by Tia Siren
''Sorry. I know. But I need to speak to you.''
''You scared me, coming here at this time.''
''I know. Just let me in for a minute, I promise I'll go away again.''
Amber looked at him and stood aside. He entered the hallway and waited for her to close the door.
''What?'' she said.
''I can't read and write,'' he said.
''What?.''
''I need your help. I can't read, and I can't write.'' He began to cry.
Amber felt desperately sorry for him, as well as deep shock at what he'd just revealed. She hugged him. ''Come on, sit down.'' He sat on the sofa and looked at her.
''You can't read and write?''
''No not a damn word. Not even my name. Why else do you think I party all the time? I'm shit scared it'll get out. If it does, just imagine how stupid I'll look. I do stupid stuff just to keep the tabloids off the scent. If they're reporting me getting drunk and screwing women, they're not digging into my school history.''
''My God, I never realized. You know it's really not that difficult to read and write. It won't take you long to learn.''
''Eleven years of school didn't teach me.''
''Because you weren't interested. You probably spent all your time with a ball on your foot.''
''Yes. I did.''
''Okay, I'll teach you.''
He smiled. ''But don't tell anyone okay? It's more than my life's worth.''
''Of course, I won't.''
''You don't think I'm stupid to do you?'' he asked.
''No, of course, I don't. Danny, I'm sorry for doing what I did to you. I really like you, but Josephine got to me and told me I shouldn't be dating you.'' She squeezed his hand and looked at his fraught face. ''She told me all sorts about me being dragged into your court battles and made me worried it would affect my parents’ reputation. I was a bitch to you; I can see that now.'' She smiled at him and wiped a tear from his cheek. ''Stay with me tonight. I will make you feel better,'' she put his hand inside her robe. ''Let's forget what happened. Let's look to the future. And the future means you and me, and reading and writing.''
*****
''Amber? What are yo doing with a book called, ''Elementary Reading and Writing for Adults?'' Josephine asked.
Amber looked down at her bag which was on the floor next to her desk. The top was open, and the title of the book she'd bought for Danny was there for all to see. ''Er.....I'm just.....''
''He can't read can he?''
''Who?''
''Danny. Danny can't read and you're helping him.''
''Please don't tell anybody. He's so hurt by it. It's not his fault; he had a terrible childhood; nobody supervised him.''
''So out best footballer is a dunce. What a surprise,'' Josephine said sarcastically.
''He's not a dunce, he's a great guy. He just needs help that's all.''
Josephine took a rubber band from her desk and played with it. ''Are you still seeing him?''
''Yes. I apologized for what I said to him. We are an item, and we will remain one.''
''Can't you find someone who is literate?''
''Fuck you, Josephine.'
''Ladies, ladies, what's going on?'' Joe asked.
''Amber is seeing Danny Constance. I don't think it's professional. And he can't read or write.'' Amber looked daggers at Josephine.
''Really?'' Joe said looking at Amber.
''Yes, I'm seeing him, and yes he can't read or write. But if it gets out the press will crucify him.''
''Well, Josephine, I don't see any law against dating someone, especially if it makes both parties happy. On the subject of his literacy capabilities, that's none of our business and a private matter between Danny and Amber.''
Joe scowled at Josephine, who pulled a spoiled brat face. ''And now Josephine, I want to see you. Apparently you called Rod Stevens a black bastard. The owner of the club heard you. I had to plead with him to let us keep the contract. Apparently you were miffed Rod wouldn't sleep with you at the celebration the other evening.'' Joe came back into the office with Josephine ten minutes later and watched as she cleared her desk.
*****
''You bitch, you lying cheating bitch,' Danny cried down the phone. ''Look at the sodding newspapers. Rod called me. The ass holes are calling me Consonant Constance. I don't even know what a consonant is. How could you do this to me?''
''But Danny I swear, I didn't tell anybody.''
''Liar. How come, a day after I told you about my problem the whole world knows?''
''Because I bought a book for you to learn from, Josephine saw it and put two and two together.''
''You mean the same bitch that called Rod a black.....?''
''Yes. Danny, I'm.....''
''No Amber. You were careless now I'm a laughing stock. Do you know I'll never live it down.''
*****
Stand by: five, four, three, two, one, on air:
''Good evening and welcome to the John Rushforth show, an hour of discussion about current topics. This evening we will discuss the widening crisis in Syria with the Deputy Prime Minister, the future of Britain in the European Union with the leader of the Chamber of Commerce Mandy Jones, and adult literacy with our guest Amber Sullivan a close friend of the footballer Danny Constance, and Margo Cummings from the Adult Literacy Foundation.
Amber sat next to Joe in the wings of the YTV studio. Joe knew all the most important TV show hosts and directors. After forty-five minutes of the live show, John Rushforth announced a commercial break and Amber was told to go on set.
''Welcome back. Yesterday a fascinating story broke about Danny Constance, our best footballer. According to reports, he is illiterate. After a little research, we have discovered that as many as one in five UK citizens cannot read or write, or both. This evening I'm pleased to welcome Amber Sullivan a personal friend of Danny Constance and the Chair of the Adult Literacy Foundation, Margo Cummings. First Amber, perhaps you can tell us about Danny's case?''
