It's been three weeks since they've moved into their home, and told their parents about their marriage. Now well into February, and almost Valentine's Day, everything has been going nicely for the Lawrence's. Despite schoolyard frustrations, and Ava's parents still not speaking to her. A huge weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
They feel free and it's weird because none of their friends are. While their friends are still living at home, dating (or trying to date or eternally single like Dutch), and figuring out what to do after high school; Johnny and Ava are cruising along on solid ground. They truly never thought, or planned, to be in this kind of situation but here they are. Sometimes life's curveballs are a good thing. This is one of those times.
Their only questions are concerning college. They're still not sure where to attend. Do they go to the same college, or do they go to different ones? And if they go to different colleges, then how will it impact their relationship? Those are the things they have to work out.
The Sunday dinners, with Grandpa Jack and Grandma Irene, have turned out to be a good thing too. It's allowed Ava to spend more time with her grandparents and allowed Johnny to get to know them better. They're still aristocratic in their manners and attitude, but they've been loosening up a little more. While her grandmother has been promoting her Women's Founders Society, trying to get Ava interested (which she isn't), Grandpa Jack began introducing Johnny to the world of money.
He and Johnny actually have a few things in common, especially the knack for making money. Before he became semi-retired, Jack Green was an investment capitalist. He took over the family business from his father, Green Investments with the tag line "where we grow your greens". Even semi-retired, he's still making money with his own money. Jack Green is a billionaire, twice over. His third son, Sam, is running the family business for him now. His other two sons weren't interested.
Jack had Johnny bring his portfolio over one Sunday. The two of them went through it with a fine-tooth comb. Before the Lawrence's left, Grandpa Jack had shown Johnny where he could make another million in profit (before he graduates in May). Johnny has slowly become one of Jack's favorite family members.
He's gone so far as to ask if Johnny's ever considered a future in finance. To which Johnny, says "I like investing and making money, but I really want to own my own dojo one day. I knew I was going to marry Ava, eventually. I saved for both her and the dojo."
Jack smiles and told him, "If you ever are interested come talk to me." Then the two carry on about stock interests. Ava watches Johnny, with proud eyes, conversing with her granddad and continues to be amazed. Everyone thinks they know her husband, but they really don't.
They think he's some stupid, preppy, gorgeous, dumb, jock. But he isn't. Hidden behind his "public" persona is a really intelligent guy. If anyone actually wants to know Johnny Lawrence, then read his face and his eyes. His face show all of his emotions, but his eyes. Oh, his eyes! The hottest fires burn blue, just like his eyes. He should hide his eyes because people can see his heart through them. Which is similar to her.
Wednesday, two days before Valentine's Day, the guys were at a soccer team practice. They were in formations running drills. Johnny and Ava drive separately on days like this. She had already gone home. There's no way he'd make her wait around until practice is over. Coach Tillbury was working them hard today and the sweat was already pouring off Johnny, Dutch, and Bobby in buckets. They had their shirts off because of it.
Across the way, the guys noticed the girl's tennis and track teams were practicing too. Ava's mean-spirited cousin, the burnt trollop, Misty happened to make the tennis team. She plays doubles with her equally revolting partner, bitter Barbara. The two of them kept gazing over at the soccer practice more than one time, checking out a few shirtless Cobras. They could tell the girls were focusing on them because they were pointing their way and talking behind their hands.
After practice, in the locker room, the guys started chatting about Valentine's Day, this Friday. Pulling his shirt on overhead, Tommy asked "Are any of you going to the dance at the country club Friday night?" He wanted to know if they were, then he and Dawn would go too. If none of them were going, then he'd take her somewhere else.
Finally, after weeks of inaction, and feeling sorry for himself, Tommy asked Dawn out. She said yes, immediately, and told him "I've been waiting for you to ask for the longest time. Maybe even since Junior year." He had been floored by her words. If only he had known that. It would have saved him terrible heartache. They've been dating for two weeks and so far everything is clicking. He helps her with French and having fun, and she keeps him organized. It's a huge win all around.
