Chapter 1: Steroids

Tuesday September 2

As I pulled into the school parking lot, I had a faint smile on my face as I remembered my first day of high school last year. Greg had given Tami and me a ride even though I wasn't sure if she was talking to me. We'd had a falling out the previous spring over my drug and alcohol use. Greg made it a point to give me a speech on how I wasn't supposed to embarrass him. When we reached the school he kissed Cindy Lewis, one of the hottest girls at Lincoln High, in the parking lot.

It had been the beginning of a wild year. As I looked around, none of the three people who had kicked off last year were around. I missed them all, but that was not going to slow me down. I had big plans for this year. The first was to win a State Championship for Lincoln High. I wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish that, since I was playing on the JV team, but I would make it happen somehow.

As I walked up to the front door I saw the freshmen cheerleaders trying to figure things out. I decided I would help them.

"Ladies, are you ready for your first day of high school?" I asked.

Standing before me were Emma, Piper, Kylie and Faith. Emma and Piper were fraternal twins. Emma was the tallest of the group at five-ten and had long straight brown hair. Her sister, Piper, was a couple of inches shorter and was a blonde. Kylie was the shortest of the group with curly brown hair and a perky personality. Faith was the most reserved. Her alabaster skin contrasted nicely by her raven black hair. They all gave me a big smile when I talked to them. Three more girls walked up and looked at me, hopefully. I guessed they were also cheerleaders. Kylie, being the outgoing one, spoke for the group.

"Yes, we're excited to get the year started. We didn't realize you would be the welcoming committee," she teased me.

"I do what I can," I told her. "I know Emma, Piper and Faith. Who are your cute friends?" I asked.

"Carmela and Sarita are cousins, and this is Ann. They will all be on the squad, this year," Kylie said.

Carmela and Sarita could have been twins. They were Hispanic, and about Kylie's height with black hair. Ann was a strawberry blond who had braces. The three new girls were rail thin. I shook all their hands, and welcomed them to Lincoln High.

We walked into chaos as everyone was excited to be back to school. I escorted the girls to where the freshman lockers were and looked at all their schedules, so I could point them to their first class. The bell rang, and I wished them luck.

My first class was PE. I'd signed up for fitness and conditioning. It was a required class, if you were playing football. I had Coach Diamond as my teacher. I skipped working out this morning so I needed to work hard during PE. Wolf was in the class with me, so he and I did our workout together. Wolf was one of my best friends on the football team. He played tight end and was six-five and 235 pounds. For his size he was deceptively quick. When we were done lifting, we did our speed workout. I had been sharing with the JV guys what I had learned over the summer.

I was proud of my guys. They were excelling at practice, both with conditioning and strength. I could see the spring and summer workouts had paid off. There were some guys who had not been part of our workouts who were in the class. They were struggling. I suspected the other teams on our schedule were also struggling right now. Being in such good shape was going to give us a leg up.

My next class was Geometry I, with Coach Stevens, who was in charge of the freshman team and special teams for varsity. Our first class was basically a preview of what we would be doing for the year. I then had American History II with Mr. Henley. He was as boring as ever. I would get a lot of studying done in this class. Fourth period was English II. I had Moose, our defensive coordinator, as my teacher. After that, I had lunch.

This year my schedule had a slight hitch. I was assigned second lunch while all my friends had first. I arrived early and found the freshmen cheerleaders all had second lunch, so not all was lost. They saw me sitting alone and I soon had seven freshmen girls sitting around me. It was amusing to see all the other freshman girls looking at them funny. I remembered last year when I asked Tina out. All her freshmen friends were envious she was going on a date the first week of school.

Kylie might be the outgoing one, but I soon found out Emma was their leader. The girls were on a mission ... I should have run when I had the chance!

"Soooo, David, why are all the other cheerleaders mad at you?" Emma asked.

