Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:03:05 +0000 From: Jacob Latson Subject: Washington Academy12 Disclaimer: This story will describe the life of Robert David Mathews from his time as a teenager, through prep school, and into military service. If stories involving sex between consenting teenagers, including both straight sex and gay sex, offends you, go back to the Archives and pick a different story for your reading pleasure. There has been minimal research for this story therefore, names, places, dates are mostly fictitious and similarities to real life are coincidental. Some companies and organizations mentioned actually exist, but references to the activities, policies, programs and procedures are fictitious. I was not a SEAL and have limited knowledge of the force. I am writing this story from imagination and a little research, not from personal experience. My editor, Bill, is a dedicated friend. His improvements in my writing style are greatly appreciated. Feedback is appreciated to Jacob_latson@hotmail.com Washington Academy Chapter 12 Parents' Weekend Continues David Mathews sat next to Robbie in the ambulance and continued talking to his nephew about ways to fight off the pain. He tried to hide his concerns that Robbie's injuries could cause permanent damage to his reproductive abilities, and listened to Dr. Linda Miller using her cell phone to talk to the Trauma Unit personnel. "Dr. Hanlon will want soft tissue X-rays of the groin area and urinalysis" Dr. Miller ordered. "I want a complete chest scan, along with blood work! I don't care if you have other patients there, especially that other player who caused this mess! Clear a Trauma Unit for me, or I'll call Dr. Harmeson!" "Who's Dr. Harmeson?" David Mathews asked Dr. Miller when her call ended. She'd been very assertive in getting the hospital ready for Robbie, and he appreciated her efforts. "Neil Harmeson's the Director of Wilson Medical Center and a close personal friend," Linda Miller replied while monitoring Robbie's blood pressure and oxygen level. She put the oxygen mask back on Robbie's face to ease his breathing before saying, "Neil recommended me for the Medical Director job at the Academy, and I do volunteer work for him at the hospital. Neil graduated from the Academy before attending medical school at Johns Hopkins and I'm sure he was at the game tonight. Neil's a dedicated alumnus of the Academy and I know he'll be at Wilson Medical Center to help out." The ambulance arrived at the hospital and was quickly followed by Tom Anderson and Marie Mathews in David's car, and the Academy Suburban containing Derrick Harmon and Drew Anderson. Robbie and Drew were still wearing their football uniforms and were quickly recognized by an angry group of black men. "THAT'S THE FUCKER WHO HURT MY LEROY!" a large black man screamed. "I'M GONNA KILL HIM!" David and Marie Mathews were walking alongside the gurney to be with Robbie, and had been joined by Derrick Harmon and Drew Anderson. Tom Anderson had parked David Mathews' car and was just walking into the Trauma Unit when he heard the screaming and saw four large black men running towards Robbie. He saw a female security guard try to stop the four men, but she was quickly knocked to the floor. He wasn't prepared for what he would see next. Four large bodies were launched through the air to crash against the walls and equipment in the Trauma Unit, and the sounds of screams of agony were mixed with the sounds of breaking equipment. David Mathews was still angry about Robbie being attacked on the football field, and when he heard the death threats he jumped in front of his wife and nephew. His Navy SEAL training kicked in, and he went into action! The altercation only lasted about 60 seconds. David tore into the first two attackers before Derrick Harmon could make his move to help his buddy, but he took the third man down quickly. He saw David with a headlock on the 4th attacker who had made the death threat against Robbie and pleaded with his powerful friend. "HE'S NOT WORTH IT DAVID!" Derrick screamed. "DON'T DO IT!" He knew David was ready to snap the neck of the attacker, and didn't want his friend to commit murder in front of so many witnesses. He got right in David's face and repeated his pleas! "JESUS CHRIST!" Tom Anderson screamed. He ran to where Drew was standing with Marie Mathews and tried to console them after witnessing the horrible attack. He was relieved to see David Mathews release the attacker who collapsed on the floor. The hallway of the Trauma Unit looked like a bomb had exploded, with blood splattered walls and screams and moans of the battered attackers. Marie Mathews had always known that her husband had deadly martial arts skills, but she had never seen him use them in an actual fight. She was frightened and tried to comfort Robbie, who was equally shocked by the bloody altercation. Guy Stephens ran into the Trauma Unit and saw the battered bodies lying on the hospital floor. He knew only one man who could cause the carnage, and ran up to David and Derrick. "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED HERE?" Guy demanded. "DAVID'S STILL GOT IT!" Derrick laughed. "You missed it! Those assholes threatened to kill Robbie, and our buddy went into action! He nailed three of them before I could take down one!" "SONOFABITCH!" Guy yelled. "I MISSED THE PARTY!" The Trauma Unit was immediately flooded with security guards and police officers, who knew that the four black men would need medical treatment before being taken to the police station. The police officers called for backup to handle an angry crowd of family and friends of Leroy Bennett, but couldn't stop the crowd outside from destroying the Academy ambulance. David Mathews calmed down after the terrible fight and talked to Robbie and Marie. "I'm sorry that you had to see that," he said to them. "I couldn't let them near you." Drew Anderson knew that Navy SEALs were trained to fight, but he never imagined that two men like David Mathews and Derrick Harmon could take on four men who were much larger than they were. He now realized that the "SEAL Look" was a precursor to violent behavior that he never wanted to witness again. He was afraid to approach David Mathews or Derrick Harmon for the very first time. Linda Miller pushed the gurney into a Trauma Unit and began yelling out orders for the tests she wanted run on Robbie. The hospital staff was ready and quickly prepared Robbie for the X-rays. "Don't cut my jersey!" Robbie ordered. He could barely move his right arm and knew that his uniform had to be removed, along with his shoulder pads and other equipment. "We'll get you a new one!" Guy Stephens promised. "NO!" Robbie screamed. The exertion to scream caused his ribs intense pain, and he groaned loudly. "The jerseys stretch!" Drew said to his coaches. "Help me pull it off so they don't destroy it! This is gonna hurt!" he said to Robbie. It was very painful for Robbie to have his right