This story contains homosexual themes. If you are offended by such topics or you are not of legal age to read such stories, please read no further. All the characters in the story are fictitious, any resemblance to actual individuals are purely coincidental. Comments are welcome at ghostwriter@si.rr.com
Thanks SO MUCH for all the emails....talk about inspiration!
The All American
Chapter 7
"We did it Hunter. We actually did it. This report is done a day before it's due and its really good."
Hunter could not help but smile at Jerric's enthusiasm. "It's very good, but you did all the work. Your research was really in depth. I just helped you organize your notes."
"Thanks Hunter. I really appreciate it, and with your help I might actually pass some classes this semester."
Hunter knew all too well that his staying at Duke was a long shot. "Jerric, there is no guarantee I'm gonna be here after try-outs. If I don't make the team, I can't stay. There is no way I can afford the tuition."
"Then I guess we have to make sure you make the team. I don't want you to leave. I need you.
"Jerric, I'm not that good of a tutor. I'm sure the Student Counseling Center has a list of plenty of people on campus that are more experienced than I am. It's just a matter of finding someone that's willing to work around your schedule."
"I'm not talking about needing a tutor. I'm talking about needing you.
Hunter found himself having a hard time breathing. He could feel each beat of his heart as though it were trying to escape his chest.
"Jerric, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying I'd like you to go out with me. I haven't been able to take my mind off of you since the other night. I want you to be more than just a friend."
Hunter buried his face in his hands totally taken aback by Jerric's revelation.
"I wasn't expecting this" Hunter finally confessed.
"Neither was I, but it happened."
"Look Jerric, I'm very flattered. The kiss the other night was fantastic, but I just don't see it working out. We're totally different."
"In what way?"
"I've been here a week now Jerric. I've heard all the talk. I know you're a player, and that's fine if that's what you're into, but it's not me. I'm 18 years old and have never been on a date in my life. When I finally do go out, I need to be with someone that's as serious about the relationship as I am. I'm not ready for a one night stand and I doubt I ever will be."
"That's not fair!" Jerric yelled. "You haven't even given me a chance. You can't tell me you didn't feel anything when we kissed the other night."
"No I can't" Hunter admitted.
"Then why?" Jerric pleaded.
It took all of Hunter's strength to fight his true feelings. At this moment he wanted nothing more that for Jerric to take him in his arms and feel what he has so thoroughly enjoyed the other night. "Because I can't give you what they can."
"I don't want that from you Hunter, I swear."
"You're lying Jerric, if not to me, then to yourself."
"No Hunter, you're the liar! You can't even admit that there is something between us. You think I don't see the way you look at me? You're just scared. You're so afraid of getting hurt that you aren't even willing to try."
"You're wrong Jerric, I am willing to try, but I'm not gonna try with someone whose values are totally different than mine. I'm not gonna set myself up to get hurt."
Tears were now flowing from Jerric's eyes.
"Fuck you, Hunter. You think you're the only one who's risking something here. You think it's easy for me? I've never had anyone give a shit about me. That's all I've ever wanted, but all I get are people that want a piece of Jerric Donovan, either on the court or in bed. I'm some fucking prize that they can brag about. You think I like who I am? I don't, but its all I have and evidently, that's not gonna change."
He stormed out of their room, leaving Hunter alone and confused.
Chapter 8
Hunter struggled to wake as his alarm sounded loudly. He not slept well. He wanted to talk to Jerric after he had cooled off, but when he hadn't returned to the room by 2:00 am, Hunter did his best to get some sleep. It was futile, and now at 6:00 am he was dreading the day. He was exhausted and knew that the 6 hours of practice and weight training were going to be close to impossible.
He looked over to Jerric's empty bed. A bed that had obviously had not been slept in and the realization caused his empty stomach to churn violently.
He showered quickly, grabbed a Power Bar from the nightstand and headed to practice.
"Hunter I've seen more energy out of my grandmother" Coach Jackson yelled. "You either put some effort into this practice or get the hell off the court!"
Hunter could only nod. The Power Bar that he had gulped down for breakfast provided little nourishment considering the workout he'd had in the past three hours. That, combined with his lack of sleep the night before had left Hunter drained. His legs felt as though there were weights strapped to them and he knew getting through the next half-hour of practice before their break was going to be close to impossible.
The coach's loud voice echoed through the arena. "Okay gentlemen, since some of you evidently aren't in the mood for practice, I'm gonna cut it short. As soon as you are done doing the stairs of this arena, you're free to go. Those of you who don't finish can pack your bags."
Jerric was furious. "Are you nuts? Do you know how many fucking stairs there are in this place? We just finished practicing for three hours. There is no way we have the energy left to do this."
"Then maybe you should be more careful about how you expend your energy Jerric. Now quit complaining and get started. I'll see you guys back here at two."
"Asshole!" Jerric remarked as he kicked over the stand holding the twenty or so basketballs used for free-throw practice.
"I heard that Jerric, and we can discuss that in my office this evening. How does 7:00 pm sound?"
Jerric hung his head, knowing that he had once again overstepped the limits. "Sound great coach" he said sarcastically. "I can hardly wait."
Hunter was nearly half way around the arena. He tried to focus on each step knowing that if he looked at what was left of his task he would never make it.
As he neared the top of the aisle the inevitable happened. Shear willpower had gotten him this far, but his body was no longer willing to cooperate. He blinked his eyes hard trying to recover his vision, but the darkness was not to be denied. He remembered reaching for the railing, trying to stop his fall, then everything went black.
Chapter 9
"Back up you guys!" Jerric yelled. "Give him some air."
Hunter was cradled in his arms and Jerric could feel his own body shake. He had seen guys pass out before, but never be out this long.
After what seemed like an eternity, the team trainer arrived. "Okay Jerric, lay him down and let me have a look at him.
"No!" Jerric said in an abrupt tone, never taking his eyes off of Hunter. "He's fine where he is."
"Jerric, I don't need this shit right now. He's better off lying on the concrete. Its cool and he's obviously overheated."
Reluctantly, Jerric laid Hunter on the floor of the arena gently placing his head on his folded jersey. The trainer took several ice-cold towels and draped them over Hunter's body and within a few short seconds he was beginning to regain consciousness.
His vision was far from clear, but he could make out Jerric's concerned face staring at his.
"I'm sorry" Jerric mouthed.
Hunter managed a weak smile.
The trainer lifted Hunter's head so he could slowly sip some Gatoraid. "What did you eat for breakfast, son?"
"Power Bar" Hunter replied weakly.
"No wonder you passed out. I'd tried to tell you guys that you need to get up a bit earlier and get yourself something decent for breakfast, or this is gonna be an everyday occurrence."
"Sorry, I just got up later today than usual." Hunter tried to explain. "I didn't sleep real well last night."
"Well, you have the rest of the day to catch up. No more practice for you."
Hunter sat up fast, too fast and nearly passed out again. "I have to go to practice," he argued "the coach is gonna kill me if I'm not there. He's already pissed at me."
"I'll take care of Coach Jackson." Then turning to Jerric, "How about you get your roomie back to the dorm and see that he takes a cool shower and gets something to eat."
Jerric nodded. "Sure, no problem."
Jerric helped Hunter to the front door of the arena, then left him with the trainer while he pulled the car to the curb. Once back at the doom, he helped Hunter out of his clothes and stayed in the bathroom while he was showering in case the dizziness returned.
Still feeling a little shaky, Hunter laid down on his bed while trying to finish up his third bottle of water. Jerric sat down on the bed next to him and gently pushed Hunter's still damp hair off of his forehead.
"I ordered Chinese. They said it would be here in about half an hour. Do you want me to get you something out the machine to hold you over?"
"No thanks, I'm fine." The conversation was strained and Hunter was anxious to put it behind him. "You know I waited for you to come back last night. I wanted to talk to you."
"I'm sorry." Jerric said hanging his head. "I really didn't think there was anything to discuss."
"I'm guessing you stayed with Adam?" Hunter asked.
Jerric was faced with a gut-wrenching decision. Be honest and face Hunter's reaction, or lie and take the safe route. He could say he stayed with Jeff. Hunter would easily buy that story.
He took a deep breath. "That's not where I wanted to be, but yeah, I was with Adam."
"Where did you want to be?"
"I wanted to be with you. Laying in bed, with you sleeping in my arms, but I was foolish to think that was ever gonna happen."
Hunter sat up slowly. "You weren't foolish; you were right. I'm scared.
Jerric nodded. "I know, and I wish I could promise you that everything would be perfect, but I can't. All I can do is tell you that I want to be with you and that the Jerric you've heard about isn't the real me."
"What if I don't make the team?"
"Hunter, there are only 5 guys left. You know Eric is as dumb as dirt. Coach Jackson will never take him. Mark won't qualify academically, and Steven couldn't shoot an outside jumper to save his life. That leaves you and Greg. The team needs a point guard. Greg is 6'8". A guy that big isn't quick enough to be a point guard."
"So you really think I have a chance?"
"Yeah, I really do." He paused and looked directly into Hunter's eyes, "and I think we have a chance too. I'll do everything I can to make it work."
Hunter smiled. "Then I think you better kiss me again."
Jerric leaned in slowly anticipating the touch of Hunter's soft lips on his wanting to savor the moment. He could feel the heat of Hunter's body, when the ring of his cell phone interrupted them.
"Dammit!" Jerric cursed as he reached for the annoyance.
He looked at display and then quickly at his watch.
"Shit, I'm dead!"
Reluctantly he answered. "Hello?"
"Jerric it's Coach Jackson. Practice started 15 minutes ago."
Jerric had been right. Coach Jackson was furious.
"I don't know where the hell you are Jerric, but you've got about 2 minutes to get your ass to practice. And I hope you've allotted plenty of time for our little chat tonight, because the list of things we need to discuss is getting longer by the minute."
"I'm on my way Coach, and I have an explanation." Jerric said in his most apologetic voice.
"I don't want any god damn excuses. I want your ass here at practice."
The phone went dead before Jerric could respond.
He kissed Hunter quickly on the forehead. "We'll have to continue this later, if I'm still alive. Get some rest and I'll be back as soon as practice is over."
As Jerric rushed out the door, Hunter laid back on his bed, drained not only physically, but now emotionally as well. What had he just gotten himself into? His heart told him this right, but his head argued loudly. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was falling.....and falling hard.
To be continued......