It was a strange and difficult sleep but I was up early and went for a run. On the way back I left a note on JJ truck window saying I need a ride to school. It was a quick shower and school clothes as there would be no attempt at work. I was drinking coffee and JJ blasted the horn and we were off to school. I'm not sure if it was a strange day at school or if I was in a strange mood. There was a lot of talk about the scene Mary Ann and Terrie made. It wasn't that they came out but the very public display and make out session in the cafeteria that got them both detention. Carrie and her passing were a topic but one everyone was having difficulty processing. As for me I simply focused on school. I signed out of study hall and went to the gym and worked out. It really felt good to work out and i took a quick shower and went to the car and checked my messages. Then I thought about my schedule and called Dr. Drennan's office and asked for an early afternoon appointment on Thursday and was told 12:45.
It was too early for practice so I just sat there thinking and listening to music when my phone rang and it was Sam. I immediately asked what's up knowing he couldn't possibly be good. Mike there will be a viewing all day Thursday and a funeral service on Saturday. The rents are a mess and unable to do anything. They take me everywhere and I end up making all the decisions. I'm going to school and practice tomorrow and to school on Thursday morning and and all day Friday and if coach lets me I'm playing on Friday. I'm starting to figure out the football and this isn't getting in the way. Mike if you can or are up for it please stop by Thursday. Sam, I promise I'll be there and he said it will mean a lot and hung up.
It was almost practice time so I went to the field house saw it was full pads and was thrilled. I started on defense and after 4 plays was moved to offense and that last d another 4 plays and coach said Mike that's enough for the day. I don't want people hurt by friendly fire. Save that for the game. I simply sat on the bench and watched. It was a very quick shower and I drove to my place and went right into the house, grabbed an iced tea and went to my spot on the patio. Eventually Megan came out and asked if I was interested in dinner and I said sure and went inside. It was one of my favorites, lemon chicken and wild rice and a small salad. The conversation with dad, Megan and Cole was light and avoided the elephant in the room. After dinner I helped clean up and then asked dad for a few minutes and we went in his office and I closed the door. I told him about the funeral arrangements and that I had an appointment with my head doctor on Thursday and would stop at the funeral home after practice. Ok Mike but why are we here? I reached for his cigarettes and they were quickly snatched away. Dad, I simply needed some normal time. All the time I had set aside for me this week has simply vanished. Dad smiled and said well Kyle has sent you an email canceling your meeting tomorrow. We talked about it and he agreed that you needed your space. I looked right at him and said dad the problem is that on a deep level, I don't care. Sure it is tragic and a big loss to a lot of people, I'm just not one of them. It ended for me at Nemacolin months ago. Hell she was there dying and waiting for me and all I could say was that I loved you. Dad, that's all there was because once I did. So Mike, why did it fall apart and hurt so much? Dad we were star crossed lovers. It was fast, intense and all encompassing but little real thought was involved and as we slowly revealed ourselves it didn't work. Dad at our core hidden under all that emotion and energy we were fundamentally different. Her always looking for the quickest and easiest way and me looking for the best way, no matter how hard. That became a bridge too far as she tried to manipulate me. All of a sudden I laughed and said, well now that I said all that I can cancel the head doctor. We hugged and I went to my place.
I immediately threw myself into a CMU project and as usual I was totally involved and unaware of any drama, simply lost in numbers, equations, sines and cosines. There was the usual restarts and pacing and finally it all made sense and just before midnight I finished and jumped into bed. I was up with the alarm and a quick shower and jeans and a tee and athletic shoes, no socks and grabbed a coffee and went to school. It seemed normal as JJ pulled in beside me and walking to the building he asked if I was remotely normal? I said sure, why? Well yesterday at practice, for the first time ever I saw that world class linebacker. I laughed and said well watch out on Friday and JJ laughed and said dude the game has been moved to Thursday and TV. I stopped dead in my tracks and said that can't happen. JJ, that is the viewing for Carrie. MJ, talk with the coach there is a workaround. English class was good and being current I participated but was asked to stay after class. After class I was handed my paper and asked what was missing? I said punctuation. Mike, that correct but why? I sat down and grabbed a pencil and correctly punctuated the paper and handed it back. I could tell she was mad but simply said thanks. The rest of the day was as normal as it could be and I went to the Athletic Office. Nancy said Mike, just go in and Chuck will see you. I quickly explained the situation and he said Mike, do what you need to do and the game starts at 7:00. We all understand how hard this must be. I said thanks and he said play like you practiced yesterday.
