Rabbit and Annie

An Exhibitionist Love Story

Part Two

by G. Lawrence

A Note For the Readers

This rambunctious romantic comedy seeks to entertain. None of these events really happened (well, almost none). Yes, I have snuck in some deeper themes. It is a 65,000-word novel presented in six parts. It is also a sports story. All characters are over 18 years old. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

* * * * * *

Chapter Three

ANNIE COMES CALLING

The first day of my new world was surreal with so many looking at me, and not looking at me, and few daring to talk to me. I sort of liked the attention but didn't want it to become a lifestyle. No longer belonging to a study group, I'd need to read the damn books on my own. That was going to be a challenge. I settled in my dorm room trying to write an essay on the Spanish-American War. I really liked how Teddy Roosevelt charged up San Juan Hill, bullets whizzing and explosions everywhere. The rest was kind of boring. I had a visitor.

"Hi, Josh. How are you doing?" Annie Tramble inquired, appearing in a yellow sundress with a low neckline. Though we had seen each other in art class that afternoon, we hadn't spoken since I'd been handcuffed naked to a flagpole. Wearing her handcuffs.

"That seems to be the question of the day," I replied, stepping aside so she could enter. Mirry had our room nicely decorated with posters of famous actresses; Sarah Bernhart, Mary Martin, Rito Moreno. The framed photo of me at the Red Horse Tavern playing nude waiter hung on the wall next to the window. Uncensored. Annie glanced at it briefly, looking a little shocked.

"Where did this come from?" she asked.

"My former fraternity brothers wanted to celebrate my disgrace," I explained. "I figured keeping the picture was the least they owed me."

"They suck," Annie quietly cursed.

"No argument from me," I agreed.

"Can we talk?" she said, sitting down at my desk.

She was pretty as ever, her long auburn hair down to her shoulders. As a junior, she was only a year ahead of me. I'd seen her drama class perform two plays. She was very good.

"Why would a famous mean girl want to talk to me?" I questioned.

"I just want to make sure you're okay. We were awfully tough on you. Maybe more than we intended. I was kind of drunk so it didn't catch up to me until the next morning."

"I survived," I responded.

"We never thought it would make you quit the Sig's. Not in a million years. Everyone is stunned. And a little pissed."

"It just means they'll have one less benchwarmer this year," I replied.

"None of us can apologize to you. Not publicly, it would set a bad precedent," she explained. A strange way of apologizing. "But I think you'll see some of us taking it easier on you from now on."

"I'm not looking for favors. Tell your Alpha brothers to take their best shot."

"Come on, don't be bitter. You're too nice a guy for that," she protested.

"How would you know?"

"We have the art class together. Last year, your fraternity and my sorority shared a fundraiser at the Gypsy Abbot Theater. It's not that girls don't talk about you."

"I may not be as nice as some people believe, but thanks for the kind words. I've seen the Red Horse Tavern videos on the campus websites. I still haven't seen any of the flagpole pictures."

Annie looked toward the open door into the hall making sure no one was listening.

"The Alpha's are holding the flagpole photos over the Sigma K's," she whispered. "If word gets around that they left one of their own brothers to be humiliated like that, their pledge program would be in trouble. At least, that's the official reason."

"Official?"

"Some of the brothers think Brad went too far. It's not like the Alpha's have anything against you."

"Do you have copies of the videos?"

"Oh, sure," she said, taking out her phone and booting up the Alpha website. I took out my phone, transferring several videos. They were quite dramatic with all the bright lights, shouting, splattering paint, and their pathetic victim kneeling at the foot of the pole in colorful shimmering puddles. The images were sharp.

"Personally, I think you did pretty damn good," she confided. "Most guys would have freaked. You didn't cry, or whine. You never begged. Well, not very much."

"I doubt crying was going to help me at that point," I said. "Besides, the Alpha's were just being Alpha's. It was my own brothers who betrayed me."

"That was bad. Did you quit the fraternity completely?"

"Yes, Sunday night at the meeting. They'll need to find someone else to clean up after their goddamn parties from now on."

"You're not going to drop out of school are you?"

"Why would you say that?"

"Well, with the videos and photos out there, and people talking, sometimes the victims of these pranks can't take it. They run and hide. Sometimes they quit Midvale entirely."

