"So how did it go today?" Mary finished folding the laundry before climbing into bed with her husband.
"It went really well, I told him the story about Will…" Mary looked over at her husband that story was taboo for Frank. "I think it gave him a little bit more ease, you know?"
"It's been years since I heard you even mention that story," Mary mentioned.
"It has been." Frank agreed.
"Did he say anything about what happened in there or how he felt after?" Mary was Intrigued.
"He seemed calm, we really didn't talk about it on the way home." Frank and Mary talked about other things before turning the lights out and going to bed.
Eddie yanked Jamie's shirt hard pulling him into her direction. "Why didn't you come to school yesterday? or not call me back!"
"Good morning to you too and I had therapy." Jamie fixed his shirt.
"Jamie, I-I'm sorry how did it go?"
"It was okay, the lady was really cool and we were just talking," Jamie explained
"Do you plan on going back?" Eddie asked
"Well I don't have a choice but I like it, I guess," Jamie replied blandly.
"That's great Jamie!"
"But what were you trying to tell me ." Eddie nearly forgot.
"Jamie…" Eddie looked at him seriously. "My parents know about... Us."
"Okay," Jamie said confused.
"That's not okay, my parents are nut jobs compared to yours."
"Wait-wait. You never told your parents about us?" Jamie seemed sad about it.
"No, I didn't, Jamie my parents are so different... Your parents are kind and understand… but mine, they're not and they're never home, they say what they think and it's horrible, I'm sorry I didn't tell them but you have to understand."
"Okay, I get it." he understood it in a way.
"Thank you." Eddie grabbed his hand.
"But what were you calling about last night?"
"They tried to set me up with a prom date!" Jamie's eyes widened. "That's when I told them we were dating and they want to meet you. My dad likes baseball so I was hoping he could come to the State qualifier that's tomorrow with me."
"Of course that's exciting." Jamie said nervously showing the same signs Eddie did when she first met his parents." Eddie looked at him nervously, he wanted to change the tone of the conversation.
"Well do you want to come over after school today? no one will be home." Jamie smiled closing the gap between them. Eddie blushed slightly.
"I would love to but I'm going prom dress shopping."
"Oh alright but listen, I have an idea for the photography final."
"I'm listening?" Eddie was intrigued.
"I'm thinking since Mason's tombstone comes in tomorrow maybe we can do something with it."
"Okay I like that, what are you thinking about doing." The bell rung before he could answer.
"That's the thing I'm still thinking this is due next week so I'm really trying to figure something out, but I have to get to class."
"Okay, we'll talk." Jamie kissed her softly before disappearing into the crowd of student's
"The past few months have been a giant roller coaster for us all, we lost a special person. Mason Reid was a pillar to this team, he loved all of you and I know he is proud of you all today. So win or lose we all should be proud." Coach Troy smiled at his boys.
"Thanks, coach. Let's do it for Mason."
"Congratulations Jamie!" Joe ran up to him. The family members, watched tirelessly as they played Palo Verde high school, they were on the edge of their seat the game had been so close, with Jamie delivered the last strikeout ending the game, The crowd erupted cheers, the players had run to the mound to hug Jamie, The team that was once lost, heartbroken three months ago made a complete turn around.
"That game was great!" Mary beamed
"We were literally on the edge of our seats!"
"That two-seam fastball, in the end, had me scared." Danny roughed his hair.
"Congrats Jamie." Eddie walked up beside her a man none of them had ever seen before.
"Hey!" One thought and one thought only. That man is her father.
"Hey, everyone this is my dad, Armin, dad this is Jamie his Father Frank and his Mother Mary and his siblings, Danny, Erin, and Joe." they properly greeted each other with a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Janko." Jamie also shook his hand.
"That was a great game." Armin smiled.
"Thank you so much!" Jamie smiled.
"Meet us in the parking lot! we're going out for dinner! Eddie and Armin you're welcome to join." Mary happily invited, soon later there just stood Eddie her father and Jamie. The air was a little bit awkward.
"So how long have you guys been dating?" Armin asked. 'Jeez, this guy couldn't wait to peel the Band-Aid' Jamie thought in his mind.
"Yeah dad, I told you we have been for two months."
"Oh I see, Edit here tells me you have a full-ride scholarship at Columbia?"
