Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:35:16 -0700
From: Cory Radke <cory.08@outlook.com>
Subject: Happy Birthday to Me part 4
This story is about a gay relationship and sex between consenting gay
teens, both High School Seniors. This is completely a work of fiction
and is not intended to suggest anything about the personality traits of
anybody mentioned in the story that isn't publicly known about them.
Any similarities to actual people or places - other than the ones
specifically mentioned - are purely coincidental.
If it isn't legal for you to read this for any reason, please use that
handy browser line and jump to a subject/site that is more appropriate.
Copyright Cory Radke.
Positive comments are gratefully accepted. Thanks to Uncle Tank, Rich,
Doug, JB, aseward17, Greg, Scott, Charles, Nick, George, Shane, Skylar,
RJ, Sean, Kevin and Jason for their comments after reading Chapter 3.
I really appreciate all of you for taking the time to e- me.
Want to comment? You may email me at cory.08@outlook.com
There was some excitement when I was informed that Chapter 3 had been
inadvertently posted in the wrong section at Nifty. I want to thank
the Nifty Archivist for correcting this as rapidly as he did.
Happy Birthday to Me
Chapter 4
With their first win of the 2013 football season safely in the
record books, the Branson Charger varsity team felt the need to do what
every 16 to 18 year old male thinks is appropriate for any major school
related event - celebrate with a big party.
Several of the sweaty players had already jumped the access moat
that separated the field from the Stadium seating area and gone up to
hug and kiss family members, girlfriends or both. Having neither, Cory
turned around to find Declan Rocha standing behind him safely
protecting his helmet from the wily Troy.
"Thanks D!" Cory said retrieving his helmet. "Track down Aaron or
Jay and get a couple of Jaxson's Nerf Sports Weather Blitz footballs
and then the three of you can play catch while I shower."
While always within sight of Cory, Jaxson was busy doing his doggy
version of post-game victory celebrating. This involved the odd
tradition of head butting any player close enough to him.
Cory had always thought it was Jaxson's way of reminding the guys
not to get too cocky.
As he headed toward the locker-room and a much needed shower, Cory
was again encircled by Trent and Troy. Holding his helmet comically
tight to his body, Cory looked at Troy and barked out "MINE!"
"Cory don't get excited that is this year's PRE-game tradition,
not post-game."
The three best friends laughed and then the twins shoulder bumped
the taller teen. "You did good out there tonight, QB."
"Thanks guys. I'm just proud that everyone went with me in
playing clean and not running up the score. We could have easily put
49 plus points on the board. I hope you're not pissed at me, I could
have effortlessly slammed up both your stats and made you look even
better to college recruiters."
"Don't worry about it, QB" Trent said. "We got a bunch more games
to go this season and the vid will show how we totally dominated on the
field - that counts as much as doubling our pass-run numbers."
"The question of the moment is" Troy picked up "are you coming to
Nathan's party tonight? The girls are harassing Trent and me to make
sure you're there."
"Which means they've lined up two or three other girls to throw at
me as usual, right?"
"Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe" Troy said smiling.
"I don't know guys. You both know how tough a week this has been
for me and I gotta get Jaxson home."
"I know Cory" Trent said. "But at least do a show up, k? The
guys will appreciate it and Troy and I won't get girlfriend punished."
"Ok Trent, but it's not my fault that you're both pussy whipped"
he said snickering.
"Sometimes you gotta do what it takes to keep your babe happy" the
twins said together.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH... can I go one hour without twin?"
"Ya like with four of us on the field right now that's gonna
happen QB."
"True"
"Let me hit the shower" Cory continued "and I'll decide for
definite after. But I owe both of you big so count on me at least
doing a show up."
"CORY! CORY! CORY!" the twins started chanting and other guys
picked it up as he shook his head and walked into the tunnel toward the
locker-room.
At his locker, Cory quickly stripped off his sweaty game gear and
left it in a pile on the floor. One of the extravagant benefits of
having a fully inclusive contract with a professional laundry service
that specialized in handling sports teams was that all their gear got
cleaned - even hard gear like shoes, pads, cups and helmets. That's
why all gear was marked with the player's name and number.
Everything would be returned in time for next Friday's game
completely cleaned & sanitized, shined and ready to intimidate the next
opponent.
Branson was one of the few high schools - and only public high
school - in the Portland area that provided the combination of full-
service cleaning and sufficient gear to allow each player multiple
change outs - especially with jerseys. Though nobody on the team could
compare with the sheer volume of gear to which Cory had access.
Heading barefoot and naked to the shower room, Cory took two heads
in the corner slapping on both to the temperature he liked. With a
number of guys still on the field and more than a few already done,
dressed and out for the night, the shower room was only about 20% full
and Cory enjoyed the luxury of some alone time.
Coach Thompson had never been big on immediate after game review
or speeches. There was time for that at Monday practice when the
Coaches would do a full team overview of the highlight vid passing out
compliments or pointing out problems.
Cory still felt good about the game. He knew the team had done
the right thing by not bulldozing over Ravensville and it allowed them
the time and mistakes to iron out some issues with specific players.
Most important, it gave both him and the Coaches an opening to
increase the experience level of new varsity players before the
schedule pitted them against teams that would pose a more significant
challenge.
As he finished rinsing out the gel he'd shampooed into his hair,
Cory could hear the herd approach. Within seconds, Trent, Troy and
fully half of the team that had yet to make an appearance in the shower
room were all jostling for heads.
Cory pumped out more gel and started to soap up his body as the
steam level rose and the general quantity of joking, laughing and group
camaraderie filled the air. Nothing made a collection of competitive
teens happier than an easy win - and it was impossible to not join in
the fun.
As he completed what remained of his shower routine, Cory was
united with the rest of the soapy, bare ass, happy crowd of guys.
Walking toward the shower room exit, Cory got his share of butt
smacks and "great game QB" comments as he pulled a towel off the pile
and did a quick dry off.
Once again in front of his locker, Cory finished drying off then
opened the metal door and took out the set of clean clothes he always
brought to dress in after a game.
Sliding on a TrukFit Color Block jersey tee, red AE performance
trunks, a well-worn pair of cargo shorts and red Nike Project BA shoes
without socks, Cory was rubbing styling gel into his hair at one of the
locker-room mirrors when Trent and Troy came out of the shower room and
both snapped his ass with their towels.
"Don't forget, Cory" Trent said "you promised at least a show up
at Nathan's party."
"I know Trent and no worries, I'll make sure you and Troy aren't
disciplined by your girlfriends for not getting me to the party."
"Thanks bro, we appreciate it!" The twins said together.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH..." Cory said laughing through his usual reaction
to twinish.
Grabbing his backpack and gear bag that was now loaded with the
dirty clothes he'd worn to school, Cory waved to the guys and headed
out of the locker-room into the tunnel and up the stairs toward the
stadium parking lot. His plan was to load the bags in to the Tahoe
before stealing Jaxson from his fun playing catch with Adrian and
Declan to head home.
With his mind on other things, Cory reached the top of the steps
and ran almost head first into Chris' chest. Looking up at the sudden
impediment to his forward movement, Cory saw the golden blond standing
there with two adults patiently waiting beside him.
"Ummmmmmmmmmmm... hi Cory!" Chris said timidly.
"Hey Chris, glad you could make it to the game. What's up?"
"I think this is yours" he said holding out the football that Cory
had thrown to him.
"Nah dude, it's yours! I got this tradition that I throw a ball
into the stands for every touchdown we score during a game."
"Ya but it just dropped into my hands."
"Hey no slamming the finely practiced skills of the quarterback
Chris, or I'll set Jaxson on you" Cory said laughing.
Chris shyly laughed with him still utterly confused by having the
football sent his way. He used it to point out the adults standing
next to him.
"Ummmmmmm... Cory these are my parents, Peter and Ann Caldwell.
They want to talk to you."
Transferring his gear bag to his left shoulder along with his
backpack, Cory reached out to politely shake hands with Chris' parents.
"Great to meet you Mr. & Mrs. Caldwell, I'm Cory Radke. What can I do
for you?"
"I think it's more what we should be doing for you Cory" Peter
Caldwell said.
"Chris told us what happened at school today" his mother said
right after her husband finished "and we really appreciate you standing
up for Chris against that bully."
Cory shrugged attempting to help Chris by convincing the adults
that the incident was not as serious as maybe they imagined. "I have a
history with Hudson Wagner. He and his friends sometimes get out of
line. I just did what a lot of other guys at Branson would have done
if given the chance. I want to assure you both that this school is
very proud of its tradition as a safe campus for every student."
"Yes, but you were the one who stepped up and that should be
rewarded" Mrs. Caldwell said. "If you're available, we'd like to
invite you to join our family for dinner on Sunday."
"It's very kind of you to offer and I'd be honored to come. What
can I bring? Dessert?"
"Cory we're giving you an invitation to dinner, not the other way
around" Mrs. Caldwell said with a smile "but if you'd like to bring
dessert that would be great. Chris loves fruit pie and with work I'm
not sure I'd have the hours to make one in time for Sunday."
"Then pie it is."
Cory yanked open the backpack pocket in which he stored his phone
and handed to Chris. "Chris if you could please enter your contact
info and home address, I'll use it to get to your house."
Chris typed in the info and then gave the phone back to Cory.
"Hold on bud. Now smile for me." It took a minute to get Chris to
smile and he was red with embarrassment the entire time, but Cory took
a pic and added it to the info.
"Thanks!"
"We should head home" Peter Caldwell said. "Congratulations on
tonight's win Cory and we'll see you Sunday at 4PM."
"And thank you for the dinner invite, Mr. & Mrs. Caldwell."
Peter Caldwell and his family headed into the parking lot as Cory
walked down the first aisle to the Tahoe and loaded in his backpack and
gear bag.
'Guess I actually got something to do this weekend besides class
work and playing with Jaxson' Cory said to himself.
'Oh man, I gotta amend my weekend grocery order. I should have
asked Chris what kind of pie he and his family like. Just have to go
for variety.'
Taking out his phone, Cory ran the order app and added fresh
apples, nectarines, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries,
blueberries and peaches to his list. He also added in several heavy
duty pie tins.
