Jack Parrish finished his coffee, folded the newspaper, and headed for the gym. He couldn't stop thinking about Abigail Foster. She seemed to have affected him in a way no other student had. It wasn't that hard to figure out why. Not only was she a good student and an excellent cheerleader, but she was also beautiful, intelligent, vivacious...and only seventeen. In addition, she was madly in love with his star football player, David Holland. Oh well, such is life, Jack concluded with a sigh as he reached the gym and prepared for his next class.
"Abby!" Abigail heard the shout of her boyfriend, David Holland, over the din of the other students' voices. He reached her side and gave her a quick hug and kiss.
"Hey, how's it going?"
"A lot better, now that I'm with you again." David put his arm around her and fell into step beside her as they walked away from the school.
"Mrs. Arcola said that she was coming to the game Friday night."
"Which we're going to win, of course. We'll have to, with you there. You're my good luck charm, girl."
"Oh, David!" Abigail blushed with pleasure.
"Hi, David!" Abigail saw her younger sister, Ellen, rushing toward them, several strands of dark blonde hair, moist with perspiration, sticking to her forehead.
"Hiya, Short Stuff," David greeted Ellen, who looked annoyed for just a moment but quickly regained her cheerful disposition.
"Are you coming over this afternoon?" Ellen asked hopefully.
"Of course I am! You know I'd never miss a chance to see your sister."
Ellen, looking crestfallen, fell into step behind David and Abigail.
While eating dinner that evening, Abigail began to feel a slight pain that seemed to be located directly behind her right eyeball. Abigail, who never got headaches, felt worried for a minute or two. Maybe it's just my hormones, or stress from school, she told herself.
"Do you feel all right, honey?" Beryl Foster's eyebrows were creased with concern.
"I'm fine, Mom. Just a little tired, is all," Abigail assured her. "A good night's sleep is all I need."
David held her hand a little longer than usual when he said good-bye to her later.
"Are you sure you feel all right, Abby?"
"I'm fine, David. Please don't worry about me."
"Okay, Abby. I'll see you at school tomorrow then."
He kissed her lips tenderly, even more tenderly than usual, before turning to leave.
From her bedroom window, Ellen watched the interaction and felt a longing stir deep inside her. Stop that, Ellen! You know it can never be, she told herself, trying with all her might to squash the sensation.
That night, Abigail went to sleep and dreamed of a winning football game and dancing with David at an after-game party.