I was awake before Winnie and it was early so I just laid there and was thinking about last night and wondered why we did what we did. There was no fucking way I wanted a rug rat at this time of my life. Just then Winnie looked at me and smiled and asked why are you up so early. Babe, I get up at this time all the time. Mick, last night we both took a chance that we shouldn't have taken. We got caught up in things but I haven't missed a birth control pill and I don't take anything that might make them ineffective, we should be good. Winnie I know shit happens but if something happens you would have a lot of decisions to make. Marry me or not, keep the kid, abort the process. We can talk about all that but it's your call. I would support you and be there for you. The only thing I can say is that there will be no adoption. I will simply raise my kid. Mick, what about shared custody? I laughed and said babe, we have a lot of carts lined up in front of the horse. With that Winnie got up and went to the bathroom. She wasn't there long and when she returned she had a glass of water and a small brown envelop which she handed to me. Mick, you know what that is in the envelop, just think about it. You have a lot of friends and I got this from a friend whose dad owns a pharmacy. It in case we have a blowout with a condom. You see all of a sudden your friends are my friends, it's amazing. Winnie what is amazing that you took that step having said you don't miss a pill and are not taking anything that would make the pill stop working. So I'm not telling you to take this or not. As far as I am concerned it will be what it becomes. I handed the envelop back, kissed her and said shower and breakfast and let's look at our future home.
It was quick separate showers and we didn't bother JJ and Kathy and went to the lobby. Neither of us found the hotel breakfast appetizing so we went looking for a place. We only walked a little more than a block when we found Redford Coffee Company. It was perfect, great coffee and breakfast bagels were simply outstanding. We had a great breakfast and we talked and the tension from the conversation in the room was gone. We were at the West end of campus which was close to the Duck Pond, so we started there. When we got there the pond was frozen over and the ducks were gone for the winter. Back in a day they would cut the ice from the pond into large chunks and store them in a cabin and it provided ice for refrigeration for a long time. There are benches and picnic tables and it is a great family place but very romantic. It is the oldest part of campus with buildings dating back to the 1770's. The campus has a large green space which is the drill field and yes there is still a corps of cadets. They actually drill every day.
We walked on the side of the drill field which was housing. Winnie asked what I knew about Hokie Stone. Well there is a quarry relative close to here where the stone comes from. It is dolomite, a mineral found in the Appalachian Mountains and most prevalent in Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama. A sedimentary rock and occurs in muted shades of pink, red, gray, brown, and black, like you see. From early on it was used in all construction. Then in the 1970's they tried to make thing more modern and they bought a shopping center and constructed modern buildings. That was so successful that recently they passed a policy stating that all buildings on Blacksburg's campus will be Hokie Stone. We got to a road and I asked if she wanted to explore the local neighborhood. I was happy that she agreed s I wanted to see what the area was like and if anything might be for sale.
The neighborhood was quiet but it was Saturday morning and most were not awake. We were a block off campus and heading towards the stadium when I saw a for sale sign. I simply took a picture and sent it to Tim. It looked to be 4 units and was in good shape from the outside. We kept walking and were heading back to campus towards the Chapel when my phone rang and it was Tim. When I said hi Tim, he said don't get involved with that building. We have made a low offer and added a required building inspection and a review of the leases and mortgage approval. I laughed and said great work and I just walked by. Mike, we will keep you informed. I said thanks and hung up. Winnie just stopped and asked Mick, are you buying a building around here? I laughed and said possibly. We both need to be in a dorm but I need a private place for work things and a place where we might want to be alone. Oh, I'm also leasing land at the airport and building a hanger. I have to keep the jet warm. She laughed and we walked by the stadium and she kept looking at it but didn't say anything and neither did I.
We went inside the Chapel but didn't stay long as Winnie is less religious than me, if that's possible, and that suited me as it was special and we saved the roof for later. Now we were on the academic side and while the buildings were great gothic Hokie Stone structures they were pretty typical inside. I mean there are about 33,000 undergraduates on campus and that wears down the interior of the buildings. We then walked to the "modern" 1970's part of campus and we both laughed as it was so ugly and you knew instantly when these things were built. It was unlikely that we would have many classes in this part of Campus based on what we would be studying. We did find a great coffee shoppe and as she was a bit cold it was a great break. I asked if she wanted to go back to the hotel and she said nope, she was good. I called JJ and he asked what we were doing and I said Winnie wanted to see the campus. I asked what they were doing and he said breakfast. I laughed and asked if he meant brunch. He laughed and said I'm just glad it isn't lunch, later dude. I said don't be late and he replied, no worries.
