Unfinished Story

This story began for me in 1996. I was sitting in the park just enjoying the afternoon when I saw a jogger with a USA windbreaker on. Then I saw the little brook of water and everything just started flowing. I forgot about this story and just found it again on March 17th. Please note: This is copyrighted (©) by me, Tammtamm. Please do not copy it or save it without my permission. Thank you.

“Are you ready to do your final dive?” Coach Riker asked Maggie Banks, Olympic hopeful.
“Yeah, yeah I am.”
“You don’t have to do it. You’ve already won the competition. You made the Olympics.” He told her.
“I know, and this dive will seal everything. Coach, I’m okay. I can do it.” Maggie insisted on performing her final dive.
“If your sure.”
“Positive.”
“Alright then, watch your focal point then and when you’re relaxed completely, do your stuff. Your parents and I will be waiting back in the waiting room.”
“You’re not going to watch out here?”
“Of course I am. I was just checking to see where your mind was.”
“Right here at the competition as always. Parker would want me to concentrate on my diving right now.”
“Do this for your brother then. I’m proud of you. You know that so go out there and make your dreams come true.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen...our final diver of the day...Maggie Banks. Maggie will perform a two and a half backward somersalt spring and tuck.” The announcer said.
“Hey, Maggie looks just fine up there, Jimmy. I don’t know what you’re so worried about.” Andy told his best friend.
“Her brother died late last night from cancer. She didn’t get much sleep. None of us did. She shouldn’t be diving.” Jimmy told him. Maggie looked over to where the ambulance was, both Jimmy and Andy were EMTs. Maggie and Jimmy met two years ago when a diver had hit the diving board and was unconcious.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Parker was so cool.”
“He made Maggie promise that she would come to the competition and win today so that she could go on to the Olympics and follow her dreams.”
“Well, she’s been really outstanding all day. You have to admit that.” Andy pointed out. Jimmy looked up at Maggie and smiled. Maggie was ready, she focused and relaxed and did the dive without a flaw. The judges gave her a perfect 10. “Go to her, Jim, and give her a hug from me.” Andy shoved Jimmy to go see Maggie when she came out of the water. He was waiting at the edge of the pool for her. She gave him a knowing look and he knew that she was ready to collapse.

“C’mon, babe. Let’s get you home.” He said as he helped her out of the water.
“Get to the waiting room. My parents and Coach Riker are there.” She said in barely a whisper. Once in the waiting room, they all hugged.
“NBC wants to do an interview, Mags. You up for it, or you want to go home?” her father asked.
“It’s up to you.” Coach Riker said when she looked at him. She looked at her mom.
“Um, alright, but not long. We have to get to the airport to pick up Corey and Paige.” Maggie said as she looked at Jimmy.
“I have to get back to the squad. Call me when you get back from the airport?”
“I will. I love you.” Maggie said as they hugged.
“I love you too. You were great out there. Parker always knew you would go to the Olympics. He was proud of you.” Jimmy said.
“Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

“Hi, Maggie. Congratulations on your win here and on making the Olympics. What an accomplishment.”
“Thank you.”
“I understand that despite a family tragedy, that you still came out here and competed. We’re all really sorry about the loss of your brother.”
“Thank you. Yes, Parker passed away last night, but he was always so supportive of me. I’m glad I didn’t pull out of the competition today.
“Are you looking forward to the Olympics?”
“Yes, more so now, because it has always been a dream of mine to go and Parker always wanted me to follow my dreams and that’s what I’m doing. Sort of for him too.”
“You didn’t even stick around to see your final scores on the dive or for the competition. Would you like to know them?”
“Yes, please."
“On the dive, perfect 10s, for the competition a 96.8, the highest ever recorded and a US record.”
“Oh gosh, really?” Maggie looked off camera to her coach and parents. They were all nodding. She ran over to them.
“How do you feel now, Maggie?”
“Stunned. I didn’t realize I’d done so well. Thanks for talking with me.”
“Thank you for talking with the world, Maggie.”

“Corey! Paige! Over here!” Maggie yelled to her older brother and his wife. She was standing at the back of the gate waiting for them to board off the plane. She ran to her brother and gave him a hug.
“Hey, you okay?” Corey asked his sister.
“Yeah, I even won the competition and made the Olympic team today.” Maggie told him.
“Parker always believed you would.” Paige said.
“Hi, Paige. It’s good to see you.” Maggie and Paige hugged.
“You too, Mags. Let’s go see mom and pop.” Paige replied.

“Maggie? Jimmy’s here.” Her mother said when she found Maggie in Parker’s room.
“Okay, I’ll be right down.” Maggie said wiping the tears away from her eyes.
“You okay, sweetie?”
“Yeah, mom. I’ll be okay. I just needed time in here by myself to talk to Parker, you know?”
“Yes, I do. C’mon, Jimmy has that worried look on his face.” Her mother said and held out her hand.

“So, Jimmy...how’s the skating coming along?” Corey teased his sister’s boyfriend. A few months back, Jimmy had tried in-line skating and skinned up his knees pretty good.
“Haven’t gotten on them lately. Thanks for coming home so quickly. Parker wouldn’t let us call you sooner.” Jimmy greeted Corey and Paige.
“How have you been?”
“Pretty good. Haven’t gotten into any trouble so it’s been pretty normal around here, except for one small bit of news...I’ve been promoted to Leiutenant at the Squad and I’ll be graduating from college after this semester.”
“That’s great news! Congratulations.”
“Hey, everyone.” Maggie said when she entered the room.
“Hey you.” Jimmy said and opened his arms. Maggie walked right into them. “How you doing?”
“Okay. How was work?”
“Piece of cake today. We only had one call and that was for a transport from the hospital to a rehab center. Of course, I spent most of the day watching you.”
“Dad managed to get a copy of the competition from one of the coordinators. Paige and I are going to go watch it. Feel free to join us.” Corey chimed in.
“Thanks, Cor...maybe later. I’m not into watching my dives right now.” Maggie replied.
“You wanna talk about it?” Jimmy asked her. She shook her head.
“Just hold me please.” she said.
“C’mon, let’s go into the den. You’re so tense.” Jimmy replied and led her to the den. The fireplace was lit. The moment they sat down on the couch, she cried long and hard for Parker.

