Steady swimmer Chapter 3

Just Talking

A debate is just two people talking to (or at) each other, right? Ah, no. Just ask Jamie Reagan.

just as Jamie had no knowledge of, or interest in, competitive swimming before he met Eddie Janko; so, Eddie had the same black hole regarding competitive debating. It was just talk, talk, talk. Right? Wrong.

Of course, she had met and was falling for a debater. Is that really what he is called, in this context? We will go with it for now.

It is 2-weeks after Eddie led her Barracuda swim team to a regional championship. She had won 3 medals; a gold, a silver and a bronze. Only 1 other swimmer at her school had ever accomplished that feat. She still has a hard time believing her accomplishment was real. Jamie pinched, or tickled her occasionally to make it real.

Now, Jamie and Nick are 1-week away from their own regional competition. Eddie & Wendy are helping their boyfriends prepare. They are up in Jamie's room, seated Indian style on the floor.

"Ok now, explain this again, to your girlfriends," Wendy pleads.

Jamie and Nick look at each other, and roll their eyes.

"Hey, now," Eddie swats Jamie's chest. "We are trying to help you guys here."

"Help? By repeating the same elementary explanation for the 1000th time?" Nick snorts.

"Please," Wendy begs with a major league pout.

"Ok," Jamie relents. "This is the absolute LAST time! The debate will be in 3 rounds. Rounds 1 & 2 will be classic style. Pro 1 vs Con 1, Pro 2 vs Con 2, POI may be raised once during these two rounds. Then Sum 1 vs Sum 2."

"What is POI again?" Eddie remains puzzled.

"POI = Point of Information. It is asking for clarification on a point of fact or opinion in the opponent's presentation." Nick clarifies.

"In rounds 1 & 2 the teams have their assigned topics (pro and con) given to them 24 hours before the debate begins. The 3rd round will be impromptu. Those topics (pro & con) are given to the teams 30 minutes before round 3 begins." Jamie explains, "along with information i.e. articles and such."

"Wow, that has to be hard," Wendy scowls.

"Yeah," Nick admits. "But a team that really knows its stuff, like me and Jaymo, can do it. We've actually won the impromptu round the last 6 debates we have been in." Nick puffs out his chest. Wendy swats him.

"Ok, what sample topic do you want to do for us?" Eddie asks. "Shall we pick one for you?"

"Go ahead."

The girls pick a slip of paper out of the popcorn bowl. "Here it is: Fluoridation of drinking water is helpful vs It is actually harmful."

"NO, not that again!"

"Yup, you guys put those topics in the bowl."

"No, we didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"Didn't."

"Did."

Jamie and Nicholas won their regionals again!

888888888888888888888

GRADUATION

The Reagan family was out in force for graduation. Jamie would be a senior at the end of the ceremony. And Eddie would be a junior. Cell phone cameras were busy, clapping and cheers were vigorous for both outstanding students.

Jamie marched with Elizabeth, a previous girlfriend in 7th and 8th grades. He had warned Eddie that Beth would probably do a ton of flirting; but that she should not be concerned no matter what she saw or heard. He now had eyes (and lips) only for her. PROMISE! Eddie said she would do her best to control the green-eyed monster!

AWARDS

Jamie was awarded valedictorian for his class. This could change for his senior year if he didn't keep up the good work, he was serious about doing just that.

Just before the close of commencement Mr. Wilson, the principal, stood up and announced: "We have an award to present this year that is an occasional award. This academic year one young lady distinguished herself in the classroom and in the pool. She won the annual calculus project with her partner Jameson Reagan-

The Reagan guests erupt, they know it's EDDIE!

"And she accomplished something only 1 other student athlete has ever done! She won 3 medals at the regional swim meet, leading our girls' team to a championship! Would Edit Marie 'Janko please join me on the stage?"

Again, the Reagan's erupt . . . it was bittersweet however, her parents weren't present.

Eddie joins the principal on the stage. She is presented with a plaque, a sash and a certificate. Her picture is taken with Mr. Wilson, by herself and with Jamie, her calculus project partner.

After graduation she joins the Reagan's at their Bay Ridge home for a family celebration.

Jamie pulls her into a bear-hug. "I'm so proud of you. You are amazing, Eddie! He gives her a chaste kiss on the lips, "More later," re whispers in her ear.

"You better," she whispers back.

After they have their plates stacked with goodies and are seated, Joe comes in and approaches Jamie. "Hold out your hands bro," he states.

Jamie does, Joe drops some keys in his hands.

Frank stands and speaks, "Your pre-graduation present is in the driveway, Jameson. Your mother and I wanted to reward you for all your hard work. We are confident that you will keep it up. Congratulations, son. And Eddie, we are all immensely proud of your award. Congratulations! Now, Jamie, you can drive Eddie home after we are done."

Jamie has to go look; it is a 2-year-old Mustang! He can't believe it!

THE RIDE HOME

Jamie is taking Eddie home; from his Bay Ridge home where he lives with his parents to Eddie's current Park Slope apartment where she lives with her folks. After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, he pulls into the Bridge Park parking lot. They are not alone, but nobody is looking at anyone else.

She curls up in his lap and they kiss and talk.

"Jamie?":

"Yes, Sweetheart?"

"Have you applied for any college scholarships yet? Looking ahead, I mean?" He is starting his senior year.

"Yes, I'm starting that. You know that I'm looking at law school, right?"

"I know. Where are you looking? Here in NYC, elsewhere?"

"I've gotten a favorable response from Harvard and Columbia so far. Why?"

"Well, yesterday I got a letter from Columbia. They inquired about my interest in Physical Education and Public Health – a dual Major they specialize in. I think my medals at regionals got their attention."

"I'm sure they did. That was an impressive achievement. Columbia seems to be getting in the race for champions early!"

She swats him lightly. "What do you think flattery will get you, mister?"

"Another kiss?"

"OK!"

It does.

8888888888888

TBC