Finding Home Pt. 11-16

All three looked at him, stunned. Finally, Eden spoke. "Droobie, you don't have to do that."

"I know. I want to do it. Seriously, I get how over the top all this has been. Family takes care of family, and Sara is the world's only child with three sisters," he said laughing.

"Dreamy, you're a good dude. I don't even like to do my own laundry -- that shit is nasty - so I really appreciate you doing it for us. It's very kind and thoughtful," said Kail.

"What's the uniform of the day?" asked Grace. "Is that a Marine thing?"

From behind him, Sara spoke, "We're a team. We should dress alike. Andy got us these crew t-shirts, and we all have new, and freshly laundered Caps yoga pants. I vote that's the first uniform of the day. Andy offered to get us some more shirts if we want them, and we could do a little shopping ourselves to find cute stuff we like. I know we could even go online and design matching shoes. Adidas has a cool thing we could do -- we could even put 'Birds of Prey' on them."

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As they walked to the Dining Commons, Andy noted Sara wearing the t-shirt that said 'DeGroat' on the back, not the one that said 'Jones-Easley.' "Being a bit presumptuous there, Miss Jones-Easley?" he whispered to her.

She giggled. "Baby, when we order more, I just want DeGroat on the back. I know I'm rushing a bit, so maybe it's not such a great idea. I'm just ready to be Sara DeGroat, I guess."

"You and me both Bellissima. You and me both," he said.

Once they arrived at the Dining Commons, Andy and Sara went their separate ways. He got hugs and kisses from all four girls, with Sara giving him a very nice kiss. "I love you," she whispered.

"Kick ass, take names," said Andy to the four as they walked away. As always, Sara treated him to some extra wiggle, leaving him with a grin on his face.

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"Damn! Miss DeGroat, you must be new here. Please allow me to introduce myself: I'm Max Ross. You'll want to get to know me, let me assure you." Max Ross stood 5'8", and was a senior winger on the hockey team. He sported a man-bun, and a rather sparse goatee. He fancied himself as a lady's man, however, he was anything but. He sidled up to Sara, as she and her crew were heading to the breakfast line.

"Max, I'm not new here. We had Western Civilization together last year. You thought I was a lesbian then," replied Sara coolly. "And it's Mrs. DeGroat -- or it will be."

"Well, maybe we should revisit that," said Max. "Clearly you need to 'take it to the Max' in your life."

"Clearly, you need to back up," said Sara holding up her left hand and showing her engagement ring. "My fiancé is right over there."

"Well, I won't tell if you won't," he said greasily. "No way he can give you what Max would give you."

"Listen up, jackass," interjected Grace. "The lady is not interested. She's trying to be nice, so her fiancé doesn't do to you what he did to Chase Patterson's crew." Max's face turned white as he realized who she was talking about. "Oh yeah, you stupid shit. He's that guy," taunted Grace. "You may want to avoid the ice tonight while he's on it. We'd hate for anything to happen to you. Now, listen closely. You want to walk away, and not bring your Frodo Baggins, scrawny ass around any of us -- am I clear?"

Max nodded his head and skulked away.

"Thank you, Gracie girl," said Sara. "I was trying to be kind, but he just wasn't getting it."

"Like Andy said this morning, you've got sisters. Sisters call bullshit from time to time," she said smiling.

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Andy found Cooper, holding Sydney's hand, and talking with Haylee. "You guys ready to go eat, or are we waiting for Jeannie?" asked Andy.

Just then the diminutive girl burst through the Dining Commons door, saw her crew, and ran to them. She nearly knocked Andy over with the hug she gave him. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Andy -- you're the best. I'd seriously kiss you if I didn't think Kail and Grace would kick my ass. Seriously, thank you so much!"

"Whoa, you're welcome -- but I have no idea what you're thanking me for," said a confused Andy.

"Andre Broquard!" she squealed. "He's coming to Colton this week! I have a two-hour session with him on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Andy, he's amazing! You got me 4 hours of coaching from like, the best goalie in the NHL. I know he's from Boston, so he's always been my absolute favorite goalie. I would love, love, love to get to Montreal to see him play! How amazing would that be?" her entire body glowed as she talked about her favorite player. Her petite frame was literally shaking with excitement.

"Well," said Andy. "I gotta be honest here, Jeannie. This is news to me. I think Alex is the one you should be thanking. But you're right, Dr. Dre is the best goalie in the NHL."