“Mags?” Corey came into the den some time later.
“Ssshh...she’s sleeping.” Jimmy whispered from a chair next to the window.
“You hungry? Paige made some sandwiches? My parents are still out.”
“No thanks...I’m fine.”
“Andy and Coach Riker called. They wanted to know how Maggie was doing.”
“She’s exhausted. She needs sleep.” Jimmy went over to the door.
“Come join us. She’ll be fine. You can’t protect her all the time.” Corey told him. Jimmy took one last longing look at Maggie before following Corey into the kitchen.

“Well, the services are set just like Parker wanted them and then he’s to be cremated.” Mr. Banks said as he and his wife, Corey, Paige, and Jimmy sat around the table drinking coffee or tea.
“Someone should tell Maggie.” Mrs. Banks said.
“She’s sleeping. I’ll tell her later.” Jimmy said.
“I’ve got to call Coach Riker back. Excuse me.” Mr. Banks said and left the room.
“I can’t believe he’s gone. No more sitting up with him at night, reading to him when he can’t sleep or when I can’t sleep. No more talking about you kids or all of your friends. No more gossiping about little meaningless things.” Mrs. Banks began to cry.
“Aw, ma. You promised you wouldn’t start.” Corey said, handing her his handkerchief.
“It can’t be helped. My youngest son is dead, my oldest one lives two thousand miles away, my other son still hasn’t gotten in touch with us from where he’s stationed, my oldest daughter is on a road somewhere trying to get here, and my baby girl is living out dreams for her dead brother. Excuse me.” Mrs. Banks left the room.
“I didn’t know that Sarah and David were told or even that Sarah was on her way here.” Corey shook his head.
“David hasn’t called since last week but your father called his commander this morning and left a message for David to call home immediately.” Jimmy explained.
“I hope he calls or gets here soon.” Maggie said from the doorway.
“Sweetie, how long have you been there?”
“I just got here. Sarah’s in Malibu. She’ll be here soon. She called while daddy was on the phone with Coach Ryker.” Maggie said as she grabbed a diet soda out of the fridge.
“Any word on David?”
“Nope. I gotta get out of here. Excuse me.” Maggie said. She felt claustrophobic in the house.
“I’ll go with you.”
“No...I need to be by myself. I’m sorry.” Maggie said and left through the kitchen door.
“Well...I guess I’d better go home then.” Jimmy said and stood up.
“She didn’t mean it to sound so harsh.” Paige told him.
“I know. If she needs me, she’ll call. If she comes back, let her know that I went home.” he said as he gave Paige a hug.
“You know we will.” Corey said and walked him out to the front door.

“Jimmy? Please wake up and answer the phone?”
“Mags? Where are you?”
“Back parking lot of the highschool. I need you.” she said.
“I’ll be there in five minutes. Don’t move.” Jimmy said and darted out of bed. He nearly knocked down Andy as he ran out of his room.
“What’s going on?”
“It’s Mags, she’s out at the highschool. Come on.” Jimmy said and ran out of the apartment. He arrived at the highschool five minutes later. Maggie was standing at the phone booth waiting for him. “Mags?” he asked when he got out of the car. She was crying.
“I can’t go home, Jimmy. I can’t. Too many memories of Parker. Too much emotion. I can’t handle it.”
“That’s okay, you can stay with me.” he said. Andy pulled up.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, Andy. Thanks. We’ll be home shortly.” Jimmy said. He pulled Maggie into a hug. “I was so worried about you.” he said.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t talk about it, I had to get away. I just walked and walked and walked and ended up here.”
“C’mon, it’s late. We’ll go back to my place tonight. You can decide what to do after we get some sleep.” Jimmy suggested.
“I feel like I’ve lost everything. My brother is gone from my life forever. I’ll never get to laugh at his stupid jokes anymore or gossip with him about happenings at the pool or talk about you with him or anything anymore. I never let myself think that Parker would die. Never.” Maggie said as they walked back to the car.
“It’s okay, Maggie. Parker is in heaven now watching over all of us and smiling down on you cause you made it to the Olympics.”
“I don’t feel too happy right now.”
“I understand that, believe me, I do. But you can’t continue to sulk about what happened. Parker survived as long as he did because he wanted to show you his support. His body just couldn’t hold out anymore. Don’t mourn forever. Parker wouldn’t want that.” Jimmy said as they drove back to his apartment. Maggie was silent the rest of the way, thinking about what Jimmy had just said to her.

“We’re here.” Jimmy said as he parked the car. Maggie didn’t wait for Jimmy to open the door for her. She got out and waited for him. “You okay?” he asked.
“I will be. Ask me in a few days.” Maggie told him.
“C’mon...we both need some sleep.” he said and led her into his apartment. Andy was sitting on the couch, watching tv.
“Hi...I couldn’t sleep. Mags, your dad called. He wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Thanks, Andy. I’m just going to go to bed.” Maggie told them and went into Jimmy’s room.
“She okay?”
“Yeah...see ya in a few hours.” Jimmy said and followed Maggie into his room.