arm moved to pull the jersey off his body, but he thanked Drew for keeping the nurse from cutting the uniform. It was the first Academy uniform that he'd worn, and he wanted to keep it intact. "You guys have to leave us now," Dr. Miller said to the overflowing Trauma Unit. Even David and Marie were asked to leave while the nurse helped Dr. Miller cut away all of the protective equipment from Robbie's body. I'm glad to see that you were wearing your cup," Dr. Miller said to Robbie when his athletic supporter was exposed. "I hope you don't mind, but we need to remove everything to get ready for the tests. We'll cover you with a sheet and I can leave if you're modest." "I haven't got anything that you haven't already seen," Robbie groaned, knowing that Dr. Miller had seen him nude when he was shot at the Snake Pit and during physical exams after that. He didn't mind being nude around guys his age, but having a female doctor examine his dick had often resulted in an erection, and he prayed that it wouldn't happen again tonight. With the intense pain in his balls he wondered if he'd ever pop a boner again. Linda Miller smiled and thanked the handsome plebe for not being modest. Robbie Mathews had nothing to be ashamed of in his manhood, and even though she was a doctor, she had been impressed by the size of his equipment. She saw the bruises around Robbie's groin and the swollen testicles, and hoped that no permanent damage had been done by the attack. During the examinations and X-rays on Robbie, police officers were taking statements from everyone who was involved or had witnessed the terrible fight. The hospital security cameras had captured the attack and the violent response by the two Navy SEALs, and the police released Derrick Harmon and David Mathews without filing any charges against them. The four attackers were being treated, and all of them had been read their Miranda Rights. They would all be charged with Felonious Assault and Battery for the threats and attack in the Trauma Unit. "You have two fractured ribs and torn tissue that connects them," Dr. Miller said to Robbie with his aunt and uncle listening. "Dr. Hanlon's still looking at your test results, but we can tape up your rib cage and get you a sling for your right arm. You'll have to keep your right arm in the sling to reduce any movement of your ribs for a few days." "I need to shower first," Robbie moaned. "I stink and I won't be able to shower if you tape me up." "I'll get a male nurse to help you," Dr. Miller offered. "Normally we'd just give you a sponge bath, but I think we can make an exception for you tonight after playing in the football game." "He's my Little Brother, and I'll help him!" Drew insisted. "What'll he wear after the shower?" "All we can offer him are some hospital pajamas," Dr. Miller replied. "Ill get some support underwear for him. I know most of the cadets wear boxers, but you'll have to wear Jockey shorts for a while to support your testicles," She said to Robbie. "I have some good news for you," Dr. Hanlon said when he came into the Trauma Unit to talk to Robbie. "We didn't find any blood in your urine, and the soft tissue X-rays look good too. Some athletes don't wear a protective cup because they think it slows them down, but your cup absorbed most of the impact. A penis can sustain impact without major damage, but the testicles move in the scrotum and are very susceptible to damage or injury when they crash against a solid object. Your groin's badly bruised, and you'll be very uncomfortable for a few days, but I believe your protective equipment saved you from a very serious injury. I'll do a follow-up examination in about a week and do more testing." Robbie was embarrassed hearing about male anatomy in front of his aunt, especially because everyone was talking about HIS anatomy! "The girls in Traverse City should be safe for about a week!" Drew teased Robbie. "Let's get you cleaned up. You stink like a skunk!" "Don't be such a big jerk!" Robbie choked out to Drew. He was pleased that Drew had come to the hospital and had offered to help him shower, but didn't appreciate the teasing from his Big Brother. "I'm not comfortable with Robbie staying in this hospital," David Mathews said while Robbie and Drew were in the shower. "I know the police have that mob under control, but I want to know that he's safe!" "I agree!" Dr. Miller replied. "Now that we know the test results, I think we should take Robbie back to the campus. We have four beds in the Infirmary, and medical supervision around the clock. I'll call for an ambulance and have it pull inside the shipping dock to avoid contact with anyone outside." "I'll get your car and pull it around to the dock," Tom Anderson offered. "I'm going with you!" Derrick Harmon stated. "We'll grab a couple of cops too, just in case someone tries anything!" "David, you and Marie stay with Robbie." Guy Stephens said. "I'll get the Academy Suburban if it isn't destroyed like our ambulance so we can get everyone back to the campus safely. I dare anyone to start something with me in the parking lot! I missed out on the action inside the hospital, but I'm ready to take out my frustrations on any asshole that gets in my way!" "Stephens, get control of that hostility!" Dr. Miller ordered. "Too much testosterone has already been released tonight! We have another ambulance on the campus and several Suburbans, so don't risk any more injuries to protect material things!" "You're right, Linda," Guy replied. "I'm sorry for being a jerk. I'm still angry after seeing Robbie injured tonight, and I'll find another way to release the tension in my body." Both Robbie and Drew were wearing hospital pajamas after their mutual shower when they left Wilson Medical Center. Drew had collected Robbie's uniform and equipment, along with his own, before getting inside the Academy Suburban to travel to the safety of the George Washington Academy. Guy Stephens dialed the phone number for Vincent Brown's cell phone, and told the Academy Chancellor the results of the tests on Robbie. He also described the destruction of the Academy ambulance by the angry mob, but told his boss that the two ambulance attendants were safe and returning to the campus with him. "Can I talk to Mr. Brown," Drew asked. He was pleased when Coach Stephens handed him the cell phone. "Mr. Brown, can you please find Keith Phillips and ask him to bring dress uniforms and underwear for me and Robbie to the Infirmary? Robbie told me that he wants to go to the reception, even if it's only for a few minutes. Dr. Miller caved in after Robbie promised to sit down and not walk around, but my Little Brother wants to meet some of the parents." Vincent Brown was relieved to hear that Robert Mathews was returning to the campus along with the two coaches, concerned parents, and the two ambulance attendants. He was at the reception where everyone was celebrating the football victory, and he used the public address system to tell everyone in