As they headed to the cafeteria, Andy got his phone out and texted Alex and Andre.

So, the Doctor makes house calls? Dre's coming to Colton? Care to fill me in?

Andre texted back almost immediately: Surprise!

Andy texted back two laughing face emoji.

Alex texted: Brian Jacobs is coming as well, brother.

Andy: We getting the band back together?

Andre: Maybe. We gotta meet Sara. Mikey talks too much 😊.

Andy: When you getting here?

Andre: Wednesday afternoon. We're staying at the Compound.

Andy: Cabin?

Andre: Whatever. Alex is putting us up.

Andy: (thumbs up emoji)

Andre: you up for an evening of 5 on 3?

Andy: ?

Alex: You, me, Andre and Jake vs 5 skaters.

Andy: You guys know I'm a wounded veteran, right?

Alex and Andre: 😊

Andy: Hurry up and get here. Lots to catch up on.

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"Well ladies and gentlemen, I hear through the grapevine that 5/7's of you had quite the weekend. I trust New York City was a pleasant experience. So, as we begin this morning -- Andy is there anything you'd care to share with the class?" asked Professor Land, smiling broadly.

"Sara Jones-Easley and I got engaged this past weekend," said Andy cheerfully. "Cooper, Jeannie, Sydney, and Haylee were kind enough to come down to the city to help me surprise her."

"Congratulations to you both. I had Sara in class last year. She's a lovely young woman. And ladies, I hear congratulations are due to you as well. Modeling for a Donna Karan line is no small feat, nor is raising $30 million dollars for a new women's athletics dormitory and training facility. Congratulations to you as well!" She paused, grinning. "I talked with Grace on Sunday afternoon. She was quite excited." She paused, "Now, we do have some calculous to do today."

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As Sara and her crew reported to the weight room, they were greeted by Coach Shea O'Neill.

"Ladies -- wow -- you look amazing! Nice shirts, and you all match," said Coach Shea. "I couldn't help but notice that one of you is quite shiny and sparkly. Care to tell me what that's about?" she asked grinning.

Sara held up her left hand. "Andy asked me to marry him this weekend," she said.

"Ah yes, Andy DeGroat: winner of hearts, athletic performance enhancer, and slayer of assholes. I look forward to meeting him in the daylight without a gun in his hand," joked Shea. "Well, you three can head to the boathouse. We'll test Eden and then she'll join you."

"Actually, we were hoping we could test with Eden," said Kail. "I mean she is kind of a diva, and she may hurt herself, or get lost, or something," she joked. "Plus, we've all had a shot of Vitamin A," she chuckled. "We'd like to retest if we could?"

"Well, that would be fine," said Shea. "OK, once Mr. Fedorov is done greeting you," she grinned. "We can get going."

A sweaty Alex greeted the girls, and Coach Shea thanked him profusely for his generous gift for women's athletics at Colton.

"Nyet," said Alex forcefully. "It is not a gift. It is an investment. Jessica and I expect to see good returns on this investment. I think a repeat of last year's national championship would be a good start. Do you agree Coach Shea?"

"I do. Thanks to you and your brother-in-law, I'd say we're uniquely positioned to make that happen. Thank you again, Mr. Fedorov -- and please thank your wife as well," said Shea.

Alex watched discreetly as the four women warmed up, and then began their testing. Sara was even more dynamic than a week ago. She was smooth and relaxed. The ease with which she moved belied the explosive force she could generate. Alex smiled as he thought to himself, "Yes, my nephews and nieces will be powerful skaters. My brother has chosen very well." Eden, Kail, and Grace were also vastly improved. By the end of the testing, the four ladies were atop the board in every testing matrix. Kail had top scores on some of the strength tests, but Sara and Eden were the most dynamic. Grace was surprisingly explosive, and never tested last in any event.

"Ladies. I'm stunned," said Coach Shea when they had completed the testing. "You were, all four of you, off the charts. I'd ask you what was up, but you'd just say 'Andy DeGroat' with big stars in your eyes. Then, I'd want to go vomit. So, whatever the reason, just color me impressed."

"Coach Shea?" said Grace. "Andy is part of the reason -- and his family. They believe in us. They expect things from us. Andy tells us all how amazing we are, not just Sara. This morning, he's already told us twice to 'kick ass, take names.' We all got a text from his sister this morning telling us how proud she was of us, and she looked forward to hearing about our first day on the water together. I know what Sara means when she said she feels at peace. We're all just in a really good place right now."

