oh, so we're playing matchmakers, then."

            J's eyes sparkled in merriment.  "Yup."

            "Well, then, I guess I'm going to have to play along."  Alan crossed the dance floor and offered an arm to Adrienne.  J observed as the girl glanced at her, then back to Alan, grinned, and accepted the arm.  J gave a thumbs up, then searched the gym until she found Sunshine.  He was by the refreshment table, stuffing his face.  J headed over towards him and pulled him onto the dance floor. 

            "Come on, California boy.  It's time for the dance that I promised you."

            Sunshine's face was a mixture of confusion and surprise.  "What happened to Alan?"

            J shrugged.  "Dunno.  Finding something else to do for this song.  I promised you a dance when we were dating, and I keep my promises."  Right about then, Alan waltzed over with Adrienne.  Deftly, he reached over and grabbed J's hand, placed Adrienne's in Sunshine's, and twirled J away.

            "May I cut in?" he asked belatedly.  J laughed at the gaping mouths of Sunshine and Adrienne, still flustered from what had just happened.  They recovered quickly, however. 

            "Umm…care to dance?" queried Sunshine.

            "I guess so," said Adrienne bashfully.  Her cheeks slightly red—she's never dreamed she'd get a dance with Ronnie "Sunshine" Bass at her Senior Prom—Adrienne began to dance timidly with the oh-so suave Sunshine.  Although one certainly couldn't tell, he was just as nervous inside as Adrienne was.  Now off the dance floor, Alan and J watched the pair—who had just started a conversation—victoriously. 

            "Nice work, Cupid." J congratulated, squeezing Alan's hand.

            Alan rolled his eyes at "Cupid," but played along.  "Now, now, you deserve some credit too, my Romeo."

            "Romeo?  Where'd you come up with that one?"

            Alan laughed, recalling the memory.  "I remember a certain someone sneaking up to my window—balcony for argument's sake—in the middle of the night to declare her undying love for me."

            J crinkled her nose.  "Romeo, huh?  I guess I could get used to that."

***

            By the stage, Rev had just finished counting all the votes for the various awards being presented that night.  A broad grin spread across his face and he waved Gerry over to him.  "Hey Gerry, c'mere!  Not that I'm surprised, but Alan and J won the "It's About Time" award," he whispered when Gerry reached him. 

            Gerry took one look at the results and said, "they're gone." 

            Confusion splayed about Rev's face.  "They're gone?  What d'ya mean?"

            "I mean they're not gonna stick around.  Look," Gerry pointed to the couple.  J had a pensive look on her face.  "She's thinking about it already.  You know how much J hates these student-voted awards.  She finds them superficial.  As soon as the ceremony starts, she's leaving.  She'll probably go run around the parking lot to get her energy out.  And you know Alan, he'll follow her anywhere."

            The grin returned to Rev's face.  "Yeah…you're right."

***

            Right Gerry was.  No sooner had the principal climbed up on the stage and announced that it was time for the ceremonies to begin when J tugged on Alan's arm.  "Let's go," she hissed. 

            Alan glanced up to the stage, then back to her.  "We're going?  Okay.  Which way?"

            "I dunno.  We can wander around the school or something.  Does it really matter?  Spontaneity is fun."  Alan shrugged and allowed himself to be pulled out of the gym.  They ran through the hallways until J reached the door to the parking lot.  She flung it open, only to find that it was pouring rain.  "Ooh, let's go outside!" exclaimed J excitedly.  Alan did a double take.  He'd seen J do some crazy things before—admittedly he'd danced with her in the rain in the past—but…

            "Uh, J?  What about your hair?  And your dress?"

            J appeared unconcerned.  "I'm only gonna wash my hair when I get home anyway to get all the spray out, and it's not like I'm ever gonna wear this dress again."  With that, she scampered out into the rain.

            "My tux…" Alan called after her weakly, knowing that he was fighting a losing battle.

            "Oh, Alan, just get out here!  You found that tux up in Coach's attic and promptly wore it after I told you how unbelievably handsome you look in it.  So it's not like you have to return it.  And the rain isn't cold or anything, so just come over here!"  Sighing, Alan jogged over to meet his girlfriend.

***

            Inside, the principal was tearing open the envelope that held the results to the 'It's About Time' award.  "And the winners are…Alan Yoast and J McConnell!"  There was applause and cheers that died in a few moments after no one came up to receive the award.  Rev jumped onto the stage, took the microphone, and stated,

            "Alan and J have left the building.  I repeat, Alan and J  have left the building."  That was followed by laughter, and Gerry's voice could be heard in the background.

            "See, I told you!"  And I'll bet that you can find them out dancing in the parking lot!"

***

            Yet again, Gerry was correct.  Utterly soaked by now, but not caring, the couple were having the most fun that they'd had all night.  J had left the door open, so soon they heard the music from the dance drifting to their ears.  "Alan, listen," breathed J.  "They're playing the song for Prom King and Queen.  I love this song."

            Alan pulled her close.  "Dance with me."  J willingly obliged.  Before she knew it, Alan was singing along to the music softly in her ear.

If I could save time in a bottle

The first thing that I'd like to do

Is to save every day

Till Eternity passes away

Just to spend them with you.

If I could make days last forever

If words could make wishes come true

I'd save every day like a treasure and then

Again, I would spend them with you

The rain continued to pour down on Alan and J, but the dripping wet couple continued dancing.  J sighed contentedly and lay her head on Alan's shoulder.  Alan stroked her hair and continued singing.

But there never seems to be enough time

To do the things you want to do

Once you find them

I've looked around enough to know

That you're the one I want to go

Through time with.

If I had a box just for wishes

And dreams that had never come true

The box would be empty

Except for the memory

Of how they were answered by you.

But there never seems to be enough time

To do the things you want to do

Once you find them

I've looked around enough to know

That you're the one I want to go

Through time with.

When the song was finished, J lifted her head to meet Alan's eyes.  She raised his hand to her lips, kissing it.  "I love you." 

            Alan gazed deeply into her eyes, then caressed her cheek.  Gently, he kissed her.  When they broke away, he responded.  "I love you too."

It was only the calm before the storm.

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