Steady swimmer Chapter 2
Swimming is tough
Having won their district, the Barracudas are on to the regional competition. Eddie is entered in the 100 and 200 breast stroke; she is an alternate in the 200-freestyle stroke. She hopes she isn't needed for the freestyle, as that will compromise her ability to give her all in her preferred stroke – the breast.
Jamie knew nothing about swimming competitions until he met Eddie. Now he is a big fan and her loudest, most loyal supporter. At districts he sat through a 4-hour meet just to see her in the pool for 64 seconds. He surprised even himself. He was hoping to get some of his family to join him in the bleachers; he did get Nick, his debate partner, to come with him once. Only once.
Now, he would even watch her team practice if his debate practice wasn't at the same time. He and Nick were preparing for regionals themselves. They had come in 2nd at Nationals last year. This year they were going for gold; Eddie was his loudest, most loyal supporter. It almost killed her that she had to keep quiet during the debates. As opposed to the raucous environment at swim meets. What a difference!
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"What time is the regional meet, again?" Jamie asks.
"4 o'clock Saturday. Our bus leaves at 2:30, pre-meet meal is at 1:00. High carbs! I can get you a meal ticket, not the bus. Team and coaches only. Are you gonna come eat with us?"
"Yup, gotta keep you in line!"
"You mean try and keep up with me!" Eddie grins.
"Ah, no. Not trying to keep up. I learned my lesson last time. After my 2nd piece of garlic bread, I was done."
"Whimp!"
"No argument there."
"A championship debater giving up?" Eddie teases.
"At swim team meals, yes."
"Ok, I'll have our meal tickets tomorrow. Don't forget to ask me for yours."
"Got it!"
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Eddie and Jamie walk hand-in-hand into the natatorium for the pre-meet meal. She stops at the bulletin board to look at the meet information.
"Oh damn, look at that!" She huffs.
"What, babe?"
"I'm to do the 200 freestyle! And it's just before the 200 breast! DAMN!"
"Don't you get to choose, or pick?"
"Up to a point. I'm gonna talk to coach."
Eddie sees coach Wilson across the pool. She rushes over to her. "Coach, can we talk, please?"
"Sure, what's on your mind Eddie?"
"The 200 free; it's just before the 200 breast! You know what that will do to me!"
"I know, it'll be tough. But Amanda and Gayle just scratched. So, if you don't pick up the slack, we will have to forfeit that race. You are our best swimmer; I have faith in you." She squeezes Eddie's shoulder, and walks away.
Jamie was listening. He wraps Eddie up in a hug. "I have faith in you too, sweetheart. What can I do to help?"
"Cheer like mad. Pray like mad! I hadn't been practicing the free that much. Jamie, this is a disaster!" She is trying desperately not to cry; if Jamie wasn't here, she doesn't know what she would do. She leans into him for strength and comfort.
"I'll call the cavalry. We'll get you through this."
"You will?" Is there hope?
"Yup!"
They kissed long and passionately, not caring who was watching.
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REGIONALS
When the Barracudas marched out onto the deck the chant started: EDDIE – EDDIE – EDDIE – EDDIE!
It was slow and soft at first. It built in intensity as the team was announced, reaching a peak as Edit Janko was introduced; then it died down as the individual races were announced and swum.
If you looked at the bleachers carefully, you could see that Erin Reagan was directing the chant. She had, after all, experience as a cheerleader and cheer director. Yup, Jamie had called in the cavalry all right!
His family had responded to the call. Henry, Frank, Mary, Jack, Erin, Nicky, Danny, Linda, Joe and Angela (Joe's girlfriend) all responded. Jamie and Nick had managed to save seats on the end of rows 2 & 3; they had instructed the family to be there 20 minutes in advance of the start time. They all brought noise makers (no air horns) to add to Eddie's support.
The only disappointment was the absence of Sophia & Armin. She was used to the lack of support from her family. Jamie felt really bad about that. He had attempted to call them; he got their voice mail recording. He didn't know their cell numbers.