"I gotta go with my girl Gracie," interjected Kail. "Sure, Dreamy and Kisses got their thing going on, but it benefits all of us. We're not misfits, or freaks. We kick ass. You've always tried to tell us that; I think we all see that now. But to have Andy and his whole family telling us that, well -- we can relax and just be awesome. Coach, this weekend we looked like beautiful women -- I mean like girls and stuff -- I shit you not. I mean, seriously, we modeled for Donna Karan. Andy's sister is designing a whole line just for women like us! We kick ass, we look hot as hell. It's what we do."

"Well, let's head to the water. Hopefully, all the 'Vitamin A' translates in the boat," she said laughing.

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It did. The crews were working on starts this morning. The Misfits were a notoriously slow-starting crew. Today, however was markedly different. Their first practice start equaled their PR from last season. The second start dropped that time by 2 full seconds. Coach Shea was positively giddy, and could not keep the smile off her face. She was dancing the running man in celebration on the dock when she heard a voice behind her.

"Excuse me, Coach O'Neill?" It was President Oliver, accompanied by the provost, and a group of people she did not know. Of them was tall, wearing a suit and sunglasses, and looked like he could take on the entire world -- by himself. "May I introduce some special friends of Colton College? This is Helen Carlson." They shook hands. "Next to her is the Second Lady of the United States: Jane Donovan." They too, shook hands. "Next to them is Christopher Hughes: he's one of the architects who will be working on the Sumner-White Complex." She greeted Christopher.

Jane spoke next, "Dear, please don't be alarmed by Kevin. He's a part of my Secret Service detail, I'm afraid. It's a necessary evil. You do, however, get used to it."

"Yes, ma'am. It really is a pleasure to meet the two of you. Thank you for your generous gift to Colton. It's amazing to think about a facility just for women. I don't know of another school in our conference who will have something like it. It's a huge edge for us," explained Shea passionately.

"Well, we do have a bit of a vested interest in all this," said Helen. "Not only are Jane and I Colton alumni, but my grandson's fiancé is on that boat," she pointed to the Misfit crew.

"So, Andy DeGroat is your grandson?"

Helen nodded.

"I'd love to bottle that young man for all my athletes. Sara is a new woman, and performing at a level I've never seen. When I ask her why, she just smiles and giggles, and says 'Andy DeGroat.' The girls call him 'Vitamin A'" she smiled.

"That's very kind of you to say. I can only say that the benefits run both ways. Sara has been very good for Andrew. We're very thankful, and very fond of her. That's quite a group of young women you have on your hands, Coach O'Neill," said Helen smiling.

The Misfits pulled their boat up to the pier, "Well, if it isn't the OG's!" exclaimed Kail. President Oliver looked mortified, until Helen and Jane laughed. Gloria Adams just smiled and shook her head.

"Good morning, Kail, and to all of you lovely ladies," said Jane, smiling. "Eden, your mother has been showing us around the campus. And your coach was just telling us how impressive your performance has been this morning. Crew is not really my forte, but it sounds very encouraging. Helen and I think we're getting this complex built at just the right time."

Gloria Adams spoke softly to Coach O'Neill, and she in turn addressed her crew. "OK, ladies: you're done for the morning. Row back as a cool-down, clean up, and then head to the Dining Commons. You're joining this group for lunch. And ladies -- I've never seen anything like what the four of you did this morning. I rowed in college, and have coached for 10 years and this beats all I've ever seen. I've never seen four more dominant athletes in one boat -- ever. Let's keep it up. Enjoy your lunch."

A very happy crew rowed away.

"Coach O'Neill, please excuse my ignorance, but is there a reason those women sit in that particular order?" asked the Second Lady of the United States.

"Yes, actually, there is. The woman sitting in the back, or the stern, of the boat is known as the 'stroke.' She must be the most technically proficient rower of the four, and she also sets the strokes per minute pace the crew will row. We're fortunate in that regard. Grace is a math major, and that girl is like having a supercomputer on the water. We never get out-strategized with her in that seat."

"The next two are 'the engine room.' They're the heaviest and strongest rowers on your team. Again, we have two amazing athletes in those seats. Kail and Sara are a force to be reckoned with."

