Southern Attraction: The College Years Read online

  "So are you two here on a date?" Heather asked.

  "Yes, Mike called me this afternoon and asked me out tonight. So are you with Jake tonight?" Tina asked.

  "Yes. We decided we wanted to eat out tonight."

  "I see. So I haven't seen you at practice lately. Have you been sick?" Tina asked.

  "No, not sick. I've been seeing to Jake. Remember he got injured."

  "Of course. How is he?" Tina asked.

  "He is doing much better. I'll tell him you asked."

  Tina didn't notice how quiet Mike had been. She was happy that he finally asked her out and that someone had seen her out with him. She wanted her friends to know how good-looking her boyfriend was. Tina cared a lot about appearances. She was a lot like Stephanie. They had a lot of the same traits.

  Mike was a little shocked that he had seen Heather at the restaurant but glad too. He didn't want her to think that he couldn't find someone else if he wanted to. And, that he would not be waiting on Heather to make up her mind, for too long. He really cared about her, but he knew how she felt about Jake. He just couldn't figure out why she was still with him. He remembered their last conversation being about how upset she was with Jake. Now she was out on a date with him.

  "So I thought you were going to break up with Jake?" Mike said.

  "I never said I was breaking up with Jake. Who told you that?" Heather asked.

  Mike knew she hadn't said it, but wanted to get a response from her. He knew that she would get his meaning. It was his way of talking to her without Tina knowing what was going on. "You said you two were arguing a lot about him playing football."

  "Well we worked things out," Heather replied.

  "So you two are good then. I'm so happy for you," Mike said sarcastically.

  "I'm happy for you too," Tina said.

  "I better go. Jake is waiting on me," Heather replied.

  " I guess I'll see you in class tomorrow," Mike said.

  "I hope things work out for Jake," Tina said as Heather started to walk away.

  Heather was so upset at Mike. Was he trying to make me mad?" She wondered.

  Jake could see that Heather was upset about something when she returned to her seat. "What's up?" He asked.

  "Nothing. I just saw Mike and Tina over there," she said as she pointed across the room.

  "What did they say? Or are you upset he is here with Tina?" Jake asked.

  "Nothing really. It's just Tina being Tina. You know I don't get along with her that well. I was trying to be nice, and she said something that struck a chord with me, that's all."

  Heather didn't want Jake to get angry, so she hid the truth from him. She wanted her relationship to work, and now she was ready to move on. She was ready to let Mike move on too. Deep down, she had developed feelings for him, but knew it was time to let them go. She loved Jake, and now nothing was going to get in the way of them being together. Nothing.

  Chapter 15

  Coach Saban managed to bring his team to victory once again. They had won the next few games and now the SEC title was within their grasp. Jake went to practice despite being benched. He wanted to play so bad but knew that he couldn't question Saban's authority. He knew he would be able to play when Saban felt like he was ready.

  Heather missed the last couple of games because she spends a lot of time with her volunteer group. They had helped collect enough money from local businesses to build a home for a veteran, named Steve, who had lost both of his legs in Iraq. The Army had given him some money, but with his medical bills and other financial obligations, he couldn't afford to buy a home.

  Steve's wife Jackie was pregnant with their first child and was having a difficult pregnancy. She wasn't able to work because of her high blood pressure and her feet swelling. She had developed Pre-eclampsia, a disorder that occurs in pregnant women. It causes high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. The disorder can be dangerous if not treated.

  Heather donated most of her free time on making arrangements for the home to be built and with the exact specifications of Steve and Jackie. Jackie wanted a one story home with a large laundry room. Steve wanted a three bedroom with a basement. Neither were picky but thankful that there were compassionate and loving people in their community that wanted to help them. Heather felt a sense of accomplishment and joy in helping them. The way she was able to get people to donate felt like it truly was her calling, to help people.

  After a long day of work, Heather left work early to get some much-needed rest. Much to Heather’s surprise when she got home, Jake was standing outside her room, holding roses. “What’s going on?” She asked.

