Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:41 +0100 From: Charles Wolfe Subject: The Ultimate Man Chapter 11 Ok, a brief recap of the semester thus far: Chris has ousted himself to his roommates defending Daniel (the president of the campus GSA). Zach originally had issue with it but has been working to get over it. Before the Halloween competition Chris was attacked by a rouge group (identities still unknown) and was thankfully saved by Michael. At the end of the last chapter Kyle had dropped a bomb on Chris that he was seeing other men, Chris finding out the hard way by walking in on Kyle and his roommate having sex. I hope you enjoy the chapter. :-) It is amazing how many songs out there are all focused around breakups. Even better are the ones that viciously attack the relationship and everything that was taken away. For example, Beyonce's `Best Thing I Never Had', Justin Timberlake's `What Goes Around... Comes Around', and Kelly Clarkson's `Stronger' were all songs that defined how I felt. The anger and disappointment of Kyle threw everything that I had hoped for out the window. The rest of the day I avoided going back to Long Beach; instead driving mindlessly throughout the valley, stopping at Santa Monica to stroll the beach, and then driving up to Hollywood Boulevard. I spent a good two hours at Downtown Disney, looking through the shops and eating at one of the many themed shops on the street. After my return to campus, thankfully Bryan and Zach were not there because I knew I looked like a wreck and didn't want to be questioned about it. Sunday was when the barrage of inquests began, my attitude giving away my immediate disapproval for all things living. I didn't mean to snap at Bryan when I woke though because I did, both he and Zach cornered me when I got back. "Dude, what is wrong with you? You have never been this testy before." Bryan blocks the door, not allowing for me to escape. Snipping at him, I curtly reply, "I don't want to talk about it." It was a good thing that tests the following week, giving me something to focus my energy and anger to. Bryan didn't let up, crossing his arms and becoming more imposing. The investigation into my private life was heightened when Zach too joined in, concern showing in his voice contrasted against Bryan's aggressive in-your-face approach. "Dude we just want to help. There is no need to fight with us. Was it something we did? Said?" Zach moves his hands in front of him, opening his palms up to me as if he is trying to welcome me in. Shrugging them off, I move back to my bed and quietly reply "No, it's nothing you two did." "Kyle then?" Bryan asks, moving onto the next logical choice. Though he should have regretted asking, I quickly turn and glare. "Please don't talk about him." I mutter angrily. I rest my arm against the bed, scratch my hair, then open up. Sighing heavily, "I caught him with another guy. I should have guessed something was up when he stopped texting back but I was hoping it was just because he was busy." Slumping into my chair, defeat taking over my body, I just shake my head back and forth. "I'm sorry. I should not have snapped at you two." "Dude you have every right to be pissed. Your boyfriend was cheating on you. You never cheat. Ever." Bryan moves over to his bed, unblocking the door knowing I won't bolt out. Zach twiddles his thumbs, not really sure to say. His inexperience in this field is annoying me though I know he is trying to be there for me. Snorting out a laugh, I bitterly spit out, "That is the best part. We weren't officially," raising my hands to emphasize the word, "boyfriends. That is what makes it so much more annoying. I was heading over there to talk to him about it but seeing him with his roommate said everything that I needed to hear." Zach stifles a laugh then queries, "Kyle was getting with his roommate? Wow, the desperation." Laughing at the thought of Kyle being desperate, "Yea I know. I had a feeling he was gay as well but didn't want to call him out on it, should have though." Leaning in to collect my books, I move a few to my backpack. "Thanks for the talk guys but right now I feel I just want to be alone." Bryan and Zach make no effort to stop me, allowing a quick exit from the room. It was nice to talk with them and let know what all was going on. The rest of the day was spent on me studying my ass off in the library. Good thing about breakups, it allows one less thing to worry about and allows focus to happen on more important issues. Even though my tests are all not till next week, I can still focus on the course material and read ahead. It will make class a little easier. Especially history and biology, even though Zach helps with that. ***** When Monday came around, classes were boring. We were having a heat wave that was supposed to last till Thanksgiving so people had pulled out their shorts