Chapter 33: The House is Rockin'

Rebbecca

Share?

I couldn't believe I said that! He certainly is big enough to share, but did I want to share him? With just anyone? Anyone at all? Even Rosalee? Something we definitely needed to talk about. After this week is over. Before that, I needed to think about what I wanted.

I climbed down once the foreign hand was gone, took his hand, and started skipping down the hall, doing my happy dance next to My Mountain.

"I'll be glad when this week is over and the requests are over," he said. I couldn't tell what he was thinking though.

"Don't you enjoy people stroking Junior?"

"Well, yeah, when I have some control over who. And when."

"What if I wanted to stroke him now?"

He stopped and turned me towards him, taking both my hands. "I'd rather we do that in private. I don't know, it's just too intimate to do in public."

"Like we're hiding?"

"No. It's just ... well, it's a special thing. A way for us to show love for each other."

"I can see that. But, sometimes, it's fun to ... I don't know... , just do spontaneous things and not worry about others."

"Hmm ... Yeah. I can see that." To prove my point that it can be fun, I reached down and gave Junior a loving squeeze. I'm positive he liked it and the grin on his face told he did as well. I released him and started skipping down the halls. "You're a nut."

"Yep. But, I'm your nut." I did a twirl under his arm, smiled, and looked into his eyes. "I think we need to talk about all this more, but not now."

"I agree. Besides, with all that has been going on this week, I haven't had time to even think about anything."

"And, tonight..."

"Yes. Tonight."

"So, we'll talk about. Later. I don't think we're going to have a problem."

"I don't think so either."

"Now, on to lunch with the Nakeds!" Once again, I played Dorothy headed to the Emerald City. Except My Mountain was the brave lion, the smart scarecrow, and the tin man with a heart, all rolled into one very large package!

"What's the rest of your day look like?"

"Oh, a meeting with the Wizard of Oz, battling a wicked witch, and such. The normal."

Laughing, he managed, "No, seriously."

I had to laugh with him. "Well, lunch of course." I waited.

Finally, he said, "Yes. And... ?"

"Oh, there's this sporting event this evening. I might attend. In between, I'll be working on a painting. Oh ... I almost forgot, I've got to pose for Rashad."

"Is that going to be a problem?" I could feel the concern.

"No. I'm hoping Rosalee will be with me. And, maybe I can convince Francesca to stay late."

"Let me know."

"You need to have other things on mind."

"I know, but I'll worry all the same."

"Why don't you come by after practice."

"I was going to do that anyway."

"Goodie!"

"Plus, we should have a short practice today. Just review the game plan, take everyone's temperature, that kind of thing. I think the Haka is going to get most of our attention. We're ready for the game itself."

"You know ... I love you." I started dancing around him again, twirling under his arm, rubbing against him.

"Nut!"

"Yep! Now, take me to lunch."

Luis

"With pleasure, My Becca."

Still chuckling, we made it into the lunchroom, through the line, and headed towards "The Naked Table". The whole way, there were shouts of "Beat East!" and "Go Warriors!" mixed in with the normal sounds of gathered teens. In that mix was, of course, music. The distinctive voice of Lady Gaga competing with one of the hair bands being underscored by some mindless metal, head-banging shit. And then, a bit of sanity rolled through. A snatch of "Pride and Joy" by the boy from Texas, rest his soul.

I pulled up before we arrived at the table. All the other Nakeds had arm bands with my jersey number on them. A wave went down my spine. Part appreciation for the support, part shame for being set apart from the team. The appreciation won.

"Oh my." Ah, the eloquent me emerges yet again.

"Feeling loved and supported My Mountain?" Becca damn near cooed. What was with her today? What's with me?

"Damn!" It's a good thing I've rehearsed the script for this week, else I'd be making a complete fool of myself right now.

"Do you want me to carry you to the table? It would be easier than trying to carry that tray of food you have," she giggled as she patted my ass.

"Damn!" Get your shit together, Luis. Becca's about to drop her tray she's starting to laugh so hard.

