Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

After leaving the room and making a quick call to her mother, Gwen returned to tell Steve, "Mom said to bring you home for some of her good home cooking. It feels like we've been in this hospital for days, but it's only five o'clock in the afternoon. I don't know about you, but swimming in icy water and making a spectacle of myself on live TV has given me quite an appetite."

"You don't have to feed me. I can stop somewhere and get something quick. Besides, your dad may not be too happy to have me stop in. Maybe you've forgotten that he popped me on the chin last time he saw me," recalled Steve. "I really don't want to have a problem with your dad. He was right, and I was wrong. I had it coming."

"You let Mom and me worry about Dad," replied Gwen with a grin. "He feels pretty bad about that incident. He jumped to conclusions and he regrets it, but let it be a warning to you, Mister. Do not harm Ted Anderson's daughters in any way, or he'll flog you within an inch of your life."

Ted Anderson was standing in the living room when Gwen brought Steve inside. The two men looked at each other tentatively and then Steve extended his hand and Ted accepted it. "Sir, I owe you an apology. My behavior the last time we met was inappropriate. I respect you too much to make you uncomfortable in your own home. If you prefer, I'll leave right now, and I'll understand the reason."

"Leave now? That's the absolute worst thing you could do to me!" laughed Ted as he shook Steve's hand. "My wife and daughters would have my hide. I wouldn't have a moment's peace. We were both a little worked up that night, but this is a new day. Let's forget it and eat. You two can tell me about your day. Anything unusual or interesting happen?"

As they dined, Gwen filled in Paula, Ted, and Kate on the things they didn't already know about the water rescue of the two toddlers. Steve remained silent for the most part; content to allow Gwen the opportunity to describe events to her family while he enjoyed one of the best meals he ever had.

"The phone has been ringing off the hook. In fact, I took it off the hook so we could have a peaceful meal. You two have really created quite a stir. The cable news channels picked up the video from Channel 5 and have played it about a thousand times today. I have to admit, it's a very remarkable story," added Paula. "You two can plan on a lot of people asking a lot of questions about this afternoon. I wouldn't be surprised if the local newspaper and TV stations ask for interviews. Everyone that's called has been extremely complimentary about both of you. Ted, Kate, and I are awfully proud of you two. So is Lisa, now that I think about it. She said everyone at her university is talking about it. She's a mini-celebrity because she's your sister."

"Thanks, Mom. I guess we need to discuss what we'll tell people when they ask about it, wont we, Steve? We need to be on the same page, especially with the media. I don't know how you feel, but I think we can use this to help the hospital fund," reasoned Gwen. "Let's go into the living room and kick it around awhile."

Paula watched Gwen and Steve sit down on the couch. She noticed that they didn't sit real close together, but they seemed quite comfortable with each other. She marveled at Gwen's will power. For her part, Paula had never seen a better looking, more virile male. Not many females could keep him at arm's length like Gwen seemed to be doing. And even fewer would want to keep Steve at arm's length!

A few minutes later, Kate motioned for Paula to take another look at the two kids on the couch. Steve had fallen asleep and had slid down so his head was resting on Gwen's chest. Gwen was turned so that she faced Steve and was gently stroking his neck as he made low snoring sounds. Paula went into a bedroom and found an Afghan blanket and brought it out for the two exhausted heroes. Gwen had also fallen asleep by the time Paula reached them. Paula smiled at Kate as she gently covered them with the blanket.

Murmurs gradually seeped into Gwen's consciousness. She opened her eyes to see Charlotte, Billy, Kate and her mom sitting around the living room, speaking in hushed voices. She started to sit up, but felt the weight on her chest. Looking down, she saw Steve opening his eyes. Slowly, he looked at the part of Gwen's chest that his head wasn't covering. Then he turned his eyes to Gwen's. She tried to look upset, but was unable to hide her smile. Steve appeared relieved as he slowly extricated himself from Gwen's firm, but so very comfortable breast.

"That makes twice today that you woke up in Gwen's arms," laughed Kate. "In fact, you were in more than just her arms. You sure looked comfortable. Sis makes a pretty good pillow, doesn't she?"

"I can't speak for all of her, but the parts I've had my head on today are really soothing, I must admit," grinned Steve as he ducked the pillow that Gwen flung at him.

