Disclaimer:
This story will describe the life of Robert David Mathews from his time as a teenager, through prep school, and into military service. If stories involving sex between consenting teenagers, including both straight sex and gay sex, offends you, go back to the Archives and pick a different story for your reading pleasure. There has been minimal research for this story therefore, names, places, dates are mostly fictitious and similarities to real life are coincidental. Some companies and organizations mentioned actually exist, but references to the activities, policies, programs and procedures are fictitious. I was not a SEAL and have limited knowledge of the force. I am writing this story from imagination and a little research, not from personal experience.
My editor, Bill, is a dedicated friend. His improvements in my writing style are greatly appreciated.
Washington Academy Chapter 22 Sanity Restored
When Barry Howell's Lear Jet landed in Traverse City, he wasn't surprised to see media trucks parked near the terminal. He knew that he had to protect Robbie from the reporters and was pleased to see several Academy Suburbans near the terminal. He had called ahead and asked for the security officers from the Academy to come to the airport to control the swarm of reporters.
Robbie was feeling better, but he didn't want to answer any questions or be photographed by the reporters. His face was still swollen and bruised, but his vision had cleared. He was relieved when he recognized Colin Williams, Chief of Campus Security, waiting for him along with at least a dozen security officers.
"Are you okay?" Colin Williams asked Robbie. He could see the bandages covering the side of Robbie's head along with several bruises and cuts. "You look like someone used you for batting practice!"
"I'm doing better," Robbie replied. "I'm not sure if I ever want to hold a baseball bat again!"
"Oh-oh, I'm sorry for saying anything about a baseball bat," Williams said. "It was stupid of me!"
"Don't worry about it," Robbie replied. "You and I have been through too much crap together to let a little thing like that bother me. I know that I look like shit right now. All I want is to get back to my dorm and relax with my buddies. Can I ride with you?"
"Thanks Robbie," Colin said. "We'll keep the reporters away from you. Barry will give them a short interview and then join us in Chancellor Brown's office. I was hoping that you'd ride with me so we could talk. The security people from O'Hare Airport have been calling me to thank me for what you did. You're a hero, and we're all proud of you!"
"Am I in trouble with Chancellor Brown?" Robbie asked. "I know I screwed up big time on my trip, but I hope I don't get expelled or busted."
"Relax," Colin said. "You aren't in any trouble at all! We've been flooded with calls ever since your altercation at O'Hare Airport and then the one in Kansas City added more. We'll get you back on campus so you can let your hair down with your friends. Let's go!"
When the Suburban arrived in front of Washington Hall, Robbie and Tracker were excited to see Andrew Anderson, Keith Phillips and Trip waiting for them. They jumped out of the Suburban and hugged their special friends to celebrate their return to safety.
"I've been worried sick about you!" Trip exclaimed while hugging Robbie. "We heard that you were arrested, and my parents tried to call Tracker's family in Kansas City. The phone number was disconnected, and I was terrified! Are you okay?"
"I'm feeling better, but I'm afraid that I'm in trouble with Chancellor Brown," Robbie admitted.
"Can I have a hug too?" Drew asked. "My Little Brother goes on vacation, and the next thing I know, he's kicking ass in Chicago and then wasting a shithead in Kansas City! What's the deal with you and my sister?"
Robbie hugged Drew and Keith and promised to tell them everything that had happened since he left the campus. He didn't want to tell Drew his real feelings towards Jennifer, but loved being back on the Academy campus with his friends.
"Let's go inside," Guy Stephens said to the group of cadets. "Chancellor Brown's waiting for us."
When Robbie got inside the office area, he was surprised when Joyce Carlin ran up to him and gave him a hug.
"I'm so happy to see you again!" she said. "Your phone call here turned this campus on its ear, and I'm so happy that everything worked out for the best! Mr. Brown is waiting for you in his office. I'm proud of you for what you did!!"
"Thanks for helping me when I was in deep trouble," Robbie replied. "Without your help, I might still be in jail or even worse. The cop that disconnected me is the one who beat the crap out of me, but I got even with him. His butt is fried!"
"Gentlemen, let's go into the Conference Room!" Chancellor Brown said.
"Am I in trouble?" Robbie asked.
"Joyce, can you please join us?" Chancellor Brown asked.