"Quitting doesn't happen in my family," I answered. "If I ran and hid, my brothers and sister would never let me live it down. They'd be all over my ass forever."

Annie laughed while giving me a second look.

"If this makes it harder to find dates, let me know. I'll set you up with one of my girlfriends," she offered.

"Really? Even after--"

"After the next poor schmuck gets hazed, your night of infamy will fade into history," she assured me.

Annie gave a smile and left before her reputation took a hit. And I was very happy. Now that I had video of the flagpole affair, I could start working on my revenge.

* * * * * *

I spent an hour on my history essay, longer than I usually had patience for, and went down to the lower practice field to stretch my legs. The area was quiet, only a dozen of the women's soccer team getting in goal shots. They gave me strange looks and several smiles.

"Ladies, no photos," I jovially said, putting up a hand.

"The coach makes us leave our phones in the locker room," Jackie Cooper replied, a husky burnet acting as their goalkeeper.

"Sorry we missed you at the Red Horse," Sasha Blair snickered. "I'd love to have you serve me buffalo wings." She was lean and trim, the team's fastest runner, good at scoring. I never played much soccer, preferring sports where I use my hands.

"Maybe another time," I replied. "Up for a race?"

"Here?" Sasha said.

"Just a lap around the track," I suggested.

"You're in your street clothes," she pointed out.

I had my tracks shoes and white socks in a duffel bag. Within seconds, I stripped off my blue collared shirt and gray slacks, standing before the women in boxer shorts.

"You can keep going," Jackie urged, hearing giggles from her teammates.

"Don't tempt me," I responded, getting laughs.

Sasha and I set ourselves at the starting line as Jackie raised her hand. And dropped it. We took off. I wasn't looking to show Sasha up, so I ran alongside her step-for-step. She pushed harder, thinking she would have an advantage over a skinny guy only 5'7 tall. I pushed harder, too. Even though I could have won, we crossed the line at the same time.

"You're pretty fast," Sasha conceded, out of breath.

"Can I run one more? Alone?" I asked.

"Go for it, tiger," Sasha agreed. All of the women were curious now.

I got ready to take another lap. This time, for extra motivation, I veered through the sprinklers, getting soaked. My boxer shorts were suddenly sticking to me like spandex, showing more than they were supposed to. It wasn't like my audience hadn't seen all of me on their phones that morning.

I had a great run, accelerating consistently with a final burst at the end. No one was timing me though it was likely one of my best efforts. My legs felt strong. Breathing good. There was a sense of control. The women were astonished, and delighted. I went to Sasha.

"Combining your speed with maneuvering a ball downfield has special challenges. Can you show me how you do it?" I requested.

The whole group pitched in. I wasn't so interested in kicking a soccer ball. In truth, I found it kind of tedious. I wanted to learn tricks with broken field running. Working around other players attempting to get in my way. Breaking loose from pursuit. I was no slouch to begin with from my high school days, but that was two years ago. I needed to hone my skills. Did some of the women get handsy? Well, that's sports for you.

After our practice, I walked back to the infield, turned around, and peeled off the wet underwear to put on my pants. Nothing good was visible, though they had a nice view of my butt.

"Damn, Josh, that was so much fun," Sasha said as we walked back to the gym. "Need a shower?"

"In the women's locker room?" I asked, my eyebrows going up.

"Not many girls there this time of day," she hinted with a wink. It was tempting but I gallantly declined.

The football team was still practicing in Badger Stadium when I took a quick shower in the men's gym. As I left, four Sigma K's stopped me. My former roommate Dan was one of them.

"Look, Josh. We're sorry. Most of us," Gregg said, the fraternity president looking grim. "We want you to come back."

"Most of you?" I questioned.

"A few of the guys think you're being a baby," Jeff explained. I could tell he was one of them.

"How many of them were handcuffed to a flagpole and bombarded with paint balloons?" I asked.

"What?" Gregg said, looking confused. Did he really not know? I took out my phone.

For the next three minutes, only a portion of the time it actually took, they watched as I was mocked by a crowd of seventy Alpha's and Kappa's. Under bright lights in the courtyard. The sound was crisp with laughing and jeering. I looked miserable, naked and covered in paint.