"We're sorry to wake you two sleeping beauties up, but you can't believe the atmosphere in town today," stated Charlotte excitedly. "The guy that owns the Big Boy Burger place insisted on feeding Billy and me for free because he recognized Billy as the guy that dragged Steve up that bank. People were stopping us on the street and raving about the courage and daring you guys displayed. I tried calling, but every phone in this house is turned off, or disconnected, so we stopped in to see how you were doing. It looked like you were doing great, especially Steve, as long as he doesn't get a stiff neck from being poked like that."

Just then the doorbell rang. Paula stood and left the room to answer the door. Soon she returned with an obviously excited Amber Stahl. Amber greeted everyone and then got down to business.

"Gwen and Steve, the Channel 5 anchor wants to do a live interview with you tomorrow morning! He's willing to come here and conduct it from the Anderson's living room. I don't have to tell you that this is a great chance to get your story out and promote your cause. Will you do it?"

Gwen's face lit up, but Steve held a hand up to caution her as he spoke to Amber. "That's real big of the guy. He's willing to 'slum it' for the story? Get your boss on the phone. I want to talk with him," stated Steve firmly.

Amber dialed her cell, identified herself to her boss and handed Steve the phone. "Sir, this is Steve Hammer. I understand that you'd like a live interview with Gwen and me tomorrow? We can do that, but there are a couple conditions. We want Billy Marsh and Doctor Laura Masters included, if she's available. The other condition is that Amber Stahl is the newsperson conducting the interview. She's become pretty well known and liked in Sparta. She's been here for us from the start. This is her story, and we want her to have it. If you can live with those conditions, we'll be ready whenever you want us," concluded Steve as he handed the phone back to a stunned Amber.

"No, sir, I didn't put him up to this! I just heard it for the first time. Sure I'll do a good job. I always do. You won't regret this, Frank," promised the obviously excited newswoman as she ended the call.

"Oh, Steve! You've given my career a huge boost. This is going network! I'll be doing the interview on the morning show!" squealed Amber as she wrapped her arms around Steve and hugged him.

The sharp intake of breath from Steve alerted everyone in the room that his injuries were far from healed. Amber released him in a flash and immediately began to apologize. "I'm so sorry! I forgot how badly you were injured! Will you be able to play in the title game on Saturday?"

"This'll be our little secret," replied Steve softly as he worked to slow his breathing. "We can't let the other team know I'm a little tender or they'll be all over me. As far as anyone's concerned, I'm doing great and I'm ready to play. That includes you, Amber, okay?"

"I won't tell, Steve, but I don't think I'll have to. Once they tackle you a few times and they see how much it hurts, they'll be trying twice as hard to knock you down. Plus Coach Watkins will never allow you to play in that kind of pain."

"You caught me by surprise, Amber. I'll be ready when we play. You'll never know that those scrapes even bother me at all," predicted Steve with an unconvincing smile. "Tell us where this interview will take place."

That was all it took to get the subject changed, although Gwen maintained a concerned look for some time. It was decided to place a recliner next to the couch so all four people had a comfortable seat. Amber would sit across from them in a kitchen chair, asking the questions. Billy was both pleased and frightened to be included in the interview, claiming he had done very little and deserved no special attention.

"Billy Marsh!" snapped Gwen loudly. "You saved Steve's life. Does that seem like a small thing? Did you see anyone else jump into that water to help? You'd better get accustomed to being a hero, to being my hero. I was in total despair when I realized I couldn't get Steve up that bank and suddenly you appeared next to me and took over. If you weren't so brave and strong, things would have turned out a lot worse. Don't insult Steve, or me, by telling people it was no big deal, because it was a very big deal!"

Everyone was surprised by Gwen's vehement defense of Billy's bravery. Nothing was said for half a minute, until Charlotte began to laugh. She wrapped her arms around Billy and told him, "You are a hero, Billy. You're my hero, too."

"Now that we have that settled, I've got to call Laura and ask her if she can make it early tomorrow morning for the show," stated Gwen. "She said she wanted more exposure and Steve's making sure that she gets it. I wonder what she'll say when she hears this?"