Amber cleared her throat and as Joe had told her looked into the camera. ''I became a friend of Danny's a few weeks ago. He asked me to help him because he was desperate. He was so ashamed of the fact that he can't read or write that it was destroying his life.''
''How did he manage to get through school?'' John asked.
''He had nobody at home to supervise what he was doing. Nobody really cared about his education. Luckily he is a great footballer and can make a very decent living, but what about those less fortunate than him?''
''Sure. It's an enormous problem. Margo can you tell us more.''
''As you correctly mentioned about one in five, in this country, have this problem. And it's usually due to what Amber explained. Lack of parental support.''
''Isn't that what teachers are for?'' John asked.
''Teachers can only do so much. They have hundreds of children to look after. The role of the child's parents or guardian plays a hugely significant role.''
''And how is Danny now Amber?''
''Devastated that he is being made a fool of in the press, and on a personal level very upset with me. Danny, if you're watching, I'd like to say sorry.''
''I have seen some of the press reports, and it makes me sick to be a journalist,'' John said. ''I want to say here and now, and we have upward of ten million viewers, that their treatment of Danny has been a disgrace.''
''That's right John, and it's typical of people's attitude to illiteracy,'' Margo said. ''They think these people are dumb or lazy, but they aren't. They just didn't get a great start in life. In fact, I want to invite Danny to be an Ambassador for our cause. He's hugely popular with our children, and I would love it if he could do some school tours to tell parents of the importance of helping their children, especially in the early stages.''
*****
After the show, Amber was in a taxi on the way back to her apartment when her phone rang.
''Get over here now,'' Danny said.
''What's up?''
/>
'Nothing, just get yourself over here, now.''
Amber asked the taxi driver to turn around and take her to Danny's apartment. When she arrived, a group of press was gathered outside his house. Amber pushed her way through them and went inside.
''Danny what's going on?''
''Come with me,'' he said. He took hold of her hand and went outside. Cameras clicked, and there were flashes.
''Thank you for coming,'' Danny began. ''I have a statement to make. I can confirm press reports that I can neither read or write. I haven't got a clue what this says, but I'm told it's an apology from the Press Association about the way I have been treated since the news leaked.'' Danny held up a fax that Miguel had brought round to him. ''Being illiterate isn't funny, and people who are illiterate shouldn't be the butt end of jokes. Racism and sexism, are illegal, so why not illiterate-ism. If you will excuse my made up word.'' The press laughed. ''This is Amber, and she's my girlfriend, and she's going to help me to read and write, and in a year I'll be reading all your spelling mistakes. Thank you.''
Ignoring all the follow-up questions Danny put his arm around Amber and went back into the house. He closed the front door and threw her against the wall. She struggled for breath as he kissed her and felt for her zipper. He slid her pants down until they reached her ankles, her panties followed. He picked her up and held her against the wall. She kicked her legs free of the garments and hooked herself around him.
''Oh God I want this,'' she moaned.
He freed his penis and in one fluid movement thrust up and into her, making her cry out. She held him tightly as he took her. He pulled her blouse open and took out her breasts. He was wild, demanding her, and taking exactly what he wanted.
''I'm coming,' Amber shrieked. She began to shake as she held onto him, his trusts so strong her whole body shuddered violently under the force. He cried out and held onto her as they enjoyed their first mutual orgasm.
They collapsed in a heap on the hallway floor, both totally out of breath, Danny still deep inside her.
*****
''Hi babe,'' Danny said. ''How's college?''
''Great. Almost done. Two more months,'' Amber replied from her student apartment at Yale.
''Then you'll be a WAG.''
''A what?''
''Wives and Girlfriends, WAG.''
''Oh yes, how stupid of me.''
''You're not stupid. Without you, I would still be the old Danny. Now I can read what they say about my footballing skills, although sometimes when I read what they write, I wish I was still illiterate.''
''That's what I love about you Danny Constance, you're sense of humor.''
''Don't speak too soon, when you come back to England and live with me, you'll have to put up with it all day.''
“I don't care as long as I'm with you.''
*****
THE END
SPORTS Romance - Hotter Than Ice
Kara sat by the window, looking out at the rain covering the campus lawn. It was relaxing for her. A small group of girls chatted while standing under umbrellas after class. They smiled and laughed, and Kara wondered if they would have laughed at her jokes as well.
“Is this right, Kara,” asked the student that sat next to her.
She snapped from her trance and turned to look at her mentee. With a quick exhale, she focused her attention on George’s work; running her hand over the page to sort out the details.
“It looks right, but you did the math wrong, here, let me show you,” she said while making corrections.
With a slow and melodic tone, she explained what he had done wrong. At first, he was a bit lost, but the realization of his wrongdoing came to him, and he buried his face in his hand out of embarrassment.
George was a decent student, but he made silly mistakes that were taxing to correct at times. He still always tried his hardest, but he was behind in his studies by a large margin.