 “Margaret Banks! What are you doing here?” Coach Ryker asked.
“Diving. What’s it look like I’m doing?” she replied.
“I told you to take a few days off.”
“And I’m telling you, I’m fine and I need the practice.” Maggie said before jumping off the ten foot platform and into the water. Coach Ryker walked over to the edge of the pool.
“Look, channel 3s morning show is going to be here in like 15 minutes. If you’re here, they’re going to want to talk to you.”
“Whatever, can I get back to diving?”
“What are you going to do? Dive into oblivion to forget about Parker?”
“If I could, but I can’t so I’ll just have to win the Gold at the Olympics.” Maggie walked away from him.
“Look, Mags. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, okay? I’ll be fine. I swear. And if channel 3 wants to talk, then I’ll do it. But right now, I want to dive. It’s the only thing that clears my mind, understand?” she asked.
‘You know I do. Just don’t practice too hard. Have some fun. How long have you been here anyway?” he told her.
“I don’t know. About an hour I guess.” Maggie replied and climbed up to the top platform and did a somersault dive flawlessly.

The interview...
“We’ve been watching you dive for about half an hour now. You’re hitting each dive you do. Don’t you feel confident going into the Olympics?” The reporter asked.
“Kate, I feel very confident that I will do my best. That’s why I’m here diving now. Just because I won yesterday doesn’t mean that I should stop practicing. It’s taken me 12 years to get here and every year I’ve gotten better.” Maggie replied.
“We’ve got a tape of your last dive from yesterday. Can you tell us what you were thinking about?” Kate the reporter asked.

“Well, Coach had said that I didn’t have to do the dive, but I wanted to do it. It was my brother’s favorite dive of mine. I got up to the top, looked up at the sky, said `Parker, this one’s for you’, looked at my boyfriend, smiled, totally relaxed, ready for the dive and did it.”
“Was it true that you didn’t even look at the score when it was posted?”
“I ran right to Jimmy and Coach and my parents. I didn’t find out about the score until a little later.”
“Perfect 10s. Were you shocked?”
“Very. I knew that I had done the dive well, but I didn’t expect the 10s.”
“What’s next for you after the Olympics?”
“Junior year here at the college and more swimming and diving with the college team.”
“Do you think you’ll be around for the Olympics in another 4 years?”
“Who knows? I hope so, but now is my time. It may not be in 4 years.”
“What do you like to do when you’re not in the pool?”
“That’s a toughy. I’m going to have to redefine most of it but I love hanging out with my boyfriend watching sappy movies and volunteering at the Community Center. I had been spending alot of time with Parker though.”
“Do you think Parker knows how well you did yesterday?”
“He knows and he’s laughing up there right now saying “That’s my baby sister!””.
“Thank you so much for the interview today. It’s been a great honor and such a treat to talk with you.”
“Thank you, Kate. Take care.” Maggie said and shook hands with Kate before going into the locker room to shower and change.

 “Hey munchkin. I thought I’d find you here.” Maggie’s older brother, David said as she came out of the locker room.
“David!” she gasped, dropped her gear, and ran to him.
“I’ve missed you too.” he said as they hugged.
“Been back long?”
“Got in a little while ago. Corey dropped me off here and went to get gramma. How you doin?” he asked as they walked over to get her gear.
“I’m better today. Did you eat yet? I’m starved.” she said as they walked to her car.
“Not yet.”
“C’mon, I’ll buy you breakfast.”

“I am so glad that’s over with. I hated every minute of it.” Maggie said of her brother’s funeral. Jimmy, Andy, and her were up in her room watching tv after the funeral. “You two don’t have to babysit me, ya know.”
“We know, but we don’t want to be downstairs either. Besides, who else would we watch Grease 2 with?” Jimmy replied to her statement. He made her smile.
“I knew you could smile!” Andy joked. Maggie threw a pillow at him.
”Okay, guys, listen to me for a minute, okay. You two are like my best friends so I want you to understand me about something.” Maggie turned serious. Both men gave her their full attention. “I’ve got to prepare for the Olympics so if I seem distant it’s not only because of Parker. The Olympics are my dream and it’s real. I can’t wait to get there. But that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking of Parker or my family or you guys. Please don’t worry about me, okay. Wounds do heal over time.” Maggie told them.
“Wow. You were listening to me the other night.” Jimmy said in amazement.
“Of course I was.”
“I’m hungry.” Andy said.
“Let’s go down and make an appearance and get some food. After today, I’m hoping my life can get back to some normalcy.”
“That’s not going to happen, Miss Olympic Athlete.” Jimmy said.
“You’re a celebrity now. You’re part of America’s team.” Andy chipped in.
“Cut it out guys, I’m still Mags, Jimmy’s girlfriend and local champion diver.” Maggie said. Jimmy helped her up off the bed.
“How many more days until the olympics?” Jimmy asked.
“Three weeks. Which reminds me. I’ve got practice twice a day for the next two weeks. We’ll hardly have any time together.” Maggie told him. Andy left the room.
“That’s alright cause we’ll have plenty of time after the Olympics are over.” Jimmy assured her. “I’ve scheduled my vacation for the two weeks after the Olympics are over. Do you think we can get away, just you and me?” Jimmy asked.
“I don’t see why not. Where would we go?”
“My parents’ cabin in the mountains. It’s out in the woods and absolutely gorgeous.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Hey, are you guys coming or what? I’m not going down there by myself.” Andy poked his head into the room.
“Maggie? Mom’s looking for you.” Sarah said as she pushed the door open.
“Where is she?”
“Kitchen.” Sarah replied.
“On my way.” Maggie replied. “I’d better get down there.” Maggie looked at Jimmy.    
“Andy and I will be right behind you.” Jimmy replied. They kissed. Maggie went off to the kitchen.
“Mom? You wanted me?”
“Yes...I wanted you to eat something. You barely ate anything for breakfast.” Mrs. Banks handed her daughter a plate full of food. Maggie and the guys laughed.
“Sorry, mom. We were just talking about coming down and having some lunch.” Maggie replied.
“Well, good. Everyone will be gone soon and then I’d like for you and your father to sit down and discuss your schedule up until the Olympics. It’s getting pretty full and I don’t think daddy has let you in on all of it yet.”
“Okay, mom. And thanks for the food. You’re the best.” Maggie said and gave her mom a hug.