Gwen spoke to Laura for a couple minutes and then returned to the living room. "She's in! She was surprised at how quickly we took her up on our promise to include her in more promotions, but really pleased. Mom, I was thinking maybe Steve could sleep in my room tonight so he'd be sure to be here and ready for the interview in the morning. Would that be okay with you?"

Paula turned pale and stuttered as she searched for the words she wanted. "I, your Dad and I, we don't think, Kate's just sixteen and shouldn't see, what about birth control and..."

"Mother!" interrupted Gwen a bit shrilly. "I'll sleep in Lisa's room! I wasn't asking that Steve and I spend the night together. How can you think I'd even suggest that I'd do something like that?"

"I would!" interjected Kate. "No need to mess up so many linens, right?"

"Sorry," added Gwen with a straight face, "Steve needs his energy for the big game. He has to remain celibate and focused."

"Actually, the game's not until Saturday and I could use a little something to pick up my spirits and put me in the right frame of mind," admitted Steve with a quick smile.

"I bet you could," laughed Gwen, "but it isn't happening, unless Billy wants to stay over, too."

"How could I refuse an offer like that?" quipped Billy. "It's bad enough being his center. I don't want Steve to think it's any more than that; at least not until he buys me a ring!"

"Billy, I honestly appreciate what you've done for me, and I love you, Man, but believe me when I say there'll never be a ring for you, except the championship ring we'll win Saturday."

"This makes a great human interest story!" observed Amber. "Stars and star crossed! I can't wait to interview you two guys tomorrow. Inquiring minds want to know this kind of stuff."

"I think it would be a good idea if Amber went over the questions she's going to ask us tomorrow morning," declared Steve. "It seems wise to have time to prepare our responses, and to be sure she doesn't reveal Billy's 'softer side' to the public."

Everyone was assembled in place in the living room by 5 AM the next morning. Gwen and Laura looked fresh and lovely. Steve and Billy appeared slightly less chipper. The local station had decided to air a live interview for the local news before they went national at seven AM.

After Amber introduced everyone she began, "I'm sure most of you have seen the dramatic video of the two children rescued from the submerged SUV by Steve Hammer and the subsequent rescue of the rescuer by Gwen Anderson and Billy Marsh. Billy, let's start with you. Weren't you worried about jumping into the freezing waters to help your friends?"

Billy blushed slightly and then collected himself and responded. "I was real scared, to be honest. But after seeing Steve, and then Gwen, risk everything to save those kids, I felt ashamed that I was standing and watching instead of helping. Steve and Gwen are the real heroes. It comes naturally to them, like breathing. I'm not very heroic. I was afraid, but I was even more afraid that they wouldn't survive without help. I was a little late getting started, but I finally saw my duty and I did it."

"Gwen, we all saw you jump into the frigid waters when nothing was showing on the surface. How did you know that Steve would surface with those kids, and that he'd need help when he did?" questioned Amber.

"I was concerned that Steve and the children had been under the water for so long. I knew that if there was any chance for them, they had to surface soon and that they'd be in dire straits after such a long time under water. I've served as lifeguard and I'm a very good swimmer. I just couldn't stand by and watch any longer without trying to help. It was just something I felt I had to do. I would like to add that the children were treated at Sparta Memorial Hospital. Our senior class is having a year-long fund raising effort to modernize and add a children's wing to this valuable community asset. Donations of any kind are gratefully accepted. Help us help the children of the area."

"Steve, you dove into the waters with the intention of rescuing the children. Why did you feel you could?" asked Amber.

"I happen to be a very strong swimmer and I've done some diving. I felt that I was probably the best swimmer in the entire crowd that day. That made me the best chance those kids had. I didn't know what was going to happen. I just knew that I'd never be able to look into a mirror again if I didn't try. I was pretty frightened when I had those two infants in my hand and couldn't get the car door open. I sure didn't feel like a hero. I don't remember anything after starting for the surface until Gwen brought me around on the river bank. I owe her and Billy my life. I'll never forget that. The hospital was great and I have to thank Dr. Masters. I hope she'll be working in the new wing within a few years."

"Dr. Laura Masters, you treated the children at the hospital, as well as Steve when he came in. How are the toddlers doing? Will Steve be able to play quarterback in the state championship game tomorrow?"