and sandals. Many students were walking around in tee-tops, the high 80 degree weather unusual for this time of year. English was still covering sappy love scenes, some chick actually having the audacity to talk about Disney love stories. One of her novels that were chosen was more the movie of Beauty and the Beast. Talk about bestiality if there ever was a greater movie... Anyways, I held a straight face for the speech and was hoping that she flunked, mostly because she used movies instead of novels. Had I used movies, well that shit is endless when it comes to crappy ass gay love. My other two classes, bio and history, were simple having me already read the chapters. The professor took note of my preparedness, moving to other students when I kept answering the questions he posed. Frisbee was a pathetic game. Like my drops began to outnumber my actual catches- that bad. Bryan and Zach hadn't told anyone about me ending it with Kyle but the undertone was there as I just didn't give a shit half the time. During the scrimmages I did focus a little more, gaining a few points here and there for my team. Overall though I just didn't care. Tuesday and Wednesday were clones of Monday with me studying in the library after each class. Good thing that could have said to come out of Kyle is that I am going to get good scores on the tests. Michael didn't catch my irritation on Monday but Wednesday he felt it. We got some coffee after English, allowing us to talk a little and get to know each other. We avoided all talking about me, more focusing on him and how he was doing with Bryson. He was slowly making progress with Bryson, them talking every night before they fell asleep. Michael had taken my cue about the gay rugby players and done more research about them. Thursday was a repeat of Monday when it came to Frisbee. Pike pulled me aside and asked what was going on. Bryan and Zach gave me worried looks, not so subtly telling Pike that they knew what my issue was. While I didn't want to tell him, I knew that they would so I opened up. "Look Pike, Kyle was screwing around on me. I caught him with his roommate. I don't want to talk about it ok?" Pike really didn't say much, just commenting, "Not going to push a wall. If and when you want to talk, I will be here." He moves on to other groups, talking with them about their throwing and pivoting skills. Near the end of the practice, he pulled us all in. "Hey guys, I know that we are all looking forward to Thanksgiving Break, but don't forget that it is still a week away. Having that said, this weekend the sports societies are gathering down at the Seal Beach Pier. For those of you that don't know, it's about 3 miles away, literally directly south of here." Pike looks out over the team. His smile is there, though a bit different than normal. He seems to be shining under a different light, radiating a different glow. Practice didn't take much longer after that, us all wanting to part our way for food. It was approaching six so the food hall had opened. Stopping there before heading to the showers, it was a sight seeing the Frisbee players walk in, a few of us caked in mud. Talking with Bryan and Zach, they too notice that something is different with Pike but we can't put our fingers on it. Friday came around, and looking back at the week, it felt a bit fast. With my focusing on studying, time was flying by. After English, Michael pulled me aside in the hallway, telling me some important news. "Hey Chris wait up. What's the rush?" I still haven't told him about Kyle, not wanting his pity. Worse yet, with us both having feelings for each other, I didn't want us falling for each other. Rebounding is a pathetic excuse to move to a different guy. Not really lying but not telling the complete truth, I look at my watch and state, "I have class in ten minutes but if you want to walk and talk that I can do." We start to head down the stairs, moving across the campus to Biology as Michael continues. "I told my team." When he first said that, I stopped at the top of the stairs but continued as he walked on. I was a bit shocked, not only that he told his team but of how off the shoulder it was to him. A week ago he was freaking out but now he was like "eh it's all cool." "What? How did it go? What did they say?" I rushed to catch back up to him as we headed out the doors. "Well I knew a few would be against it but Bryson told them to cut the crap. Even I was surprised that he stood up for me but it was nice. If I had to gauge it, half of them were supportive, a quarter awkward of the situation, and the last quarter peeved. My good friends on the team were in the supportive half so it was nice to have them on my side." Michael spoke with a little pop in his tone. I smiled as best I could, my attitude about Kyle still clouding my actions. I know I needed to move on past him but seeing Michael