CALIFORNIA DREAMING:

"Ugh….we're finally in California." said a tired Jules as the plane touched the ground.

"Thank goodness." replied a still shaken Jess. "I just want to get to our room, make some phone calls, get cleaned up, and go to sleep."

"Sounds like a good plan to me." agreed Jules.

The girls continued to baggage claim, and were surprised they had no problems with their suitcases, especially after the fiasco in Newark. The travel weary girls now had to look for the university arranged travel. They didn't go far, until they saw a sign that said

JESSMINDER BHAMRA & JULIETTE PAXTON

"Hmm…..do you think that's for us?" laughed Jess.

"I do believe you're right." responded Jules.

The woman holding the sign, turned out to be their captain, a senior by the name of Amy Murphey. She was relieved that she found her two teammates so easily. However, she didn't think it was going to be hard to find a blonde girl and an Indian girl traveling together.

"Welcome to California girls." Amy cheerily greeted her new teammates. "I hope your flight was okay."

"It was long…..we're just glad to be here." said Jules.

"Do you think you can get us out of here?" asked Jess. "I've had my fill of airports."

"No problem." said Amy. "The vehicle the university has me using is just over in the parking ramp. Don't worry, we've got plenty of room for all your suitcases."

The three girls quickly got to the ramp, loaded the van, and soon were on their way to the school.

"How long a drive do we have?" asked a tired Jess.

"About an hour and a half." answered Amy. "Well that's an hour and a half if traffic isn't backed up."

"You don't mind if I call my Uncle on my cell do you?" asked Jess.

"No, go right ahead…..and make yourselves comfortable." responded Amy.

Jess took advantage of her seat in the van behind Jules and Amy to stretch out. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed her Uncle in Vancouver. In Punjabi, she told her Uncle that she was in California, and getting her ride to the school. She also told her Uncle about the incident in Newark. They talked for about 30 minutes.

While Jess was on the phone, Jules talked to Amy. Jules told Amy what had happened to Jess at immigration because she figured her captain needed to know. Amy was concerned.

"Yeah, things have changed here, and I don't think they're for the best." said Amy. "Santa Clara is pretty progressive, but even we have had our share of racism. We have a lot of foreign students like most big American universities. Of course we still have our idiots like everyone else, who think it's great fun to cause trouble for these students. However the team is like a family, and even the other teams we face are civil when it comes to race and stuff."

"That's good to know." responded Jules. "Jess got tossed from a game back home because she got in a tussle with a girl that called her a 'Paki' which is ridiculous because she's Indian, not Muslim."

"The coach has arranged for the two of you to room together." said Amy. "He figured it was best that the two of you stuck together, since you were already coming as a package deal. If she has any problems with racism, you are to let me know right away."

"No problem." said Jules. "I was planning on watching out for her anyway. Now she has THREE people looking out for her."

"Three?" asked Amy

"Yeah." responded Jules. "You, me, and David Beckham."

"Beckham? How did Beckham get into this conversation?" asked a completely confused Amy.

Jules explained how they met their new watchdogs on the plane and how they had assisted them at Newark. Amy couldn't almost couldn't believe this story. But then considering everything they'd heard about this pair, anything was possible.

Jess completed her call, and the three of them chatted the rest of the way to the university. When they got to the campus, Amy took them directly to student services, where they had to pick up their room assignments and to make their appointment to register for classes. Even though student services was busy, things went extremely quick. Once that was done, Amy took them to their dorm. The coach had arranged not only for Jess and Jules to room together, but to have other football players on their floor.

Jess and Jules walked into their room. It was small, but then they only had two suitcases of stuff each. They tried to quickly unpack, however many of their new teammates stopped into welcome the last of their new teammates. Curiosity brought them to check out these English girls that they had heard so much about. Excitement permeated the team, and now they were all on campus.

After everyone left, the girls finished their unpacking. Jules headed to the shower. She knew without asking that Jess needed some time along to make an important phone call. When Jess was alone, she picked up her cell phone.

"H-hello?" answered a sleeping Joe.

"Joe."

"Jess, thank god it's you. I've needed to hear your voice." sounded a suddenly alert Joe.

"Did I wake you?" asked Jess.

"Yes, but I'm glad you did." responded Joe. "I'm surprised that I slept at all with you flying halfway across the world…..but I guess because I went to sleep on a full stomach of Indian cooking, sleep wasn't going to be an issue."

"Indian cooking?" asked a confused Jess.

"Yeah. Your parents invited me and Jules' parents over for dinner after you two left." replied Joe.

"How was that?" wondered Jess.

"It was great." answered Joe. "I've never had such a good meal in my entire life. And I must say, I had some very interesting conversations….with Tony, your sister……and you dad."

"My dad?" asked a worried Jess. "What did you and my dad talk about?"

"You…..and dreams." responded Joe. "I think your dad and I have come to an understanding. So much so, that according to him, I am welcome in his house anytime."

"Wow, you must have made one heck of an impression." said an amazed Jess.

"I hope so." responded Joe. "I have a feeling, that a door has been opened for us Jess in regards to your family. Even your sister said she would help us if we needed it. However, I think you need to know that your father saw us at the airport."

"Oh, no." exclaimed Jess. "What are we going to do?"

"I think we're okay." responded Joe. "Because he didn't say anything to me about the kiss. And like Tony said, if he was mad, I wouldn't have been invited to dinner."

"True." responded Jess. "I hate to do this, but I need to cut this short. I don't want to, but I am tired, and I woke you up."

"I know." agreed Joe. "I don't want to hang up with you. I want to talk to you forever, but I'm afraid I'd fall asleep on you.

"Good night Joe."

"Good night Jess." responded an emotional Joe. "Jess……I love you."

"I love you too." replied Jess. "I will call you tomorrow after I've talked to my parents."

"Okay, sounds good to me." responded Joe. "Don't forget about me."

"That not even possible." laughed Jess. "I love you."

"I love you……bye." whispered Joe.

"Bye."

Jess hung up the phone. She collected her things, took a quick shower. And when she got back to the room, Jules was already sound asleep. The two tired girls slept…..and slept until the next morning.