Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2003 15:28:38 -0700 (PDT) From: mycandlelight_dreams Subject: Swim Coach - chpt 16 THE NORMAL BORING DISCLAIMER: This story is FICTION, and just one of my fantasies. Any similarity to real persons is purely coincidental. Further, this story contains sexually explicit information between an adult and a teen-ager. If this type of material offends you, do NOT read further. However, if you like these kinds of stories, then read on and ENJOY! --- CHAPTER 16 --- "Today is your day, Chris. Everyone is counting on you. We wouldn't want to let them down, would we?" I kissed him and began bathing him again. We finished showering, dressed and headed for the banquet room where our catered breakfast would be served. Even I was amazed at just how large the banquet room was. Chris and I spotted some of our teammates, and we quickly gathered three tables, so we could all sit together. Reggy was the first to bring up the sleeping arrangements. "I'll bet you guys didn't sleep at all." He started giggled and Jake quickly joined in. "We slept just fine, Reggy, thank you." My glare into his eyes affirmed that this was not a road to travel down. Reggy quickly changed the subject. "Try the scrambled eggs, they're awesome." He and Jake quickly took their seats. I warned the boys not to eat too much, with the upcoming events in mind, but I had to admit, it was difficult to pass up such a grand display of food. We finished our breakfast, and I instructed the boys to meet in the hotel lobby precisely at 8:30. We would be shuttled over to the Arena for the competition, and I didn't want anyone left behind. "Yeah, like Jakey here," Reggy poked Jake in the ribs. "Hey!" Jake responded as the rest of the team laughed. "8:30, Gentlemen," I announced again, as I got up from the table and headed back to my room. After I had left the banquet room, Reggy looked at Chris. "What's his problem, Telater?" Chris looked back at Reggy. Then, his earlier smile disappeared. "I think he's as nervous as we are. This is his first time here and he wants this championship." "Hell, we all do," one of the other boys said. "Yeah, but this is the closest he'll ever get to see it." Chris finished his breakfast, pushed his plate forward and then looked at Reggy. "Know what I think?" Suddenly, everyone at the table was quiet. All ears on the team were on Chris. "He told me that he was an Olympic Hopeful once. He never made it. But he knows that if anybody can make it to Olympic status from today's competition, it's one of us!" Chris paused, letting that notion sink in. "I think he's right. I think we are good enough to win this thing. I've seen what you guys can do. What we can do! All we have to do is focus. Concentrate and keep our minds on the prize. And give Coach Frye the Championship trophy that he wants and deserves. Are you with me?" The team suddenly burst into cheers! There was a new air of optimism in the team. Chris' little breakfast pep rally is exactly the type of encouragement that a Team Captain should give. And Reggy knew it. On the way out of the banquet room, Reggy pulled Chris aside. "Hey, Telater." Chris looked at Reggy, not sure where this would lead. "Nice job, Man!" Reggy smacked him on the back and walked out of the room. --- As our shuttle bus arrived at the entrance to the Arena, the boys and I were practically glued to the bus windows. As impressed as we were in Saginaw, it paled in comparison to this Texas facility. The first building seemed at least 17 stories high, though I'm sure it was no more than 4 or 5 stories; with mirrored glass windows as far up as you could see. Tall white columns adorned the walkway. When they tell you they 'do things big in Texas,' they aren't kidding. We made our way into the entrance, and stepped onto the marble entryway. We were quickly greeted by two men in bright Red blazers, and after glancing at their nametags; I could tell they were competition officials. The first of the two men, Tom, led us to the Registration Table, where we were given our pool passes, and assigned our team area. Saginaw couldn't hold a candle to these people. Everything was efficient, precise, and so well organized that before I knew it, we were in our designated area, adorned with not one but three Jacuzzi tubs, already bubbling away, as well as a massage table, and small private shower. These people took the Nationals seriously. As I looked around the stands the encircled the Arena, I noticed several TV cameras, and upon closer inspection, one of them read ESPN. "I hope you boys brought your game faces, because it looks like we're going to be on T.V." I pointed up at the bank of cameras at four corners of the arena. "Cool!" Jake yelled out. Chris refused to look, and I could tell that his nervousness was starting to get the best of him. He was dressed in a bright blue Speedo, and a white terry-cloth robe. "You okay, Chris?" I touched his shoulder. "This is it, isn't it?" He whispered up to me. "You're going to be great. I know it. I've known it for a long time." My words seemed to fall on deaf ears, and Chris turned and sat back down in one of the chairs. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the Fourteen Annual National Swimmer's Competition. At this time, we'd like to ask you to take your seats. The Competition will be starting in just ten minutes. Judges, please report to Red Zone. Thank you." I wasn't sure what this 'Red Zone' was, but it certainly sounded official. I was just about to take a seat next to Chris, when someone in the stands caught my eyes. As our eyes met, and he raised his arm to wave at me, I knew instantly, it was Jerry. He had promised that he would be at the competition, so I wasn't surprised at all to see him, but instantly felt a little uncomfortable. I waved back casually, and than sat next to Chris. I said nothing more, just held my arm around his shoulders. The loudspeaker blared, "May I have your attention, please? There has been a small change in the event order today. The High Dive event has been moved to Event #4. Coaches, please make the respective change. Thank you." "Well, looks like you get a little breathing room. Try to relax, Chris. You're gonna be fine." I leaned closer to him and whispered, "I love you and no matter what happens here today, I always will love you." Chris looked up at me. His beautiful angelic smile returned and I could tell he wanted to kiss me right there. I walked to the front of our area, and looked around at the other teams. A glance at the Competition Program indicated the schools in attendance at the events this year. In total, eleven schools were at the event, representing ten states, including two schools from California. "Beach bums," I grumbled, as I took my eyes off the Program and looked around at the teams again. The loudspeaker blared again. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Five minutes to the first event. Thank you." I turned to my team and gathered them close together. Seeing my 'huddle,' the other schools soon followed my lead. "All right, Gentlemen, this is it. We've made it to the Nationals. Stay focused. Do the best that you can. And no matter what, be proud of yourselves. Lakeview Academy is proud of you; your parents are proud of you; and I'm proud of you." I smiled at my boys. "Now, let's show these other guys how to swim!" "Yeah!" My team burst out with cheers. And soon, other teams were cheering themselves. The first event was announced, and swimmers from all schools began to converge at the edge of the pool. Reggy would be in the first event, a short time sprint. As he began to walk out to the pool, I touched his arm. Reggy looked back at me. "I'm cool, Coach. Don't worry." I smiled at him, and gave him a 'thumbs-up' sign. "Yeah, Go, Reggy," the team started shouting. The boys readied themselves on the starting platforms, and the Arena fell silent. The loud horn blared, and the boys were instantly in the pool, with Reggy fallen short in third place. I held my breath as I watched the boys broad stroke across the pool, and then Reggy poured on the heat, and quickly gained neck and neck with a swimmer from one of the California schools. As the boys reached the end, it appeared that both boys had touched the poolside at the same time. It would be a few moments while the officials verified the first place winner. Reggy returned to our area, and the team embraced him with cheers and hugs, and then it seemed as though all of us were holding our breath. The loudspeaker blared, "In third place, at negative .008 seconds, Randall Tremens of Kansas City." Their team cheered. "In second, at negative .003 seconds, Jeremy Wilson of Los Angeles." Their team cheered, and already our boys had begun to cheer. "First place goes to Reggy Jefferson of Lakeview." --- Throughout the next two events, similar results, although my boys took second place in the second event and fourth place in the third event. Moral was beginning to suffer, and Chris could feel the team pressure upon him. "Divers, please report to the West End. Thank you." "Oh fuck." Chris said, loud enough for us to hear him. "It's okay, Chris. You're going to be awesome." Jake hugged his friend, and even Reggy seemed to appreciate the encouragement. Chris dropped his robe, and walked out of our area. Just outside of us, Chris turned for one last look at me. I mouth my lips, 'I love you.' Chris smiled and turned back to the pool. Chris would be fourth in the line of boys to dive. I wished he had been first, and set the benchmark, but we didn't get that lucky in the position draw. We were seeing really good marks on the scoreboard: 9.70, 9.76, 9.80. The last one sent the crowd into absolute hysterics. "Chris Telater of Lakeview Academy." The loudspeaker announced, and the crowd quieted. I looked up in time to see Jerry rise from his seat. Chris ascended the ladder to the end of the diving board. With new hope, encouragement and strength, he didn't even hesitate. He dashed for the end of the board, sprung from it like an Angel, and executed a 3 1/2 Somersault that was the best dive Chris had ever performed. He held nothing back, and as he slipped into the pool with ease, I knew immediately he held