I had to take a deep breath; because Tracy had not clued in the cheerleaders I was not really dating Lisa Felton. There had been some ugly rumors about her giving blowjobs to a lot of guys at a party. I was starting to doubt those rumors since the source seemed to be Bill Rogers, and his stoner friends. Bill was currently serving time for what he did to Tracy. I wouldn't put it past him to have had Lisa drugged before he took advantage of her. I could also imagine them making the whole thing up. It wouldn't be the first group of guys to make stuff up about a girl just so they could feel like big men. I couldn't fathom a fifteen-year-old would eagerly be doing what the rumor said she had done.

"I don't know if I should tell you. I don't know if you are all that trustworthy. Something like this could hurt people's reputations. It's a dirty little secret that is probably too much for you girls," I told them trying to keep a straight face.

I knew I had them when I'd said, dirty little secret. They would dig until they found out, now. It was as if I had thrown a scrap of red meat in the middle of a pack of hungry wolves.

"I know you just met me, but I can keep a confidence," Carmela told me.

I could tell she was sincere. I decided to test her. I looked at all of them.

"Do you guys think Carmela can keep my secret?" I asked.

"Yes, she's very reliable," Sarita, her cousin, told me.

"If I tell Carmela, and she decides you all should be mad at me too, I'm fine with that. If she decides you should be okay with what I did, will you abide by her decision?" I asked them.

"Yes. We would agree," Emma, their leader, said.

Carmela was a serious little girl. She was taking this as if I was going to explain some great mystery to her. We went out to my thinking tree, and I told her the whole story. I had to explain to her who Lisa was, and why the girls were so set against her and me hooking up. Then I explained about the diner and why I was there. I had volunteered at the cancer ward, and her little brother was a patient I spent time with. Kim Sun, who was waitressing, had made some assumptions when I took Lisa there for a break. When I was done, Carmela gave me a big smile.

"I hate you," she told me.

I just smiled at her. The girls would be bugging her for details, and she was sworn to secrecy.

"This is the best scoop. We could be one up on the varsity cheerleaders with this info. The other girls are going to bug me like crazy."

I decided to put her out of her misery.

"Tracy knows the real story. She will have the others in line before the week is out. I'm sure one of them will tell the girls what is up. This place is too small for word not to get out."

We walked back to the table so everyone could hear Carmela's verdict.

"David did nothing wrong. It's all a misunderstanding. He told me that since he can trust me, he will be taking me to the football game on Friday," she said shocking even me.

She dared me to contradict her. I had to give her credit for putting one over on me. I decided what the heck. She seemed like she would be fun to hang out with. I think she knew I was not interested in her more than as just a friend. That is when the ranks broke.

"That was not what we agreed to," Kylie said.

They all looked at her like she just farted in church. Kylie suddenly realized what she said. I realized the devious girls were up to something. That something sounded like no good.

"Let me guess, I was supposed to go out with someone else?" I asked.

"It's not like that... ," Faith started.

"It's exactly like that. We all agreed I got to take him out, first," Kylie said.

"Sorry, David, we thought maybe since you're not dating anyone you might go out with us," Emma told me.

I had been around Tracy long enough to know that image was a big deal for these girls. Snagging the quarterback would be a feather in their hats. I had to give it to them. They were working as a team.

I pulled out my cell phone and called Angie, my sister-in-law. I had bought her and Greg a minivan. I would just trade cars for Friday night. That way I could take all of them. She of course agreed. I would take it to Sullivan's car dealership to be cleaned. Who knew what my nephew Kyle had done in the back seat. I didn't need something staining someone's clothes.

They all looked at me, confused.

"You all can go with me to the game on Friday. I'll meet you here at the school and we can go to Washington High, together," I announced.

Our first game was away, this year. I was looking forward to seeing Ty and the guys from Washington. They should have a good team this year. I was a little sad I wasn't going to get to play.

The compromise seemed to make them all happy. I would have to keep an eye on these girls. They seemed to be little schemers. Actually, they would have made Tami proud.

