Exposed: Chapter 29
James couldn't believe that he was actually happy to be back at Mill Brook. It seemed so unreal that this was his last semester of high school. Next year he would be at Columbia, he'd be in New York, and he'd be living with Brock. Yeah, he knew he was living with Brock already, but it would be different when they could go out on dates and be a real couple.
The first thing when he got back was to check on how Troy was progressing. James, Brock, Kip, Lance, and Mr. Gregg went out to see the shipping containers that the Bradley Shipping and Logistics Company, a Division of P.I., had repurposed for the project. Lance's father, the project manager, the designer, and some of the other crew were there to meet them.
"This is fucking amazing!" Brock yelled.
"You got that right!" Kip added.
Lance was so proud of his father he couldn't hold back and gave him a big hug.
"Well, boss," Garrison Rush said looking at James, "how did we do?"
James smiled and said, "I'm not the boss yet, but I'll let my mother and aunt know that the Bradley Shipping and Logistics Division exceeded all expectations, and they need to get PR and sales onto this service quickly. I just can't believe you were able to get all of this done in so short a time."
"That's the advantage of being able to do the work inside a warehouse," Garrison said. "There were no weather delays, the material was easy to access, and we could pull in the workers we needed when we needed them. Now, let Henry Nash, our architect, engineer, and designer show you around."
Nash was very proud and excited about what was done with the project starting with the exterior of the buildings that were painted to look like ancient bronze. At the entrance, two containers were serving as restrooms and another container as the entry and office. On the side of the quarry closest to campus was a concession stand and a container for storage. Finally, tucked into an alcove in the side of the quarry was a container for the lights, audio, and other control systems which were connected to a container fitted out as a dressing room. Mr. Gregg was already working out staging and lighting for the Trojan Wars in his mind.
"So, what's left to do?" James asked.
Garrison said, "We have a plumbing and an electrical crew coming in to connect the water, sewer, electricity, and install the lighting. There will also be a crew coming in to install the audio and the projector."
"Projector?" James asked.
"Yes, your Aunt Sydney decided there needed to be the ability to show movies here, so she hired a company that does outdoor concerts to design and install a video system and concert-type movie screen that can be put up and then taken down and stored."
Mr. Gregg was now very excited by the possibilities, and it took an hour before the boys could drag him back to the campus and someplace warm. Installing the heating and cooling units was another thing on the construction team's punch list.
Swimming was also going well, and James was no longer a dark horse. Increasingly he was seen as a real contender to place at the state swim meet. That he was being noticed hit James when the Columbia swim coach showed up at a meet and asked to talk with him after the meet.
After the introductions, the Columbia coach said, "I'm not sure how to start this conversation. I've never recruited someone like you. You have come completely out of nowhere to be one of the nation's fastest distance swimmers, no one is recruiting you because the word is out you've committed to Columbia, but until a couple of weeks ago, I'd never heard of you. Then I learned that your father was a national champion swimmer at Columbia and that he, your mother, and your aunt are all Columbia alumni and major donors to the University. How is that possible?"
James smiled and said, "Because my father and I are both stubborn asses." James gave the coach a brief and sugar-coated explanation of why he originally refused to swim to piss off his father, and why things had changed. "So, you see coach, I'm a head case. Are you sure you still want to talk to me?"
"With times like you've been posting absolutely, and Columbia has a great Psychology Department," Coach said, which made James laugh. "The problem is I have a place for you, but nothing left to offer you if you come out for the team."
"Come on coach, you know I don't need any financial aid."
The coach laughed and said, "Yeah, it might be the first time I'm hitting up one of my swimmers to contribute to the athletic fund drive."
"However, I do think there's something the swimming program can give me and that's friends. My boyfriend is going to Fordham and for personal and security reasons we'll be living off-campus. He will be playing soccer, and even though he won't be living on campus, soccer will allow him the opportunity to be a part of the campus. I hope swimming can do that for me."
