no apologies

Cory couldn't help but smile.

"That's amazing," he found himself proud of Roger who'd impressed the judges. It looked like he'd be taking home the trophy. He had really wowed them. Too bad he hadn't been in on this all along since the season started. Cory couldn't help but be a bit angry with the coach. Why did it have to be this way?

"Shock and dismay for everyone, I suppose." Roger had sounded OK, but a little leery of his accomplishment, as well.

"You should be proud, and you know it."

"I am. I am. Not sure everyone see it like that." Roger just sighed.

"Are you saying you stole someone's thunder?"

"Who knows." He could hear Roger was a bit timid.

"So who's there?" Perhaps they couldn't talk over his cell at the moment. It was getting late. There was more to the tournament the next day.

"Just the guys."

"Are you going to be OK?"

"I guess."

"I know you'd feel safer with Kelsy." Cory then said.

"I can't believe you said that," Roger sounded odd though. "I wish I was with you. Wish you were here."

"Sure, I'll just get a motel room and you can come and see me." Cory smiled.

"Could you? You wouldn't mine doing that?"

"I don't think I can. You are like a couple of hours away and uh, like my Mom would let me use her credit card." Cory told him.

"God, I wish you could. I'd feel so much better if you were here." Roger just sighed.

"Roger, do you think you'll be all right?" Cory asked.

"Of course. I'm just thinking the worst, you know. That's all."

"Then stop it," Cory said. "I love you."

"I love you more." Roger then said.

"Yeah, right," Cory hated when he always had to add a little guilt. "I Love you, man." Cory just smiled and hung up.

Of course, he dialed Kelsey next.

____________________________________________

I started this story one year ago today. I'm sort of shocked how Ellie has grown on me this last year. I must say readers have persuaded me at times and probably didn't even know it. Initially, Eric was only a passing character who was suppose to hook up with Cory. But then, everyone kept saying, "oh, I like Eric." Of course, I hadn't exactly 'cast' him..so to speak..other than basing him on two friends of mine. So then I decided after everyone's happy feedback, maybe this was the guy for Ellie, not Kyle. Just imagine how that would have turned out? & then for awhile...no one seemed to like Eric. He was pushy. He was..well, Eric, and probably much more physical than I ever really expressed. Although, I did want to base him on guys I knew. Parts of relationships I remember. Of course, I've always felt a newbie when it comes to relationships. I still do. Perhaps I'm more of an observer than anything else.

I can always wish that my relationship is as good as well, that girl who seems to have the perfect boyfriend. Its always sad to learn though, that he's never quite that perfect. Hopefully, though, I've showed the highs and lows and sticky situations you can get in to. I've also wanted to challenge myself with Cory and Roger's love story. Hopefully, its been a romance. I must admit, I never really liked Roger when I started this story. Who was actually based on someone I grew up with.

Then there is Kyle who's based on the first guy I ever fell into something with.

Thanks for reading.

Ellie