When Eddie was announced for her races, her support increased in tempo and decibel level. As she progressed thru her laps the fans reached a frenzy. It died down to a soft chant and clapping as she got out of the pool and dried off. She turned to wave and smile.
The results:
100-meter breast-stroke – GOLD MEDAL!
200-meter freestyle – BRONZE MEDAL!
200-meter breast-stroke – SILVER MEDAL!
Edit Marie Janko had medaled 3 times in a single regional competition. Only 1 other woman had ever done that.
Jamie had asked his family to congratulate Eddie first, before him. He wanted to be last. As Eddie left the podium from her 3rd medal receipt at the conclusion of the meet, the fans were allowed onto the deck. They flooded down, of course. The Reagan family engulfed her with joy.
Mary was first, "Eddie, my dear, you were fantastic! I am so proud of you!" She gave Eddie a hug and kiss on the cheek.
Frank and Henry echoed those sentiments; as well as the embrace and kiss.
All the rest of the family mirrored those congratulations.
Then Jamie stepped up and wrapped her in a massive embrace. He gave her a soft kiss on the lips, promising more later. "I am so damn proud of you, Eddie! You were magnificent all through that! Three medals, can you believe it?"
"No, it's hard to believe, Jamie." By now she was crying a river. "I couldn't have done it without you and your family. Your support, and the family-
By now she was sobbing in Jamie's arms.
Mary and Erin came over and made it a four-way embrace.
"Eddie dear, can you come home with us for a while and celebrate?" Mary asked.
"Ah . . . really?" Eddie was overwhelmed.
"Absolutely," Erin added.
"Ok, I will. Thank you so much for being here and supporting me."
"Let's go babe," Jamie whispered.
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BAY RIDGE, BROOKLYN
Henry had hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, popcorn, chocolate cake, mixed nuts and other assorted goodies on the dining room table for folks to pick and choose from.
The party atmosphere was subdued but very happy.
As things were winding down, Joe asked Eddie if she needed a ride home. She accepted, then shared that she would be alone; her folks were away on business. Jamie overheard.
He sidled up to his mom and dad. "Do you think Eddie could stay the night in Erin's old room? She will be all alone at home."
Frank and Mary looked at one another. "I don't see why not," Mary responded. Frank nodded his consent.
Jamie goes over go where Eddie and Joe are standing.
"Eddie, I asked mom & dad; I have the ok to offer you Erin's old room for tonight. So, you don't have to be alone. Will you stay, please?"
"Ah, are you sure?" Eddie is hesitant.
"I'm sure. Please."
"Ok."
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NEXT MORNING
Eddie pads downstairs in Erin's old robe; she had to hitch it up, it was so long for her! Entering the kitchen she is met by a huge smile from Henry.
"There she is, I'm working on a breakfast fit for a champion!"
She blushes. "Henry, I only won one race."
"My dear, you were the finest lady in the water last night. Bar none! Don't let anyone say otherwise!"
She hung her head and blushed.
"Amen to that," was echoed by Mary, Frank and Joe as they arrived shortly after.
"Where is sleepy-head Jamie?" Asked Joe.
"I didn't see him when I came down," Eddie said. "Shall I go get him?" she added.
"Yes, please," Mary smiled. "He can be tough to wake up."
"I think I can do it," Eddie smirked.
She noisily goes upstairs and bursts into Jamie's room. "Up, sleepy-head. Breakfast of champions awaits!"
"K . . . coming." He doesn't move.
She pounces on him. He quickly turns over; they roll onto the floor-
"J-
He covers her mouth with a kiss.
Her eyes go wide. He replaces his lips with his hand.
"Shhh . . . don't bring the cavalry!"
He gives her another passionate kiss, then lets her up.
"Good morning champ!" He grins.
She smacks him on his ass.
He reciprocates. They grin and descend to breakfast.
TBC