"Absolutely, we have a very diverse, but very close team. So, I hope I'm hearing that you will swim for Columbia next year."
"Yeah, I would love to swim for Columbia."
"Great! Now there's one more thing. Would you be interested in talking to the tennis coach because he really wants to talk to you?"
James smiled and said, "Of course. I hope you aren't upset, but tennis is my first love, and I was hoping he'd let me try out for the team."
"I don't think you'll need to try out, he's seen you play in several amateur and open tournaments. Also, he's the guy that pointed me in your direction after Mill Brook's first swim meet."
James couldn't wait to tell Brock about his meeting with Columbia's swim coach, but the first person he called was his father.
Things just seem to fall into a comfortable pattern for James and Brock. While many of their classmates were worried about college or finishing up the year, those two just seemed to float, and of course, fuck along. That was until two days before the State swim meet.
James was sitting in third-period English class. Mr. DeGraff, the AP literature teacher, seemed to be going out of his way to make William Faulkner's `As I Lay Dying' tedious and dull. James' wandering mind was called back to the present when Dean Meyers tapped him on the shoulder and said, "James, collect your things and come with me please."
It was very rare and somewhat unsettling when Dean Meyers used any of the boys' first names. Meyers didn't say anything else on the way to the headmaster's conference room. When James entered the conference room, he saw his mother and aunt and immediately knew something had happened to his father. Julia had James sit down and she sat in a chair next to him, then quietly said, "Your father died."
"I didn't think his surgery was until next week," James said, as he tried to make sense of what he'd just heard.
"It wasn't," Julia said. "He died in his sleep. The tumor caused what they think was a stroke and there was nothing that could be done. Courtney said he was gone before the medical response staff even got there."
After giving James a few minutes to process what he'd just heard, Dean Meyers said, "James, I'll have someone help you pack so you can go home with your mother and aunt."
"No!" James snapped in a tone that stunned everyone including himself. James swallowed, then started again, but this time with more composure, "No, the State Swim Meet is this weekend and Dad expects me to compete. I won't disappoint him. Not this time."
Dean Meyers looked at Julia who just nodded. Julia took James' hand and said, "Of course James, you do what you need to do." Then James hugged her and said, "Thanks, Mom."
While he gave James, his mother, and his aunt some time to talk as a family, Dean Meyers decided to get Brock from class. Meyers told Brock what had happened and said he would excuse Brock for the rest of the day to make sure James would be alright.
When they got back to their dorm room, James crawled under the covers of the lower bunk and faced the wall. Brock knew not to ask him any questions or try to offer words of comfort. James had retreated into himself, into his inner self. When he was like this the only way to communicate with him was physically, through touch. So, Brock crawled into bed with James and just held him close.
Around 12:30 there was a soft knock on the door. James had fallen asleep, so Brock gently extricated himself and went to see who it was. It was Kip, Lance, and Weston, so Brock stepped into the hall so they could talk without disturbing James.
"How's he doing," Kip asked.
"Honestly, I don't know," Brock said. "He's not like a normal person. He's learned to hide his emotions from the world. I thought I was getting him figured out, but this is different. So, all I can do is just be with him and hope I'm doing something helpful."
"I'm sure that's what he wants and needs right now," Lance said. "We brought you some food. The cafeteria staff put together some sack lunches and a thermos of soup."
"We'll check on you before supper," Kip said. "Now we need to go to class."
Weston hung back a bit and said, "My dad called and told me rumors are beginning to circulate in New York. He said Pierce International has scheduled a press conference after the markets close. Also, I saw several people on campus I didn't recognize. My guess is the security company has sent some extra people. I'm just giving that info as a heads-up, so James isn't caught off guard."
"Thanks," Brock said, and Weston headed off to class.