We managed to make it to the table, trays intact. After greeting everyone and before I could sit, I noticed the people across the table from me instinctively lean back. Figuring it wasn't me, I turned to see Jamaal behind me.

"How the hell do you do that?"

"I beg your pardon, Old Man. Do what?" Today's accent was a clipped Upper-Crust, a bad mix of Mayfair and White Chapel, I think.

"Appear out of nowhere."

"Very easy to do when you are as lean and svelte as I." About half the table cracked up at that.

"If you're svelte, then what am I?"

"It wouldn't be proper for me to say, not with ladies present. Aside for our quite inappropriate discussion of your size, I am on a mission. I am to request a vote from you on a team matter."

"And, that would be?"

"A matter of saving any more performances of the Hakka until the sporting event this very evening."

"I'd vote to save it up."

"So noted and recorded. Based on your response, I am directed to inform you that we will be abstaining from any performances of the Hakka until the evening's contest. And, that the matter was decided unanimously."

"And you needed my vote, why?"

"Because it was the only vote that counted. As it is, the rest of the team deferred to you on this weighty issue. It would seem they consider you more weighty than me. Pity them."

"Seriously, one day you'll have to explain what just happened."

"Certainly, Old Chap. It would only be proper and good form. In the moment, however, I must communicate your decision to the others. Ta-ta." With a wave that would have done the Queen proud, he vanished into the crowd.

When I sat, I noticed varying degrees of laughter. Some hesitant, not sure of what they had just witnessed. Others, struggling to keep from rolling on the floor.

Ginny, suppressing a giggle, managed, "Wha ... Who was that?"

The hesitant laughers couldn't hold back anymore. I did my best to try to explain Jamaal and then we got down to Naked Business. Margie was, as usual, completely prepared.

She explained the wrist bands. A quick display of wrists showed all the Nakeds wearing yellow. I was proud of the group.

Margie went on to explain how she had asked the sports teams, through the captains, to help enforce it. A quick survey through the morning had also shown that most of the school was already on board. Only a few times had there been issues and resolved quickly. I told of mine and how Jamaal had, yet again, appeared out of nowhere and handled it.

Dr. C joined us in the middle of this conversation. "You are aware that the school cannot sanction this?"

Before anyone else could react, Margie jumped in, "Yes. And, the school can't stop it either."

Dr. C's head jerked around towards her, getting ready to get serious, until he saw her smile. "True. So, I think I can officially say the school hasn't noticed. Ms Carlisle?"

She was grinning. In a near perfect imitation of Sargent Schultz from the old Hogan's Heroes she said, "I see noth-ing! I know noth-ing!"

While everyone was laughing, I reflected on the week. The game kept creeping into my mind. I knew I needed to find space to get centered and then focused. This afternoon would be perfect. In the meantime, I consumed the mass of food in front of me and once again wishing the cafeteria would let my mother help them with the menu. Oregano should be like a small child, seen but not heard. It should delicately flavor the food, not overwhelm it.

And garlic. Where is the bloody garlic? I know it is cheaper and easier to use industrial sized containers of garlic salt, but...

Hmmm ... when the family gets together, the food! Oh, and to think that Momma isn't the best of the cooks, although the only professional. Right now, to have some my Aunt's Ossobucco in Bianco with a side of risotto alla Milanese...

"My Mountain?" pulled me back to the moment. Some leader and coach I was being to the Nakeds.

Rebbecca

"Uhm... ,"

"You really need to work on your repartee. We're discussing the Program, the Bet, and our role going forward," I whispered to my distracted man. "Let me guess, thinking about your mother's food?"

"Close, my whole family's!"

"If it's anything like your mom's..."

"She's not the best one of them. She'll even admit it."

"Oh, wow!"

"You're invited to the next family dinner."

"Can't wait," I whispered.

Just then Dr Cavenaugh cleared his throat, interrupting our private conference. "Pardon my interruption, I know I'm just a guest, but we do need to conduct some Program business."

"Sorry," we both said at the same time, which caused a few chuckles and giggles.

"At least we were just talking," I said, which generated more laughter. I really am going to have to try to duplicate the color of blushing, olive skin. I'm positive the reflection of my own blush was changing the color of his.