  Jake smiled as he gave her the flowers.

  “It’s not my birthday. It’s not our anniversary. So why the flowers?” Heather asked.

  "I just wanted to show you how much I love you and appreciate you," Jake replied.

  "That's sweet and thoughtful, thank you," Heather replied as she opened the door and motioned for him to come in.

  "Well, I haven't really been spending a lot of time with you, because of football practice and school work, that I just wanted to tell you that I love you. You mean a lot to me."

  "You mean a lot to me too," Heather replied as she hugged, then kissed him.

  "So do you want to go get some food?" Jake asked.

  "No, not really, I picked up a sandwich on the way home. I'm pretty tired. But, you can get something if you want."

  "No, I'm fine. I got some good news too that I wanted to share with you," Jake stated.

  "You do? What is it?" Heather inquired.

  "Coach Saban told me that I could play in the SEC game next week."

  Heather was a little surprised to hear that Jake would be playing in the game.

  "Are you sure you are ready? You did get injured really bad."

  "That was weeks ago. I'm fine. Heather, I can't say no to this. This is a dream come true. Do you understand that?"

  "I guess I can see where you would say that, but I thought we had talked about you not playing football. I thought you had... that you had decided to pursue other things."

  "No, I told you I would consider quitting football if I could get money for college. I can't lose my scholarship and if I don't play in the title game, I will."

  "You can tell them you aren't ready to play yet, or you're sick or something," Heather insisted.

  "I can't do that, and even if I could find a way to get out of playing, I don't want to. This is a great opportunity for me. There’s going to be scouts at the game. Pro-football scouts. It would be dumb of me not to play."

  "So that was what this was all about. You were trying to butter me up, before breaking the news to me," Heather replied.

  "What? No! I was hoping you would understand. And no I gave you flowers to tell you how much I love you, not to butter you up, as you call it. I can't believe you would even say that."

  "I'm telling you how I feel. And, you don't even seem to care."

  "You know I care. The thing is my girlfriend ought to care about me too. It shouldn't be one-sided."

  "I do care. That's why I don't want you playing. You've already been injured. What else is going to have to happen before you wake up."

  "Look, I'm heading home. But first, I hope you will think about what I said. This is a great opportunity, and I hope you will understand why it is important for me to play. After this game, we can look for other options, like we had talked about. But I need to... I have to play this game."

  As Jake headed home, he wondered how Heather and he was ever going to make it as a couple, if she couldn't be more supportive of him. He needed her support. Deep down the thought of playing in the title game frightened him. He was excited to be playing, but scared to death too. He wasn't scared of getting injured like Heather was, but afraid of how many people would be watching him. He might do something stupid. He could drop the ball, miss a pass, or be thrown out of the game for something. He wanted Heather to be happy for him; to show h
er support and love for him. Instead, she was acting like a brat that couldn't get her way. She was acting like the same spoilt person he had met in Huckleburg. He wanted the caring and devoted Heather back. Why did she change? He wondered. Was this change temporary or what?

  Chapter 16

  Heather tried to spend the next few days busy, trying to avoid thinking of Jake. She had received a couple of text from Jake but didn't reply back. She was still upset at the thought of Jake lying to her. He had to be lying, she thought. Why else would he be playing in the game, especially after their talk.

  As Heather was looking at paint samples, she heard her phone ring.

  "Hello," Heather said.

  "Hey, Heather, it's Mike. How have you been?"

  "I'm good. How is Tina doing?" Heather asked.

  "I knew you must have thought that was a date the other day. It wasn't. We are just friends."

  "Mike, I don't care. I'm happy for you."

  "You sure you don't care."

  "I'm positive. I'm with Jake remember," Heather replied.

  "Funny how two people who claim to be together spend so much time away from each other," Mike stated.

  "He's been practicing a lot, and I’ve been doing my volunteer work."