Around 2:00, James woke up and ate half a sandwich, a few chips, and a bowl of tomato soup. He checked his corporate email, and it had blown up. Most of it he decided could wait until later; however, there was one with a draft flagged for his attention from the PR department. It was an advance on the statement they would be making to the press.
It is with great sadness that Pierce International must announce the death of CEO Emeritus James Pierce the 2nd. He passed away this morning in Zurich, Switzerland. Mr. Pierce was in Zurich for the treatment of a recently diagnosed brain tumor.
While we are waiting for a complete medical report, early indications are that during the night while he slept the tumor precipitated a hemorrhage. At this time, that is all that we can say with confidence, and we await additional information from Zurich.
Though Mr. Pierce's passing is a great personal loss to the Pierce family, the employees of Pierce International, and the Pierce Estate, its impact on the company's stability and operation will be minimal following a restructuring of Pierce International's Executive Leadership last Fall.
Memorial services are pending at this moment and will be announced at a later date.
We hope the press will respect the privacy and mourning of the Pierce family, Pierce International employees, and the Pierce Estates staff.
Thank you.
James read the announcement several times, it was simple, direct, and professional. James decided to call Courtney to see how she was doing.
"Hello, Courtney. I'm just calling to check on how you are holding up."
"I guess I'm still in shock. I've been preparing myself for the worst, but I thought I had at least a few more days."
"I feel the same way," James said, and the two spent several minutes consoling each other. Then James said, "Courtney, what do you need from me?"
"I don't know, James is being cremated, and your mother is sending a Pierce jet to bring us home. I know there are things to do. There needs to be some kind of plan, but..." Courtney broke down.
When Courtney had regained her composure, James said, "We have people who can help. I'll have Axella, the Head of Pierce Executive Concierge, call you. You've probably already met her."
"Yes, I know Axella."
"The other person I'll have contact you is Michael Walker, he's the Pierce estate manager, and his wife coordinates events at the Pierce Estates. The estate will be open the day before the funeral for people wishing to pay respects and express condolences. I very much hope you will attend, and if there's anything you would like as part of that day, Michael can see that is taken care of."
"Thank you so much for doing that. I was completely at a loss for how to deal with any of this. I assume your aunt will be in attendance, and I know it's awkward, but please tell your mother I hope she is there as well."
"I will, and I'm sure she will appreciate hearing that. Is there anything else you need?"
"Yes, I hope you will say a few words about your father at the service. I know the two of you had issues, but you are his only child."
James paused, then said, "Yes, I'll do that."
After they said goodbye and hung up, James wondered what he would, or could say about his father.
He decided he needed to think, and the best place for that was the pool.
Coach Knopf was already at the pool getting ready for practice. When he saw James, he said, "I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Are you okay?"
"Yes, I just feel like I needed to do something besides sit in my room."
"Dean Meyers said you plan to swim in the state meet this weekend," Knopf said.
"Is that okay?" James asked, "I mean, I don't want to hurt the team."
"James, you won't hurt the team. You earned your spot at state, and you should do what is right for you."
"Thanks, coach."
"Just one thing. Don't overdo it today."
James nodded and jumped into the pool. Soon he was cruising at three-quarters of his competition speed. The water felt good and the controlled breathing of swimming was calming. James lost track of time and Brock finally signaled him to stop.
"That's enough buddy," Brock said. You need to save some of that for state."
After James showered and dressed, he said. "I can't just sit in the room all evening. That will drive me crazy."
"So, what do you want to do?"
"Let's just go over to Duxbury and get pizza," James said.
"I don't think we're supposed to leave campus," Brock said with concern.
"Since when did you become such a candy-ass rule follower?"
"Since Dean Meyers put me in charge of taking care of you."
James was about ready to jump down Brock's throat and say he wasn't a kid and didn't need to be taken care of, but he stopped himself. James knew Brock didn't mean it like he heard it. He also realized he wasn't really in a frame of mind where he would see potential danger around him. Plus, if he suddenly went missing for even an hour it would probably result in the Navy Seals storming onto campus, and the only person who would think that was cool, would be Weston.