 “That was a little shaky on the entry, Mags.” Coach Ryker said when Maggie finished the dive.
“I know...I know...I’ll get it.” Maggie said as she prepared to do the dive again.
“How’s she doing?” David asked.
“She’s thinking too much on other things and not concentrating enough on her dives, David. She’s got to put Parker out of her mind for the Olympics. She just has to.”
“I know and she will.” David believed.
“Are you sticking around for the Olympics?”
“Yeah, I took a two month family emergency leave. I figured she’d need me the next few weeks. Her and Corey aren’t as close as she and I were and I know she and Parker got even closer.”
“She was great with him. She read to him. Sang his favorite songs with him. Watched the lamest movies with him and talked with him for hours. Whenever she wasn’t here or in school she was with him and Jimmy was right beside her. You’ll like Jimmy. He’s so supportive of her.”
“Hey you two, stop talking about me like I’m not around. I can still hear you guys from up here you know.” Maggie said and dove into the water. Entry was perfect.
“Much better. Do your laps now.” Coach Ryker said and steered David into his office.
“David, Look, I’m really worried about Maggie. She’s got to concentrate more on her dives. She’s just going through the motions right now.”
“She’s got three weeks, she’ll be fine, coach.”

 “Maggie?” Jimmy said and came into the pool area.
“She’s doing laps right now. Aren’t you working today?” David replied a little while later.
“Yeah...I am, but Andy and I are on lunch right now. I thought I’d come see Mags. What are you doing here?”
“Hanging out. Corey and Sarah are packing up Parker’s room. I didn’t want to be there to watch.” David replied.
“Does Maggie know what they’re doing?” Jimmy sat down next to David in the stands.
“No. Do you think she’d be here if she did?”
“She was the one who sat beside him and watched him die. She’s not ready to let go.” Jimmy stressed.
“Well, Corey and Sarah thought they’d better do this for her and mom.”
“I’m glad I won’t be there when you guys get home after this. Mags is going to go ballistic.”
“You’re not coming over today?”
“Not until after 7 or so. I’ve got to work til 6. Besides, Maggie is in training mode now so I’ll barely see her until after the Olympics.”
“You think that’s smart with everything that’s happend the past week?”
“We talked and decided that we’d take a vacation together after the Olympics. She needs to concentrate on her diving right now. I’ll be here if she needs me and she knows that.” Jimmy explained.
“I’m glad she has you. Our parents aren't too good at showing how much they care.” David explained.
“Well, Maggie knows I’m here. I’m gonna go talk to her for a few before I have to report back to work. Take care, David.”
“You too, Jimmy.”

 “Hey, sweetie. How was practice?” Jimmy asked.
“Okay. What were you two talking about?”
“Catching up on stuff. I have to get back to work. Call me later?”
“I will. Tell Andy I said hello?” Maggie said as Jimmy bent down to kiss her.
“Love you.”
“Me too. Be careful out there.” Maggie watched him leave before going over to her brother.
“Dave, I’m going to stay and help Coach with his swimming class. If you want to go for a drive or something, it’s okay.”
“How about I go get us some lunch? You’ve got to be hungry.” Dave commented.
“That would be great. You need any money?”
“No, I can manage. I’ll be back in a bit. Diet soda right?”
“Please.”
“Okay. Have fun.” David left Maggie alone to retrieve lunch.

 “I’m leaving now, Maggie. Where’s your brother?” Coach Ryker asked as Maggie got out of the pool.
“He went for lunch. What about your class?”
“Ken is taking it today. Do me a favor and go on out and have some fun. Your dives are great. You deserve a day off. Don’t forget though, bright and early Saturday morning, okay?”
“Fine.” she said just to please her coach. She’d go dive at the Y so he’d think she was taking a day or two off. Ken walked in.
“Coach...I gotta talk to you.”
“I’m late, Ken.”
“It’s about Timmy, ever since he fell off the one meter, he’s afraid to dive. I’ve tried everything. I don’t know what to do.” Ken said to him.
“Get him in the shallow part of the water and just swim with him, one on one. Did you ever try that?” Maggie interrupted. “He’s gotta know you have confidence in him so that he can begin to get confidence in himself.” she stated.
“Yeah, right, Mags.” Ken said sarcastically.
“She’s right, Ken. Have one of the older kids spot the divers and just spend some time with him in the shallow end of the pool.” Coach Ryker said.
“I’ll help, Ken. I’m on a forced vacation. No more practice until Saturday.” Maggie offered.
“No, Maggie. I want you to go out and get away from diving and the pool.” her coach insisted.
“But...”
“No, buts. Ken, get Cheryl or one of the older kids to help you, and Maggie, you go home.” David came into the pool area with lunch.
“Lunch is here.” he declared.
“I’m not hungry. Let’s get out of here.” Maggie declared and grabbed her duffle bag and left her coach without saying good-bye.

“Corey, we’ve got to get these boxes out of sight before Maggie gets home.” Sarah shouted up to her husband.
“I know...I just wanted to get this last...” Maggie came into the house and noticed the boxes that Parker’s belongings right away.
“What’s going on here?” Maggie went over to the boxes. “These are Parker’s things. How dare you pack them up.”
“Maggie, we thought...” Corey tried to explain.
“I don’t care what you thought, neither of you had any right. No right!” Maggie screamed and ran out of the house.  She got in her car and disappeared before anyone could stop her.
“Damn it! I knew I should of moved those boxes sooner.” Corey stated as he sat down on the stairs.
“Now what? Should we chase after her?” Sarah asked.
“No.  She just needs some time to wind down. Coach worked her pretty hard and yelled just as hard. I tried to tell her about this, but I didn’t have the heart.” David explained. “C’mon, let’s get these boxes down to the basement.”