Finally satisfied, he unbuttoned one of the hip pockets on his
cargo shorts and inserted his phone.
After using the key fob to lock the SUV, Cory turned around and
headed back down the stairs through the tunnel and on to the field. In
the near end zone, Adrian, Declan and their Dad were running a clearly
happy Jaxson wild tossing a Nerf football between themselves and the
delighted Weimaraner.
"Looks like you guys are having more fun then we did tonight.
Adrian and Declan you came through again for the team by giving us that
extra push of luck to win."
The twins were self-conscious at Cory's praise but Jaxson's happy
barking seconding the compliment made them smile.
"Thanks Cory" Adrian said. "We love being on the sideline and
can't wait until we have the chance to win on the same turf you do."
"Dad told us about the move onto the property" Declan chimed in.
"I don't know who's more excited... the two of us or Mom. You know how
much she loves you Cory."
"I know guys, but have you thought about the potential
consequences. Your Mom has some serious high-standards over how a
house should be run, I don't think I want to be around if she gets into
a jurisdiction debate with Maria and Stephanie."
"Yikes I think you're right Cory" Declan said "Bro I think we
should consider adding to our list of after-school activities."
The four guys laughed together. "Guys I think it's time for me to
get Jaxson home and give him some dinner. I'm sure the treats that
Brandon bribed him with are starting to wear thin. Can you give Aaron
or Jay the balls back for me?"
"Sure Cory" the twins trotted off together.
"Aaron, I need a favor" Cory said looking at the older Rocha.
"Can you pick me up a bottle of Vodka and get it to me by tomorrow?"
"Excuse me Cory?"
"Aaron you know I don't drink and more on point you know WHY I
don't drink. I have to make a ton of pie dough and it's an ingredient
that will make things easier."
"Ok Cory, you know I trust you. Emma and I have a plan to come
over tomorrow so she can take some measurements at the new house. I'll
see you when we're there or leave the bottle in the kitchen."
"Thanks Aaron" Cory said squeezing the muscled shoulder of his
trainer and new security chief.
"Come on Jaxson let's go find Brandon and get your carrier back so
we can head home."
Jaxson looked a little sad that his play time with the twins was
over but smiled when he realized that going home meant dinner.
Both Cory and Jaxson easily jumped the field access moat without
using one of the ramps then headed into stands and up the stairs to the
Coaches and Press Box that hung just underneath the lip of the Stadium.
As he pushed through the door into the overlook, Cory could hear
Brandon blissfully talking to himself as he composed the raw footage
he'd shot during the game.
"Hey B... how's the editing coming?" Cory said with Jaxson adding
his own friendly doggy woof hello.
"Cory! I think this is going to be the best vid yet from one of
your games. I'm going to pair it with scenes from the pep rally before
I send an HD .mp4 off to your Mom and Dad. They're gonna LOVE it!"
"I'm glad that my embarrassment at the twins pep rally scheme
could assist in the release of your inner Steven Spielberg."
"Dude the banner, the fireworks, the music, the teen crowd going
Bieber concert wild... it couldn't have got better" the college student
exulted. "I used a slo-mo filter as you ran on the field. If I spent
some time on it I could release this thing at Sundance!"
"B... no Sundance."
"COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORY!" Brandon did his usual pout.
"B... not trying to be hard ass but the deal is the vids are for
Mom and Dad, to be used as a game review tool for Coach Thompson and
PSU school work if necessary."
"I know, but you can't kill the dream of the blockbuster Cory-
mentary."
"B... I'm a high school football player, not a female tween idol."
"Ya, but with my vid and editing skills I could make you one!"
Brandon said trying to break through Cory's natural reticence.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH... have you been conspiring with Trent and Troy in
their 'let's make Cory the star of season 2013' plan?"
"WHAT? I didn't even know about that. Those guys don't tell me
anything. I gotta text them and see if they could use some of the
ideas I've been kicking around" Brandon grabbed his phone and started
typing a message to Trent and Troy.
Brandon had typed out just a couple of words when Cory snatched
the phone from his hands. "B... I've got enough stress directed on
keeping the twins from spiraling out of control. Please, as a friend,
I really REALLY need you to not encourage them ok?"
"Okay Cory" Brandon said a little downcast "I guess I understand.
I know you've never been a 'hey everyone look at me kind of guy'. But
you accept that this is just people who honestly care about you showing
how much you mean to them, right?"
"I know B... and I do appreciate it. This has been an ultra tense
week and I just need to ratchet things back. Is that fair?"
Handing back Brandon's phone Cory tapped him on the shoulder a
couple of times in apology.
Brandon kept going on the point he'd started making "I guess it's
the downside of being Cory Radke, huh? Like I told you earlier this
week, you seem to effortlessly help people around you without expecting
anything in return. I can see how your friends wanting to do something
back might seem like a pile on."
"B... I just want to be a regular high school student, nothing
more."
"Ya, but for good or bad you are something more. I'm not gonna
promise to stop working on my Cory-mentary, but if Trent or Troy come
to me I do promise to try and tamp them down a little."
"Thanks B..."
"So guess you came for this" Brandon said sliding out Jaxson's
flexible carrier from behind the door.
"Sure did and thanks again for being the Jaxson-mobile" Cory said.
Jaxson added his own two woofs of thanks. "I got to get him home and
feed him dinner before he takes a bite out of me."
Jaxson shook his head at his master as if saying 'oh please, I
don't ever get that hungry'.
"Don't stay too long up here working on editing Brandon. Just
make sure to get the highlight vid to Coach Thompson tonight. Mom and
Dad can wait a day if necessary to get the HD version."
"I'm not that far from being done with both, Cory, but thanks for
thinking about me."
"Call me if you need anything B..."
"Will do. See ya Cory!"
"Let's go home Jaxson" Cory said picking up the flexible carrier.
Holding the door open for his puppy, they both headed back downstairs
and then through the still open main entrance to the parking lot.
Back at the Tahoe, Cory let the hatch lift as he tucked the
flexible carrier next to Jaxson's anchored carrier in the cargo area.
He then opened the door to the TransK9 crate and Jaxson easily hopped
up and walked inside - turning full circle to find a comfortable place.
Jaxson looked around the waterproof memory foam floor for any
treats before staring at his master with a look like he was being
denied something critical to basic existence.
"Jaxson, I shouldn't be required to supply a bribe in order to get
you to go home."
His puppy snorted then smiled slightly embarrassed at how he'd
acted before putting his head down as Cory closed the door and hatch.
Laughing to himself over his silly Weimaraner, Cory got in the
driver's seat, buckled up and started the Tahoe to head home after one
very long day.
Finally back at his house, Cory opened the hatch to grab the
flexible carrier and open the crate door to release Jaxson. Putting
the carrier back in its place, he returned to the Tahoe to take his
school pack and gear bag before heading to the access door to close the
garage and walk inside.
Stashing his bags at the foot of the stairs, Cory strolled into
the kitchen with a now very hungry Jaxson at his side. Scooping out a
generous dinner into his dog's food bowl he picked up and took Jaxson's
water bowl over to sink for a rinse and refill. His puppy was heartily
crunching away as he placed the now full water bowl next to him.
Since he didn't have the energy to cook dinner for himself, Cory
decided on leftovers. Taking the last wedge of Maria's lasagna out of
its dish he added it and a mix of baby carrots, broccoli and yellow
squash to a plate before covering the whole thing in aluminum foil and
putting it into the convection oven to heat.
While he waited for his dinner to warm up, Cory pulled down the
under cabinet mounted tablet and started scrolling through his recipe
base tagging instructions for both making pie crust and different
fillings. With the ingredients that would be delivered by the home
grocery service tomorrow morning he would have everything needed to
make six different kinds of pie - hopefully in that mix would be one
that Chris liked.
After 20 minutes, Cory could smell the lasagna so he knew that it
was ready to eat. Taking the plate out of the oven he laid it down in
front of an island stool along with a fork, napkin, glass and his
normal pitcher of filtered iced water. Jaxson was still eating his
dinner as his master tucked into his.
As he loaded stuff into the dishwasher Jaxson came over and gave
the lasagna sauce covered plate a quick lick. Kneeling down Cory gave
his puppy a big hug "awwwwwww Jaxson thanks for the help but I think
the dishwasher will get everything clean."
Standing up Cory closed the dishwasher and walked out of the
kitchen to snatch the two bags at the foot of the stairs and race his
puppy up to his bedroom. He put his school pack next to the desk then
went in to the closet with his gear bag where he unpacked the dirty
school clothes, tossed them into the laundry chute and slid the Nikes
into their cubby.
Pleased with completing that chore, Cory rounded the corner into
the bathroom where he washed his hands, brushed and flossed his teeth
and then finished with a rinse of mouthwash.
He then went back into his bedroom took the Charger's key fob out
of its backpack pocket and dropped it in to the same hip pocket as his
phone and again wrapped his arms around his puppy with his face buried
in soft, warm, comforting fur.
"Hey Jaxson, I'm gonna head out and go to Nathan's party for a
while. Keep the house safe. Don't worry I won't stay out long. I
gotta take you for a run tomorrow morning to burn off Brandon's treats
then start making pies."
Jaxson licked Cory's face at the mention of dessert then followed
his master back downstairs where he woofed bye to him at the access
door.
Cory smacked the button to raise the garage door then got in to
his Charger and pressed the start button backing the deeply growling
vehicle out of its space before he made a left on to the street for the
drive the Nathan's house.
Finding an open slot about a block from Nathan's, Cory got out and
reached to hit the door lock button through the fabric of his cargo
shorts pocket. As he walked in the front door, Cory had barely said hi
to a few of people who had caught his eye when he was surrounded by
Trent and Troy.
"QB you MADE it!"
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH... I've been here all of 30 seconds guys. How do
you manage to creep up on someone like that?"
"Mystifying isn't it?" the twins said together.
"I think 'terrifying' is more the word."
"Awwwwwwwwwwwwww don't say that QB" Troy said "you know we're
harmless, mostly."
The three best friends laughed together and then Trent produced a
sealed bottle of water.
"Here" he said "Hudson Wagner is lurking around someplace and I
know with him in the house you wouldn't want to drink anything that
wasn't sealed or handed to you by someone you trust."