James smiled, and kissed Brock, then said, "I got this." He called Michael and said he needed to get away for a bit and wanted pizza. Michael simply said, "On it. Meet me in the parking lot." When James and Brock arrived at Michael's SUV, they were surprised and happy to see Kevin.
"It's great to see you two," Kevin said, "I just wish it was under happier circumstances."
"Thanks," James said.
"How are Chad and Trey?" Brock asked.
"They're great, but you guys don't want to hear about my family with all you're going through."
"Yes, that's exactly what I want to hear," James said. "I need something to take my mind off of what the next few days and weeks will be like."
So, Kevin started filling them in on what the family was up to since New Years. Perry had turned in his resignation at the hospital. He was immediately offered a raise to encourage him to stay, but that wasn't happening. He also said that Trey started packing to move the minute they got home, and when they told him it was over two months until they moved, he about cried. Fortunately, Perry would have two weeks off before the move, and he promised he would take them for a long weekend in Dallas to see their mother.
At one point in the evening, Michael jokingly said, "James, I'm a little hurt. I thought we were buddies, but you went and offered the sweetheart deal to the Canuck."
"Sorry Michael, but there were two reasons I had to go with Kevin. First, he can fly a chopper."
Michael threw his hands up and said, "Figures, boys like their toys. What's the second reason?"
"Brock and I have four years of college ahead of us. If we had Kevin following us around, we'd never get invited to parties. We'd show up with him, someone would yell cops, and everyone would scatter." Michael and Kevin both laughed.
"I guess you're right. I am one of the few guys at the agency who can pull off the college boy look."
"How about I make it up to you?" James said.
"Oh, how's that?"
"Brock and I aren't living on campus. We're going to be living at my mother's apartment. How about if you stick with us, I'll get you an apartment in that building so you don't have to get up so early to connect with whichever of us you're babysitting."
"I see, that's taking a bit of the sting off. Can my girlfriend live with me?"
"I don't see why not," James said, "My boyfriend is living with me. Oh, one more thing. Brock and I are spending the Summer in Europe, do you want to come."
"Hell yes," Michael said, "Of course, this all assumes that the boss will give me these assignments."
Kevin laughed and said, "Are you kidding, the boss would kiss James' ass to keep the Pierce contract. It's 70 percent of the agency's business. If James, his mother, his aunt, or Axella from the executive offices calls, the only question is `How high do you want us to jump'."
James knew the Pierce account was big, and he also knew the Hartman Agency bent over backward to provide whatever service was needed. It just surprised him how much the security agency seemed to almost exist for the Pierce family and Pierce International. That would be something to ask Axella about.
When they finally got back to Mill Brook, James said, "Thanks guys, you don't know how much I needed that."
"Anytime," Michael said, "I can always eat pizza and call it work."
"Are you guys going to be at the state swim meet?"
"Yes," Kevin said, "Then we'll go back to New York with you."
"I see," James said.
After saying goodnight, James and Brock went up to their room. When the door was closed, James kissed Brock and said, "I need you."
Brock kissed James, and said, "Whatever you need babe."
"You're in charge, boss," James said.
Brock slipped off the sweatshirt and white T-shirt James was wearing. He took a moment to look at James and smiled. The swimming and weight training were having an amazing impact on his upper body. Brock removed his own sweatshirt and T, then pulled James in so they were chest to chest. As Brock kissed James, he pinned him against the wall and began grinding his crotch into James. It wasn't long before wet spots began to appear, and their pants were getting uncomfortable, so Brock slipped his jeans off and then he did the same for James.
When Brock got on his knees to help James step out of his jeans, Brock was at eye level with the huge bulge in James' underwear and he leaned in and kissed it. The smell and taste were intoxicating. Long gone was the intimidation Brock felt when he first saw James' monster cock, now all he wanted was to worship it. James was soon moaning and thrusting. It felt so good he was almost unable to stop before cumming. It took all of his will to pull back from the edge.
