This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction.
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Cards in the Deck - Adam and Ben 17
So the months after the rugby reconnect went by fast. I was able to attend several of the rugby matches. Quinn came along for two of them. No, we didn't engage in sexual activity. This was a time for purity and quality. Adam needed to come through this semester strong. The team did not make it to the championship but they got a lot closer than previous years. And as graduation was finally approaching, a lot had to be done. Quinn was putting together a big surprise for Adam with my full support. I was preparing to take over the Chief Rector position from Courtney Mckinnon. 3 years was a daunting commitment but it was my turn. The new Executive Director had full control of the Trust which helped me so much. Phil was completely off my back. Brevard Packaging took on three new contracts and it took everything I had to close those deals. The City Council was riding me about increasing my employment numbers but they didn't show any signs of giving me a break on taxes and waste pickup fees. I was reaching my tolerance level with them.
And then, before I knew it, St Lukes graduation weekend was here. I drove down to Mobile Friday afternoon and checked into my hotel. There would be the graduation rehearsal at 6 then the Board of Rectors Dinner at 7:30. My night would be booked. I knew Adam's would be as well given he and his friends had plans to celebrate.
I relaxed for a bit then got dressed. Blue and Grey check sportcoat with burgundy and grey paisley tie, dark grey dress pants. I looked good. Haircut neatly in place, clean shaven. Crisp was the image I wanted this weekend.
I drove out to the school and parked outside the auditorium. I entered the auditorium and spotted Adam immediately, second row from the back. I took my seat up front and we endured the dry walkthrough. There were several flair ups with the excited seniors but all in all, nothing out of the ordinary. The rector's dinner went off quite well. A nice prime rib always satisfies a good Southern gentleman. Some Woodford Reserve works well too!
The graduation ceremony launched at 9 am Saturday morning. The Pomp and Circumstance theme music got to me as all the boys processed in. The families and faculty all stood and admired the graduating class. Along the way, Headmaster Lewis, made the dreaded announcement, "I now call on Benjamin Brevard, your new Chief Rector..."
I took the podium. "Rectors, faculty, students and parents, I am honored to accept the challenge to lead the Board of Rectors. This is not a role based on status and certainly does not make you "look pretty". I have the daunting task of following the lead and example set by Mr. Mckinnon for the past three years. He has led the school through an IT initiative that has elevated our online presence, updated testing and reporting features, and putsus in a class with the top 5 private schools in America! Applause please!" I looked at Courtney, almost catching his boyish good looks from olden days, and mouthed, "damn fine job man." He nodded in appreciation. I finished up my speech since everyone wanted to get to the good stuff.
Then after 71 names had been called, HM Lewis announced "I present Adam West" and there it was. It was done.
We all met outside in the yard and had our meets and greets. Courtney Mckinnon, along with his studly son Court approached me.
"Ben, thanks for the props up there. I put in a lot of hours to that."
"Damn Courtney, following you is going to be a mess. I almost wish it weren't me," and we all laughed. I looked at his son Court and said, "What are you laughing at? You will have your time up there one day." Courtney cracked up while his son looked dismayed.
Adam came up to us and punched Court in the arm and they were about to launch into a wrestle move when I took Adam by the collar. "Calm down you two! We have to head out, are you ready Adam?"
"Yep." He leaned forward and whispered something to Court and I could tell they had forged a strong bond. I was so happy to see him forming these bonds with the team and with the students at the school.
Court touched my arm and said, "It was so cool meeting you, Ben. We had a good time backat your place in February."
"Thanks Court, I appreciate that. I gather you all have a reunion weekend at Brevard scheduled in July?"
"Oh yeah," he said.
Courtney spoke up, "Damn Ben, he never talks to us like that. You must have left a fine impression on him. All we get is `ugh ugh' out of him!"
I laughed and headed back to the car. I informed Adam he must follow me. No passing, no racing. We would arrive back at Brevard at the same time. I think he understood there was a plan afoot.
We chatted by phone most of the way back. I had a couple of interruptions from Quinn. Poor thing was back at Brevard with Erin, Joe, Phil, Margo, and Cook getting things ready. When we pulled into the front gates, it was apparent what was going on. Maybe 40 cars and a school bus were piled into the drive. The garage court was full so we pulled up to the front portico where Quinn had reserved space for us. When we exited our vehicles, Adam was complete shock.