"Yes, sir."
"She also told me you had one to UCLA." That's a name Jamie hadn't heard in a while.
"Yeah I did, but in the end, I figured out where I wanted to go and where I wanted to be."
"You're a smart boy, that knows what you want to do, that's wonderful. I can tell you treat my daughter the way she deserves to be treated, and I have no complaints, it's upsetting we're just now meeting, but I'm to blame for that I will always out of the city,"
"It's okay, I'm glad we met," Jamie responded
"I'm glad we had the chance to talk a little bit, Edit you can go ahead to dinner I have a little meeting in Midtown,"
"Okay, dad thanks!" Armin kissed Eddie on her forehead before waving off the two. Jamie's face showed a little bit more relief.
"Don't get too comfortable Jamie wait until you meet my mom!" Eddie agonized.
"Is it going to be that bad." Jamie winced, Eddie nodded confirming.
Next thing the two knew it was Saturday, Prom day. Jamie and Eddie hadn't really seen each other the past two days, Eddie was busy spending time with her parents and getting ready for prom and Jamie the same, They won their game advancing to state, Which was the most special thing in the world for him and his teammates.
"Jamie I need pictures of you and Eddie!" Mary scolded
"I promise we'll take some at the Jankos!" Jamie replied back.
"You better not forget! this is my babies first and last prom!" Mary's eyes watered, she quickly tried to whip them.
"Mom." Jamie watched her get all emotional. "Two years at Columbia then you'll be making your way to Harvard law… My baby."
"Yeah, I'll still need to keep my grade point average mom." He hugged her.
"The keys are on the counter, I want you and that car home no later than 11:30 pm!"
"Seriously? I turn 18 in a few weeks!"
"And curfew still applies to you!"
"Fine see you at 11:30." Jamie huffed.
"Have a great night son." Frank handed him the corsage.
"Thanks, Dad." Jamie drove over to Eddie's house his heart was beating like crazy, overall her dad seemed like a great person and Jamie was grateful he came to his game. He walked up the long driveway, finally making it to the front door where he knocked twice, then ringing the doorbell. a few moments later Lisa answered the door.
"Hello Jamie, I'll get her right away," She opened the door inviting Jamie in. "Edit!" a few minutes of waiting Eddie's father emerged from his office right down the hallway.
"Good to see you, Jamie." Her father greeted him with a firm handshake.
"Likewise, Mr. Janko."
"You ready for State Tuesday!? You'll be playing on a college field. I know exactly why they picked that venue! the crowd will be massive!"
"Exactly! we played there last year when we took state. but the seats weren't crazy packed, they already sold out of tickets," guesses were, is because the team lost their ace pitcher.
"Edit told me all about that, I'm so sorry for your loss, she says you two were best friends since kindergarten," he said sadly.
"We were inseparable." Jamie smiled slightly.
"Just know you're doing the kid proud." Armin padded Jamie's shoulder. Eddie and her mother appeared from the top of the steps. Eddie had a beautiful black dress on, i mean the dress was something Jamie had never seen before. he stood there puzzled.
"You look amazing sweetheart," Armin mentioned.
"Thanks, dad," Eddie responded looking over at Jamie he continued to just stare at her. "What do you think?"
"You look... beautiful." Her cheeks blushed a bit. finally removing his eyes from her he made eye contact with her mother. "Hello Ms. Janko, I'm Jamie Reagan."
"Reagan, any relation to the old NYPD Commissioner Reagan?"
"Yes, my grandfather is Henry Reagan." Armin's eyes widened at the boy's words.
"Fascinating." Lena smiled.
"Yeah, mom I told you he comes from a family of cops."
"Meanwhile I had no idea." Armin smiled nervously.
"Oh I probably didn't tell you dad but his family you met yesterday, they are all NYPD Blue, his dad is a Lieutenant, while One of his brothers is a homicide detective and the other one an officer, even his sister is an attorney with the Manhattan district attorney office."
"Wow, it's in your blood."
"Any plans to become blue?" Lena asked.
"Not really at the moment, my main goal is to make it to Harvard law after two years at Columbia."
"Oh wow!" Lena began.
"We'll let's have the photos taken." Armin rushed. Jamie removed the corsage from the plastic box, perfectly placing it on Eddie's wrist. all the lessons Erin had with him last night showing him how to place it on paid off.