"Thanks Trent. So what is the heinous Hudson doing here? I don't
even remember seeing him at the game."
"Think it's more 'any reason to party' Cory. Just watch yourself.
He's been hitting some of the beer stashes that Nathan's parents
haven't found yet."
"And?"
"And?" Trent said innocently.
"You wouldn't be warning me about Hudson if there wasn't something
else going on with him."
"It's nothing big. He's just been mouthing off about what
happened at lunch."
Twisting open the bottle of water that Trent had handed to him,
Cory dropped the top in the right pocket of his cargos before taking a
long drink. "Am I gonna spend my entire four years at Branson with him
being pissed at me?"
"Probably QB but I know you can handle him same as you did when he
went after you as a freshman and Troy and I wrongly imagined you needed
OUR rescue" Trent said. "If you remember that's how we first became
friends. You're also in Wagner's territory - he lives about five
houses down."
"Oh brother, I'll just try to stay out of his way. I know neither
Nathan, or his parents, will want a repeat tonight of what happened at
lunch. Now go be with your girlfriends and have some fun."
Stepping away from the twins, Cory wandered through the house
talking with both teammates and Branson students alike. He had managed
to avoid even catching sight of Hudson Wagner for at least forty-five
minutes when he headed outside to grab another bottle of water from the
iced filled tubs on the patio.
He had just reached into the cold water with his left hand to grab
a bottle when a voice sounded behind him.
"Hey fag lover."
Turning around with the dripping water bottle in his hand, Cory
came face-to-face with an 18 year old 5'11" 161# brown-amber eyed
Hudson Wagner.
"Are you serious Hudson? After almost four years, that's the best
slam you can come up with?"
"That dude was queering on me and you protected him."
"Hudson, that guy was minding his own business on his way to the
cafeteria to get some lunch."
"That's not what Joey said."
"Then I suggest you take it up with Joey and not me. For all you
know Joey needs glasses to clearly see what's going on in the world."
As Cory tried to walk by Hudson back into the house he could smell
beer on his breath.
"Cory I offered to be your friend."
"Hudson you didn't ASK me to be your friend, you OFFERED to
'allow' me to become one of your groupies. And when I turned you down
you tried to bully me into it."
"Ok so I fucked up, I was a freshman. You didn't have to get back
at me by taking down my brother."
"Wagner I didn't 'take down' your brother. He got hurt during
football camp and Coach Thompson moved me up from JV quarterback to
varsity quarterback."
"Ya but you KEPT the job."
"I remained starting varsity quarterback because I was able to
prove an ability to lead the team to a series of wins after two losing
seasons under your brother. That's a problem with his skills, not
mine."
"And now he's stuck at a D2 school as a second string player."
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH... Hudson exactly what do expect me to atone for.
Your brother QUIT the team rather than stay on as backup quarterback as
Coach Thompson offered. Why are you holding a grudge against me for
his mistakes?"
"Cory he's my brother. Maybe if you had one you wouldn't need fag
friends."
With the stress of the week finally getting to him, a rage that
Cory hardly ever felt was rapidly bubbling up and it was singularly
focused on Hudson. "Wagner that's completely out of line. I suggest
you leave now and stagger home. If you can still manage it when you
get there do a net search - you'll discover that most homophobes are
closet gay themselves."
As an electrified crowd of Branson students gathered behind him,
Cory heard Hudson scream "what the fuck did you call me?" and take a
swing at him. There was an amazed gasp as Cory stopped Hudson's fist
8" in front of his face.
"Enough" Cory bellowed clearly pissed.
Closing his fist on Hudson's hand Cory felt his bicep starting to
peak out. As he stared into the smaller teen's eyes he saw them open
wide in consternation as he felt his hand being compressed in Cory's.
Hudson started to sob in pain begging Cory to stop as he went down on
his knees in front of the taller teen.
Suddenly Cory felt Trent and Troy on both sides of him.
"Cory listen to me" Trent said "Hudson is wasted and you've made
your point. Let him go."
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH..." Cory moaned releasing Hudson's hand and turning
into the twins.
Wrapping their arms around his shoulders, Cory felt the twins
guide him back into the house - the adrenaline that had flowed through
his body swiftly emptying out of him.
"Fuck what did I do?" Cory asked full of guilt.
"You let Hudson get to you" Troy said "now get passed it."
Cory started to turn back to the patio "I should go make sure he's
ok."
"Don't worry about it. Aaron is checking on him."
"Aaron isn't a doctor Troy."
"No, but Coach sent him through two community college courses as a
trainer so he'll know if anything is broken."
"Broken?"
Just then Aaron caught up to the three friends. "Don't worry
Cory" he said "the drunk shit is going to have a sore hand for a few
days but he can easily move his wrist and all his fingers. Hudson is
ok. And he's the one who took the swing at you."
"That doesn't make it right Aaron."
"And you getting a broken jaw or nose would have made it right?"
"No, but... UGHHHHHHHHHHH... I don't know what I mean."
"Cory take a seat and drink this" Trent said handing him another
sealed water bottle. "Nobody blames you for defending yourself."
"Thanks Trent, but I blame myself for allowing the situation to
get out of control like that. I'm better than that; at least I'm
supposed to be."
"Oh please, get over yourself. Face it Cory, you're not super
human at least not all the time. But that was an awesome mid-air
catch... are you trying to steal our positions too?"
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH..."
Trent, Troy and Aaron all laughed at Cory's moan.
"Thanks guys."
"Hey what are friends for?" the twins said together.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH... I just had to deal with Hudson and now you're
giving me twin?"
"It's what we do" they again said simultaneously.
This time all four guys laughed.
"I think I better head home. It's getting late and I have to get
up early to go running with Jaxson. And you both have more girlfriend
time to put in."
"See you Monday Cory" Trent said. "If you need us just 911."
"I will Trent and thanks Aaron, you're a bud too."
"See ya Cory" Aaron said.
Walking out of Nathan's house, Cory walked the block back to his
Charger in silence just thinking about had happened.
As he approached the Charger in the dimness of a not very close
street light, Cory thought something looked weird and when he got close
he realized what it was. There was a long gash through the paint along
almost the entire driver's side where somebody had keyed his car.
Shaking his head he hit the door unlock button through the fabric
of his cargo shorts and drove home.
Back at the house and parked in the garage, Cory pressed the trunk
release button to the left of the steering wheel. Exiting the car he
closed the door and walked to the trunk. Lifting the trunk lid Cory
leaned in to the security base unit that was installed on the right
side. Holding down the media release button he pulled out the SD card
as it ejected from its slot.
Whoever had keyed his car didn't know how good Aaron Rocha was at
his job. Even before the Charger had been delivered to Cory, it had
been turned over to Aaron for modification. Besides having some rather
unique features, the Charger sported a Brickhouse Security Covert AV360
cam system. It constantly recorded a full-field 360 degree view of
what happened around the vehicle using four separate cameras that were
each equipped with night vision.
Staring at the SD card, Cory knew that the vandal would soon be
identified. He'd decide whether or not to turn the perpetrator over to
the police after he found out who it was - but he had a guess.
Repairing and repainting would easily exceed $4,000 and that meant
it was a felony under Oregon state law. While jail time wasn't a
likely possibility, there would be the cost of an attorney along with
restitution, community service and, in all likelihood, probation.
Whoever it was would come out of it with a record and be royally
screwed for a long time to come.
Pulling his phone out of the cargo pocket it'd been in all night,
Cory left a message with the repair shop that handled the exteriors of
all his vehicles. First thing Saturday morning they would dispatch a
flat bed tow truck to pick up the Charger and take it for repainting.
He'd have it back in time to drive to school on Monday.
Closing the trunk lid Cory walked to the access door where he
closed the garage and headed inside. As usual, Jaxson was sitting on
the marble floored entry waiting for him. Getting on his knees, Cory
wrapped his arms around his dog. For the second time that night he
buried his face in the warm fur of the Weimaraner.
"I did bad tonight, Jaxson."
The puppy reached up to put a paw on Cory's shoulder to comfort
his master as the teen held him tight. After a few minutes, Cory stood
up. "Let's go to bed."
Saturday morning Cory was up and dressed for his regular 6-mile
run with Jaxson just a few minutes after the alarm went off at 6AM.
When the pair got back to the house shortly after 7AM, there was a tow
truck idling in the street.
Running up to the driver's side, Cory slowed and then stopped.
Jaxson looked suspicious but held back on barking since Cory didn't
seem to be in any danger.
"I hope you haven't been waiting long" he said.
"Nope, I just got here a couple minutes before you did. The shop
had left instructions that you went for a run first thing and that I
was to wait for you if there was no immediate answer to the doorbell."
"I appreciate you being patient. Let me take Jaxson inside and
then I'll pull out the car for you to load up."
"Thanks" the tow truck driver said.
Keying in the lock code, Cory opened the front door and let Jaxson
off his leash. "Give me a few minutes buddy and I'll be back to give
you food and fresh water."
Going in the garage through the entry way, Cory hit the door
button and pulled the Charger out.
"Wow someone did a job on your paint."
"Tell me about it."
Handing the driver the spare key fob he watched the Charger get
loaded on the flat bed. When it was secured and on its way, Cory
closed the garage door and went back into the house.
His puppy was standing on his paws near the front door with an
unhappy look on his face.
"Don't worry Jaxson the Charger isn't being stolen. It's just
going in to the shop to get repaired. It'll be back for you to guard
by tomorrow night. Ok?"
Jaxson didn't look fully convinced but he followed Cory into
kitchen where the teen scooped food into his bowl and rinsed out and
refilled his water dish.
"I'm going to go take a shower before I make breakfast for myself.
Aaron and Emma are coming over so if they get here before I get back
play nice. Deal?"
Even with a mouthful of food Jaxson managed to look scandalized at
Cory's suggestion that he might be malicious toward his favorite person
on the planet for tummy rubs. Cory laughed as his dog shook his head
like he was dismissing the very thought
.
"Unlike me, I know you're always good Jaxson. Be back in a few."