"What the fuck have you done?
"Nothing," I laughed. This was your friend's idea. They put it together.
"Just put on that face of grace and be prepared. Today is your day, Adam. There may be 400 shrimp, 2 pigs, and gallons of guacamole made by Cook herself. Today is your day," and I kissed him on his cheek.
We walked into the house which was eerily quiet. I might have heard some random board creek up on the third floor. Otherwise, silence. We walked through the foyer and into the South Parlor. The silk drapes on the french doors kept us from seeing what was about to unfold. I took the doorknob in hand and he took in a big breath. As I opened the door and all the faces came into view, so did the roar of everyone clapping and cheering. What we observed from the start was the entire football team gathered at the left side of the portico. The cheerleaders were all gathered on the right side. The families and friends were piled in behind. The football team, who were wearing their helmets, all removed their helmets simultaneously and gave the tiger's roar, almost military style. Adam stood speechless. I was too, actually. It was a sight. I only wish I could have had a picture taken of the moment. He bowed his head graciously unable to speak. I had to take a step back because it almost made me emotional.
The coach came up the steps to the porch and took Adam's hand. Everyone got quiet.
"Adam, son, the whole team agrees with me when I say you were one of the best of our times. No one ran as many yards for us. No one advanced our cause with greater speed or agility. No one persevered with as much courage as you. We are damn proud of you and are gonna miss you. I need one just like you every year. Congratulations Adam and God be with you son." With that he grabbed him up and gave him one of those hugs. Not that shallow, put on kind. That fatherly embrace. It was now I had to look down as if the sun were in my eyes. When I looked back up and caught Quinn's big ass grin and the sun shining on all the heads, it almost looked like halos around their heads.
Well, they will tell you birds are sensitive to storms and will fly away at the first indication, while the eagle is not afraid and will fly into the storm if he needs to. It was time for this eagle to fly into his storm so I kicked Adam in the back of the leg. He stumbled forward and almost fell down the steps. I'm glad he didn't. But he took the leap and descended the steps and into the crowd and into the storm. The party was on!
Obviously, I didn't know many of these people but I greeted and shook hands with many. There were many admirers of the mansion and grounds. Kids were everywhere. Girls in pretty dresses. Guys in polos. Apparently, Quinn had set a respectable dress code for the event. Erin and Joe found their way to me just about the same time as Phil and Margo. Margo was stunning in her yellow sundress and wide brimmed hat.
Erin was first to speak, "Mr. and Mrs. Brevard, I am thrilled to see you all here. So glad you could come up." He shook their hands with genuine affection.
"Erin Kincaid," replied Margo, "we just get older and you just get better looking!" she quipped.
"Thanks Mrs. Brevard but I peaked yesterday so it should all start going south tomorrow. You are one who looks amazing. That dress is fabulous!" She laughed and looked at Joe.
"Mr and Mrs Brevard, I would like you to meet my partner, Joe Baxter." As Phil reached for his hand, Margo said, "I have heard much about you Joe. It is a real pleasure to have you here today."
"Thank you Mrs. Brevard but the honor is all mine. I have heard a lot about you too and I feel I might have missed the chance to address you as "O Captain, my captain."
"Damn I like this one already," she said smiling to me. She looked up at Joe with his tall strong stature, and said, "Why don't you and I slip over to the drinks table and get some drinks for the group. I'm parched and I want to hear about your architecture business." She took him arm in and arm and whisked him away.
Phil was grinning, knowing the moves taking place. Erin did a little dance and said so proudly, "Score one for the visiting team! This is a great party Ben. The place has never looked better."
Phil interjected and patted me on the shoulder, "it sure does son. I haven't seen Brevard so festive in a number of years. Im very proud of you."
"I didn't do this. This was his [Adam's] friends. They put this together."
"You did your part, don't be shy," said Erin.
As we gathered and had drinks and caught up with each other, the party raged on. Margo and Phil did a lot of chit chat with the locals. Adam introduced me to so many of his friends from school. Presley and John-James came up from Atlanta with Erin and Joe. That was great of them to bring the boys. Adam was beaming through the whole occasion.