Washington Hall that the coaches and players would soon arrive. The announcement was followed by loud cheers by everyone celebrating the victory and waiting for news about Robbie Mathews. Trip, Tracker and Keith were waiting for Robbie and Drew to arrive at Washington Hall, and were relieved to hear that Robbie's injuries didn't require hospitalization. "I was so scared!" Trip said to Robbie. "When I saw that fuck head kick you, I wanted to kill him! Let me and Tracker help you get dressed." Vincent Brown grabbed the microphone and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, can I please have your attention? Now entering the hall are our two fine coaches, Guy Stephens and Derrick Harmon, along with two of the stars of the game tonight, Drew Anderson and Robbie Mathews. Let's give these men a warm Academy welcome!" Everyone in the hall stood and cheered to greet the new arrivals. The cadets streamed towards Drew and Robbie and wanted to congratulate them and find out about Robbie's injuries. It took several minutes for all of the cadets to welcome back their star players, and many introduced their parents to the two cadets. Robbie was still in a lot of pain and looked around for a place to sit down. He knew he was walking awkwardly because of his sore nuts, but he tried to fight back the pain to accept the congratulations. "You're Robbie Mathews?" a female voice asked. "That's me!" Robbie said when he turned towards the sound of the voice. He saw a beautiful girl with long brown hair standing among other visitors to the Academy. "You can't be!" the girl said. "Who..., who are you?" Robbie stuttered. This girl was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, and there was something familiar about her face. "I'm Jennifer Anderson, and I'm Drew's sister," she replied. "I'm gonna kill my brother when I get my hands on him!" "You can't be Drew's sister!" Robbie blurted out. "You look just like Drew!" "That isn't much of a compliment," Jennifer said to Robbie. "A girl doesn't like to hear that she looks like a guy!" "I'm...I'm sorry!" Robbie blurted out. "You're beautiful! But, Drew said...." Jennifer cut off his words. "What did that big jerk tell you about me?" Jennifer asked. "Let's sit down and talk!" Robbie was confused. Drew had told him that his sister was mentally and physically handicapped, and didn't look like anyone else in the Anderson family. This girl was "drop dead beautiful" and was nothing like Drew had described. "Let me tell you how my big brother described you to me," Jennifer began. "Drew said that his Little Brother was short, fat, had zits all over his face, picks his nose and eats it, and plays with himself all the time!" "Holy Crap!" Robbie exclaimed. "He was right about one thing, but I'll have to learn to use my left hand for a while!" Jennifer laughed and then asked Robbie how Drew had described her. Robbie knew that Drew had lied when he described his sister, but wanted to find out why from Drew before answering Jennifer. He looked at the beautiful girl with the long brown hair and jungle green eyes and forgot all about the pain in his body. This was the most beautiful girl he'd ever met, and he wanted to stare at her beauty and listen to the melody of her voice. "I know he's your Big Brother and you don't want to get him in trouble," Jennifer said to Robbie. "I've already got enough on him to cook him with my parents, but I bet he said some crap about me, and I can't figure out why. Drew's my brother and best friend, but he crossed the line this time. Did he say I was ugly? I won't tell anyone what you tell me." Robbie loved hearing Jennifer's voice, and finally decided to trust her. "He said you are mentally and physically handicapped," Robbie began. "He said you got hit by a car when you were three years old, and the damage was severe and permanent." "That big jerk!" Jennifer exclaimed. "Drew thinks he's protecting my virginity by not letting me come here to visit, but he crossed the line with you! You're a real cutie, and I'm pleasantly surprised to meet the real Robbie Mathews!" "I just saw Drew head across the hall," Robbie said. "He saw us talking and looked like he saw a ghost!" "I'll handle him later!" Jennifer said. "Can I get you something to eat? It doesn't look like you could handle a plate of food with your arm in that sling, and I'd really like to talk to you some more." "I'm really hungry, but I don't know if my stomach will handle any solid food," Robbie admitted. "I'd really appreciate you getting me something to eat, as long as you come back to sit and talk." When Jennifer returned with a plate of food, Robbie was thrilled. Jennifer's face had a radiant glow and he loved looking at her. The blouse she was wearing showed off her ample breasts and he could see the outline of both of her nipples. He felt his cock stir in his uniform, but the movement of his inflating manhood caused his balls to move. He winced in pain when he tried to move to a more comfortable position, and Jennifer noticed. "I'm really sorry that you got hurt," Jennifer said. "Girls can't relate to a kick in the balls anymore than a guy can understand PMS and monthly periods. Can I do anything to make you more comfortable?" "If I told you what would make me more comfortable, you'd probably slap my face!" Robbie teased. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever met!" "David, look at Robbie!" Marie Mathews said to her husband. "What's wrong with him?" David asked. He was ready to attack anyone who would dare hurt his nephew, but he looked in the direction that Marie was pointing and only saw Robbie talking to Jennifer Anderson. "Look at his face!" Marie exclaimed. "Have you ever seen him look at a girl like that?" Oh my God!" Carol Anderson exclaimed. "Jennifer looks like she's in heaven! I've never seen that look on her face either!" The four parents could tell that Cupid was at work in Washington Hall and exchanged comments about their children enjoying the private conversation. They didn't want to interrupt the conversation between Robbie and Jennifer, but they continued watching the two teenagers. Robbie took a few bites of the ham and potato salad while he continued staring at Jennifer Anderson. He continued eating until the food settled in his stomach, and the reaction was severe. He dropped his fork and struggled out of the chair and towards the waste barrel near the table. His stomach heaved and he began vomiting. "ROBBIE!" Jennifer screamed. Drew had been watching Robbie and his sister talking and knew he was in big trouble with both of them, but when he saw Robbie run for the trash barrel, he ran to his Little Brother. "I've got you!" Drew said while gently holding Robbie. "We need to get you to the Infirmary!" Several people in the hall immediately recognized Robbie's illness. David and Marie Mathews ran up to Robbie and Drew and tried to comfort their nephew. Dr. Linda Miller also saw Robbie vomiting and ran to his aid. "Help me get him to the