A/N:Hope you are enjoying this trip. I think Zoe and Wade still have some issues they are going to have to talk about in the future. Right now, they are having fun. I do ot own Grease, JOhn Travolta, Olivia Newton John or Cyndi Lauper.
CHAPTER 12 Birmingham Part II
L- Hey guys, joining you for the game today.
W- cool
L- meet you at the hotel?
When Lavon arrived. Zoe was on the phone.
"Yes, this is Dr. Hart. I would like you to come on Saturday to discuss them. In the meantime, I have set up an appointment with a specialist for next Tuesday. That is the first available appointment."
She paused, listening to the person on the other end.
"I know, I just would rather be there in person. Would you like Brick to go over them with you? "
Again listening
"Okay, the results indicate blood abnormalities, which can be an indicator of cancer. The specialist will more than likely do another blood test and a bone marrow biopsy. "
"Yes, I will. I will definitely go with you on Tuesday. If Annabelle wants to see me before then. I would be happy to stop by your house."
"Yes ma'am"
I squeezed her shoulders. "You were great, Doc. I know that was hard but you told her the facts and followed up with genuine caring. I a proud of how you held up."
"Thanks babe"
"Oh, that is the first time I have gotten a 'babe', umm" as I shook my head.
"Hey Lavon. So glad you are here." She hugged him hard.
"Hey Big Z"
"Why didn't you tell me that Wade was just as much of a jock as you were?"
"Well, that is Wade's story to tell not mine. Plus, neither one of us live in the past. We like being in the present."
"Yeah Doc, in the present with you as been the best time of my life. Definitely better than sweaty dudes with jock itch"
We went down to eat breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
"Lavon, come on spill the beans. You have to tell us what is going on with Ruby.'
"Ruby and I got to talking while I was in Houston and she decided she wants us to try and get back together. If we do then she would move back to Bluebell."
"Well what's the problem? You have loved her forever ,since high school" said Wade.
"Lavon Hayes really likes AB but I have all of these feelings for Ruby and the baby. I mean, I want to give it a chance because of the baby but I don't know"
"Lavon, you can't do this love triangle thing. Believe me, it just confuses you more."
"Doc, I hope you are not still confused. I mean, you haven't seemed confused. George and Lemon,still together, still getting married."
I walked a few steps away, I cannot believe that he still on her mind.
I checked out the fruit and pastry trays. I was contemplating my feelings. For some reason, deep down, I thought she may not be over her feelings for George Tucker. Right now ,he was the forbidden fruit, the unavailable freakin' fruit. The Golden Boy was the unknown.
"Are you guys gonna get some food? Fruit looks juicy, and it is here right in front of you, ready to eat "as my voice trailed off.
"Lavon Hayes will figure it out, right now I just want to eat and go to the game."
Zoe asked if we could get matching CLJJ shirts that had all of the state tournament teams on the back. I bought two royal blue shirts. I changed my shirt on the spot in the middle of the concourse. Zoe had changed in the bathroom and when she came out, I was fenced in by eight to ten people, mostly women. Wanting autographs or pictures.
I did a few until I saw the look on her face. She was chewing on her bottom lip. Her eyes studying the gray concrete below her feet.
"Doc, hey, I want you to meet someone."
She took as long as she could to reach me and the circle of people around me. I could tell she was jealous.
"Doc, this is Jennifer. We went to high school together. Jennifer this is Dr. Zoe Hart. Jennifer lives in New Orleans now."
"Hi, nice to meet you. Why New Orleans?"
Zoe said a little short and rolled here eyes. I don't think Jennifer saw it.
"I took a job after college in HR in New Orleans and now I own a Head Hunting business. Anyway, nice to meet Zoe, good to see ya Wade., it's been too long."
"You too Jen."
"Wade we better go get in our seats before the game starts."
"Yeah, baby, let's go. Lavon gets to sit on the first row because he is the mayor."
"Yeah , I wonder how many girls are crawling out of the woodwork for him? I mean he played in the NFL ."
"Doc, are you jealous? Jennifer is an old friend."
"Did you have sex with her?" My facial expression said yes. "Well, she still wants you. No wedding ring I noticed."
"Doc, I am with you. She knows that. I wanted to make sure she knew that which is why I introduced you to her. We are wearing matching shirts, it's a dead givewaway."
I put my arm around her and gave her a big squeeze.
During the starting line-up, Zoe was up waving her poms. Then they introduced the CLJJ mascot "BO!"
Zoe yelled " I stitched him up. Go Bo!"
Zoe was so stinkin' cute. Her hair was down today but seeing her enjoying herself, and letting loose was all I needed for the day. I actually heard her say," That was a charge".
I looked at her and said, "do you know what a charge is?"
"I heard other people yelling it."
"Well baby, that was the other team yelling it. I will show ya what a charge is tonight." She smiled knowing what I was inferring.