"Say cheese you too." after taking the pictures Armin seemed to rush the rest of the conversations and nearly pushing the two out the door "You don't want to be late! drive safe have her home by 11!"
"No later then." Jamie agreed. Armin closed the door. after all, dad noticed her father's weird behavior but chose not to say a thing. arriving at the dance it was your typical high school dance, they had a DJ, food, tables, an open dance floor just a typical high school prom.
"Wanna dance?" Jamie asked he saw a lot of the people that were dancing were his teammates and other classmates so it only felt right to ask he thought.
"Sure, I never thought you'd ask." she laughed, the couple joined the others that were on the dance floor, the laughter wouldn't stop, Eddie thought Jamie was a horrible dancer but that didn't stop him for dancing with his teammates obnoxiously.
"Let's get something to drink?" Jamie asked sorta out of breath.
"Yeah." Eddie laughed.
"Gosh Jamie you're so damn cute but you can not dance!" She continued to giggle as they walked over to the drink station.
"What are you talking about I have the best moves out there?" Jamie began doing a dance Eddie absolutely despised.
"Stop it!" Jamie laughed at her embarrassment of him. "Oh my god! Denise is here!" Eddie smiled, Denise had become her best friend since coming to this school. "She's with her boyfriend Micheal!"
"Micheal Capaldi?" Jamie looked over into that direction.
"You know him?" Eddie looked at Jamie. 'That's a damn understatement' Jamie thought.
"Yeah, I know him." Jamie turned away showing no further interest in the conversation whatsoever. Eddie had ignored it for now and called Denise over, of course, accompanied by her was Micheal.
"Hey, Eddie! you look amazing!" Denise smiled hugging her.
"You too Denise! that maroon dress is gorgeous!"
"Thank you! and oh Eddie, this is my boyfriend Micheal!"
"Hey!" Eddie happily greeted, hearing so much good from Denise about him, it was about time she met him.
"Nice to meet you," Micheal responded nicely. "Is that you Reagan?" Micheal looked passed Eddie to see Jamie, pouring himself something to drink. Jamie briefly turned back before continuing what he was doing.
"Sup dude," Jamie said the most enthusiastic voice imaginable.
"So uh I hear you might get the school a two-peat." Michael said awkwardly, 'Two peat' meaning another state win.
"I guess," Jamie still had his back turned.
"Before Michael graduated he and Jamie and the baseball team, they won state last year," Denise told Eddie, she had no idea Michael was even on the team.
"Oh that's cool you guys are old teammates!" Eddie smiled tugging on Jamie's tux she's not understanding why he is being so unapproachable.
"Sorry about Mas," Micheal began, he was the only one of the six previous Seniors that wasn't at Mason's wake or said any condolences of any kind, to any of the teammates. "Sorry I wasn't there for any-" Jamie interrupted his sentence chugging down whatever he had put in that cup, and tossing it in the trash
"Tssh." Jamie hissed, walking away in the middle of Micheal talking to him. Which sure as hell shocked Eddie and Denise.
"I'm so sorry! I don't know what's going on with him! hold on I'll be right back." Eddie walked after him. She took his hand and guided him into the empty quiet hallway. "What the hell! Jamie." Eddie scolds him, "That was completely rude!"
"Oh well," Jamie said, she couldn't understand why he looked to be so pissed off.
"Well…. You do understand that was rude right?"
"Well, I don't care for the guy." Jamie snapped back.
"Wait wait, I don't get it… I thought you guys were old teammates." Eddie was missing what the heck was going on. Jamie had no idea if and how he should tell Eddie.
"Eddie let's not do this," Jamie asked.
"Tell me" She ignored his plea. "What's up Jamie?" He sighed rolling his eyes.
"Listen, Eddie, Micheal is a douche, I'm not the only one to think this after we won state last year he did some messed up shit." Eddie's eyes widened, Jamie never swears.
"What did he do?" The memories flooded back way too easily.
13 Months ago.
"I can't believe, your mom actually let you come out." Mason laughed. Jamie being a junior in high school left no room for freedom, Jamie's family never let him go out late or go to parties no matter if he was with Mason or not.
"Yeah, well she didn't, my parents are working late tonight, Erin let me go." Jamie sighed, Erin will hold this over his head for a long time.