With that done I quickly drove to the airport and the flight school and cancelled my Thursday's simulator session and scheduled on for Friday as there would be no practice. Back at the car I cancelled my appointment with Dr. Drennan. I was thinking a Friday off from school and a day at the simulator and the office. I had no idea what practice would be like as a game tomorrow never entered my thoughts. As it turned out is was a typical practice the day before a game. While practice was going on they were sitting thing up for the game. Looking closely it wasn't the local station is was fucking ESPN. We were going to be on national TV. I found Wyatt and asked if they had game films on tomorrow's opponent and he said yup. Wyatt, can I stop over tonight and watch them. He said sure as the company would be great as his grandfather and him had a session set for 7:30. Mike, my grandfather would be thrilled have you. Understand it will be intense. I laughed and said well that will be good practice for next year.
I found JJ and said dude, look at the shit they are setting up. He looked and said so, they are TV cameras. Asshole look closer at the markings. All of a sudden he said HOLY SHIT IT'S ESPN. Fuck, I have only been on TV once and now it's national. MJ, what you doing tonight? Well I'm looking at game films at Wyatt's. JJ disappeared and when he returned he said I'm joining you. Wyatt, JJ and I are going to the tavern for dinner can you get free? Wyatt smiled and said I'll check when this nonsense is over. We were just out of the shower and Wyatt walked by and gave us a thumbs up and we took JJ's truck to the Tavern. This time iced tea was iced tea and it was burgers and fries all around. I made a special point to ask the owner for our usual table and said JJ and I wouldn't have girls. At about 7:00 we stopped at school collected our cars and Wyatt rode with me to his house. As soon as we pulled into the driveway Wyatt's grandfather appeared and he asked why are you two here? Then he pointed at me and said you first. Coach Carson, two reasons on Monday a very special person my age pass and I wasn't with it for the films. Second, it's a national TV game and I want to be ready. He looked at me and said well that's one good excuse but learn to put personal issue behind you as they won't give a crap about those things next year. He looked at JJ and said well Tex, I'm betting it's simply national TV for you. JJ shrugged and said sir, that's correct. Then I was totally blown away and Wyatt's grandfather said I've looked at films on you two all year and you have had good games but nothing near your potential and he looked at me and said you were better last year. Then he said let's get to work.
Inside we went to the basement and there was a small room with a screen and a projector, two comfortable chairs and two wooden ladder back chairs. JJ and I took those chairs and it's started. The session was edited and grouped in importance and started with their defense. On the screen was a full view of their defense. We were asked what do you see? JJ said a 3 - 4 and most likely a zone with safety support. The projector started and ran but stopped before the snap. We were ask who is the best defensive back. I said the safety and was asked why? I laughed and said he can't stand still and is ready to go. Then Wyatt was asked, who is the best backer and he answered inside right backer for the same reason. It was an hour of dissecting defensive plays and JJ asked for a particular play to be run over three times and was asked what he was looking for. JJ said to find out why he just stood there with the play running right at him? Tex, he is either lazy or he misread the play. I think he simply had a brain fart. Next time just ask. With that we spent another hour on their offense. It was intense, focused, informative and worth every minute. Once we were finished JJ said he had to go and that he hadn't be home in almost 15 hours and he shook hands with Wyatt's grandfather and said thanks coach. I didn't hang around long and Wyatt's grand father walked me to the car and said Mike, on your worst day you are very good but when am I going to see the best linebacker in high school football? You must know that the VT people are watching your uninspired performance so far this year. Hell if I was a betting man I would bet you had no chance of being a starter next year. If that's a goal get it in gear and show us something special. I said thanks coach and I get it. I opened the door and said and it won't be because of TV.