"I watched you deliver your commentary as these heroes worked to save lives, Amber. I was quite surprised when I examined the children. They were wet and cold, but in excellent health. I had just seen them plucked from icy waters after being submerged for over three minutes and they were crying and healthy. We x-rayed them and kept them overnight for observation, but they're fine this morning, thanks to the quick thinking and courage of these students. Steve must have been cut across his chest and abdomen when he swam through the driver's window after smashing it with a rock. Other than that, he's in great shape. He lost a little blood, but we saw his courage and determination yesterday. A mere football game should be a walk in the park for him. However, at the insistence of his coach, I'll attend the game and be prepared to lend medical assistance if Steve, or any player, requires it. Coach Watkins places safety above winning, which is a bit unusual in football these days, but very admirable.

"Our hospital is small, but we always strive to give the best care possible. The idea of a new wing seemed like a farfetched dream a couple months ago. Now these kids have made me a believer. The area, especially the children, deserve the best health care possible. These kids have the courage to work toward that goal and I'm pledging my support any way possible. We need better equipment, more room, more doctors, and more supplies if we want to truly serve the area properly. Yesterday's near tragedy demonstrates how quickly bad things can happen. A better hospital will make us a safer, better community."

"So there you have it," concluded Amber. "Two toddlers strapped into car seats are in a car that plunges into the frigid waters of Emerson River. Because of the quick actions of these three Sparta students, this story has a happy ending. It was a tragedy averted by their courage and daring heroics. And these kids are working hard to improve the local hospital. Think about the quality of youth this area is producing, and be proud. Thank you all. And good luck in your game tomorrow."

Gwen drove Steve to school after the interview was concluded and walked with him to the players' bus. Kate had ridden with them and was watching as Gwen stopped Steve before he boarded the bus. She pulled his face down to hers and kissed him long and hard on his lips as the other players cheered and whistled.

"I can't stay mad at you, Steve," whispered Gwen. "When I thought you might die, I realized that I was being foolish by treating you so poorly. I hope that kiss keeps those big breasted cheerleaders away until tomorrow. I'll be there cheering for you on every play. Just be careful. I worry about those cuts."

Steve grinned and rubbed Gwen's nose with his. "I never noticed any cheerleaders, Gwen. Where are they? All I can see is you. I'll never do anything to hurt you, Gwen. Trust me on that. See you tomorrow!"

"Where's my sister? What've you done with her?" demanded Kate as she joined Gwen. "A couple months ago you were the girl that didn't date. You weren't even interested in boys. You wore bulky sweaters and loose jeans and slacks. Now you strip down to your bra and panties in front of a TV crew, wear really cool outfits that are mostly red for some reason, and have a hit dance video and a swim suit video that makes men drool. You grab the best looking guy in the school, the star quarterback, and kiss him hard in front of his teammates and the whole world, including several very jealous cheerleaders. How did you change so much, so fast?"

"Maybe I shouldn't have kissed Steve in front of everyone, but I couldn't help myself," admitted Gwen. "Sometimes I can't believe that a guy like Steve could be interested in a girl like me. He's gorgeous, smart, athletic, strong, brave, and polite. He could have any girl he wants."

"And that should tell you something, Sis. Steve can have any girl in the school, maybe the whole world, he's that cool. Why would he want you? Could it be that you're gorgeous, smart, athletic, strong, brave and very polite, most of the time? Is it possible that he did go for the best girl for him, and that the best girl happens to be my big sister?" asked Kate. "That kiss was perfect, by the way. You need to mark your territory. Let those hussies know that he's your guy. I think that kiss quelled any possible doubts."

Steve smiled at the good natured teasing of his teammates. He knew that they thought Gwen was beautiful and he was a lucky guy. Once the bus was under way, Coach Watkins explained that the team would arrive in time to have a practice in the stadium in which the title game was scheduled. He also cautioned the players about making any hard contact with Steve during the practice. He warned that if Steve showed any signs of injury, he would be replaced immediately. To a man, the team knew that scenario guaranteed defeat.

That Friday at school was like no other Gwen had ever experienced. Every student she came in contact with expressed their admiration and appreciation for her part in the rescue of the two infants, and then Steve. When she entered a room, talk would suddenly stop. Then everyone would rush to speak to her and be as friendly as possible.