Infirmary," Dr. Miller said to David Mathews. "I didn't want him to come here tonight, but he pleaded with me. I should have insisted that he stay in the Infirmary overnight." David picked Robbie up like he was a feather, and carried his nephew out of the hall and to the Infirmary with Marie following closely behind. "Help him!" Jennifer pleaded with Drew. "I shouldn't have given him that food! This is my fault!" Robbie had vomited on his uniform and was humiliated for throwing up in front of Jennifer Anderson and all of the other people in the hall. He let his uncle and Drew remove his uniform and continued retching while Dr. Miller got him settled on the bed in the Infirmary. The Infirmary was filled with concerned cadets, and Trip and Tracker tried to push their way into the area where Dr. Miller was treating Robbie. They were both upset when they were ordered to leave the area, and argued with the attending nurses. Guy Stephens and Derrick Harmon were outside smoking cigars when they heard about Robbie being sick. They rushed to the Infirmary and pushed their way through the concerned cadets. "We'll have to postpone our golf outing," David Mathews said to his two SEAL buddies. "I need to stay with Robbie." "I'm not going on the outings to the mall and casino either," Marie said. "David and I'll stay here with Robbie." "NO!" Robbie blurted out while struggling out of the hospital bed. "I'm fine!" "MATHEWS, GET YOUR ASS BACK IN THAT BED!" Guy Stephens said. When he saw Robbie defying his directions, he added, "THAT'S A DIRECT ORDER! GET YOUR ASS BACK IN THAT BED!" Robbie knew better than to disobey a direct order from Mr. Stephens. He'd done that once, and wasn't going to repeat his mistake. "I'll stay in this bed if you'll all listen to me!" Robbie pleaded. He painfully got back into the bed, and then said, "I wasn't ready to eat anything, but please listen to me! I want Uncle Dave to play golf with you and Mr. Harmon tomorrow and I want Aunt Marie to take the bus tour to the mall and casino. If I were healthy, we wouldn't see each other until tomorrow afternoon at the picnic by the lake. I'll stay in this bed, but only if you leave me alone tonight and follow your original plans for tomorrow. Uncle Dave, you've told me how much you wanted to beat Mr. Stephens, Mr. Harmon and Chancellor Brown at golf, and they've all told me how much they were looking forward to the match. Please listen to me!" "I can give him something to calm his stomach down," Dr. Miller said. "The nausea's expected with his groin injury, and he needs to rest. He's upset right now, so let's try to calm him down." "Robbie's right," Marie said. "You've been talking about the golf match for weeks! I've never understood how men can enjoy chasing a little white ball around the countryside, but you need the time with your friends. I'll stay with Robbie." "NO!" Robbie blurted out again. Each time he raised his voice in defiance, his body was wracked with pain, but he was very upset. "Every time I've called home, you've told me how much you were looking forward to shopping at the Outlet Mall! I want you to go shopping and then piss away my inheritance at the casino! Please don't change your plans because I threw up! I don't want anyone here with me! I wanna sleep and then my stomach will be better." "I think all of you should listen to Robbie," Dr. Miller said. "I'm going to give him injections to calm down his stomach and help him sleep. He should be more comfortable in a few minutes, but he needs to rest." "I want everyone to leave!" Robbie demanded. "Drew, tell Jennifer that I'm sorry for hurling in front of her. She has a few things to talk to you about, and it won't be pleasant. You lied to me about your sister, and we need to talk when I'm feeling better. Right now I just want some peace and quiet!" "Everyone out!" Dr. Miller ordered. "This is my Infirmary and Robbie's my patient! I'm in charge, so get out!" "We'll check on you in the morning," David said to his nephew. "If you're resting comfortably, we'll follow our original plans. I don't like your defiance, but I'll cut you some slack this time." Everyone left the Infirmary, and Robbie was relieved. He felt better after the medications took effect and wanted to sleep. He drank some chicken bouillon and ate saltine crackers, and his stomach held it down. He resigned himself to spending the night in the Infirmary and hoped that his aunt and uncle would have fun the next day. Drew Anderson had a heated exchange with his sister and then headed for the Infirmary to check on Robbie. He was stopped by Dr. Miller, but insisted on talking to Robbie before he went to sleep. "I'm sorry, Robbie," Drew said to his Little Brother. "I love my sister, but I really screwed up this time. I know what a horn dog you are, and I was afraid you would hit on my sister, so I lied about her to you so you wouldn't want to meet her. Instead, you seemed genuinely interested in meeting her, even if she was handicapped. I'm begging you to forgive me!" "She's the most beautiful girl I've ever met." Robbie admitted. "I'd never try to hit on her like that. If anyone around here's a horn dog, it's you! I blew any chance I had to be her friend by barfing all over the place in front of her!" "You and I are still getting to know each other," Drew said. "I misjudged you, and I'm truly sorry. Will you forgive me?" "I'd take a kiss and a hug from you under normal circumstances," Robbie replied softly, "but I don't think Dr. Miller would understand. I forgive you, as long as you don't lie to me again, especially about Jennifer. I can't even shake your hand with my arm in this fucking sling, but I want us to be buds again, just like before." "Thanks, Little Brother," Drew said. He leaned down and kissed Robbie on the forehead. "Get some sleep. I'll tell the guys that you're feeling better after seeing you eat and hold it down. Tracker and Trip are pissing everyone off by trying to get in here to see you. Will you let them come in for a couple of minutes?" "Okay," Robbie replied. He was happy to see his buddies, Trip and Tracker, rush into the Infirmary. "We're so sorry that you're sick!" Trip exclaimed. "Can we do anything to help you?" "Remember that tin of cookies?" Robbie asked Trip. After seeing his buddy nod yes, he continued, "I wrapped the tin and attached a birthday card for my uncle. Can you please get it out of my locker and give it to Mr. Stephens? Tell him to give it to my uncle and have him open it on the first tee at Oak Hills Country Club." "We'll do it!" Tracker said. "Is there anything else we can do for you? You're our buddy and we hate seeing you in pain!" "I'll be better tomorrow," Robbie replied to Tracker. "Coach Stephens has the ball from my first touchdown, and I want you and Drew to sign it before I give it to my uncle. I won't be able to sign it for a while, but I want him to have it. I'll give it to Uncle Dave tomorrow at the picnic." "You got it!" Tracker promised. He and Trip said goodnight to