"Why did you stop?" Brock asked, unsure of whether he had done something wrong.
"Because I want to cum with you buried deep inside me." James then lay down on his back and placed his feet on the rail of the top bunk. Brock smiled and grabbed the lube. It would be nice to say that it was a long, slow session of lovemaking, but when 18-year-old boys have a three-day load churning in their balls, things can be fast and furious. Soon James' brain was flooded with endorphins followed by a feeling of well-being and a need to sleep. Brock helped him get under the blanket and then cuddled up next to him, and James was soon asleep.
The next morning, James and Brock woke early and headed to the cafeteria for the swim team's breakfast. The entire swim team was at breakfast; however, only six Mill Brook swimmers and one diver qualified for state. The rest were there to wish their teammates good luck. In addition, to the swimmers and diver, Coach Knopf, the assist coach, Dean Meyers, and Brock and Kip, the swim team managers, would be going.
It was only a little over two hours to the Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Boston University where the meet would be held. The tournament was scheduled with diving on Friday afternoon and evening and swimming all day on Saturday. Malik was scheduled at one o'clock in the first flight of divers. So, the team wanted to get to Boston, check into the hotel, and watch Malik dive.
The moment Weston and James qualified for state, Issa Jackson, Weston's father, reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency near the Boston University campus for the team and coaches. Because there was an odd number of boys Kip was assigned to be in the same room as James and Brock.
When they got to the room, Kip said, "Okay you two, I better not hear a bunch of strange noises coming from that bed tonight."
"Aw shucks," Brock said, "We were going to invite you to join us."
Kip laughed, and said, "Sorry bro, neither of you got the right tools for me. All of my wrenches are SAE, and you guys are metric."
James smiled and said, "Are you sure you don't have an adjustable wrench at the bottom of your toolbox?"
Kip winked and said, "I threw it away the Summer I turned 15 and played Truth or Dare with April Duckworth and Rachel Claflin. I just haven't needed it since."
"Damn bro, if I had only known you once had an adjustable wrench..." Brock said.
"If you'd have known," Kip said, "you would have fucked up our friendship and then missed out on the best thing that's ever happened to you."
Brock kissed James and said, "You got that right."
After settling in, and having a light snack, the team went to the event venue for the diving competition. When Malik ran through his warmup dives, he seemed tentative and unsure. The other divers had all been there before and knew each other. They were like a club and Malik wasn't in it. Also, he seemed to have trouble dialing in the spring of the board to where he liked it.
Malik was the third diver in the flight and his first dive was easy; however, while he completed the requirements of the dive, he lacked his usual height and he entered the water short of perpendicular. His scores were very average.
It was obvious when he exited the pool that he was upset, and it looked like he was losing his confidence and wasn't focused. In a flash, Coach Kropf put his arm on Malik's shoulders and started working to get Malik's head straight. That's the thing about individual sports like swimming and diving, you can't count on your teammates to pick up the slack or sub in if you're not on your game. It's just you; you either figure it out or fail. It's like Yoda said, in `Empire Strikes Back,' "Do, or do not. There is no try."
Whatever Kropf said to Malik worked, because on the next dive he nailed it. For the rest of the flight, Malik was solid and his scores were good. Unfortunately, the score from the first dive put him on the bubble for qualifying for the finals. They would have to wait until the end of the second flight to know if he advanced.
Since becoming roommates, Weston and Malik had also become close friends, and he was the first to reach Malik after the first round ended. Weston gave him a high five and a hug. Malik's parents and much of his family were also there, and they were very happy and proud.
Malik decided to stay and watch the second flight with Coach Kropf to see what the rest of the competition was like. The swimmers, Dean Meyers, and Asst. Coach Graves went to eat. It wasn't until they were all piling into the bus, that James finally spotted Kevin and Michael getting into a car to follow. He wondered if there were any other people from the agency hanging around.
