Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2013 14:10:53 -0700
From: Cory Radke <cory.08@outlook.com>
Subject: Happy Birthday to Me part 5 (Revised)

This story is about a gay relationship and sex between consenting gay
teens, both High School Seniors.  This is completely a work of fiction
and is not intended to suggest anything about the personality traits of
anybody mentioned in the story that isn't publicly known about them.

Any similarities to actual people or places - other than the ones
specifically mentioned - are purely coincidental.

If it isn't legal for you to read this for any reason, please use that
handy browser line and jump to a subject/site that is more appropriate.
Copyright Cory Radke.

Comments are always welcome.  Thanks to Jakub, Uncle Tank, George, RJ,
Jason, Shane, Michael, Barry, Honzih, Robbie, Baron, Rich, dfwtx, Mike,
Roo, Sam, Scott, Rob and Lee for their notes after reading Chapter 4.
I'm indebted to all of you for taking the time to e- me.

Want to comment?  You may email me at cory.08@outlook.com

And check out the HBTM story blog at www.cory08online.tumblr.com

Happy Birthday to Me

Chapter 5

     Cory still had a grin on his face from how he had confounded both
foes and friends alike as he headed down the stairs toward the locker-
room and his meet with Coach Morin.  He was surprised to see Jay on his
way up.

     "Hey Jay hope you had a great weekend.  How come you're here?"

     "Hiya Cory and ya I did.  I just dropped by to make sure the
laundry picked up all the bags this time.  They left a couple behind on
their first pickup.  A truck just came by for the rest.  Can't have any
of the guys be missing gear on Friday."

     "No way... and by Murphy's Law the absent gear would all be cups."

     "OUCH!  Aaron and I would be BIGGGGGGGGGGGG trouble if that
happened."

     The two guys shared a laugh and went their separate ways.
Entering the locker-room, Cory turned and headed down the hallway.  He
waved at Coach Thompson and said "Hey Coach!" as he passed the open
door and got a wave and a "Hi Cory" in return.

     With a left turn at next crossover Cory was in the back area of
the locker-room where the newer coaches had their offices.  With a scan
of each name plate, Cory stopped at Coach Morin's door and knocked
hearing a friendly "Come on in" from the other side.

     With a turn of the handle, Cory went into an office that was
barely large enough for the desk, guest chair, Coach Morin's chair and
file cabinet that filled the space.  There were schedule boards,
department notices and posters across the walls.

     "Hi Coach Morin, I'm Cory Radke.  I appreciate that you made the
time to meet with me."

     Coach Thomas "Tom" Morin was a 29 year old 6'2" 198# brown haired
hazel eyed powerhouse who came off more like a high school football
defensive end or safety than the Olympic-caliber swimmer that Cory knew
him to be by reputation.  Besides being Branson's Boys Swim Team Coach,
Morin was also the Soccer Coach and a Math teacher.

     He waved Cory into the guest chair and looked him in the eyes.

     "When Coach Thompson asked me to meet with you Cory, I was
surprised.  I know you don't play soccer and I don't think you want a
tryout for Swim Team.  So naturally I was intrigued as to why Branson's
star quarterback would want some time."

     "Sorry Coach" Cory laughed "I'm a survival only swimmer so you
won't be seeing me in a Speedo.  I'm here because I want to request
your permission to help your program."

     "I'm sure that losing the opportunity to see you in a pair of
Speedo's is a devastating prospect for a large number of Branson
students" Coach Morin said with a broad smile.  "As for the program
assist, I've been at Branson long enough to have heard of the famous
'Cory-missions', but never expected to be on the receiving end of one.
Is that what you have in mind?"

     "Yes Sir."

     "Then let me hear about it."

     Pulling out his tablet, Cory turned it on and brought up the
outline he had put together last night.

     "Coach I have already received approval from the Branson Athletic
Booster Club to make this proposal, but it is solely your decision on
whether or not to accept it" Cory began scrolling through each item in
the outline.

     "The Club would like to create a Swim Team Scholarship Fund to
accomplish two goals.  First, it would pay the activity fee for up to 8
students annually who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it.  Second,
it will provide a complete set of new gear for each team member.  This
will include four Powerplus Speedo shorts, two sets of warm up jackets
and pants, and two pairs of shoes to wear on deck.  All items will have
a custom design to Branson colors and will be delivered in time for the
new season.  Finally, the swim team will be added to the football
team's existing laundry contract to take the burden of keeping the gear
clean off team members and their families."

     "Cory this is an unbelievably generous proposal and one that I
could never have put together on my own with the budget that I'm
allowed by the school.  However, I have a guess that it wouldn't fit
the specifications of a 'Cory-mission' if it didn't come with a price."

     "Yes Coach, but there are only two.  There is a budget for a
student or students to coordinate and design the custom appearance of
all gear.  I get to choose who that will be, but you - and the Athletic
Department Director - will have final approval on the design itself."

     "That's acceptable, and since Coach Thompson is the Athletic
Department Director, I don't think you - of all people - will have any
problem on that end.  Am I right?"

     "That's my hope Coach, but Coach Thompson is his own man.  I'm
sure he'll want to know that you're committed to this proposal."

     "So what's the second 'price'?"

     "I want a specific Branson student to be given a serious tryout
for a team position.  Whether or not he makes the team is solely your
decision.  All I'm requesting is the tryout and an allowance during
that tryout for the fact that as a result of family circumstance he has
been forced to sit out a year from competition."

     "Cory it sounds like you're asking for at tryout, but expecting me
to give this student a team position no matter how he performs."

     "No sir, I promise that you will have absolute discretion on
whether or not to put this student on the team and the Scholarship Fund
and gear is not dependent on you making the decision I might prefer.
All I request is an awareness of the circumstances that impacted this
student's ability to compete last year.  I compared his times from the
two years he did compete with members of last year's Swim Team and he
was at, or near, the top in every event."

     "Whoever this student is, he's got roughly eight weeks until
tryouts so he does have a window in which to get back into shape.  If
his times come in anywhere near what you say he's performed previously,
I wouldn't expect he'd have any trouble making the team on his own."

     "Coach, I agree with you 100% and plan on making my own investment
in getting him back into competitive shape.  My concern is more with
the head game and whether or not he can mentally overcome the really
bad place his family is currently in and regain the confidence to do
his best in tryouts."

     "Cory times are tough for too many Branson students and your
Scholarship Fund idea will allow some who couldn't otherwise afford it
make the team - including a couple who made the team last year but are
thinking of dropping off because of cost.  I will give everyone who
does tryout an equal opportunity.  I'm also willing to put in some of
my own time after school to help your 'Cory-mission' get back in shape
for the tryouts.  However, it sounds like the biggest obstacle will be
to bring back his confidence level, and that will take a friend to help
him achieve."

     "I hope to be that friend sir."

     Standing up Coach Morin held out his hand.  "Then you got your
work cut out for you Cory and we've got a deal.  Keep me updated and
let me know how I can help."

     Similarly coming to his feet, Cory shook Coach Morin's hand.
"Thank you Coach and I appreciate your willingness to put in after
school time to help out a Branson student."

     "Even though I'm an underpaid teacher, I'll always do what it
takes to help any student reach their potential.  And who could say no
to being part of a 'Cory-mission'" Coach Morin said laughing.

     Just then the warning bell rang.  "You better get to class Cory."

     "I keep repeating this with bells lately.  Yes sir, Coach!"

     Cory waved bye to Coach Morin and headed out the back way from the
locker-room to the nearest stairwell and his first period class.  As he
walked through the door of his AP Math class, Cory came to a halt in
front of his teacher and another student.

     "Cory" his teacher said calmly yet with tone of surprise "this is
a first for you - and certainly not something I would have ever
expected - but this gentleman is here to escort to the principal's
office.  Obviously, you're excused for however long that takes and
since you've already got all the class work for the week turned in I
don't anticipate any issue with you missing today's class."

     "Thank you sir.  I will get back if I can."

     He then stepped back and allowed the other student to pass him and
lead the way to the main office.  "Shouldn't we be doing this with
ominous music playing in the background?" Cory said to the other
student as they walked through the doors into the main office.

     Mrs. Blanchett was at the long counter as the two students
entered.  "Hi Cory and thank you Mr. Simmons."

     "Hi Mrs. Blanchett, I can't think of anything I've done to warrant
the summons, but I must admit that what's running through my head right
now is a DVD from history class of the French Revolution and a scene of
an old woman cackling 'la guillotine, vive la guillotine' at the base
of the bloody execution block."

     "Don't worry Cory, we got rid of the execution block oooooooh I
think it was a week or two before the start of this school year" said
Mrs. Blanchett smiling.  "And Mr. Donohue will see you, right now."

     "Thanks Mrs. Blanchett and I wanted to keep my promise and let you
know that all went great with the 'Cory-mission' you helped accomplish.
Jay has been signed up as the new assistant team equipment manager and
Coach Thompson, Aaron and Jaxson all approve."

     "That's fantastic, Cory.  Thank you for letting me know that
everything worked as planned.  Now, head on in anytime you're ready."

     Walking around the counter, Cory went down the hall and knocked on
the principal's door.  "Enter."  Opening the door, Cory walked in and
then shut the door behind him.

     "You asked to see me, Mr. Donohue" Cory said to his principal.

     "Yes Cory.  Please take a seat."

     "Thank you sir."  Sliding his backpack off his shoulder and into
his hand Cory placed it on the floor as he took a chair in front of Mr.
Donohue's desk.

     "Cory, I had a disturbing phone call this morning that I felt you
had a right to know about before I have a meeting with the parties in
question tomorrow."

     "Sir?"

     "I received a call from the father of Hudson Wagner who claims
that you physically assaulted his son at a party after last Friday's
football game.  Would you care to comment?"

     "Mr. Donohue, the party took place after school hours and off
school property in a private residence at which adults were present to
chaperone.  I don't mean to be difficult, but I fail to see where
Branson has any jurisdiction in the matter."

     "That's an evasion not an explanation, Mr. Radke."

     "Sir, while you are correct to say it is not a full explanation I
would respectfully disagree that it is an evasion.  The matter is
solely between Hudson Wagner and me, for which I apologized to him this
morning.  In addition, even though I don't believe it is my actual
responsibility, I also agreed to pay a bill that was presented to me
and incurred when Hudson was checked out and medically cleared."

     "So you admit that you assaulted Hudson Wagner."

     "Sir that's not what I said.  In point of fact, I was the one who
was assaulted and I only used the force necessary to defend myself and
to prevent injury to me.  I have been told by two people that Hudson
was not significantly injured during the incident and as I already said
was medically cleared."

     "Mr. Wagner's father claims to have a medical report that states
there was 'tenderness' from physical impact to Hudson Wagner's stomach,
chest and sides."

     "Mr. Donohue, I have been told that there are multiple Facebook
pages that present four different videos from the altercation between
Hudson and me that in no way show any hits like you describe.  Quite
literally there were no hits at all."

     "Then how do you explain the medical report?"

     "Sir I cannot explain a medical report that I haven't seen, but I
do know that Hudson Wagner is in school today.  If he has any injuries
like you describe they aren't preventing him from attending classes,
which suggests that they are minor.  And, if they do exist, I
absolutely did not cause them.  I left the party moments after the
incident that I had with Hudson and went home where I was for most of
the weekend.  After the event I didn't see Hudson or anyone else who
was at the party.  I would be happy to have a GPS locator report on all
my vehicles printed out and provided to you by tomorrow morning."

     "It would seem there is a major disagreement over the facts of the
matter."

     "Sir, once again, I intend no disrespect, but Branson has no
jurisdiction in this issue.  And you having a meeting over something
that has already been handled between Hudson and me would, on its face,
seem inappropriate."

     "Cory it's not your place to decide that" Mr. Donohue said with
some anger in his voice.  "And the meeting tomorrow is to discuss the
incident in light of your participation in school athletic activities."

     "Mr. Donohue if you are having a meeting to discuss my position as
starting quarterback of the Branson varsity football team then our
current discussion should have been conducted with Coach Thompson
present.  If you are suggesting that any change in my role on the
football team is being considered, then I should have been notified at
the start of this meeting and had the opportunity to first contact my
attorney and have him present."

     "Cory, I will be informing Coach Thompson about my meeting with
Hudson Wagner's father.  I know from your school record that you have
court-awarded status as an emancipated minor.  As a consequence, you
have every right under District guidelines to be fully informed of any
disciplinary action being contemplated and the appeals available."

     "Sir I will be contacting my attorney and advising him of this
conversation as soon as I leave your office."

     "You should do as you think is right Cory, as will I.  I had hoped
that this meeting would not be a confrontation, and if I did anything
to provoke that I'm sorry.  But at a time when the district is under
enormous public pressure to prevent student-on-student violence, this
is not a matter I am prepared to ignore."

     "Mr. Donohue these are the facts.  First, I did nothing but defend
myself last Friday and that can be verified by multiple videos and, if
necessary, testimony from several dozen Branson students and the
parents who were chaperoning the party.  Second, I did not hit Hudson
Wagner at any time, any place or any where."

     "Cory because of your reputation and school record, I am generally
prepared to believe you.  However, I will still give Hudson Wagner's
father the courtesy of a meeting just as I gave you the same courtesy.
If I choose to undertake any action after listening to what he has to
say, you will be given every opportunity to respond and appeal."

     "Thank you sir.  I should probably return to class."

     "Yes Cory that would be a good idea."

     Heading out of Mr. Donohue's office, Cory did not return to class
but instead walked out of the school and in to the bus load area.
Pulling out his phone he speed dialed Steven's office.

     "Cory I was about to head into an Executive Committee meeting, is
this matter urgent."

     "I'm afraid it is Steven."

     Step-by-step Cory went through his conversation with Mr. Donohue,
answering the questions Steven had about the incident the previous
Friday and his actions this morning upon arriving at school.

     "Cory, I will need to have additional research done, but on the
face of it I would agree with your assessment that Branson has no
jurisdiction in the matter.  If Hudson Wagner's father wishes to accuse
you of assaulting his son then he should be discussing the complaint
with the Portland Police, not the school."

     "Steven I don't believe that the point of the meeting tomorrow is
to impose some sort of discipline or expel me from school.  Instead I
think the goal is to have me removed as starting quarterback."

     Cory then went on to detail what Hudson had said to him during the
lead up to their latest skirmish.  And the apparent anger directed at
Cory by both Hudson and his family at how he had won his position as
Branson's starting quarterback.  He finished by telling Steven about
the keying of his car and the investigation that Aaron Rocha was
undertaking to identify the perpetrator from the surveillance video
made by the Charger's security system.