Heading upstairs, Cory stripped and went into the bathroom for an
unusual for him very long, very relaxing shower. After shaving, he
walked back into the bedroom and pulled out a pair of Under Armor hyper
green micro printed shorts, AE black Performance trunks and an AE white
pocket tee. Pulling on the clothes he went into the closet and took
down Warrior gray Coxswain shoes and slipped his bare feet into them.
After fixing his hair, Cory headed downstairs just as the doorbell
sounded. Jaxson came screaming out of the kitchen and immediately took
what Cory called his Aaron Rocha position - which meant on his back,
tongue hanging out with paws up wanting tummy rubs.
Cory couldn't help laughing as he opened the front door to a brown
bag carrying Aaron Rocha.
"Somebody's got a grocery delivery. I thought Maria took care of
that during the week?" he said handing Cory the bottle of vodka and
going down to rub Jaxson's tummy.
"Well thanks for helping" Cory said sarcastically as he walked
outside and brought in the two wheeled coolers - one for the frozen
stuff he'd ordered and one for the refrigerated.
"No problem" Aaron said. "Jaxson and me are taking care of the
important stuff."
Cory had just finished unloading the coolers into the refrigerator
and freezer when Aaron and Jaxson came into the kitchen.
"Aaron do you got a few minutes? We need to talk."
"Sure Cory, what's up?"
"Let's go into the den."
Followed by Jaxson who took a place next to his master as he sat
down in front of the desk this time, Cory waved Aaron into the other
leather chair. He then carefully went through every detail of what
happened at Nathan's house Friday night.
Aaron listened carefully then thought for a few minutes before he
spoke.
"Look Cory, I'm not your Dad. But, if you were Adrian or Declan
at the very least you'd be grounded. You did right defending yourself,
but there's a difference between that and taking advantage of superior
strength to deliberately hurt someone else out of anger."
"I know that Hudson Wagner was at the tail end of a stressful week
and managed to push all the right buttons to drive you out of control.
But it's your responsibility to stay in control, both of yourself and
the situation. And at that you failed."
"Aaron you're right. And I'll say to you the same thing that I'm
going to say to Hudson on Monday at school... I'm sorry."
"It's just good that Trent and Troy were there to pull you back or
there's a good chance you could have broken his hand - I know you have
the strength. And while I agree that Hudson, or one of his gang, is
likely the vandal who keyed the Charger you're just going to have to
chalk it up to a lesson learned. I'm not saying delete the evidence,
but you're not using it to go after him this time. That's your
penance. We got a deal?"
"Yes Coach."
"Besides he's going to be totally confused when you show up on
Monday with no visible damage to your car. Now don't do it again, or I
will treat you like Adrian or Declan and you'll end up getting the
first spanking of your life."
"Yes sir, Coach!"
"Why don't you give me the SD card and I'll have the tech guys at
Saeth download the video, enhance it and burn it to blu-ray and an .mp4
for you to keep in your safe. Do you have an extra card to put back in
the cam base unit?"
"Ya I got one Aaron. Give me a minute and I'll get the card for
you."
Telling Jaxson to stay, Cory ran upstairs to get the SD card he
took out of the Charger off his desk. Running just as fast back down
the stairs he handed it over to Aaron who tucked in into a pocket of
the jeans he was wearing.
"Now let's go find out how much of the money you pay me Emma has
decided to spend on making changes to the new Rocha home."
"Hmmmmmmmmmmm..." Cory said "how about a complete workout room for
Adrian and Declan like mine downstairs."
"No way. If the twins want to put in more workout time they can
ask your permission to use the gym here."
"Wow you're a harsh Dad" Cory said laughing.
"Hey that's mostly what being a Dad is all about. Besides it is
kind of fun."
"Ouch!"
"I'm joking Cory. Being a Dad is about absolute love while
setting expectations and boundaries. Except for a couple of rare
instances you seemed to have gained most of that genetically. Even
with their limited time, your Mom and Dad did a great job raising you -
with a lot of help from your own on-board values and principles."
"Thanks Aaron. I think I hurt myself as much as I did Hudson. I
am going to apologize to him, and maybe we can do a reset between us."
"All you can do is make the offer Cory, it's up to him to be as
much a man as you and accept it."
Walking out of the den and through the entry into the kitchen,
Cory and Aaron - with Jaxson following at their side - went out the
back door and across the large yard to the 12' reinforced privacy
fence. Cory keyed in the lock code at the gate and they walked through
to the guest house side of the property where they found Emma Rocha
with a paint chip swatch book in hand.
"Uh oh Aaron, I see money being spent."
"Hi Cory" Emma Rocha said leaning in to give him a hug and a kiss
on the cheek. "How is my favorite 17 year old?"
"I'm good especially now that Branson has won its first game.
Thanks for asking Emma and thank you for coming to the game on Friday.
So what do you think of the house? Are you guys going to be happy
here?"
"I don't know if you remember Cory, but your Dad hired me to
remodel this place when he bought the big house. I can see his
preplanning hand at work. As a result, this has always been my dream
home. I only left the walls white because I assumed that whoever Saeth
hired to eventually furnish it for guest use would also paint out. But
here I am deciding paint colors for myself. It's really the only thing
that needs to be done."
"Why don't I make things easier? Aaron contact Saeth Construction
and have them suggest a contractor to do whatever work is required
since I know you're going to be under a major time crunch. I'll also
email Steven when I get back to the house and instruct him to have
Cynfab provide you with a $15,000 remodeling budget. Maybe then Adrian
and Declan can get something they want out of this deal."
"Cory you don't need to do that" Aaron said. "You've already
offered to pay moving expenses. It's not as if you don't pay me a
pretty generous salary. I do have the money to afford whatever Emma
wants along with a little something for Adrian and Declan. We don't
need to spoil them. They're getting their life dream just by living
next to you and Jaxson."
"I know but all of you are making a sacrifice to meet the short
timeline imposed by my upcoming birthday. I owe you for that."
"Ok Cory" Aaron said "I'll call Saeth Construction on Monday and
I'll ask Adrian and Declan to pick out something new they want for
their bedrooms."
"Tell the twins that it's a gift from Jaxson. You can say he
offered to give up his toys and treats budget for the next six months
to give them a move-in gift."
It took about 30 seconds for what Cory had said to register then
they all heard a loud whimpering from Jaxson as he looked up at his
master with a completely devastated expression on his face.
"Jaxson I'm just messing with you" Cory said scratching his dog's
ears. "Besides you'd guilt me into giving you toys and treats no
matter what so I don't know how come you're even worried."
Jaxson stopped whimpering and replaced his hurt look with a smug
demeanor. Emma bent down and hugged the puppy "though it would have
been nice of you to do that for Adrian & Declan, Jaxson." He gave Emma
a wet kiss and then sat down happy.
"Ok guys I've got to get to making stuff. Have fun with the
moving plans and say hi to Adrian and Declan from me."
Cory got a hug from Emma and a pat on the back from Aaron.
"I'll let you know what the tech guys find by EOB Monday."
"Thanks Aaron."
With a wave bye Cory and Jaxson headed out of the house and back
through the gate on to the main property. Entering the kitchen he made
a fruit salad and 12-grain toast with peanut butter for his breakfast
which he ate while he started organizing ingredients for the six pies
he planned to make for dinner at the Caldwell's.
Over the next two hours Cory made three batches of pie dough,
divided them and let them rest in the island's cooling drawer. He then
rolled out the base crust for each pie and blind baked them in the
heavy gauge tins he'd received in the order that had been delivered
that morning.
As he started preparing the fruit fillings he modified his plans
and changed the strawberry from a baked pie to a cold one. Cutting up
some of the fresh strawberries and setting them in the refrigerator to
macerate with sugar and Fragoli he took out heavy cream and mascarpone
to make a mascarpone whip cream base.
With that chilling he washed the organic nectarines, peaches and
apples. He separately dumped the raspberries and blackberries in to
iced water to clean off any dirt and then used a large Chinese spider
to pull out the fragile fruit and allow them to drain dry on paper
towels.
Pureeing the macerated strawberries, Cory strained off the excess
liquid then folded the solids and some of the liquid into the
mascarpone whip cream adding some bloomed and melted gelatin to help it
set. He then pulled out the one pie base that he'd allowed to fully
bake and cool then filled it with tasty strawberry mascarpone whip
cream and put it in the refrigerator to firm up overnight. He knew
anyone eating the pie would be surprised by the thin layer of melted
bittersweet chocolate that he had brushed over the inside to keep the
filling from making the crust soggy.
In the morning Cory would finish that pie with whole strawberries
and a reduced strawberry Fragoli glaze.
Before he started cutting up the fruit for the baked pies he made
himself a sandwich for lunch and ate with it the remainder of the fruit
salad he had prepared for breakfast.
Cory only had to look at Jaxson for the puppy to be up and eager
to go outside for play. He'd spent long enough watching his master
cook and was looking forward to running around. For the next hour he
and Cory had fun in the backyard with footballs, Frisbees and chewed
tennis balls. In Jaxson's mind a tennis ball was only good as a play
toy after he'd gnawed off about 75% of the fuzzy covering. Cory didn't
know why, but it was the way Jaxson liked it.
After Jaxson had been reduced to a played out happy pup, Cory took
him inside after the dog had helpfully put all his toys back in their
storage box and gave him two of his favorite Maria made organic dog
biscuits. While Jaxson was munching on them, Cory emptied, rinsed and
refilled his dog's water bowl.
He then pulled out the fruit he'd cleaned earlier to peel slice
and prepare for the remaining five pie crusts. Cory rolled on and slit
stem vents in the top crusts and by 4PM had one pie chilling and five
other pies out of the oven to cool.
Looking at his day's pie handiwork - apple, blueberry, blackberry,
peach and nectarine-raspberry - Cory thought that at least one of them
would appeal to Chris.
With only one pie left to deal with in the morning, Cory spent the
rest of Saturday focused on school work - completing and emailing off
all assignments for the next week. Cory was not a student who liked to
leave things to the last minute, and with football practice every night
leading up to Friday's game he couldn't afford to slack on homework.
He walked back downstairs about 9PM and fixed himself a salad with
sliced Italian meats and cheeses. He then scooped out Jaxson's dinner
and refilled his water dish. As he ate Cory typed the email to Steven
detailing the remodeling budget promised Aaron and sent it off.
