Jon Major has always enjoyed the company of women. In the series
Caught!
we saw Jon as a college student whose heart was broken repeatedly by girlfriends who were unfaithful. The Major Diaries tells the story of Jon when he's older and wiser - and determined to be with as many beautiful women as possible without risking betrayal. How well does he succeed? Chapter 5 reveals the unexpected ways Jon and Stephanie's relationship evolves. All characters are adults over the age of 18.
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Jon sat in the bleachers and watched Stephanie play soccer. It was the first game of the season, and the weather was just as beautiful as you'd expect for a school in Southern California. Jon hadn't seen a high school soccer team since his older brother played. Jon had considered playing soccer, but his school had a boxing team, which Jon thought he'd enjoy more.
It quickly became obvious that Stephanie was the best player on the field. Her school's coach had the team run plays designed to get the ball to Stephanie, who routinely made the goals. The other team was frustrated by Stephanie, who managed to run through the middle of a pack of defenders as though they were inconsequential as smoke. Jon thought it was an amazing thing to see. He already knew Stephanie was counting on getting a soccer scholarship so she could afford to go to college; he hadn't realized she was such a formidable player.
"I don't know why we keep coming down to watch these games. Our daughter never gets to make any plays. All the glory goes to that Stephanie girl," complained a married couple sitting to Jon's left. It made sense that parents and teammates felt jealous. Stephanie was so much better than her peers that she made everyone else look weak.
The game was about two thirds over when the coach removed Stephanie from the field. She'd made so many goals that the lopsided score made it impossible for her school to lose. The only way the other girls could make a meaningful contribution to the game was to send Stephanie to the bench, which was something that always happened. Stephanie didn't mind; she knew it was important to let the other girls earn some points.
As soon as the game was over, Jon went quickly to his car, making sure he got there before anyone in the stands might strike up a conversation and ask which athlete he cared about. He'd thought he'd claim to be Stephanie's cousin, but telling a lie wasn't something he wanted to do. It was dangerous. Someone might figure it out. Much better to avoid awkward questions.
When he got to his car, Jon sent Stephanie a text that showed his exact location. A few minutes later he saw her walking in his direction, a gym bag containing her clothes slung over her shoulder.
"Well, here's the star of the game," Jon said when Stephanie opened the door.
"Here I am," she said, sliding into the seat beside him. She planted a kiss on his cheek and gave him a smile.
"I assume the school that you played today isn't very good," Jon said. "When are you going to play a stronger competitor?"
"That school is the best one we play. None of the others are better than that," she said.
"Wow. So that means you expect to win every game?"
"Unless I get injured, yes," she said.
"Wow," he said. "I had no idea you are such a dominant player."
"I don't like to brag," she said.
"You can brag all you want when you're with me," Jon said. "Steph, I am very impressed. Now I understand why you expect to get a soccer scholarship. How many other girls are as good as you?"
"According to the statistics, I am the best female high school soccer player in California," she said.
"What! Well, I guess that explains what I saw today! What college is recruiting you?"
"UCLA."
"Oh my freaking God! My girlfriend is a star!"
Stephanie smiled. "It's nice hearing you call me your girlfriend."
"I've already said I love you, and care for you, and want what's best for you. Saying you're my girlfriend seems redundant, don't you think?"
"Don't care. I still like the way it sounds."
They waited until they were inside Jon's apartment before they embraced. By now they were very aware of the fact that Stephanie needed to conceal her relationship with Jon, so they were careful to avoid public displays of affection. Jon looked forward to a day when he could embrace Stephanie whenever he wanted, but he wasn't sure when that would be.
"I'll go take a shower before we . . . you know," Stephanie said.