happy only made me bitterer. It was pathetic and selfish I know. "That's great Michael, I'm happy for you." I moving my cast to his shoulder, I pulled him in closer. The warmth of his body vaguely added a sense of life back to me, the care and compassion flowing back into me. "Do you want to talk? I know something is bothering you." Michael briefly breaks through my wall, glimpsing at my hurt and depression. "Nah, I am ok." The words slap my face as they leave my mouth. Even I can't believe my own speech, the tone all wrong. Michael and I break off at the door of my class, him having his own to attend. The rest of the day was a haul, feeling as if I was walking up hill with every passing hour. ***** The beach party on Sunday could not have come any sooner, raising my spirits enough to enjoy it. Bryan, Zach, and I all walked there, seeing over 70 players scattered up and down the beach. We quickly found the Frisbee team and started throwing around the disk. Unlike the practices throughout the week, this was relaxing and carefree. We were challenged by the baseball team to a match and they did well. It was an easy pickup game and we didn't play to our standards so it was to be expected. It wasn't till about 2 that things went sour. Well not really sour but annoying. Pike was late to the party, which wasn't the problem, it was who he brought. My eyes locked onto the brunette hair, waving in the sun. She wore a light blue dress, a black belt wrapping around her waist. I broke off from the group to confront the new comer. "What brings you here Ally?" Darting her eyes around the crowd looking for me she finally locked onto me, then moved over, Pike in tow. Stopping near the group, she unloads her bag to the group and retort, "I'm here with Pike. Is there a problem?" She lets out a small chuckle, as if the two of them are not to be seeing each other. Turning to Pike, he grows increasingly uncomfortable. "When did this happen?" I cross my arms, stepping into big brother role even though I am the younger of the two. Pike shifts awkwardly around, moving from foot to foot with his stance. "Well... longer than expected, we originally started dating back in September but after your attack we got really close." My eyes growing wide, I spit out the first words that come to my mind. "You used my attack to get closer to my sister? And YOU," shifting over to Ally, glaring right at her, "Why didn't you tell me? We've never held things back from each other." Ally stands her ground, knowing how to best combat my attacks. Pike is getting a front row ticket to our relationship, whether he likes it or not. "First off Chris, I don't need to tell you everything. Second, I knew that if I had told you about Pike, you would go after him to attempt to change his mind. And third, Pike felt that the best way to break it to you would be in a group setting, hoping to minimize any fallout that might occur. There is no winning with you when it comes to relationships." Feeling the blow to my stomach, I take that last part personally, and start to stumble off. "Thanks for the trust Ally. Glad you have your priorities straight, being family first and all." Moving away from Pike and Ally, I start to head down the walkway, hoping to grab some air. Ally catches up to me, and then speaks softly, "Chris, I know about Kyle. I didn't want to tell you about Pike because of any similarities between my relationship and yours. Family does come first in my book, but in this case, I did what I had to do to protect you. I'm sorry." I can tell the concern in her voice and try to dismiss it. It gets to me though and I accept it, only because she is my sister. Cracking a weak grin at her, "I'm still mad at you. But let's enjoy the day at least for the weather." Ally grabs my neck and pulls me closer, us turning around and heading back to the party. Pike is chatting with a few baseball players, a Pepsi gripped in his hand. I notice the grasp tighten slightly as Ally and I approach. Shooting him a quick "Don't fuck my sister" stare, he notices that I am ok with it as Ally moves over to him. At first he is reluctant to put his arm around her but she makes the move, snuggling into his chest. While I watch my sister move into Pike, a hand lands on my shoulder. "Chris you made it. I was hoping you would." Turning around to see the voice, I eye up Michael standing bare-chested, wearing only faded red swim trunks. His body is salted with sand, arms covered from the wrist to the elbow. "Hey Mike, looking a little sandy there." I check him out, the sand covering his toes, the specks glistening off his knees, tangled in the strands of hair, his shorts stained with the burns of sand. "Like what you see?" He asks me, causing me blush. I didn't mean to stare that long but guilty as charged. Playfully punching me on the shoulder, he jokes, "It's all cool bro. I actually want to