Jimmy and Dutch are going to the dance. According to them "It's the perfect place to pick up heartbroken chicks". Bobby is too, but he and Rachel are having a romantic dinner first. "So we might be late," he told his friend. Much to Ava's delight, he and Rachel are similar to Tommy and Dawn... everything has fallen into place. They're both happy and suitable for each other. After Bobby's initial hesitance, once he asked her out they've been inseparable.
Eyes turned to Johnny, who was sitting on the bench untying his shoes. Looking up from his task, he stated with confidence "No." Taking his shoes off, he explained. "It's a Valentine's dance. If you've been to one, then you've been to all of them. Let's be honest, dances like that are for being seen, hooking up, and getting tang on your wang. Everything's changed since I've been married. It's like I don't need to do any of those things. It doesn't matter anymore. I don't need to be seen and I don't need that scene."
He put his cleats on the bench beside him. "Look, I can get tang whenever I want from my wife (who I love)." Standing he put his shoes in his gym locker. "Besides, she doesn't know it yet but we're taking the day off of school. I have things planned."
Shaking his head Dutch, proclaimed "You're such an old fart. All you do is hang out in your big house, with your land, and your wife's stuffy grandparents." He mourns the loss of the Ace Degenerate.
Johnny regarded his hyper friend, all of them really. "Hey Man, I'm still the biggest badass around. I'm just a married badass, is all. I don't need to prove anything to anyone, anymore. I finally know my worth and I've stopped giving others discounts." Bobby clapped him on the back in agreement.
Their conversation turned to stopping by Golf N' Stuff, on the way home. After saying by to his friends, Johnny headed to the showers. The guys had already showered and changed, while Johnny had been meeting with the coach. Since he's one of the team's top forwards, Coach Tillbury wanted his opinion on something.
He was standing under the water, letting it hit him, washing away the practice sweat. Just as he stretched his hand out for the soap, he felt a different hand reach around him. He also felt a pair of boobs on his back. The only woman who's ever been in this kind of position, with him, is his wife. And he sure as hell knows she's at home. With a racing pulse (not in the good way that Ava's presence brings), he began to grow REALLY uncomfortable. Whoever this is, is in the wrong place to be and he knows it's no accident.
Then the same hand, that took his soap, placed it on his chest, and basically hugged the soap to him. Feeling completely distressed and compromised, he wants to get out of this hold. As soon as the voice of the girl spoke, it gave her away. Not wanting to turn around, and be in an even more compromising position, he stood stock-still. His voice became a warning. "Get your hands and body off me."
Not moving, Misty pointed out "My hands and body can do so much more than my innocent cousin ever could. Or should I say your wife?"
Hissing out an order, and demanding she move, he snapped at her. She finally removed her clingy self from his person. He walked past her and picked up his towel. Putting it over his hips, he stayed with his back turned away from her (not wanting to see any more of her than he felt already).
Seething with anger, he spoke harshly. "Don't speak about my wife. You have no idea what she's like, or who she is. You're supposed to be family, but you don't act like it. Now put some clothes on and stop acting like a tramp. You've got nothing I want or need."
Unaffected, Misty maintained her position of undress. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. I could cry to your coach." She began mimicking complete with an upset voice and fake tears "Coach, Johnny lured me into the showers and then he..."
Laughing, she told him "He'd believe me with your reputation alone. It would ruin you. Then how would your wife feel knowing she married a loser?" She saw his shoulders stiffen and muscles grow taught. This is one of her favorite games to play. Tease and leave. It makes them wonder what she's going to do next. "See you around Johnny," she mocked with a breathy voice.
Johnny wondered what the hell this was about. That chick is one twisted sister. But the things that make him pause are: how did she get in here without being noticed, had his friends really left and why didn't they see her, why is he her target (which is not difficult to see she hates Ava), what will he do if she tells that bullshit lie, how will Ava react, and finally... how can he avoid this crazy, insane girl?