Robbie and left the Infirmary to take care of the favors for their plebe buddy. They were both relieved to see Robbie resting comfortably, and also happy to take care of the errands for him. David and Marie Mathews walked into the Infirmary around midnight, and were pleased to see Robbie sleeping comfortably. "The medications I gave him worked," Dr. Miller said. "He was able to hold down some soup and crackers, and I expect him to be better in the morning. He'll probably sleep in late, and we'll make sure no one bothers him to wake him up early." "Thanks for taking care of our boy," David said to the doctor. "He wants us to go on the outings in the morning, but I don't feel right about doing it. Can we come back around 7 in the morning?" "I'll be here all night with him," Dr. Miller replied. "He'll be sore in the groin area for several days, but his ribs will take longer to heal. I think Robbie's football days are over until next year." David and Marie returned to the Infirmary the next morning and found Robbie sleeping. They thanked Dr. Miller for spending the night with their nephew and knew that she had spent a long time watching over Robbie along with the nursing staff. They decided to honor Robbie's wishes and go on the outings scheduled for that morning. "I've got a package for you," Guy Stephens said to David when they were waiting to tee off at the first hole of Oak Hills Country Club. David Mathews read the birthday card and then unwrapped the present. "A tin of cookies?" David asked. "I guess they'll go good with our coffee. He opened the tin and was shocked. "What the fuck?" he exclaimed. "These are cigars!" "Those aren't just cigars!" Vincent Brown exclaimed when he looked inside the tin. "Those are Monte Cristos, the finest Cuban cigars made! How'd Robbie get them?" "These are illegal in the United States!" David exclaimed. "We have to destroy this evidence or go to jail!" "You sure as fuck aren't going to throw them away are you?" Derrick Harmon asked. "We're gonna destroy them by smoking them!" David replied. He pulled his cigar cutter out of his pocket and snipped the end off the first cigar before lighting it. "These are fresh as hell! How'd Robbie get them?" "Are you gonna share or make us hate you?" Guy Stephens asked. David laughed and handed cigars to all three men. They all marveled at the brand and freshness, and savored the taste and aroma of the finest cigars in the world, while they tried to guess how Robbie had obtained the special present. "I've smoked this brand before," David admitted. "I have a friend who has a friend who smuggled some of these into the States, and they cost me $40 each. There are 8 in this tin, and we each get 2! This is a very special birthday present, but I'm gonna find out how he got them!" "Robbie loves you with every cell in his body!" Guy said. "Don't ruin his present by making him feel bad. He knows what you like, and he found a way to deliver." It was almost noon when Robbie was released from the Infirmary with severe restrictions on his movement around the campus. He was excited when Drew brought his casual uniform of Dockers and golf shirt to help him get dressed for a trip to the lake for the picnic. "I need to find your sister," Robbie said to Drew. "I have to apologize to her for blowing lunch at the reception. I sure didn't make a good first impression with her!" "Jen's really upset," Drew admitted. "She blames herself for giving you that food that made you sick. I'm still not comfortable with you and her being together, but I trust your word that you won't try anything with her. She's my sister, and I know I go overboard when guys are sniffing around her." "I enjoy sniffing around her, because she smells great!" Robbie teased. After seeing the pained look on Drew's face, he added, "I just want to apologize to her and be her friend. I'm not gonna hit on her, so chill out!" Drew had the use of a golf cart and drove Robbie down to the lake where the picnic was just starting. Everyone was happy to see Robbie coming to the party, and were relieved that he was released from the Infirmary. "I hope you're feeling better," Jennifer Anderson said to Robbie. "I'm sorry if the food I picked for you made you sick." "I'm sorry for throwing up in front of you," Robbie replied. "I was really enjoying our talk, especially after finding out what a jerk Drew was to both of us. I don't hold grudges, and he's the best Big Brother on this campus! He's like a hawk watching you, and I bet he will crap his pants if we show any affection toward each other." "This should put his boxers in a knot!" Jennifer said while leaning over and kissing Robbie on the cheek. She grabbed Robbie's hand and walked over to a vacant picnic table to watch the games and festivities. "Mathews has a new girlfriend!" Keith Phillips joked to Drew. "You'd better watch him, or you'll be an uncle in nine months!" "If he tries anything with my sister, I'll kill him!" Drew exclaimed. Robbie and Jennifer were enjoying their time together and their private conversation when they saw a Suburban pull into the campgrounds. Guy Stephens, Derrick Harmon, Vincent Brown and David Mathews got out of the vehicle and walked up to Robbie and Jennifer. "We loved your birthday present!" David said to Robbie. "Those cigars were fantastic, and I kicked ass on both rounds of golf. I see Dr. Miller was right. You're obviously feeling better, and I'm relieved. Thanks for the special gift!" "It's time, Robbie!" Guy Stephens said. "I'll make the announcement." "What's happening?" Jennifer asked Robbie. "Just listen," Robbie replied. "Can I have your attention?" Guy announced through the portable megaphone. "Last night we watched our football team win an important victory, and I want to thank everyone for being there to cheer our team to victory. In about one hour, our Cross Country team will be competing against 11 other high schools in a Regional Meet, and I'm inviting everyone to join us to cheer for our team. We have buses that can take you to the meet, and we'll be back before the main meal this evening. Let's show Coach Terry Pahls and the 8 runners that we support all athletic competition from this fine academy!" Robbie was thrilled that a huge crowd of cadets and parents walked over to the five buses that had arrived at the campgrounds. He wanted to get on the first bus, but was stopped by Guy Stephens. "You can't handle the bouncing around in a bus," Guy said. "You can ride with me in the first Suburban. This was all your idea, and I should have thought of it myself." David Mathews was proud of his nephew for thinking about the cadets who would compete in the Cross Country meet. He remembered his own days at the Academy, and realized that not every cadet could be on a team that competed in front of a large crowd. He was surprised when Jennifer Anderson asked to ride with Robbie, but knew that the Suburban had a lot of room for passengers. He could sense the chemistry between Robbie and Jennifer, and helped