"We hadn't heard about this," Gregg said. "The messages we got were vague."

"Not worth checking out? Even after leaving me alone at the bar?" I pressed.

"The dare was supposed to be at the tavern only. No one thought they'd go this far," Jeff answered.

"You'll like this part," I announced, turning up the sound. It was the part where Brad called the Sigma's cowardly worms who refused to come to their brother's rescue.

"Looks like the Alpha's know you a lot better than I did," I concluded.

"We can fix this," Dan urged without much confidence.

"There is no fixing this," I disagreed. "Brotherhood is a trust, which you broke. Now leave me alone."

I pushed through them. Yes, we had been friends. Closer than friends, I thought. Sometimes people aren't who you think they are, and it hurts. Looking back doesn't help.

Mirry was in our room studying when I returned. Sitting at her desk naked. I felt like I should have knocked first.

"We need to get over our conventions," she lectured, her generous breasts bouncing as she stood up. They were full D's, wonderfully shaped.

"I ran laps in front of the women's soccer team almost nude this afternoon," I defended.

"Wow! That's so great," she exclaimed. "Photos?"

"No, no pictures. Not ready for that," I answered.

"Let's go to dinner naked," she suggested. "We can get reservations at the Rat Cellar."

"I hope you're kidding," I said.

"Yes, I'm kidding. We'd be arrested. But it's a fun idea."

"Just for the record, I'm not quite so bold as you may think. Just trying to find my way," I warned.

My phone rang. Unlike the dozens of messages and missed calls I had, this one was answered.

"Coach Wilson? Really? Yes, I'll be there!" I shouted before hanging up. Mirry was curious. "I've been invited to football practice."

"You'll make the team?"

"I don't know about making the team. Maybe I'll just be the water boy, but I'll be down there on the field. Contributing. Hell, I might even get to suit up."

* * * * * *

I wasn't the new water boy. Coach Wilson gave me a locker, a uniform with the number 60, and a rough idea of what he wanted. A back up punter who could play special teams. In time, he'd teach me how to kick field goals and extra points. I'd done that in high school with middling success, though I was bigger and stronger now.

"I spoke with your old coach, and your brother," Wilson recounted. "They say leaving you off the team would be a big mistake, and I don't need to make mistakes. Our last season was terrible. I'd like to win more than we lose this year."

"We have to, Coach," I responded. "My brothers expect me to play for a winning team. It's a family requirement."

The coach thought I was joking. A few minutes later, he took me into the locker room to make introductions. The team appeared to tolerate me. Okay, there were grins and chuckles. A few guys raised their phones to show they had the recordings. I tried to sluff them off.

It was Wednesday and our first game of the season at home against the Milton Raptors was Friday. Midvale always scheduled our home games on Friday nights so we wouldn't compete with bigger colleges who played on Saturdays. This way, Midvale only struggled for fans against local high schools.

Three Alpha fraternity members were on the team. Dash Ruggins played offensive guard. Raymond Anthony played right tackle. Both were big guys who contributed to special teams. The third was Eldon Hartman who had humiliated me at the Red Horse.

"Josh, about that night--" Dash started. Ray stood next to him. Eldon had his head buried in his locker.

"We're Badgers now," I interrupted. "Let's not confuse that with past events. Besides, if I get to kick the ball, I'm counting on you guys to protect me."

"We can do that," Ray agreed, shaking hands. Yes, most of the Alpha's may be arrogant pricks but a team needs to go beyond petty bullshit if we want to win.

I got back in time for my history class, drifted off while the professor discussed the Taft-Hartly Act, and was anxious for lunch, heading over to the cafeteria. I soon discovered many were unhappy with me.

"What is this shit?" Jeff said, coming up to me waving his phone. I was a little surprised. I'd only posted it five minutes before.

"Oh, you mean the video from the flagpole? Where Brad Wallingford called you cowardly worms?" I asked.

The cafeteria was crammed with fraternities, sororities, campus clubs and ordinary students. About 250 in all. Gregg and Jeff were red-faced with anger. Even Brad and the Alpha's weren't too pleased, their scandalous video having been released without their permission. I didn't say where I'd gotten a copy.