At one point, while I was talking to Adam, I detected a trace of alcohol on his breath.
"Are there flasks out there?" I asked. He said there were but not a big deal. That was for me to decide. Besides, it was time to address the football team. I instructed Adam to gather the football team in 15 minutes over on the east lawn at the end of the east wing. He looked surprised and concerned. I told him to just do it.
Once they were all gathered, I asked everyone to get in line. They formed two lines and stood at attention and with great curiosity.
I stepped up on to the small porch and said, "Gentlemen, I am so glad you could all come today. This has been an amazing day. Adam has some great friends among you! Now, because I have to be a responsible person, I have to make sure no one leaves here in an unsafe condition. Actually, this is not that kind of party but we are going to take measures now to rectify. Everyone raise your right hand. Now everyone lift your left foot." Two stumbled. "Take a seat gentlemen." One dropped his foot. "Get that foot up," I instructed. "Now everyone hop three times. Not four, just three." Another stumbled. "Have a seat son," I instructed. "Now hop and turn a complete circle." No one faltered. "Ok drop your hands and feet and bend over and touch your toes." One stumbled and another vomited just a little bit. "Sit,!" I ordered. "Coach take the keys of the boys that are driving." He looked at me with shock and ordered each of the boys to hand over their keys. Only a couple had driven, the rest were on the bus.
"Boys, I am pretty upset right now," he chided.
"Coach, you can deal with this later. I have other matters right now. Gentlemen, I have lived here long enough to recognize the patterns of life. Right now, you are at your fittest. You are strong and determined, able to run, catch, and take a beating. But in a couple of years, some of you will be lucky to walk. You will put on weight, become sluggish, and give in to the ex-athlete's fate. I want to see something different. I want you to live your present but think about your future! This community supports you every Friday night and you have to give something back. You have to stay fit; mentally and physically. That is why I am challenging every one of you to take on a charity event this summer. I don't care if its cleaning up something, coaching something, or feeding someone. I want you to understand what it is to contribute. With that, with every event verified, I am going to give $100 to the Tigers Athletic program. That's a lot of money, gentlemen! Coach, can you handle this?
"I think I can. Its very generous of you."
"Coach, if we brought all the football players from Alabama togetherat one time, what do you think they could accomplish?"
"After we broke up all the fights?" He asked. Everyone chuckled. "We could pick this state up and move it, I do believe." Everyone nodded.
"Team, if you participate in one charity event this summer as a team, I will host a barbecue for you here on the grounds that you won't forget come mid-season! A band, the food, the works. Clean up the highway, paint your bleachers, I don't care. I would like to see you all on a program making you prepared for the future, a good future! Are we clear on this? Any questions? Good. Now one more thing, when you leave a place like this," pointing to the house and grounds, "in an impaired state, you are not only risking you and your friends but you risk my reputation as well. That's not fair. So, while I am not egging the coach to take disciplinary action, I want you to know that your actions can cause a lot of pain. Be more thoughtful in the future. Got it?" They nodded. "Dismissed!" It won't sink in but I made my point.
They applauded and seemed excited. They didn't know this was the executive director's idea which will aid us in tightening up another 2% of our tax loop. Enabling volunteerism counts toward our giving. Its all strategy. Besides, it will benefit the community.
The party wound itself out by about 6 pm. We were all exhausted. Phil, Margo, Erin, Joe, and the boys and Quinn sat with us for a while reviewing the events of the day and catching up on other discussions. I think Phil and Margo were enjoying the youthfulness of the crowd. She asked so many questions. Everyone had a chance to tell their story. Afterall, they spend their time in the retirement community called Naples. The big topic being Adam heading off to Mississippi in the Fall. I really hated discussing it. Such a long ways away and so many changes that will follow. Errr.
Erin and Joe had a bedroom, Phil and Margo had a room, and the boys were sharing a room. We had a full house for a change. It was fun though. We cleaned up the yard, bagged all the trash which Adam and the boys drove to the dumping grounds. Later, the young ones hung out and played video games while the older ones raised our feet and relaxed in more comfortable clothes. Adam and I were leaving for Gulf Shores first thing that morning.