After lunch I had Government with Coach Hope then Biology II with Mr. Dutton. Finally, I had Art – Landscapes with Ms. Saunders. I could have had study hall for last period, but I enjoyed art last semester, so I had signed up again.

After school I went to get ready for football practice. Coach Stevens was standing at the locker room door with someone I had never met.

"Hang on, David. Before you go to practice, you have to be tested," Coach Stevens said.

I was confused. The guy next to him explained.

"We have had a complaint of steroid use at Lincoln High. I've been hired by the High School Athletic Association to conduct a random test of football players."

Several things raced through my mind, the first was that Mom had been right. Something like this couldn't be kept a secret. The ass-hats had brought this on us all, because they needed a short cut. I was pissed, because I had put the work in. If I somehow tested positive, I could kiss my college career goodbye.

The upside was that they had selected me. If the ass-hats tested positive, me having a negative test would clear me of wrongdoing. This was a nightmare. I was sure the seniors would target us as the ones who turned them in. Brad and his boys would be out for blood.

I went with the guy and peed in the cup as he watched. I followed him to the training room where Mr. Hastings, our head trainer, logged in the specimen. I was sent to Coach Hope's office. I found Brad and several of the senior and junior ass-hats in his office. He made us wait until all the juniors and seniors were tested. Most of the guys looked nervous. Brad was glaring at me. He backed off some when Jim, Wolf, and Mike walked in also.

When we were all done taking the test, Coach Hope finally spoke.

"This morning we were informed by the High School Athletic Association that there was credible evidence that members of the Lincoln High football team have been using anabolic steroids. I've been in contact with our athletic director, and the School District's attorney. They have directed me to cooperate fully with the HSAA in conducting their investigation," Coach Hope told us.

He looked genuinely disturbed and bowed his head for a moment to gather his thoughts. I was sure he knew the accusation was true. He also had to know Brad was involved. He looked back up and continued.

"The HSAA tells me we will have the results of the test next Monday," Coach Hope said while looking right at Brad. "I'm troubled by this. My first reaction was to forfeit the game on Friday. The School District's attorney informed me people are innocent until proven guilty. I've been directed to act as if nobody has broken any rules until the results are back.

"I'm allowed to tell you the consequences if you flunk the drug test. If you're found to be using steroids you will be kicked off the team and won't be allowed to participate in athletics at Lincoln High for the rest of the year. That includes spring semester. If you come back next year, and wish to participate in athletics, you'll be subjected to random drug tests until you graduate.

"If between now, and the time we receive your test results back you decide to quit the team, your results will not be opened. If you take that approach, you're still finished at Lincoln High as far as athletics are concerned. However, Lincoln High will keep the document with your result sealed until you either leave or graduate. At that time, the document will be destroyed.

"Are there any questions?" Coach Hope asked.

"If a player participates in a game and is later found to be positive, what will happen?" Brad asked.

"We'll forfeit the game," Coach told us.

"What if a player quits after the game and their results are not known?" Brad asked.

"Same thing. We will forfeit the game," Coach said. "We will not job the system. If there is even a suspicion of steroid use, and someone plays, we will do the right thing."

My opinion of Coach Hope went way up. I was glad to see he was not going to mess around about this. I had one question, and I needed everyone to hear the answer.

"Coach, do we know where the accusation came from? Was it anyone associated with Lincoln High?" I asked.

He looked at me, and got it. He shook his head.

"This did not come from anyone at Lincoln. Let me repeat that. No one associated with Lincoln High made the accusation," he said, looking Brad and the ass-hats in the eye.

I saw Brad flinch when his dad's eyes locked on him. He left no doubt we were not involved. With that, the meeting was over. Coach Diamond and Coach Stevens grabbed the JV guys who were in the meeting and pulled us into a room.

"I had to have you guys tested," Coach Stevens told us.

Wolf and Jim looked pissed. I just nodded. Mike looked at his shoes.