Maggie’s family was sitting down to dinner when the phone rang.

“Hello?” David answered the phone.
“May I speak with Dr. or Mrs. Banks please?”
“May I ask who’s calling.”
“Officer Jason Smythe with the Kennedy Police Department.”
“I’m their son, David. What can I do for you.”
“We found Margaret Banks car abandoned by the lake about a half hour ago. Is Margaret there?”
“No.”
“There are two officers en route to your home to discuss our findings. Please call me if you have any questions.” the officer said and hung up the phone.
David stared at the receiver until his father snapped him out of his thoughts.
“Who was it, son?”
“The police. They found Maggie’s car abandoned by the lake. He said that two officers would be here shortly to discuss their findings.” David explained slowly.
“Sweet Jesus! Call Jimmy, I’ll go tell your mother and brother.” Mr. Banks went back into the dining room. David paged Jimmy with a 911. Jimmy called as soon as David hung up the phone.
“Jimmy?”
“David?”
“Yeah, listen, Maggie’s missing.”
“No, she just called me. She’s on Willow Lane. Two guys beat her up pretty good. Get your parents and meet us at the hospital. We’ll be there within a half hour.”
“Did they...”
“I don’t know, she wouldn’t say. I’m going to her. Just get your parents to the hospital. Especially your mom.” Jimmy said. There was a knock on the door.
“That should be the police, Jimmy.”
“Well, answer the door and put them on the phone.”
“Hello? This is Lieutenant Abraham.”
“Lieutenant Abraham. My girlfriend, Maggie Banks, just called me from Willow Lane. She says she was beaten up by two guys. How soon can you get to Willow Lane?”
“Five minutes. Keep her there until we get there.” the Lieutenant hung up the phone and quickly left the Banks’ residence.

“She’s resting. They want to keep her overnight for observation.” Jimmy said after he left her room at the hospital and went into the waiting room.
“Is she okay? Did she say what happened?” her mother asked.
“She had stopped at Parker’s grave and went she got back to the car someone hit her from behind on her neck. When she came to she was being shoved into a van. That’s all she would tell me.” Jimmy explained. Coach Ryker came into the waiting room.
“How is she?” he asked.
“Resting.”
“Physically?”
“I don’t know, coach. Her doctors won’t know until she is more coherent with everyone. She was beaten up pretty good and doesn’t quite look herself right now.” Jimmy explained to the coach.
“Can I see her?”
“They gave her something to sleep. You can see her tomorrow.” David said to him. Andy came into the waiting room.
“They’ve put an armed police officer outside her room and one next to the elevator and stairs.” Andy said.
“What for? I don’t understand?” Corey asked.
“In case the attackers come back. Her face is going to be plastered all over the media...news reports, papers, tabloids, the internet. It’s for her safety.” Mr. Banks said.
“What happened today?” her mother asked her family.
“Alot, mom. Alot.” David said. “She put too much pressure on herself during her workout and then we came home too early to find Corey and Sarah moving Parker’s things, that’s when she took off...”
“And went to Parker’s grave.” Jimmy added. A nurse came in.
“Mrs. Banks? Your daughter’s asking for you.” she said.
“Thank you. I’ll be right there.”
“Kids, why don’t you go home? There’s nothing more to do here.” Mr. Banks said.
“Andy, you go too. I’m staying the night. She asked me to.” Jimmy told his best friend.

 “Stop!” Maggie screamed and woke up from a bad dream. Jimmy went running to the side of the bed.
“Maggie? You’re okay. It’s just a bad dream.” he said. She moved away from him. “What? What is it?”
“Nothing.” Maggie whispered and turned her back to him and closed her eyes. Jimmy didn’t let her rejection get to him. He moved the chair to the other side of the bed and sat there, watching her sleep.