introduce you to the team. A few of them have heard of you but none met you in person." He grabs my hand and pulls me away from the baseball players. Literally dragging me through the sand, we leave the safety of the barbeques and get closer to the water. Breaking through several sports societies, field hockey, water polo, lacrosse, and others, we finally get to the rugby team. They had formed a circle around and in the middle were two guys wrestling. They were both shirtless, their muscles flexing as they both attempted to turn the other down to the sand. My arrival threw off the larger player's attention, allowing for the smaller guy to quickly kick out the legs of the opponent, forcing the rival to land on his side. The attention focuses between me and the wrestle, sand flying everywhere as the two guys duke it out. Eventually the bigger guy manages to pin down the smaller guy on his back, his arms being held down by the massive wrists of the rugby player. Realizing that "the gay" has arrived, the two quickly dismount and shake off the sand. "That the faggot that corrupted you?" the smaller guy asks abruptly, him brushing sand off his arms. The larger guy, a bulky salmon haired man, slapped the minor over the head, "Tom, that's not how we treat guests." I was caught off guard by the rudeness of Tom, but the larger guy was immediately my friend as he stuck out his hand, still caked with sand. "Hey sorry about that, some of us still are working towards invites to Michael's coming out party. I'm Kevin." His face was one of the friendliest I have seen in a while, the smile beaming off his cheeks. "Umm... hi I'm Chris," Shaking his hand, the grip instantly crushing the bones of my wrist. Before I can react, he pulls me in and bear hugs me, taking notice of my cast though. Whispering into my ear, he speaks softly "Also thank you for helping Michael out. Had I known, I would helped." Releasing me back freedom, the rugby players all look at me, the outsider infiltrating their tight knit group. Kevin looks around the group, a stern appearance in his eyes. "Guys, you will accept Chris, regardless of what you think of him. He's a friend of Michaels, and any friend of the team is part of the team." Slight grumbling is heard in the back but when both Kevin and Bryson glare at them, it commotion dies down. Bryson moves out of the piling of men, approaching me while the others meander around, making small talk. He is still a little uncomfortable around me, that being obvious but he does his best as he strikes up a conversation "Hey Chris, how are you doing?" He scratches his neck, as if that will ease his discomfited. Looking at him then turning to the team, group skipping around, "Hey Bryson, I'm doing alright. Quite a team you've got here. Michael has told me that you guys have a decent sized team but having, my guess 25 players, for the club is really a good number." Bryson relaxes a little, looking over his team, eyeing every one of them as they talk back and forth. "Yea we have a great number for the club. For those that actually show up though it is more around 20. They are just all out here for the party." He lets loose a small laugh. One of his players calls him over, which at my allowance, he goes. Michael has disappeared into the cluster of bodies, his body blending in with all the others attempting to soak in the sun. While it is still early, the smell of burgers starts to float over the crowd, the distinct smell of grease filling up my nose. Making my way to the Frisbee group, I pass through several different teams, saying hi to each of them. Some of them know me from seeing me around campus, others as one of the Frisbee players and a distinct few still remember me as the gay who was attacked. Finding the Frisbee group, I see that many of them are already digging into the food. Grabbing some chips and a hotdog (with ketchup, onions and mustard of course), I mix and mingle, listening in to the conversations. Bryan and Zach are discussing sports, which is better baseball or football. The girls are talking over classes, Rachel commenting over her business classes and Sarah over her computer science classes. Both of them are telling each other that their majors is sounds hard, giving props to each other for taking such courses. Tyler, Terry and Derek are all discussing women, which is the one that I sadly get sucked into. "Ok, Chris, if you were straight, which girl would you rather get with, Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston?" Terry tosses me the question as he moves to eat some chips. Caught off guard about being suddenly brought in, I go with instinct. "Jennifer Aniston. She has a way better body in my opinion, rocking abs and decent boobs. Angie would only be good for a blowjob. I mean, come on those lips?" The group cracks up over the joke. Terry voices that he is team Angie, thinking her body