"I did it to clear your names. You all have the talent to play in college. I suspect if this is pushed to the limit, it will be a big news story. You'll need the test results to help prove you weren't involved. Even with the test results, this may hurt your recruiting."

"The entire coaching staff believes none of you are involved. We'll do everything we can to help you," Coach Diamond assured us.

We then went to practice this kind of took the fun out of it.

When I got home, I told Mom and Dad. Dad called Tom to get advice. Tom said he would make some calls to see what we should do.

Wednesday September 3

Word got out quickly. Jeff Delahey was waiting for me after practice. He was the local sports reporter, with whom I had slowly built a relationship. To be honest, I didn't like him much last fall. In the spring he started to grow on me. I agreed to talk to him at my house, with my parents and Tom present. We arranged to meet after dinner.

He followed me home, and Dad called Tom. Mom served us dinner and Jeff joined us. We agreed not to talk about anything controversial, until Tom got there. That didn't mean we didn't talk football, we did. He wanted to compare notes on who I thought was good this year and players to look out for. When Tom arrived, we got down to business.

"Jeff, I won't make any quotes at this time. Everything will be off the record, until we see the results of the tests," I told him.

"Look, this is going to be a big deal. I'm going to take my reporter's hat off for a moment and give you some advice. Get out in front of this thing. If you look like you are on the defensive, you'll look guilty. I would also suggest you have me open your test results. I can then definitively say they were negative. If they come back positive, I'll have to do my job."

"May I ask what you plan to print?" Tom asked.

"I have confirmed that a booster from Eastside made the report to the HSAA. My source spoke to me only upon a guarantee of anonymity. He observed multiple members of Lincoln High's football team working out at a gym known for steroid use. I don't have outside verification, yet, so we are sitting on the story, for now," Jeff told us.

"Jeff, can we have a moment?" I asked.

I pulled everyone into the office.

"If he breaks this story before the game on Friday, there are going to be problems," Mom said.

"We need to see if we can get this delayed 'till Sunday," Tom said. "We still have freshman and JV games on Saturday."

"I have the proof he needs. Wolf and I saw the steroids," I said.

"You all stay here. Let me talk to him for a moment," Tom said.

We waited almost an hour. I was surprised when Coach Hope showed up and joined us. He came up to me and looked me in the eye.

"David, I need to know. Do you have proof that any of my players are taking steroids?" he asked me.

"Have I seen any of them actually take them? No."

"But... ?" he asked.

"I saw a bottle of steroid pills in one of the seniors' duffel bags."

"Thank you. Coach Stevens told me he recognized the signs of use in several of the players. He was a lineman in college after all. We couldn't do anything based on what he told us, because we had no proof. The coaching staff talked about simply benching whomever we suspected of using and having the JV play varsity on Friday. But Moose pointed out that to solve a short-term problem we would be creating a bigger problem for you and the other JV players. We want to keep you as far away from this mess for as long as possible."

Tom came back in.

"Jeff has agreed to hold off on the story until Sunday. David, he wants to talk to you off the record. In the meantime I'll put together an official statement for you. Once your parents and Coach approve it, we'll give it to Jeff."

We all agreed, and everyone went out to listen to me talk to Jeff. I told him what Wolf and I had seen. I told him what Wolf told us about his cousin's use. I then revealed what happened at our meeting at Monical's, and the decision to play JV ball. Coach Hope blanched when he heard that. I finally told Jeff about the model I ran into for the gladiator shoot. He told me the varsity was lifting there and offered to help me with steroids. There was no direct confirmation, but the implication was made.

"David, I'll deny this if you ever repeat it. I think you're a rare talent. I could have just run with this thing, but I have come to like and respect you. That is rare in my business. This is a one-time deal. If I suspect you are doing anything like this in the future, I'll just run it. But, I don't want to see someone else pull you down for something you're not involved in," Jeff told me.

I shook his hand.

"Jeff, if I ever do something like this, I'll give you the exclusive," I said with a smirk.

Mom whacked me on the back of the head and called me a 'stupid boy!'