     "Hmmmmm... I'm not certain that any evidence Aaron is able to get
off the video, in and of itself, is exculpatory.  Unless the video
unmistakably shows that Hudson was moving without injury - which is
unlikely - it will only prove that he was angry enough to lash out at
you by damaging your personal property.  An act which the Police could
use to infer that you had hit him.  I suggest you lock down the
witnesses you mentioned, especially Nathan and his parents, while I put
the firm's IT personnel on to capturing the video from the Facebook
pages of Branson students.  I will also contact the school district's
legal counsel and inform them of Mr. Donohue's potentially extra-legal
actions.  They may choose to intervene and stop the meeting before it
occurs.  Both the school district and Hudson Wagner's father are
treading on thin ice by making an accusation without benefit of a
Police investigation."

     "Steven for obvious reasons I would very much prefer that no such
investigation occur.  I have no concern that it will prove that I hit
Hudson Wagner, but the fallout would certainly shred my cover story."

     "That may be the price you have to pay Cory.  However, let's not
get ahead of ourselves."

     "Okay Steven, I still want the medical bill that Hudson gave me
this morning paid.  I promised Hudson I would do that and it's also
implied in the promise that I gave to Aaron."

     "Cory I'm not sure that's wise.  By paying the hospital bill,
you'd be intimating to an investigatory authority that you had done
something that warranted compensation."

     "Steven I want the bill paid.  I will scan it and forward it to
you by email.  You have access to my personal credit card, and I trust
you will be able to come up with the legal language necessary to make
it clear I paid the bill out of a desire to put the incident behind me
not out of a sense of guilt."

     "Okay Cory, you are the client and have a right to make poor
choices.  I just hope this doesn't come back to bite you."

     "As do I Steven, but I'm going to keep my word."

     "Alright Cory, I have some work to do and you need to get back to
classes.  I'm sure we'll talk more later and I may need to come over to
the house tonight."

     "That's your decision Steven but remember Jaxson is on guard
against both burglars and attorneys."

     The two shared a laugh as Cory hung up on Steven then pulled out
the copy of the medical bill Hudson had shoved into his hand from his
pocket.  He took a picture of it with his phone and emailed it to the
law firm.

     Cory then pressed the 911 app that instantly notified Aaron Rocha
that he needed to speak with him.

     In less than a minute, Cory's phone rang.

     "Cory I'm not sure I have told you this before, but I really wish
you wouldn't do that.  When you hit the 911 app all sorts of alarms
automatically go off here.  And you probably scared Jaxson half to
death because the computer control system at the house also goes into
lockdown.  Until I drive out and reset the system he won't be able to
get out of the house."

     "Oooooooooops.  Sorry Aaron.  And tell Jaxson sorry from me too.
That was the first time I ever used that app.  It's simple reflex.
When I want to talk to Trent or Troy right away I just send a 911 text
to them."

     "I understand Cory.  Adrian and Declan do the same thing with
their friends, but your security protocols are set up a little
different from what I've put together for the twins.  Now, why were you
calling me?"

     Cory quickly repeated the details of his meeting with Mr. Donohue
and his subsequent conversation with Steven.

     "Cory I want you to know that I trust that you did not hit Hudson
Wager.  You were too upset when you told me about what happened Friday
night for me not to pick up if you were lying."

     Cory laughed.  "Is this a special 'Dad' sense that you have?"

     "In part, but it's also the result of a great deal of
interrogation technique training."

     "I'll be sure never to lie to you Aaron."

     "You never do Cory.  And if you did we'd have to go to stage two
punishment like we discussed."

     "Aaron there is something going on here.  I know I didn't hit
Hudson Wagner, but somebody did.  And I don't believe that Trent or
Troy or any of the other players at the party on Friday would have gone
after Hudson in retribution for him taking a single swing at me.  As
far as everyone was concerned, the incident was over when I left
Nathan's house."

     "I agree.  We need more information."

     "Aaron we need to know what the medical report on Hudson says."

     "I concur, but you know what you're asking me right?"

     "Yes, and you know I wouldn't ask it if it wasn't necessary.  You
need information to evaluate the security situation and I need
information to figure out what play is being run here.  And, I have no
doubt that Steven will be calling you shortly to ask the same thing."

     "As a matter of fact, I just got a text to call Steven.  My guess
is that he didn't mention it to you because he didn't want you to be
that deeply involved."

     "This is my life we're discussing, Aaron.  I am involved."

     "I know Cory.  Why don't you go back to class and try to focus on
your day.  Let Steven and I do what we do best."

     "Ok Aaron.  I will email you the copy of the bill Hudson gave me
that I sent to Steven."

     "Thanks.  Bye Cory."

     "Bye Aaron."

     Ending the call, Cory scrolled through his email and forwarded the
bill image he had sent to Steven to Aaron.  For the few minutes left
before 1st period ended, Cory just sat on the curb trying to analyze the
play.  Someone was deliberately trying to take him out and he wasn't
going to let that happen any more than he allowed an opposing team an
easy sack during a game.

     When he heard the bell ring, Cory stood up threw his backpack over
his shoulder after replacing his phone in its pocket and walked to his
2nd period class.

----------------------------

     As he moved through the door of his 4th Period AP Social Studies
class Cory looked at the back and smiled.  'Cool' he said to himself
seeing that Chris hadn't made it to class yet.  Cory got an odd look
from his teacher as he bypassed his normal seat and walked back to the
last row taking a seat and dropping his backpack.

     As he pulled out his tablet, Cory saw Chris step through the door
and head to the rear of the classroom taking the seat next to him.

     "What are you doing back here Cory?"

     "I decided to practice a little self-defense.  If you're going to
go out of your way to trip over me I thought that leaving together
would make that more difficult."

     In spite of himself, Chris laughed.  "You do know that I'm not
normally that clumsy.  I managed to get through the rest of the week
without tripping over you."

     "Ya but let's not put fate to the test when, by simple prevention,
I can make school safer for both of us." What Chris had first said
suddenly registered and Cory's face fell wondering if there was
somebody else Chris would prefer to sit by.  "Why?  Don't you want me
to sit next to you?  If it's a problem I can move."

     "Nooooooooo you're good" Chris blushed wildly "I can ummmm get
used to you ummmmm being in a different seat."

     "Cool.  Then it's settled."

     With that the bell sounded and their teacher began class.

     Fifty minutes later they were heading out the door.  Chris started
to turn toward the south stairwell when Cory put his hand on his arm.
Chris flinched.  "You okay if we stop by my locker for a minute so I
can trade out books?"

     "Sure Cory."

     Heading the other direction Cory walked toward his locker.

     "Cory why is your locker in Frosh hall?"

     "It's the locker I was assigned when I first came to Branson and I
guess I just like it.  I never really got the urge to move so I ask for
it every year."

     "Ok that's a little weird, but if it's what you want I can deal."

     Seeing Jay at his locker, Cory said "Hey Jay.  How are classes
going for you today?"

     Looking up at Cory with a stranger standing next to him, Jay
wasn't sure what was going on but was his normal friendly self.  "Hi
Cory.  And good thanks as long as my teachers don't pile on TOO much
homework."

     With a note to Jay's look at Chris, Cory made the introductions.
"Jay Wald meet Chris Caldwell.  Jay is the spectacular new addition to
the Branson Football team helping keep the guys on a winning track as
our assistant equipment manager."

     "Hi Jay" Chris said holding out his hand.  "I saw you on the
sideline during Friday's game."

     "Just doing my job" Jay said shaking Chris' hand still wondering
what the connection was between this tall blond senior and Cory.

     "And doing it really great" Cory said from half behind his locker
trading out books.

     Finishing up Cory closed the biometric lock and turned to look at
Chris.  "Ready for lunch?"

     "Sure"

     "See ya at practice Jay" Cory said waving as he and Chris went
back down the hallway.

     Jay watched as Cory and Chris ambled away picking up on whatever
conversation they'd previously been sharing.  He watched his QB for a
minute then mentally shrugged and turned back to his own locker.

     As they pounded down the south stairwell, Cory picked up the
conversation he and Chris had started heading out of AP SS.

     "How come I never see you around Rich?"

    Chris laughed.  "Well, we've got separate lunches and I think most
of the time Rich just prefers the pretense that we're not related
during school hours."

     "Oooooooooookay... that makes absolutely no sense to me.  Trent
and Troy are nearly attached like Siamese twins.  Wherever you see one
you almost always see the other.  Being an only child, I guess I don't
understand brother-brother rivalry.  I'm not sure that Jaxson can even
imagine ignoring me, but then I wouldn't want him to either."

     "It's okay I think I've gotten used to it.  We were a lot closer
but things just changed."

     'There it is again' Cory mused. 'Something is going on between
Chris and Rich besides the issue of having to share a bedroom.'  Cory
knew, however, that he hadn't earned enough of Chris' trust to just
blast forward and ask him what it was.  'Just gonna have to figure some
way to reconnect them.'

     Cory held the cafeteria door open for Chris.  "Let's get some food
bud, I'm starving."

     Without even asking, Cory picked up a single tray and started
piling both his food and Chris' picks on it.  He also added a few extra
things for Chris to his own section of the tray.  When Chris looked at
him funny Cory just winked.

     "Dude you gotta get back into training if you're going to make
swim team and you can't do that on what you normally eat."

     "Cory you got this fantasy that I'm going to make swim team at
Branson.  The money just isn't there."

     "I told you to trust me.  You swim like I know you can and you'll
make the team.  I guarantee it even if I have got to throw you like a
football down the lane."

     As they both ran their pay cards after the cashier had totaled up
their lunch purchases, Chris laughed and smiled at Cory.

     "You got this weird idea that you can fix anything."

     As Cory carried their combined tray to Trent and Troy's table, he
said "Chris I'm a playmaker but I'm also a realist.  I KNOW that I
can't fix everything, but I do know what I can fix.  You're just gonna
have to hang on for the ride bud."

     "Cory you do know that A.E. Housman said that 'the house of
delusions is cheap to build but drafty to live in.'"

     "And you, my good friend Chris, should remember that Paul
Watzlawick said that 'the belief that one's own view of reality is the
only reality is the most dangerous of delusions.'"

     "I'm not going to win this one am I?"

     "Never try to out quote the playmaker" Cory said grinning.  "Just
focus on the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. 'faith is taking the
first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.' Now sit down
and eat."

     "Uh oh Troy" Trent said looking at his twin "you better duck, QB
is in quote mode."

     "Yikes, I'm outta here" Troy said laughing as he slid under the
table.  A few seconds later he stuck his head just above the edge "is
it safe to come out yet bro?"

     "Troy get your twin ass up here or..." Cory said.

     "Yes sir QB!" Troy said taking his seat.  "Just save me from any
more inspirational quotes."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     "We hear that a lot don't we Troy?"

     "Ya bro, I wonder if it's something genetic?"

     "Do you think there's a treatment for it or is it one of those
incurable things?"

     "Chris you eat" Cory said "I'm going to commit mayhem on twins."

     Trent, Troy, their girlfriends and Chris all laughed as Cory
tossed a cherry tomato across the table.  As it bounced off Troy's
chest and on to the tray in front of him, he picked it up and looked at
the ceiling as if he was recreating the scene of Aragorn throwing the
apples in Lord of the Rings.

     "I didn't know food fell from the ceiling in here."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     "There it is again" the twins said together.

     "I give up" Cory said sitting down and starting to eat his lunch.

     Amy reached across the table and patted Cory's arm in sympathy
"don't worry, I feel the same way all the time."  She leaned back and
turned to give Troy a kiss then looked back at Cory "but I found this
usually fixes him up."

     "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... maybe I should give it a try" Cory said in
apparent consideration.

     "No way" Troy said in mock shock "besides Amy's are tons better
and you'd never even THINK of giving me tongue."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     The table began to laugh again at Cory's misfortune as he looked
up and saw Nathan at a table just a few away.  "Hold on guys, I'll be
right back."

     Stepping around other students Cory tapped on Nathan's shoulder.
"Hey Nathan... you got a minute?"

     "Sure Cory what's up?" Nathan stood and followed Cory out of the
crowd to the side of the cafeteria.

     "Can you tell me how you met up with Hudson on Saturday and what
he said to you?"

     "My Mom, Dad, me and my little sister were heading out to visit my
grandmother when I saw Hudson walking by our house on his way back home
from a run.  I went up to him and told him that going after you at the
party was not cool and that if he planned on doing it again not to show
up at the house anytime you were around.  He told me that he felt
really bad over what happened and was going to talk to you about
getting things right between the two of you."

     "Nathan this is really important.  Could you see if he had been
hit at all?"

     "What are you talking about Cory?  I could see a little bruising
on his hand where you held him and stopped his punch - which was hella
sweet by the way - but other than that he looked totally fine.  He
didn't even have a shirt on when I was talking to him from being out on
his run.  There wasn't a mark on him."

     "Did he say anything to you about having his hand checked out?"

     "Ya he told me his Dad wanted him to go to the Emergency Room to
get a Doctor to look at it and then give you the bill, but that he
didn't really want to go.  I told him that was a totally asshole idea
unless his hand hurt and he said that it was just a little sore.  My
Dad was standing next to me and said he was going to walk down when we
got back and talk with Hudson's Dad about it.  I mean about the idea of
Hudson going to the hospital just to rack up a bill to give you."

     "Nathan I'm really sorry for pushing you on this but I just need
to know... so you didn't notice anything that made you think that
Hudson had got beat up?"

     "Nothing.  Why?  Is he telling people that you beat up?  Cory, you
didn't even hit him after he tried to punch you.  My Mom thought that
was great and got mad at my Dad when he said he thought you should have
taken a shot at Hudson for being a dipshit."

     "Nathan do you think it'd be okay if I came by after practice to
talk to your Mom and Dad about this?"

     "Sure I'll phone Mom and tell her that you're gonna come over.  We
usually eat dinner about 7PM.  You know Mom's going to ask me to ask
you to stay and have dinner with us."

     "Thanks Nathan but I'm only going to be able to stay a few minutes
to talk to them about Friday.  If I don't get home Jaxson will be
pissed at me for holding out on his dinner."

     "Dude that dog is seriously great but also crazy demanding" Nathan
said laughing.

     "Ya I know bro, but I love him so just gotta deal with the way he
is.  Thanks Nathan I'll see you at your house tonight."

     "See ya Cory."

     Walking back to the table, Cory sat down and started to finish up
his lunch.  Almost everyone else was done eating and there were only a
few minutes left before the warning bell rang.

     "QB we still haven't talked about what happened this morning" Troy
started.

     "I know Troy" Cory said as he slammed food in his mouth.  "Look
it's nothing big.  I apologized to Hudson for what happened Friday at
the party, he gave me a hospital bill for checking out his hand and I
promised to pay it."