"Well, it doesn't matter! Jamie, you're finally going to a damn party with me! If I had a dollar for every party I attended this year and got 'Mason, you're here! but where's Jamie' I wouldn't need to work a day in my life."
"I know, I know, you tell me this all the time."
"Hopefully when we start Senior year in the fall we can go to more or Reagan you're going to be anti-social when we go to UCLA."
"How am I even close to anti-social?" Jamie defended.
"Really? all you do is hang out with your girlfriend and go to practice."
"We always hang out?" Jamie responded.
"I don't count we're basically family," Mason pointed out.
"And she's not here now."
"Yeah, she said she was going to Jersey to visit her grandma or else she probably would be." Mason had no idea if Teresa liked him because Jamie would always be with Mason and it seemed like she would get upset.
"Are we going into this party or what," Jamie said, one of the seniors on the team threw a party celebrating the win. The two got out of Mason car and walked down the long packed street, there were a lot of kids there, school had just got out today and this year's seniors are graduating Saturday.
"Jamie at a party?" Kastin joked when Jamie and Mason walked in.
"Yeah, yeah," Jamie replied.
"Want a drink?" another senior held up two beers.
"Nah, I'm driving." Mason held up his keys.
"I'm good, maybe later." The senior walked off. Mason looked at Jamie.
"You have no intention of drinking at all do you?"
"Nope." Mason laughed. The two spent time talking to some of their classmates and some seniors while Jamie and Mason were maneuvering through the packed crowd finally making it into the empty backyard Jamie accidentally bumped into a couple making out, the couple stopped looking over at Jamie. Mason's jaw nearly hit the floor he was so shocked.
"Teresa?" Jamie fumed.
"Woah, what the hell, Micheal?" Mason jumped in.
"Jamie I-" Teresa was at a loss of words.
"Listen, it's not what it looks like." Micheal stepped away from Teresa.
"That's bullshit, Capaldi!" Jamie sneered, he then looked over at Teresa "You're my girlfriend and your kissing my teammate, not to mention you lied saying you were in Jersey.."
"Jamie listen-" Teresa began.
"No, I'm not going too if it wasn't obvious we're done." Jamie back away when she advanced on him with tears in her eyes. "And I oughta kick your ass, Micheal," Mason grabbed Jamie's arm leading him back, "I thought you were one of my friends!"
"Let's just go Jamie." Mason pulled him back, Jamie is and never has been the fighting type but he was no softy, Jamie could fight if he needed too and fight good. So Mason knew that threat wasn't empty. Teresa followed Jamie and Mason through the lawn.
"Jamie please." She cried. Jamie finally turned around he was badly annoyed.
"Why are you the one crying, Teresa?" Jamie turned around to make his point.
"Because I'm sorry! it was a mistake I had a few drinks just listen." She yelled.
"I don't want to listen because I don't want to be with you anymore! Do you know how humiliating that was? you know what… never mind, I swear… Mason lets get out of here before I lose my mind." Jamie walked off to the car.
"Please tell him this-" Teresa began.
"I'm not telling him anything for you, Jamie is a good dude, he wouldn't even give these other girls the time of day because that's how committed he was to you." Mason jogged off to catch up with Jamie.
PRESENT TIME
"Micheal is the guy, you were talking about that one day in my room when you said, she cheated on you for an upperclassman." Jamie nodded his head confirming "Oh wow."
"Do you understand why I can't stand that dude?" Eddie nodded her head. "He, was my teammate Eddie not only did he play baseball with me, he knew Teresa was my girlfriend and he was getting with her, and turned out later we found out that wasn't the first time," Jamie complained. 'Wait what?' Jamie thought. 'Why am I getting so emotional and explaining this to my current girlfriend.'
"No, I definitely get it, Bro code is a serious thing." Eddie understood.
"But anyways Teresa is irrelevant, when he graduated, he went to college in New Jersey, and after Mason died he was the only one not there. We were all so close on the team and he wasn't there, I know people have life's but a phone call would have made all the difference. At least a little. I know me and him aren't cool but Mason was a friend to everyone, I think he deserved better."
"Yeah, definitely," Eddie responded.
"But it really doesn't matter now-"
"We can go get some food and get out of here." Eddie offered.