Friday September 5

Through the grapevine we heard that Brad and the rest of the juniors and seniors had gotten together and decided to play tonight. Their rationale was they wanted to play at least one game. Coach Hope was not happy about any of this.

Of course our fantasy of news not leaking before Sunday was just that. Jeff called Coach Hope, and said they couldn't sit on the story, because too many sources had come forward. On Thursday, the story had been in the local paper. By Friday the press was all over Lincoln High when I pulled up in the parking lot. They saw me as I walked up to the front of the school.

The local TV station reporter got me to stop. Hey, she's cute...

"Can you tell us if steroid use is rampant at Lincoln High?" she asked.

They love to throw fire bombs, and step back and watch you burn. This was the exact situation Jeff had warned us about. Being defensive now would look like guilt.

"All I can talk about is myself. On Monday, the High School Athletic Association came in and tested me. They tell me the results will be available this coming Monday. If God is willing, I'll be playing football in college. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize my opportunity to play, and I'm sure the test will show I'm drug free.

"In July, I went to the Elite Quarterback Camp held in Houston Texas. There I was also tested. If you would like the results of those tests, I have them posted on my website. You guys all know Jeff Delahey," I said as I pointed to him in the crowd. "He will open and report my results, on Monday. As soon as Jeff has verified that I am clean, we will post the results."

"What about the rumors that several members of the football team have used steroids?" she persisted.

"I honestly don't know. I would hope not, but you will need to talk to the school about that."

"Is there a reason you have been tested twice in two months?" she asked.

She was starting to irritate me. I took a moment to gather my thoughts.

"When you attend a high level camp, like the one I attended in July, they are vetting you to play at the next level. I was not singled out. Everyone took the test. Top programs want to know you aren't using performance enhancing drugs.

"According to my coaches, I was not originally scheduled to take the test. They requested, it so there would be no doubt I was clean," I answered.

"So they think other players are not?" said my new least favorite reporter.

"Again, I have no idea. You need to talk to the school about that," I said. "Thanks everyone, but I need to get to class."

I glanced at Jeff and he just nodded. I guess I did okay.

During first period, the whole football team was called to the gym. They had us sit in the bleachers. The coaching staff was joined by the Athletic Director, Mr. Hicks, and someone who I assumed was the School District's attorney. Coach Hope started the meeting.

"On Monday we were informed by the HSAA there had been allegations of steroid use. Later that day they came in and did testing. Until the tests come back next Monday, we have no proof of any wrong doing.

"As you may have noticed, there are a lot of press people wanting comments. I would suggest you allow us to talk to them. At this time, I would like to turn this meeting over to Mr. Hicks," Coach Hope said, and then sat down.

You could tell that what he was about to tell us was not good by his body language. He got a determined look and told us.

"We have been in close contact with Washington High, both last night and this morning. In the interest of player safety we have decided to forfeit tonight's game. Neither side wanted the risk of injury associated with possible steroid use. If we allowed players who we even suspected of using performance enhancing drugs to play, and there was an injury, the schools could be held liable.

"The freshman and JV games will be played tomorrow, as scheduled. If everyone's test comes back negative, Washington has agreed to a make-up game. We'll play that game Wednesday night," Mr. Hicks announced.

"What about Dawson? He took the test, too! Does he get to play, tomorrow?" Brad asked.

The attorney got up.

"I'll answer that. I'm Sam Jensen. I'm the attorney for the School District. This was discussed, and both Washington High and we agree there is no need for concern. The four non-varsity players were tested to help show they were not involved. The HSAA did not request us to test them, the coaching staff did. They are not under a cloud of suspicion. This was done to assure college recruiters they were not involved," Mr. Jensen told everyone.

We were sent back to class. By noon Brad and the majority of the varsity team had quit. I think Coach Hope explained the facts of life to them. I was told before lunch that I was not playing in the JV game, Saturday. Most of us would be playing Washington on Wednesday. Practice was scheduled for after school today.