"Gwen, you've dried out and warmed up, as well as covered up since yesterday," observed Ms. Walker when Gwen entered homeroom. "I have to tell you that I've never seen anything close to being as remarkable as that rescue yesterday. I still get chills when I think about it. Dave Kite has some amazing video posted, but with the news channels playing it so much, he hasn't had as many views as I'd expect. Our 'Lady in Red' is becoming a national treasure, rather than just a Spartan gem. Your interviews, both at the hospital and again this morning on national TV, were perfect."

Saturday morning found Laura, Kate, Paula, and Gwen traveling together in Paula's SUV. The conversation had been light until Gwen asked, "Laura, would you be able to prescribe birth control pills for me. I'm just asking if you would, not if you will, yet."

Laura looked back at Gwen and picked her words carefully. "Has Steve been pressuring you? I can prescribe birth control. I have many times, but I always interview girls your age thoroughly before I do. I need to know why you would feel you need them."

"No, he hasn't pressured me in any way! Steve and I are hardly ever alone, let alone think about sex. He'd never suggested anything like that. He's only kissed me a few times, but I can't stop thinking about him. When I look at him, I feel weak. You have no idea how he affects me when he takes his shirt off. He seems so masculine, yet gentle and kind. It's hard to describe," concluded Gwen.

"I know exactly what you mean. Do you think I'm made of stone or something? He's incredible, Gwen, but what you feel, what I feel, what Kate probably feels is normal lust. I wouldn't be surprised if some married women and mothers feel it, too, when they look at him. He's way beyond the normal, everyday, run-of-the-mill jock," chuckled Laura as she glanced at Paula. "But that's no reason to have sex with the guy. You can't win a man, or keep a man simply by having sex with him. Sex makes your bond stronger when everything else is in place. It strengthens love, but has been the ruin of many a person, male and female, when used for the wrong reason. When you decide that you love him, he loves you, and you want more than a kiss and a squeeze from the guy, let me know. Then, if your mom agrees, or you're living away from home, I'll prescribe the pills. Until then, no sex, and that's your doctor's orders!"

Paula remained silent as she considered her daughter's description of her feelings for Steve. She had to admit that it was no surprise that Gwen found Steve so attractive. Paula had been concerned for her daughter when she seemed uninterested in boys. She worried when she appeared to be unaffected by Steve's magnetism. Now she learned that Gwen was not immune to Steve's charms. A whole new list of concerns had been introduced into the equation. Gwen was turning into a woman and Paula resolved to do her best to help Gwen through the transition with as little pain, embarrassment, and heartbreak as possible.

The difference in her daughters also crossed Paula's thoughts. Lisa never spoke of birth control until Paula found a package of the pills in Lisa's suitcase when she came home for the Christmas break her freshman year of college. Gwen had always been one to meet a situation head on. If she wanted something, or to do something, she would face her parents with it and try to use reason to support her stance. Lisa had always been less confrontational. She practiced the philosophy that it was easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

"I told him that I wasn't going to have sex with him, even though he never indicated he wanted it. He seemed okay with that. I thought he'd probably drop me like a hot potato, but he still likes me. I'm amazed that he does," admitted Gwen. "But I've decided to work a little harder to keep him interested in me."

"A few kisses like Gwen gave Steve before he got on the bus this morning should go a long way," laughed Kate. "That redhead with the legs had better not show her beautiful face around Sparta again. Gwen's determined to make Steve forget she exists, and she has what it takes to do that. I didn't see any redhead pull Steve out of that river!"

The group arrived at the football team's hotel a few hours before kick-off. The ladies carried Laura's medical supplies to the room Steve shared with Billy. Billy opened the door when Laura knocked, and showed his relief.

"I was worried you guys would get here too late or something. Coach is watching Steve like a hawk. Steve winced a couple times in practice yesterday and coach was all worried about him. He has to be ready to go this afternoon or we're in big trouble. Coach would rather lose the game than risk any kind of serious injury to a player," finished Billy.

Laura quickly cut away Steve's bandages and the wrap that held it in place. She carefully cleaned the cuts and asked Gwen to gently rub some antibacterial ointment over them. Gwen flushed momentarily and then picked up the ointment and began her ministrations. As she worked on Steve's chest, he thanked Gwen and Laura.