"We didn't agree to that flagpole business. You can't pin it on us," Jeff declared with everyone watching. He was tall but thin. A poor athlete. Brave in a crowd. We hadn't gotten along well before I quit their fraternity and weren't likely to now.

"I haven't said anything about it," I protested.

"We know you posted this crap," Gregg said with a frown.

"Not denying that," I replied walking over to their pledge table. "Hey, kids, did you see this? Is this the loyalty you can expect from Sigma K? Handcuffed to a pole. Naked. Fifty sorority women laughing at you. Does it look like fun?"

I held up my phone letting them see everything. Many in the cafeteria were checking their phones, seeing the new posting. Even the Alpha's hadn't seen all of it.

"Wonderful photography, don't you think?" I critiqued. "And the lighting. So bright and sharp. Just superb. Look how totally naked I am under the floodlights as the paint balloons splash all over me."

"Goddamn it! Knock that fucking shit off!" Jeff demanded.

"It's not my fault these videos make the Sigma K's look like whiny cowardly pussies," I answered.

Were they really whiny pussies? Which, by the way, was a term I would never use unless goading someone into a fight. That wasn't the point. Their new pledge class, all eight of them, were watching. My goal was to embarrass my former brothers. They would have been better off approaching me privately instead of a crowded cafeteria.

"The Alpha's fucked up not kicking the shit out of you," Jeff said, advancing on me with clenched fists. "I won't make that mistake."

The floor around us cleared out. Phones were raised. Efforts were made to avoid interference. I held back as if worried, watching his feet and how he held his arms. If he had any boxing experience, it didn't show. He swung a right, and then a left. Another right. I shifted, each swing close but not quite close enough. Once I'd measured his distance, I let him land one on my cheek. It drew blood from my lip. As my brother Kevin always urged, I had let Jeff land the first punch.

My turn. I moved in fast with a left jab. And another, like a jackhammer, whacking his nose and eye. Bam! Bam! Bam! I ducked, came in close with hard rights to his gut, and stepped away for a roundhouse punch to his jaw. Jeff staggered back against a table sending drinks in every direction. Students scattered. I could have put him down with a quick kick to the balls but didn't want to look like a dirty fighter. Not before so many witnesses. Covered in burgers and milkshakes, Jeff was slow finding his feet.

While Gregg and most of the Sigma's were holding back, Jeff's good buddy Larry rushed at me, drawing boos. He was another of those who sacrificed me at the tavern, bragging about what a good tip he'd leave me. Not knowing if Larry was the first of many, I ducked and countered with an overhand right to his face that knocked him backward. The punch left him staggered. Disoriented. I retreated, fists ready, bouncing on the balls of my feet searching for enemies. The Sigma's kept their distance. I turned toward Brad and his Alpha's.

"Any of you guys want a piece of this?" I asked.

"It's not our fight," Brad said, holding up his hands.

"Anyone else?" I offered, looking for more victims.

There were no takers. I noticed two of the Sigma K pledges get up and leave.

I calmed down, going to the serving counter for chicken salad and a root beer. The cafeteria grew quiet. A few helped clean up the spills. Annie, Carol, and Jenny came to join me at my corner table.

"That was fucking awesome," Annie gushed. "You're so quiet all the time. No one thought you could do that."

"It runs in my family," I explained. Though Russ and Kevin rarely had such altercations.

Annie leaned close. "Can I come to your room tonight?" she asked.

"Is that permitted?" I questioned. "Aren't you girls the exclusive property of the Alpha's?"

"We aren't anyone's property!" Carol objected loud enough for all the hear.

"Should I ask why you want to come to my room?" I pressed.

"I'll let you figure that out," Annie smiled.

"Miss Tramble, three days ago you handcuffed me in a tavern," I recalled.

"Do you still have them?" she asked with a wink.

* * * * * *

My 1 o'clock art class was great. Not so much that the lecture was interesting. I drifted a bit on that part. I was considering Mrs. Sandavol's proposal to become a model, which intrigued me. After being recruited by Coach Wilson and confronting Jeff in the cafeteria, I was feeling free. Ready for something new. My energy was up. Judith asked me the question with her eyes, wondering what I was thinking. I was noncommittal but not dismissive.