     "PAY IT?" Trent yelled getting stares from students around their
table.  "What the fuck are you talking about Cory?  He tried to take a
cheap shot at you and he wants you to pay his medical bill?"

     "Hold on a minute" Chris said looking at Cory.  "You didn't tell
me that Hudson punched you."

     "Guys don't get excited.  Chris I didn't you tell because Hudson
didn't connect with the punch.  He TRIED to punch me and I stopped him.
And Trent, I apologized and promised to pay the bill because I'm the
one who let Hudson get at me and push me out of control of both myself
and the situation.  It was my bad.  Besides me apologizing surprised
Hudson so much it got me past him with nothing else happening."

     "QB..." Troy took over "that is seriously messed up logic.  Hudson
did all the wrong and you're paying all the cost.  How does that even
come close to making sense?"

     "Troy I know it doesn't make huge sense in the high school
right/wrong ethos.  But it makes sense to me and how I believe I should
live my life.  And I'm the one who has to live with himself.  We good?"

     "QB we're always good" the twins said together.

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     "And Chris I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I just wanted to put
it behind me and not mess up having dinner with you and your family."

     "Okay Cory, I understand especially if Hudson didn't actually
punch you" Chris said.  "But you still should have said something at
some point just so I knew it had happened.  I kind of feel responsible,
ya know?"

     "Chris it wasn't your fault it was Hudson's hand coming toward my
face so don't worry about it."

     "Alright Cory."

     Trent and Troy looked at each other over the interaction between
Cory and Chris - and Cory not telling Chris the whole story of what
Hudson had said at the party - but didn't say anything.

     Whatever anyone else was going to say got interrupted by the
warning bell.

     "I don't what it is about this year, but it seems my destiny to
not finish lunch" Cory said laughing as he picked up the two unpeeled
bananas he had on the tray.

     "It could be that fate just thinks you're fat" Troy said without
even a smirk on his face.

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... why do I keep forgetting to hurt you guys?"

     "Why are you including me in that?" Trent said.  "I didn't utter a
single word."

     "Ya but you were thinking it."

     Trent smiled blushing.

     "Let's go to class guys" Cory said.

----------------------------

     With Trent and Troy beside him as regular, Cory walked through the
open doors into the locker-room.  "Look twinish ones, I'm going to be
late on the field because Coach is gonna want to talk to me.  Get
things started... k?"

     "How do you know that Coach..." Trent started to say.

     "RADKE!"

     "Oooooooooookay, guess you do know.  We'll get it done Cory."

     Breaking off from the twins Cory walked into Coach Thompson's
office and closed the door.  "Hey Coach."

     "Hey Coach?  Hey Coach?  Cory you better have a lot more to say to
me than 'hey coach.'"

     "Coach I did not hit Hudson Wagner at the after game party last
Friday.  He tried to punch me and I stopped his fist, that's it.  I
didn't respond in anyway.  As I told Principal Donohue, not only did I
not hit Hudson, but there was only one punch thrown.  And that was the
one that Hudson aimed at my face."

     "Cory, the principal asked me to suspend you from the football
team immediately.  He wants suspension to continue at least until after
the meeting with Hudson Wagner's father tomorrow, and potentially a lot
longer if the evidence shows cause for disciplinary action."

     "Coach there is absolutely no justification for suspension.
Hudson, and apparently his family, has had it in for me since I beat
out his brother for the position of starting varsity quarterback.  This
is nothing more than a play for revenge."

     "Well you apparently gave them an opportunity to put that play
into action."

     "Sir I'm the first to admit that I lost control of the situation.
But that is far from sufficient reason to suspend me."

     "I happen to agree with you Cory which is what I told Principal
Donohue.  He then ordered me to suspend you which I refused.  I told
him that to suspend you he would first have to fire me.  At least for
the moment, he's not willing to do that.  But, right now, both our
butts are on the line."

     "Coach Thompson the last thing I would ever do is to put your
career in jeopardy.  If it would make things easier on you I would
voluntarily submit to being suspended."

     "Cory I appreciate the sentiment, but don't go all noble on me.
If I went out right now and told the team you were being suspended
most, if not all, of your teammates would walk off the field - even if
that meant forfeiting Friday's game to Oakeswood."

     "Coach I would tell the team to stay and play.  This is my fight,
not yours and not the team's."

     "Cory do not play the martyr.  It's not a role that fits your
personality and it's not what I need right now.  I need you fighting
and using that head of yours to find a route out of this play."

     "Coach I have stuff in motion, but I'm not comfortable discussing
it with you because I don't want to get you in the shit deeper than you
are already."

     "Whatever you're doing I know it is having an impact.  The main
office has been under siege since Donohue hauled you in for that
meeting by everyone from the district's legal department to the
Superintendent.  If Principal Donohue's aim was to handle this quietly
he's failed spectacularly.  In fact, I've heard that far from it being
you who is facing suspension, it's our fearful leader."

     "Coach I promise all I've been doing is attempting to protect my
rights and do the right thing as I see it.  I apologized to Hudson this
morning because last Friday I failed at my responsibility to control a
volatile situation.  And, I promised to pay Hudson's hospital bill for
exactly the same reason.  I did so against the specific advice of my
attorney."

     "Cory you're a good kid with a good heart, but sometimes you do
have the right to be selfish and put yourself first."

     "Coach if I did that then I wouldn't be the 'good' kid you just
complimented me for being and I wouldn't be able to look at myself in
the mirror."

     "Ok Cory.  Go get changed out, get on the field and do your job
for the team."

     "Yes sir, Coach!"

     Opening Coach Thompson's door, Cory went down the aisle to his
locker.  He pulled it open and saw that Aaron had loaded in full
practice gear.  It wasn't until he had stripped off that Cory saw
something he didn't expect and realized that Coach Thompson wasn't the
only one anxious.

     There in his locker in its rightful place was his helmet.

     Tapping it for luck Cory thought 'don't worry Troy I'll get us all
through this.'  Then he geared up and went out on the field.

----------------------------

     As he pulled into the Underwood's driveway, Cory knew that the
next 30 minutes might very well decide whether or not he remained
starting quarterback for the Branson varsity football team.

     Stepping out of the Charger he locked the doors and set the alarm
seeing the file folder he'd brought with him on the passenger seat.
After practice was over, Cory had first stopped at the house to feed
Jaxson then printed out the documents Steven had emailed back to him.
With apologies to his annoyed puppy, Cory had left the house and drove
the same way he'd come last Friday - to Nathan's house.

     It only took a single knock at the door for it to be opened by a
smiling Nathan.

     "Hey Cory come on in.  Mom and Dad are waiting for you in the
living room."

     "Thanks Nathan could you join us please."

     "Sure bud."

     Leading the way, Nathan sat down as Cory shook hands with Mr. and
Mrs. Underwood then took a chair facing the three of them.

     "Mr. and Mrs. Underwood I appreciate you taking the time to see me
and I hope that I'm not interfering with your dinner schedule."

     "Not at all Cory" Mrs. Underwood said "and I hope you will stay
and have dinner with us."

     "Thank you Mrs. Underwood, but I'm going to need to get home
myself afterwards."

     "Well, just remember you're always welcome."

     "Thank you again Mrs. Underwood.  I don't want to take up too much
of your time, but as Nathan probably told you there have been questions
raised at school about last Friday's party.  Mr. Wagner has accused me
of beating up Hudson and has a meeting scheduled tomorrow with
Principal Donohue to present both his complaint and a medical report he
was given by the hospital on Saturday that supposedly support the
charges."

     "Nate told us Cory" Mr. Underwood said "and quite frankly I don't
understand it all.  To begin with it was Hudson who tried to punch you
Friday, not the other way around.  And even more baffling is the fact
that we all saw Hudson on Saturday morning as we were getting ready to
leave to visit my mother and didn't see any bruises on him."

     "Nathan told me that at lunch Mr. Underwood, but I just want to
ensure that we're all on the same page.  What Mr. Wagner told Principal
Donohue was that Hudson had injuries to his stomach, chest and sides."

     "That simply isn't possible Cory.  Hudson was walking home without
a shirt on when we saw - and spoke - with him and there were no visible
injuries anywhere on him.  Other than him breathing a little hard from
jogging there wasn't anything off about him at all.  I went over to
their house when we got back about 1PM and told Colin Wagner that his
plan to take Hudson to the hospital for an exam and present you with
bill was nothing more than sheer vindictiveness.  He told me that he
didn't trust Hudson hadn't been injured and had every intention of
having him checked out to be sure.  I reminded Colin that Hudson was
the one who had thrown the punch and you simply protected yourself, but
sadly he didn't seem to care."

     "Just to be clear, if Principal Donohue begins discipline action
against me for 'attacking' Hudson would the three of you be willing to
speak with my attorney and sign a statement stating exactly what you
told me about your perspective on what happened Friday night and what
you saw while speaking with Hudson on Saturday morning?"

     "Absolutely Cory" Nathan said looking at both his Mom and Dad for
approval.  "Hudson said he was going to make things up to you.  I don't
know how that changed so hugely between Saturday morning and today."

     "Neither do I Nathan, but it did.  Mr. and Mrs. Underwood, I'm
really sorry that you and your family have been dragged into this
quarrel between me and the Wagners.  I want you to know that - as I
promised Hudson this morning - I have paid the hospital bill that he
gave me.  I also apologized to him for what happened on Friday."

     "Cory I know that Nathan has already said this to you" Mrs.
Underwood interrupted to add "but I don't see anything for which you
had to apologize.  And I say that as a Mother who's had to discipline a
sometimes unruly child."

     Nathan looked embarrassed and Cory smiled.

     "Thanks again Mrs. Underwood, but as I've told several people
already today I expect better of myself than I showed last Friday.  I
allowed Hudson to get to me and that was why I apologized to him."

     "It would be nice if Hudson - or his father - showed the same
strength of character that you do Cory" Mr. Underwood said.

     Standing up Cory again shook hands with the Underwoods.  "Thank
you Mr. Underwood, but I'd just like this entire episode to go away.
And thank you again for the dinner invitation.  Nathan may I talk to
you for a second?"

     "Sure Cory."

     Walking to the front door Cory turned to Nathan.

     "Can you tell me which one is Hudson's house?"

     "It's five houses down on this side... white with a brick
driveway."

     "Thanks Nathan.  I'll see you at school tomorrow."

     "Later bro."

     Heading down the steps to the Charger, Cory unlocked the passenger
side and pulled out the file folder he had brought with him.  He didn't
think the Underwoods would mind if he left the car parked in their
driveway while he took care of his next round of business.

     Nathan and his Mom and Dad had confirmed their conversation with
Hudson and its content, but there were still a lot of unanswered
questions and even more that didn't make sense.  To start, Cory had no
idea how Hudson had ended up with the injuries Principal Donohue had
described.  From the timeline Cory had pieced together it seemed that
as late as 1PM on Saturday there wasn't anything wrong with Hudson
beyond the bruising of his hand from Cory catching his fist in mid
punch and crushing it in anger.

     Cory knew that he hadn't beat up Hudson, he knew that none of his
friends or teammates had done it and he knew from the discourse between
the Underwoods and Hudson on Saturday that he had in no way acted or
appeared to be hurt.

     Hudson was a self-centered bully but not a masochist.  So Cory
didn't see him beating on himself.  Plus why would Hudson go out of his
way to hurt himself when his stated plan was to make peace with Cory
when they next met up at school?

     'UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... I'm just going around in circles' Cory
thought to himself.

     Since there was no discernible pattern to the facts he had - and
no clear logic that fit what Cory knew of Hudson's personality - the
only option remaining was to attempt a fake out and see what yardage it
got him.

     With a few steps, Cory was on the sidewalk and on his way to
Hudson's house in a probable repeat of what his current nemesis had
done on Saturday.

     At the fifth house, Cory knocked on the door.  An older man whom
Cory assumed was Hudson's father answered.  "Hi sir, I'm Cory Radke.  I
was hoping to speak with Hudson Wagner."

     The man looked at him strangely for a moment.  "Hudson is not
available to speak with you Cory.  And I fail to see the need for
conversation anyway.  What I have to say will be said to your principal
during our meeting tomorrow."

     "Sir I came here for two reasons.  First was to give Hudson this"
Cory handed over the file folder that contained a copy of the paid
hospital bill and the letter Steven had prepared disclaiming any
liability.  "This morning when I apologized to Hudson I also promised
that I would pay the bill he gave me.  And I wanted him to know I
always keep my promises."

     Mr. Wagner took the folder that Cory offered and opened it.  His
head snapped up to stare at Cory again as he noticed the letterhead.

     "And the second reason?"

     "I'm suggesting that you reconsider your strategy and cancel your
meeting with Principal Donohue."

     "You are?"

     "Sir your position is weak and lacks any likelihood of success.
If you had any direct evidence that I physically attacked Hudson you
wouldn't be going to my principal, you'd be going to the police.  Since
you're not that tells me that you've got nothing."

     "You're pretty bold for an 18 year old who has spent the last
three years messing with my family."

     "Actually sir, for two more weeks I'm still 17.  And, in point of
fact, I haven't done anything to your family.  Hudson was the one who
attempted to bully me as a freshman and it was your other son's lack of
field skills along with his camp injury that cost him his position as
starting varsity quarterback.  Compare our records.  With him as
quarterback Branson had two losing seasons.  With me as quarterback,
we've had two winning seasons and won a State Championship."

     "You've certainly got balls boy."

     "I'm not a boy sir.  And as I said, I always keep my promises.  If
you proceed with your meeting tomorrow with Principal Donohue, I will
file a complaint with the Portland Police.  That will set in motion an
investigation that will not only confirm my innocence, but will
probably identify whoever actually hit Hudson."

     Cory could see the anger rising rapidly in Mr. Wagner, but
something he was saying was having an impact.  The only way the man
should be this mad was if he understood exactly how weak his position
was so Cory decided to play his last card - his fake out was clearly
moving him downfield.

     "I will also instruct my attorney to file a civil lawsuit against
you for defamation, libel and slander.  You started this fight sir.
I'm going to end it and it's going to cost you major."

     "Get out of my house and off my property.  Now."

     Cory stepped back as the door slammed in his face with enough
force to shake the front of the house.

     'That was interesting' Cory thought. 'Something still doesn't add
up and I need to get whatever Aaron has discovered to tell me more.'

     Cory backtracked to the Charger started it up and began his drive
out of Hudson's neighborhood.  He had just made a decision on his next
two stops when the Uconnect system notified him of an incoming call.
Cory looked at the caller ID and saw it was unidentified, but he
answered it anyway.

     "Hello?"

     "WTF did you do Cory?"

     "Hudson?"