We still had almost two hours before I needed to be at the athletic offices and Winnie asked if we could go to the library. I shrugged and said sure as I should see it at least once. She just shook her head and said, well I'll show you the way. At the library it was totally empty and I was wondering why it was even open. We looked around for a while and finally settled on a out of the way table in a reading room and sat and talked. It was all about school and she said that she would only know me and JJ and would definitely not do the Greek thing. Then she asked if I thought we would last here as a couple. Mick, you will be so high profile every girl on campus would want you. I laughed and said babe, I'll be lucky to have time for you and I hate groupies. Let's just be ourselves and not force anything. The time flew by and we headed to the athletic office in Lane Stadium.
In the lobby I saw Paul, Jacob and JT the only one missing was RJ the Quarterback from York, PA as he was snowed in. JJ and Kathy were soon there and I was amazed that everyone had rents with them. Paul and JT also had girls with them. I felt bad that I hadn't invited dad or Megan and then again neither did JJ invite his rents. Coach appeared with his staff and I have never seen so many coaches. Coach B thanked everyone for making the trip on short notice and then said that he needed to talk with the guys and that everyone should follow the coaches. Once we were alone Coach said Mike and Jim, I owe you an apology, you were our first calls and it wasn't until JT asked if his parents could come with with him that we mentioned it to the others. Once we were aware that you two here with just your girls we called your parents and explained. JJ thanked the Coach for explaining and for making the call to the parents. I just stared at the coach and said nothing. Then the coach said besides your parents and girls there will be media there mostly national and ESPN. I will introduce each of you individually. Once that is all done I will ask you to sign your letters. Then there will be an opportunity for questions from the media. With that we were each handed a VT game jersey and for the first time I smiled. I looked at JJ and he was all smiles and taking it all in. I was really glad for him as being here is a big step in him achieving his goal of playing on Sunday and I'm there for him every way possible.
Coach went into a room closing the door and leaving us standing in a hallway. Shortly the door was open and we could hear what he was saying. Ladies and gentlemen we have had great recruiting classes in the past but nothing like this. We have six 5 star recruits and 5 of them are here today to sign their letters of intent. R.J. Duckmiser from York, Pa os a 6'4", 210 Quarterback. He is the PAAA District 3 player of the year and PAAA Quarterback of the year, unfortunately he and his parents are snowed in but we have received is signed letter via fax this morning. Now it it is my pleasure to introduce a 5'11" 220 lbs running back from Blackstone, VA. In his senior year he rushed for 1,876 yearns and is a member of the current Virginia 4A State Champions. Please welcome Paul Edmonds. Paul shrugged and walked into the room to a very nice applause. Next we have we have a 6' 4" 233 lbs tight end from Forest, VA. He has excellent speed and great hands and his blocking ability is very good. He is first team Virginia tight end and scored 12 TD's please welcome Jacob Jennings. Again a nice applause and Jacob entered the room waving. Next we have a 6' 3" 312 lbs Center from Melba, VA. He is rated as the second highest offensive lineman in the country. Please welcome J. T. Washington. J. T. Not only looked like a lineman but acted like one and simply went in and sat down. Our next guy was originally recruited from a small high school just outside Houston, Texas. He was the typical Texas high school player. Well that was until we met with his school Principal and found he was an excellent student. He was at that time a very highly rated receiver with outstanding speed and hands. Then the family moves to Pittsburgh and he developed into a an outstanding Safety and continued to develop as a receiver. He is rated in the top five in both positions nationally and could easily play both positions at this level. He is 6' and 195 lbs. He is PAAA defensive player of the year and first team wideout and is a member of the current PAAA 4 A Championship Team, Please welcome JJ Messer. JJ went in waving both hands to the typical applause and I heard him yell Hi, Mom and Dad. Our final guest today is a 6' 4" 224 lbs linebacker from Pittsburgh, PA. He is the highest rated high school linebacker nationally and at the same time amassed 1,135 rushing yards and just under a 1,000 receiving yards. He is the two time District player of the year a feat that has never been accomplished to more than 90 years. He is the current PAAA player of the year and a member of the current PAAA 4 A state Champions. Please welcome Mike Simmons. I went in and saw dad, Megan, Cole and Ashley. In stead of finding my seat I went up and shook dad's hand and Megan got a hug as did Cole and Ashley got a kiss on the forehead and then sat down.
Then Coach B said guys, the standard letter of intent and a pen are in front of you please look it over and sign. JJ picked up the pen and simply signed and dated the document. I quickly scanned the document and as it was in order simply signed Michael James Simmons, Jr. and leaned back in the chair. There were no issues and Coach B collect the documents and shook everyone's hand and said, welcome to the team. With that done Coach pointed to the ESPN guy and said Chuck, I assume you have a question? Mike, you seem pleasantly surprised to see your family, why weren't you aware that they would be here? I laughed and said Chuck, nicely phrased question. Chuck just smiled and I said, well as you know I lead a very complicated life and that applies to my family. Dad, is returning to work after a lengthy break, my stepmom is a Federal Judge and my stepbrother is a top rated Amateur Golfer. This event was a last minute thing and we will be leaving for a golf event for Cole at Pebble Beach on Wednesday. Things needed worked out and I was thrilled to see them and need to thank Major Messer for flying everyone here this morning. I looked at Coach and he was relieved as I covered for him. Then Chuck asked Mike, how did you get here? I smiled and said by jet. Mike did you fly the Jet? Yes, I did but will you let others ask a question and hopefully they can be directed to my teammates. Now Coach was all smiles and there were questions to everyone else with me having to answer only one more question.
