Steady swimmer chapter 9
YEAR 3 Getting to know her
Nick & Wendy freshmen Columbia U.
Jamie – year 1 of Columbia Law. See A/N at the end of this chapter.
Eddie a HS senior.
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Ms. Miller's office –HS swim center
"Eddie, great to see you back. Are you ready for a record-breaking year?"
"I sure hope so! Do you have any tricks up your sleeve, coach?"
"Just one; you!" She grins at Eddie.
"Ok, what's up?" Eddie stands with her hands on her hips.
"I want to name you girl's swim team captain. Unless you talk me out of it."
"Is it possible to talk my way out of that?" Eddie frowns – but inwardly she is ecstatic!
Ms. Miller just smiles, and slowly shakes her head NO.
"I thought not," Eddie mutters. "Ok, so where do we start?"
Coach grins and motions for Eddie to take a seat.
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RING
"Jamie here, hi babe! How's it going? I really miss you, love!"
"Jamie, I miss you so much, and it's only been one damn day! How am I ever going to do this without you?"
"Hey, I'm just a phone call, or a video chat away. Until my classes start in 2 weeks, I can pick you up most every day after school; I'd like to do that. May I?"
"MAY YOU? Stupid question, buddy! I'll be waiting for you tomorrow. If you don't show I'll send both your brothers after you!"
"Ah, Eddie, let's not involve them, ok?"
"Ok, but I'll be waiting."
"Then we can talk about a schedule, now that you have your class schedule. Ok?"
"Yup! What's for dinner tomorrow night?"
"Wow! Inviting yourself over, now?"
"Well, you know, between you and your mom I thought it was a pretty safe bet."
"You got that right. I'll talk with my mom."
"Thanks, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" Eddie exclaims.
"Love you too, bye." Jamie sooths.
"Bye."
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"Mom, I have a question."
"Sure, Jamie. What is it?"
"Well, Eddie and I were talking a bit ago. I was wondering, how often could I ask her to stay for dinner."
Mary steps to him and envelops her baby in a tight embrace. "Jamie, it's going to be a long year without her, isn't it."
"Yeah." He almost cries.
"Well, let's say this. You may invite her to stay most any night, no limit. Unless one of your siblings is having a special meal. Then, you should ask them if it's ok. Just warn me or Pops so we can plan for one more mouth. Is that satisfactory? And we'll continue to expect her at Sunday dinner."
"More than ok, thanks mom! Eddie really loves you. I've been disappointed how little emotional support she gets from her parents."
"I've noticed that. I'm glad to see you filling that role for her."
"Yeah. And her mother and I are doing better since her broken hip. I was able to help support Sophia through that. She and I are getting along much better. She now approves of Eddie and me. And Sophia even asked me to see if she can meet you. I suggested meeting for coffee, or a lunch. What do you think?"
"That's wonderful. I'd like to get to know Mrs. Janko better. What would work with your and Eddie's schedules? Will you check with her?"
"I will, thanks mom."
"Thanks Jamie."
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During the next 2 weeks Jamie picks Eddie up each morning and drops her off at school. After school he picks her up and they spend dinner and the evening at the Bay Ridge Reagan home.
Her mother understands and supports this. BUT Sophia knows that Armin does not, and fears that he is about to explode. The 2nd Saturday of this stretch, Sophia asks Eddie and Jamie to have lunch with her and Mary. After greetings, the four sit and she begins to talk.
"Mary, I am so happy to meet you. I have something that I need to discuss with Edit and Jameson. Kids, I am very comfortable with your relationship. Edit hasn't been this happy, since I Don't know when. It brings joy to my heart."
"I agree," Mary adds. "I am thrilled that Jamie and Eddie found each other."
Jamie clasps Eddie's hand on top of the table.
Sophia continues, "I'm concerned about your father, however. "
"I am too," Eddie admits. "What can we do, mom?"
"Well, I have an idea. What would you two think of: spending 1 or 2 evenings a week at our apartment. Having dinner, then spending time with us or in Eddie's room. And, having lunch with Armin and me on 2 Saturday's a month." She pauses, looking for a reaction.
Mary is puzzled. She wasn't aware that Eddie's father was potentially so much of a problem.
Eddie & Jamie look at each other. Jamie nods, giving Eddie the chance to respond first.
"Well, I like the idea of spending more time with you and dad. Have you talked about this with him?"
"Yes, he was quite cool towards the idea, unfortunately."
Eddie looks to Jamie, imploring him to speak.
"I would like to try that, for a couple of weeks, maybe. May Eddie and I talk this over, look at our schedules, and she can get back to you?"
"Certainly. May I expect an answer in a couple of days?"
"I think so, Eddie?" Jamie looks to his girlfriend; then at his mother.
Mary speaks up, "Is there anything Frank and I can do to help with this?" She looks to Sophia.
"I don't think so. I really appreciate all the times you welcome my daughter into your home."
"Eddie is always welcome in our home. You never have to worry about that." Mary assures mom and daughter.
"Thank you, Mary," Sophia smiles at her.
"Mom. Thanks for thinking of this. And Mary, thanks for all your hospitality." Eddie adds.
Mary and Sophia talk and continue to get acquainted.
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JAMIE'S ROOM
The next evening Jamie & Eddie talk things over after supper.
"When does your swim team practice, Ed?"
"Every morning at 06:30, Monday thru Friday. Plus, extra practices and team meetings after school as needed. Here is my schedule. None of those extras are scheduled yet. I'll let you know as soon as I can about those."
"Well, my debate team is trying to decide when to practice. Given that you practice in the mornings, I will push for AM practice also. You know what . . . I think we should have a central, coordinated calendar. Any ideas?"
"Hm, I think my mom keeps a calendar on her laptop. I'll ask her, ok?"
"Sure. Let me know what you come up with."
"I will. Hey, babe, it's time for me to skedaddle. You taking me home? Maybe with a stop?"
"Stop? What do you have in mind?"
"You can guess. Only 1 try."
"You are a naughty little girl!"
Girl, yes. Naughty, maybe. Little, don't even think about it!"
"Yes, ma'am. Taxi leaves in 2."
"I'll be ready," she dashes off for a potty stop.
He follows close behind.
"I'm taking Eddie home, mom."
"Drive safe, and don't do anything your dad and I wouldn't do!"
"Gotcha mom!"
Their creativity is amazing!
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A/N: I realize law school requires college 1st, BUT this story is AU – that is Alternate Universe. So, in this universe that requirement doesn't hold. If AU bothers you, and you can't put it aside, you may want to switch to another of my stories. Not an AU one. 😊
DocR47
TBC