"You two are the best. How many guys get such beautiful women to dress a few cuts? Coach said he wants you nearby for the game, Doctor ... I mean Laura. I was going to ask if it was personal or professional, but he's wound way too tight to joke around with today. He's going to the big dance in his first year as head coach and he's feeling the stress," worried Steve. "You need to convince him that I'm okay and a little blood's not a life threatening situation."

Paula watched Gwen treat Steve as he spoke to the young doctor. Small wonder Gwen asked about birth control pills! Paula felt her own face get warm and noticed that Kate was squirming in her seat as she watched Gwen work on Steve's chest.

Steve was taped and bandaged to Laura's satisfaction just as the call came for the team to board the bus for the stadium. Gwen made a point of kissing Steve in front of her sister and mother and wishing him luck.

"Mom, how can Gwen change so much? Two months ago she didn't even speak to boys. Now she's kissing the school stud every chance she gets. Did Steve do this to her?" wondered Kate quietly as Gwen walked with Steve to the bus.

"It's a part of her expanding her horizons and growing up. She's always been a mature thinker for her age. Now her body and mind are on the same level and she's becoming more confident and accomplished every day. Your sister's headed for great things if she continues like this. Steve seems to be the catalyst that draws out Gwen's strength, courage, and confidence," reasoned Paula. "The next few years are going to be a real trip."

The Windsor Warriors were the defending state champions. They had not lost a football game in well over a year. They featured a brutal defense that punished its opponents. The offense was mediocre, but with the defense constantly providing them with great field position, it was sufficient. Windsor players and coaches read the papers and watched the news, the same as everyone else. They realized that Sparta relied heavily on the strong right arm of its big quarterback, and their plan was simple; neutralize Steve Hammer.

As the players warmed up, the spectators began to file into the stadium. Lisa and two girlfriends joined her family as they entered the arena. The game was being played on the home field of Lisa's university. The huge television screens hanging at either end of the field gave some of the fans a few seconds of fame as their faces were displayed.

Shortly before the start of the game, Laura prodded Gwen in the side and pointed at the huge screen. To her amazement, Gwen saw herself and Steve performing their signature dance. She then watched the video of the water rescue as it played on the big screen! The fans were cheering and whistling as they watched. Sparta colors were everywhere on the east side of the stadium and the fans were pumped up and yelling approval. As she watched, Gwen saw her face fill the screen and she broke into a huge smile as the crowd cheered even louder.

The game itself turned out to be a defensive struggle. Steve spent almost as much time on the ground as he did on his feet. His offensive line was badly overmatched by Windsor's defense. He had to throw quick passes to the tight ends and the running backs before being hit by blitzing linebackers or the two big defensive ends. Still, he managed to lead Sparta downfield for a tying touchdown just before half time.

Every time Steve left the field, Coach Watkins was in his face, asking him how he felt and if he was experiencing any pain. For his part, Steve always shook his head and smiled back at his coach, telling him that he felt fine.

Halfway through the third quarter, Steve found Derek Johnson racing down the left sideline with a perfect pass from Sparta's ten yard line. The TV announcers insisted that it traveled well over sixty yards in the air. The extra point was blocked, so Sparta led for the first time, 13-7. The lead held up until Tyler Smith coughed up the football at midfield after making a circus catch and trying to run for more than was there. A Windsor helmet hit the ball under his arm and dislodged it. Windsor recovered and scored a touchdown just before the quarter ended. After three quarters of play, the score was 14-13, Windsor.

As the teams switched sides for the final stanza, Gwen felt Kate pulling on her sleeve. She turned to face Kate, only to see Kate staring at the huge screen hanging over the end zone area. There, in full glory, was the bitch that Gwen had seen meet Steve at the restaurant! Gwen watched in shock as the announcer identified her as Amber O'Leary, the daughter of the governor-elect! She was attending the game with her parents, Patrick and Janice O'Leary. Kate watched her sister's face turn dark. Somehow she had known this was the woman that Gwen had described in such detail over the past few weeks. Gwen's appearance confirmed Kate's suspicion. By this time all of the Anderson women, as well as Laura, had seen Gwen's reaction to the woman on the screen.