is better, more curvy and big busted. The other two guys side with me, Jennifer Aniston for her body but also her humor. The conversation drifts slowly to movies and to those who had seen Horrible Bosses. All of us had, and while still talking about Jennifer Aniston, we talk of how well she played the man-eater role. We all laugh over the movie then out of the blue Derek asks, "During one of the scenes, it shows Jennifer Aniston playing around with her food, one of them deep-throating a banana. Have you ever deep throated before?" The other guys stop chatting and immediately tune in, wondering what my response will be. "That is kinda random but yea. It's harder than it looks though, having to get over the gag reflex and all. I mean come on; girls have sucked you all off before right? Well some of them are good at it others not so much. Having never had a girl go down on me I can't really talk much about them but I've heard that guys do it better. Just saying..." I try to play it off, hoping to change the subject back to the movie but Sarah and Rachel were eavesdropping and move in. "You really think that guys give better head than girls?" Sarah charges as she and Rachel cross their arms, inflating their breasts some. The guys around me take more notice at the challenge. Rachel takes over, grabbing three hotdogs off the cooked tray. Looking at Sarah, who nods, Rachel makes her claim. "Us two challenge you to a deep throat contest. Seems fitting that it is a hotdog, and great sizes too." Almost forcing the nine inch hotdog to me, they both play with the wieners. Knowing that I could back out of it, I want to but when I see that there is a slight crowd around the pressure is on. "Fine, you're on. What all are we doing? Just downing them then back up or repetitive motion?" Slightly surprised that I took the challenge, a glimmer of dread flashes in Rachel's eyes; a sly grin over comes me. Sarah simply comments "Repetitive motion" before moving the dog to her mouth. She lifts back her head, opens her mouth and slides the dog down. I notice her gag a little (only a true cock sucker would) but she manages to work past it. Downing a good six inches of it, she makes the motions but on the way up makes her gags more noticeable. The guys also take notice, commending her while also laughing as she gags. Rachel goes next but is a quick out. Clearly not skilled, she doesn't lift her head back as much as she should. The hotdog hits her throat as she tries to overcome the gag reflex, but it is too much for her. She pulls the dog out as guys around her laugh. Some of them congratulate her for trying before everyone looks at me. Wanting to humor them, I crank my neck back and simply place the hotdog in my mouth. Closing my lips around the slender piece of meat, I begin sucking it down, slowly taking it down my throat. It hits the back of my throat, indicating that I now have to work at it. Humming inside my mouth, the simulated cock starts working past the vibrating muscles and down my throat. I have my hands clenched at my sides, the pressure keeping me occupied from the hot dog. Seeing the last part pass my nose, I move my hand to the top and grab it. Pulling the meat out then softly pushing it back in, I make sure I have a good grip then move it all the way in. The hot dog disappears from everyone's eyes, erupting small chatter. I start to feel the hot dog disintegrating and move to pull it out. When it comes out, the middle section is pushed inwards, my muscles having worked it tender. Most of the onlookers clap at my accomplishment, a few talking about how disgusting it was that a guy was doing that. I overheard the back chatter and try to figure out who all it is but it dies down as the group disperses. Tossing the mauled meat into the nearest bin, I take back my hotdog and continue to enjoy eating it, bit by bit. The team gives me props, the girls especially as they had just been beaten. I notice the sun starting it's decent into the beach and look down at my watch, thinking it is too early for the sun to set. Seeing though that time has flown by and that it is around 5:30, I quietly break off and wander toward the pier. I have always enjoyed watching the sun set, its rays flying over the horizon as if it is trying to claw back time. I take my time moving down the pier, passing couples here and there holding each other. With every couple I see, it makes it harder. Thankfully I manage to get to the end and find a nice bench to sit on. I let my mind run free as I just watch the sun fall. I extend my arms out to the sides of me, taking up half the bench's top railing. The radiant orange of the sky splashes with the blue ocean, making it hard to tell where the sun ends and the ocean begins. "Beautiful beginning of a night." My silence is interrupted as Michael sits down to the right of to me. He has since put on a shirt, covering