This is a story about what it takes to be in professional sports. For you little censors out there, note that sex doesn't enter the picture until all the characters are eighteen or older.
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The first time she saw him she was only twelve but she knew that one day he would be hers and hers alone. She practically ran home after school that day.
"Mama," she chattered excitedly, "I saw the cutest boy at school today. I want to date him!"
"Now Monique, you know you are too young to date. What is so wonderful about this kid? I've never seen you act like this over a boy," her mother, Cybil, chided.
"I don't know mom. There is just something different about him. I'm afraid that if I don't get to date him, some slut will come zooming in and he'll be gone forever!"
"If he is worth anything, he can stand a slut assault. You guys are so young! Later on, if you still like him, you can date him, okay?"
"Okay mom, but can I still be friends with him?"
"Of course honey. Just don't do anything stupid."
It took a year for Monique to bring him home.
"Mama, this is Gerald Pearson. He's the one I told you about!" she squeaked.
After seeing Gerald, Monique's mom could easily see what had attracted her daughter. Gerald was tall with short curly blond hair. He had a winning smile and exuded an air of confidence when he talked.
"I'm very pleased to meet you Mrs. Moraine. Monique has told me a lot about you. I must say that I can see where see gets her beauty."
A little shiver ran down Cybil's spine. She knew that his boy would eventually take her daughter and she knew there was nothing she could do about it. He moved with the grace of a tiger. Just looking at him, she knew he was very strong. He was quite handsome and well mannered.
"Come in the living room and sit down," Cybil said.
Both teenagers followed her into the room.
"Have a seat," she instructed.
With a note of finality in her voice, Cybil told them, "Since you are both going through puberty, I want to discuss some things related to young teenagers. First," she said looking directly at Gerald, "My daughter is too young to be sexually active. You are too. You only have one chance to do this the right way and if you blow it, the consequences can be horrendous. Do you understand?"
"Yes maam," Gerald answered. "We discussed this in sex education class and Monique has decided she wants to be a virgin when she gets married. So do I. I'm not saying your fears are groundless because Monique is a truly beautiful person and anyone who is around her will be sorely tempted but I promise you that I'll be chaste until we are much older."
"Yes mama, I know that our hormones will boil from time to time but we will just have to exercise some control over our temptations. When the time is right and if Gerald is the right one then I will give myself to him."
They seemed entirely too level headed for thirteen year olds, but Cybil knew that enough had been said for now.
"Okay, so much for the morality lecture. How are you doing in school Gerald?"
"I am getting straight "A"s. Next year I'm going to be the quarterback on the football team. Until then I have a part time job at my dad's feed store."
Somehow that seemed to relieve Cybil. If only he weren't so damned perfect! She fed them some grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and then they escaped to the park.
"Sometimes mama can be such a pain!" exclaimed Monique.
"You should be glad she is looking out for you. Some mothers don't give a damn about their kids."
"I suppose you're right. Let's walk around the pond and then I have to go home."
Hand in hand they toured the park. They held hands all the way home.
On the front porch she kissed his cheek. "Thanks for a great time Gerald."
"Anything for you Monique."
It was two years before Cybil let them date. They came into the house one day for lunch after walking in the park.
Cybil looked at Gerald and said, "If you like my daughter so much, why don't you take her to a ball game or a movie?"
"Oh wow!!! Really? I didn't know we could date. Monique, I want to take you to a movie."
"Okay," she accepted demurely. "Thanks mama."
On the first date they sat way up in the back of the balcony holding hands and looking at each other.
"We're not watching much of the movies," Monique observed.
"I'm not here to watch the movie. I came here to look at you up close and personal."
"In that case," she giggled, "you should at least put your arm around me so I can't escape."
"Good idea," agreed Gerald. He slipped his arm around her while still holding one of her hands.
"You're so sweet," she remarked, reaching up to kiss his cheek.
He kissed her forehead and they settled into each other. By the time the movie was over they were both smiling and happy. Gerald walked her home. When she opened the door she suddenly pulled his head down to her and briefly pecked his lips. Cybil watched through the living room curtains and knew it wouldn't be long until they got really serious.
"Did you have a good time?" Cybil asked her.
"Oh mama, it was great! I even kissed him goodnight."
"Well, just be careful. These things can get out of hand fast when you are young."
"We'll be okay mama. We made a promise and we'll keep it."
By the time they were seniors, Gerald's athletic prowess was known throughout the region. He was recruited on a full athletic scholarship to the University of Southern California. Monique's grades were good enough for the honor roll. She applied for and obtained a scholarship to the same school. Cybil was happy for the kids but she knew it wouldn't be long until they wouldn't be able to restrain themselves.
"So what are your intentions toward my daughter?" Carol inquired of Gerald.
"You must know by now that I'm in love with her. I intend to marry her this summer before we go to college because I know I won't be able to control myself if I'm around her all the time."
"Does she know what your plans are?"
"Not yet. I've bought her a ring and I'm going to give it to her today unless you have some major objection."
"Actually Gerald, I've been hoping for something like this from the first day I met you. I will be proud and happy to have you as a son in law."
Gerald let out a big sigh. "You can't imagine how relieved I am to hear that! I had envisioned all sorts of negative scenarios. I really love your daughter."
"I've known about that since you two were in junior high. Be good to her. Don't ever hurt her and I'll love you forever."