Being out on the football field in shoulder pads and a helmet was different yet familiar. Like in high school, I wrapped my knees and elbows knowing I would take hits. There's no avoiding that in football. The Coach had me kicking punts and then extra points. Kicking extra points scared me to death. What if I missed in a big game? Kick-offs and field goals were practiced, too, though Kareem Haskall, our regular kicker, was much better.

"Can you catch?" Wilson asked.

"Catch what?" I responded.

"The damn ball, Josh. What do you think we're doing out here?" he teased.

"Yes, I can catch the damn ball, but I'm too short to be an end," I responded.

"When the other team kicks off, I want you back with Simmons," he explained. "Simmons will return the kick, but if something goes wrong, you should be ready. You're quick enough to pick up a few yards before they bury you."

"Thanks, Coach. I'll take any excuse to be on the field," I agreed.

This was getting fabulous. I wasn't the water boy or cleaning equipment. I would be out there in the action. I was pretty sure I'd be able to dive under someone's legs and give Simmons a few extra yards.

After practice, I showered with the team, getting some good-natured ribbing. Okay, maybe not all of it was good-natured. I let it pass. When they hid my clothes, it was kind of annoying, making me walk around the locker room in a towel asking for my stuff back. Jet Lasky, a member of the Lamba fraternity playing left end, tore the towel off me, getting a hoot. Deke Jackson, our quarterback and team captain, made them give my clothes back. I offered embarrassed smiles, not looking to piss anyone off on my first day.

It was close to sunset when I walked back to Blue Dorm, stopping for a double cheeseburger and fries at Dizzy's Diner. Word of my recruitment by the football team hadn't spread so I was still the poor stupid idiot serving naked drinks at the Red Horse. Annie said my infamy would soon be forgotten. I hoped she was right.

Mirry and I were in our room studying, without our clothes, when there was a knock on the door. I put on a robe to answer. It was Annie and her sorority sisters, Carol and Jenny. They had been in the cafeteria during my altercation with Jeff.

"Can we come in?" Annie asked. I glanced at Mirry. She put on a sweater and pants.

"Welcome," Mirry greeted. Other than the beds, we only had two chairs. "Can I get you anything?"

"Thanks, not right now," Annie said. "But my sisters would like to take you out for drinks."

"When?" Mirry asked.

"Right now," Annie answered, looking at me. Mirry didn't need extra clues, quickly getting dressed, grabbing her purse, and disappearing into the hall. Annie closed the door.

"I thought you were kidding," I said, still only wearing a blue cotton bathrobe.

She unbuttoned her light jacket, dropping it to the floor. Her white blouse was open at the top, displaying ample cleavage. And a red bra. Her skirt went next, followed by her shoes. She pushed me back on the bed, looking down, straddling me in her panties.

"If I may?" she said, opening my robe. She paused to look me over and then stroked my shoulders, ran her hands along my ribs, and bent over. Suddenly her mouth was on me. Already aroused, I was hard in seconds and she was working me like an expert. I was surprised and delighted, but this wasn't how I wanted it to go.

"Up," I reluctantly instructed just as I was ready to pop.

Annie looked confused but obeyed, wondering what was wrong. I took off her blouse, removed the bra, and drew down her panties. She stood before me, naked in her glory, green eyes excited. I ran my hands through her long auburn hair, kissed her neck and softly caressed her nipples with my tongue. She was breathing harder, surprised by my gentle attention.

Then it was Annie who was on her back, thighs spread as my tongue went to work. I had an advantage here. During summers back home, my sister Ilene and her girlfriends would sit around the pool speaking freely of what turned them on. In very specific detail. Anyone with the slightest knowledge of female anatomy knew what was where. I worked toward the best parts slowly, sensing her reactions, and intensified when it seemed she was ready.

"Oh, god," she groaned. "How are you doing this? Oh... oh... oh..."

Her hips arched up as I felt gushing in my mouth. I paused, counting down... and went back to work, using my hands more, teasing her center, massaging her folds, and then back to her homeland. Her reaction was inspiring, gasping for breath and clawing at the sheets. I wanted her bad now. Annie was flipped over, pulled to her knees, and I entered her using the strength of my legs for maximum thrust. She felt great, responding with every stroke. Our encounter was immensely satisfying.