Robbie went into the Conference Room and sat down next to Drew. He loved being with his Big Brother, and hoped that Drew could protect him from detention or expulsion.
"Relax Cadet Mathews!" Chancellor Brown said. "You're not in any trouble with this Academy! In my entire time at this fine academy, I've never had a cadet get in so much trouble with the law! Joyce, can you give us a recap of how many phone calls we've received since Cadet Mathews left us last week?"
"I lost count when we got to 100 calls," Joyce Carlin said. "I made a list of the most important calls, and can't remember when we were so busy in this office!"
"My phone line has been burning up!" Chancellor Brown admitted. "If I mention a name, can you remember who the person is? Try Karen Jackson, Carl Jenkins, Casey Miller, Jerry Zambroski, Jim Taggert, Larry Maxson, Bill Carmody, Tom Scott, Walter Thomas and Jim Pearce. All of them were involved in the altercation at the O'Hare Airport, and they all called me to thank you for taking care of that jerk at the airport gate. You really impressed all of them, and it was a pleasure to take their calls."
"I have to be honest," Robbie said. "I was hit on the head by that jerk police officer in Kansas City, and my mind's still trying to clear. Those names sound familiar, but right now I don't remember what their jobs were. I just want to sleep and see Dr. Mathis to try and cope with what I did. I know I killed a man in Kansas City, and I'm having nightmares about that."
"I know that you've been through some terrible experiences," Michael Edwards said. "I'm the Personnel Director here, and my phone's been ringing constantly. It may be difficult for you, but I'd like you to consider holding a press conference. Reporters want to see and hear from you, and it'll give the Academy some publicity. If you don't want to, I can refuse the requests, but I think you should tell the people of Michigan what happened."
"It's entirely up to you," Chancellor Brown said to Robbie. "Governor English called me today and wants to talk to you. I know that you haven't been interviewed by the media before, and Mike and I will be there with you if things get out of hand."
Robbie didn't want to be photographed with his face swollen and bruised, and knew that the stitches would also show. He decided to trust the administrators, and agreed to the press conference.
"Tricia Miller called here and wanted me to thank you for getting her husband home before their daughter was born," Joyce Carlin said. "She's the wife of one of the Navy SEALs you met at the airport in Chicago."
"I've been flooded with calls too!" Derrick Harmon said. "Casey Miller and Carl Jenkins were two of the last SEALs that I trained, and they both called along with their parents to thank you for what you guys did to get them home on time. They witnessed your martial arts with that jerk at the airport, and wanted to thank me for being your coach. It was great hearing from Casey and Carl again. You've impressed both of them with your fighting skills and character!"
"Whenever a cadet leaves this campus in uniform he represents all of us!" Chancellor Brown said. "People from all over this nation have called us to express their admiration for this fine Academy! You've brought attention and honor to the George Washington Academy, and I'm proud of you!"
"I was afraid I was going to be expelled," Robbie admitted. "Mr. Harmon and Mr. Stephens told me that anyone trained in the martial arts had to be in control. I lost it with the jerk in Chicago and again in Kansas City, and I know I need to work on my control."
"Dr. George Mathis will be here shortly to talk to you," Chancellor Brown said. "You protected yourself and the people that you love, and we all respect you for what you did."
Eric Nagy, Head Chef for the Jefferson Dormitory, walked into the conference room and interrupted the discussion. "Mr. Brown, I heard that you wanted to finish this meeting and leave the campus for supper with your wife, but I think you might want to change your plans," he said.
"We're almost finished here, and I promised my wife that we'd go to Luigi's Restaurant for the best Italian food in the state!" Vincent Brown said.
"I may be able to convince you to change your plans," Eric Nagy said. "Earlier today I got a phone call that a special delivery would arrive at the airport, and I sent two trucks to meet a Federal Express flight from Kansas City, Missouri. By my last count, we have 260 cadets on campus right now, and we're planning a VERY special evening meal that you might want to share."
"Nothing will change my plans!" Vincent Brown said adamantly. "We're finished here, and I'm headed out for some great Italian food, but I'll be back before the press conference!"
"I guess you don't want to join us for barbecued ribs and coleslaw from Smokey Joe's in Kansas City then!" Eric teased. "This card was addressed to you!"