A second email went off to Aaron asking him to check in with the
repair shop on Sunday and find out when the Charger was going to be
returned. Cory asked that if it was after 3:30PM he would appreciate
it if Aaron could swing by to sign for the car and return it to its
place in the garage.
Those chores done, Cory loaded the dirty dishes into both
dishwashers and started them up. By then it was near 10PM and both him
and Jaxson were ready for bed.
Cory brushed, flossed and used mouthwash then went into the closet
to strip and return his shoes to their cubby. He walked over to give a
goodnight hug to Jaxson who was already curled into his bed and then
got into bed himself. In minutes he was asleep.
Sunday was a lazy day for Cory. Even with no set alarm he was
awake and up at 7AM. He walked bare ass down to the kitchen to scoop
out Jaxson's breakfast and fill his water bowl then went back upstairs
for another long, relaxing shower. He didn't shave as he planned to do
that when he showered again as he got ready to leave for Chris' house.
Since he wasn't expecting to see anyone Cory just pulled on a pair
of team shorts and went back down to the kitchen shirtless, barefoot
and commando. He pushed back the cover on the flat top and turned it
on to heat up then took out four pieces of thick sliced apple wood
smoked bacon and put them on to cook as he set about making buttermilk
pancake batter. With the bacon frying he finished the batter and set
it aside to rest while he pulled out a small metal sauce pitcher and
poured New Hampshire maple syrup into it laying it on the flat top as
he poured out the pancake batter into four rounds.
Flipping the pancakes he waited for the second side to cook then
put the pancakes, bacon and sauce pitcher on a plate and pushed it
across the island adding a napkin, fork and glass of milk. By then
Jaxson was done with his breakfast and staring up at Cory in
anticipation of his Sunday treat.
Pouring syrup over his pancakes Cory took two pieces of bacon and
tore them in half. Flipping the torn bacon to Jaxson who easily caught
them in mid-air, Cory ate his pancakes and the two slices of bacon that
his dog allowed him.
"Who needs a diet coach when I got you Jaxson?" Cory said smiling
indulgently at his puppy. With breakfast finished, he emptied out one
of the two dishwashers and set about cleaning up - first the flat top
and then the accumulated breakfast dishes.
With that done he walked to the front door picked up the Sunday
Oregonian and went into the family room stretching out on a couch to
read the paper with Jaxson's head on his abs.
An hour later, Cory had finished with the paper. He sat up and
gathered the pieces he'd scattered across the floor and with Jaxson in
tow went back into the kitchen to toss them into recycling.
After washing his hands, Cory pulled out a saucepan, juicer, the
bottle of Fragoli, the now set strawberry cream pie and remaining
cleaned strawberries. He picked out the best looking whole berries to
cover the top of the pie then ran the remaining fruit through the
juicer. He dumped the strawberry juice along with a generous portion
of Fragoli in to the saucepan which was then set on heat to reduce to a
glaze.
While Cory waited for the strawberry juice to reduce the house
system notified him of an incoming email. He left the pan to simmer
and walked upstairs to where his tablet was sitting on his desk.
Pulling up his email he saw one from Aaron Rocha that said he had
checked in with the repair shop and Cory's Charger would be delivered
back at about 5PM. Since he knew that Cory would be gone at that time
Aaron said the he would drop by to sign for the vehicle and pull it
into the garage.
Cory sent an email thanking him and then headed back down to the
kitchen. The liquid had reduced to a perfect glaze and he pulled it
off heat and put it in the blast chiller to cool while he cleaned up.
When the glaze was still just barely warm he brushed it over the
whole berries on the strawberry cream pie. His weekend baking
adventure was done.
With time to go until he needed to shower and get ready to leave
for Chris' house, Cory walked barefoot out into the backyard and spent
about 90 minutes playing with Jaxson. The two buds wrestled around and
played catch until Cory was sweaty and lightly covered in grass
clippings.
As Jaxson dutifully returned all his toys to the storage box, Cory
used a hose to rinse himself off. Sitting on the patio lounge to dry
and enjoy the late summer afternoon while he gave Jaxson rubs and
scratches.
At 2PM he stood up and went inside to shower, shave and dress for
Sunday dinner with the Caldwell's. Since he didn't know how formal
they got, Cory decided on casual but classy. He went to his dresser
and put on a plain white AE tee, white AE performance trunks and brown
dress socks embroidered with little footballs that his Mom had given
him for Christmas last year.
He then walked into his closet and pulled on an A&F White Lewey
Mountain button down Oxford shirt with the sleeves rolled up to just
below his elbows and Brooks Brothers pleat front Red Fleece Khaki's.
He finished off his outfit with a Brooks Brothers brown leather strap
belt and Allen Edmonds Burgundy Penny Loafers.
Heading back into the bedroom he knew that he wasn't going to be
able to leave the house without approval.
"Ok Jaxson so how does this rate. Is it good for barely known
family Sunday dinner?"
Jaxson looked him over and then gave 3 woofs of approval.
"Thanks bud. I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of parent
types. BTW... Aaron is going to be over at about 5PM to accept
delivery of the Charger and park it in the garage. He's got Sunday
dinner too so don't make him stay long demanding tummy rubs."
Managing to look both conceited and charming Jaxson just smiled,
but Cory knew that his puppy would be considerate of Aaron's time.
Going downstairs Cory went into garage and took out of storage a
large cooler and three tier rack. He took both into the kitchen and
arranged his 6 pies on the three levels using the rack locks to secure
them into place and keep them from moving during the drive.
He then loaded the rack into the cooler and snapped the lid
closed.
"See ya Jaxson!"
Carrying the cooler into the garage he opened the bay three door
and took the keys for his polished metal metallic Honda Crosstour EX-L
4WD from the digital safe. Opening the hatch, he lowered the split
seats and netted the cooler in the cargo area.
Closing the hatch he opened the driver's door, got in and pulled
out his phone before buckling up. Scrolling up the info that Chris had
entered in after Friday night's game, Cory put the address into the Nav
system and started up the car - backing out and following the system
directions to Chris' house.
Stopping in the driveway of the small older home at 3:38PM, Cory
saw two other vehicles already parked. He wondered if there were going
to be additional guests for dinner - and, if so, was glad he had made
multiple pies. Stepping out he walked up the steps to the front door
and knocked. The door was almost immediately opened by a very friendly
appearing older woman.
"You must be Cory" she said.
"Yes I am, ma'am" he politely returned. "Guess this means that my
nav system successfully got me to the right house."
"It certainly did and welcome. I'm Janice Caldwell."
"Thank you and very nice to meet you, I'm Cory Radke. I have a
cooler to bring in if Chris is around to give me a hand with it."
He could hear the sound of feet running up steps as the 18 year
old 6'4" 181# jade-green eyed golden blond appeared through what looked
like a door to the basement.
"And speak of my grandson, here he is."
"Hey Cory."
"Hi Chris."
Chris was wearing jeans, a blue button down shirt and the same
addidas that Cory had seen him wearing at school.
"This polite, well-dressed young man says he could use your help
bringing something in, Chris."
"Ok Grandma, I'd be happy to help him."
"Thanks Chris."
The two teens walked out the front door that his grandmother left
open and walked to the back of the Honda. "Cory, this isn't the car
I've seen you drive to school."
He was surprised that Chris had paid attention to what he drove,
but he didn't want to have to explain the latest incident with Hudson.
"I needed the extra cargo space to bring the cooler" he said as he
opened the hatch and unhooked the netting. "The pies inside should be
secured by the rack locks, but try not to jostle it too much."
"Pies?"
"Ya I made several and looks like we'll need them with your extra
guests."
As they walked back into the house, Chris was careful to keep his
side of the cooler level with Cory's. "There's only going to be six of
us for dinner Cory."
"No problem that just means you'll have leftovers."
Walking into the kitchen, Cory saw Ann Caldwell working at the
stove. "Hey Mom, Cory's here" Chris said.
"Hi Cory" Mrs. Caldwell said "and don't you look handsome. Maybe
you could give Chris some pointers for how to dress for dinner."
Chris looked embarrassed as Cory laughed a little "I think Chris
looks just fine Mrs. Caldwell. I forgot to ask how formal you dressed
for Sunday dinner so..." he shrugged.
"Well you look fine, and what did you bring in the big cooler."
"Told you I'd bring dessert."
Snapping open the cooler lid, Cory reached in and easily lifted
the three tier rack putting it on the counter.
Mrs. Caldwell looked astonished. "How many pies did you bring
Cory?"
"Well it was my mistake to not ask what Chris and your family
liked so thought I'd make a variety so no one was disappointed."
"Made?"
"Ummmmmmmmmmmm... yes ma'am, I made them" Cory said sounding a
little embarrassed. Looking at Chris he saw the blond had gone wide-
eyed.
"Now I'm wondering if your dessert is going to outshine my
dinner."
"I doubt that Mrs. Caldwell, but why don't we get these unloaded
so I can put the rack and cooler back into the car."
"What did you make Cory" Chris asked.
"There's blueberry, blackberry, peach, apple, nectarine-raspberry
and a strawberry cream pie. Everyone can have what they like with
leftovers for later."
"When you offered to bring dessert, I just expected something from
the grocery store" Chris said.
"A football player who cooks. There's a lot of depth to you,
Cory" Mrs. Caldwell said.
"You might want to wait and take a taste before passing judgment
on my cooking ability, Mrs. Caldwell. But I was glad to help and I
enjoy it."
"Dinner is running late so why don't you boys go find something to
do for a while."
"I'm game. If it would be more convenient Mrs. Caldwell, why
don't you just call my phone when you want us to return." Cory saw a
pad and pen on the counter. He picked up the pen and wrote out his
phone number.
"Sure. Thanks Cory. See you boys in a little while."
"Cory there's a park down the street if you want to walk down
there."
"Sounds great Chris, let's go."
Heading out of the house, the pair walked the short distance down
to the disused park. Taking a seat at an old picnic table, Cory looked
at Chris.
"Sorry if I showed you up by what I decided to wear Chris. I
honestly wasn't sure what I should put on. Maybe I should have just
worn jeans and a polo."