Jason Knight , of CLJJ, had scored 5 three pointers in the first half. CLJJ was up 4 at halftime. With seven minutes left to go in the second half, Jason had 7 three pointers. The address announcer came over the speaker and said " One more three pointer for Jason Knight, will tie Wade Kinsella for the most three pointers scored in one game."
"Wow, I am never gonna get the women off of you if this kid doesn't break your record." She yelled again "You can do it Jason!"
"You really want him to break my record?" I laughed. She giggled and said "Yes."
We were standing the remainder of the game. The game was back and forth 3 points up then 2 points down. Our section began yelling "C-L-J-J, C-L-J-J!" over and over. We were trying to urge our team on.
Jason took a shot. In all honesty, I hoped it went in. CLJJ winning was more important than some old record. It went in but they scored it as a two pointer so, he still hadn't tied the record. He did a get an assist to Jeremiah for a layup though for us to win the game. Zoe jumped up into my arms and kissed me big.
We had several hours to kill before coming back to the semi-finals.
Lavon, Zoe and I headed to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Vintage Motorcyles, race cars and rare vehicles. Porsche, Mercedes Benz motorcyles were incredible. I was in vehicle heaven.
I wanted to keep Zoe's mind off of her patient. Our day was jam packed. After the museum, we went to an early dinner.
George had texted me telling me that he and Lemon were coming and if they wanted to meet at BW3's for dinner. Lemon and Zoe were becoming friends. I think the more we double date, the more they will like each other, They are so similar but yet different. My hope was that it didn't bring up her feelings for the golden boy again or still or whatever. I hated to admit it but I was jealous over something that Zoe said no longer existed. At least Zoe was jealous of a person that actually did ask me out 2 minutes prior to meeting Zoe.
Lavon told Lemon and George about Ruby being pregnant. Explained that Ruby was definitely having the baby. But he didn't' know yet if Ruby would come back home to raise the baby. Ruby needed time.
"Why couldn't you bring me to a restaurant where they at least give you silverware. Why does ballgame food have to be so messy?" Lemon said.
"I know right? Everything is deep fried and dipped in.
"Doc, your favorite food is fried chicken now, it's the same thing. They just have buffalo sauce on them."
George, Lavon and I had a wing eating contest. I ate 46 wings.
"Why do you have to be the best at everything?" said George
"All growing up, best at bball, football. Fishin, anything we could keep score at."
Lavon said "Hold on now"
"George said ,"I meant in our grade, you are 2 years older."
"Come on now, it is just wings and George, you were part of everything I ever did. You made me work for everything."
"Hurry up guys, we need to get back to the game. I don't want to miss a single second." Said Zoe
"I wish I was still cheering on the sideline. Wade you remember that big celebration midcourt? Those were such happy times."
"I can't believe if we win, we got to Championship game. Why did I not do this do high school?"
The crowd was going wild with excitement. Little girls dressed up in cheer uniforms, boys ranging from babies to men wearing basketball jerseys. The rest of us wearing our team colors.
The bouncing of basketballs during warm ups made me want to go out and play. In high school, I lived for game days. It was the only day that I looked forward to.
Tonight, The fans were chattering and chanting. The student section had their faces painted, were wearing leighs and floral shirts, showing they had a Hawaiian theme for the night.
It was game time.
The tip goes to St. Mary's, our crowd is chanting DEFENSE, DEFENSE. They hit three shots in a row and we were down six. Jason scored on a breakaway layup. The cheerleaders flipping and jumping.
We clawed our way to down by 1 at halftime.
Zoe was sweating. "Wow, this is a workout, being a cheerleader."
"Just wait 'til later, Doc" I said grinning while I kissed her.
The game started back and Jeremiah hit a couple of shots and that got our boys pumped!
Zoe said "Look at Lemon over there doing the motions to the cheers."
"I have always heard once a cheerleader always a cheerleader."
"I wish everybody was this carefree when we are in Bluebell."
"Go Big Blue, Go Big Blue went on for a few minutes. The game came down to free throws. Jason Knight was at the free throw line with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. The gam was tied. The first free throw rattles out of the cylinder. He takes the ball, bounces it two times, pauses, inhales, exhales, shoots the ball and through the net it went. They still had to defend for 1.2 seconds but their opponent couldn't make anything of the time left. CLJJ won 67-66 and were going to the championship game.
The five of us went to a bar to celebrate. We did tequila shots until we were all feelin fine. The bar had karaoke and Zoe wanted us to do a duet together. Zoe letting loose and exploring this side of herself was amusing to watch. I would like to say that I have played a role in this minor transformation but it was bubbly underneath her skin the whole time.
She picked out a song, of course it was a cheesy one, Summer Nights from the movie Grease. They called our number and we took the stage.