The hour came to an end quickly enough, and she was thankful to be done with the session. Not that studying, or teaching, was really that hard for her. Kara had a natural talent for explaining things in ways others were able to understand.
“Same time next week, George,” she said to the student as he tucked his things into his backpack.
George stood up, straightening out his ruffled sweater before throwing his bag over his shoulder.
“I’m having a party, tonight. You’re welcome to come if you want,” he said.
“Oh, that’s alright. I’m busy anyway,” she lied.
“I’ll e-mail you the details anyway, in case you change your mind,” he added before taking his leave.
She nodded.
It’s not as though she had time anyway, she was busy the rest of the day with other students requiring her tutelage. Kara knew she wasn’t like the girls outside, standing in the rain, talking about nothing. There was an invisible line between them and her that she wished she could cross, but found herself unable. So, she reconciled herself to being what she had been since grade school, an outsider.
Kara fixed her gaze back to the courtyard, watching the students sprint across in a vain attempt to stay dry. She took a small amount of pleasure from being dry and watching other students get soaked to the bone.
Then she saw him trotting nonchalantly through the rain. Henry didn’t seem to mind getting wet in the rain. Even now, he played innocently with a handball to pass the time, throwing it against walls and catching it as he walked past.
He was alone this time. Usually, he was crowded with other hockey players; all of them boasting about one thing or another.
She knew the feeling of solitude, and she could tell that he felt that right now. He was making his way inside the library, and Kara ducked down in her seat a little more.
Her next student wouldn’t be here for another twenty minutes, so she’d have to do her best to look busy to avoid him again.
His jacket was soaked through, as were most the rest of his clothes. Henry threw off the jacket, figuring it useless now, and shook the rain from his hair.
Kara watched; he was actually quite attractive. He had a certain grace in the way he held his skinny but strong stature. His clothes were all just a little bit larger than they needed to be, so the rain caused them to sag in unflattering ways. His hair was wild and unkempt, and just a little too long. Still, it framed his face up nicely the way it matted itself to his head.
Henry scanned the room with his intense eyes; despite Kara’s best efforts, he still managed to see her. As though he planned it all along, he stalked up the stairway of the library, straight for Kara.
She put a few things inside her bag, in an attempt to flee before he arrived, but it was to no avail.
“Hello again, Kara,” he said with a smile on his lips.
“Hi, Henry,” she replied, slumping back into her chair with a sigh.
“So, are you going to come to the party tonight,” he asked, taking a seat across from her at the table.
“You know, I have more students coming, you should go,” Kara replied.
“You didn’t answer my question,” he said.
She let out a drawn out sigh.
“I’m not that interested. I have too much to do tonight, anyway,” she replied.
“Why do you always do that,” he asked.
“Do what?”
“You always look for an excuse to stay in your bubble.”
“What bubble? I’m just staying with people I understand. I don’t understand you and your hockey player friends,” she said.
Henry leaned back in his chair. Kara really didn’t want to say no. She actually was interested in going to the party and seeing if anyone else she knew had decided to take the time out to have fun. She was even interested in spending time with Henry, but the people he liked to spend time with always seemed too popular. Popularity and intelligence just don’t mix.
“Why don’t you just go with Victoria, I’ve heard she likes you,” Kara said.
�
�Ah, Victoria. She’s about as interesting as a brick and about as smart as one,” he said, tossing the handball and catching it.
“Wow, you’re nice to people that like you. I’d hate to see what you’re like to people that hate you,” Kara said sarcastically.
“If you keep turning me down, you just might find out,” he replied.
“If I accept your offer then I’ll be in the same boat as Victoria; I know how many notches you have on your belt,” Kara quipped.
“There’s only one notch that I’m really interested in, but she just doesn’t seem that interested,” he said with a wink.
“She’d be interested if you were a little less full of yourself,” Kara replied.
“And he’d be a little less full of himself if she’d stop living inside of a shell,” he added.
Kara slammed the last of her books closed and started stuffing them into her bag. She wasn’t interested in sticking around and listening to his drivel. It wasn’t the first time they’d had a heated discussion and probably wouldn’t be the last.
“Great, just run away like you always do,” he said.
“I’m leaving because you won’t.”
“Hey, Henry! How’s the date going,” said one of his teammates, jokingly, from the bottom of the stairs.
“Going great, we get married next week,” he shouted with a grin.
Kara rolled her eyes and stood up to leave. Henry stood and shot out in front of her, blocking her path.
“Kara, please. Come to the party tonight. If you come tonight, then I won’t bother you ever again. I promise you’ll have fun,” he said.
She relaxed her shoulders and threw her head back, taking a deep breath.
“You promise, for sure you promise,” she asked.
“Sure, if it’ll get you to go,” he replied.
Kara had wanted to say yes the first time he asked her out. But, his reputation had always preceded him. He’d date unscrupulously and drank like a sailor. Then there were his supposed habits with money.
“Fine,” she said, “but it isn’t a date.”
“You finally said yes! This is the happiest day of my life,” he sarcastically boasted, “I wonder what gown I’ll wear to the ball.”