They went to Tasty Burger because Coach Kropf had grown up in Boston and wanted them to bring him back a Double Bacon Cheeseburger with extra pickles and Tasty Sauce with a side of fried Mozzarella sticks. Also, Tasty Burger served some of Boston's best burgers along with other types of food.
The swimmers knew having a big burger and fries wouldn't be a good idea before the meet tomorrow. So, even though the burgers looked tempting, they all opted for a ¼ chicken and pasta combo plate instead to get some good protein and carbs.
When James went to get a refill of his Coke, Michael also got up for a refill. "James," Michael said, "there are a couple of requests for press credentials from photographers that aren't regular sports photographers."
"What do you think they want?"
"Best guess is a photo of you getting emotional....or appearing callous, indifferent, or doing something embarrassing. You know, the kind of pictures the paparazzi like to get of the British Royal family."
"So, what you're saying is they want a picture of me kissing Brock, crying, or experiencing a wardrobe malfunction."
"Yep, and what Pierce International is most afraid of is they get a picture of you acting like either an immature child or an entitled asshole; neither of which will help your corporate image."
"Well then," James said, "I guess I'd better be on good behavior."
"Yeah, I would hate to `accidentally' push a tabloid photographer into the pool along with his camera," Michael said with a smile.
When James got back, Coach Graves said, "I'm going to place a to-go order for Coach Kropf and Malik, and when it's ready, we'll go."
Back at the event site, they found Malik and Coach Kropf. They were both looking less worried than earlier. The second flight of divers wasn't nearly as good as the first, and Malik would break to the finals, but he would have some work to do to finish in the top three. After the second flight was finished and the scores finalized, there was a break before finals. Malik and Coach then got to eat their `to-go' meals. Malik was careful not to eat too much of his chicken and pasta but Coach Kropf really enjoyed his burger.
James told Brock what Micheal said, and they decided to walk around and see if they could find anyone taking pictures of them. The photographers weren't hard to spot since they weren't taking pictures of warmups and seemed to have no idea how a swim meet worked. James and Brock started playing games with them. They'd walk to the concession stand to see if the photographers would follow. One time they even walked back to the locker room to see if any of them were daring enough to try following them there. One was stupid enough to try to enter, but Weston scared the crap out of him. Instead of finding James and Brock making out, what he found was Weston, stripped to the waist and doing his best gang banger act. The look on the guy's face when Weston said, "Yo, asshole, wanna see what happens to pervs in the hood" was priceless. That was the last they saw of him that day.
"Although Malik easily broke to finals, he was in sixth place in the standings. Malik's first dive was perfect, and he began to steadily move up the scoreboard. When it came time for his last dive of the meet, Malik and Kropf decided to go for broke and substituted a dive he'd only done in practice. Whatever jitters he'd had earlier in the day were gone and he was totally focused when he climbed onto the diving board. The announcer called the dive Malik was going to attempt, a reverse one-and-one-half somersault with three-and-one-half twists, and people who knew diving suddenly took notice of what was about to be attempted. The entire Mill Brooks team, coaches, fans, and half the crowd seemed to hold their breaths as Malik started his dive. The elevation Malik got on his jump was phenomenal and his tumbling skills were on display. He nailed it and the crowd went crazy with appreciation.
Malik momentarily jumped into the lead, but the top two divers going into finals also nailed their dives, so Malik took third. Nonetheless, it was a remarkable achievement for a kid who hadn't really competed in diving before this year; plus, the smile on Malik's and his family's faces couldn't have gotten any bigger if he had taken first.
