“I’m going to ask my dad to come up front and lead us in our stretching and warming up. We’re going to start by doing an ancient Chinese training called Tai Chi. We’ll begin with core training called taolu, or solo forms. I want you to concentrate on keeping your back straight. When you breathe, do so from your stomach. Now watch Dad as he does the first form.”
We all copied his form. Cassidy would walk up and down the line correcting people until she was sure everyone was doing it right.
“The philosophy behind Tai Chi is that facing brute force with brute force will get you injured. I will teach you how to meet brute force with softness and fluid motion so that the force is redirected safely. We will teach you how to reduce injuries.
“Tai Chi will also help you with your balance, flexibility and core strength,” Cassidy said, patting her stomach. “We’ll be also using Marine Corps training to help with your stamina and strength.”
Some of the guys were getting restless. Cassidy changed in a heartbeat. She now took on the role of a Drill Instructor.
“Okay, you bunch of wimps. Line up and prepare to become men and women.”
With that said, the guys weren’t restless anymore. I’d gone through this before, so I knew what to expect. I was glad to see that Coach Hope was working as hard as we were. I could tell he was hurting. He took a knee to catch his breath. Cassidy got in his face.
“It’s the fourth quarter. We’re down one score and we need your strength to lead the team. No one is going to follow you if you can’t keep up.”
Coach’s face went red and he sucked it up and began working again. She gained a lot of respect by dressing down her own father. None of us were doing well, so Coach Hope had nothing to be ashamed of. Nevertheless, if Cassidy and her dad could do it, then the rest of us would. When she finally stopped, many of us sagged to the floor. Wolf followed my example from my first day and went outside to puke. I didn’t feel so bad.
Once we caught our breaths, Cassidy had us do warm-downs and stretching. I made a point to go around and have a word with everyone to encourage them on doing a good job today. I caught a glimpse of Tommy Cox watching us, but from the hall.
Cassidy gathered us all around when we were done.
“We want to win the state championship in football ... and then we want to win another! It all starts here today. We’ll be the best-conditioned team, and that translates into winning the fourth quarter. We also need to work on your strength. I expect you all to get with the trainers and get on a weight-training program. Dad, I mean Coach Hope, has arranged to have the weight room opened before school. I’ll meet you all here tomorrow morning.”
I stood up.
“I see a few of us are missing. We’re a team. I expect you guys to reach out and invite everyone. This is open to all sports, not just football. Lincoln High has an opportunity to become a sports powerhouse. Right now, we’re the core to making that happen. I want you all to commit to being here Monday through Friday. I understand that some of you have other obligations.”
There were several heads nodding. I knew that some wouldn’t come back, but the ones that did would gain a lot from this. I was, for the first time since football ended, looking forward to next season.
Chapter 7 – Twins
Friday January 24
THE WEEK SEEMED TO fly by. The workout sessions with Cassidy were a big hit with the underclassmen. The juniors seemed to ignore us, with a few exceptions. April and I just appeared to be stuck in neutral. That was fine, because Cindy, Suzanne and Beth each took turns making me forget that I might need a girlfriend.
Tami and I fell back into being friends. She was happy I was starting to look out for my own best interests. We had another long talk about how I felt about everything. She told me she was proud of me for taking a step towards growing up.
I was looking forward to seeing Kara. She wouldn’t be in New York until Saturday morning, but she arranged for us to have a room together Saturday night. Kendal wasn’t going to New York, so I hired Chuck to go with me. Kendal was instead going to Nashville with Eve. They were talking to a record label about what kind of music she wanted to make before they would sign her.
I called Adrienne and let her know that I’d be in town for the weekend. I was surprised when she wanted me to go to dinner with her and her friends. I arranged to meet them at the restaurant at eight o’clock. I would have just enough time to check in and go.
I ARRIVED AT LUNCH a little late and found April flirting with Luke. The only open spot at the table was on her other side. I almost walked out, but I sucked it up and faced it. Luke had a satisfied look on his face. I could tell that he was setting her up to get at me. I felt a little sorry for her because she wasn’t experienced with the games some boys played. I was sure that getting attention from a senior big-man-on-campus could turn a girl’s head. Luke had done it many times.
“Hey David, Luke asked me to go to a party with him Saturday night. It sounds like fun since you’ll be in New York. Luke said I’ll have a good time.”
“Is it just the two of you going?” I asked.
She nodded.
“I have no problem with you going out and having a good time. What I have a problem with is you going on a date with Luke.”
“But we’re just going as friends.”
“Great, then you can take Cassidy with you too,” I told her. Then I turned to Luke. “You don’t mind taking Cassidy, do you?”
“I would rather it just be April and me. I’m sure we would have fun.”
I turned to the table.
“How many of you have dated Luke?” I asked.
Tracy, Cindy and Kim raised their hands.
“Keep your hands up. How many of you have gone out with him to a party, just as friends?”
Suzanne raised her hand.
“April, do you trust the advice of these four girls?”
“Yeah, I like them all.”
“Good. How many of you think that April should go to this party with Luke?”
They all dropped their hands. Luke got up and left the lunchroom.
“April, I like you a lot. I’d hate to see you get into a situation that you’re not ready for. I’m not going to tell you not to go, but I’ll not give it my blessing, either.”
“I know it was stupid. I also know that you’re going to be around a bunch of models in New York.”
“I’ve never lied to you, April.”
She ducked her head.
“But sometimes I want more.”
“I agree. When I get back, let’s talk. I want more also.”
I leaned over and kissed her. She gave me a big smile.
“You win. If I go to the party, it’ll be with Cassidy. She can kick his butt if he gets out of hand.”
Cassidy winked at me, and she and April left. I made a point of thanking the girls who’d helped me.
WHEN WE GOT TO THE airport, I tried to upgrade Chuck to first class, but the flight was full. I loved that you got to be seated on the plane first. I found my seat, put in my earbuds, and closed my eyes. Out of the blue I was suddenly getting whacked on the arm. I look up and there was a girl who looked to be about eight with her arms crossed, glaring at me. I took my earbuds out.
“Move! You’re in my seat,” she demanded.
I pull out my ticket. Nope, I was in the right seat.
“Let me see your ticket.”
She flopped down in the middle of the aisle and began to throw a fit. Oh, my, if I tried that my butt would be tanned from here to New York. I just laughed at her. Now people started to notice what was going on. She saw that I wouldn’t budge, so she stopped her antics and stood back up.
“I want the aisle seat,” she demanded.
I raised my eyebrows.
“Do you know how to ask politely?”
She let out a deep breath.
“Please.”
“Much better,” I said, then got up and moved over.