first place on this one. The crowd was on their feet, as the numbers came in from the judges, with a final score in bright lights for all to see: 9.98. I screamed out as well, and as Chris rejoined us, I quickly took him in my arms and hugged him so tightly, I was sure the air would escape his lungs. "I told you! I knew it! My Olympic Champion!" I hugged him again, and soon our entire team encircled Chris. I looked up at the stands, and Jerry gave me a quick thumbs-up sign and then disappeared into the crowd. He saw what he came to see, and the pressure was off my boy. --- The rest of the competition went smoothly, and although we placed well in some events, we placed not so well in others. Overall, the first of the two competition days left us drained. We returned to our hotel rooms and I instructed the boys to turn in early. "You'll need your rest for tomorrow. You guys did a great job today, and I'm very proud of you. Good night, Gentlemen." Chris and I walked back to our room, and as soon as I shut and locked the door, he was in my arms. "Wow. What's that for?" I asked, jokingly, hugging him tightly. "I remembered what you said, about focus and stuff. I did it for you, Coach!" I lifted Chris from the floor and carried him to the bed, tossing him onto his back. "Well, maybe I should do a little something for you then." I moved my hands down his chest and stopped just above his waistline. I looked up at him, and his wide smile gave me the green light. I practically ripped his sweatpants from his body, and tossed them haphazardly across the room. His boy dick was already beginning to swell, and formed a nice bulge against his white bikini briefs. I leaned in and kissed his bulge lovingly and Chris laid his head back and moaned softly as he felt the heat of my lips through the thin fabric. His dick was now fully erect and pressing hard to escape its white prison. On the one hand, I wanted Chris to get plenty of sleep as well. He still had one more crucial dive tomorrow. However, the other hand...the erotic hand, was speaking much louder, and wanted this to last. I lifted from his sweet smelling crotch, and slipped my fingers into the waistband of his briefs. Chris held his breath in anticipation, as I slipped the white fabric down just enough to expose his dark pubes. The aroma of chlorine, sweat and a hint of boy piss made my mouth water, and I planted kisses on his pubic patch. I stuck my tongue out and moistened the thin strands of hair, causing Chris' dick to throb. "Please, Coach," Chris finally begged. "Suck my dick, please!" Chris pushed his briefs down allowing his throbbing dick to bounce upward, slapping my chin. I quickly engulfed the full length of his hot cock, Chris moaned out, "Oh yes! Fuck yes...mmmmm." As I continued to suck his dick, he began to leak a small amount of precum, and I quickly lapped it up, savoring the mild flavor. I poked the tip of my tongue in his piss slit, encouraging even more of his tasty fluid forward. "Fuck yeah, Russell. I could do this all night. I love it when you suck my dick." I began massaging and caressing his tender hairless balls, and I let my finger slip downward, brushing against his tight puckered love hole. Chris instinctively spread his legs wider, allowing me inside, and I pushed my finger against him. Chris lifted his hips and smiled down at me. His eyes conveyed that he wanted me to push inward, and I didn't let him down. As I pushed my finger inside his ass, Chris moaned out again, and another puddle of precum oozed its way onto my tongue. I began a smooth rhythm pushing and pulling my finger all the walls of his young tunnel, all the while milking his young dick. I could now feel his heartbeat on my tongue, as his dick pulsed harder and harder. Chris began gyrating his hips upward trying to force even more of his cock into me. His breathing quickened and his moans of pleasurable ecstasy grew louder and stronger. I could tell his mounting orgasm was beginning to crest, and soon a wave of his delicious boy cum would coat my throat. I could feel my own heartbeat racing, knowing I was pleasuring him so deeply. I pushed my finger in further, and brushed his most sensitive spot, which pushed his orgasm over the wall, and an instant wave of his mild boy cum flooded my hungry mouth. It was as though Chris and I were one, for as soon as the hot fluid touched my tongue, my own balls began to push out its precious cargo. Chris held my head in place, emptying his tender balls down my throat. He soon released me as his peak passed and he began to relax. When he was able to catch his breath, he whispered to me, "That was the best ever." I agreed. I was mastering how to make my lover the most satisfied, and Chris was becoming closer and closer to me. "I think we should get some sleep, Babe." I softly spoke in his ear, as I lay down next to him. I didn't use pet names much, but Chris seemed to respond well to it, snuggling in close to me. Well fell asleep in each other's arms and awoke the next morning, still naked and in the same position. --- "Good morning, Chris." I nudged my boy slightly. "It's time to get up." Chris turned to me and smiled. "I slept so good last night." I returned his smile, "Me too." Then, as quickly as his smile appeared, it disappeared. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Russell..." He hesitated. Something was on his mind. "You can tell me anything, Babe. What is it?" I touched his chest and held my hand there. "Are you still coming to Florida with me?" His question surprised me. "Of course. I told you I was. I'm going to be with you every step of the way, for as long as you'll let me." Chris snuggled into me as though he were somehow frightened. "I hope so," Chris whispered, barely loud enough for me to hear. I leaned in closer and whispered back to him. "You don't have to hope, Chris, because I'm coming with you. We're meant to be together, and that's exactly the way it's going to be. Okay?" Chris thought for a moment. Then he asked, "What if Jerry comes back? You like him, I can tell." "But I love YOU, Chris." Chris stewed on this thought for a moment. "I know I'm just a kid, Russell. You don't have to protect me." "I'm not lying to you, if that's what you mean, Chris. You're very special to me. I'm sorry about Jerry and the way he treated you. It won't ever happen again." Chris was silent, and the only thing I could hear was my own heartbeat, and Chris' soft breathing. Then, he whispered, "I love you, too, Russell. And I'm glad you're coming with me." --- National Competition is an elimination process, and although all the schools are expected to return the second day, it's merely a formality. For out of the eleven schools that were invited, only five of those schools will compete the second day. It is from these final five schools, that a National Championship is awarded. The loudspeaker began to blare just as we arrived in our area. I looked around and could already tell that a couple of the schools, based on yesterday's results, had not returned. Formality or no formality, there was a certain amount of lost pride in not making the cut. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the second and final day of competition. Before we begin, we'd like to welcome back our finalists, who will be competing today." The crowd grew still and everyone listened for their school, like kids by the radio on a 'snow day.' "With 386 competition points, Hamilton Middle School of Boston, Massachusetts." The crowd applauded and then quieted. "With 406 competition points, Kaiser Middle School of Kansas City, Kansas." "With 448 competition points, Wilmont Boys School of Miami Beach, Florida." "With 567 competition points, Lakeview Academy of Lakeview, Michigan." Our team burst into cheers. "And finally, with 568 competition points, Bryman Heights Middle School of Los Angeles, California." "We would like to thank everyone for participating this year. It's been an excellent competition. Finalists, please prepare, as today's events will start in fifteen minutes. Judges, please report to the Red Zone. Thank you." I looked around the arena, and a couple more of the schools began to pack up and leave. We knew the standings were close, but with Lakeview in second place; one point behind Los Angeles, we knew we had our work cut out for us. I decided a more intense pep talk was needed. "Gather 'round, Gentlemen." My boys quickly formed a circle around me. "This is it, Guys. We've made it this far, but these schools are just itching to knock us off. So, pay close attention to your performances today. Push the envelope, Gentlemen. Our school needs this. We're only one point from first, but that can disappear fast. It's time to really turn the heat up, got it?" The boys nodded. "Great, throw your hands here!" I put in my hand; palm down and everyone added their hands. "1, 2, 3..." Everyone cheered, "Lakeview!" The loudspeaker blasted again. "May I have your attention, please? The first event of today will be the Freestyle Swim. Finalists, please take your marks. Thank you." Jake stood up and removed his robe. His nervousness was shining through, as he was sporting a pretty nice boner in his bright blue Speedo. I couldn't help but notice all my boys whenever they sported wood. Jake didn't seem to care. His mind was focused on the swim, and I was proud of him for that. The competitors took their marks and the horn blasted, sending the boys into the pool. Jake and the boy from Los Angeles were neck and neck the whole race. It wasn't until the very end that the judges chose Jake for first place. Our team practically lost their minds with excitement, and I tried my best to calm them down. I had to admit though, it was pretty exciting for me as well. Three more events passed, with Lakeview taking first in two of the three. Bryman took first in the third event. Our competition points were adding up fast, and with the lead that our two schools had when we came into Day Two, the other three schools were falling even further behind. It was clear by lunchtime that this competition was between Bryman of Los Angeles and Lakeview Academy. As we sat down to eat our lunch, Jerry approached our table. "Hello, Chris. Excellent dive yesterday. We're