Robbie walk towards the vehicle. "I'll sit between you two!" Drew said to Robbie and Jennifer. "Try it and you'll have your nuts hanging on the nearest tree!" Jennifer threatened her brother. "I'm gonna sit right next to Robbie and rub against his body all the way to the meet. We might even make out the whole way there and back!" "Jesus, Jen!" Drew exclaimed. "Get control of yourself!" Robbie was laughing painfully about what Jennifer said to Drew, and wished that he had a video camera to record his facial expressions. Drew was a powerful young man, but his sister who only weighed about 110 pounds humbled him. Guy Stephens was thrilled by the response of the large crowd at the lake, and used his cell phone to request more buses after the first five were filled. The Academy had 25 buses for transporting cadets, but the response from the crowd made it obvious that the Academy didn't have enough buses. Suburbans were used to transport cadets and parents back to the main campus and a large caravan of vehicles was quickly organized. Terry Pahls was leading his eight runners through the stretching exercises when he saw Guy Stephens pull the Suburban up to their tent. His runners had all used the tent to change into their running uniforms, and he thanked the few parents that had come to cheer their sons to victory. Trip was doing his stretches when he saw Robbie get out of the Suburban along with both football coaches and some other people. He ran up to Robbie and thanked him for coming to his meet and quickly introduced Robbie to his parents. "You shouldn't be walking around!" Trip exclaimed to Robbie. "You need to sit down!" "I owe your dad a big thank you and some money," Robbie replied. "I'll sit down during your race." "You don't owe me a cent!" Carson Winthrop Masterson II replied while shaking Robbie's left hand. He saw that Robbie's right arm was still in a sling, and respected the injury by offering his left hand for the greeting. "I need to pay you, or it won't be a gift from me to my uncle," Robbie replied. "I have a close friend who owns a tobacco store," Mr. Masterson admitted to Robbie. "He owes me a lot of favors, and just got a fresh shipment. Canada has trade agreements with Cuba, and I was happy to get those cigars for my son's friend. He says I have to call him Trip from now on, and I actually love it! I've never seen my son so happy! If you insist, I'll take $20 for the cigars, and I can send you more in the future." "I checked on the Internet, and those cigars are about $20 each if you buy them legally," Robbie replied. "I've got the money right here to pay you." Trip's dad laughed and refused to take more than $50 for the eight cigars. His friend had given him a great deal, but he didn't want to take advantage of the close friend of his son. He took the $50 and thanked Robbie for coming to the meet to cheer for his son. "What the fuck?" Terry Pahls exclaimed when he saw the first five Academy buses pull into the parking lot. "It looks like some of the cadets and parents want to cheer for your runners!" Guy Stephens said to Terry. Trip choked back his tears of joy. He was elated when Robbie and Drew arrived with the football coaches, but couldn't believe his eyes when he saw a long string of buses unloading fans in the parking lot. "You'd better kick ass today!" Robbie teased Trip. "Cadets don't accept second place!" Before the meet started, over 3,000 fans had arrived to cheer on the Academy runners. Even the organizer of the 12-team meet was amazed at the number of spectators who arrived to cheer for the Academy runners. "You guys wished for an audience, and now you've got it!" Terry Pahls said to his runners. "Don't lose your focus! Pace yourselves and in the last quarter of the course, kick it in and bring home a victory! I know you can do it, so show everyone that we're a quality team that represents the finest high school in the state!" Robbie and Jennifer found a guardrail near the starting line and sat down to talk before the race started. They both ignored the stares from Drew and held hands until the race started. "GO TRIP!" Robbie yelled when the race started. His chest ached from trying to yell for his buddy, but he fought off the pain and hoped that Jennifer didn't notice. He was thrilled that his buddy was representing the Academy and was hoping that their team would win the meet. When Trip crossed the finish line, he was over 50 yards ahead of the nearest runner. He had tears of joy running down his face when Tracker grabbed him for a warm hug of congratulations. "YOU DID IT!" Tracker screamed. "YOU TOOK FIRST PLACE!" Robbie struggled over to where Trip and Tracker were hugging and took his turn in carefully hugging his little buddy before Coach Pahls ordered Trip to walk off the tension in his body. He knew that muscles in the human body built up impurities during strenuous exercise, and he waited for the rest of the runners to finish the course to congratulate them. "We have the results!" the announcer said through the portable megaphone. "We thank all 12 high schools for competing today, and also thank this overwhelming crowd for their support. With final results of 1st, 5th, 8th and 9th out of ten places, the overall winner is the George Washington Academy Eagles! Congratulations to the Eagles for this victory, a very important one for them!" The huge crowd cheered for the significant victory and swarmed around all 8 of the Academy runners. Trip was a hero for winning first place in the meet, and had tears of joy running down his face when he accepted the medal for taking first place. He held the medal high in the air and screamed his pleasure at winning in front of such a large crowd of fans. "I don't know how to thank you," Terry Pahls said to Guy Stephens. "Having all these supporters fired my guys up, and we proved to everyone in the state that we have a team to fear!" "I should have thought of organizing a trip like this from our campus," Guy replied, "but Robbie gave me the idea. From now on, whenever any Academy team's competing, we'll have buses available to get the cadets to the contest. This has been a great weekend for everyone connected to the Academy, and I'm proud of you and your runners. Let's head back to the lake and celebrate with a fantastic picnic!" Robbie was uncomfortable with his injuries, but he didn't want to miss the picnic and the chance to spend more time with Jennifer Anderson. He tried to hide his pain, but Aunt Marie was tuned in to his emotions. "I think you should go back to your dorm to rest," Aunt Marie said to Robbie when he got out of the Suburban at the lake. "I can tell that you're in pain." "Please don't say anything to anyone," Robbie pleaded. "I'll sit down and have something to eat, and then I'll feel better. This is my first 'Parents' Weekend', and I don't want to miss a minute of it." "I'll fill a plate for you," Jennifer offered. "They're serving barbecued ribs and chicken, but I can try to find something that isn't