At lunch the girls wanted to know what we were doing, tonight. At first I looked at them like they were crazy, but they were serious. The girls had been promised a group outing, and they expected me to come through.

"Ahh ... I have practice tonight. I don't know how late we'll be," I tried to reason.

"Why don't we go to the University High game? We play them next Friday," Emma suggested.

I thought about it for a moment. That actually wasn't a bad idea. U-High was a non-conference game. With the short week, anything I could learn would be a help. I sent Angie a text to let her know I would need her minivan, after all. I told her I had practice after school and she agreed to get it cleaned for me. She would swing by the high school and trade with me while I practiced. My sister-in-law could be pretty great, sometimes. I was lucky she married my brother.

I also sent a text to Lily telling her of our plans. I thought it would be a good idea if the whole team went to the game, tonight. She sent a text back saying she would talk to Alan and get a message sent out to everyone. We would meet at the high school at six-thirty, and caravan to the game. By the end of lunch Alan had sent an email to all the team members.

At practice I was happy to see three seniors were there. They were the same three who played JV baseball, and had been on our seven-on-seven team with us. Bill Callaway was my favorite receiving target. Trevor Millsap also played receiver, and Lou Davis was a cornerback.

When the coaching staff came out they looked like new men. The stress seemed to be gone. They got right down to business since we only had a few days to get ready. Coach Hope had us gather around.

"Things can only get better from here," Coach told us. "Wednesday night will be a real test. Washington has twenty out of twenty-two starters returning. They are the conference favorites this year according to the paper. They know we'll give them a tough game and they will be ready for us. This game may decide who goes to State, this year. What do you think Dawson? Do we have a shot Wednesday?"

"Yes, sir. I plan on lighting them up, on offense. Defense will be dedicated to putting Ty and Isaac on their asses."

Ty Wilson was their star halfback, and Isaac Fellows was their quarterback. They had joined me on our trip to Kentucky during the summer. We could hold our own against these guys. We would be ready.

When I got to the school, a little before six-thirty, I was surprised to see nearly forty cars, there. It seems Alan sent the email to everybody. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Our small town was football crazy, and on Friday nights everyone went to the game. Since we weren't playing, they all needed their football fix.

I got out of the minivan and waved at several people. Tracy found me and headed over. I winked at her when she got close.

"I hear you're taking care of the freshmen for me," she said with a smirk.

"Did you sic them on me? They seem to think I'm somehow responsible for them."

"No, that was their idea. I thought it was pretty funny when they told me. You better watch out, they have big plans for you."

I saw Mona come up and she wouldn't look me in the eye.

"Did you come to apologize to me?" I challenged her.

"Ah, yeah, I feel a little silly now. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you," Mona said.

Luckily the freshmen found me. They were sly little devils as they gently moved Tracy and Mona away from me. I saw Tracy's shoulders shaking as she tried not to laugh at me. They had effectively claimed me. I just headed to the van. They fell in line like I was their momma duck and they were my ducklings. I got in the van and saw that Carmela had claimed shotgun. I had almost forgotten this was her date.

I don't know if you have ever ridden in a car with seven teenage girls, but they can talk! I guess they were no longer shy around me. They acted like I wasn't even there. They were recording some vampire show they were all watching. When there was a momentary break, I asked them if it was the one with the girl I met at the birthday party in California.

"You met her?" Ann, the strawberry blond with braces, asked.

"Bree something ... Yeah, I have some pictures of her with me," I told them.

I had Carmela get my iPad out and I told her were to find the pictures. Carmela suddenly put her hand over her mouth and her eyes got big. I thought she was impressed I had a picture of Bree and myself. I forgot I had the picture of Adrienne and me nude in Miami in that folder.

Carmela slipped my iPad back to Kiley.

"Holy crap, can I have a copy of this?" Kiley shouted.

The van suddenly went quiet. I looked at Carmela and she looked really nervous. Then it dawned on me what they were looking at.

Chapter 2 »