He's going to make it clear to his friends they need to protect him, and themselves, from that nut job. If she even walks his way, then he's walking the opposite. This is all about avoidance at all costs. He doesn't need a messed-up chick like that trying to ruin his life and marriage. Maybe he should tell Ava how truly sick her cousin is...
After throwing on his clothes, and grabbing his bag, he ran out of the locker room and straight for his car. His stomach was twisted with knots all the way home. His heart still felt like it was going to explode in his chest. The minute the garage door lifted and he parked, his feet carried him all the way to his wife. She was sitting on the sofa with a book in her lap.
"Hey Johnny," she murmured turning a page. When he didn't say anything, she glanced up. With a flushed face and body language screaming something is wrong, she grew concerned. Putting the book aside, she held her arms out to him. He came over and sat down, then sprawled out on the sofa and put his head in her lap. Taking her hands, she began running them through his damp hair. The motions soothed him, and she added a little pressure to his neck for a soft massage. She knows he likes this, especially when upset.
Her movements helped to quiet his heart. Grace falls down on quiet hearts. He decided against troubling his wife, with the disturbing news of her sick cousin. She doesn't need to know right now. Besides, hopefully, this will be the only instance of the girl's problematic nature. Instead, he informed her  "I always believed I'd end up here with you, married one day. I kept on hoping and hoping for it. And finally, it happened. I don't know who the guy was that made you fall down and lose your books, the first day of school, but I need to thank him."
Leaning down, she placed a little kiss on his forehead and caressed his cheek. "I guess we both do." She looked into his eyes, which were looking into hers. "I am permanently in love with you John Lawrence." A sweet smile spread across her face.
Permanent. There's something about that word that sets his heart on fire. Permanent. Attraction is temporary but real love is permanent. He didn't fall in love with her because he was lonely. He fell in love with her because, after getting to know her, she needed to be a permanent part of his life. And now she is.
Feeling safe, his eyelids fluttered closed at her tender caresses. They didn't open again until time for dinner. She had cooked his favorite: creamy mac and cheese, green beans, and a chicken casserole. His wife is a fine cook, thank goodness cause he isn't. Bologna and grilled cheese is the best he can do, which she doesn't like. The smell of bologna makes her barf. While they ate, she pushed an envelope towards him.
Eyeing it with suspicion, he questioned "What's this?"
With optimism written all over her face, Ava grasped hold of his hand. "Open it and you'll see." So, he did just that. Inside is a handwritten letter and a check. Not believing his eyes, he looked to his wife for guidance. She took the letter from his fingers and began reading.
Dear John and Ava,
Although your mother and I are disappointed in the way you got married, you are married nonetheless. We always thought you'd end up together when it was all said and done. Laura wishes she had been able to help plan a wedding. But she's happy to have a daughter-in-law. She's busy working on the list of household items you gave her. I'm sure by the end of next week, she'll have everything on it and more.
As for me, inside you will find a check. I realize you saved every bit of your allowance over the years and gave it back to me. But the fact remains I gave it to you. Therefore it's your money, not mine. This check is for the hundred thousand you gave me and a little more. Think of it as a wedding gift, or a graduation gift, or whatever kind of gift you want. Just take it to do with as you like.
Best Wishes For A Happy Future,
Sid
PS- Tell Ava we accept her dinner invitation, for next Tuesday.
When she finished reading, the letter was placed back into the envelope. The check was brought out and presented to him. He stared at it in disbelief, as a bite of mac and cheese entered his mouth. Many thoughts ran through his head. Does he take the money or tear the stupid check up? If he takes it then that's more money in their account. That's always a positive. If he tears it up, then oh well. It's not like they need it. They have plenty of money in the bank, with more on the horizon.
Turning his eyes upon his wife, he took her in. The soft features of her face and smile light up any room, or dark space. Thinking about things, he came to a great decision. "I know what I'm going to do with this check."Â Her eyebrows raised in question and curiosity. He told her his plan. "I'm going to have it deposited into a savings bond. That way it'll grow and accrue over time. But this money will be for our children, not us."