The team went out to celebrate Malik's win, but they couldn't stay out too long because the swimming events would start early Saturday morning. When they got back to the hotel, Coach Kropf gave them some last-minute instructions and then sent them to their rooms. James, Brock, and Kip watched the Celtic/Lakers game and then it was time to turn in. James had never seen Kip stripped to nothing but his underwear, and he was surprised that Brock's and Kip's bodies looked like they were interchangeable, right down to the bulge in Kip's briefs. James wondered what it would be like to be in the middle of a jock-boy sandwich.
Brock turned out the lights, climbed into bed, and pulled James close to his chest. Something about Brock's steady breathing was like a sedative for James and he was soon in a deep and pleasant sleep. The next morning, James was ready to take on whatever the day would bring.
In the locker room, James had just finished putting on his Speedo when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and had to stop and admire what he saw. Before the season, James was self-conscious about what he would look like standing on the starting blocks wearing just a Speedo, goggles, and a swim cap; however, swimming, lifting weights with Brock, and a bit of a growth spurt had really paid dividends. "Hell," James thought to himself, "I'd even swim naked; although my cock might create too much drag." The guys standing around James had to wonder why he suddenly chuckled for no reason.
When James and the team walked into the natatorium in their team jackets and pants, he looked up in the stands and saw his mother and aunt sitting with Weston's parents. He smiled and ran up to give them each a hug. "I can't believe you guys came to Boston for a high school swim meet with all that's going on," James said.
Sydney said, "You can't think I'd miss my favorite nephew swimming in the state championship."
"Aunt Sydney, I am your only nephew."
"All the more reason for me to be here to represent your father. He would be so proud of you."
Julia hugged James and said, "We're both proud of you."
As he was being hugged, James whispered, "You know we're probably being photographed right now."
"I don't care," Julia said, "They can post it on the front page of the Times for all I care."
After saying hello to the Jacksons, James went back and joined the team.
In the preliminary of the 500-yard Freestyle, James posted the third fastest time and advanced to the finals. In the 400-yard Freestyle Mill Brook's team, of which James and Weston, were members also advanced. Weston made it to the finals in the 200 individual medley, and the 100 butterfly. The rest of the Mill Brook team advanced to finals in one of the relay races. For one of the smaller schools in the class and a team that had not been doing well until recently, Mill Brook was having a great state meet.
After the preliminary heats, there was a long break for the swimmers to eat and rest. Issa Weston was as crazy about health and training as Weston. He arranged for a local caterer to prepare a team lunch designed to provide the energy the guys needed without making them sluggish or weighed down.
After lunch, James found a place in the deserted stands to be alone and think. In so many ways his Senior year was amazing, it was like his life was charmed. Everything seemed to be just falling into his lap, but then the asshole he'd come to hate up and died just as they were beginning to build a relationship. What the fuck was that! He knew it was stupid, but James couldn't help thinking his father died on purpose just so he would have to live with the fact that he'd never really gotten a chance to be his father's son. James buried his face in his hands and started to cry.
Brock saw James and started to go to him, but Julia grabbed his arm, and said, "He's going to have to make peace with his father's legacy and memory on his own terms. We can't help him."
Brock looked at Julia and nodded.
James had always hidden his emotions, first from outsiders, then from his family, and finally even from himself. However, now he was totally exposed, he could feel the eyes and the cameras on him, but he didn't give a flying fuck. The twenty or thirty people hanging around in the natatorium must have thought James had lost it when he stood up and yelled, "I hate you, James Pierce ..... I love you, Dad." In that moment it was like some septic, puss-filled boil on his soul had been lanced. Although it hurt, it was also the first step in his emotional healing.
When James' eyes were finally dry, he went back to where the team was gathered. He gave Julia and Sydney a hug, and then he turned to Brock smiled, and said, "Now, I need a hug from you," and Brock wrapped James in his strong arms. Soon Weston and Kip joined them, and then the rest of the team. It felt so good not to be alone.
After things began to settle down, James saw Michael and Kevin standing off to the side. He went over and asked, "Did I screw up?"