Me- summer lovin had me blast
Zoe- Summer lovin happened so fast
Me- Met a girl crazy for me
Zoe – Met a boy cute as can be
Both summer days drifting away
Both – To oh, oh those summer nights
We were getting some cheers especially from our friends and other Bluebellians. But we heard the roar after I laid a deep, deep kiss on Zoe. The crowd was applauding as if we were John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. Everyone loves a good show.
"Wade that was a blast! Let's do another one."
"I am good baby."
"How about you Lemon, sing with me"
They got up on stage, neither of them can carry a tune in a bucket but they are definitely easy on the eyes. Complete opposites but both gorgeous. Lemon had been acting like the girl I used to know, one of my best friends. They sang "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", I think by Cyndi Lauper. Zoe plopped down on my lap, letting me know what her intentions were when we got back to our hotel.
We all agreed to meet at 10am for brunch before heading to the game tomorrow. I texted to see if Matt and Allison were still coming and would want to meet us to eat. He said they would love to.
When we got back to the hotel, Zoe's good intentions fizzled out. I took off her shoes, wiggled her out of her tshirt and jeans, her bra and put one my big tees on her to sleep in. I didn't care that we weren't having mad passionate sex. I cared about her heart and how I know it was breaking for her patient. She needed a release and sometimes that is not always me. I tucked her in under the covers, put 2 Tylenol s and a cup of water by her bed. She was gonna need them in the morning.
XXXXXX
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz
I grabbed my phone. It was CLJJ coach
C- Wade, I would like for you to give a little motivational locker room speech before the game
W- Coach, I am not much of a public speaker.
C- Look, these kids have always looked up to you. Not just in sports but because you do for the others. 12:20 locker room, credentials will be waiting for you at the press box.
W- I will do my best
I went down to the lobby got a couple of coffees and doughnuts. I thought Zoe may need some food as soon as he could. I noticed that she must have taken the Tylenol sometime during the night.
"Doc, doc, time to wake up. I brought doughnuts. You need to eat somethin"
"Uuuuh, ohhhh. Why did I drink so much?"
"You'll be okay. You are allowed to have fun every once in awhile and you aren't on call. We are on vacation. Sit up now and let me take care of my girl."
"We had fun last night?"
"Yeah we had fun at the bar. You were a karaoke singing machine."
"I have had more fun in two weeks with you than I have had in my entire life. You make it so easy. Obviously you took care of me, Did we umm have….?"
"Do you think I would do that? To you? Or to anyone for that matter? Have you ever seen me leave the bar with a drunk girl? I will tell you that you haven't. Anyone that has left with me wanted to and was coherent."
"Wade, I didn't mean that the way it was coming out. And the answer to your question is No, I haven't seen you leave with anyone even close to drunk"
"I don't know Doc, seems like underneath it all, you still think I am this insensitive jerk that is only out for sex."
"I'm sorry, I really don't. I promise."
"It's fine Doc. I got a text this morning that Coach wants me to give the pre-game speech to our team. I am not much of a public speaker."
"Wade, when you talk from the heart, to me anyways, it always comes out as authentic. That is what the coach wants. This is a huge honor. You can make an impact on these kids lives just like…" He her voice cracked. She was remembering her little patient.
"Hey, I know. I just haven't had time to write anything down."
"Just do it from the heart and you will be fine."
"Eat Doc, you need your energy for the game. Oh and I don't know if you remember but Matt and Allison are meeting us for brunch before the game in a couple of hours."
"Awesome. I really feel like we could be good couple friends. Also, do you wanna text the coach and ask if he needs any help taping ankles or anything?"
"They have an athletic trainer that cares of those issues."
After brunch the seven friends walked to arena. They had gotten front row seats behind the bench because of Wade and Lavon. Matt said it was good to have friends in such high places.
"Goodluck Wade, whatever you say will be genuine and that is what they need to hear."
She kissed me with assurance.
I think I was more nervous walking into the locker room than I ever was when I was playing. Maybe it was because I had confidence in my athletic abilities. I practiced for thirteen years to be a good basketball player. I had not practiced public speaking at all other than "Last Call". Even when I played the guitar and sang, it was something I practiced.
"Coach"
"Wade, you got this."
"Boys take your seats. CLJJ's own Wade Kinsella has come to talk to you. He has played in this tournament. He understands. Wade holds just about every record at our school for basketball and hold three records in the state tournament."
The kids started clapping. They were nervously smiling. I stuffed my hands deep in my jean pockets. I had my Blue and gold shirt on with my navy and white plaid on over top of it. Here goes nothing or something. I thought to myself.
"Guys, thanks for having me here today. First let me say, today has nothing to do with me. You are here on your own merit. You all will be the select few from Bluebell that ever even played in the state tournament much less the championship game.