When it was all over I went up to JJ and we high fives and grabbed each other into a giant hug. That was followed my a hug and a kiss with the girls and Winnie actually gave me a long and somewhat inappropriate kiss. We then joined the families and we chatted briefly and I told them that I had a meeting with the strength coach and that it wouldn't be long. They managed to tell me that they were all staying overnight and that I was expected for dinner. I looked at dad and asked so you paying? Dad just looked and I said, well I just signed my life away so you didn't have to pay tuition. Everyone laughed and I got out of Dodge before dad could react. As soon as I was free a Coach came up and asked Mike what do you need? Coach, a reasonable workout program. He laughed and said keep doing what you are. We understand you will run track so get a good 40 yard time and we currently have you a 4.5. We would like you at 230 but don't want you slower. Basically talk with me when you get that time and we can see what needs twinkled. Mike, you are exactly where we need you right now so relax and have fun. Coach what if I need to do more? He looked at me and said well Mike that always is considered but to be honest sometimes what we we want matters more. While we are reasonable but everything isn't up for negotiation. You are very fit and I would take a hundred guys with your work ethic. Just don't over do it as it will slow you down. I said thanks and rejoined the family.
JJ's mom came up to me and gave me a big hug and said Mike, thanks for being friends with JJ he is a much better person because of that friendship. I said, well he is very important to me and we are good for each other. There was plenty of time before dinner and JJ and his dad were talking about something and it wasn't the warmest day and I knew the ladies were getting cold. Then JJ said that his dad wanted to see the chapel complex. I had to laugh at the "complex" but knew what he meant and it was the roof and all that was there and what it represented that mattered to this Air Force Major and astronaut. It wasn't a long walk and as we walked Megan asked Mike, why did you let the coaches off the hook about the poor communication? Mom, they fucked up, they apologized and they tried to make it right. There was no need to blow things up on day one, besides you guys got here. She smiled and said, well I guess you have grown up. Mom, I want something that only they can give me once that happens the rules change. Megan laughed and said well that will be interesting to watch. Then she surprised me and said Mike, please go slower with Winnie. You seem to be getting "all in" and I don't want you hurt again. I smiled and said mom, she isn't Carrie and I have a fun storie to tell you about how I got that bitch out of my head. Just then the Major said he was going outside and would like JJ, Cole and Mike 1 & 2 to join him. The ladies were welcome but he wanted a private chat with the guys. With that he simply went outside.
I hung back for a minute and the ladies seemed to understand that they were not invited so I went outside knowing we were going to the memorial on the roof. My only thought was please don't ruin my favorite place on campus. The Major was standing at the front looking over the campus and I looked at dad and he simply shrugged. Then the Major said JJ and MJ, usually I save this for graduation but in a very real sense you graduated today. You accepted an offer today to play football here. That is what all the noise is all about but what wasn't front and center and should have been is that today you were also accepted into this University as a student. You have worked your asses off since 5th grade to accomplish all that and you are highly regarded as players, students and young men of character. We stand here at this memorial which is the sole of this university. Among pillars representing the highest ideals of mankind, they also have enshrined the names of alums who lost their lives serving this country. The motto of the University you have chosen to study and represent in that stadium over there demands that you do you best to uphold those ideals.
The point of all this is if you take the school you choose seriously it impacts how you develop. Mike went to two schools, Pitt and CMU. Here are his school motto's - Pitt, TRUTH AND VIRTUE and CMU, MY HEART IS IN THE WORK. MJ, you have some of that in you already as you are taking classes there already. At the Academy our motto is, SERVICE BEFORE SELF - EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO. I would say we both reflect all that. Do you know the motto here? JJ laughed and said dad I can read and you are standing beside it - THAT I MAY SERVE. The Major took a deep breath and said son, you choose wisely, just take advantage of what you have earned. Remember this place is south of the Mason Dixon Line but it isn't Texas. JJ laughed and asked, does that mean they don't have Rally Girls. Jim went up to JJ gave him a big hug and whispered something and JJ laughed out loud.
Then the Major looked at Cole and said, I'm hearing you are headed to Wake Forest. You are exceptionally talented and better by a lot than most playing on the Pro Tour. College or no college, Wake or somewhere else, just know what you want and you don't have to please anyone. Cole laughed and said Major, please tell that to my mom and we all laughed. Then the Major said Cole, I am looking forward to seeing you play but this is a charity event and you have nothing to prove so find time to have some fun.