  "How is that working out?" Mike inquired.

  "It's really great. I think I have an act for it. Matter of fact, I think I'm going to change my major. I want to help people.'

  "That's really great. So I heard about the team going to the SEC game. I bet Jake’s really excited about it."

  "He is. I'm not though."

  "You're not? Why?" Mike asked.

  "Do you want to go for some coffee? Just friends remember," Heather reminded him.

  "Sure. I'll meet you at our coffee shop, Java Jaays," Mike said.

  "Our coffee shop?"

  "Yes! I'll see you in about 15 minutes," Mike replied.

  Java Jaays was extremely busy at this time of the day. Heather and Mike saw a lot of classmates around them. After Heather and Mike got their coffee order, they turned and saw a lot of football players dressed in their uniforms. Much to their surprise, Jake was sitting at a corner table staring straight at them.

  "Do you want to go somewhere else?" Mike stated, after seeing Jake.

  "No, I don't. Let's go sit over there," Heather replied as she pointed at a table on the other side of the shop.

  After sitting down, Mike turned back to see where Jake was at. He was a little worried that he might get punched in the face by him. The only thing that probably kept Jake in his seat was Saban sitting at the next table. He must have taken the team out for coffee after practice.

  "So what is up with you two?" Mike inquired.

  "We are still together?"

  "That's not what I meant," Mike replied.

  "I'm mad at him right now."

  "Why?" Mike asked.

  "He promised me that he was going to quit playing football."

  "What? Why?"

  "I had talked to him about my fears of him getting injured. We had discussed other options, and he said he would consider it. Then all of a sudden he tells me he is playing in the game."

  "Of course he's playing in the SEC Championship Title game. Why wouldn't he?"

  "Because he promised me," Heather replied.

  "Heather, you know what kind of opportunity this is for him. He would be nuts not to play."

  "So you are taking his side?" Heather asked.

  "No, but it's the SEC title game. It's only one of the most important games in sports. It's only..."

  "Yes, I get it," Heather interrupted.

  "Then you have to understand why he wants to play."

  "I guess to play is everything to a guy. But, I should mean more to him than any sport does."

  Mike didn't respond, and Heather figured it was because Jake was heading over. Sure enough when she turned around, Jake was standing right behind her.

  "Heather, what are you doing here?" Jake asked.

  "I'm drinking coffee. Just like you are."

  "Well, I'm heading home. Are you ready to go?" Jake inquired.

  "No. I'm here with my friend, Mike. We are talking, do you mind?"

  "Heather, if you don't leave now with me, then I might do something I will regret. Is that what you want," Jake asked, trying to stay calm.

  "You are being childish," Heather replied.

  Heather smiled at Mike, "I better go. We can talk later."

  "Bye. I'll call you later," Mike replied.

  As Heather and Jake left the coffee shop, Jake grabbed Heather and whirled her around. He grabbed her around the waist and gave her a passionate kiss. Some of his teammates cheered him on. Heather didn't think it was so funny.

  "What are you doing?" Heather asked as they walked outside.

  "I'm letting you know that I love you. You are my girlfriend and not Mike's. What are you doing hanging out with him anyway."

  "No, you are trying to tell Mike to stay away from me, aren't you?" Heather asked.

  "Yeah, maybe that too."

  "Well, I don't appreciate it. Besides, he is my friend, and I can hang out with anyone I want to."

  "Heather, I love you, but I want to make something perfectly clear with you. I better not ever see you with him again. I know he likes you. You are playing me for a sucker."

  "No, I'm not. Yes, maybe he does like me, but I told him I was with you. And besides that. You aren't my daddy, so you can't tell me who to hang out with."

  "Well, how do you think I feel seeing you with him, especially in front of all my friends."

  "I didn't know you were going to be there. I wasn't trying to upset you," Heather replied.

  "Well, you did."

  "I'm sorry. Why don't we go back to your dorm and talk."

  "That's a good idea. ...You are not still mad about me playing," Jake asked.

  "No. I guess not. Look, Mike told me how unreasonable I was being. How important the game was to you. So play this game, but promise me after this year it's over, you will move on, or at least think about it."

  "I promise. I love you and don't want to lose you," Jake said.

  "You won't. I love you too."

  Chapter 17

  Her cell phone ringing awakened heather. She had fallen asleep over at Jake's dorm-room.

  "Hello," Heather answered as she cleared her throat.

  "Hello Heather, this is Sally Miller, your uncle's friend. I have something to tell you."

  "Hello, Sally. Is Mick, okay?" Heather asked.

  "Well, that's the reason I'm calling. I am a little concerned. He's been really tired and not acting quite like himself."

  "What do you mean he's not acting like himself?" Heather inquired.

  "Well, his personality has changed a little. He's not as talkative, and he acts irritable a lot. I guess you have to be around him to really see it, but I know something's wrong."

  "Have you tried talking to him to see what's wrong? Maybe something's bothering him."

  "I have. That's not all. He's really tired. Mick has always had energy. He's always been upbeat. He just looks sickly to me."

  "Well if you really think he is sick, maybe you ought to call his doctor."

  "That's the thing; he doesn't really have a doctor. I mentioned that he might need to go to the doctor, and that's when he got so angry with me. He said he doesn't like doctors. Do you think you can call him or come home for the weekend?"

  "Of course. I'll try to talk to him and see what's going on and if he doesn't tell me anything, I'll come there and check on him, okay. Don't worry."

  "It's hard not to, but I'll try. Thanks, Heather," Sally responded.

  Jake was awakened by Heather talking on the phone. He didn't want to interrupt by asking who it was, so he waiting until she ended her call. "Who was that?"

  "That was Sally Miller."

  "Who?" He asked.

  "You know Sally, from Huckleburg. The one who owns the diner. Anyway, she called about my uncle, Mic
k. She said he was acting funny. I need to call and check on him," she said as she started to dial Mick's number.

  After the third ring, Mick answered the phone. "Hello."

  "Hey, Uncle Mick, how are you?" She asked.

  "Oh, I'm fine. It's good to hear from ye."

  "I'm just calling to see how you've been. Are you taking care of yourself?"

  "Yeah, Why? Did Sally call ye?"

  "She's just worried about you," Heather replied.

  "Well, I already told her I'm okay. She can be a real pest sometimes."

  Heather could hear it in his words that he wasn't himself. He sounded irritated. She remembers the last time she talked to him he was really happy. She could tell he really cared about Sally, and now he was saying this."

  "Uncle Mick I only have a couple of weeks left before finals. Then, I'm going to come home for a while. In the meantime, if you need me for anything, call me."

  "You know I will, but I can take care of myself."

  "I know you can. I love you, and I want you to be happy and healthy."

  "Alright, then. I guess I’ll see ye in a couple of weeks," Mick replied.

  After Heather hung up the phone, she told Jake what was going on, how Sally had called her and told her about Mick. "I'm really worried."

  "Well, like you said, you could go home in a couple of weeks and check on him. If he needs anything, he'll call."

  "I don't think he will. He's too prideful to call. I can't help worrying about him."

  "I know, but I'll go back with you, and we both can make sure he goes to a doctor for a checkup if Sally can't make him go."

  "So are you going to go to the game?" Jake asked.

  "Yes, but aren't we going together?" She asked.

  "Sorry, I have to go with the team. It's how it's always been. I can call you once we are there and tell you what hotel I'll be staying in."

  "Isn't it in Atlanta?"

  "Yeah. They usually have it there because it's a great stadium and they don't want to cater to one team."

  "Who are yall playing?" She asked.

  "Babe. Don't you know it's LSU?"

  "Yeah sorry. I have a lot on my mind," she replied.

  "So are you going to drive up with?" Jake asked.