Collections of Southport

THE FIRST LEVEL

The year is 2001. In cadence, the Southeastern University Marching Band emptied onto the football field. It was a humid, sunny Saturday afternoon in late August. Visiting Northwestern University ran onto the field after the band completed "The Star Spangled Banner."

Two very good female friends watched the field. It was one friend’s job that put her in the seat and it was the other friend’s love of football as well as family alliances.

"I hate f---ing college football games, Cassie. I have seen the best teams in professional football play. This is total bulls---," Shauna admitted as she sat with her arms and legs crossed. Shauna Winters had let her hair grow from its normal short length to a wiry shoulder length cut that was exaggerated with its red framing in front.

Her closest friend, Cassandra Carraway, smiled. She was attending the opening game

her father and brother’s Alma Mater. She never attended the school herself but she felt a close fidelity to the campus and its sports programs.

"You are the current marketing and sales promotional supervisor in this region. It is a long overdue promotion for you. Your company works with this university very closely in recruitment and scholarships for tax purposes. How many times do I need to say this to you, sweetie?" Cassie inquired as well as remembered.

"It is so f---ing hot. Why did I need to dress like this?" Shauna steamed.

"It was your choice. I told you that I would wear pants, but I told you I would dress nicely in case someone in your business would see us," Cassie claimed as she answered with applause as the home team entered the field.

"I need to call Drew," Shauna lamented.

"Do you ever hear from Paul?" asked Cassie as she hailed the coke salesman on the stands.

"Every so often. We are still friends," answered Shauna.

"Does he mind all the traveling in his new position?" Cassie inquired as she applauded the next play.

"He says it keeps his mind off me," Shauna answered.

Cassie purchased four cokes. Shauna adjusted her dress and hose. She peered back at a student who screamed incessantly.

"F---! Why did you buy so much damn coke?" Shauna pressed.

"For the mini-bottles in my purse. I brought several Crown Royals, Shauna."

"I knew I loved you," Shauna began, "How is Greg?"

"It’s been fun. I don’t know where it is going, but I don’t know that I want it to go any further." They both lit a cigarette.

"What does that mean, Cassie?"

"It means that I just want to have a good time!"

"It doesn’t sound like a woman in love."

"She’s not. Unfortunately. Are you?"

"The relationship is too new. I have high expectations for a man who is gorgeous, sexy, and brilliant."

"You are a bitch. I love you but life needs to get better for you in Southport."

"It has. I’ve grown. Oh, thank you for the cocktail. I hope I don’t rip these pantyhose off if I get too hot!"

S.E.U. scored which brought eruption to the stands. It was a long pass play. Cassie immediately raised her hand for a high five from a graying, older man in the neighboring seat.

"All of these people are getting cocktailed or high so when S.E.U. scores the next touchdown, you could slide those pantyhose into your purse," Cassie administered.