"You sure? we haven't been here long."
"Yeah, I am." Eddie definitely wanted to set Jamie's mind on other things. The two said their goodbyes to a few of his teammates that were still on the dance floor.
"Where do you want to eat?" Eddie asked Jamie opened the passenger side door.
"I'm going to take you to this steak house... It's so good but also not crazy expensive, it's like if Peter Luger's had a kid."
Eddie laugh "Sounds good to me." After arriving at the restaurant, the two ordered their food, Jamie got steak and lobster while Eddie had the shrimp pasta, they talk about many things, they're school project which they have to turn in on Wednesday, the day after the State game, Also Thursday being they're very last day of school and graduation on Saturday, saying this week is busy is an understatement.
"I have to talk to the principal about it tomorrow but I don't see the big deal." Jamie stammered.
"Tomorrow we get our caps and gowns, it's crazy how fast things are going."
"I know I still haven't written my valedictorian speech." Jamie continued to eat, Eddie couldn't let that slide.
"Jamie are you serious? why not!"
"Well, I don't know what to say." He responded innocently.
"I can help you draft out a little at least! this speech matters." Eddie quipped.
"Thank you, Eddie but I got this, I'll start it tonight." He seemed nervous about it, he paid the bill and the two left the restaurant it was around 10:30 so they had another hour or so to mess around with,
"Imma show you the hideout me and Mason would always go to." Jamie mention taking the left where they've should had gone right.
"Hideout?" Eddie laughed. the two pulled into the harbor parking lot.
"Okay, it's not a hideout really but this place is just where Mason and I would come to and just talk about life, we'd look out to the city lights, and just talk about the future." The spot was perfect the Brooklyn bridge was in perfect view with Manhattan being right across the water.
"I swear, I wish I had a friend like that, I moved a lot so I never really had a chance to form a bond like that."
"I was lucky, wasn't I?" Jamie turned the car off, he leaned back in the seat taking in the view.
"Yeah," Eddie did the same.
"Man this view takes me back, I haven't been here in so long."
"Jamie, I love it when you include me in things that really mean a lot to you."
"Of course I would include you in things… you mean a lot to me." Jamie took her hand. "Without you Eddie I don't know, I'd feel so alone," Jamie said honestly.
"Jamie."
"It's true," He laughed. "You're my best friend, it's hard to be without that."
"you're my best friend too, you suck at dancing but I guess you are." She joked.
"I'm a great dancer." Jamie laughed. Jamie played with his hand interlocked in hers.
"Sure you are." She absolutely adored his laugh. "Jamie… Can I ask you something?"
"Of course what's up." Butterflies in her stomach gathered like crazy.
"Are you a virgin?" His eyes widened, her question took him by complete surprise.
"No, I'm not." He looked at her to gauge her reaction.
"Oh." Eddie always had a feeling that would always be his answer it was just weird to confirm.
"What about you?" He responded.
"Yeah I am." she looked at him nervously paying attention to his reaction. "It's probably weird though."
"It's not, why do you say that?"
"I dunno, you've probably been with a lot of girls that have experience."
"Woah woah, 'Lots' I'm not a man whore." Jamie laughed "But Eddie that's not a bad thing."
"I guess." she seemed unsure
"I mean it." Jamie sat up.
"How come you never asked to have sex," Eddie asked.
"That's a two-way street, I've never asked because I wanted you to be ready, I didn't want to rush things because I wanted to be sure and i know i am."
"Sure of what." She wondered.
"That I'm in love with you." He looked at her, he was dead serious.
"That's a relief." Eddie's eyes watered. "Because I'm in love with you and it's been driving me crazy! I didn't say anything because I didn't know if you felt the same or if I would come off as weird or anything like that." Jamie interrupted her, kissing her passionately. moments later the kiss paused briefly.
"There's no rush to anything." He smiled.
"Okay." Eddie felt relieved, the two continued to city gaze, watching ever plane fly over the New York skyline.
TBC!
Next Chapter includes, LAST WEEK OF HIGH SCHOOL THEN GRADUATION! also what's up with Eddie's dad? shhh! lots more to come! I plan to make this story go through their college days and even Jamie taking Eddies virginity who knows! let me know what you guys what to read if you're still interested REVIEW PLEASE! good or bad!