so spicy." "I promise not to throw up again if you fill a plate for me," Robbie said. "I'm really hungry, but I don't think I can cut anything up, so maybe you can help me." "I'd love to!" Jennifer exclaimed. "I'll be right back!" Drew saw how Robbie and Jennifer were having fun together and he felt guilty about wanting to keep them apart. He convinced the food servers to let his sister cut in the line to fill a plate for Robbie, and helped her select food that he knew Robbie liked. He watched how Jennifer and Robbie acted towards each other and finally realized that they were perfect for each other. He knew that Robbie was still in pain, but didn't want to get into more trouble by interfering with their discussions during the evening meal. "Robbie's in heaven!" Marie exclaimed to David. "I know he wants to stay here and enjoy the company of Jennifer, but he needs to rest. Dr. Miller said he can spend the night in his dorm, but you'll have to use a truck to pull him away from Jennifer!" "I know how to handle this," David said to his wife. He walked over to his buddy Guy Stephens and took him aside for a private conversation. "Mathews, I want you to head back to your dorm and rest," Guy Stephens said to Robbie. "I know you want to stay with this beautiful girl, but you've had some painful injuries that can only be healed with rest. Don't make me give you a direct order to leave now and relax for the rest of the night. I'm sure that Jennifer will be here for the next two days and you can spend some more quality time together." Robbie didn't want to leave Jennifer, but he realized that he was sore and tired. He had disobeyed a direct order from Mr. Stephens once, and he'd never make that mistake again. He was pissed at his coach but he wasn't going to argue when he knew he was tired and sore. "Mr. Stephens is right," Jennifer said. "I'll be here all weekend, and I'd love to see you when you're feeling better. I'm sure Drew will help you get settled at your dorm, and I'll make sure the big jerk takes good care of you." "I'm sorry, Jenny Kay," Robbie said to her, using a new nickname for the beautiful girl made out of her full name, Jennifer Katherine Anderson. "Can I please say goodbye to my aunt and uncle?" he asked his coach. He was pleased that Guy Stephens helped him stand and walk to where his aunt and uncle were talking to Tom and Carol Anderson. "I need to get some rest," Robbie said to his aunt and uncle. "It looks like there's still time for you to get in another 9 holes of golf if you get moving! I'll see you tomorrow before the Chapel services and we can have breakfast at the Jefferson Dorm." "Do you think we can sneak in another 9 holes?" David asked Guy Stephens with glee. "Derrick's chomping at the bit to try and beat you!" Guy joked. "Vince can't go, but maybe Tom wants to join us." "I heard that David's a ringer!" Tom laughed. "I'd love to join you guys! Carol, I'll be back later!" Drew, Tracker, Keith and Trip ran up to the group of adults and promised to get Robbie back to the dorm to rest. They helped Robbie into the Suburban and traveled back to the main campus and up to the front of the Jefferson Dormitory. "We're using the elevator!" Drew ordered when they got inside. Robbie was relieved that he didn't have to climb the stairs to the third floor of his dormitory. He felt guilty about his friends leaving the picnic to take care of him and told them to leave him alone and go back to be with their parents. When his buddies argued, he promised to take his pain pills and go to sleep, but demanded that they go back to the lake. "He's bull headed!" Drew exclaimed to Keith after leaving Robbie in his dorm room. "He wants to be at the party, but he can't go back there. Now he's being a jerk in chasing us all away!" "We'll come back later and check on him," Trip said. "Tracker and I are his plebe buds, and we hate to see him in pain like this." "My brother's upset that he hasn't been able to talk to Robbie," Tracker admitted. "It looks like Robbie and your sister are glued together ever since they met." Keith laughed and teased Drew about the way Robbie and Jennifer were spending time together. Everyone who had seen them together knew that they were really enjoying their time together, even with Robbie's severe injuries. "Let's get you cleaned up," Drew said to Robbie the next morning. "I'll be real gentle when I wash Little Robbie and his two swollen friends!" Robbie wanted to take a shower, but the bandages on his ribs had to stay in place for three days according to Dr. Miller. Tracker and Trip had helped him get out of bed and across the hall to the toilet, but he was happy to see Drew come upstairs to help him get cleaned up. "Your nuts are huge!" Drew said while giving Robbie a sponge bath. "I'm really sorry for that asshole kicking you, but I heard that his leg is wiped out! He deserved to die for attacking you, and I was ready to kill him right there on the football field." "Dr. Miller said I need to ice them down," Robbie admitted. "I don't know what's worse! My nuts ache when they're warm, but the ice is worse! Everyone's talking about my privates, and I wish they'd change the subject. It's too embarrassing." "I hope you have time today to meet my brother and sister," Tracker said when Drew finished washing Robbie's body. "Hunter's been bugging me to get to meet you, but he saw how you were either in the Infirmary or talking to Drew's sister. He was kicked in the balls this summer during a neighborhood fight, and he knows how painful it is. My dad closed a big real estate deal this summer and we moved to a better neighborhood. We still live in Kansas City, but my dad's realtor business is growing fast, and he bought us a big home in one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Maybe some time you can go home with me and meet my grandparents." "I'm sorry for not meeting Hunter and Crystal, and I'd really like to go home with you some time," Robbie said to Tracker. "I'll try to spend some time with them after the Chapel services. I still need to give my uncle that football from my first touchdown! He was a running back when he was here, and still holds some of the rushing records." "Your uncle's one of the most famous graduates," Drew said. "He's got his picture outside the Martial Arts Room and in the Hall of Heroes! He was awarded the Navy Cross for his service in the SEALs, and Coach Stephens said he's the most lethal weapon on the face of the earth! I saw what he could do when that crap went down at the hospital, and it scared the shit out of me! He's a great guy, but if he snaps, he could turn into a killer in a matter of seconds!" "All SEALs are like that," Robbie replied. "Stephens and Harmon can be lethal weapons if they get pissed, and I'm afraid of them when they get angry. I've met other guys who served with my uncle, and they all say that he was the best martial arts trainer in the world! He trained me so I could stop guys from kicking my ass, but I've never