"It's ok Cory, don't worry about it. Besides you look great." As
if he suddenly realized what he had said Chris blushed.
"Dude you seem seriously uncomfortable. Is it me? Should I have
turned down your Mom and Dad's invitation to dinner?"
"No, it's not you and it's not dinner. It's just that..."
Cory thought Chris was going to continue but the teen just looked
down at the table.
"Look Chris, I know we're not friends yet and I don't know if you
even want to be friends with me. But I really do make a good friend,
so you don't have to be shy about talking to me. Whatever you tell me
I'll keep between us. Same as I do with Trent and Troy. And I don't
make judgments about people. What matters to me is if you're a good
person and treat me and other people right."
"It's just ... it's just ..." Chris started to say and then went
silent again blushing.
"Come on Chris talk to me."
"Look, I'm ashamed at how we met and my life and everything. I
must have come across as a complete pussy lying on my ass in front of
Hudson. I wasn't even man enough to stand up to him."
"Let's deal with these in order. To begin with, we didn't meet
the first time when Hudson threw you to the ground. The first time was
when I was talking to Brandon and saved you from flying headfirst down
the south stairwell."
"Oh ya that's a major improvement. It definitely ranks high in
the 'best ways to meet people' handbook."
"Chris you're taking this entirely too seriously. I mean so I
saved you twice. So what? Thooooooooooough I do seem to recall that
in some cultures that means you should serve the rest of your life as
my slave."
Chris looked up at Cory blushing.
"Dude work with me here that was a hint to laugh. Chris if
anything you're the one who deserves an apology. You were heading
downstairs and it was my big feet that tripped you. As for Hudson, he
tried to bully me when we were freshman - so he and I have history.
And the fact is that I just got to you first, Trent or Troy or a dozen
other guys would have intervened same as I did."
"That you needed to intervene is what's embarrassing."
"Why? Hudson is an asshole with a short fuse, Joey is a
boneheaded jerk and there were at least two other guys from Wagner's
brainwashed gang hanging around. Probably the smartest place for you
to be at that moment was on the ground."
"Is that where you were as a freshman?"
"Honestly, no. But my guess is that Hudson surprised you when I
saw him coming and could prepare."
"Ya like that's a big difference."
"Chris maybe it doesn't help much, but it should make you feel at
least a little better that there were students ready & willing to help
out when you needed it. When it comes to dealing with a bully nobody
should be left on their own."
"I know Cory but it's just not how I wanted to meet the most
famous guy at Branson."
"I'm hardly famous."
"What are you talking about? There's a two-story banner of you in
the lobby and they rolled out the biggest banner I've ever seen in my
life of you at the pep rally."
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH... I've got to remember to put the hurt on Trent
and Troy."
"Chris, I'm just a regular high school student who happens to be
kind of good at playing football."
"Kind of good? Now who's being modest? You took apart the
Ravensville defense with no trouble and totally controlled that game.
Then you dropped a football in my hands like it was beamed there."
"So I've got a few skills with a football, but I'm still just a
regular guy. I'm just Cory."
"Ok 'just Cory', it's good to meet you" Chris said smiling.
"Was that so hard?" Cory said holding out his hand. "It's good to
meet you Chris Caldwell."
Chris reached out and shook Cory's hand just as the phone went
off. Looking at the caller ID, Cory flipped the phone and handed to
Chris. "It's your Mom, why don't you answer it."
"Hey Mom" he listened. "We'll be back in just a few minutes; we're
just down at the park."
"Let me guess" Cory said "dinner's ready."
"Yep. Let's go eat."
Walking back to the Caldwell house, Cory and Chris talked easily.
But Cory had already cataloged the other things that Chris had said and
would bring them up later. Now was not the time.
Chris opened the door for Cory to walk inside and as they were hit
by the smell of roast beef they instantly morphed into hungry
teenagers.
"Smells great Mrs. Caldwell."
"Thanks Cory. Why don't you take a seat next to Chris and I
should introduce our 14 year old son, Rich. He's a first year at
Branson."
"Hey Rich, I'm Cory Radke" he said holding out his hand.
Rich barely shook hands before sitting down across from him.
"You're the one who saved Chris' butt."
"I think it was more right place, right time. But am sure Chris
could have saved himself pretty fast."
"Ya like Chris wants his butt saved" Rich said.
"Rich" Peter Caldwell said sharply. "Why don't we enjoy your
Mom's dinner before it gets cold."
Cory didn't understand what Rich was talking about but assumed it
was nothing more than brother-brother rivalry he'd heard happened in
some multi-kid families. Being an only child it wasn't something he
had ever been required to face.
Mrs. Caldwell passed around heaping plates of sliced roast beef,
mashed potatoes and green beans as the conversation settled around
Friday night's game, school and various Caldwell family issues that
Cory didn't really understand.
Rich perked up when he discovered that Cory was "THE Cory" who was
Branson's varsity quarterback, but otherwise didn't say much. Cory
made a mental note to get tickets for the next home game to Chris
thinking that the two brothers would enjoy going together.
When it came time for dessert, everyone gushed over the variety of
pies that Cory had brought and each chose a different kind to sample.
Not being a big dessert eater, Cory asked for a slice of nectarine-
raspberry pie that Chris had selected to eat. When dinner was done,
Rich disappeared while - over Mrs. Caldwell's objection - Chris and
Cory cleared the table. Cory's reasoning was simple, he may be a guest
but the cook shouldn't have to clean up.
When they were done loading the old style dishwasher, Cory again
thanked Mrs. Caldwell for a wonderful meal and shook hands with Mr.
Caldwell and the elder Mrs. Caldwell before to starting to head out.
"Hey Chris do you have anything going on tonight?"
"Not really why?"
"I was gonna stop at Starbucks and thought you'd like to come. We
can talk some more."
Chris didn't look entirely certain but still said "Okay".
Peter Caldwell reminded Chris that tomorrow was a school day so
not to be out too late.
"Don't worry, Mr. Caldwell, I get up at 5:30AM to run so we won't
be out late."
Chris again held the door open for Cory as the two of them headed
out. Cory unlocked the doors to the Crosstour and started the engine,
using the Nav system to locate the nearest Starbucks.
After making sure both of them were buckled in, Cory pulled the
car carefully out of the driveway and headed the few miles to a nearby
strip mall and the ever present Starbucks.
Taking a space Cory led the way into the coffee shop. Looking at
Chris he asked a simple question "do you trust me?"
"Sure Cory."
Cory stepped up to the counter and ordered two Orange Mango
smoothies with nonfat milk and paid for them. While he waited for the
smoothies to be made he picked up several napkins and then led the way
to a quiet table in the corner.
"Chris I asked if you'd let me order the drinks because I was
certain if I hadn't you would have ordered the cheapest thing on the
menu, if not just asked for a glass of water. Please tell me why."
Within seconds, Chris turned beet red.
"How'd you know?"
"Well first I noticed that you had a free lunch card at school.
In and of itself that's not terribly surprising. At least half the
kids at Branson have free lunch cards. But at the house, I noticed
that while there were lots of pictures on the walls of your grandmother
and a man I assume is your grandfather there were just a few of your
family. So, along with what your grandmother said I know that the
house belongs to your grandmother and not your parents. Chris I told
you that I don't make judgments about people. I go by their actions.
I'm offering to be a friend and listen because that's what I really
believe you need right now."
"Cory I don't..."
"Chris when we first sat down in the park you said you were
ashamed of how we met and your life. From the way your brother ate
dinner, I'm pretty certain that's not how you guys eat every day. So
come on, bud, trust me and open up."
Cory knew that he was being totally hypocritical in saying that to
Chris given how he had treated Trent and Troy for three years over the
Arris part of himself, but the play analyzer part of his brain told him
that unless he pushed Chris he wasn't going to get any answers.
"Ok Cory, I'll trust you because I badly need to talk to somebody.
Keeping all this stuff inside is why I tripped over your feet and got
in trouble with Hudson - I wasn't looking at his ass, I was looking at
the ground."
"I already knew that, Chris. Just tell me what you want at the
speed you want."
"Cory my family is falling apart and I don't think I can do
anything to stop it."
"Dude, that's one huge weight to be carrying around. What's the
problem?"
"My Dad has been unemployed for almost three years, my Mom works
as many hours as she can get as a legal secretary for a temp agency.
But it isn't - and wasn't - enough to pay bills so we lost our house to
foreclosure and had to move in with grandmom. I've been trying to find
an after school job to help out, but there's nothing out there. And
since we couldn't afford it, I had to give up all my after school
activities. Plus I think my parents have been arguing and I'm worried
they might get divorced."
Chris said it all in a gigantic rush as if a dam had burst and
then started to softly cry as he finished. Cory reached over and
wrapped his hand around Chris' forearm trying to offer what comfort he
could to the big blond. He had somehow known that things were tough in
the Caldwell home, but hadn't realized how tough.
The only thing Cory could do at the moment was be a friend to
Chris and maybe help on the edges. He knew he wanted to - and for some
reason he had yet to specifically identify HAD to - help the Caldwell
family, but until he came up with some major ideas was at a loss for
exactly what to do.
With Chris still crying Cory never took his hand away from his new
bud's forearm. Instead, he got out of his chair and sat next to Chris
on the bench, wrapping his free arm around him. The blond leaned into
Cory crying in to his shoulder. Cory looked forward in to the caf‚
almost daring anyone in the coffee shop to say something about what was
going on between the two guys while his thoughts were in full "Cory-
mission" mode.
There were answers and Cory was going to find them.
After several minutes, Chris finally stopped crying and looked up
at Cory. "Thanks" he said both in appreciation and embarrassment.
Cory handed him a couple napkins to clean up with then pushed
Chris' smoothie toward him grabbing his own.
"Come on. I think best when I'm in motion and you'll feel better
getting out of here into some fresh air."
Standing up, Cory led Chris out of Starbucks not even realizing
that his hand had moved from Chris' forearm to the other teen's hand
with Chris holding on to him like a life preserver.
With his head down sipping the Orange Mango smoothie through its
straw, Cory walked aimlessly down the neighborhood sidewalk thinking at
the same time. "So what did you do before everything fell apart at
home Chris? I mean you're obviously in good shape so you must have
been doing something."