"That was incredible," Annie swooned, rolling over on her side. "If word gets around, you'll never sleep alone again."

"Thanks. I just like doing my best," I answered. Then I reached into my dresser drawer and found the handcuffs she'd used on me at the Red Horse Tavern. In an instant, they were locked behind her back.

"This is kinky," she giggled, struggling against the restraints.

"Sorry, I'm all out of paint balls," I apologized. "I know how that gets you excited."

We heard a knock on the door, and then the lock. Mirry entered with Carol and Jenny, amused to find Annie naked on the bed in her own handcuffs. I put on my robe.

"This is embarrassing," Annie confessed.

"Looks like you've been having fun," Carol said with a grin.

"We'll talk about that later," Annie replied. "Josh, get me out of these."

I helped her off the bed, bundled her clothes into a plastic bag, and guided her toward the door.

"What are you doing?" Annie asked.

"I don't have keys for those handcuffs," I answered. "You didn't leave them at the flagpole. Mr. Lincoln got me loose. You may ask him for keys, down at the gardener's shed. Or maybe you have spare keys back at the sorority house."

I motioned to her sisters, moving them out of the dorm room. We made a lot of noise. Annie found herself in the hall as doors began opening. Heads popped out, seeing a nude woman in handcuffs with her two clothed friends.

"This was great, Annie. Thanks for stopping by," I said, getting ready to close the door.

"Hey, wait! You're not leaving me like this?" she exclaimed. "I'm fucking naked!"

"The walk back to the Kappa house isn't far," I answered. "Hardly more than half a mile. It's a nice night for a stroll."

Annie stared at me unbelieving. And then she smiled. "Okay, this makes us even," she conceded, heading for the elevator. A dozen people watched her strut by, head up and unafraid.

"We'll get her back safe," Jenny promised, giving me an amused look.

* * * * * *

While I was eating lunch in the cafeteria on Thursday, Brad and Eldon came to my table. The Alpha's didn't look happy. I was sitting alone. Eldon and I had seen each other in the locker room after Coach Wilson signed me up but we hadn't spoken. Playing on the same team would be awkward.

"Annie broke up with me," Brad revealed. "And we're getting a lot of flak from the other houses. We need to settle this."

Okay, he lost his girl. Not my fault. The Greek houses are getting bad publicity from my humiliation. Not my fault. Brad doesn't like it? Fuck him!

"We can do that," I said, jumping out of my chair and pushing it away. "You're a big guy. Strong, too. I bet you can beat me in a fight." I walked to the center of the cafeteria where an area was kept clear.

"Hey, everyone, listen up," I shouted. "Wallingford wants to settle things because his girlfriend broke up with him. I propose a wager. I think Brad can beat me in a fight. Three rounds, bare-fisted, Marquis of Queensbury rules. I have $10 that says Brad wins. If Eldon Hartmond wants to fight me, I have $10 that says I kick his ass."

Of course, it immediately got everyone's attention. Brad had six inches and 60 pounds on me. He wasn't soft like Jeff Pebble. Phones came out. Could I have kicked Eldon's ass? Probably not, but I was in a feisty mood.

"Let me guess how this works," Brad calmly said. "We fight, I win, and get hurt bad enough that I regret it. Is that how this is?"

"Yes, you'll probably win, though no guarantees," I acknowledged. "And you will definitely be sorry you accepted the fight. I have $10 dollars more to bet on that."

I took off my sweater and started to get loose. Brad put up a hand.

"Josh, I'm not going to fight you. That's not what this is about. Meet me at the Red Horse Tavern tonight at 9 o'clock and we'll talk."

It sounded like a trap, which made me think twice before answering.

"Make it 7 o'clock. The Badgers are playing the Raptors tomorrow," I countered. "It's my first game with the team."

"See you at seven," Brad agreed, wandering off with Eldon. Annie came running.

"I think they're scared of you," she said with a big grin.

"Not mad about last night?" I asked.

"You got a walk of shame. I got a walk of shame," she answered, taking my arm. "If it makes you feel better, about twenty people saw me. Jenny and Carol kept me naked all the way back to the Kappa house."

"It sounds like we're even," I remarked.