"HOLY SHIT!" Chancellor Brown exclaimed when he read the card. "On behalf of the people of Kansas City, we are pleased to share the best barbecued ribs in the world with the academy who trained Robert Mathews," he read. "Thanks for everything! It's signed by Mayor Neil Snyder and Chief of Police, Thomas Finley!"
"They sent us 1,000 pounds of barbecued ribs, along with gallons of sauce and coleslaw!" Eric Nagy said excitedly. "We baked a bunch of Idaho potatoes and warmed up the ribs, but if you want to eat Italian food, you'll be without your wife! She's in the dining room waiting for us to serve the ribs!"
"Gentlemen, let's eat!" Chancellor Brown announced. He couldn't believe that the special delivery had arrived from Kansas City, but he wanted to be one of the first to taste the fantastic food.
Robbie was thrilled that he was finally going to be able to taste the ribs that his uncle and Chancellor Brown had said were the best in the world. He ran along with everyone else to get to the dining hall where the cadets were being served.
The barbecued ribs were an immediate sensation on the George Washington Campus. Everyone celebrated during the fantastic meal, and thanked Robbie for making the special treat possible. Cadets and faculty shared the meal and celebrated the special event.
"Robbie really impressed those two SEALs," Derrick Harmon said to Guy Stephens. "They were excellent candidates, and both of them have seen some intense action, but they couldn't believe how Robbie tore that man apart at O'Hare Airport. He's gonna be a great SEAL when he graduates from here!"
"David Mathews trained both of us, and he's been training Robbie for years," Guy replied. "David doesn't really want Robbie to become a SEAL because of how crazy the world has become. You and I both know that SEALs are trained to kill, and David was the best of the best! He wants to keep Robbie from becoming a killer, but that boy's determined to enlist and follow in David's footsteps. I wouldn't enlist if I was 18 again, but I wouldn't change what I did for a million dollars!"
"We both did things that people would never understand," Derrick said. "We served our country and survived, and if Robbie wants us to train him, we'll do it! David might not like it, but he won't object if Robbie insists. I bet that Robbie could pass the SEAL training right now, and he's still going to add more muscle with our physical training here at the Academy. He's a great kid, and I love him!"
"I really need to be alone with you after you talk to Dr. Mathis," Drew said to Robbie during the fantastic meal. "Mr. Harmon told us what happened, but I need to hear it from you. I was worried sick about you, and I want us to go somewhere so we can be alone. I'm your Big Brother, but I don't know if I can relate to what you experienced. Please talk to me."
"Mr. Edwards told me that the reporters would be here at 9:00 p.m.," Robbie said. "I don't know how long Dr. Mathis and I'll be talking, but I need to talk to you alone real soon. My life's really fucked up, and I'm afraid that I'm losing control. Why does shit always happen to me?"
"Dr. Mathis is trained to help you," Drew said. "I know that I love you, and I'll do anything I can to help you calm down. Shit happens! I'm your Big Brother and now's the time for me to do whatever I can to help get you back down to reality."
"I love you too!" Robbie admitted. "I know that you cut your trip home short to come back here for me, and I really appreciate it! I didn't want to offend Tracker's family, but I didn't feel safe in Kansas City. I wanted to be back here on campus with you, and I hope that we can spend a few days together so I can get back to normal. I'm having some terrible nightmares. I keep seeing that guy's face after I smashed it in with that baseball bat. I know I killed him."
"Big Brothers are supposed to help their Little Brothers," Drew said. "I can't relate to what happened, but I sure can listen to you. Pat Leahy offered to trade bunks with me for the next few days, so we can be together.
He never told you, but he told me that he has always wanted to be your Big Brother. He loves you like I do, and he'll want to help you through this shit too. I'll always be your Big Brother, and I'll always help you through the tough times."
"Can I join you?" Dr. George Mathis asked. "Chancellor Brown called me and invited me to share the best barbecued ribs in the world, and I got here as fast as I could."
"Please sit down!" Robbie said. "These ribs are really fantastic!"
"Do you want me to leave?" Drew asked. "I know you need to talk to Robbie about what happened."
"Let's just eat and talk about the food," Dr. Mathis suggested. "I heard that Smokey Joe's has a secret barbecue sauce. Did you ever hear the story about how that restaurant started?"