"Last, but certainly not least, we have the bow. If the stroke tells the engine room how fast to go, the bow steers the boat -- almost like a bicycle. Your bow must have amazing balance, and be able to mirror the others in the boat. We're in high cotton there. Eden has a background in ballet, so her balance and athleticism are impeccable."

"Last year our ladies struggled with their starts. It's a 2000-meter race, so a bad start doesn't kill you. They were the repeat Division III national champions with bad starts. I was pretty happy when you walked up, because they took 2-seconds off their start time on their first day in the water. These women will be scary good," Coach O'Neill's smile told the visitors all they needed to know.

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Andy was greeted by a very enthusiastic Sara as he entered the Dining Commons. "Baby, it was so amazing! We kicked ass this morning! We PR'd on our start time by a full 2 seconds, and the four of us are at the top of the testing board in every category. Coach Shea said she'd never seen anything like it, and then your grandmother and Aunt Jane and Christopher came by with the President and Dr. Adams. I'm supposed to be in a conference room eating lunch with them, but I had to come tell you!"

He kissed her, and said softly, "That's my girl. I'll hurry up with lunch and then we can go find a house. Congratulations Bellissima. I'm so proud of you." As she walked off, she again treated him to a little extra wiggle.

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As Andy sat at lunch with his Calc class, his phone buzzed. His grandmother was texting him.

Andrew, change of plans. The detail insists on taking the suburban for Jane. Will meet you at the Commons. I have a surprise for you all.

"Shit," Andy muttered.

His friends all looked up. "Everything OK, Andy?" asked Jeannie.

He laughed. "It is - just - unique opportunities my family presents," he paused. "Listen, thank you all again for coming this weekend. I know it was really over the top, but I'm glad you could be there. My family and I can be a rather disruptive presence in people's lives. I'm sorry if it's a bit too much at times."

"Andy, it was wonderful," said Haylee. "I've never had a weekend like that. Sara is really lucky. We're honored to be included, and hey, if it takes a weekend in NYC for Cooper to pull his head out of his ass and ask my roommate out, then it was all worth it, wasn't it?" she smiled.

"Well, I can vent to the four of you since you know about Uncle Hank and Aunt Jane. We're going house hunting with my grandma and Aunt Jane. We were just going to walk, but the Secret Service guys want them to take the suburban. So, we're taking an armed convoy to look at houses near campus," complained Andy.

"Andy, they love you guys. We didn't know you before, but Haylee and I knew Sara. She's a different woman." She paused, "For being a Marine I had no idea you were such a diva. Dude, your family is buying you guys a house. Suck it up, buttercup," teased Sydney.

Jeannie laughed out loud, and was soon joined by the entire table. Andy got up to leave, thankful for the attitude adjustment his friends had provided.

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Andy entered a completely different Commons. There were six rolling wooden frames, resembling coat racks. Each frame had black and white pictures hanging from the middle with wire, four per frame, with two sides per frame. The pictures were of the past weekend. There were shots of each of his roommates at their fittings, their shoots, at the engagement party, around the table at brunch. You name it, Anthony had captured it. He was awestruck at the skill and beauty of the work, and he loved checking out each picture. Each woman had her own, dedicated frame. Andy found his frame and saw pictures of himself with Mike, Priya and his sisters. There was an amazing picture of he and Sara talking with Mike and Priya. Finally, Andy got to the frame that was devoted to he and Sara. She came and found him and held his hand as he stood there, speechless.

Finally, he wiped a tear from his eye and addressed his grandmother. "Grandma, thank you. This is amazing. I -- I don't really have words to describe it." He went to her and hugged her.

"Well thank you, dear. This was Gina's idea. Jane and I simply brought it to life. It was inspired to have Anthony capture the whole weekend this way. Your grandfather and I will have one of the eight of us hanging up in our bedroom. It's just lovely."

Christopher was there, and he whispered to Helen. "Well, yes. We do need to be going." She turned to the roommates, "Ladies, please enjoy this gift from Gina. It was very, very thoughtful of her to do such a thing. I know I spent hours looking at them last night. It's very enchanting."

His grandmother's words snapped Andy out of his trance. He looked at Sara, noticing her for the first time, really. "You look beautiful," he said, as he kissed her. "I love the outfit, or whatever you call it -- I'm not sure I know," he joked.