Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2023 21:09:12 -0400 From: D Dragi Subject: The Courage to Care Chapter 3 Please donate to Nifty to keep this site going and so you can enjoy the offerings of the site. Any and all comments and suggestions are welcome. They let me know you are reading the story and hopefully enjoying it. Just send an email to tughill1383@yahoo.com and I will reply as soon as possible. Chapter 3: Making the Team I was getting into a routine at school. Matt and I were still playing basketball after dinner even though the weather was turning colder. Matt and Brad did a full court press to help me make the basketball team. Matt had me jogging with him in the morning and using the Universal Gym in the basement. Brad met with the nutritionist at the hospital to come up with healthy recipes. I will admit the workouts and the diet were transforming my body into a lean muscular shape. I took a good look at myself in the mirror saying who is this 6 foot four inch guy with curly black hair and blue eyes. I said in a conceited 16 year old teenage ego "Damn I'm hot." I loved the time Matt and I spent together jogging and working out. At first I had a tough time accepting all that Matt and Brad were willing to do for me. Talk about being a stranger in a strange land. No one ever cared for me as much as these two men. In that broken down shack in Kentucky my mom was always working and I was home alone. She'd come home too tired and spent little if any time with me. To go from that to how Matt and Brad were treating me blew my mind. At school Vic and I still hung out and I appreciated his friendship. Melanie was still coming on to me and she joined Vic and I for lunch. She then had some of her girlfriends join us. I felt as if Melanie and her girlfriends were sizing me up. Then the day finally came. The sign up list for tryouts was posted outside the coach's door. Vic went with me and I signed up. Practice was going to begin Monday afterschool and go until 6 pm. The team roster would be posted two weeks after tryouts. Coach Jamieson passed me in the hall and he said he was glad to see I signed up for tryouts. When I got home I was nervous and Brad sensed that something was wrong. He asked me what's going on? Is that bimbo giving you problems? I told him that I was a little nervous with basketball tryouts starting on Monday. Brad said "from what I see and what I hear from Matt you've got nothing to worry about." I asked Brad what did Matt say about me. Brad said "Matt thinks you've got real talent." "If anyone would know it would be Matt." "I love looking at those pictures of Matt in his basketball uniform." "Talk about your hot jocks." "Those tight shorts and sleeveless top left no doubt that this guy is one gorgeous hunk." Brad took me to the library and was showing me the pictures of Matt and the articles about his basketball days. After looking over them I said `he was really that good?' Brad said he was a force to be reckoned with on the court. When tryouts began on Monday there were 17 guys in the gym. 8 of them were returning players, some were JV players from last year and I was the only one who was brand new. Coach ran us through the workouts pushing us hard and not taking any sign of slacking off. He yelled and blew that whistle and all 17 of us snapped to attention. Later in the week we started playing half court games and going over various offensive schemes and defensive formations. There was this one kid who was also a point guard and we were on the same team. His name was Connor McBride a 6 foot three guard with sandy blond hair and blue eyes. As we were running the formations Brad and I were hitting open jump shots and the other team had trouble defending us. Brad was quick and he would dart around his defender and shoot. I had my moment when I was able to get around the guy defending me and went in for an easy layup. Brad and I were lighting it up and the coach took notice. After practice Brad came over to me and introduced himself . He said I got a good game. I said thanks and said he was also a good player. We started talking and he told me that last year he was constantly being double teamed and got few free open shots. He said coach was looking for another good point guard that would free one of us to make the open shot. He said Mikhail the big Russian center was good at clogging up the middle and our two forwards are good but not great. So coach Is looking for a run and gun offense where the two point guards would be running the offense. We headed to the showers and I took a look at Connor. He had a nice 7 inch cut dick and light pubic hair. He had a cute bubble butt and his chest was smooth with no hair. I liked what I saw. But I didn't want him to think I was checking