Chapter Four–Steroids

Things this summer have progressed kind of slowly. It’s hard to believe Claudia and I will be seniors! I remember when my senior year felt so far away. I saw days crawl at a stealthy pace, like a soldier slithering towards his intended target. The time came to begin training camp for the upcoming football year.

Before training camp, I spent many days and nights working on my endurance, arm strength, and body. I used the time to prepare my body for training camp. This year, I believe we are going to have a kick ass year. We have leadership from the seniors, juniors, and even the sophomores. All of our key people are returning this year. I expect our running, Frank Turner, to have a career year. Raymond Durham, a junior middle linebacker, is expected to be the anchor for our defense that was rated in the top 10 last year. Our defensive line has lost two of its key members, Michael Stanley and Doug Anderson, but I think we can manage. On the offensive side, we have two speedy receivers who have shown excellent improvements in running routes at the end of the year. Also, our offensive line should be a brick wall. Last year, they allowed only 20 sacks.

As for me, I expect to have a career year. I want one of those seasons where I lay it all on the line. After all, I AM the star quarterback. It’s natural the pressures and expectations will be there, but I’m confident in my abilities to do well this year. Last year, I threw for 1,974 yards, 50 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. I look to drop the number of interceptions this year.

“Hey champ, what’s going on?”

Turning, I look up and smile as I see my dad come into my room. “Nothing really dad, I’m fixing to go and start lifting weights again.”

“Good, you need to gain some weight and add some muscle to your body. Remember, this is your senior year which means college scouts will be there looking at how you’re performing.”

“I know dad, I hope my senior year will be a breakout year. I’ve already added 10 pounds to my frame,” I say proudly.

“Good son! I see you’re ahead of schedule. By the way, Claudia called and said that she will be late tonight for dinner; she said that she will be here before 7 though.”

“Thanks dad, oh and dad?”

“Yeah champ?”

“What’s it like being a senior?” I ask.

“Oh man son, you’re asking me? Do you realize how long ago my senior year in high school was? Times have changed son. I don’t know if I could be of much help to you. Maybe you should ask some of your friends who graduated last year, or go online and look up what to expect your senior year.”

“I asked you because I remember you telling me how you loved your senior year and everything. Do you think my senior year will be full of fun and joy?”

“Son, no matter what the times are, it’s still important to keep up with your grades. Remember, after this year, your adult life begins—meaning college. You can’t take the time to slack off. Those are some general tips, but I can’t exactly tell you everything because it has been so long.”

“Thanks dad, you have been a great help as always. Mom!” I exclaim as I see my mother stride into the room besides my father. Looking at those two, you would have sworn they were lovesick teenagers.

“Hey sweetheart,” she coos as she kisses her husband on the lips. Get a room, I say but I push the thought out of my mind. Turning to me, she walks over to my bed and pats me on the head. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m doing fine mom. What’s for dinner?” I ask.

“Oh! Dinner? Who said we were having dinner?” she asks teasingly.

“Well, my stomach said we are having dinner! And frankly, my stomach has directed you as the one to cook it!” Laughing, my dad lunges for my mom and starts to tickle her sides. I decide to participate in the melee by tickling both my dad and my mom. After a good five minutes, we all stand up and do our best to fix our appearance.

“Well that was fun. I needed a good laugh,” my mom remarks. “Claudia called Victor.”

“I know mom, dad filled me in on the 411. Oh yeah mom?”

“Yes honey?”

“Do you mind if I stay a little late tonight after my workout?”

“Sure, no problem. That means the two of us can be alone for the night,” my mom’s face brightens up as she kisses her husband on the cheek.

“What about Brien?” I ask.

“Brien is with a friend. He was invited to a sleepover but he will be back tomorrow.”

“Now champ, don’t be out too late. Remember Claudia’s message.” My dad warned.

“I won’t dad,” I go up to them and give both of them a hug and a kiss. “Cya later! I love you two!”

“We love you too!” they shouted in unison.

It was three in the afternoon. I planned on spending a good hour and a half at the gym to work out. Then, I would take time to stretch out, shower, and head home.

The trip to the gym didn’t take long at all. The gym is on the other side of town but the town I live in isn’t big. It’s medium at its best. There are a couple of shopping centers in town, several restaurants, gas stations, and hotels. Other than that, it’s just an ordinary town.

I pull up into the Terry Braden gym. The gym isn’t spectacular, but it is adequate. I step inside and is filled with sounds from the other participants hard at work. I set my bag down and get to work. After an hour of lifting weights, I take the time to stretch out my body. As I’m stretching out, a tall, looming figure approaches me.

“Hey there bud, you look like you’re a strong one,” he said.

“Thanks for the compliment.”

“No problem. Listen, I’ve heard a lot about you from what people say in town. They say you are a superstar, impact player, the next Joe Montana, you name it. I’ve been in the position you are in. I was highly touted as the “next big thing” but I was out of luck. Colleges aren’t just impressed with stars. You have to have what it takes to make it over the top. What I can give you, is instant fame. All of the scouts will come knocking, there will be no competition. All you have to do, is take these…”

“Hey Claudia, what do you think of this outfit?” my friend Alexia ask.

“It looks great Alexia!” I say enthusiastically. Looking back at my tall friend, I look at her with admiration in my eyes. She’s may not the prettiest of the bunch, but she has a kick-ass attitude. She has the attitude of I-can-kick-your-ass. We have known each other for five years. Her outfit is very eclectic in style.

“You’re just saying that because I have a hot date tonight,” Alexia snickers.

“That may be so, but I have a hot boyfriend.”

“True, but at least I’m going out with someone that actually puts lotion on his feet!” she retorts.

“Oh that does it! I’m going to get you for that remark! But hey, I need to call Victor and let him know I’ll be late for dinner tonight. His parents invited me to dinner tonight but I won’t be able to make it.”

“Okay, that’s fine. Hurry back,” Alexia calls to me as I walk out of the store to place my call.

“Cooper Residence?” a familiar voice answers.

“Hey Mrs. Cooper!”

“Claudia! How are you darling?”

“I’m doing fine. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing peachy. Do you want to talk to Victor?”

“Actually, no. I’m on my cell phone. I don’t want to spend too much time on the phone. Tell Victor that I will be late for dinner tonight.”

“Oh. How come dear?”<