     "I had it planned out.  I was going to tell the truth.  In the
meeting with Principal Donohue I was going to deny you hit me even
though I knew Dad would be pissed.  Now you wrecked it.  I was going to
do right by you.  And now Dad thinks he kno... <click>"

     "Hudson?  You there?"

     'What the fuck was that?' Cory thought.  Hudson was a lot more
than upset, he was agitated, scared and nearly out-of-control.  Cory
had heard that voice from a couple of players during the Championship
game when Branson was up against it and facing the prospect of losing.
It had taken Cory clamping down on the squad to get them back on track.

     But with Hudson calling him from an unidentified number he had no
way of calling him back.  'And what did Mr. Wagner think he knew?'

     "WHAT THE HELL is going on this year?" Cory yelled in the car
slamming his fist on the steering wheel.

     'UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... FOCUS Cory' he said to himself.  Back in
control Cory realized at the moment there was nothing he could do about
Hudson.  He'd have to wait until school tomorrow to corner him and
determine what was going on.  But beyond doubt there had been
repercussions from Cory's visit to the Wagner home.

     As he pulled into the strip mall and the store that was his first
stop, Cory was on target.  He was focused.  He was determined.  And he
knew he could get this part of his day completed without being further
burdened by the tumult that was Hudson Wagner and his father.  This was
going to be the non-hassle, good part of his day.

     Twenty-five minutes later after an additional stop in the grocery
store a few doors down, he was back in the Charger and taking a right
back on the street.  With a tap to the Uconnect activation switch he
said "dial Chris" and heard the call go through.

     "Hello?"

     "Hi Mrs. Caldwell, this is Cory Radke.  May I speak to Chris
please?"

     "Hold on just a minute Cory and I'll get him.  I just wanted to
let you know that we're all still enjoying your pies.  I'm impressed at
how tasty they all are."

     "I'm glad you like them.  I had fun making them."

     "Hold on just a moment and I'll get Chris."

     "Thank you."  Cory waited.

     <long pause>

     "Hello?"

     "Hey Chris are you doing anything?"

     "Nope.  Just finished my homework and was going to watch some TV."

     "Can I convince you to go back to Starbucks with me to talk for a
while?"

     "Sure.  How long before you can be here?"

     "How does now sound?  I'm just pulling into your driveway."

     Chris laughed "Sounds like somebody assumed that I wouldn't be
doing anything."

     "Nah.  I was just hoping you might be free."

     "Well, I'm not free, but let me put some shoes on and I'll be
right out."

     "I'll be waiting" Cory said disconnecting the call.

     He left the Charger idling but unlocked the passenger door.  A
couple of minutes later Chris came out of the house.  As he opened the
door, sat down and buckled up he said "Now this looks like the car I
normally see you impressing everyone with at school."

     "It wasn't really my choice" Cory said as he carefully backed up
and turned back on to the street for the short drive to Starbucks.  "It
was a birthday gift from my Dad last year."

     "Nice gift."

     "Ya but remember I'm still just Cory" he said smiling over at his
friend.

     "I'm with ya 'just Cory' but it's still a great ride."

     "Enough about me so did you have a good day?" Cory asked as he
pulled in to Starbucks and parked.

     "It went okay, it's always fun to watch you stuffing bananas in
your mouth."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... one day this year, I'm going to manage to
have a quiet lunch with you and not be faced with a list of problems."

     "What's going on Cory?"

     "Look Chris, I'm not trying to hide anything from you or hold back
but it's still all too fresh and I need time to decompress.  That and a
couple of other things are really why I wanted to see you."

     As the two teens got out of the car, Cory grabbed a bag and
followed Chris into the coffee shop.  Cory walked up to the counter and
ordered again.  "One nonfat chocolate smoothie and one nonfat
strawberry, please."  After paying and waiting for the two smoothies to
be made, Cory led Chris over to the same table they had sat at the day
before.

     "So here's your first choice... which one do you want?"

     "Chocolate please."

     "Here ya go" Cory said sliding the chocolate smoothie Chris' way
and pushing a straw into the strawberry.  After taking a drink he
looked at his friend "Oh man that tastes good.  Thanks for coming out
with me by the way; I definitely needed some Chris time."

     "Thanks.  I always enjoy time with you."

     Reaching down Cory picked up the bag he had carried in with him.
"And here's your second choice" he said sliding the bag across the
table over to the tall blond.

     "What's this?"

     "You can look in the bag and find out."

     Chris looked into the bag and then into Cory's eyes.  "Cory I
can't accept these."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..." Cory said "why do people keep saying that to
me?" then he laughed.  "Yes you can and yes you will."

     "You sure are certain of yourself."

     "Ya but it's just one of the burdens of being Cory" he looked at
his friend and laughed again.  "But seriously, they're yours.  Well,
one of them is and the other one is for Rich."

     Chris reached into the bag and pulled out a new Apple iPhone 5s.
"Cory neither one of us can accept a gift like this.  Plus Mom and Dad
won't be able to afford the monthly bill."

     "Already taken care of buddy.  The phones are paid in full for
unlimited voice and data for the next two years.  All you have to do is
pick which color you want - black or space gray.  There's also an AT&T
gift certificate in each box for you to get a skin.  It seems that
everyone I know drops their phone constantly so I'd suggest the
Otterbox Defender case, but it's entirely up to you.  There's enough
loaded on the card to get whatever case and other accessories you might
want."

     "Cory you can't do this."

     "Sure I can."

     "Okay allow me to rephrase.  You shouldn't do this."

     "Ya maybe, but I can and I did.  I want to be able to call or text
or IM you and I want you to be able to get a hold of me and right now
that can't happen.  This makes it happen.  Plus, think of how happy
Rich will be.  He might just smile at you and want to hang out with us
at lunch... wouldn't that be great!"

     "Cory you are seriously crazy, but I really appreciate it and so
will Rich."

     "So which color are you going to pick?"

     "I think I'll go for the black because if it's going into a case
no one will really know what color it is anyway.  I don't know what
kind of skin Rich might pick and the space gray phone will give him
some options."

     "Well aren't you just the considerate big brother."

     Cory and Chris spent the next several minutes doing set-up on the
new phone and putting in contact information for each other's phone
into the phone of the opposite person - pics included.

     "Cool that's one thing down and two more to go.  Sooooooooooo"
Cory said reaching into the pocket of his jeans and pulling out a VISA
gift card.  "This is for you too."

     "Ok Cory this is getting out of hand.  I know I told you I wasn't
free, but I'm also not a friend you need to buy.  I'm already your
friend."

     "Chris this isn't about buying you since I think we've already
ascertained that my saving you twice means that I have a claim on you."
Chris started to blush. "But we'll leave that aside for now.  This is
about me keeping my promise."

     "Ooooooooooookay what promise is that?"

     "My promise to get you on the Branson Swim Team."

     "Cory I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I told you that my
family just can't afford the activity and gear fees for me to go out
for swim team.  Plus I haven't competed in a year and am really out of
shape."

     "That's why you're taking this" Cory said picking up the VISA gift
card and putting it in Chris' hand.

     "Huh?"

     "On Wednesday you're coming over to my house to watch Star Trek
Into Darkness and spend the night.  On the way there we're going
shopping and get you all the gear you need to start training."

     "You think about this stuff way to far ahead."

     "Nah I just do it one step at a time."

     "Ok I'm going to play along for a minute.  So I get the gear to
start training.  How am I going to pay for the Branson activity and
gear fees assuming I even succeed in making the team?"

     "Already got that covered."

     "Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooof course you do" Chris said rolling
his eyes.

     "Are you mocking my finely honed play call skills?  I'm shocked"
Cory said grinning broadly.  "As of 7:15AM this morning, Coach Morin
accepted my outline to create the Branson Swim Team Scholarship Fund
sponsored by the Booster Club.  The Fund will pay the activity fees for
up to 8 students and will also pay for an entire new set of gear for
every member of the swim team.  In addition, it adds the swim team to
the football team's laundry contract so no swim team member has to
worry about keeping their new gear clean."

     "Cory we just talked about this last night after dinner.  How did
you put all that together in 12 hours?"

     "Actually it only took about 2.5 hours including my meeting with
Coach Morin, but I think the phrase you're looking for is... very
adroitly."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     "Hey no stealing my line" Cory said.  "Actually, now that I think
about it, I should have that trademarked to me."

     "Cory you can't do this."

     "Sure I can.  All I have to is call my attorney and have him put
together the trademark paperwork" Cory said with mock seriousness.

     "No I mean you can't just put together a Scholarship Fund like
that."

     "Chris you keep saying that, but it's already done.  Of course,
there is part three."

     "Should I just faint under the table now."

     "Naaaaaaaaaah take a couple drinks of your chocolate smoothie and
reenergize yourself."

     As they both took drinks from their increasingly melted smoothies
Cory smiled benevolently and Chris looked at his friend just shaking
his head.

     "Okay I think I'm ready give me part three."

     "Part of my deal with Coach Morin is that the new gear will have a
custom design in Branson colors.  However, I get to pick the person to
coordinate the design process and find an art student to actually
create the design.  So I picked you.  You will be paid $500 by the
Booster Club to split between you and the artist you choose in whatever
way you decide."

     "Cory you do know that I've been drawing anime since I was a kid
and am in Branson's AP Art Class right?"

     "Actually I didn't because we've never swapped schedules, but that
works out perfect.  You can create the design for new swim team custom
warm up suits, swim shorts and shoes and keep the $500 for yourself."

     "That simple."

     "Ya pretty much."

     "Do you always make things happen like this?"

     "Ya it drives the twins and Brandon crazy" Cory didn't notice the
look of jealously sweep over Chris' face when he mentioned Brandon's
name "but I gotta be me.  And after 3 years they've pretty much gotten
used to it... which is more than I can say about me and the speaking of
twinish.  So they are one up."

     "Let me get this straight so I can go home and sleep tonight
without my head exploding."

     "Okay fire away."

     "Rich and I have new phones that are fully paid for the next two
years."

     "Yep."

     "I'm coming over to your house on Wednesday to watch Star Trek and
spend the night after we go shopping for training gear."

     "Yep again."

     "And if I make it past the swim team tryouts I can be a member of
the team because of the new Swim Team Scholarship Fund."

     "Yep times three."

     "Finally I'm going to be paid $500 to design a custom format for
the new swim team gear in Branson colors."

     "Got it all in one, Chris.  If you were playing golf you'd be
amazing."

     "And this is what it's like being a friend of Cory Radke."

     "That I'm not sure I can answer because I've never been a friend
to myself as that would be kind of weird and borderline incestuous.
But I will say that this is what it's like for YOU to be my friend."

     "This is going to require some getting used to."

     "Not really.  Just suspend disbelief and stick by my side and I
guarantee that all will be well."

     "There isn't anything else I need to know is there?"

     "Well just one thing."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     "Hey you're using my line again.  I'm going to have to charge you
a royalty for that you know.  Actually, I kinda like having you for a
friend Chris.  I've never had one at Branson who started talking like
me just from experiencing regular contact.  It's kind of appealing."

     "So what's the one more thing?

     "You've got about eight weeks until swim team tryouts.  Coach
Morin has offered to train you after school - on his own time - to help
you get ready.  Remember though the Branson swim team isn't exactly a
powerhouse.  I looked up your event times from when you competed at
your last high school and if you get anywhere close to them you should
have a really good shot at making the team."

     "You looked up my event times?"

     "Sure I was doing research.  BTW... great pic of you in the
Speedo.  I was going to ask the twins if they thought it would make a
cool banner.  That way some of the pressure would come off of me."

     "You are not turning me into a poster boy, Cory."

     "That's what I said, but there I am in the main lobby at school."

     "Dude I have to get home."

     "Ya me too, Jaxson is probably pissed at how long I've been gone."

     Gathering up all their stuff, Cory and Chris headed back to the
Charger.  Chris was clearly reeling from what had transpired over the
short period of time he'd been at Starbucks so Cory just stayed quiet
and let him process it all.  But he couldn't resist one last shock.

     As Chris got out of the car back at his house, Cory leaned over as
he closed the door and said "tell your Mom good luck from me when she
has the job interview."

     He then backed up and pulled on to the street as Chris stared.

     After coming to a stop as he pulled into the garage back at his
house, Cory was surprised to see Aaron's vehicle in the parking circle.
As he walked into the house Jaxson was in his normal place staring at
him.  "Hey Jaxson and yes I know I was gone longer than I intended."
He then went down on his knees and gave his puppy his usual hug.  "But
I did good getting Chris a phone and letting him know about his shot at
making the swim team."

     Jaxson gave his master a long wet face lick in forgiveness.

     "Thanks Jaxson.  So where's Aaron?"

     Cory followed Jaxson into the kitchen as his dog stared out the
window into the backyard then looked up at him.  "Over at the guest
house huh?  Is he going to come back over?"  Jaxson shook his head up
and down.

     "Cool.  Then I got time to make myself some dinner.  I'm hungry."

     Cory was busy munching on a sliced Italian roast beef and farm
house cheddar Panini when Aaron Rocha walked through the back door with
an even taller and more powerfully built companion.

     "Hey Cory.  Nice looking sandwich."

     "Thanks Aaron.  And it tastes better than it looks."

     Cory was surprised that Jaxson was on his back getting rubs from
the unknown person.  Normally his dog was crazy suspicious of any new
people and acted like they were burglars from hell to be ripped into
small pieces.  Jaxson liked people but it always took him a while to
trust them.  He could only guess that Aaron had vouched for the other
man and got Jaxson to play nice for a change.

     Cory looked from Jaxson to the other man to Aaron with the
question in his eyes.

     "I vouched for Charlie and provided a few treats when we first got
here and it seems that for a big guy he might be capable of giving
better tummy rubs than me.  So in exchange Jaxson was willing to
overlook the normal two week background check" Aaron said with a little
grin.  While Adrian and Declan hadn't yet convinced their Dad to get a
dog it was clear that Aaron loved Jaxson as much as Jaxson loved Aaron.

     After a few minutes, the other man finished Jaxson's tummy rubs
and a very satisfied Jaxson took his place next to Cory's side.

     "Cory I want to introduce you to Charlie Moretti.  He's my Navy
Seabee buddy who owns a good sized construction company here in
Portland.  We were over looking at the changes Emma, Adrian and Declan
want to make to the house."

     "Hi Cory, great to meet you" Charlie said offering his hand.

     Cory shook his hand smiling "Hi Charlie and I'm glad that Jaxson
was willing to overlook his normal test out period with you."

     "I think he probably senses that I'm a dog guy.  Between my three
sons and I we have 10 dogs."

     "Aaron's probably told you to leave the other dogs at home while
you work on the guest house.  Jaxson is probably willing to give a
friendly welcome to you, but I'm not certain that offer will be
extended to any of your canine friends."

     "With his training, I'm not surprised.  That's one special puppy
you got there."