him out and quickly turned away. He was telling me that his girlfriend Ashley is good friends with Melanie and he asked if I wanted to go on a double date. We could head to the movies on Saturday. What do you say. I said I would need to ask Melanie first and I don't know if she would want to go with me. Brad said, "Dude, Ashley tells me that Melanie got the hots for you so I don' think she is going to say no." He said Melanie's boyfriend graduated last year and is away at school. "Is she still seeing him" I asked. Connor said what does it matter. You're here and he's not." He then laughed and said you know all's fair in love and war." I just shook my head and told him I would ask her out. Even though I would rather be alone with Connor I wanted to fit in and be one of the guys. The next day I asked Melanie if she wanted to go to the movies with me on Saturday. I told Connor and Ashley would be going with us. A big smile came across her face and she said "I thought you were never going to ask me out." "Of course I'll go with you." I told her Connor said he would pick us up around 7. On Friday night I told Matt and Brad at dinner that I was going out on a date to the movies with Melanie and my friend Connor and his girlfriend Ashley. Brad said "I knew that tramp was after you." Matt told Brad to chill out and thought that was great. He looked at me and said he wanted to talk over a few things with me after dinner. Brad said `we need to protect that boy so we don't become grandparents." Matt said "I got it covered." After dinner we went in to the living room and sat on the couch. Matt started off talking about the rules of dating and what was expected of me and told me that I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to." He said to take it slow. Now I know you're not thinking about sex on the first date but I want you to be prepared if you do become sexually active. He took out a condom and ripped open the packet and took it out. He showed me how the condom stretches and then placed it on a banana. He showed me how to leave room at the tip to collect the semen. He told me that I should always carry a few condoms in my wallet just in case. I'm not saying that you are going to have sex but if you are protect yourself. I was a bit uncomfortable with Matt talking to me about sex. His approach was so direct and voice was so plain and straightforward. When Saturday came I was nervous. I was jumpy all day. Connor called and said he got his parents car and would pick me up at 7. He said we would probably get home a little after 11. I told him that would be great and I see him later. After dinner I got showered changed and went downstairs to wait. Brad and Matt were in the living room watching television. Brad said to me "well don't you look nice." "I just hope were not sending the lamb to the slaughter." Matt told Brad to knock it off. The door bell rang. It was Connor. Matt and Brad told me to have a good time and I told them I would be home around 11. Connor picked up Ashley then we picked up Melanie. I opened the car door for her and told her she looked nice. During the movie Melanie was holding my hand. After the movie when we got to her house I walked her to the door. She stood under the front door light and I leaned in to kiss her. She threw her arms around me and pressed her lips hard against mine. She said thanks I had a good time. See you Monday. I was really confused because that simple kiss got me hard. I kept telling myself it was only a kiss. But that didn't stop me from springing a boner. When I got home Brad and Matt were still in the living room watching television. Matt turned off the set and said how'd it go. I told him I had a good time and said good night. When I saw Vic on Monday he said it's all around school you're going steady with Melanie. I said where's that coming from we just went out on a date Saturday. He said "Well your now at the top of the social ladder that you and Melanie are an item." I said we're not an item." Vic looked at me and said I don't get it." She's one of the hottest babes in the school and you don't want to go steady with her. What's wrong with you man." You know how many guys would kill to be in your shoes." I didn't know what to say and said I had to go see Melanie. Vic said " Go for it stud." I found Melanie at her locker and she immediately came up to me and kissed my cheek. She said how's my steady doing?" I told her I didn't know we were going steady. "Of course we are." I told all my girlfriends about that hot kiss at my front door and I'm laying claim to you." " Face it Jake we are one hot couple." I don't know what is was but when she said hot kiss and hot couple my male ego took over and I grabbed her and gave her a kiss on the lips. I said that's for my hot girlfriend. She let a high pitched squeal and threw her arms around me. Connor was walking by and said "Get a room you two." I grabbed Melanie's hand and put it in mine and held it tight. I told her I'd see her at lunch. I caught up with Vic and told him Melanie and I are a couple. He said Way to go dude." All through the day other students were looking at me and smiling. Ashley, Connor and Mikhail joined our lunch table and it became the cool kids table. I'd like the attention going from new kid to cool kid. All during Chemistry class Melanie stared at me and drew hearts in her notebook with the initials M.A . + J. P. on the inside of the heart. When school ended Melanie said this is for luck and kissed me on my cheek. She gave me her phone number and said call me after practice. Coach was bearing down on us at practice hoping some of the players would quit. Afterwards I was exhausted and covered in sweat. I took a shower exited the school and Matt was waiting out front. I got in the car and Matt asked me how'd your day go. I told him practice was grueling and coach was pushing us hard. There was a long pause and then I just blurted out Melanie and I are going steady. Matt didn't say a word at first then looked over and said that's great as long as that is what you want. I'm happy for you. Melanie is a nice girl. Matt went on that I would need to break it easy when I told Brad. When we got home Brad was finishing dinner. Matt went behind him and gave him a kiss. He said to Brad Jake's got some news to share. Brad asked what is it? Matt said tell him Jake. Melanie and I are going steady. Brad yelled "What?" "You just met the girl." "Isn't this a little sudden?" I said were just going steady its not like we're engaged." Brad was shocked but he called me over and said as long as your happy it's alright with me I guess and he gave me a hug. He told me to go and get ready for dinner. While at dinner Brad told Matt there Halloween costumes would be here in a week. I asked Halloween costumes?" Yeah there is a big Halloween party at Hamilton's Nichols house. He's been holding it for years. Matt and I are going as Batman and Robin. The week was flying by and the roster for the basketball team was going to be posted Friday. Melanie and I walked the school halls hand in hand. Melanie sat in my lap after eating lunch and the lunch table was the hub of who's who at Watson High. We went to the library during Study Hall and we snuck behind the corner book shelves in the library and started making out. I got hard and Melanie felt my bulge as we pressed against each other. You really do want me don't you Jake. She then reached down and grabbed my crotch. "My man is packing." I felt pre cum dripping from my engorged dick. The bell rang and we kissed one last time before we went to class. I was all hyped up and wanted my bulge to go down. I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. I was on edge and I just wanted to calm down. I liked Melanie grabbing my crotch. I liked it when she said I was packing. When I left the bathroom I was strutting down the halls thinking I'm the man. Teenage male ego running amuck. It was the last practice before the roster would be posted. The coach beared down on us and and I was winded when it ended. Coach had us sit on the bleachers. He said he had a tough decision to make. He said all would be playing basketball and those who did not make the Varsity team would be on the Junior Varsity team. He thanked us all for our efforts and said the roster would be up on his door first thing in the morning. Connor and I showered and Connor asked how I was doing. Connor knew he was going to make it but I wasn't so sure. Connor said not to worry and it would be him and I leading this team. I said yeah ok. Whatever you say. I dried off, got dressed and met Matt at the car. While we were riding home Matt asked me how I was doing. I told him I was nervous about the roster tomorrow. He asked me if I thought I gave it my all. I told him yes. He said that's all you can do. Matt said whenever you try something in life always give it your all. Hold nothing back and have no regret and you'll find in most cases you'll succeed." I sat quiet the rest of the drive home and let Matt's words sink in. When we got home Brad had dinner waiting and I told him I wasn't hungry. I told him I was just gonna go upstairs give Melanie a call then go to bed. Before Brad said anything Matt spoke up and said good night Jake. Sleep well. Matt told Brad the roster for the basketball team was being posted tomorrow. Brad said oh OK. I went upstairs closed my bedroom door and called Melanie. We talked about nothing for two hours. After we hung up I was getting ready for bed and there was a knock on the door. Can I come in. It was Brad and I said come on in. Brad was carrying a big glass of milk and on a plate were two brownies. Brad said I always find when I'm nervous eating something sweet helps. He said whatever happens Matt and I still.love you and will be here for you. He said good night and walked out. That was Brad. Always helpful. Always knowing what to say. Always taking care of me. I ate the brownies gulped down the milk and went to bed. I didn't sleep that well that night and morning slowly arrived. I couldn't wait to get to school. Brad said I'm going with you and Matt. I want to be there for you. When we got to school Matt said he would wait for me. I rushed to the coach's office with my heart in my throat. When I read the roster there I was listed number three on the list. Connor who was listed as number two slapped me on the back and Said " You and me baby." "Were going to tear up this fucking conference." I laughed at him and ran out to see Matt and Brad. They saw the expression on my face and got out of the car all smiles. I told them I made the starting roster. They both hugged me and Brad started crying saying I knew you'd do it. I'm so happy and proud of you." Matt said to Brad will you get a hold of yourself. Matt was beaming from ear to ear and said we're going out tonight to celebrate. You want to ask Melanie to join us. I said I'd asked. Matt said get inside. You don't want to be late for you our first class. I went back in the school looking for Melanie. Connor and Ashley were at her locker. I lifter her up and spun her around and said made it babe. She started kissing me and we were laughing. Unfortunately the bell rang and we went to class. At lunch I asked Melanie if she could go to dinner with Matt, Brad and I. She said she call me after she checked with her parents. All day I felt like I was walking on air. As I was getting ready to head out after school Coach Jamieson saw me and stopped me in the hall. I thanked him for making me a starter. He said you earned it. He went on to say that he planned to build the offense around Connor and me. He said rest up because come Monday I'm going to work your ass off. I said see you Monday Coach. I got in the car and Matt could see my excited happy expression. As we were driving home I thanked Matt for all the help he gave me to make the team. He said to me no problem. I'd told you I'd do anything to help you." He rustled my hair and said he was proud of me. I was so happy I could of bust. When we got home the kitchen was decorated with blue and gold Crepe paper and a sign that said Congratulations Jake Pennington Watson Warrior Starting point guard. When I entered the kitchen Brad blew one of those New Years Eve horns and tossed blue and gold confetti. Blue and Gold are the colors of Watson High. He turned on the stereo and Denice Williams "Let's Hear for the Boy!" was blasting through the speakers. Brad started dancing around the kitchen and told Matt and I to join in . Brad said to Matt "start moving those hips sexy." Matt started moving to the music and I joined in. There we were the three of us dancing around the kitchen laughing and smiling. Brad picked up a blue and gold pom pom and started shaking it to the music. He shook it in my face and did the same to Matt. The man was just bursting with joy and he did it all for me. Looking back that was one of the happiest days of my life. For the first time in my life I was truly happy. I felt loved. But the most important thing I felt I belonged. I had a home with two men who loved and supported me. Me? A redneck white trash kid from Kentucky. It was just a few months ago I was living in a homeless shelter and look at me now. These two men took a chance of me and had the courage to care. When the song ended I looked and on the kitchen table there was a package. Matt told me to open it. I took off the wrapping paper opened the box and inside was a pair of blue and gold Air Jordan's. I said No way. Holy shit this is awesome. I ran over and gave Matt and Brad a hug. Matt had this broad smile on his face. He was beaming. He told me these are your game shoes. Only to be worn for games. I tried them on and didn't want to take them off. The phone rang and I went to answer it. It was Melanie and she said she couldn't go with us tonight. I asked her why and she said she would explain when she saw me tomorrow. Connor Ashley Melanie and I were planning to go on a double date tomorrow. I said ok and hung up the phone. I was concerned by the tone in Melanie's voice. I told Matt and Bard that Melanie couldn't join us. Matt said he wanted to change and would be down in a few minutes. He came downstairs and said let's go. We got in to the car and headed to "D'Amico's Italian restaurant. It was a popular spot in town. When we