At home I went right to the house and found dad and Megan and Cole had made them aware of the game change. Then we discussed that I was going to school and would be at the funeral home around 2:30 as the viewing was 2 - 4. Dad said he would be there around the same time. As for the game Megan would watch and record the game. I said goodnight and went to my place grabbed a beer and thought about tomorrow. I simply concluded the day would be what it became and went to bed.
Thursday arrived with the fucking alarm and it was the usual morning and off to school. First period English went well and as I was leaving I heard Mr. Simmons a minute please. I went upfront and was handed my paper. Then I was told I graded it as you resubmitted it. Understand that will never happen again. That nonsense with punctuation was both childish and unfortunate. Be advised, I don't play games and that was an excellent and revealing essay. You are a top student and you will act like that or the grade you will get from this class will put that position in jeopardy. Do we understand each other? I said, yes I understand. Is there anything else? She said no and I went to history. I stayed through a fun lunch and drove home, after signing out for work.
At home I had time and as I wanted to give the family a chance to be alone. The funeral home was at Jefferson Cemetery and that was a 10 minute drive. I poured an iced tea and found my paper and when I looked at it I laughed. The grade was an "A" and comment was if you don't cut the crap, I'm reading this to the class. I could have been mad but damn that was well played. I couldn't wait to show that to Megan. It was time to find appropriately clothes and I selected a charcoal grey suit with a light blue shirt, a blue and grey tie and black loafers. Once that was done I jumped into the shower and when I was dried off I looked in the mirror and debated with myself about a shave. I wanted facial hair and hadn't shaved in a couple of days. I liked the rugged look for football but today I decided to simply shave. With nothing left to do I went outside and dad appeared and said Michael, my car. I took a deep breath and said sure and we were off. It was a long silent 10 minute ride and I was more and more agitated with every minute. Once we were parked, I got out and looked around at what a beautiful, quiet, sad and stupid this place was and how unnecessary. Dad stood by and watched me and quietly said Mike, it's time.
Inside I felt a chill and was immediately uncomfortable and there was soft music playing and I smiled as it was something I recognized it was Puccini's SONO ANDATI. I smiled as I would bet that I was the only one here who knew that. I went right up to the casket and almost screamed as she laid there looking so young and beautiful dressed as she always liked to be dressed. I don't know how long I stood there but I was suddenly aware of someone beside me and it was Sam. When Sam saw I was aware of him being there he said Mike, I need her alive. I started to reply and he said, so I can kill her and make it hurt. No one should ruin so many lives and hurt so many people, hell she doesn't deserve this attention. I put my arm around him and said Sam, just remember the good times. Mike tomorrow sit down and list the good time and the awful times you had with my sister and I bet you there are more bad times. Sam how about this, I'll bet we both have outstanding games this week. He looked at me and said that's a bet. Then I asked so how is the faith dated education going and he laughed out loud and said thanks, I haven't laughed in over a week. Just then Carrie's dad approach and Sam disappeared. He said Mike, thanks so much for the other day at the hospital it meant a lot to all of us especially Carrie. Sam was the only one who thought you would come and you were so good with her at the end, she need to have you there. Mr. Granger I'm so sorry all this happened. Mike, we have come to realize that we didn't know our daughter as she had many secrets. I smiled and said I totally get that. Mike, that brings me to the biggest request I have ever asked of anyone, will you please on Saturday tell us and everyone who comes who my daughter was? I was dumbfounded but asked, I thought that didn't happen at church? Well we generally are not into church so the service will be a simple blessing service and then she will be cremated and ashes spread somewhere. I shook my head thinking about Sam's faith based education. Then I was told that we put the house up for sale and will be moving to Peters Township. Sam will be enrolling in that school at the semester. Mr. Granger all I can do is talk about Carrie and me and what I grew to love. He smiled and said and what you grew not to love? I was quiet for a few and said, I'll find a way to do that and make it a respectful good bye. I hope that works for you but I doubt that will ever happen for me. Then I said, I'll see you Saturday and please have Sam call me sometime tomorrow. We shook hands and I made a pit stop with Carrie's mother and made sure dad saw me leave and waited by the car.