 “Jimmy? What are you doing here?” she asked as she woke up. He was looking out the window, drinking a cup of coffee.
“Got nothing better to do. You okay?” he asked as he came over to her.
She nodded.
“They didn’t take advantage of you?” he asked. She shook her head.
“You sure?” he pushed. She nodded. She didn’t want to tell him the truth. Not yet. She had begged the police not to tell anyone until after the suspects were caught. “How you feeling?”
“My head hurts a little.”
“That’s because of the bruising on the right side of your face. They beat you up pretty good. Want me to get a nurse to get you an ice bag and some Tylenol?”
“Please?”
“Sure, how about some breakfast?” he asked. She shook her head. “Not hungry.” she replied.
“I’ll be right back.” Jimmy said and left the room. Maggie slid back down on the bed and closed her eyes. A few minutes later she heard the door open. No one said anything. She grabbed the book she had under the pillow.
“Hi, Maggie.” a man’s voice said. She opened her eyes, hit him with the book, and jumped out of the bed into the corner. Jimmy, a guard, and a nurse ran into the room. Maggie was in the corner, holding her head and crying.
“How’d you get in here? Who are you? You’re not her doctor.” they asked. The guard put the man up against the wall. Jimmy went to Maggie.
“You okay?” he asked.
“He’s one of them, Jimmy. He’s one of the guys.” she sobbed. She held onto Jimmy for dear life.
“She’s lying. I didn’t beat her up.” the guy screamed.
“Shut up. Nurse, go get the officer next to the elevator please.” the officer asked. He then radioed into the station his location and that he had a suspect in custody for the Banks incident.
“Please get him out of here.” Maggie begged.
“He’ll be gone in a minute, don’t look over there at him. Look at me.” Jimmy said. She turned her head to him. He looked her squarely in the eye. “He was the one who raped you, wasn’t he?” Jimmy asked. She nodded and broke down hysterically. “Sshhh, it’s alright, he won’t hurt you anymore.” Jimmy said and put his arms around her. Her doctor, the other officer and the nurse came into the room. Both officers took the guy out of the room.
“Maggie, let’s get you back to bed.” the doctor said.
“It’s okay, the guy was taken away.” Jimmy said. Jimmy helped her back to bed.
“How’s your head?” the doctor asked.
“It hurts. Especially around my right eye.”
“The bone around the eye is badly bruised. It’s going to take some time to heal.”
“How much time? I’ve got the Olympics coming up.” Maggie calmed down when she focused on the Olympics.
“A couple of months.” he stated.
“Will the facial bruise affect my diving?” she asked.
“That’s up to you. If you let it, it will. Of course, the pain won’t be as bad when you go to the Olympics as it is now. The pain won’t be constant, but it will be there when you touch it or lay on it and dwell on it. The swelling will be down too and most of the color from the bruising. I want to so another CAT scan on your head and back. If everything’s okay, you can go home.”
“No more x-rays, CAT scans, whatever. I want out of here now. Please!” Maggie asked. Her mother came into the room.
“What’s going on? What’s happened? Where are the guards?” she asked.
“We’ll explain in a minute.” the doctor replied. “Now, Maggie. I’ll get someone to bring you up a breakfast tray. I want to make sure that there is nothing that could keep you from diving at the Olympics, that’s why I want to do the second set of scans. Think about it. I’ll be back after rounds. Okay?”
“Okay, I’ll think about it.”
“Thank you.” Maggie said. The doctor left.
“I’ll be right back.” her mother said and went after the nurse.
“Let’s wait until after you have breakfast to try some tylenol. Can you handle that?” the nurse asked.
“I’m fine now. Thank you.” Maggie said as Jimmie picked the chair and the blankets up off the floor.
“Okay, I’ll be back soon.” the nurse said and left the room. Jimmy sat down in the chair.
“You look tired. You should go home.” Maggie told him.
“I’ll go home when you go home.” he stated.
“How did you know about the rape?” she whispered.
“I overheard the doctor talking with the female officer that came in with you lastnight.” Jimmy took her hands in his, “I don’t know what’s going through your beautiful brain and I won’t pretend that I do, but I want you to know that I’m hear to listen to you, for you to yell at with your frustrations. I know it’s not going to be easy. But don’t shut me out, okay?” he asked.
“Do my parents know what happened?”
“No. I didn’t tell them and I asked the doctor and the officer not to say anything. The media says you were attacked and in the hospital for observation. They interviewed your father and he said that there was no comment from the family at this time and that there would be one later today.”
“I’m just so thrilled.”
“Try not to think about it.”
“I want to go home. I don’t like being confined here. I didn’t like being abducted last night or raped...”
“Oh my god.” Mrs. Banks gasped as she entered the room. “Oh, honey. My baby.” Jimmy left the room so that mother and daughter could talk.

 One week later...
“How’s the face, Banks?” Coach Ryker asked Maggie as she came to the surface after her last dive.
“Sore, coach. How was my entry?” Maggie didn’t like talking about the incident that happened. The police had caught the other two men and all three were behind bars. David and Jimmy were playing bodyguard, and her father was in charge of all contact with the media and officials.
“You’re best today. Are you all packed for training camp?” Coach handed her a towel as she came out of the pool.
“Yup and also for the Olympics. David and I are going to stay at my grandmother's the four days before I have to report to the Village. I wish you were going to be there.”
“I will be there in the stands. Don’t worry. You’re going to do well.”
“I hope so. I really do.”
“I will see you soon. Keep a journal on everything. I want details. Of everything.” Coach said. “David, you’re sister’s done for the day. Take good care of her. I’ll see you both at the Olympics.” her father and David came over.
“Channel 3 is outside. Kate wants to talk with you. You want to do it?” Mr. Banks asked his daughter. Maggie looked from her father to her coach to her brother.
“What does she want to talk about?” Maggie finally asked.
“How the attack has affected your plans. Do it, honey.” her father encouraged her.
“As long as it is understood that if she gets me upset, I can end the interview.”
“I’ll have her meet us at home in an hour.” her father smiled and headed back outside.
“You’re brave, sis. C’mon, let’s get out of here.” David said and grabbed her bag for her.
“Mom? We’re home. Did dad tell you?” David asked as he came in the back door. Maggie ran up to shower.
“Yes, dear, he did. Kate and her crew should be here any minute. Did you tell Maggie that you and Kate know each other?”
“No...I’ll tell her later. It was a miracle that she agreed to do this. She was so tough on herself today mom. I hope she eases up on herself when she gets down to the Village. She’s got to let herself have some fun.”

