This wasnt what Pam wanted to hear. Why would Patrick have turned so moody back there in the square, when before he heard my name, he was smiling?
Maybe he wanted the job you got. He teaches gym and coaches varsity basketball. Hes some kind of hero around here, dating back to his high school football days.
Sounds like the people of Tyler take high school sports seriouslyand have long memories.
You got that right. Fierce loyalty around here. They give newcomers a hearty welcome, then sit back and wait for them to prove themselves. They accepted me, so dont worry.
But youve been here three years. It seems I was here three minutes and managed to offend one of their favorite sons.
Patrick will come around. Hes really a great guy, always helping people, very family oriented. Ive often wondered why hes never married. Rosemary eyed Pam as she slipped out of her running shoes. Maybe hes been waiting for the right woman to come along.
Pam shook her head. Dont look at me. Besides, he seems a bit touchy. If hes lived here all his life, it cant be my fault I got the job and he didnt. Or is it having a woman coach hes against, possibly?
I dont know. I wouldnt worry about it. Dont add to your own stress level.
Good idea. Pam stretched and yawned. I should unpack, go get some groceries and turn in early tonight. I want to look around tomorrow, and Monday morning I meet with the principal.
Oh, shes nice. Everyone likes Miss Mackie. And shell understand about your limitations with MS.
Pam leaned forward, her eyes serious. I dont plan to tell Miss Mackie or anyone else that I have multiple sclerosis. And I dont want you to say anything, either.
Slowly, Rosemary raised a questioning brow. Do you think thats wise?
I dont know. I do know I need to prove myself, and I cant do that if everyones waiting for me to fall over from fatigue or show up one day in a wheelchair.
But if they know, they can
No. Please, Rosemary. She had to make her friend see. This is my life and my decision. When we first started working out together at the rehab center, I was going through the aftermath of depression, really feeling sorry for myself. Well, Ive spent all the time doing that that I plan to. Youre the one who challenged me to learn to live with MS, and Im honestly trying to. I realize that remissions are temporary, but I feel good and I dont want constant reminders that I could slip back again any day.
Remission periods can last for months, even years.
Im hopeful thats the case with me. But I want no quarter given because Ive got a problem here. I want to earn peoples respect, not their pity. Listen as my friend, Rosemary, not my therapist, and try to understand.
Gracefully Rosemary untangled herself from the chair and walked over to Pam, hugging her as she sat down on the couch. I do understand. I just dont want to see you hurt. Over the past two years, Ive grown to care about you a lot.
Pam blinked back a quick rush of emotion. Me, too. I just have to do this my way, okay?
Sure. Rosemary stood. Now, let me get your bag, so you can unpack while I start dinner. You can shop tomorrow. Tonight Im cooking my specialty. Chicken chow mein.
Sounds great. Pam searched for her keys. I hope youll make enough so Samson can have dinner, too. He loves Chinese.
Not dog food?
Pam grinned at her friends surprised look. He never touches the stuff. And he likes a wedge of lemon in his water dish.
Of course he does. Rosemary smiled at her friend. Im really glad youre here. Glancing down, she pointed. Grass stains. I hope they come out of your slacks.
Pam considered the green stain on her pantleg. Think I could get Patrick Kelsey to clean them for me?
You really should get acquainted with him. He
knows the boys at Tyler High better than anyone else. They trust him.
Pam tossed her keys in the air and caught them in her fist. Then I guess itll be my job to get them to trust me. Why havent you gotten to know him better, since you think hes so swell?
Rosemary shook her head. Ive been divorced five years and I intend to stay that way. Once burned is twice shy. She sobered, studying Pams face. Do you ever hear from Bob?
No, never. Its best this way, really. When somethings over, it should stay over.
Amen, Rosemary agreed.
CHAPTER TWO
Pam smiled as she shook hands with the principal. I know. It sometimes keeps people from taking me seriously.
Not after they hear about all youve accomplished, Miss Mackie said, resuming her seat and indicating the chair across from her desk. Im very impressed with your credentials.
Thank you. Despite her somewhat austere looks, there was a warmth about Josephine Mackie that had Pam relaxing.
It must have been thrilling, being in the Olympics.
An unbelievable experience, yes.
You won your gold medal when you were only twentyone. Im surprised you didnt try again the next time. You were only twenty-five.
Id planned to. Id even begun training. But younger women were my competition, and although I hated to admit it, the body doesnt respond at twenty-five as it does at seventeen no matter how hard you try. And the old-timers have more difficulty getting sponsorship money. I decided to turn professional.