"Until last year I was on my high school's swim team. I was
pretty good too. But with no money I couldn't pay the activity fees or
afford the gear. That's why I haven't even thought about trying out
for the Branson team."
In an instant Cory realized that Chris had just given him a rope
toward the start of a solution. "I hate to break it to you bud, but
our swim team sucks big time. I guess a school can't be a powerhouse
at every sport. I bet the Coach would jump all over himself to get you
on the team."
"Ya, but I'm back to the same basic problem. I can't afford the
activity fees or the gear."
"Chris, do you want to swim at Branson?"
"Ya but how?"
"Let me worry about that. I deal with the Branson Athletic
Booster Club all the time. I just got Jay hired as the football team's
new Assistant Equipment Manager. If you want to swim I can make it
happen. Besides I think you NEED to be back in the pool and get your
head out of the problems at home."
"Cory I appreciate the effort, but you can't get the Booster Club
to pay for my activity fees and gear by sheer force of will."
"Trust me Chris. I can." Cory smiled at his taller friend.
"I got zero idea why, but I do trust you Cory."
"That's a start" Cory said "so what's the story with Rich? He was
a dick to you at dinner."
"He's mad that we have to share a bedroom and that he had to give
up sports too - he played football and baseball. He thinks I should
have been able to get a part-time job by now to help pay bills, and
allow him to participate again."
"He's 14 years old same as Jay. If he wants to turn out he should
be finding his own job to pay the fees."
"I know, but that's not the way he sees it."
"Hate to tell you this Chris, but your brother needs a good beat
down to knock some sense into him" Cory said laughing.
"Maybe, but that's the way he thinks."
"A self-centered and selfish way of thinking if you ask me."
Cory felt there was a part of the story between Chris and Rich he
wasn't being told, but he also knew he could only push Chris so far
before he rebelled - so he held it for a future conversation.
"Look I got to head home and feed Jaxson. He's probably mad at me
for not being home yet. I want you to plan on sitting at our table for
lunch from now on, ok?"
"Thanks Cory. You guys are cool."
"BTW... why do we have the same lunch?"
Chris smiled. "Ummmmmmmmmmm... Cory I hate to break this to you
but we're in the same AP Social Studies class. That's the second
reason I tripped over you on Monday."
Cory's head snapped up to look at Chris. "We what?"
"Ya I usually sit in the back row while I've observed that you're
mostly upfront. Guess you just haven't noticed me."
Now it was Cory's turn to blush and be embarrassed - which was not
something that happened very often.
"Chris I'm totally sorry. Last week was tense for me on a lot of
levels. I'm really sorry for not noticing you in class."
"It's okay Cory. Just means I got one up on you."
The two of them laughed as they turned around and walked back to
Cory's car. "That you have, Chris. And - to make it official - unless
you got a serious objection, we're friends now." He said smiling.
"No objection at all."
"Good because I'd hate to have to hold you down and tickle you
until you surrendered. It'd be so embarrassing for you."
"No fair. I'm huge ticklish."
As Cory started up the Crosstour he looked over at Chris smiling
big. "Mmmmmmmmmm... a Chris weak point. Must save that in memory for
future use."
"UGHHHHHHHHHHH..." Chris said.
"Hey no stealing my line bro" Cory said bumping his shoulder
against Chris.
After dropping Chris off at his house Cory headed home using the
Crosstour's hands free function to dial Aaron Rocha.
"Hey Cory, I didn't expect to hear from you."
"Just wanted to make sure that everything went ok with delivery of
the Charger."
"There were no problems and they detailed the interior. Looks
like a new car on the outside and smells that way on the inside. And I
fed Jaxson so don't let him guilt you into giving him a second dinner."
"I'm glad you told me because I would have done just that."
"Jaxson may be a sweet dog, but he doesn't always play fair."
"Aaron, on a serious note, I want to know what's on the SD card as
soon as you do."
"Ok Cory. It will be waiting for you when you get home tomorrow."
"Thanks Aaron. Have a great night and apologize to Emma on my
behalf for bothering you."
"It's not a problem boss. She's still working on how to spend the
$15K you gave her. BTW... the boys figured out what they want and it
will probably take a good portion of the money you gave us."
"Aaron if you need more to give them what they want, I'm happy to
up the budget."
"Don't worry about it Cory. I have an ex-Navy buddy who owns a
good sized construction company and will give me a great rate, probably
cost only."
"That's cool so what do Adrian and Declan want?"
"They want to take out the shower/tub combo in the connecting
bathroom between their rooms and convert it to a large multi-headed
shower instead."
"Uh oh... I shouldn't have let the twins see my bathroom and tell
them how much I enjoyed the 7 individually controllable shower heads."
"It's ok Cory, they would have seen it sooner or later."
"I'm serious Aaron, if you need a bigger budget all you have to do
is ask."
"I doubt it, but I'll let you know. Night Cory."
"Night Aaron."
Driving through the dark Portland evening Cory focused on what he
could do to help Chris and his family. He knew that convincing the
Booster Club President to back a swim team scholarship would be easy.
But the bigger issue was helping to solve the underlying obstacle of an
unemployed Dad and an underemployed Mom - fix that and the rest had a
fighting chance to fall in place on its own.
Suddenly Cory started to smile as a strategy came together in his
head. He had the first down he needed to get Chris back on the right
side of life with the incipient Branson Swim Team Scholarship Fund, the
second down would come with a call to Saeth Construction, the third
down was going to be his long pass - and that would take Steven.
As he pulled in the driveway of his house and hit the button to
raise the bay three garage door, Cory knew that if he made the third
down he would, at a minimum, be inside field goal range.
Cory smacked the steering wheel as he braked to a stop in the
garage. This was going to work.
Getting out of the car he put the Crosstour's keys back in the
digital safe then closely looked the Charger over. It appeared show
room perfect with no hint of the vandal caused damage. If it had been
done by Hudson he knew that the asshole would be waiting for him
tomorrow morning, expecting to see Cory driving into the senior's lot
behind the wheel of a visually wrecked Charger.
"Sorry Hudson, you're about to get your first disappointment of
the week."
He put the garage door down and walked through the side entry into
the house. Kneeling down Cory wrapped his arms around a surprised
Jaxson. "Hey boy, this week is going to be great!"
Back up on his feet Cory looked at his dog. "Come on Jaxson, I
know it's not even 9PM but let's head upstairs to bed. I've got some
research to do."
As he started toward the stairs Cory heard a whimper from his
still seated puppy. "Don't try that on me. I know that Aaron gave you
dinner and probably 20 minutes of tummy rubs too."
Jaxson managed to look startled at his master then snorted in
defeat. He hopped up and followed Cory up to his bedroom.
Within 15 minutes, Cory had stripped, put his dirty clothes down
the laundry chute, his shoes back in their cubby, had brushed, flossed
and used mouthwash and was in bed with his tablet in his lap.
He looked over and saw Jaxson with his head between his paws
hanging over the edge of his bed looking up at him.
"Awwwwwwwwwww Jaxson, don't worry. You'll get me next time."
Cory rolled over on his side and pulled open the middle drawer of
his night stand taking a dog biscuit from the secret stash he kept on
the move in defense from his way-too-smart puppy. "Here catch!"
Jaxson caught the biscuit in mid-air and smiled as he settled back
into his bed to chomp it. He hadn't won the fight over a second
dinner, but he had managed to guilt his master in to forking over a dog
treat.
He still had it.
Cory spent the next hour plus doing research on details he'd need
to know before he spoke with both the Booster Club President and the
Swim Team Coach. He also figured out the parameters of what he wanted
to discuss with Saeth Construction.
It was time Cory did his first house construction project.
By 10PM, Cory had finished his research and had a handle on
material cost projections and fund needs. He had sent an email to
Coach Thompson asking him the favor of setting up a meeting between
Cory and Coach Morin who was Branson's swim team coach. He also
emailed the Booster Club President with an outline of what he planned
for the Swim Team Scholarship Fund and asking for approval to go ahead.
Cory had furthermore figured out a way to get some bucks into
Chris' hands to help the Caldwell family out short term.
All-in-all it had been a great day - one of the best of his life.
Cory turned off his tablet and set it on the charge pad knowing he was
prepared for the week to come. He turned off the lights, said
goodnight to Jaxson, and went to sleep.
Monday morning dawned in Portland with the first cloudy day of
September. Instead of his usual running shorts, Cory pulled on a Shock
Doctor jock, dark gray heather Nike Tech Fleece pants, a UA Heatgear
Sonic fitted sleeveless tank and Nike Flyknits for his run with Jaxson.
He knew the Weimaraner actually preferred running in cloudy
weather because he didn't pant as much. And since Fall and Winter were
Cory's favorite seasons the slide toward cooler weather wasn't a
problem for him either.
Back from their run, Cory went through his normal routine - giving
Jaxson food and a full water dish before preparing his own breakfast.
He then headed upstairs to piss, shower, shave and get dressed for
school. Cory decided to fight back against the cooler weather with a
neon yellow heather Billabong Filter tee, AE long length black
Performance trunks, AE jeans and volt black/current blue Nike Free
Trainer 3.0 NRGs. He topped it all with an AE zip hoodie in grudging
acceptance of the gray sky.
With his tablet back in his pack, Cory was ready for the second
Monday of school and stage one through three of his Caldwell "Cory-
mission". With Jaxson at his side he went back downstairs, said
goodbye to his puppy with the required number of rubs and ear scratches
and went into the garage and buckled in the immaculate Charger.
Aaron was right the repair shop's interior detail work had given
his vehicle that "new car" smell.
Cory had barely started his drive to school when he got the sound
through the car speakers that told him he had an incoming email. He
hit the Uconnect function to have the system read him the message and
learned that Coach Morin would be glad to meet with Branson's star QB
either before first period or after classes, whichever was more
convenient.
A few minutes later a second email came in from the Booster Club
President approving Cory's plan for a Swim Team Scholarship Fund. Cory
couldn't help but smile. He loved it when plays he called came off
this easy.
Now it was time to get some yardage.
Engaging the Charger's Uconnect hands free call function he said
"dial Steven" and waited for the call to go through.