Now it's her turn to stare in disbelief. But her disbelief was short-lived because she knew "That's a brilliant idea, Johnny. I think saving it for our future children is the perfect use." Her fingers danced on his hand, with tender strokes. "I'm proud of you Honey." Standing she gathered her dishes, he did too (after he polished off the last of his casserole). They took their plates to the sink, where he stood and scrubbed them off.
Having cleared the table, Ava came to stand behind her husband. Her arms wrapped around him and hugged him to her. His heart picked up speed and his pulse raced. This time he did not feel uncomfortable with the embrace. This is right. He felt at home because he is, in her arms.
She makes him feel things he didn't believe in anymore. Her arms are like coming home after a long trip. That's what her love is like. And it started the first moment they touched. He thought back to that moment.
It was October 1981, Ava had beaten him at mini-golf. He suggested, "Let's go play Pac-Man or something in the arcade." Arcade games are things he's good at. It'll give him a chance to show her he's not a total loser, and maybe he'll impress her with his skill. She agreed and off they went to the arcade, where they played Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Centipede, Stargate, and others. But it was when they played Galaga, that things got heated.
He had bested her score and was racking up points. His own personal high score was almost beaten. Only a few more points and he'd have it. "Alright!!!" he yelled out.
Once he broke his own record, he turned around smiling wanting to share it with her. However, Ava was nowhere to be seen. He searched the arcade but didn't find her. His thoughts became a jumbled mess and his eyes started to grow misty. Putting the thoughts of her leaving him out of his mind, he went to look outside. He saw her sitting on a bench staring at the bumper boats.
Taking a spot beside her, he hesitated for a minute but opened his mouth to speak. "Ava, why did you leave?" When she turned to look at him, he could tell she had been crying a little. Her eyes were red.
She shook her head and remarked, "You'll think I'm stupid."
Scooting closer to her, he bravely took her hand in his and laced their fingers together. "No, I won't. I promise."
Her teeth bit her lip and he hated that. Her lips shouldn't be punished, they should be loved. Then she took a deep breath and explained. "Johnny you're so good at everything. You're funny, friendly, popular, smart, kind, and respectful. The only thing I'm good at is golf. Guys like you don't usually go for girls like me. I'm not very popular and I'm way too quiet. So when I saw I was actually beating you I got happy, because I thought you'd be proud."
What, is she kidding? No one has ever said half of what she said to him, or treated him the way she does. She thinks he's funny, friendly, popular, kind, respectful, and smart? That's incredible! She actually notices him. If she only knew the truth, then she'd leave him for sure. Between the two of them, she's the hot one. So he told so. He also told her all about his middle school days and how he was a social outcast. Then she shared with him about her past too, and that lame-ass guy who treated her like crap (who he really wants to beat up).
It's the first time either of them has ever felt like themselves, with someone else (especially the opposite sex). It's freeing. Until him, all she knew was bad love. With him, it's different: comforting, honest, pure. Until her, he never knew a love like hers existed. He was starving and dry. And then she put her arms around him and he was full. He put his own arms around her. They were home.
His mom was right. Her mom was right. They were both right. When you least expect it, you meet someone who rearranges your life so completely, that you never want to arrange it back.
Breaking out of his memories, he turned around in her arms. He's learned it's safe to open his wounds, but only in the arms who will love them like their own. That's his wife. "Babe, it's you. It was always you. It will always be you. You're home to me. I love you."
Then he kissed her so thoroughly she swooned in his arms, and she's never swooned before. Every discomforting thought was laid rest in their kiss, any worry, any anxiety, anything. Real love does that. It makes a home in the deepest parts of the heart. And it promises safety. Real love feels safe no matter what or where. It's a whole other level of intimacy. No words are needed in each other's arms. They feel the love in every kiss and cuddle. In those moments nothing could go wrong.