Kevin said, "There was only one of the photographers still here. Unfortunately, we couldn't get to him before he took a couple of shots."
"We could try to get him to sell us the pictures, or I could just push him into the pool," Michael said.
James smiled and said, "No, I doubt a couple of pictures of me being emotional after the death of my father is going to tank the company or ruin my reputation." Then after a pause, James said, "However, if you do run into him, tell him I'd like to buy a copy of his photos."
The natatorium was packed for the finals, but James was focused on his team. Weston won the 200-yard Individual Medley and took second in the 100 butterfly. The team was standing in fourth place.
Finally, it was time for the 500 Freestyle. The swimmer with the fastest time in prelims was in lane 4, the second fastest in 5, and James was in lane 3. When the starting pistol fired James body uncoils like a spring that was suddenly released. When he broke the surface, he was stroke for stroke even with the swimmers in lanes 4 and 5. It stayed that way for the first 18 lengths of the race, but when James made the second to last turn, he kicked into a new gear, one he hadn't shown all season. The other two swimmers noticed him make his move and tried to match him, but James began to pull away. When they made the last turn, James had a half-body length lead, and while the other two swimmers faded, James cruised to a body-length win.
When James jumped up onto the pool deck, he looked back at the lane he just swam and said quietly, "That one was for you dad, the next one is for me."
Following the 500 Free was a break and Brock had a Gatorade and an energy bar ready for James. Of course, Brock was insanely happy for James. Finally, James said, "You know, you're the team manager, not the James Pierce cheer squad." Kip heard him and said, "I've got the rest of the team. The Brockster is useless when you're swimming. He got so excited cheering for you, that he almost creamed his pants."
Brock turned red, and James just laughed.
After the break, there were three individual races. The 400-yard Freestyle Relay would be the last race, and probably determine the team standings. Weston would swim the first 100 yards; then Nate Firestone, a Freshman the second leg; Monty Lamb, a Junior the third leg; and James was the anchor. This race was going to realistically be a long shot for the team. Nate was an alternate who had to step up when a shoulder injury knocked out the team's second swimmer.
As expected, Weston gave the team an early lead, but that soon evaporated, and by the time James hit the water, he had two body lengths to make up on the leaders. After the first 100 yards, James had cut the lead to a little more than one body length. However, when he made the turn to start the second 100, James could swear he heard his father say "Now son! You've got this." James exploded off of the wall and quickly closed in on the leaders. He was leaving nothing in the gas tank, and when he made the last turn, it was as three-man race to the finish. When Jame hit the wall, he'd pulled out the win by just 3/10s of a second. It was an amazing finish and James was so exhausted that Brock and Kip had to help him out of the pool.
It was a Cinderella end to the swim season. When James received his 1st place medal for the 500, the announcer said that James had also set a new state record for the 500. In the team standings, Mill Brook was third, which was far better than anyone expected, and Coach Kropf was named Coach of the Year in Division II.
However, the magic soon was replaced with duty. James would be going back to New York with his mother and aunt. Brock hugged James and said, "As soon as my Anatomy and Physiology test is over on Tuesday, I'll be in my car and on my way to New York."
It was a long and, for the most part, a silent trip home. With swimming behind him, there was nothing to distract James from the somber reality that awaited him in New York. When they got to the apartment, James headed up to his room and sent Brock a text that he was home. He then got into the shower before crawling into bed.
James was already missing Brock. It seemed strange to be in a king-size bed alone. James was surprised by how much he was used to having Brock next to him. The fact that the two of them spent most nights cuddled up in a single bed was a testament to their love, the brutal cold of a New England Winter, and the unreliable nature of heating in a 98-year-old building.
Finally, James fell into a fitful sleep filled with cryptic messages and shadowy images. If there were meaning in his dreams James couldn't find it If there were warnings, omens, or messages for him, they were lost when he awoke. In the end, all he had was the feeling he was being given a mission.
I hope you're enjoying "Exposed."
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