up the rugby body with a simple white button up shirt. Moving my eyes back to nature's art work, I agree then continue, "What brings you out here? Your team is probably missing you." "Nah they're alright without me. Plus I could say the same about you." Michael looks back at the sandy beach, some of the players having left, others still are goofing around. We sit in silence for a good ten minutes before I open up, "Kyle and I are no more." Pausing slightly for some expected reaction, I continue, "Though I think you already knew that." "I had the idea but wasn't sure. Ever since the weekend with Bryson, you were out of it. I didn't want to press but I did want to let you know I am here for you." Michael breaks off from the panoramic sunset and looks into my eyes. Gently moving his arm around my neck, he rests it on the shoulder. With his right hand he turns my face to him. A slight tear drops down my face, all the anger and betrayal showing. He moves to pull me in, me taking my cast hand off his neck and dropping into his chest. I lie down in his chest as he brushes my hair. "You'll get over it. We all do at some point." Just lying there, hearing his heart beat through the shirt, the echo ringing down my ear. There is a slight increase in the beat the longer I stay there. More tears start to come out, me leaning back up to brush them off. Michael leans in; rubbing his thumbs across my cheeks, then pecks my lips with a kiss. I pull him back in, our mouths connecting for a few seconds longer. The flames from the sun blast through my mind, every brush of his lips sending out radiation of compassion. Sanity takes over, me breaking off the kiss and pushing him back. Shock takes over his face, quickly turning to rejection. Mending the fences, I swallow hard, "Michael, it's too early for me to do this." I let loose a heavy sigh, knowing full well this is not a good time to start dating. "I am not going to lie, I have had a crush on you but with Kyle having just recently screwed me over, I need time to heal." A small crack breaks his lips, spreading upward. "I understand. Disappointed but understand nonetheless. You still have me to talk to though." We both lean back, wrapping our arms around each other's necks, snuggling in close. Once the sun has completely set, all red gone from the sky, the two of us start heading back down the pier. About halfway down, I notice a couple making out, the girl pressed against the wood, the guy moving his hands around her back. Moving in closer, I see Pike's tee-top mixing in with Ally's blue dress. Their lips are full on each other, but when Pike moves down to Ally's neck, she opens up her eyes. She had heard Michael and I moving past, but when she focused on me, her eyes widened pushing Pike off her. He yelps a little, wondering what the issue is but when he sees where she is looking, he immediately grows red. I had frozen in my tracks, Michael walking on a little before stopping. "Well I would say don't let me interrupt you but it seems that I have already done that. Pike I am only going to say this once- you're walking down a tricky road. You hurt her, I hurt you. That's the way it's always been with my sister." Ally glares at me, embarrassing her by giving the brother speech. Pike moves back in closer to her then tells me straight on, "Chris, you don't have to worry. Your sister is not going to get hurt." Putting my hands out in front of me, I simply shrug my shoulders. "In that case, I have no problem with it. Don't freeze out here." Michael and I continue on our way, Michael moving to interlace our fingers as we walk. As we leave the pier and start to approach the sports players again, out in the distance we hear a shout "Hey faggots, no one wants to see your perverted love." Everyone immediately hushes as I immediately break the link with Michael and start to hunt out the homophobe. "You think you're so tough asshole, say it to my face, don't hide in the crowd like all your backwards cousins." I had had enough of the gay slander going on, and while I doubt I will ever see my attackers again, I wanted to confront all who had an issue with me being gay. A motion starts to stir over the crowd as several guys start to work their way towards me. Seeing that it is the soccer team, a lump formed in my throat but quickly dissipated when I realized that guys were starting to back behind me. Normally I would have been worried but it was the Frisbee team, women's Lacrosse, men's baseball, and field hockey. When the soccer team finished forming in front of me, I noticed they were at a lack of words. Taking the first step, I moved in closer, "You all think you're so tough, picking on the gay community, making the smaller guys do your work just to get in your good graces. You are one fucked up sports society. I can't speak for others but the way you treat others would make me never want to