We all started back to the Chapel and JJ came up and said MJ, I'm sorry you had to go through all that, dad gets that way. So bud, what did he whisper to you? MJ he said that it looked like I brought a Rally Girl with me. MJ, he is right Kathy is a sexual deviant, we can talk later. I went up to dad and said dad, MY HEART IS IN THE WORK. Dad laughed and said that's good Mr. President. I laughed and said no fucking way in hell. Mike, you are born for it as you are a natural politician. Dad, right now I just want to start against James Madison next September. Dad laughed and said so you are going to fuck up Labor Day weekend. I smiled and said let's get back to the woman, that was strange.
Once we were all together I suggested that we go to the Sports bar as we didn't have better clothes and we could get the shuttle back to the he hotel. It was a short walk as the town started where the campus ended. The restaurant was a bit busy and we need a table for 9 adults and Ashley. When I relayed that to the receptionist she smiled and said well that will be 30 minutes. I shrugged and she asked my name and I said Mike Simmons. She just looked and then asked, why are you here? Well we are hungry. No, why are you in town? Oh I had to sign some papers. Oh, you are one of the special six? I laughed and asked, is that what we are called? She smiled and said I'll be right with you. I went back to the group and said it won't be long. In looking around I saw tables being moved and knew it would be 10 minutes or less. Turned out it was about 6 minutes and we were shown to a table which included a high chair for Ashley. I was last and had taken $20 out of my wallet and when I was handed a menu I returned it saying I won't be needing that and snuck in the cash and got a great smile. Winnie, sitting beside me, smiled sweetly and asked, so it starts already. I glared at her and said, all I did was give my name and when she saved us 25 minutes and tipped her so we won't have to ever wait for a seat. Oh, don't do that again, I told you this morning I'm not like that and this shit would happen. Drink orders were taken and it was looking like a good time. I laughed when I saw Ashley had instantly fallen asleep, I was guessing it was self preservation. Food was ordered and everyone seemed to be having a good time but JJ's mom was staring at Kathy a dot was obvious she was less than happy. I finished eating and got up to use the mens room and was doing my thing which was returning 3 iced teas when Coach B came in and he stood there until I finished and started to wash my hands. He said Mike, I didn't want to interrupt dinner but I wanted to thank you for how you handled the media situation with your parents. Coach that's not necessary, is there anything else? Mike, not at all. I just wanted to say thanks. Well Coach, I'm good with the media as I have lots of experience and if I have a problem it won't be aired in the media, I hope you and I can simply talk. Mike, that's a deal.
Back at the table it seemed that JJ and Kathy had experienced an unpleasant moment but everyone was good. There was no need for desert and dad and the Major split the bill. Outside as we waited to the shuttle JJ said MJ how about you and I walk back? Cole immediately said, fuck I'm in with that. When the van arrived JJ, Cole and I hung back and when everyone was in, JJ closed the door and Cole it the van twice with his hand and they were off. Cole looked at JJ and asked, what's with your dad? JJ shrugged and said he gets that way when he is emotional. All that duty, honor, service and other shit just appears. In a day or two it makes sense to me, just let it simmer and you'll get it. JJ and I wanted away from the girls and Cole needed a break from his mom. He was happy that he had is own room and said he wished Jessica was there but he said JJ's dad was right as next weekend he was having fun as Jessica was making the trip. I laughed and said Cole, we only have 8 seats and I need one for Mr. Fey. MJ, the Major is flying to Houston and picking up his partners in the school and they are all coming to the event with their wives. Ok but Monday evening we are working all this out. JJ said, fuck more military and astronauts as well. Thirty five minutes later we were at the hotel.
Back in the room Winnie was reading and when she saw me she asked, so is you tantrum over? I shook my head and grabbed a change of underwear and took a long hot shower. I needed to calm down. Once I was calmer I put on jeans and a tee and sat beside Winnie on the small sofa. She put down her book and I said babe, I really hope things work out once we are down here but tonight wasn't a good start. Back home, walking down the hall at school, I could have any girl I wanted and you understand that. Mick, you are different here and much more relaxed. Babe, that's because until today I was not widely known here and that changed, quicker than I thought. All I did was give my name so they could call us when the table was ready. Yes I tipped her for the effort. There was no reason for you to react like that. Our relationship needs to be stronger if it is to survive once we get here. I kissed her and said good night and jumped into bed in my underwear. I was instantly asleep and had no idea when Winnie arrived in bed.
Thanks so much for reading and for the comments. I know the time between chapters is longer and I will work on that for the new year.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR.
PLEASE, IF POSSIBLE, REMEMBER NIFTY AS YIUR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT.