By now Courtney and Darren were one of the elite couples at school, I had not dated nor shown any interest in anyone else, nor did I plan to. I would be leaving in a few months, no use in getting involved with anyone at this point. Soon the day to sign was here, I would make my decision at a ceremony in the gym at ten o'clock in the morning, the entire school would be present. Jason and Devon would also choose their schools as well, both receiving numerous offers.
As I entered the gym that morning, it was quite the scene. All the local media was there, including some larger out of town stations. Coaches from at least a dozen universities were represented, as well as teachers, students and parents. Devon, Jason and I were seated at two large tables that were joined, in front of us were hats to the universities that had offered us scholarships. When your time came, you simply would reach over, select the hat from the school you wished to attend, then place it on your head.
Jason started the process out, taking his time, then selecting a large in-state university, about a hundred miles from town. Everyone applauded loudly as Jason signed his letter of intent, camera's rolling following his every move. Devon was next, he had four offers, he was very sought after. Devon played with an attitude, he was the kind of guy you like to have in your huddle. Not once did I ever see him back down from anyone. As was Devon's style, he played the crowd awhile before selecting his school, a major university in Florida.
Now all eyes were focused on me, I saw the Louisiana and Texas coaches pacing nervously. I had kept my decision pretty much to myself, even Ashley was not one hundred percent sure of where I would be going. There was a hush that fell across the crowd, everyone was staring at me waiting for my next move. As I looked up into the crowd, I could see Courtney sitting by Kelly and Jasmin, I wondered what she was thinking. I waited a few more seconds, pushed my chair backwards and stood up. I reached over and grabbed the Louisiana hat, placing it quickly on my head. Camera flashes began going off, people were cheering wildly, everyone rushing forward. The coach from Louisiana made his way through the crowd and extended his hand to me.
"You made an excellent choice Brian, you will never regret it.", he said.
After the three of us had committed to our respective schools, life got back to normal for us. School was almost over for us, we would graduate in less than two months. Everyone was excited, looking forward to their new lives as young adults. I continued to workout with a passion twice a day and concentrated on school work. We were only three weeks away from graduating, final exams were right around the corner. Seniors were getting out of class early due to exams, so I was going to the library on campus and studying for two hours before heading off to the gym. I was cramming in the library for my first exam which was math on Thursday. The exam was Monday, when one of Courtney's friends, Jasmin, walked up to the table where I was sitting.
"Hey Brian, mind if I join you ?", she asked quietly.
"No not at all, have a seat.", I urged.
She sat down and opened her books and began to read to herself. Once or twice when I looked up, I noticed she was looking at me. I just smiled and went back to reading my text book and taking notes. About four thirty I began to pack up my book bag to head to the gym. I noticed that Jasmin was picking her things up as well, we both walked out together. When we got outside of the library, Jasmin turned to me and smiled.
"Uh Brian... are you….. um, going to the prom ?", she asked nervously.
Now as I had mentioned before Jasmin was one of the cheerleaders at the school and she was extremely good looking. She was a very light skinned African American girl, with long straight, jet black hair. She had been dating the captain of the basketball team for years, in fact he was the only guy I have ever seen her with. I figured Courtney had put her up to asking to see if I was dating anyone yet.
"No, I'm not going, Jasmin. Never gave it a thought really.", I answered quickly.
"Why not ?", she inquired, like she was surprised.
"Well honestly, I have not dated anyone since Courtney and since I am leaving in a few months for college, why bother ? It's no big deal really, I'll live if I miss the prom.", I replied.
We continued walking down the sidewalk towards the parking lot in silence there after. When we got close to my truck, Jasmin turned to me once again.
"Brian, could you drop me off at home, I don't have a ride.", she asked.
"Sure Jasmin, hop in.", I answered, pointing to the truck.
I knew where Jasmin lived, I had attended a party at her house once, it was really on my way home. As we pulled out of the parking lot, I saw Kelly, Courtney's best friend getting into her car. I know she saw Jasmin and I. We were a few blocks from Jasmine's house when she once again spoke up.
"Um…. Brian, can I ask you something ?", she stammered.
"Sure.", I answered.
"Well since you don't have anyone to go to the prom with, would you like to go with me ?", she asked, swallowing hard at the end of the sentence.
"I thought you were dating, what's his name from the basketball team.", I inquired.
"We broke up about six weeks ago, he was fooling around with me and I caught him," she answered.
"Oh, I didn't know that. I'm sorry to hear it. That seems to be going around lately.", I shot back.
"So what do you think ?", she asked, once more.
"Geez, I really don't know Jasmin, I mean what would your parents think if you brought me home ?", I said nervously.
"They would be fine with it Brian. And to be truthful, I have had a crush on you for the last two years.", she said softly, looking down at her lap.
"I don't know Jasmin, I really don't. I mean I leave for school in a few months, I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea. Let's both think about it and talk again tomorrow ok ?", I suggested.
"That sounds good.", she answered quickly.
I dropped Jasmin off at her house and continued home arriving at the same time Ashley did. I changed clothes and went to the gym, getting in a good two hour workout. I was back to the best shape I have ever been in. My weight was at two hundred eighty eight pounds, I was pushing more weight than ever before. My body fat was down to about eight percent, despite the massive caloric intake I was on.