“Thanks for agreeing to this, Maggie. Before we go on air, I want to share something with you that not may people know about me.” Kate, the reporter told her. They walked out onto the patio. “When I was a Senior in college, I was raped at a Frat Party. I know the feelings you’re going through with your attack. Don’t let them build up inside. Talk about them with someone, okay?” Kate said.
“Thanks, I am.”
“Ready to do this now?” Kate asked.
“Yes, I am.”
“Good evening, everyone, I’m Kate Anderson and I’m at the home of Maggie Banks and her family. Local Olympic hopeful and more recently attack victim. Maggie, how’s the bruising and how are you?”
“Well, the bruises on my back are still pretty visible, but the swelling is down. As for my face, well, I’m hoping I won’t look this bad when Opening Ceremonies start.”
“Isn’t it painful to dive into the water?”
“Not as painful as you may think. Tylenol helps with the swelling, the bruising and the pain.”
“What happened?”
“I can’t talk about that right now because the case hasn’t gone to court.”
“Okay, how are you emotionally. I understand you got special permission for your brother and father to stay in the Village with you.”
“Being attacked was very scary. My father and brother will not be staying in the village with me. I think the security and the other athletes will be protection enough. I’m looking forward to being there.”
“When do you leave to join the rest of the diving team members?”
“Tonight after another doctor’s appointment.”
“Are you excited?”
“Very. I can’t wait to dive in the Olympics and I can’t wait to meet athletes from other countries.”
“I’ve been talking with some of the members of the pool and everyone of them think you’ll win gold. What do you think?”
“If I win, I win. I’ll settle for silver or bronze, but mostly, I’m going there to have fun and meet other people. It’s an honor and a privelege to be there and winning the gold would be an added bonus. But, my parents and those who know me will always consider me as Maggie. No matter what. And I like that.”
“Did you know that you are now the favorite to win all the events you’re entered in? Mai Soko of Korea withdrew from the competition yesterday with a stress fracture in her leg.”
“Please don’t call me the favorite. I didn’t know about Mai Soko and I hope that she gets well soon so that we can compete together. As for the Olympics, Mai will be missed. I’ve watched tapes of many of the divers that I’m up against and I think that although my diving is fantastic, the competition will come down to who is having the better day.”
“How was diving today?”
“Better than yesterday. I still have the pain of when my face enters the water, but it’s slowing easing up.”
“I watched your last few dives. Just beautiful. How do you manage to do that with so much grace only a week after the accident?”
“Love from God, family, and friends and willpower, Kate.”
“Thanks for letting us come into your home, Maggie. Good luck. I’ll see you in Atlanta.” Kate said. “Brian, back to you.”
“Maggie, I love talking with you.” Kate said after the cameraman gave the off the air signal to her.
“Thanks, Kate. I like talking with you too. Please excuse me. My brother will show you out.” Maggie said and went upstairs to lie down. She was feeling dizzy.

 “Maggie, sweetheart? Wake up. Gotta get ready for your doctor’s appointment.” Jimmy woke up his girlfriend.
“Hey...what are you doing here?”
“Wanted to see you one last time before you leave. I saw the interview. You don’t look bad at all. You sure you’re okay? You’ll be okay to dive?” Jimmy asked her.
“I’ll be fine. I’m going to do well.” Maggie smiled at him.
“Well, one last thing before you leave.” Jimmy said. “Close your eyes.” he told her.
“What for?”
“You’ll see. Now, just close your eyes.” Jimmy instructed. He opened the door and let Andy and the rest of their friends into the room. Everyone entering as quietly as possible.
“What’s going on.”
“Keep your eyes closed. I’m almost ready.” Jimmy said. Her family was the last to enter the room. Mrs. Banks was carrying a cake that read Good Luck, Mags! Atlanta 1996.   “Okay, open your eyes.”
“Surprise!” the room full of people yelled.
“Oh my gosh!” she gasped and hid her face behind Jimmy.
“Hey, hey. Don’t hide. Everyone wanted to say goodbye and wish you luck. They don’t care about your face.” he said.
“Better blow out these candles before they wax up the cake.” her father warned. She blew them out.
“Thank you, all of you. This is amazing.” she said meekly. “I wish I could stay, but David and I need to get to my doctor’s appointment and then I’m off to be with the Team. Keep your fingers crossed and keep me in your prayers and then I’ll see y’all in a month or so. David, let’s blow this joint.” Maggie said. She gave everyone hugs as she left the room. Jimmy walked with her and David to the car.
“Your dad and I will pick the car up tonight. Don’t forget to call me later. I’ll see you in Atlanta. I love you.” Jimmy said. They kissed for a few minutes before Maggie got into the car. “Keep your brother out of trouble and don’t forget to call.” Jimmy watched until the car was out of sight before turning to head into the house.
“I’m going to get on out of here, Andy. Say goodbye to everyone for me?” Jimmy said when he found Andy.
“Sure. You okay?”
“I just need some time alone. I’m going to go say goodbye to Missy’s parents. I’ll see you later, okay?” Jimmy asked Andy.
“Yeah, later.” Andy said and shrugged.

 “Well, Maggie. How have you been feeling?” the doctor asked.
“Honestly? My face hurts, my ribs hurt, and my stomach is in knots.”
“Is the pain worse when you’re diving?”
“No. The pain lessens every day around my ribs. It’s my face that hurts like hell.”
“Well, I’m not going to tell you not to dive, but I am going to suggest to the Olympic coach that you don’t dive more than necessary until next week. Alright with you?”
“No! My diving is not going to suffer because of the pain in my face. Don’t you dare tell them anything.” Maggie said.
“Margaret, if I had my way, you wouldn’t be diving in the Olympics. You’d be banned from diving and all water activities for the next month. Your face needs time to heal.”
“My face will have plenty of time...” Maggie yelled. David interrupted.
“What’s going on in here?” David asked.
“He wants to limit my training for the next week. If that happens I can kiss any medal goodbye.” Maggie stated.
“Maggie go wait in the waiting room for a few minutes. Let me talk with the doctor.” David said and waited for Maggie to leave the room. “What’s up with Maggie? What did you tell her?”
“It’s not what I told her, it’s what she’s told me. She’s not giving her body time to heal from the attack. Her facial bruises are pretty serious bruises and the constant diving and swimming is not helping. Her ribs have healed nicely, but she’ll be sore through the entire Olympic games.”
“Training for the games has kept her sane since Parker died. If she doesn’t dive, she’ll go off the deep end. Both Jimmy and I have seen her. She wants to compete so much. She’s trained so hard. She’s doing this for both her and Parker. Don’t deny her the opportunity to compete. I swear she’ll get all the rest she needs after her dives are over.”
“Alright, David. I’ll clear her as long as she sets up an appointment for right after her final dive. I’ll come down there and we’ll do x-rays at the hospital. Can you get her to agree to that?”
“Yes I can. Thank you.”