"For now," she mysteriously teased.

"Broke up with Brad?"

"It's been over since summer and we both knew it. No big deal. Besides, I've got my eye on someone else now."

"Warn me in case Brad holds a grudge," I requested.

"You'll be the first to know," Annie promised.

I arrived at the Red Horse Tavern right on time. I had never entered alone before, always in the company of brothers. Two dozen Alpha's, a dozen Kappa's, and the heads of other fraternities and sororities were at adjoining tables. A mob scene. No leaders from Sigma K. I did see Julie and Donna but none of their Delta sisters. My former friend Dan was standing at the bar.

"What's this all about?" I asked, going to the head table.

"Calm down, Josh, no one's looking for trouble. Have a beer," Brad said. He poured a glass from the same pitcher the others were using, so I figured it was safe.

"I'm the first to apologize," Eldon said, completely astonishing me. "Not for the naked dare. That's a Midvale tradition. Not even for the paint balloons, though maybe not so many. But we shouldn't have left you handcuffed to the flagpole. Or at least given you a key. That was wrong."

I was speechless. Brad went next.

"We can be honest," he said. "The video from the flagpole has put pressure on the Greek houses. We'd like to put the incident behind us. What can we do to make it right?"

This really wasn't what I expected. They seemed sincere. I considered giving them a bad time but reconsidered. It was a better apology than my own fraternity had offered.

"Buffalo wings," I responded.

"What?" Brad questioned, eyes going wide.

"Buffalo wings. I like buffalo wings with my beer," I clarified. Brad placed the order. Annie rushed into the bar looking flustered.

"Sorry I'm late. What happened? What's happening? Is there going to be a fight? Hi, Brad. What is this?" she asked.

"Calm down, little bird," Brad said. "Just beer and snacks. Catch your breath."

Annie cleared out a chair to sit next to me, rubbing elbows. She was sending a message to the Alpha's and her own Kappa sisters. None of them seemed surprised.

"Eldon. Brad. Guys. Let me say thank you," I gradually began. "Yes, last week you acted like arrogant pigs. It's your nature. A few of the Kappa's acted like... well, I want to be a gentleman about that. But I don't hold it against you. None of you tricked me into the bar that night. I'm angry with the ones who did."

I stood up and offered to shake hands. The Alpha's returned the gesture. I was particularly relieved to have the tension with Eldon put aside, hoping he felt the same way. We were teammates now and when it came to sports, winning was very important to me. Annie drew her sisters forward for hugs. I had another beer.

"Your buffalo wings, sir," a familiar voice announced. I looked up. It was Dan serving the food. And he was naked.

"What the fuck is this?" I sputtered, nearly spitting my beer. The rest of the room was shocked, too. Only a few even took pictures.

"We're friends, Josh," Dan answered. "If this is what it takes to make amends, so be it."

"Put your damn clothes back on," I insisted.

"No. I am going to serve drinks here for the next hour, and then I'm going to walk back to campus like this. The way they made you walk back. It's easy to say I want to be friends again, but talk is cheap. I'm going to prove it."

Dan went back to the bar for more orders.

"Is this a gay thing?" Brad whispered.

"No, he's not gay," I replied. "At least, not that I know of."

"Will you be friends with him again?" Annie asked.

"I don't know. Maybe," I guessed. "He's certainly putting a lot on the line."

And then there were two more surprises. Julie and Donna came to the table, the Delta sisters looking chagrined.

"We didn't have the courage to warn you that night, or say we're sorry after," Julie explained. "I was your stakeholder. You could have insisted that I take the dare instead. It would have been me serving naked drinks, but you wouldn't do that to me. It's what Jeff and Larry counted on. Exploiting your good nature."

"You've always been a great guy. Maybe a little quiet, but helpful and cheerful," Donna added. "We feel really bad about what we did. And we can prove it."

The ladies started to strip. Right there in the middle of the bar in front of everyone. I jumped up to stop them. Annie took my arm.

"They need to do this," she quietly confided. "Don't worry, I have a lot of sisters here. We'll make sure they're safe."

Soon the women's clothes were in take-out plastic bags, leaving them nude. And looking very good. It wasn't the first time I'd seen them naked. There had been hot tub parties and skinny dipping at the lake. This was something entirely different. And very brave. They went to help Dan at the bar.