join." One of the grunts in the back snorts, "It's not like we would want your gay ass anyways." That comment only gets me more flared up, "What is it that you have against me, or gays in general?" Moving to the other teams that are backing me, I use them as examples, "These clubs have ten times the respect that would I ever even consider giving you. You all think that gays are out to destroy your club. We just want to play the fucking sport just like you." I catch half the rugby team standing behind the soccer club, Tom being one of them. "What's worse is that, not only are you missing out on great players but you are breaking up your own teams. So a player is gay, big fucking whoop." Having moved past the soccer team, others are starting to do a little self reflection, small mutterings flaring up in the circle. I move in close to the soccer group, eyeing each one. "Best part is, while you have all these gay attacks, some of you homophobes are actually either gay yourself or a little bi. That's what disgusts me more than anything. You are denying who you really are, scared of the truth that," and I get testy with this last part, "yea you just might be a fag yourself." One of the soccer players lashes out at me, grabbing my cast and twisting it. The pain shoots up my arm and while I do wince, a painful grin shows on my face. "Oh look, our first one out. I was wondering when you would make your move." The smirk on my face only pisses him further, balling his fist up. Egging him on, I continue my rant "Do it, if you don't it will make you look weak." I really didn't want him to hit me but with my rage running high, I wasn't going to relent. Michael though moved forward to stop the evolving fight, "Take your arm off him." That only complicated issues further when the soccer players realized that he was the guy who they saw kiss me and hold my hand. The grunt that was holding my cast, pushed me loose into the sand then turned his attacks to Michael, "Come to save your boyfriend?" Shaking his head, Michael only laughs, "You really are a stupid bunch of players." One of the players in the soccer team apparently had enough of our retaliations so he threw the first punch, landing his fist squarely on the cheek. After that, I rushed the guy, head down, landing my own blows into his chest. The players around us all started to break us up, the soccer team being held back by the footballers and rugby players, the Frisbee being held back by the lacrosse and baseball players. It was a quick fight but torn up too sudden to enjoy. I had felt a few blows on my back but the baseball players pulled me out of the fray before I could land any more punches. Pike and Ally came rushing down into the melting pot, his presence stopping all further fights. Looking at me then at the soccer team (which was being corralled), he calmly yelled to everyone, "Ok well that was a great way to end the day. Good job guys. I hope you are all happy." Pike even glances at me during the lecture. He sighs heavily, shaking his head in the process. Glancing over to the soccer team, Pike calls out their president, "Manuel, as much as I would love" sarcasm dripping from the words "for you to stay, I think it would be best if you and your team left." "Fuck you Pike, we have just enough of a right to be here as you do." Manual snarls out from the barricade. "Well ok, fine let me put it this way, either you leave on your own terms or these teams will make you leave." Pike looks around, the teams moving in behind us. "Chris isn't going to be a problem anymore tonight but I still think its best if you left." It was interesting to see how much influence Pike had over the other clubs, them looking at his as if he was some sort of undeclared leader for the entire sports community. The soccer team grudgingly turned around, all of them heading back to the parking lot, many of them gathering their things and kicking sand in the process. After they had mostly left, the group started to dissipate as well. It was getting to be near 7, a chill rolling in off the ocean. I only stayed around another half hour, thanking the baseball players for pulling me back and Michael for standing up for me. I truly was hoping for a better fight but was also thankful that it wasn't worse. My cast still hindered much of what I could do, fighting be one of them. That night, my arm tingled a little but I still managed to sleep. Talking with Michael took a weight off my shoulders. Given time, maybe he and I can work something out. Until then, I am going to tread the waters and see where the river flows. Hey everyone, I am glad that you have been enjoying the story. I hope this was a great way to get over Kyle. I know that had caught a few of you off guard so I figured this anger chapter would be a great rebound for it. If you every want to leave comments about what you read, please feel free.