hoping for even better today." I just about choked on my sandwich. "Better? You've got to be kidding!" "Coach Frye, may I speak with you privately, please?" I stepped from the table and Jerry and I walked into the hallway outside the cafeteria. "Okay, Jerry, what's this all about?" My tone was harsh, and I was in no mood for any crap. "Well, it's nice to see you too. I see your school is having a good time at our little competition." "We're holding our own." "Indeed, you are. But, the Olympic Committee doesn't really care about your school. There's only one person we're looking at here." His smile had disappeared and there was a new tone in his voice. "Jerry, if this is about me moving to Florida with you, I'm sorry. I'm not giving up on my boy, and you know that." "This has nothing to do with some stupid fling, Russell. Get your head out of your pants for a minute. That boy is on a fully paid scholarship. But, he's got to win this competition to seal the deal! No win, no scholarship!" I looked at him crossly. "What are you talking about? We signed a contract!" "You're right, they did." He quickly pulled a copy of the contract from his briefcase. "And if you look at Section 6, Paragraph 26, you'll clearly see that the scholarship is based on the successful completion of a First Place trophy at the National Competition, right here in beautiful Texas." Jerry poked his finger onto the paper, and smiled widely. Then he leaned in closer. "So, you see, if your golden boy doesn't pull out a First Place ticket, I get to yank HIS ticket, get it?" "You Son-of-a-Bitch!" "Easy, there, Coach." He raised his voice. "I'd hate to see you get thrown out of here for poor sportsmanship." I looked around and saw several of the officials looking our direction. My heart was pounded and all I wanted to do was raise my fist across his face. Jerry smiled devilishly and walked away; almost giddy with laughter. I quickly returned to our table and pulled Chris aside. I didn't want to worry him, but I was not about to start lying to someone that I loved very much. I explained what occurred in the hallway, and as I finished retelling the story, Chris was not at all upset. In fact, the more I told him, the more...relieved he looked. "Do you understand what this means? You could lose everything here." Chris looked deep into my eyes, and then got the biggest smile I've ever seen on his face. "I don't see what's so funny, Chris. This is serious, he could screw us here." Chris patted me on the shoulder like I was his son. "Easy, Coach. I've got this thing in the bag. Let's finish lunch." Chris walked back to our table and sat down, as though he had not a single care in the world. --- The time came for Chris' last dive. Three of the schools had already taken their dives and with scores of 8.76, 8.90, and 9.32, we knew it was up to Chris and the Los Angeles school. I had hoped that Chris could go last, but that hope was shattered when Chris' name was called. "Good luck, Chris!" Reggy yelled out. Chris turned and smiled back at his teammates. I noticed a difference in Chris immediately. There was no nervousness and no sign of any concern at all. He walked to the ladder, as though he owned the Arena. I glanced up at the stands, and there was Jerry, wide smile on his face, watching with keen interest. Chris climbed the steps as the rest of us held our breath. Chris ran across the board, leaped from it and executed a Triple Somersault, before landing in the pool. It was not nearly as graceful as yesterday's dive, but a good performance, just the same. The scores came up, and as Chris' head surfaced, so did his final score. 9.35. Some of the audience booed, but the fact remained that Chris was in the lead. However, the score was not a guarantee. I turned toward the pool in time to see Chris send Jerry a hand gesture that was discreetly hidden from the judges, but clear to Jerry and I. Jerry's face went red with anger and stormed back to his seat. He had to wait for the final diver. "Our last finalist will be Jimmy Lassen of Bryman Heights Middle School." Jimmy Lassen's dive yesterday earned him a score of 9.90. Chris knew this and as he sat in the Jacuzzi tub, I glared at him. He only smiled back at me. I knew then that he threw his final dive on purpose. His dive was good enough to appear normal, but I knew better. I stormed over to the tub. "What the hell was that all about?" "No more problem, Coach!" With that, he crawled under the water and the bubbles burst above his head. I returned to the rail, to observe the final diver. But, as Jimmy began to ascend the ladder, and as he reached the halfway point on the ladder, he suddenly stopped. He paused for what seemed like several minutes. The crowd was silent. What happened next shocked the entire Arena. Jimmy suddenly let go of the ladder, and fell backwards onto the tile floor. Officials and his coach ran to his side, but Jimmy was unconscious. By now, the crowd was on their feet and at the railings, along with the other competitors. "Somebody call an ambulance!" One of the officials yelled out. One of the officials began first