Gwen forced herself to return her attention to the playing field and smile, but no one was fooled. Gwen was close to tears and her sisters moved closer to her to show support. Then the fourth quarter began and everyone's attention returned to the game. Sparta received the kick-off and moved the ball for two first downs. Then a blitzing linebacker avoided the attempted block by the running back and hit Steve at full speed. Somehow, Steve managed to hang onto the football, but it was ten yard loss and Steve was slow getting up. A murmur began going through the crowd.

"Hear that?" asked Laura. "Steve has blood leeching out between the numbers on his chest! Look! You can see his jersey isn't very white in front. I doubt if it's anything serious, but Coach Watkins won't like this one bit."

As Laura predicted, Steve's replacement came running onto the field, signaling for Steve to go to the sidelines. Knowing better than to disobey the coach, Steve trotted off the field and up to Coach Watkins. The fans could see the two engaged in a lively discussion. Meanwhile, Joe Lent, the replacement quarterback lost two yards on the next play and three more on third down. The punting team was sent in. After a very decent punt and a five yard return, Windsor had the ball at midfield again, with less than five minutes to play.

Steve turned to his teammates as the defense prepared to take the field and yelled, "Guys, you've got to hold 'em and get the ball back! We can win this! Get the ball back in our hands!"

The players stopped to stare at Steve as blood blotted out most of the number 12 on his jersey. Steve was waving his helmet and urging his teammates on.

"Holy shit!" muttered Will Stevens, the captain of the defense. "That guy's giving his blood for this team. Maybe we better stop these bastards and get that ball back!"

Dr. Laura Masters had made her way to the coach's side and was engaged in a very animated conversation with him. The Sparta fans found it almost as interesting as the game. They couldn't hear what was being said, but could tell that it was emotional, and quite frank.

"Get your head out of your ass, Coach!" yelled the young M.D. "He has lots of blood. It always looks worse than it is. I positively guarantee that he'll easily be able to finish the game. Think of the damage you're doing to these kids. They've worked their asses off to get here. They deserve a coach that stands behind them and gives them every chance to win. You pull Steve now and you'll forever be known as the goddamn wimp that lost the only championship game Sparta ever reached. The kid is ready to play. He wants to play. His doctor is telling you that he can play. How much time will be left if you get the ball? A couple of minutes? Give the kids the chance to walk out of here winners!" pleaded Laura.

Windsor managed to run the ball for a couple first downs. After the next first down, the ball was on the ten yard line. Two running plays later and with the ball on the seven yard line, the two minute warning was given. After the warning, another running play netted another yard. Windsor lined up for the field goal attempt. It fooled no one when the place holder tried to run around the left end for the touchdown. Every kid on the Sparta team had seen Windsor run the same play on the videos they had studied. The runner was pushed out at the five yard line. Sparta got the ball back on downs with a minute and twenty seconds left on the game clock and no time outs.

"Steve, I want you to use three receivers and keep everyone else in to block. We're just 95 yards from victory. Now go get it!" yelled Coach Watkins to Steve and the other players.

Steve quickly explained the play and calmly walked his team to the line of scrimmage and looked over the defense. Billy snapped the ball and Steve dropped three steps and looked right. His line held the defenders at bay so Steve had time to turn and throw a pass to the left side. Derek Johnson was racing deep down the left side when he suddenly turned and broke for the sideline. As soon as he made his turn, the football was in his chest and he ran out of bounds for a 25 yard gain. The crowd cheered the play but quickly turned quiet as Sparta lined up again. This time, Steve looked right, looked left and then rifled a pass back to the right. Jeff Wander had started deep then faked toward the center of the field and then turned as the football hit his chest. His momentum carried him out of bounds at the 45 yard line of Windsor. With just over a minute left, Steve once again stood over center and called the signals.

This time Steve looked For Derek Johnson, but two defenders were covering him. Jeff Wander had become tangled with a Windsor safety and the two went down in a keep. As the protection broke down, Steve swung the ball out to his running back, Les Turner. Les ran across the width of the field to elude tacklers and then headed down the far sideline. He was shoved out of bounds at the 25 yard line with four seconds remaining in the game.

Sparta's field goal kicker was their weakness. He was unlikely to make anything over 25 yards and this attempt would have been around 45 yards. Sparta was left with only one option. They had to go for the touchdown.