People were coming and there we're hellos exchanged and short chats, then dad came out and asked, so Mike did you say yes? I shrugged and said not much choice. Dad looked at me and asked will this ever end for you? I said nope as she did the interior color schemes for both buildings. Dad then said Mike just change the 4th floor. Dad, just leave it as no one but me is doing my office and the big stuff is on order. So Mike are you ready for tonight? Dad absolutely and for the first time all season I'm going to dominate the fucking game. We drove home in silence and I was lost in thought.
At the house, I hugged dad and thanked him for the company and went to my place and I stripped and showered put on jeans and a hoodie as it was a chilly day and drove to school. At school I went right to the Athletic Office looking for coach. Nancy said he is with the TV people and then to the Pep Rally. I said great, I'll see him at the Rally. I went to my locker grabbed my game jersey and went to the boys' locker room and waited for everyone. As people arrived I realized we would be in white tonight as it was a home game. When coach arrived he was surprised to see me and I asked if I could say something at the assembly. He smiled and said sure but don't make me regret this.
The bell rang and the students made their way to the gym. The band played, the cheerleaders cheered and the team was introduced by class. Then the Captains with me last. Coach handed me the microphone and I put both hands in the air asking for quiet. Then I said, tonight is special, we all of us are on National TV and we all need to make a statement. The team is in white as it is a home game so how about all of us be in white. Nothing fancy just anything white and tell your rents and your grandrents and your brothers and sisters and anyone coming to the game to be in white. If you can bring something white for someone who didn't get the message. Let's show the country what school spirit is about and let's do it in a positive and respectful way. Then without the use of the microphone I screamed as loud as I could ONE FOR ALL and the place erupted ONE FOR ALL. When it was quiet again I said let's just white them out and the place went nuts again. I handed the microphone to the coach and the usual program went to its typical conclusion.
Back in the locker room coach said dinner at 5 on the field for warmups at 6 and kickoff at 7. With that we took our jerseys to the field house and JJ said MJ let's go. I didn't even ask and he drove to the local thrift shop and bought every white shirt in the place and paid almost $200.00. Back at school he gave the clothes to the booster person and said give one to anyone not in white and added take one for yourself. With that I went to get some pizza and found it was fried chicken and cold cuts and sandwiches. I made a reasonable sandwich and grabbed a bottle of water and went to the top row of the stadium and quietly ate. As usual I was one of the first in the locker room and it was game pants and I went and sat on the bench. As was becoming common I was soon joined by JJ and we didn't say a word, just sat there enjoying the quiet stadium. The team started to appear for warmups and we went inside and padded up and joined them. Warmups were good and very normal and at 6:40 we turned things over to the band and went inside. Inside it was quiet and focused and none of the coaches had anything to say. We just sat there and once the Anthem was finished Coach Weston simply said let's get to work.
We ran through the cheerleaders and I saw the crowd and was amazed as it was all white. The visiting section was full and I was thinking a total sell out. At the coin toss they called heads and it was tails and I said we'll take the ball. The official looked at me and I said ref, I'm sure but coach isn't. He laughed and we were off and running. JJ took the kick and returned it 20 yards to the 45 and in the huddle Jim said let's get this done quickly and he called me off tackle. The ball was snapped and there was a hole big enough to drive JJ's truck through and I broke free for 20. The next play was a screen pass to me and it went for 25 and we had 45 yards in two plays and were on the 10 yard line. JIm called a draw play and I laughed and it went nowhere. Back in the huddle I said you can't run right at that dude and if we have to kick a field goal I'll kick your ass. Jim said ok and called a student body left and it could have gone into next weeks game as that is how well it worked, no one laid a hand on me.