Robbie was relieved that Dr. Mathis didn't want to start their discussion early. He and Dr. Mathis told Drew and Keith about how Joe Wilson had started the restaurant by cooking ribs and chicken on an open grille in a parking lot many years ago. Tracker joined in by adding details that he had learned from his parents, and the friendly conversation entertained everyone.
"It must have cost them a fortune to send this food to us!" Keith said. "You leave this campus and go across the nation kicking ass, and you get rewarded!"
"I'll have some scars to remind me that no one's invincible," Robbie admitted. "I'm just happy to be back here where I feel safe."
"I didn't mean to say anything to make you feel bad," Keith said. "I'm sorry for making light of what happened to you. Please forgive me for being a jerk."
"You and Drew have been great Big Brothers to me and Tracker," Robbie told them. "I hope that we'll always be friends. I can take teasing from you because you take it from me."
"Thanks Robbie," Keith said. "Sometimes my mouth runs ahead of my brain!"
"Your brain is in your boxers!" Drew teased Keith.
"I'm not the one banging Allison Smith like a loose screen door in a windstorm!" Keith retorted.
"Maybe I should leave so you guys can talk about your sexual exploits in private," Dr. Mathis offered. "This was the best meal I've had all year, and I'm glad that Vince invited me here."
"I'm finished, so maybe we can talk about what happened," Robbie said to Dr. George Mathis.
"Can I go with you?" Drew asked. "I'm his Big Brother, and I want to help him calm down."
"I think it will be more productive if Robbie and I talk in private," Dr. Mathis said. "Mr. Stephens said we can use his office and you can wait outside for Robbie, but you might have a long wait. I know the bond between Little Brothers and Big Brothers is very strong here at the Academy, and you'll be the one to help Robbie accept what happened until our next session together. If any of you recognize any significant changes in Robbie's mood or behavior, I want you to call me immediately. I don't care what time of the day or night you call." He gave his business cards to Trip, Drew, Keith and Tracker after adding his unlisted cell phone number.
Robbie and Dr. Mathis talked for over two hours. Several times, Robbie broke down sobbing when he explained his emotional turmoil. He was still bothered that he had lost his birth parents, and felt like he was causing turmoil and tension in the lives of his aunt and uncle, along with the cadets and faculty from the Academy.
George Mathis was a great listener, and he used reflective questions to encourage Robbie to open up. He listened to the graphic description of how Robbie had killed the robber, and knew that Robbie was deeply troubled by his actions. He was surprised when Robbie explained the intimate physical relationship with Drew and the other cadets, and how Robbie was confused about his sexuality. Without judging, he listened to Robbie describe his sexual adventures with the girls in Traverse City, and his growing interest in Jennifer Anderson.
"I don't want Drew to know how much I like his sister," Robbie admitted. "I'm confused about my sexual desires and it really upsets me. Am I gay or bi-sexual?"
"Puberty starts a big change in a young man's life," Dr. Mathis said. "A high percentage of young males experiment with other males before they develop their sexual identities. You're in an environment with healthy young men, and my research indicates that approximately 75 percent of the cadets have experimented with same-sex relationships. The national average is that 10 percent of all males are homosexual, but the percentage for cadets is closer to 20 percent. Academy life appears to attract more males who are predisposed to gay relationships. Don't be in any hurry to put a label on your feelings. Some time in the future, you'll be able to answer your own question."
"You've always been honest with me, and I really appreciate it," Robbie said. "I have strong feelings for Drew, Keith, Tracker and Trip, but I feel the same about Jennifer. I don't want to hurt anyone. Maybe I should leave the Academy to sort out my life."
"Leaving this Academy would be running away from life," Dr. Mathis said. "I think you should stay here and let life help you decide about your sexuality. Don't be in a hurry! You're in a safe environment, and I think you would regret leaving here."
"Thanks," Robbie said. "I'll take your advice. How much of what we talked about should I tell Drew and my other cadet buddies?"