I want to tell you to play together, play as brothers. I will tell you some of my teammates are in the stands and to this day, I would lay down my life for any of them. Whether you win or lose this game, is not what is important. What is important is that you give everything you have to the game today. Two great teams are playing and one has to lose. I lost but I have no regrets, we played as hard as we could the entire game.
As much as you think this goes on forever, it doesn't so I am telling you to enjoy it. Look up at the crowd, remember the chants, look at the old ladies waving their pom poms. Pick your teammates up when they are on the floor, let them know you are there for them all of the time, not some of the time but all of the time. That is how I have chosen to live my life. If someone needs me, I am there.
I want to tell you about a person that I know that never had a single high school experience like this. Can you imagine never having been to a high school game? Let me say, you guys are giving her an experience of a lifetime. You are making people happy.
Don't take it for granted just enjoy it. Now, let's go out there and try our best to get CLJJ ,it's first state championship. I am behind you, your teammates are behind you, your school is behind you and well, if you could see the stands, you would see that basically the whole town of Bluebell is behind you.
Lastly, someone please go out and break my assist record. If we can share the ball, we will hold the trophy at the end.
C-L-J-J on 3"
"1-2-3 C-L-J-J"
"Wade, thanks man. I thought you weren't good at public speaking. That was just what they needed."
"A friend of mine told me to speak from the heart and I will be fine. Hope it was ok. Goodluck Coach."
I joined Zoe, Lavon, George, Lemon, Matt and Allison. I told them I thought it went alright. The team came out for warmups as they did, they all came down our row and gave our whole row a high five and then gave me a fist bump as if to say thanks.
The game tipped off, with CLJJ winning the tip and a runaway dunk.
The crowd erupted. Winfield shot and missed. We rebounded and Jason threw the ball up the court for a layup to his teammate.
By half time we had 9 assists and we were up 3.
The team came out for the second half. Jason hit a couple of threes and then another assist for a dunk but when Greg Taylor came down , he landed right on his shoulder. He is our big guy. The crowd was at a hush. The athletic trainer ran out. Then looked over at the coach like it could be bad.
"Zoe said, I can help him Wade, he may need an actual doctor"
"Hey coach, Dr. Hart would like to see him, can she go out? She is his doctor of record."
"Yeah yeah, I don't care if he can play, just want him to be alright."
Zoe ran out. I was so glad she wore her tennis shoes all week.
She consulted with the trainer and then did her own examination. She determined that his shoulder had popped out of socket. She asked him if he wanted her to pop it back in or if he would like to be taken to the hospital. She said it is going to hurt. She told me later that he said "I can handle it Dr. Hart". She put in back in place and you could hear him scream. Every single one of his teammates met him at the spot on the floor and all walked over to the bench with him. I couldn't help but smile. It seemed as if they heard what I had to say. These were good kids and would have good friends for the rest of their life.
The game went on, Taylor sat out for a few minutes as the athletic trainer worked on his shoulder. Meanwhile Jason had gotten three more assists. I wasn't keeping track but I knew he was getting close to breaking my record. Taylor finally came back in and Jason got four more assists. I truly didn't know if he had broken my record. I hoped he had because we were winning. I thought to myself, if they win this game, even the guys that are just on the team in case everyone fouls out, will be getting lucky. A smile came across my face.
We didn't sit down the entire second half except when Taylor was hurt on the floor. So, when the final buzzer blew and the score was
CLJJ 73. Finley 67, everyone was hugging, the band played the fight song. We were State Champions.
During the trophy presentation, the announcer said Jason Knight had tied Wade Kinsella's assist record. The crowd roared once more. Our team cut down the nets. Bluebell was on its feet for nearly two hours. Our sleepy little town was awakened by some sixteen to eighteen year old boys.
Zoe and I had to get home. I had to work at the Rammer Jammer and Zoe needed to do some follow ups, plus she would be on call for Brick all weekend. Zoe couldn't quit talking about the game. We talked about Greg Taylor and how lucky we were that she was there in the stands.
We went to the Rammer Jammer so we could eat and I could work. When we stepped through the doors, there were CLJJ banners and videos playing. I went and got burgers and we sat down to eat.
Then the video started playing and Coach was talking about me.
"There has never been a better human being than Wade Kinsella. He didn't know until a couple of hours before that I wanted him to give the pregame speech. The guy comes in and tells the truth. He has been through a lot in his life and he has come out of it a stronger person. We should all want our boys to be authentic like Wade."
Then my speech played.
Everyone was clapping.
"Alright, alright, coach is ruining my rep."
"Wade, you just need to give in to what we have always known buddy, you are a great guy.'
"He is, isn't he? "Zoe said.
"Y'all are just wanting drinks on the house. I just took my lady on a three day vacation so I am out of free drinks."
Everyone laughed. Even though I was embarrassed, it made me feel really good that people thought I was a good person and believed in me. I hadn't believed in myself until Zoe Hart came into my life.