aide as they tried to revive Jimmy, while his coach could do nothing but stand idly by. A safety blanket was placed across Jimmy's body, and soon the loud sirens could be heard. A gurney, piloted by two Paramedics, was quickly brought to Jimmy, and after a few moments, his limp body was placed on the gurney. Jimmy was quickly wheeled out of the Arena. Chris was now in First Place. The commotion in the Arena rose as people began to talk about what had just happened. The commotion was quickly quelled when the loudspeaker blared across the noise. "May I have your attention, please? Bryman Heights will be substituting its original diver with Mark Henley." Chris stood up and joined me at the rail side. Mark had taken a dive the previous day, but neither of us could remember his score. Mark ascended the ladder and reached the top without hesitation. He then ran across the board and leaped into the air, executing almost the same Triple Somersault that Chris had just finished. His entry into the pool was almost flawless, and as his scores began lighting up, it was clear that the judges agreed. As Mark crested the water, his total score displayed. 9.52. The crowd was once again on their feet, some cheering, some booing, but the roar of applause quickly drowned out the negative ones. Mark had taken Chris' First Place position. Jerry looked down from the railing, still red with anger, now realizing that Chris had thrown the event. Chris merely smiled back at him, unafraid, and unaffected. --- Evening drew close and the events finished. All the schools were instructed to wait for the final competition calculations, and the announcement of the winning school. "Ladies and Gentlemen," the announcer finally said. The crowd grew still. "Our esteemed judges have finished their calculations, and I'm read to reveal the results of this year's intense competition. Our thanks to all the participants in this year's competition. It was certainly a close event. All right, without further ado, here are the results of this year's competition." The crowd was silent and everyone waited. "As I announce each placement, I'll ask the coach for that team to come up and receive their trophy. In fifth place, with 806 points, Hamilton Middle School of Boston, Massachusetts!" Boston's coach quickly ran up to the Judges Table and received his trophy, which he held high. It was only fifth place, but I was glad to see such sportsmanship illustrated, as he acted as though his team were first. "In forth place, with 867 points, Wilmont Boys School of Miami Beach, Florida!" Again, the crowd burst into applause and Wilmont's coach claimed his trophy. "In third place, with 984 points, Kaiser Middle School, Kansas City, Kansas!" The crowd finally settled, after Kaiser's coach returned to his area with their trophy. "And now, the moment you've been waiting for. This was a close competition, Ladies and Gentlemen, and both of our remaining schools deserve a round of applause." The crowd applauded. "The National Champions of the Fourteen Annual National Swimmer's Competition, is..." The announcer struggled to open the envelope. He flipped open the card and read, "With 1058 competition points awarded, First Place goes to...Lakeview Academy of Lakeview, Michigan!" The crowd was instantly on their feet, and my team went into hysterics. The boys were jumping up and down and yelling and screaming louder than the crowd. I quickly walked to the Judge's Table and was handed the large blue and silver trophy. I held up the heavy trophy high in the air, and the crowd applauded. I was then handed a microphone. "This is so incredible. I'd like to thank my team, and their parents who supported us through this competition. I'd like to give special thanks to my Team Captain, Reggy Jefferson." Reggy smiled and gave me the thumbs-up sign. "And I'd also like to thank Chris Telater." I looked up and addressed the next comment directly at Jerry. "For showing me that sometimes you have to fall before you can rise even higher." The crowd applauded as I returned the microphone, picked up the trophy and headed back to my team. As I walked back to our area, I could hear Jerry yelling over the crowd, "This isn't over, Frye! I own that kid!" --- As the boys settled into their seats on the bus, I blew my whistle, quieting them down. "Gentlemen, THIS is what we came for!" I held the trophy up! The boys burst into cheers and hollers. "You've earned this and I'm very proud of you. You put Lakeview on the map, Gentlemen." More cheers. "There are not enough words to tell you just how proud I am of each and every one of you. This was a dream come true for me, and you boys made it happen! Thank you! Thank you so much!" The boys cheered again and I sat down, as I could feel the lump in my throat getting larger. --- We arrived at the airport, and by the time the plane was in the air on our "red-eye" flight back to Michigan, most of the boys were asleep. Most that is, except for my Chris. --- I hope you're enjoying this adventure. I welcome comments and questions, so, write me at mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com.