"I'm going to stay here until your press conference is over," Dr. Mathis said. "I plan on talking to your cadet buddies again about looking for any changes in your attitude and behavior. You have a great support group here on this campus, and we need to use it to help you accept what has happened. Thanks for being so open and honest with me! It really helps me do my job! I can't give you any details, but my sessions with Eric Stephens have been very productive. He called me when he heard about your trouble in Kansas City, and he begged his father to let him spend tonight with you in your dorm. Guy Stephens knows how close you are with his son, and hopes that you'll let Eric sleep over."
"Eric's a neat kid," Robbie said. "He loves being around the football team, and I like him calling me his Big Brother! I'm glad that you were able to help him cope with being raped."
"Let's end our session now," Dr. Mathis suggested.
Robbie was relieved, and left the office to find Drew, Keith, Tracker and Trip waiting for him. He felt guilty for making his friends wait so long, but hugged each guy before thanking them for waiting for him.
"We don't really have time to talk before the press conference," Robbie said to Drew. "My face looks like shit, and I really don't want to be in front of television cameras and have my face plastered all over the newspapers."
"You're a hero, and people need to see that you didn't come out of your ordeal unscathed," Drew said. "The reputation of the Academy was damaged when it was first reported that a cadet had shot a police officer. Now you can give us some positive exposure."
"Drew's right," Dr. Mathis added. "Mike Edwards will control the media, and you'll have your first opportunity to tell your story. Barry Howell will interrupt if any questions are asked that you shouldn't answer. I'm proud of you for what you did, and now you can give this fine Academy some positive media coverage!"
Robbie was very nervous during the press conference, but Michael Edwards, Vincent Brown and Barry Howell controlled the questions and helped steer the information to a positive image of Robbie and the Academy.
Vincent Brown closed the press conference by saying, "I'm the Chancellor of this excellent Academy, and I convey the opinions of my entire staff in expressing our appreciation and admiration for the personal sacrifices that Robert Mathews has made during the last week. He's a hero, and you've all seen that he didn't survive his ordeals without paying a personal price. We're all proud of Cadet Mathews and what he did to save the life of a dedicated police officer. Thank you for coming here tonight!"
Jennifer Anderson was watching the live broadcast of the Robbie's interview sitting with her parents. They all were shocked to see Robbie's bandages, bruises and swollen face. Jennifer was sobbing during the interview, and Carol Anderson was trying to comfort her daughter.
"He's the toughest kid I've ever seen!" Tom Anderson said when the press conference ended. "David called me from the cruise ship a few minutes before the press conference started, and he said that Robbie's got the survival instinct necessary to be a Navy SEAL. David's proud of Robbie, but doesn't want him to become a SEAL and risk his life for his country. He's afraid that Robbie will die if he becomes a SEAL, and he's going to try and convince him to attend the Naval Academy at Annapolis and become a Navy officer instead."
Tom Anderson didn't know it at the time, but his concerns, and those of David Mathews, would prove true in the future.
"I love him," Jennifer admitted to her parents. "He's Drew's Little Brother, and I have this feeling that he and I will be married some day. I hated seeing his battered face, but Robbie did things that no other guy could have done! I wish I could hug him right now and give him a kiss!"
Carol Anderson knew that her daughter was in love with Robbie Mathews, but wondered if Robbie's strong desires to become a Navy SEAL would keep them apart. She hugged her daughter and tried to calm Jennifer down.
"Can we talk now?" Drew asked Robbie after the press conference. "I know that you went through some terrible shit, and I promise to do what I can to help you.
"I'd really like to chill out with you, Keith, Tracker and Trip for a while," Robbie admitted. "I didn't like that press conference, and I'd like to just relax and talk about other things."
"I just need a few minutes alone with you," Drew said. "I promise not to put any pressure on you to talk about the crap that happened during this last week."
Robbie agreed to talk to Drew alone, and the two handsome cadets went outside to sit next to the fountain in the Quad. It was their favorite place to sit and talk, and Drew had things to say that he wanted to say in private.
"Jen and I had a long talk before I came back to the campus," Drew said. "She really loves you, and I have to admit that you would be a great match for her."
"Jesus, Drew, you're talking like Jenny Kay and I'll be married!" Robbie blurted out. "I'm only 17, and I'm not ready to get married or even go steady with one girl."
"My sister's still a virgin," Drew said. "Jen said she has only one gift to give a man, and that's her virginity. I love you like you're my real brother, and I have to be honest in asking you not to take advantage of Jen's love."