     "Thanks, I love him too."

     "Charlie wait here for me" Aaron said "I need to talk to Cory for
a few minutes.  There's a chance Cory might want to talk to you after
we're done."

     "Sure Aaron."

     "Cory let's go into the den."

     "Ok Aaron."  Cory was surprised by Aaron not wanting to speak in
front of Charlie, but assumed it was necessary.

     Cory followed Aaron into the den and took the chair next to him.
"So what's all the mystery Aaron?"

     "No real mystery, Cory, I just wanted to talk to you about this."

     Reaching into his pack, Aaron removed a fat envelope and handed it
over to Cory.  "This has the original SD card from the Charger along
with an enhanced version of the video my team pulled off it and burned
on blu-ray.  I also put in multiple photo print outs of specific
images.  Lastly, you have the full medical report on Hudson Wagner we
accessed from the hospital including diagnostic images."

     "And?"

     "Cory you were right in guessing that it was Hudson who keyed your
car.  Our facial recognition technology proved that beyond any doubt
and the photos are completely clear."

     "That's hardly a surprise, but from the way you're talking I'm
guessing that there's a surprise coming I'm not going to like.  And
that is happening with entirely too much regularity of late."

     "Good assumption.  While it's now evident that Hudson was the
individual who damaged your car he is not real source of any potential
danger to you."

     "Hudson Wagner was never a source of danger to me, Aaron.  At most
he's an ongoing source of annoyance."

     "That is, however, not how I would describe Colin Wagner.  When
facial rec confirmed Hudson's identification it also pulled up a second
image from existing Saeth files."

     "Please explain."

     "Colin Wagner is an Engineering Project Manager at Saeth
Construction and currently holds the position of Chief Supervising
Engineer for the Columbia River Bridge project."

     "WHAT?"

     "I checked the files of my predecessor and his name came up when
the first incident occurred between Hudson and you during your freshman
year at Branson.  That information was not flagged, however, and I was
not briefed on it when I took over as Chief of Security for Saeth."

     "Aaron how did the father of someone who's been an ongoing
antagonist of mine get this freaking close and nobody say anything?"

     "Your father was told but my predecessor determined that the
likelihood of interaction between you and Colin Wagner was low given
that Hudson wasn't involved in any of the same classes or school
activities as you."

     "DAD KNEW?"

     "Calm down Cory this is not the end of the world."

     "Did anyone bother to do a crosscheck on Hudson's brother?  The
one I replaced as starting varsity quarterback which generated an
ongoing family feud between myself and the Wagners that is currently
exploding in my life?"

     "In short.  No."

     "Great."

     "But the bottom line remains the same Cory."

     "That ignores the fact that Colin Wagner has a meeting tomorrow
with Principal Donohue where he is going to demand that I be suspended
as varsity quarterback.  He may also demand that I be suspended FROM
Branson."

     "A specific review of the hospital report will show that there is
no way you could have caused the injuries the ER doctors reported on
Hudson.  At the time they saw him they noted 'tenderness' but no
bruising.  If you had somehow met up with Hudson after the party and
beat him up there would have been obvious bruising."

     "Aaron I know that I didn't beat up Hudson or cause his injuries.
What you don't know is that I went to the Wagner house tonight and had
a conversation with Colin Wagner that ended with him nearly taking a
punch at me too."

     "That might change things."

     "YOU think?"

     "Cory let's not get ahead of ourselves.  You've been off the world
stage for three years.  Yes, your father has pictures of you in his
Saeth office, but there is little or no reason why your Dad would have
direct interaction with Colin Wagner where those photos could be seen.
When I get home, I will go online and check your Dad's schedule over
the last two years and see if he ever met with Colin Wagner in his
office.  Saeth Construction is in an entirely different building from
the corporate headquarters and for the most part your Dad goes there
for meetings, not the reverse."

     "I'm still shocked that Colin Wagner could get this close to me
and nobody said anything.  If I knew he was a Saeth employee I never
would have gone to his house tonight.  I also now cannot use Saeth
Construction for the work I wanted to do here.  While there is no
reason for Colin Wagner to have any involvement in what is essentially
a very minor project, it's going to raise flags that I don't want
coming up on his radar."

     "Which is why I asked Charlie to stick around thinking you might
want to talk to him."

     "Okay Aaron.  I agree that even though I look a lot like Dad, the
chance of Colin Wagner making the connection is pretty low.  And I
appreciate you thinking ahead and having Charlie stay behind.  I want
to read through the medical report on Hudson, but since I'm not invited
to the meeting between Colin Wagner and Principal Donohue there's no
real reason for him to set eyes on me again."

     "Cory you are 17 going on 18 and to most adults every teenager
looks the same.  I look forward to discovering if you say the same
thing when Adrian and Declan get a little older."

     "I'd never say that because Adrian and Declan are unique and
always will be.  Besides they utterly look like you - totally studly."

     "Well one of the reasons I decided to use Charlie to remodel the
new house is that he's previously built interrogation facilities.  I
plan on having him put in a dungeon to hide the twins from horny
teenage girls."

     "Good luck with that Aaron.  Hate to tell you this, but they get
looks from the high school girls."

     "Cory my weak parental heart did not need to hear that."

     "Be strong my Coach!" Cory said laughing as he stood up with Aaron
and walked back to the kitchen.  Cory stopped for a minute to pull out
his tablet from the backpack he'd left on one of the island stools.

     "Hey Charlie, how would like second project?  In case you have a
weak parental heart like Aaron here, I'm going to warn you in advance
that it's going to test you big time."

     "I think my heart is strong enough.  Let's hear about it."

     "Alright here goes.  I want to build the most amazing high school
regulation swimming pool ever constructed along with a glass sided
infinity edge combination hot tub and lap pool that will overflow into
the main pool.  I am asking that you include a commercial quality
filtration and heating system because I know that Jaxson is going to
want to swim in it too, and I don't want it clogging up with dog hair.
Finally I want the entire project done in 30 days, but that's the
maximum outside range.  Get it done in 3 weeks and I'll give you a 25%
bonus.  Get it done in 2 weeks and I'll give you a 50% bonus.  Here's
the information on specs for a regulation pool and the DynaDome moving
pool enclosure I want.  The entire under glass area needs to be heated
for use in winter."

     "Wow Cory that's an amazing project and one that I'd love to do.
But with your time frame I don't know how you can possibly get it
designed and bid out."

     "I'm not interested in a bid.  I want you to undertake it as a
design/build project and if necessary pull in whatever experts you need
on a 24-hour basis.  Cost is irrelevant.  Time is everything.  This is
going to freak Aaron out but I don't care if you have to bring 200
people on the property to get it done.  I want it designed, permitted
and under construction this week.  Just let me know how much money you
want in advance and Aaron will arrange with my attorney to have it
wired into your account same day.  I trust you will treat me right and
give me a fair price."

     "That goes without saying as I'd never mess with Aaron, but I'm
concerned about design and material approval."

     "Don't be.  I'm going to ask Emma Rocha to work with you on this.
She knows my taste and I trust hers.  I've got pictures of what I
generally want the project to look like.  I want this done and am not
interested in any extended approval process.  I'll pay Emma enough to
gain you access to her 24 hours a day.  If you need it, I'm sure she'll
give you approval within minutes of design and material presentation.
I own the properties on two of the three sides of the fenced backyard.
And I'm planning to talk to my neighbors on the third side about an
arrangement to give you at least 12 hours a day for construction.  Wake
up your team Charlie and get them to work."

     "Will do boss."

     "Aaron, I need to you to talk to Emma for me.  I'll pay her
$25,000 to oversee this project and make it look great.  It's to be
geared for maximum training use and individual coaching which means
lines, lane markers and timers, but also should be usable as a
residential pool.  You heard what I told Charlie.  I'm not saying I
won't be involved in the project, I just want to make it clear that I
don't want a minute's delay because I'm in school, at practice, doing
homework or asleep."

     "Ok Cory I'll talk to Emma, but you already know that she'll agree
to do it both because she loves you and because Adrian and Declan are
going to freak out when they hear about it.  So you'll have two extra
voices asking her to take this on for you."

     "And I'm sorry in advance for any security problems this is going
to create."

     "Don't be.  I know that Charlie does a full background check on
every person who works on his team and he trusts them absolutely. I
wouldn't have brought him on to the do the house project if I thought
he couldn't do the work without risking security.  Since the perimeter
fence and security systems will be breached during construction, I want
your permission to hire 24-hour security to watch over the property
until everything is put back in place."

     "Aaron, do what you think is necessary and send the bills to
Cynfab.  I don't want an army around me, but I'm not going to make you
crazy during your first week of working for me.  I'm going to have
enough to deal with convincing Jaxson not to freak out from all the
people wandering around."

     "Ya he does get protective of his play area."

     "Well that's going to get smaller, but I'm hoping that having the
ability to jump in a warm pool will keep him happy.  That's why I want
a filtration system that is sized more for public use than home use.  I
don't want an issue with water quality because of Jaxson's desire to
jump in the pool."

     "If anything I'll make sure that part of the system is
overdesigned to handle the issue Cory and will ensure there are a
couple dog-friendly walk out ramps for him" Charlie said.

     "Thanks.  Is there anything I missed?"

     "Nothing I can think of boss.  Just pay my bills and I'll be
happy" Charlie said holding out his hand.  "We'll get this done."

     "Deal" Cory said shaking Charlie's hand.

     "Now I got to get to work and Aaron you probably want to get home
to talk to Emma and the boys.  You know what I need from her for the
project at your house.  With all the guys I'll have wandering around
this place, it'll actually be easier getting your job done at the same
time.  So Cory has done you a favor."

     "Charlie could you wait for Aaron a minute at the front door,
there's one more thing I need to tell him."

     "Will do.  Good night Cory."

     "See ya Charlie."

     As Charlie walked out of the kitchen Cory turned to Aaron.  "Aaron
I wanted you to know that I've invited Chris Caldwell over to the house
on Wednesday to watch a movie and spend the night."

     "Well it's about time you had a friend over Cory.  You need to
stop being a hermit in this place" Aaron said.  "You know I never said
you couldn't have anyone over here.  It was always your choice to only
let Trent and Troy meet you at the condo."

     "Okay Coach, I hear you.  I just wanted to let you know."

     "Alright.  Talk to Jaxson and then get some sleep.  You're about
to be surrounded by more people than you've ever seen in your life."

     "Thanks Aaron, and thanks for talking me down off my freak out
about Colin Wagner.  I'll see you tomorrow for training."

     "Just doing my job boss.  See ya."

     A few minutes later, Aaron and Charlie were gone.  Cory
contemplated options for a few minutes and then said "Hagrid?"

     "Computer online."  The house system announced from its speakers.

     "Locate Arris 1 please."

     <pause>

     "Arris 1 is currently onboard Saeth 1 with a registered flight
plan from Beijing to Sydney."

     "Please send a message to the flight deck of Saeth 1 requesting
that Arris 1 contact Arris 3 soonest."

     <pause>

     "Message composed and transmitted."

     "Thank you Hagrid."

     "You're welcome Cory."

     It took less than 5 minutes for Cory's phone to ring.  Caller ID
showed "Saeth 1".

     "Hi Dad."

     "Hey Cory.  What's going on son?  Are you ok?"

     "Jaxson and me are both good.  Dad how come you didn't tell me
about Colin Wagner?"

     "I got a priority email from Grace that included a report from
Aaron so I know most of what is going on as of 8 hours ago.  Cory I'm
sorry that I didn't tell you about Colin Wagner.  You were barely 15
when the event between you and Hudson occurred.  I didn't think there
would be a repeat and I didn't believe that the Wagner family
connection to Saeth was significant."

     "Dad I went to the Wagner home tonight because I didn't know about
that connection and met Colin Wagner.  Nothing big happened, but it
ended more belligerently then I initially expected.  I also received a
phone call from Hudson right after that was cut off in the middle of
him saying he thought his Dad 'knew something.'"

     "Cory if I have to handle Colin Wagner you know I will.  I'm your
Father and will always do whatever is necessary to protect you."

     "I know Dad and I love you, but I should have been told."

     "Cory I made a mistake, but it was more in the interest of making
your first year at Branson as easy as possible then in any attempt on
my part to withhold important information from you.  I honestly didn't
believe that you and Colin Wagner would ever come in contact."

     "Well we did.  Though there is a big gap between thinking you know
something and actually knowing something.  I don't know what it is Dad
but something is going on inside the Wagner family.  I'm going to try
to get Hudson to tell me but my instincts lead me to believe he won't -
whether it's because he's still mad at me or because he's scared of his
Dad, I don't know.  My read of Colin Wagner, however, is that when it
comes to me he is not the most stable of persons.  Hudson told Nathan
he was willing to 'make peace' between us on Saturday morning and then
flipped 180 on that this morning."

     "Cory you know from Aaron that Colin Wagner is Supervising
Engineer on the Columbia River Bridge project.  While he's not
indispensable, moving him off that job will cause disruption that I
would prefer to avoid."

     "And I'm not suggesting that you do that Dad.  There is too much
in motion and I haven't figured out Colin's real play yet.  I did a
fake out on him tonight that had a major impact.  How much I won't know
until tomorrow."

     "Cory I trust your strategic skills.  You're probably better at
that than I was at your age.  You know what Mom has done with her Saeth
stock.  She's deliberately set the company up more as a partnership
between us than a family company.  I guess I'm telling you that if you
want something at Saeth, it will be done."

     "Dad it's your company.  You built it and you made it what it is
today.  I'm not going to start randomly second guessing you by
needlessly imposing myself in corporate decisions.  But I'm not going
to allow Colin Wagner to mess up my life or my senior year at Branson."

     "Ok son.  I'll start an investigation on my side to see if I can
get you any additional information.  And promise that I will keep you
updated.  I'm also going to have Aaron monitor all of Colin Wagner's
email and phone calls to data mine for anything relevant."

     "Thanks Dad.  How come you're on your way to Australia?"

     "Saeth Mining is in the closing stage of purchasing an Australian
mining company that holds licenses to large tracts of land that have
yet to be explored.  I'm going to finalize that purchase and coordinate
the merging of the two companies."

     "Sounds great Dad.  Good luck and have a safe flight."

     "Thanks Cory.  Get a good night's sleep and good luck in this
Friday's game.  I got Brandon's video of the first home game and you
did fantastic.  I'm proud of you son."

     "Love you Dad."

     "Love you Cory."  <click>

     Cory finished up his dinner and cleaned up.  "Come on Jaxson. I
know it's only 9:00PM but it's been a long day and while I'm not ready
to sleep, I am ready to stretch out and relax."