"Hey Cory, I didn't expect to hear from you on this dreary Monday
morning. What's up?" Steven said.
"Several things actually. First, I wanted make sure you got my
email about the remodeling budget I promised Emma Rocha."
"Received it and forwarded it to Cynfab accounting for processing.
I had planned to email you about it later. I didn't realize it was
that urgent a matter."
"It isn't, but I'm building up to the important stuff."
"Okay, it sounds like this conversation is about to take an
interesting turn."
"Depends on your definition of interesting, Steven."
"For some reason, I sense a 'Cory-mission' heading toward me at
full-speed. So hit me."
"Let's deal with this in order. Second, I wanted to give a heads-
up that I'm going to be making my first major call on my Trust as I
have plans for an addition to the house."
"Cory you're one guy living with 5 bedrooms, a high-tech media
room & theater, a full-gym and 9400 square feet of house. How much
more could you need?"
"Actually, I'm not planning to add to the house Steven, I'm going
to add to the grounds. I want to build an in-ground pool and I intend
to meet with Saeth Construction within 24 hours to discuss it. I want
the pool, its cover and additional landscaping designed and completed
within 30 days, if not less. I've done the research and have all the
specifications in mind."
"Well, you're nothing if not your Father's son. I guess I can
understand the timeline given today's weather. If construction is
going to occur it will have to be fast before rain starts. But that is
definitely going to add to the cost."
"I don't care about the cost, Steven. I've spent four years
barely touching my Trust and Dad has earned more off the money I
haven't used and therefore was reinvested than I plan to spend on this
project. But the timeline is untouchable."
"It's your money Cory. Just have Saeth Construction send Cynfab
the bills and I'll get them paid."
"Ok now it's time for me to spend some of your money Steven."
"This is going to be interesting."
"I've never asked you for a favor, but I am now. Several times in
the recent past your firm has used a legal secretary from a temp agency
by the name Ann Caldwell. When I get to school I will email you her
current home address if you need that to identify her in your records."
"Okay so what's the favor?"
"I want you to hire her full time with a start date of October 1st.
She can't be involved in any matters related Saeth, Cynfab or me."
"That's a big favor Cory. I had planned to move one of our staff
secretaries on a half-time basis to Cynfab for coordination. I will
have to check with the other partners to find if there is need for an
additional person, and obviously Ann Caldwell will have to be
interviewed to ensure she has requisite skills for a new position -
especially since you are setting as a condition that she cannot be
involved in any Saeth or Cynfab activities. Why this favor, Cory?"
"The favor is my ask Steven, but it's actually to benefit a friend
of mine whose family is in desperate need. His father has been
unemployed for three years and his mother, Ann Caldwell, is working as
a temp only. I'm not asking you to hire someone who's unqualified, but
if it's a matter of bringing a secretary on to the Cynfab payroll on a
full-time instead of a part-time basis, I'm willing to bear that cost.
However, since you've used her several times and have obviously needed
her, I'm pretty certain that Ann Caldwell will make a fine addition to
the firm's permanent staff."
"What did I say about you being your Father's son?" Steven said
laughing. "Just out of curiosity how long did it take to formulate
this plan and its justifications?"
"About two hours."
"I think your Father is going to have his hands full when you begin
to take a serious interest in Saeth from your position as a Board
Member. I'd like to attend those meetings just for the fun of watching
you two work together."
"Thanks Steven, so can you get this done?"
"Cory, everything you said makes sense and, in fact, we have added
some new clients in the last month that will be coming online shortly.
So an additional secretary is likely going to be necessary. I will
arrange to have Ann Caldwell interviewed and if there is any way she
can be hired, I promise you she will be."
"Thanks Steven. Obviously, you will need to review the
confidentiality agreement you ask her to sign. Being the mother of a
friend of mine means she will need to be compartmentalized, as much as
is possible, from any matters that relate to me. But, I can promise
you that she will have no interest in releasing any information on the
Arris me to the public. I have a feeling Aaron won't be thrilled about
it, but he's not going to be thrilled with several things I do over the
next few weeks. However, I think he will recognize that we can trust
her and the Caldwell family in general."
"I assume you have no desire that she know where the idea for her
hire came from?"
"Absolutely. This is to be handled completely sub rosa."
"Ok Cory" Steven said "I will get the process underway as soon as
I arrive at the office. I just didn't realize I was going to start
this Monday as a cog in the latest 'Cory-mission'."
"Think of it as a sign of things to come. Thanks again Steven, I
will talk to you later."
"Have a great day at school Cory."
Cory had barely hung up when a call came in. Checking the caller
ID he saw it was Trent. "Hey Trent, what's up? I'm about two minutes
from school so sure didn't expect to hear from you."
"Just wanted to let you know that you've got a reception committee
waiting for you and find out if you want Troy and I to intervene."
"Talk on twinish one."
"Well, Hudson, Joey and a couple of his other gang members are all
waiting on the sidewalk near the senior's lot."
"To be honest, I had expected that for a reason I'll tell you guys
when I see you."
"Ya but what you don't know is that the story of what happened
Friday night has got around. Nathan talked to Hudson on Saturday and
it sounded like Hudson was going to attempt to make peace by asking you
to be his friend again. Unfortunately, there's been a complication."
"I had expected that what happened Friday night was going to get
around, but I confess I hadn't anticipated Hudson going in the nice
direction. So what's the complication?"
"At least four videos showing Hudson crying and begging have been
posted on Facebook pages of different Branson students. Apparently,
that has thrown Hudson over the edge. So I'm guessing he's looking for
revenge instead of peace."
"Trent listen to me. I want you and Troy to stay out of it. I
can handle Hudson Wagner."
"Cory, no one doubts your skills, but you can't take on four guys
by yourself."
"Trent this is not going to turn into a fight. Hudson is not
stupid enough to do something on school grounds. If he hits me he's
going to get expelled. He's an asshole, not an idiot. So stay back
and let me handle it."
"Ok Cory, we'll stay back, but we're going to be close by if you
need any help."
"Thanks Trent, I'm pulling into the lot now. Hudson is about to
be disappointed so the wind will be knocked out of him for several
minutes. And that's long enough for me to get past him and his gang."
"Ok Cory. See you inside in a few."
Pulling into the senior's lot, Cory made a deliberate pass by
Hudson to let him see an undamaged Charger - which was exactly the
opposite of what he expected.
Cory had planned to wave at Hudson as he drove by, but with the
information about the vid posts he decided that would be too much of a
provocation. So he just found an open slot, parked, grabbed his pack,
locked his car and headed toward the waiting Hudson Wagner.
As he stepped up on the sidewalk from the asphalt, Cory could see
Trent, Troy and three other football team members waiting near the east
door ready to come to Cory's aid if it was needed.
"Good morning Hudson. I want to apologize for what happened
Friday. I lost my temper and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry both for
what happened and what I said. You didn't deserve any of it."
Hudson had opened his mouth seemingly set on saying something, but
it didn't come out. Cory had learned a long time ago from Aaron Rocha
that the best way to get a jump on someone is to do the unexpected, and
Cory's apology was definitely unexpected.
"You apologize?" was what Hudson eventually got out totally
confused both by what Cory had said and by his car being undamaged.
"I was 100% wrong and I'm sorry."
With whatever he had planned thrown into disarray, Hudson instead
pulled a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket and shoved it into
Cory's hand.
"My Dad told me to give this to you and tell you to get it paid
immediately."
"What is it?"
"It's the Emergency Room bill to check out my hand."
"Fair deal. I will get it paid today."
Clearly expecting an argument over the bill, Hudson was left with
nothing to say and rapidly losing ground in front of his gang.
"Let's get out of here" Hudson said to his groupies and turned to
head into school.
With that Cory walked calmly up to the group of team members
waiting outside the East entrance. Trent and Troy were standing with
their mouths open conspicuously surprised. The other guys just looked
at each other not knowing what to do.
"Hey guys, I have to get to a meeting with Coach Morin and I think
all of you need to head to first period."
"QB" Troy said somewhat recovering himself "we're talking at
lunch."
"Sure Troy. See ya then!"
Cory walked into the East entrance smiling as he headed toward the
locker-room and his meeting with Coach Morin. In less than 30 minutes
he had run his plays and outwitted both friends and foes alike. His
only worry was this would add the "Cory-mystique" that Trent and Troy
were deliberately attempting to build up this year.
But that was a concern for later.
--------------------------------
Author's Notes:
UGHHHHHHHHHHH... another long chapter. Sorry guys!
Story Cory got out of control again. I told one reader who emailed me
that I had pushed 3 scenes from Chapter 3 into Chapter 4 because of the
rate at which that chapter was growing.
This time I'm pushing two scenes my outline has for Chapter 4 into
Chapter 5.
This chapter contained both an interesting mix of reveals and new
mysteries - as just one example, where did a teen like Cory learn to
cook? You got an initial hit on the history between Hudson and Cory,
but what happened on Monday hinted that there is more to come.
This chapter took a little longer than I had planned to get out, but
hey, I'm a college student with class work to get done too. So I hope
you'll understand.
I also spent most of the weekend, working on a reader bonus... the
exclusive "Happy Birthday to Me" story blog.
Its primary purpose is to provide you - as a reader - with some
editorial representations of the story characters so you can get an
idea of what's in my head when I think of these guys.
It will be updated with new information as the characters develop and
new characters are added. If you "follow" it, I will be posting when
new HBTM chapters are uploaded to Nifty so you don't have to keep
checking every day.
For now, at least, I've also left the "ask me" button active so you can
ask questions about the story. Though, I really REALLY prefer those to
be emailed to me directly instead.
To see the blog go to...
www.cory08online.tumblr.com
There are currently two pages with more to come so hit "older" at the
bottom of each page to keep viewing.
I'll give you a heads up and let you know that the "relationship" part
of this story will begin to show up in Chapter 5. As I've told readers
who've emailed me, this is not meant to be a quick fuck and dash porn
story. I'm allowing the characters to develop as people and a real
relationship doesn't happen overnight - especially in high school.
Please consider supporting Nifty by making a donation at:
http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
Positive and constructive comments are always welcome.
You may email me at cory.08@outlook.com