"You and I both have scored with a lot of girls," Robbie began, "But I would NEVER try to nail your sister! I know that you've been sexual with Allison Smith, and also realize that our intimate trips to the Storage Room have slowed down. How can you ask me to act differently than you do yourself?"
"That's a fair question," Drew admitted. "The thing that I love about the Big Brother/Little Brother concept is that we can ask anything and expect an honest answer. Allison wasn't a virgin when she and I had our first sexual experience, but I think I'm in love with her. We've decided to cool down on the sex to see if we are truly in love with each other, or just interested in sharing bodily fluids. I know that I'm over-protective with Jenny. I can't imagine a better guy to be my brother-in-law than you!"
"My main goal in life is to be a Navy SEAL," Robbie admitted. "I'm not ready to be married with kids and a home with a picket fence. Does that sound stupid to you?"
"You've been raised by a Navy SEAL, and you're a great guy!" Drew said. "I could never be in the military and see guys that I love die for our country, but I respect your opinion and desires. Just be honest with Jen and don't lead her on. She's a great sister, and I know that she loves you. You've always been honest with me, and nothing that you just said sounds stupid!"
"Is it too late to call Jenny Kay and your parents?" Robbie asked. "I really like talking to them, and they asked me to call."
"Coach Stephens is still here, and Eric asked to spend the weekend with us," Drew said. "I bet he'll let us use his office and his speaker phone so we can talk to my parents and sister."
Jennifer was thrilled when Robbie called and asked to talk to her. She was still upset after watching the press conference and seeing how Robbie had been injured. She wanted to talk to Robbie alone, but quickly went into her dad's office to use the speakerphone.
Tom and Carol Anderson were pleased that Robbie and Drew had called them on the phone. They loved their son, Drew, and knew how Jennifer felt about Robbie. It was a great phone call, and everyone had the opportunity to talk about the press conference and how Robbie and Drew were trying to calm down and get ready for the key football game for the State Championship.
"After you win the State Championship, I'm gonna give you a big hug and kiss!" Jenny said to Robbie. "I love you!"
"I love you too," Robbie admitted to Jennifer before the call ended. It was the first time that he had used the "L" word to Jennifer, and hoped that Drew wouldn't be upset with him.
"My sister's in heaven right now!" Drew admitted to Robbie after the phone call. "I hope that you won't break her heart!"
"Are you guys finished wasting time?" Eric Stephens asked. "My dad's a jerk for making me wait outside his office for you to finish talking to your girlfriend! Let's score some brew and find some horny chicks!"
Guy Stephens rolled his eyes and wished that he were somewhere else when he heard his 12-year-old son talking like a horny teenager. He knew that Robbie and Drew would NEVER indulge his son's adolescent desires, and decided not to scold his son in front of the two cadets.
"You'll never get beer from us!" Robbie said. "We can probably find some pot if you're interested!"
"I'm gonna kill two of my best athletes!" Guy Stephens exclaimed.
Eric loved hearing Robbie tease his father. He knew that being with Robbie and Drew was a special treat for him. He'd bonded closely with Robbie, and wanted to do anything that he could to help Robbie cope with all the things that had happened in Chicago and Kansas City. He was so excited that he could be spending the weekend at the Academy, and loved to hear the cadets tease his father and get threatened in return.
"We sure won't break training until after the game at the Silverdome," Drew offered. "After we win, we'll find some horny girls and a case of Budweiser!"
Eric laughed and looked at his father. He loved Robbie and Drew, and wanted to be just like them! He dreamed of becoming a cadet and living on the famous campus for four years.
Guy Stephens loved Robbie and Drew and knew that they were excellent role models for his son. Eric had adjusted to having been raped by intense psychotherapy with George Mathis, and was blossoming into a great student and athlete. The close bond with Robbie would be important in the future when disaster would strike at the George Washington Academy.
Keith Phillips was waiting for Robbie and Drew outside the office of the Athletic Director, and he thrilled Eric when he told the young teen that an air mattress had been moved into the four-man room where Robbie, Drew, Eric, Tracker and Trip would spend the next few days. He wished that he would be in the room to help Robbie cope with the terrible events, but sacrificed his own desires to let Tracker and Trip help Robbie.