“Maggie! How are you? It’s great to see you again.” Tammy Moffat said as Maggie and David sat down next to her on the plane.
“Tammy! Oh gosh! You look great! What events are you swimming in?”
“I’m anchoring the 400, 800, and 1200 meters and swimming individuals in the 100 and 200. I heard about what happened. How are you?”
“I’m okay. Thank you for the rose boquet you sent for Parker. It was beautiful. That was very thoughtful of you and your parents.”
“It was the least we could do. So, you ready for the games?”
“Yeah, and I’m very happy that David was able to stay for them.”
“What? Me not get chance to do something like this ever again. Gotta take the opportunity when I can. Just like you. So Tammy, how’s Kirk? Is he still playing for the Knicks?”
“Nope. The 76ers.”

 “Maggie. Wake up. We’re here.” David said as the plane taxi’d to the terminal after landing.
“Already?”
“Yeah, munchkin. You fell asleep.” David replied.
“Can’t imagine how you can sleep when you’re going to the Olympics!” Tammy stated as she reached under her chair for her purse.
“Tammy, when you’ve had the month I’ve had...Every ounce of sleep you get is precious. C’mon, don’t tease me about this stuff, okay? The less it’s discussed the better for all of us. Can we just be good friends like we were before?” Maggie asked.
“I’m sorry, I was just teasing.”
“I know, but, you wouldn’t be if you saw first hand what I’ve been through.”
“Maggie, I’ll drop all of this,” Tammy leaned across David, “as long as you understand that I’m available for you to use as a listening board. It’s one of my best qualities.”

“Maggie and Tammy, it’s about time you two got here! Everyone else is back at the hotel.” the coach said as the three of them came out of the gate.
“Can’t help if the plane is late.” Tammy replied.
“It’s okay. You two won’t get much of a break between now and dinner, though. This is Sam, he’s my assistant and David, you are listed as another assistant for security reasons when we get to the hotel.”

“Maggie, congratulations on winning all four gold medals. You were fantastic. What’s next for you?” Katie, the newswoman asked her as they sat together next to the Pool in Atlanta.
“A long vacation with my boyfriend.”
“Was he here and able to see you dive?”
“Every step of the way. My coach and family were also here. It’s been an amazing experience. My teammates and coaches have all been very uplifting as well.”
“I heard that you told them in the team meeting last night that the medals were also to honor them.”
“They’ve all worked just as hard as I have and Kristy Swank has beaten me in the past. I was just having a good competition. I’m really glad that Kristy was able to capture two silvers and a bronze. She was great too.”
“Have you been able to see any of the other sporting events?”
“Gymnastics. I love gymnastics. Have you seen the women’s team. They are fantastic!”
“You are too much.” Katie laughed. “Thanks for talking with us. Enjoy the rest of the games.” Katie said.
“Thank you.” Maggie smiled. As soon as the signal for the camera was off, Maggie looked over at David and grimaced.
“Can we go see the doctor now?” he whispered.
“I can’t take the pain any longer. Get me out of here.” she whispered back.
“Let’s go find the coach and tell him what’s going on. I’ve already called the doctor.” David replied.
“I have to be here for the last medal ceremony.”
“We’ll see when that is. C’mon.” they went to find her Olympic coach.
“Hey, Mags. How’s your face?”
“Not as bad as my ribs are, coach. I promised my doctor I would see him after my last dive. When’s the medal ceremony?” she asked.
“In an hour. Can you wait that long?” he asked.
“I believe so. I’m going to go lay down in the lounge then, if it’s alright?”
“Sure, I’ll come get you when it’s time. I’m very proud of you. You never let up on anyone, especially yourself. I hope that you feel that you did really well.”
“Thanks, coach. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I’ve learned alot from you.”
“I only hope to see you in four years winning some more medals. You’d better go rest until the ceremony.” coach oradered. “David, don’t leave her side.” the coach said to her brother.

“Larry, we’ve just learned that Maggie has been taken to General Hospital to be looked at by her personal doctor concerning some lingering pain from her ordeal a few weeks ago back home.” Katie said into the camera.
“Is she okay?” Larry asked. Larry was the stage manager for the newsroom.
“Personally, she looks tired, but I know she dove with two cracked ribs and several bones in her face were badly bruised.” Katie told him.
“Stand by to do a live remote.” Larry said. Back in Atlanta, Katie was standing outside the hospital with Jimmy. A minute later, Larry gave her the go ahead to start her report.
“Jimmy, why was Maggie brought to General Hospital after the medal ceremony?”
“Just routine. Her personal doctor wanted to check on some bruised facial bones and tender ribs after her final dive to make sure she didn’t do any more damage.”
“Emotionally, how is she?” Katie asked.
“She’s riding high right now. Wouldn’t you be?”
“Is she going to stay through the closing ceremonies?”
“That depends on what her doctor says. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get in to see her.”
“Thanks, Jimmy. Ken, back to you in the studio.” Kate signed off from her segment.
“Well, I don’t like the x-rays, Maggie. Your ribs haven’t even begun to heal and there’s a hairline fracture under your right eye. If you had any more competitions, I’d have to put my foot down and pull you out right now. Maggie, no diving until you’re healed and that would be approximately 3 months.”
“Fine, can I go now?” she asked.
“No water activities. I want to see you as soon as you get back from your vacation.” the doctor said.
“I promise, doc.”
“Then get out of here and enjoy the rest of the games.” he said with a smile.

“What did the doctor say?” David and Jimmy asked as soon as came out of the office.
“No water activities for three months. I have a hairline fracture under my right eye. My ribs haven’t even begun to heal. He wants me to wear this brace for the next four weeks, too.” Maggie lifted up her shirt to show the brace.
“I warned you he was going to be tough on you.” David told his sister.
“I know, I just don’t know how I’m going to keep myself away from the water for the next three months.
“We’ll think of something.” Jimmie said.
“C’mon, Tammy’s final swim is in an hour and we all promised her we’d be there to watch.” David said.
“Oh, on the way, maybe you can explain about you and Kate?” Maggie asked her older brother
"There's nothing to explain. I've known Kate for years. Let's go." David avoided the subject of Kate at all cost.

Home