     Heading upstairs Cory stripped, got ready for bed and then lay
down with his tablet in hand doing a mix of both school work and
personal research.  Shortly before 10PM he called over to Jaxson who'd
been lying in his own bed while Cory worked.

     "Hey Jaxson come here for a minute."

     The puppy dutifully padded over and put his head on Cory's abs his
loving yellow eyes staring into his master's as the teen idly scratched
his ears.

     "Jaxson I need you to be good for me over the next couple of
weeks.  There are going to be a lot of people running around outside,
making noise and a big mess.  But when they're done we're going to have
a great new place to play together.  Don't worry about the men, Aaron
is going to make sure they're all good guys and he's going to have
other guys walking around to make sure that we stay safe.  Nobody is
going to come in the house unless Aaron is here to watch them with you.
We got a deal?"

     Jaxson leaned up and gave Cory a long doggy lick in agreement.

     "Great now let's get to sleep, we got a run in the morning."  As
Jaxson trotted over to his own bed, Cory opened his night stand and
pulled out a dog treat.  "Here Jaxson and thanks buddy."  As usual his
puppy caught the homemade treat in mid-air.  As he settled down to
munch it Cory turned off the lights and rolled over to go to sleep.

     It had been a long and stress filled Monday.  Cory hoped that
Tuesday would be a much better day.

----------------------------

     The new day dawned as colorless as Monday.  After their run, Cory
and Jaxson returned to the house where Cory fed and put out fresh water
for his Weimaraner then went upstairs to shower, shave and get dressed
for school.

     Somewhat matching the day, Cory pulled out a gray AE tee, UA gray
Boxerjock boxer briefs and gray AE crew socks.  After pulling those on
he added a pair of RVCA Rough Blue jeans and his Stefan Janoski low
Premium iD customized gray leather Nikes with red soles, laces and
swoosh.  He topped it all with a Crate Charcoal Heather pullover hoodie
with red screen print.

     After Cory put his tablet back in his pack he headed downstairs to
make and eat breakfast - a PB&J on 12-grain bread with a fruit salad of
chopped strawberries, bananas, kiwi and blueberries.

     With Jaxson in tow Cory quickly ran upstairs to brush his teeth
then down to grab his pack and give his puppy a goodbye before buckling
into the Charger and starting his drive to school.

     He was surprised when Uconnect notified him of an incoming call
and smiled when the ID showed it was Chris.

     "Hey Chris trying out the new phone?"

     "Ya and thanks again.  I just got to school and was waiting for
you but thought I'd call you instead."

     "Cool you can keep me company while I drive.  So are we all good
for tomorrow?"

     "Definitely.  Mom and Dad both said yes."

     "That's good.  I've got a guest room you can have all to yourself.
So neither you or Rich will have to share a room with anyone for a
night."

     As Cory mentally reminded himself to email Maria and ask her to
get the guest room ready for Chris he wasn't able to see the other
teen's reaction at learning that he and Cory would not be sharing a
bed.  It had been the major focus of Chris' shower that morning.

    "Cory is it ok for me to ask you something?"

    "Sure bud you can always ask me anything you want."

    "How did you know that Mom got a call for a job interview?"

    "DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE you can't expect me to reveal all my QB
powers or I'll cease to be a mystery and you'll find me entirely less
interesting than you do right now."

    "I didn't realize that the prescience was a QB power."

    "It's not but as Tennessee Williams wrote 'the future is called
perhaps which is the only thing to call the future.  And the only
important thing is not to let it scare you.'"

    "So are you telling me that 'perhaps' you knew that Mom was going
to get a job interview."

    "No I'm saying that you should never allow what I do know, or don't
know, to scare you.

    "You do recognize that it is way too early in the morning to have a
debate over philosophy."

    "Yes and as Shakespeare said 'I will be the pattern of all
patience; I will say nothing.'"

    "So in other words you're not going to tell me how you knew."

    "Yep pretty much."

    "Even if I tell you that I can't imagine ever finding you less
interesting no matter how long I know you?"

    "I'll accept that as a major compliment, but..."

    "You still won't tell me what you know."

    "Yep."

    "You know Cory you can be very exasperating."

    "Maybe but I'm lovable in equal measure."

    "That you are."

    "Why Chris that was a very nice thing to say at the start of a
cloudy school day."

    "So how long before you pull in?"

    "Just a couple of minutes, I think.  So what did Rich think of his
new phone?"

     "He about blew through the roof in excitement.  I think he spent
half the night sending texts and IMs to his friends.  I don't think any
of them have the 5s yet so he's suddenly King of his crowd."

     "Well good for him.  I'm glad I could make him happy."

     "Does that apply to me as well?"

     "I've been trying to make you happy since we first met."

     "Cory we first met when you saved me from flying headfirst down
the south stairwell."

     "I know but that made you happy didn't it?"

     "LOL that it did."

     "Cool and I'm pulling in to the senior's lot right now."

     "Ya I see your Charger. Talk to you live in a minute." <click>

     Pulling into the first available space he found, Cory grabbed his
pack as Chris opened the driver side door.

     "Why thanks good sir" he said stepping out as Chris backed up to
give him space to stand up.  "If I knew Branson was offering valet
service I would have let you park for me."

     "No fair teasing me.  This is the like the car of my dreams."

     "I'd never tease you Chris.  Did you get a good night's sleep or
did all of Rich's texting keep you awake?"

     "I just rolled over and let him type.  His bed is far enough from
mine that it didn't bother me."

     "That's cool.  And I'm glad that your mom is scheduled for a job
interview.  I hope she gets through the interview without any problems.
That'll take one worry off your shoulders buddy."

     "Thanks Cory and I've already started sketching some ideas for the
swim team gear."

     "That's fantastic.  Not to put you under extreme pressure but you
only got about two weeks to do the design and get it approved by Coach
Morin and Coach Thompson before it needs to be to Speedo.  Custom gear
normally takes longer to turnaround, but I worked a deal to get them to
operate under the Booster Club timeline."

     "And why shouldn't I have guessed that" Chris said as the two tall
blonds walked toward the east entrance.

     "See you're getting better, you're starting to more easily suspend
disbelief when it comes to me."

     Bumping his shoulder against the football player Chris said "Cory
I think you've used up your exasperating quota for today."

     "I hope not because I think you're going to need to allow me a
bottomless supply or I might start to become annoying.  And then you
wouldn't want me as your friend and I'd be sad."  Cory looked at Chris
with puppy dog eyes.

     "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh maaaaaaaaaaaaan puppy dog eyes?  That's not
playing fair."

     "I don't have to play fair I just have to win" Cory said smiling.

     'I think you've already won me' Chris thought to himself.  "We
better book it to first period or we'll be late.  I'll see in AP SS."

     "Hey just STAYING in first period would be a major achievement for
me this week.  See ya in 4th Chris."

     Cory took his tablet out of his backpack and a seat in his AP Math
class almost concurrently.  He had just enough time to send the email
about the guest room to Maria before warning bell rang and the other
students piled into class en masse.

     After everyone got settled, their teacher began the day's lesson.
Cory was enjoying the discussion of the intermediate value theorem when
the door opened and Branson's perpetually less-than-friendly appearing
Assistant Principal walked in to pull the instructor over to the side
for a quick conversation.

     'Oh no not again' Cory said to himself.

     All eyes were on Cory as the teacher looked his way.  "Mr. Radke
your presence is again desired in the main office."

     As he put his tablet back into his school pack, Cory slung it over
his shoulder and looked at his teacher with a shrug and apology as he
followed the Assistant Principal out of the class and back the same way
he'd gone yesterday to the main office.

     A smiling Mrs. Blanchett stood in the same position as the
previous day as he entered behind the gloomy faced Assistant Principal.
"Cory events are transpiring in such a way as to bring us together with
surprising regularity this year.  That hasn't happened in previous
years so something is incontestably out of alignment in the cosmos."

     "I would agree with you on that point Mrs. Blanchett.  But as
Woody Allen said 'eighty percent of success is showing up'.  So here I
am showing up."

     "Well said Cory and I believe you know the way to Principal
Donohue's office."

     "Through the crack of doom?" Cory said with a smile.

     "Not I think today, Cory."

     For the second time in as many days, Cory went down the hall and
knocked on the principal's door.  "Please come in."  Opening the door,
Cory walked in and, once again, shut it behind him.

     As he turned around he was surprised to see not the face of the
familiar Principal Donohue but instead a female face.

     "Please take a seat Mr. Radke."

     Cory took a seat and placed his school pack on the floor next to
him.  "Cory I'm Dr. Shauna Fraser, Superintendent of Schools.  I've
been reviewing the thinnest file on any student called to the
principal's office twice in two days that I've ever seen in my long
career in education."

     "Anything of interest?"

     "Other than it appears that you would be more correctly placed on
this side of the desk and not in a chair in front of it, no.  Your
grades are stellar, your aptitude tests suggest that you should have
been in college two or three years ago, and those teachers and coaches
I've asked about you use superlatives most often applied to the
paintings of the grand masters."

     "I'm just a Branson senior, Dr. Fraser."

     "A senior who managed to singlehandedly throw both one of my most
prominent high schools and central administration in to an uproar."

     "That was Principal Donohue's decision not mine, ma'am."

     "For which he has rightly chosen to take a few days off for
personal reflection."

     "I'm sorry to hear that.  I consider Principal Donohue to be a
good man and I wouldn't have chosen that path for him.'

     "No I don't believe you would and that's yet another thing that
makes you an even more astonishing individual, Cory.  Every person I
speak with here at Branson tells me that you are unfailingly polite,
friendly, unassuming, a gifted student who goes out of his way to
appear average, and apparently more interested in the welfare of your
fellow students than you are of yourself.  Which given the ego of the
average High School senior sets you in a class of one."

     "Dr. Fraser, I can only speak of Branson not the other high
schools in the district, but I am hardly in a class of one.  There are
a number of students here who stand up for others and help out even
when not asked.  That's something that has always made me proud to be a
student here at Branson."

     "Point taken, Cory.  But you are singular in that you are the
first student - at least of which I'm aware - who has had more than one
teacher refuse direct orders from their principal and threaten to
resign over an instruction to discipline you."

     "I would never ask any of my teachers to risk their career over
me.  I offered to accept suspension rather than see that happen."

     "Again, point taken, but it did happen."

     "Dr. Fraser my desire has been only to continue my senior year at
Branson unmolested by charges over which the school has no jurisdiction
and which have no relevance to my position either as a student or as
starting quarterback of the Branson varsity football team."

     "That your attorney has made very clear along with a detailed
accounting of the rather startling cost the district would have to bear
in legal fees should Principal Donohue have made the decision to
proceed with disciplinary action against you.  An accounting that the
central office legal department has advised both me and the School
Board is both true and accurate.  However, that point is now moot."

     "Pardon me, Dr. Fraser?"

     "This morning a few minutes after I arrived to discuss the
situation in person with Principal Donohue, Mr. Wagner called to notify
us that he was cancelling today's meeting and had no plans to either
reschedule or in anyway resubmit the charges he made against you.  In
his words he 'wanted the entire matter forgotten.'"

     'My fake out worked' Cory thought 'but I don't believe for a
minute that this play is finished.  Colin Wagner has just moved the
goal posts.  The question is to where.'

     "I'm sure that Mrs. Blanchett will be happy to know that she can
proceed with her week without me walking through the main office door."

     "As will I Cory."

     "May I be excused to return to classes, Dr. Fraser?"

     "Certainly.  Though I fail to see why when I have been informed by
each of your teachers that you've already turned in all the homework
due through this Friday and beyond."

     "I'm just a student, Dr. Fraser.  I belong in class learning from
my instructors."

     "Thank you for meeting with me Cory.  You might see me in the
hallways as I plan to stick around Branson for a few days until
Principal Donohue makes a decision on the future of his career."

     "I hope you enjoy your time at Branson, Dr. Fraser.  And I'm sure
that Coach Thompson would say we'd be honored to have you attend our
game with Oakeswood this Friday on our side of their stadium."

     "Thank you for the invitation, Cory."

     "Thank you for allowing me to proceed with my high school career
as I would wish it to unfold."

     Cory reached down to grab his backpack and return it to his
shoulder.  Standing up he nodded to Dr. Fraser then turned and left the
office.  Waving to Mrs. Blanchett as he walked out of the main office
doors, Cory went to the nearest wall and leaned his back against it.

     'UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... now where is the blitz going to come from?  I
need answers and Hudson is going to supply them.  I just don't think
he'll give them to me.'

     Just then the bell rang and Cory was engulfed by a wave of
students intent on their day, their problems, their personal desires
and whatever was to come in second period.  Cory decided to join them.

----------------------------

     Cory turned into his 4th period class and saw a smiling Chris with
an empty seat next to him.  "You beat me" he said to his friend.

     "Guess that just means you can't be number one at everything."

     "Chris I already know I'm not number one at everything.  For
example, I can swim to survive, but I'm definitely more a dog-paddler
than dolphin."

     "Good then I got something to teach you for a change."

     Cory saw an opening with what Chris had said and immediately took
advantage of it.  "Chris I'll offer you a deal.  You ace your tryout
and make the Branson Swim Team and I'll turn myself over to you for
swimming lessons."

     "Cool.  You got yourself a deal Cory.  And that means we can buy
stuff for both of us when we go shopping."

     "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey... Coach Morin tried to get me in a pair
of Speedos when I went over the outline of the Swim Team Scholarship
Fund with him.  I turned him down and your and my deal has nothing to
do with style of swimwear."

     Chris frowned at him and gave his own version of puppy dog eyes.

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... remind me to trademark puppy dog eyes too."

     "So did it work?"

     "Chris I own several pairs of perfectly good board shorts that
would be great to use in swim lessons.  IF you make the team and earn
that right."

     "Ya but you know that the right gear makes the winning easier."

     "Have you been talking to Aaron?  I think I used that same line on
him to justify the extra equipment room space I needed for my gear."

     "No.  Maybe being around you is teaching me how you think."

     "Well stop that!  This is a brain for one only."

     "Great.  I'll check the speedo.com website and see what suits will
look good paired with your eyes."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... I didn't agree to wear Speedos."

     "Ya but you know you will."

     "You're not playing fair you know."

     "I don't have to play fair I just have to win" Chris said smiling.

     "Will you stop stealing my lines?"

     "Ya but you know my price."

     "Ok ok ok... I will CONSIDER buying a pair of Speedos when we go
shopping tomorrow.  Happy?"

     "Sure am."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     "Ya know I'm starting to agree with the twins, I think that might
be some kind of genetic anomaly."

     "It's from having friends who are determined to drive me to seek
out the nearest padded room."

     "Nah it's from having friends who care about you as much as you
care about them."

     'And one who is starting to love you' Chris thought staring at
Cory as he pulled out his tablet to get ready for the start of class.

     With that the bell rang and their teacher began the discussion of
U.S. Constitutional history.

----------------------------

     The rest of Cory's Tuesday went off without any problem.  Coach
Thompson was satisfied that the matter with Colin Wagner had been
resolved and any question about Cory being able to play on Friday was
off the table.

     Coach Thompson was also secretly pleased that Donohue had been
forced on leave to consider his future.  He and Donohue had butted
heads more than once when Branson's football program was not operating
on the winning side of the column as the Principal felt that it
reflected poorly on his running of the school.   Coach Thompson thought
Donohue was an ass who was more concerned about his next career move
then on running a school focused on high education standards.

     With practice over, Cory sighed as he got in the Charger.  He was
glad this day was over.  Colin Wagner had gone underground for now, but
Cory had no doubt that he'd be back.  Hudson had been out of sight all
day and Cory wasn't sure of the best way to approach him, but for now
he was just glad to be heading home.

     After he parked in the garage and closed the door, Cory walked in
to a Jaxson who was so happy to see him at what Jaxson considered the
right time that he jumped up to put both paws on Cory's chest and
slobber his face with doggy kisses.

     "Ok Jaxson, I know you love me and I love you.  Now let's go play
catch for a while and then we'll get you dinner before Aaron gets here
for my workout.  Deal?"

     Jaxson scampered off to the back door happy to wait for dinner if
it meant both play and tummy rub time.

     For the next forty-five minutes in the growing darkness of an
early autumn evening, Cory and Jaxson did what they enjoyed most -
played catch and ran each other around the backyard.

     Cory hoped that Jaxson wouldn't be too upset by how much of his
play area got lost to the new pool, but there would still be enough
yard in which the buddies could play catch and wrestle.  Plus Cory knew
that the Weimaraner was a natural hunter and at home in water, so he
guessed his dog would love the new pool and the chance to paddle around
chasing his favorite nerf footballs.

     About 5:40PM Cory told Jaxson to clean up his toys and went inside
to fill his puppy's food and water bowls.  Just a couple of minutes
later, Jaxson used the automated dog door keyed to his locator chip to
let himself back inside and attack his food.  As Jaxson munched his
food, Cory first went outside to close up the storage box and then
upstairs to change into workout gear.

     When he came back downstairs it was 6PM.  Which meant that Aaron
was in the entryway and Jaxson was on his back with his tongue hanging
out going crazy happy from the tummy rubs.

     Even with all the problems it had turned out to be a good day.

     Ninety minutes later, Cory and Aaron were stepping out of the
locker-room shower area and toweling dry.  Cory put on the clean
clothes that Maria had left for him and Aaron dressed in the clothes
he'd worn to the house.

     The workout gear that Aaron had worn was piled with Cory's and
would be washed and returned by Maria to Aaron's locker for use on
Thursday - and Cory's next workout session.

     "Hey Cory you got a few minutes?"

     "Sure Aaron what's up?"

     "I've got some drawings from Charlie.  He had his design team
working all night and Emma went over everything this morning with an
architect that Charlie brought on for the project who is also a former
Olympic swimmer.  It's got some killer stuff in it."

     "Oh ya?"

     "The boys are saying they're going to run away from home and move
in with you just to be able to use the new facility.  Their coach told
them that swimming is a great way to improve flexibility for football."

     "Well Chris is volunteering to be my swim instructor so I'll ask
him if he'll do the same for Adrian and Declan."

     "You're finally going to learn how to swim?"

     "Hey I can dog-paddle with the best of them."

     "Cory besides the instruction I received at the Academy, I had 24
weeks of underwater training just to reach the stage where I could be
accepted for Seal Qualification Training.  That includes a test where I
had to swim underwater with my hands and feet bound for at least 350
feet.  The twins could swim better than you can now when they were 5."

     "Ok ok ok... I get your point Coach Rocha.  But I'm not wearing a
Speedo doing it" Cory pouted.

     "You'll do what your swim Coach says."

     "Chris only gets that title IF he makes swim team.  That's our
deal.  It's also my way to help him regain the confidence to KNOW he
can make swim team."

     "If you want to help him regain his confidence then agree to let
him decide what gear you're going to wear.  That'll give him the
incentive to follow his own training and get ready for tryouts."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... is there some big conspiracy that I don't
know about to get me in a Speedo?  First it was Coach Morin, then Chris
and now you.  If I didn't know better I would think you were all
communicating behind my back."

     "Don't get paranoid, Cory.  Even Emma said something about it.
She wanted to know why you told Charlie that the hot tub and lap pool
were to be glass sided."

     "I saw a pic online of a glass sided tub and a three-sided glass
lap pool and thought they looked cool."

     "I think you want to show off your worked out body."

     "UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

     "You know that Trent and Troy were telling Adrian and Declan about
their theory on why you keep saying that.  I'm starting to think it
makes sense.  At your next physical I might suggest the Doctor give you
a genetic marker test."

     "Can we PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE just look at the draft plans for the
pool and stop talking about me?"

     "Yes boss."

     For the next 30 minutes, Cory went over the draft plans with
Aaron.  He used the comment function to make some notes to Charlie and
Emma, but not many.  He was really impressed with what Charlie's team
had come up with and the ideas from the swimmer-architect were great.
While he was a little disappointed that the hot tub and lap pool
wouldn't directly overflow into the main pool it made sense for them
not to given the pool's primary function as a training facility...
besides the stepping stones and shallow water area Charlie's team had
designed to connect the two were totally tight.

     "What's this section Aaron?  And why is the pool offset to the
house like it is?  I would have thought it would make more sense to put
it in the middle."

     "By offsetting it, the hot tub and lap pool will be near the
ravine side of the property and provide the maximum level of privacy.
Also, Charlie is pre-planning.  He thinks that eventually you're going
to want to convert the pool to Olympic size.  So the equipment room,
pump infrastructure and filters are all geared for that and he's going
to prep the ground and piping to make expanding the pool easy."

     "Makes sense to me.  Sounds like Dad isn't the only one with an
eye toward pre-planning."

     "Seabees are trained to construct facilities that can multi-task
and be easily upgraded if necessary.  So he's just anticipating a
client's prospective desire."

     "He's done it well.  Thank Charlie and Emma for me.  So what's the
program from this point forward?"

     "I'll email your comments off to Charlie when I get home.  He's
going to have his team work through the night to finalize the plans and
then Emma and the swimmer-architect are going to review them first
thing in morning.  Their goal is to have the plans in the hands of the
permit department by noon.  Charlie has a Seabee buddy in the permit
department who's going to rush it through.  It's going to cost you
extra to have inspectors on site rather than scheduling them, but since
it adds so little to the budget Charlie didn't think you'd mind."

     "He's right.  Thanks Aaron."

     "With a little luck construction should begin on Thursday so
you'll see ground being moved before we start our next workout."

     "That's fantastic.  See ya Thursday Coach Rocha!"

     Cory and Jaxson followed Aaron back upstairs with Cory waving bye
to his security chief while Jaxson woofed his.  Cory then went into the
kitchen to make himself some dinner - chicken breast, brown rice and
broccoli.  With dinner eaten and dishes cleaned up, Cory headed
upstairs to brush his teeth, floss and use mouthwash to rinse.  He then
stripped off and got into bed.

     With the end of the Colin Wagner matter, Cory was tired and fell
asleep early and quickly.

     Wednesday morning dawned sunny for the first time in two days, but
much colder than normal.  Dressing for the weather and because he
planned on a quick visit to his neighbors, Cory put on Nike Tech Fleece
pants and hoodie, a white Bike Performance Jogger supporter and his
favorite Nike Flyknits.

     Leaving the house Cory took a slow pace both because he didn't
want to get winded and he was hoping to time this perfectly to connect
with his neighbor - at which he succeeded.

     Just as he neared the Anderson's driveway he saw Mrs. Anderson
heading out of the front door toward her idling Mercedes.  Kicking up
his speed, Cory ordered Jaxson to behave.

     "Hi Mrs. Anderson!  Do you have a minute to talk?"

     "Yes I do Cory.  What did you need to discuss?"

     Cory came to a stop in front of the older woman and Jaxson
politely sat down to wait for their run to continue.

     "Mrs. Anderson I'm sorry for the short notice, but I just received
the information from my construction company last night.  I'm going to
install an in-ground pool and cover at the house.  Construction is
expected to begin tomorrow.  I would like to offer you and Mr. Anderson
a suite at The Benson at my cost for the duration of construction -
which is supposed to take two weeks but depending on weather may go as
long as three."

     "Cory I appreciate the offer and I'll discuss it with Mr. Anderson
tonight and let you know.  But given the extraordinarily short time
that you are projecting for construction, I think we will be able to
manage without having to leave the house - especially since for two of
those weeks Mr. Anderson will be out-of-the-country on a business trip.
I'd prefer to be in my own home instead of an impersonal hotel room,
suite or not.  What hours are they expecting to work?"

     "To maximize speed, the plan is to operate from 7AM to 7PM."

     "Since I'm at the office myself until about 6PM, you're only
talking impinging on my life for 1 hour a day and potentially two
weekends.  That's hardly a major impact."

     "I very much appreciate the indulgence, Mrs. Anderson.  I
apologize in advance for any noise that might bother you.  And my offer
for the suite stands even if you wish to take advantage of it only on
the weekends.  You have my cell phone number, please use it if you wish
to change your mind or have any complaints about the work."

     "And I appreciate your consideration Cory.  While it is short
notice, not many neighbors would make such a generous offer for
mitigation.  I know to get the work done in such a short period of time
you must be paying your construction company a very large amount extra
to cover the size of the additional work crew."

     "I am Mrs. Anderson and they have been offered a bonus for
completing the work in the shortest time possible.  Besides my own
personal desire to get the pool operational immediately, I didn't want
to overly impose on your generosity of spirit by allowing the
construction work to go on too long."

     "Well Cory when our construction company took three months to
complete work on our new ground floor master suite and sitting area,
Mr. Anderson and I heard not one word of complaint from you or Jaxson.
I think we can manage to survive for one-quarter of the time."

     "Thank you again, Mrs. Anderson, and have a great day at the
office.  And not to belabor the point but my offer stands up until the
last day of construction.  Just let me know."

     Cory waved as Mrs. Anderson got in her car.  She allowed the teen
and his dog time to clear the driveway and continue on their run before
she began her drive to the office.

     As he got back to the house after their regular six mile run, Cory
felt Jaxson tense into protective mode and start a low rumbling growl.
Proceeding up the parking circle, he saw two trucks with people
standing around talking between them.

     Getting closer, Cory saw that one of the people was Charlie.

     Keeping a firm hold on Jaxson's leash and telling him to calm down
he slowed to a halt about 20 feet away.  "Hey Charlie what's going on?"

     Charlie turned from the group and walked over to where Cory and
Jaxson where standing.  While Jaxson had stepped down from protective
mode Cory could see his body vibrating slightly from his low growling.

     "It's ok Jaxson, it's only Charlie.  Remember he's the guy that
Aaron introduced you to and from whom you got some great tummy rubs."
Jaxson looked Charlie over but with Aaron not in the picture still
didn't completely relax.

     Charlie stood calmly about 8 feet away from the pair.  "Sorry
Cory, but I forgot about Jaxson's special training.  I should have
called you and given you a heads up that I was heading over with a
survey crew."

     "It's ok Charlie.  Why don't you have the other guys move away
from the front door so I can get Jaxson inside.  I'll give him food and
water and then be back out to get your crew working."

     Charlie went back to the guys and had everyone return to their
vehicles.  Cory took Jaxson up to the front door and let them both
inside then released his puppy from the leash.  Jaxson wasn't moving
from the door.

     Getting down on his knees Cory looked his puppy in the eyes.
"It's okay Jaxson, we're both safe.  Remember I told you that Charlie
was going to bring a lot of other guys on the property to do some work
outside?  Well, this is the first of them.  They're not going to come
in the house and Aaron is going to make sure that everything stays safe
outside.  Ok buddy?"

     Jaxson finally calmed down and followed Cory into the kitchen.  As
his master was scooping food into his bowl, Cory heard the front door
open and Jaxson tensed again.

     "Don't worry Cory, it's just me" Aaron said.

     "Hey Aaron, Jaxson and I are in the kitchen" Cory called out as he
finished filling up Jaxson's food bowl and picked up his water bowl to
rinse out and refill.

     "I take it we have one unhappy Weimaraner on our hands" Aaron said
smiling as he walked in the kitchen.

     "Oh ya."

     "Charlie told me that he forgot to call you on his way over and it
is my bad to not have called you either.  I had planned to be here
before Charlie got here but obviously didn't make it."

     "It's okay Aaron.  I don't know that Jaxson has had anything to be
excited about in three years so this is his first real chance to
protect his territory.  But I'm glad you're here.  I told him last
night and again just a few minutes ago what the plan is, but it's going
to take this guardian on four legs a little while to get assimilated to
the short term new order of things."

     "That's what I'm here for boss.  I know you have to get ready for
school.  So I'll watch over Jaxson and give him another briefing to
keep him calmed down.  We may have to move him over to the guest house
during the hours you aren't here.  Obviously, I'm going to need to shut
down his doggy door access to the backyard.  I think I'll also have
Charlie quickly construct a duplicate of Jaxson's bathroom area in my
backyard so he can at least have the 'facilities' to which he's
accustomed."

     "Makes sense Aaron and something I should have considered in
advance.  You do know by doing that the twins are going to get into
their heads that you'll let them get a dog of their own."

     "Ya but I'll make sure they understand that is a discussion we'll
have AFTER the pool is in and Jaxson is comfortable that his territory
has been secured.  We don't need to introduce another wild card into
the mix."

     "Agreed.  And tell Adrian and Declan that I appreciate their being
considerate of Jaxson's feelings while all this upheaval is ongoing.
Ok I'm running late and need to get in the shower.  If you could do me
the favor of frying up a couple of eggs and dropping some toast I'd
appreciate it - otherwise I may be skipping breakfast."

     "No problem boss I'll fix you up."

     Cory headed upstairs to get ready for school.  Thinking ahead to
his shopping trip with Chris, Cory decided to dress up a little.  He
stopped at his dresser to pull out pair of gray AE performance trunks
and blue crew socks and left them on his bed.  Then headed in to the
closet where stripped and then went in to the bathroom to shower and
shave.

     Coming out several minutes later, Cory put on his underwear and
socks and then went in to the closet where he put on a pair of Levi 501
Warrior jeans, an AE turquoise Plaid Button Down and AE deep navy Shawl
Sweater.  He took his game royal and black Nike Free Trainer 5.0 iD's
out of their cubby and laced them on.  Then grabbed his school pack and
took the stairs two at a time back down to the kitchen.

     Cory smiled thanks to Aaron and dug into the eggs, toast with
peanut butter and mixed fruit salad of bananas, strawberries and
blueberries that was waiting for him in front of one of the island
stools.  After wolfing down his food Cory went on knees to say goodbye
to Jaxson who was at the back door staring at the survey crew laying
out the markers and lines for the new pool.  His puppy gave him a
couple of kisses then went back to his monitor duty.

     Cory smiled and gave Jaxson some pats and ear scratches telling
him that everything was going to be okay then headed out to the garage
for his drive to school.

     As Cory walked up toward the east entrance Chris stepped out.  "Hi
there" he said kind of shyly.  "So we still on for tonight?"

     "Do I look like the kind of guy who'd stand you up?" Cory asked.

     "No don't think so but just wanted to check."

     "I'll pick you up at home after practice.  Pack whatever clothes
you want to wear tomorrow.  The guest room will have everything else
you need so you don't have to worry about anything."

     "You make it sound like a luxury hotel room."

     "It's not but the staff makes sure that every guest need is fully
anticipated and satisfied."

     "LOL... you do that know you're seriously crazy sometimes?"

     "Ya but it's all just part of the Cory charm."

     "And you do know that you've said that before right?"

     "Uh huh, but it bears repeating" Cory said with a smile.

     "That outfit looks great on you."

     "Thanks I picked it out just to impress you."

     "PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE you always dress good" Chris said
thinking 'fuck if he keeps saying stuff like that I'm gonna go hard
right here in the hallway in front of everyone.'

     "You mock my thoughtful effort to make a positive impression on
you?  I'm hurt" Cory grinned at the tall blond as he headed toward his
first period class.  "I'll see you in 4th Chris."

     "You definitely will Cory."

----------------------------

     Other than the problem with Jaxson in the morning, Wednesday was
rapidly turning in to Cory's best day of the week.  There were no
interruptions in any of his classes and he and Chris joked through 4th
period AP SS and lunch.

     He didn't realize how much their growing friendship was becoming a
point of interest for Trent, Troy, their girlfriends and Jay.  Cory was
just happy that he'd made a new friend for senior year and was glad to
be learning more about Chris.

     Cory knew that he needed to get with Nathan to brainstorm who
might be the right person to approach Hudson for more on what was going
on in the Wagner family.  Outside of his "groupies", Hudson had never
been one to pile up a long list of friends so Cory was at a loss as to
whom to approach.  But he needed more information especially about any
residual interest that Colin Wagner might have in him.  However, with
the immediate threat passed it didn't seem a must do item.

     As Cory got in his car after practice he was resigned to the idea
that he would be required to gratify Chris by buying a Speedo while
they were out shopping.  As Aaron had reminded Cory the goal was to do
what it took to restore Chris' confidence so he'd succeed in tryouts.

     Like most males his age, Cory still hadn't acclimated to the idea
that he'd actually WEAR the Speedo, but he was willing to give it a
shot.  The knowledge that Chris would have to first make swim team at
least gave him some time to get used to the concept - though he held
out hope that Chris wouldn't actually demand he put on the racing suit.

     With a press on the start button to get the Charger running, Cory
entered Chris' address in the Nav system and reluctantly headed toward
swimsuit doom.

     When he was five minutes out from the Caldwell home, Cory hit the
Uconnect button and said "dial Chris."

     "Hey Cory!" Chris sounded excited for a reason that had nothing to
do with the call.

     "Hey Chris.  I'm about 5 minutes out.  I'll pop the trunk when I
get there so we can load in your stuff and my school pack.  Ok?"

     "Sure hurry up and get here already."

     "I'm almost there.  What do you want me to do hit warp speed?"

     "Nah just hurry up!"  <click>

     Cory didn't know what was going on with Chris but whatever
excitement he had bubbling inside was infectious.  It even kind of made
the whole Speedo shopping trip seem somewhat less like a horror.

     He had barely pulled into the driveway and put the Charger in park
when Chris exploded out of the front door - a gear bag and his school
backpack in one hand.  Cory popped the trunk and got out with his own
pack as Chris dropped his stuff in and half ran to the passenger seat.
Cory set his school pack next to Chris' and closed the trunk walking
back to the driver's seat to buckle up.

     "CORY YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!" Chris screamed in joy.

     As he sat back in the driver's seat Cory looked at the excited
blond "mmmmmmmmmmmmm... I don't know if I'll believe it or not as you
haven't told me what 'IT' is."

     "MOM GOT A FULL-TIME JOB OFFER AT A LAW FIRM!!!!!!!!"

     Then completely without warning a big IT happened.

     Cory had barely opened his mouth to say congratulations when
Chris' lips pressed on his in a full-on passion filled kiss.  Cory
scarcely registered the circumstances before his senses exploded and he
unconsciously reached up to wrap his hand around the back of Chris'
head not only entwining his fingers into the teen's hair but also
extending the kiss.

     It seemed like an eternity before Chris broke the kiss.

     "What ... the ... fuck" Cory panted.

     "OMG what have I done?" Chris yelled as he tried with fingers that
suddenly wouldn't coordinate to open the car door.

     "Chris STAY" Cory said putting his hand across Chris' chest and
holding him against the passenger seat.

     "Oh God Cory I'm sorry.  Don't hate..." Chris got out before Cory
put his fingers over his mouth to quiet him.

     Taking the Charger out of park, Cory started to back up.  "Ok
mall."

     "Cor..."

     "Please... don't ... talk.  Think."  Cory said to himself more
than to Chris, but he could see tears streaming down Chris' face.

     With his head down looking at his lap Chris could see the tears
falling off his face to wet the t-shirt and jeans he was wearing.  He
had put the shirt on special for Cory because people always said it
brought out his eyes.  Now he couldn't imagine what the football player
who had been his friend was thinking.

     Cory drove in silence, but while his senses carefully steered the
vehicle his mind was in overdrive.  So much he'd locked away because of
the pain, so much he'd hidden and never told anyone but Jaxson, so much
that he had never wanted to resurface.

     Memories.

     His parents, his friends at St. Albans, his teachers, the
headmaster so many people had never understood why he'd done what he
did four years ago.

     But he knew and he barely caught the sob that threatened to escape
from his throat.  He knew Chris was hurting and he didn't want his
friend's pain to grow because of the doors that had been flung open by
the kiss they had shared.

     Cathan Bryne.

     Cathan had been Cory's first friend at St. Albans.  It always had
seemed to everyone else that they had been destined to be friends.
They didn't know why and they never really talked about it, but fate
had brought them together at the right time in the right place.

     From their personalities, to their likes and dislikes, to their
attitude toward and life and commitment to helping others, to their
amazingly high intelligence that awed their teachers but never turned
them in to competitors only collaborators, the two friends matched each
other like a perfect binary star.  Two blindingly bright suns orbiting
around each other in synchronicity.

     Joseph Campbell once wrote that 'the the goal of life is to make
your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature
with Nature.'

     For five years where you saw Cathan you saw Cory and where you saw
Cory you saw Cathan - two suns always in orbit.  In classes, on the
athletic fields, studying, or just hanging out together the friends
were closer than brothers and closer than twins.  They not only spoke
alike they thought alike.  Where one started a sentence the other
finished it without pause.  Where one began a thought or idea the other
completed it.

     Everyone knew they were friends, but no one knew - and being so
young even they didn't realize - that the heartbeat to which they were
matched wasn't the universe but each other.

     That came to a crashing halt one Friday.

     Literally.

     Being day students, Cory and Cathan both attended classes at St.
Albans but lived at home.  Like so many of their fellow classmates,
they had talked about the next year when they would graduate to the
upper school and become boarding students. There was no real discussion
or decision as they instinctively knew they would be roommates, but the
sign-up period hadn't come yet.  The school year was barely one-quarter
over and infinite time was ahead of them.

     Until that Friday.

     That day Mrs. Bryne was driving.  Cory preferred it that way
because with his parents so often away, he was usually ferried home by
one of his Dad's security personnel.  While he never saw Mr. and Mrs.
Byrne as parents they seemed more like his family than his own.

     And then it happened.

     A drunk driver going too fast ran a red light and slammed into the
vehicle right where Cathan was sitting.  The 13 year old was ejected
from his seat belt and slammed with incredible violence into his best
friend and the door beyond.

     With Cory staring into Cathan's eyes in mind-rending shock, the
light faded and the heartbeat of the universe stopped - in an instant a
sun disappeared.  Cathan died in Cory's arms.

     Mrs. Byrne was focused on her son and her own grief and afterwards
so was everyone else.  Alone before the Memorial Service, Cory had gone
into Chapel to be with his friend.  Holding Cathan's cold hand Cory
looked at the peaceful face and promised to never forget.  He swore
that no one would ever feel the pain he did which was why Cory never
drank or did drugs - nothing that would ever take control of his
thoughts, his life, or his surroundings from him.

     The counselors that his parents had sent him to succeeded in
closing the wound, but because they didn't understand it - and because
Cory couldn't explain it - they hadn't healed the emptiness.  The
synchronous orbit in which he'd spent five years was empty except for
him.  And to Cory's mind the universe was empty.  In his heart and soul
Cory existed alone.

     Within weeks Cory realized that he couldn't stay at St. Albans.
While to the outside world nothing had changed.  Cory knew he had.

     His grades were still exemplary, his success on the athletic field
was unmatched, and he still stepped up to help others, but the only way
he could emotionally survive was by closing the door not only on Cathan
but on everyone else - to endure Cory's universe had to become a void.

     Yes, Cory would have friends but in all the years since Cathan had
died only Jaxson had managed to work his way into Cory's cosmos.  Other
than his Weimaraner Cory existed in solitary.

     Being who he was Jaxson offered nothing less than unconditional
love.  He had protected not only Cory's person but also his soul and
that's why he had become Cory's family.

     When Cory had gone to his parents and told them he didn't want to
continue at St. Albans he couldn't explain that HE couldn't be there
because Cathan wasn't there.  His Mom and Dad didn't see the door
Cory's mind had put up in self-defense.

     Neither did they, or the counselors Cory had talked to, recognize
that as a 13 year old he neither understood or had explored what it
meant to experience true love.

     For Cory, St. Ablans had become empty in the same way his heart
had been emptied - though to Cory's eyes Cathan's after image haunted
every square inch of the school.

     All Cory knew, deep in his subconscious, was that he had to escape
and be alone as his sun was alone in its orbit.

     And so he had researched and forced his parents to accede to his
desire to become an emancipated minor.  He wanted to be where no one
knew him and no one had any expectations.  Cory had found that in
Portland and at Branson.

     Even though Trent and Troy's various girlfriends had attempted to
hook him up with countless others - no one had come close to opening
the door behind which Cathan still existed for Cory.  For all those
years he had experienced the heartbeat of the universe and a mere
mortal no matter how beautiful in the eyes of others couldn't compare.

     That had been shattered by Chris' kiss.

     Somehow a new sun had begun to dimly shine within Cory's universe.

     And while the awareness had yet to be thoroughly refined, Cory now
knew what he hadn't consciously known during the five years he'd shared
with Cathan - he had loved him.

     At that moment of realization, Cory came fully back to himself.
They were parked at the mall with a now dry-eyed Chris next to him.

     "You're gay" Cory said.

     "Yes, but..."

     "So that's what Rich meant about you not wanting your butt saved.
That's crude.  And certainly not appropriate to who you are.  Do you
want me to beat him up for you?" Cory asked looking at Chris smiling.

     Chris laughed "tempting, very very tempting, but no thank you.
He's just disappointed that his big brother is a fag."

     "Chris please don't say that about yourself."

     "Why?  It's what kids called me at my other school."

     "You're not at your other school; you're at Branson."

     "Is it what you want to call me Cory?"

     "No and we got shopping to do so let's get in before all the
Speedos are snapped up by eager body show-off swimmer types."

     "Cory are we okay?"

     "We're 100% okay Chris."

     "Cory are you lying to me?"

     "Chris I'm a lot of things.  And because of you I believe I may
finally have the prospect to become a lot more.  But one thing is
absolute.  I will NEVER lie to you." Cory said reaching out to hold
Chris' hand and rub his thumb over his palm.  "Look when we get to the
house we'll talk, but right now let's just go spend some bucks and get
you geared up, ok?  I want you thinking and looking like the new guy on
the Branson Swim Team."

     "Ok Cory and thanks."

     "For what?"

     "For saying we're ok.  I need that real bad right now."

     "Don't worry about it Chris.  And for the record, I'm going to buy
a Speedo, but I get to pick it out.  Ace the tryouts and I'll wear it
for you.  You place in the top two of any single event and I'll wear it
public if you want.  Deal?"

     "DEAL!"

     As Chris turned to get out of the Charger, Cory - who was still
holding onto his hand - pulled him back.

     "You know that kiss?"

     Chris shook his head yes afraid to say anything.

     "It was the hottest and sexiest kiss I've ever had."

     Even under the less than flattering lights of the mall parking
garage, Cory could see Chris was blazing red in a blush and tears were
back in his gorgeous jade green eyes.

----------------------------

Author's Notes:

This is not where I intended for this chapter to end (I seem to say
that a lot don't I? LOL).  As I think I told a few readers, my plan was
to run this chapter through the end of the day on Wednesday and so far
we've only made it to about 5:30PM.

So that gives you a hint that there are easter eggs left to discover
including one very big one.

Enough reason to look forward to Chapter 6?  You tell me.

It seems to be my pattern to push scenes forward from one chapter into
another.  In my original story notes for Chapter 5 there were four more
scenes that fill the time between where Cory and Chris are right now
and when they go to sleep.

But I didn't plan for this much of story Cory's background to come
roaring out in this chapter.  Believe it or not there's more.

The roller coaster isn't over yet.

So strap in and get ready for more chills, more screams, and definitely
more tears.

At this moment, my plan is for Chapter 6 to be shorter because the
general aim of that chapter will be solely to get Cory and Chris firmly
oriented on the path they'll walk for the rest of the story.

And yes, Hudson and his evil Dad are lurking and scheming somewhere.

Like I warned you, HBTM was never intended to be a quick fuck and dash
porn story.  But for those of you willing to hang on (and who read my
author's notes) there will actually be a sex scene in the next chapter.
How's that for a hint?  :-)

To take a look at the HBTM story blog go to...

www.cory08online.tumblr.com

It's been updated with images of story Cory 2.0... so check him out.  I
finally discovered the guy who was in my head when I think of story
Cory.  It also includes a pic of Coach Morin who is going to become
more important in the story for a reason that will be revealed chapters
to come.

Hey, I can't let all the mysteries out once now can I?

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Positive and constructive comments are always welcome.

You may email me at cory.08@outlook.com