entered the host greeted Matt and Brad and said they were glad to see them again. The host asked about me and Matt told him I was their foster son. We got to the table and Matt said to the waiter "a bottle of champagne and three glasses please." The waiter came back to the table opened the bottle and poured three glasses. Matt picked up his glass and said "Here's to Jake." "Watson's High new starting point guard." "May you have a winning season." We all clinked glasses and took a drink. Brad told me to get a schedule of your games. Matt and I plan to be at every game. Dinner was great and it was a good time all around. When we got home I called Melanie. I told her I wish she was with us. The phone got quiet and I asked what's wrong. She said her parents wanted to meet me. They wanted to know if you could come to dinner Sunday. I didn't think anything of it and sure. What time. She said 2 pm. I said I'd be there. She told be prepared to be grilled by my parents. My dad is very protective of me and is always butting his nose in my business. With false male bravado I said I could handle it. We said good night and said I see her tomorrow. I slept in as usual on Saturday and got up after 10. When I came downstairs Brad was in the kitchen having coffee and reading the paper. He said good morning Mr. Basketball. He asked what I would like for breakfast. I told him pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Brad said coming up. I went and poured myself a glass of orange juice. I looked at the paper and there it was "Watson Names Boys Basketball Roster." As I was reading the article it said "the wildcard on this team is a new student Jake Pennington." He will play point along with last years all conference point guard Connor McBride." When Brad brought over breakfast I said " I'm in the paper." I showed Brad the article. He said hopefully this is just the first of many articles about you." Matt walked in getting another cup of coffee. I asked if he saw the article. He said he did and said it's just your basic run of the mill article. I said but did you see what they said about me. He said I did. Matt was so non chalan about it. He looked at my breakfast plate and said to Brad "You're spoiling that boy." Brad retorted "Spoiled rotten." I was just hanging out watching television when Matt came in. He said mind if I join you. I said help yourself. I told Matt about the double date tonight and that I was invited over to Melanie's house for dinner tomorrow. Matt called out, Brad could you come in here please." Brad came in and said " What is it?" Jake is invited over to Melanie's for dinner tomorrow. Brad said "those stuck up snobs are going to interrogate our boy." "You know that woman thinks just because she's a Watson she runs this town." Matt said I don't think it will be that bad but you need to go over some social graces with the boy. Brad said I got this. For the next two hours Brad gave me an etiquette lesson. I got ready for my date and Connor picked me up after 6. I told Matt and Brad I'd be home after 10. We were going to the all you can eat Chinese Buffet. After dinner we went to Connors house to hang out. Connor was the oldest of four boys. His dad ran the local drug store and his mom stayed home. I was introduced to the family. They all said they were glad to meet me. Mrs McBride looked like a copy of Maureen O'Hara. His dad was average looking tall sandy blond hair like Connor with a slight paunch. Connor said were going downstairs looked at his three brothers and said "We do not want to be disturbed." We went downstairs. There was a couch, love seat and a recliner. There was also a television on a wooden cabinet. Connor turned on the television. Melanie and I sat on the love seat. Connor turned off the lights and said let's get this night going. He grabbed Ashley and started making out. I pulled Melanie over and we started kissing. As we were kissing I started feeling Melanie's breasts. She lossened the buttons on her blouse. She wasn't wearing a bra and I started playing with her breasts. She let out a moan as I continued to fondle her breasts. I felt my dick stiffen as we were making out. Connors younger brother burst downstairs and turned on the lights. The four of us jumped and Connor yelled get out of here you little punk. He started making kissing faces and ran upstairs laughing. It was getting late and Connor said he'd take us home. When I walked Melanie to her door I grabbed her and kissed her deeply. After I was done I said see you tomorrow. When I got home I let Matt and Brad know I was home and said I was going to bed. I had to get upstairs to take care of my stiff dick. I got in bed and jerked off thinking of Melanie's breasts. I was feeling real proud of myself thinking I was the man.