"Sorry, Dr C. I know I've been a lousy leader this week."

That started a riot of conversations, all supporting "Coach". I patted his leg and happened to accidentally, I swear, to give Junior a squeeze as well. Damned if his blush didn't deepen.

Oops. I forgot to let go!

"Actually, Luis, you've set in motion many positive things. Your team has done very well, although parts of it I cannot acknowledge." That got a round of chuckles and people holding up their wrist bands. "I also have the advantage of observing Program participants and how they are moving through the week. Plus, how the other students are reacting to the Program. So far, except for a few incidences early in the week, this has been a very smooth week."

"Well, without protection on our butts, and these chairs, it's been a rough week for most of us!" Rosalee strikes again.

"What about your towels?"

"Well, for a tush that's used to silk..." She held up her towel and emphasized the course terrycloth.

"So, are you suggestion we provide better towels?" Dr C was on the verge of laughing, but trying to take the complaint seriously.

"Well, only the best from the finest designers should ever touch this magnificent bod of mawah!" Rosa managed a haughty air and movements that would have done Veronica Lake, Clara Bow, Jane Russell, and the other movie vamps of old proud. It took about two seconds for other girls to start mimicking her moves. I even felt compelled to pull my hand off Junior and join the fun.

The guys around the table were nonplussed. I now have a wonderful image for a jaw dropping and hitting the table. Thank you Paul!

My Mountain shifted and pulled out his towel. Holding it up, "Personally, I have no problem with the texture-"

"You meditate on nails, no kidding."

"My issue is with the puny size."

"Is that about a one cheek towel for you Coach?" asked, of all people, Ginny. Which began a conversation about the approximate size of My Mountain's gluteus maximus and the total surface area it covered.

"Personally, I think it's quite cute." Did I say that?

"I agree, it's not only cute, but looks absolutely delicious!" Thank you, Rosalee!

"You know what they say," Tim, self-professed theater geek asked. With a perfect pregnant pause.

"No, what do they say?" It started with one voice and ended with all of us responding.

"More than a wheelbarrow full is a waste."

As the laughter and comments continued, My Mountain ... I really need to figure out which colors to use to blend a blush into his skin tones. His skin is already quite the challenge. It positively glows in sunlight. Under artificial light, it shifts and changes as he moves. Lovely, yet very challenging. The lack of fields of body hair is something I never would have expected. I guess I have preconceived notion about Italians. I think body hair. Enough to make a weaver swoon.

Anyway, he's sitting there taking the good-natured abuse, but not really responding. He did manage to move the towel to provide some basic protection of important places. Both on him, they do hang pretty low, and in case my hand movements produced results.

"On a serious note," began Dr. Cavenaugh.

"F?"

"D sharp?"

"A flat?"

"And, to think, I was about to praise this group for how mature they've acted this week. Alas, all I see now is snot-nosed high school kids."

"I. Do. Not. Have. Buggers. In. My. Nose!" Thank you, again, Rosalee. She did lean her head back to allow everyone to inspect it if they so chose. Nope. She didn't. Clear as a bell.

"I rest my case," said Dr. C.

"Sir, think of this as pregame hijinks. Just the team letting off a little steam." He does talk! It surprised me so much, I did give Junior a bit of an aggressive squeeze, which caused his voice to rise towards the "letting".

"Coach, I expect you to have your team at the office doors on Monday morning, before we start announcing names."

"No problems, Dr. C. We'll be there, right?" He checked off each person with his eyes and got nods in return.

"And, hopefully this goes without saying-"

"We'll gladly support the new victims, excuse me, participants in the Program."

"Well said. Now, I'll leave you to your 'letting off' and go get some real work done."

"Afternoon nap?"

"Pushing paper from one side of the desk to the other?"

"Testing the rear lean angle of your chair?"

"World of Warcraft?"

"Coach, Monday morning." His manner was loose, yet he held Luis with an intense stare. My Mountain just checked in with everyone again and looked Dr. Cavenaugh in the eyes and nodded.