had to use some of the lethal blows he taught me. When I grabbed Bennett's leg, I wanted to kill him, but all I could do was 'roll up' and hurt him. I blacked out until you pulled that asshole off me!" "It's time for Chapel services," Trip said to Robbie and Drew. Robbie wanted to walk down the stairs, but Drew demanded that he use the elevator while the other guys used the stairs. When Robbie got to the main floor, he saw a boy who looked exactly like Tracker, and immediately knew it was Hunter Whitestone. "Hi Hunter, I'm Robbie Mathews," Robbie said to the 11 year old boy. "You look exactly like Tracker!" Hunter Whitestone was excited to meet his older brother's friend, and had broken away from his parents to run inside the Jefferson Dormitory to wait for his brother. He'd begged Tracker to introduce him to Robbie and he marveled at the blonde hair and blue eyes of Tracker's plebe buddy. He was surprised to meet Robbie alone and wondered where his older brother was. "I'm really sorry that you got hurt," Hunter said to Robbie. "I bet it hurts like a bitch!" "Tracker told me that someone kicked you in the nuts this summer," Robbie replied. "It's hard to walk because my 'jewels' are still swollen, and it hurts to breathe. I've got pain pills that help, but the doctors said I'll be lucky to play football again this year." "That sucks!" Hunter said. "Can I stay with you for a while?" The smile from Robbie was the answer that Hunter hoped for, and he pumped the air with his fist and yelled, "YES!" "I see you met the bug!" Tracker said when he saw Robbie talking to Hunter. "When he was little, my parents called him 'Buggy Wuggy', and the nickname stuck!" "You jerk!" Hunter exclaimed to Tracker. "Why'd you have to tell him that?" "It's a cute nickname, but I won't call you that if it bothers you," Robbie said to Hunter. "Thanks, Robbie," Hunter replied. "There's a bunch of people waiting for you outside, and one of them is that cute girl you spent all day yesterday with. Is she your girlfriend?" "NO!" Drew replied. "SHE'S MY SISTER, NOT HIS GIRLFRIEND!" "Don't get your shorts in a knot!" Hunter said to Drew. "I just asked a question!" Robbie laughed at how Hunter had put Drew in his place and saw his Big Brother glare at him and Hunter. "You want a piece of me?" Hunter challenged Drew. The small pre-teen squared off in front of Drew in a provocative manner before Tracker stepped in. "YOU DUMB SHIT!" Tracker said to Hunter. "He's twice your size and a Martial Arts Expert! Apologize to him, or I'll tell Mom and Dad what you said to him!" "I'm sorry," Hunter said to Drew. "I'm the one who should apologize, not you!" Drew replied. "I'm very protective of my sister, and I'm sorry for snapping at you. Let's shake hands and be friends!" When the cadets walked outside the Jefferson Dormitory, they saw a group of parents and family members waiting for them. Tracker, Robbie, Drew, and Trip all greeted their parents and then headed towards the Chapel. It was a short walk, but Robbie was still sore and walked very slowly. Jennifer Anderson walked at Robbie's side, with Hunter Whitestone tagging along. After the Chapel services, the football players had a team meeting with their coaches and Vincent Brown, Chancellor of the Academy. Guy Stephens came to drive Robbie to the meeting and talked to him on the short trip to the Grant Athletic Building. "You played a terrific game Friday night," Coach Stephens said to Robbie. "A ton of shit has gone down since Friday night, and Derrick and I both want you to know that we'll keep a spot open for you on the football team in case you can play again this year. We'd normally have a brief practice today, but I want to talk to the team about what happened in the end zone and at the hospital. Mike Bass is the coach of the Chargers, a personal friend of mine. He called me yesterday and asked how you were doing. He apologized again for what happened, and wants to know how to make amends. He told me that Leroy Bennett's leg is broken and the ligaments in his knee were snapped. Bennett will probably never play any sport again, but no one's blaming you for defending yourself." "I'm sorry for bringing dishonor to the Academy," Robbie replied. "I wanted to kill him for kicking me, but I didn't know what else to do. Am I in trouble?" Guy Stephens stopped the golf cart to talk to Robbie. "You didn't bring dishonor to the Academy, and you weren't the only one who wanted to kill Bennett!" he said. "We've had a heated rivalry with the Chargers in the past, but this could escalate to serious confrontations. Our cadets shop at the same stores and malls as the students from Traverse City West High School, and things could get really nasty." "What can I do?" Robbie asked. "Drew and I got into one fight with them at that party, and it almost got me expelled. I don't hate their students, but I don't like them hating me. Can I apologize to them?" "I'm asking you to say the same thing to the team at this meeting," Guy asked. "I'm proud of you for the way you played, and we all showed restraint in not starting a riot when you were hurt. I filed a protest with the league about you, Drew and Keith being ejected from the game after the savage attack. Drew and Keith are very protective of you, and they both showed restraint by keeping the Charger players from getting to you." "You told me to act like a SEAL, but I cried when I got hurt," Robbie admitted. "Who told you that SEALs don't cry?" Guy asked. "I've held my friends while they died of wounds on SEAL missions, and I cried too! SEALs are trained to fight and defend themselves, but that doesn't mean we don't have normal emotions." Robbie listened to Guy Stephens talk to him like a man, and he was honored. He had just learned something important about the Navy SEALs, and it would be an important lesson for his future at the Academy. The team meeting allowed the players to vent their anger at the Chargers, and to then agree that they didn't want a blood feud with students that they would see in town. They were still upset that Robbie was injured, but listened to him telling them to get rid of their anger. They finally agreed to talk to the rest of the cadets to get rid of any hostilities that might cause problems in the future. The remainder of Parents' Weekend was pleasant for everyone. Drew had calmed down about Robbie spending time with Jennifer, and no one wanted the weekend to end. Robbie's swelling was going down, but his ribs were very sore. He said goodbye to his aunt and uncle, and was thrilled when Jennifer Anderson gave him a kiss on the cheek before she left. He was surprised when Drew didn't object, and promised to send email to Jennifer and Hunter Whitestone. Things were back to normal on the George Washington Academy campus. Comments are appreciated to: Jacob_latson@hotmail.com The author would appreciate feedback to Jacob_latson@hotmail.com Feedback is appreciated to Jacob_latson@hotmail.com Comments are welcome to Jacob_latson@hotmail.com