Steve quickly called the play and strode to the line. Once again Billy snapped the ball and Steve dropped three steps and looked downfield. Everyone knew it would be the last play of the game and Sparta had to put the ball in the end zone. Windsor had six men play back to prevent a completed pass in the end zone. As Steve scanned the field, he saw the middle linebacker knock a blocker down and head for him. As he prepared to try to duck the rush, Billy Marsh suddenly came from the left side and delivered a block on the linebacker that jarred him to the ground.

Suddenly Steve saw Tyler Smith drift to the left side of the back of the end zone. Two defenders were sprinting toward him when Steve made his decision. He could get the ball to Tyler if he threw it hard enough. Steve pulled back the ball and fired it as hard as he could to Tyler Smith, who was standing in the back corner of the end zone, about 40 yards away.

From that moment forward, when someone spoke of "The Pass" in Sparta, they were referring to the 40 yard bullet Steve Hammer drilled into Tyler Smith's stomach. When someone referred to "The Catch", it was Tyler Smith wrapping his arms around the football in his stomach and falling backward in the corner of the end zone. When they spoke of "The Drive" they were referring to the four play, 95 yard drive, that Sparta put together in a minute and twenty seconds against the state's top ranked defense to win the state title.

There was a stunned silence for a few seconds. Then the officials held up their arms to indicate a touchdown. Bedlam ensued. Fans screamed, whistled, and yelled as they streamed onto the playing field.

Gwen had been watching the final drive with her family and Laura, and Lisa's friends. "God, is he cool or what?" asked one of Lisa's friends. "He acts like it's a day at the beach. That's some boyfriend your sister has there. He's a way better player than our team's quarterback, and he's 23 years old!"

When Tyler Smith clutched the football to his stomach and fell to the ground in the end zone, Gwen was on her feet with every other Sparta fan, momentarily too stunned to speak.

"We won! We're state champs! What a pass that was. I hardly saw it; it went so fast. How did Tyler ever catch it?" yelled Kate.

"Come on, Gwen. Your boyfriend needs some attention I can take care of the medical stuff but you're the only one that takes care of the rest. Let's go tend to our star!" urged Laura.

They found Steve surrounded by players and fans that reluctantly parted for his girl friend and the lady doctor. Laura was surprised at how red the front of Steve's jersey was. She quickly grabbed his hand to lead him from the crowd. Before he took a step, Steve reached down and took Gwen's hand in his. Then he followed Laura to the locker room.

"They'll be celebrating for quite a while, so we should be able to get Steve cleaned up and re-bandaged without many distractions," asserted Laura as she sat Steve down on the bench in front of the lockers and began peeling his bloody jersey over his head.

Gwen gasped when she saw how much blood had soaked into his bandages. "It isn't as bad as it looks. Blood always looks magnified. He'll be fine. We need to cut these old bandages off and get him cleaned up."

Laura pulled out her scissors and began cutting the bloody wrappings as players and fans began entering the locker room laughing and celebrating. As soon as they saw Steve, they went quiet. Laura ignored the onlookers and worked on removing the dressing with Gwen's help.

Gwen heard the telltale sound of high heels. She turned in time to see Amber O'Leary, with a concerned look on her face, striding directly toward Steve. With no conscious thought, Gwen stood up and purposely stepped between the redhead and Steve. Amber O'Leary came to a sudden stop as she looked Gwen over from head to toe.

"So, it's the incredible Gwen Anderson herself," began Amber as she raised her eyebrows, and smiled slightly. "Also known as 'The Lady in Red', and the 'Heroine of the Emerson River Rescue'. The same girl that's trying to raise enough money to expand a hospital; and all of this as a senior in high school. It appears that you're trying to keep the daughter of the next governor of this state away from Steve Hammer. It even looks like you're ready to fight, if necessary. All of this for that bloody guy sitting behind you, Ms. Anderson? Or may I call you Gwen?"

A couple of the onlookers gasped at Amber's declaration and Gwen's defiant reaction to her presence. Other than that, there was total silence in the locker room. Gwen raised her chin and took a small step closer to the redhead. The two women were about the same height and build. They stood chin to chin with Gwen's chest now rising and falling rapidly, and her hands clenched as she awaited her adversary's next move.​