Eric didn't stop talking for a second. He was so excited to be spending the weekend with the cadets, that he wanted to call all of his friends to brag, but didn't want to miss a single word of what the cadets might say. He kept offering to get things for Robbie, and was driving all of the cadets crazy.
"Look, you have to settle down!" Robbie said to Eric. "We know that you're excited about spending time here, but you're driving us crazy. Try to calm down and stop talking so much. God gave you two ears and one mouth, so you're supposed to listen twice as much as you talk!"
Eric Stephens laughed, but admitted that his excitement always caused him to talk a lot and very fast. He knew that it was close to time for "lights out" and dumped his gym bag on the floor to get his clean underwear. He had lost his inhibitions, and was now comfortable showering with the cadets in the Jefferson Dormitory. It was a special event for Eric to be nude with the older guys. He knew that his buddies would be very jealous when they heard that he'd spent the weekend on the Academy campus.
"I have to be careful because of my stitches," Robbie said to Trip when they were undressing. "My hair feels nasty, but I'm afraid of pulling some stitches if I shampoo it."
"I'll wash your hair and be REALLY careful!" Eric promised. "If we use Mr. Chalmers private shower, we can use the flexible shower wand and you can hold a towel over your stitches. I really want to help you in any way I can!"
Robbie knew that his cadet buddies would help him shower without pulling any stitches, but he decided to let Eric help him. He saw how excited Eric acted when he accepted the help and watched as the youngster ran down the hall to the Dorm Advisor's apartment.
After his shower Robbie felt much better, and chatted with his buddies before "lights out". His major concern was whether or not he would be cleared by Dr. Miller to attend football practices and get ready for the State Championship game.
When Monday arrived, Eric was upset that he had to leave the Academy to return to his own school classes. He loved being on the campus and dreamed of the day that he would become a cadet like his older friends. He wished that he were old enough to be a cadet right now and have Robbie as his Big Brother.
Robbie was in his Geometry class after lunch when Corey Johnson came into the classroom. "Mr. Grissolm, I apologize for interrupting your class, but I need Cadet Third Class Robert Mathews for about an hour," Corey said politely to the teacher. "Here's the request form."
Vaughn Grissolm looked at the document and saw that Dr. Linda Miller had signed the form. He knew that Robbie was worried that his injuries would keep him out of football practice and the State Championship game the following week, and he gave the concerned cadet some encouragement. "Dr. Miller knows that you want to get back on the football team," Mr. Grissolm said to Robbie. "I think that you'll do just fine in her examination. Try to relax and go with Cadet Johnson."
Robbie was anxious about the physical examination. He knew that he wouldn't be allowed to participate in "full contact" practices until his stitches were removed and Dr. Miller released him. When he walked into the Infirmary in the Washington Center, he was pleased to see Drew waiting for him along with Guy Stephens and Derrick Harmon.
"Thanks for being here!" Robbie said to Drew and the two coaches. "I hope Dr. Miller lets me practice this week so I can get ready for the Championship Game."
"Strip down to your boxers." Dr. Linda Miller ordered. "Dr. Michael Williams is a sports medicine specialist from the University of Michigan, and he's here to help me evaluate your injuries. We already have information from Dr. George Mathis about your psychological progress, and we've both evaluated your X-rays."
Robbie undressed and waited for the two doctors to complete their examinations. He was relieved when both doctors said that they were pleased with the way his lacerations were healing and that the stitches could be removed the next day. His anxiety evaporated when Dr. Miller came back into the examination room after conferring with Dr. Williams.
"Congratulations Cadet Mathews!" Dr. Miller began. "You're cleared for non-contact football practice until we remove your sutures on Wednesday. After that, you can resume full contact practice unless one of the lacerations opens up. I'll be monitoring your progress along with the coaching staff, but I think you're doing remarkably well after such an ordeal."
"YES!!" Robbie exclaimed while pumping his fist in the air. He hugged Drew and the two coaches before hugging Dr. Miller. "Sorry," he said when he realized that hugging a female doctor wasn't appropriate behavior.
"Thanks for including me in the round of hugs!" Dr. Miller laughed. "Just because I'm a doctor doesn't mean that I can't join in some good news and the celebration!"
Stay tuned......