We were up 7 - 0 and had run 4 plays. We kicked off and they had the ball on the 20 as the kick went into the end zone again. Two running plays later, both for losses and my sack it was 4th and 21 and they punted. JJ fair caught the punt again and we had it first down on the 35. Wyatt was in at quarterback and he said well Mike has soften things up so fake pitch to Mike and a post pattern to JJ. on one and Red is active. The play went off and JJ outran the coverage and their safety made a diving attempt at a tackle and just missed and we were up 13 - 0 pending the point after. It went on like that with us scoring when we wanted and it was 34 nothing at the half as Wyatt had fumbled the snap and was stopped when he tried to run it in. On the way to the locker room I found Wyatt and asked, WHY. Mike I wanted the others to play in a real game situation not mercy rule rules. I'll play around some this quarter and end it early 4th. I smiled and said and pad your stats as well. He smiled and said, I'm not about that, well usually but everyone is so stoked I'm taking advantage.
The second half started and we had the ball and it was clearly next years team out there on offense. They were moving in medium size chunks and there was an incomplete pass (a dropped ball) and finally a punt. Defense bent a little but it was good and the series ended in a punt. Back on offense there were two overthrown passes and a nice run but the drive stalled after 6 plays. As Wyatt ran off the field I grabbed him and said dude, end it next series or I'm having coach bench your ass. There are college scouts in the damn stands and you aren't doing yourself or a few others any good. I noticed Wyatt had a chat with a few players and damn when they got on the field on offense things were crisper and intense and they scored in 6 plays and the game slipped into the mercy rule. The final score was 42 - 7. It was the usual after game activities only this time the spectators stayed around. Not knowing how to react we ran past the stands as a team waving to the crowd.
I immediately had three reporters in my face and I was asked that was a heck of a game you had, triple digits on offense and so many plays for a loss, what was the difference? I said preparation and an attitude adjustment. Before you ask, I was told that while I was having a very good season I was underperforming, I thought about it and agreed and made the adjustments. Mike are you still committed to VT? Yes, I am. Have your goals for the season changed? They have not. Mike it seems like the team is more united this week, what brought that about? A continuation of our agreement to work together. Then I said what I want to talk about is the fantastic fan support we had tonight, the white out was terrific and I hope the students can continue with theme nights, like we did last year for the basketball run to the PIAA Championship. That's our goal, thanks for the time. It was a quick shower and an even quicker chat with dad and the Major and I was off to the tavern. I opened the door and the place erupted chanting MIke, Mike over and over. I finally but my hands up and they quickly quieted down and I said thanks for the white out support tonight I was important to us. I took my time going to our table and shook hands and chatted with people. At the table JJ asked what are you running for? I smiled and said nothing, just practicing. I ordered a burger and fries and was handed an iced tea and thought a beer would be nice. I tasted the tea and smiled as it was indeed spiked. JJ and I walked out together and I asked if he was going to school in the morning and he surprised me and said yup. I shrugged and said me too.
At my place it was right to my room and I poured an iced tea and thought I need vodka. I just sat there thinking about the day and decided it was a good as it could have been. There was a knock on the door and Cole came in and he sat down and said great game and damn it was fun. I smiled and said it was fun playing, for the first time this year. Then he said MJ, we have a big match tomorrow at south hills, would you come watch? I smiled and said absolutely and I'll bring some of my friends. He smiled and said awesome. Cole left and I called Josh and he said what's up? Josh the golf team has a big match tomorrow's at south hills, how about we all watch, spread the word. He said absolutely and the same call went to Chad and Jim and JJ and Wyatt. This would be fun but it complicated my day. With that I was ready for bed.
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