"For someone with no friends, you seem to inspire real loyalty," Brad mentioned.

"Apparently," I was forced to agree.

I stayed for an hour having a cheeseburger and fries. I requested a clothed waiter to bring my food, getting a laugh. Dan insisted on walking back to the dorm naked as he said. We weren't going to be roommates anymore, I was happy with Mirry and our tribe on the 3rd floor, but we'd start hanging out again. If Sigma K didn't like it, that was too bad.

"We're driving Julie and Donna back in my convertible," Annie said. "We'll make sure they reach Delta house."

"Are they still naked?" I asked.

"Yes. You've started a trend," Annie answered with a grin.

"Thanks Anne," I gratefully said. "Can I ask? How much of tonight did you orchestrate?"

"Not all of it," she admitted. "Not Dan or the girls. But I set up the rest. I want peace between you and my sisters. And my friends. Did it work?"

In front of the whole bar, I took her in my arms for a kiss. A really good one. I could feel her heart beating against my chest.

"No hard feelings, Brad?" I asked. He waved to a brunette. A pretty Kappa sister crawled into his lap, snuggling close. I took that as his answer.

"Big game tomorrow," I declared. "Let's beat those Raptors!"

"Go Badgers! Go Badgers!" they chanted.

* * * * * *

Chapter Four

RABBIT

I was nervous getting ready for the 6 o'clock game. We heard the stadium filling up from the locker room. The first game of the season usually had the biggest crowd before losses discouraged attendance. I taped my knees, ankles, and elbows as Russ had taught me, keeping the joints flexible.

"Okay, guys, they say the Raptors are good," Coach Wilson summoned. "That doesn't mean they're better than us. Let's give them a hard time."

There were a few cheers. And silence. We gathered in the tunnel, waited for the signal, and ran out as the crowd gave us generous applause. I was excited, glad to finally be on a field. In a stadium. Before fans. My teammates looked excited, too. We won the toss.

"Special team," Coach Wanda announced. "Harding, back up Simmons."

Wow! I was going to play! My heart was pounding as I followed Rocky Simmons out. He was our punt returner, quite tall and square in the shoulders. Not fast but durable. I took position a few yards to his left, ready to block if needed or pounce on the ball if fumbled.

The Raptors lined up across from the Badgers, their kicker ran forward and gave it the boot. Players were soon rushing all over. I watched the ball sail downfield as Simmons backpedaled, not calling for a fair catch. I stayed with him.

And then, suddenly, disaster! Simmons tripped, landing on his butt. He reached up as the ball was streaking down, Raptors closing in. If it bounced off Simmons and the Raptors recovered it, they'd be on the three-yard line. Not the best way to start the season. I sucked a deep breath, stepped behind Simmons, and caught the ball just above his outstretched hand.

Fuck! It was all instinct now. Eleven Raptors charging straight forward looking to squash me like an amoeba. I jumped left, ducked under two burly arms, cut right, charged, braked, and dashed back to my left again, bobbing and weaving. Hands were trying to snag me. Bodies were pounding into each other. Eldon blocked a Raptor just before I was tackled. Ray knocked one down. Then I saw a gap and gave it everything I had, bursting with sudden acceleration. Another Raptor almost got me, fingers on a shoulder pad. I zig-zagged right and back to my left. Turning. Twisting. Grunting. And then there was open space, a broad stretch of field with no one in it.

Goddamn! I took off, the ball tightly tucked at my side, running for all I was worth. I couldn't see anyone to my side. If someone was going to catch me from behind they had better try a lot harder because I wasn't slowing down and I wasn't looking back. It was like running a 100-meter race, only there were only 60 meters left. I looked at the goalpost like a finish line not letting anything distract me. Run! Run!

In seconds I was in the end zone, breathing hard, holding the ball like an eagle protects its egg. And then there was screaming. Thousands of voices. I looked around to see the entire stadium on their feet. Teammates surrounded me but I pushed them off. I didn't feel like being mobbed. A referee was signaling touchdown. I reluctantly gave him the ball.

"What the devil, Harding, that was amazing," Eldon said, leading me back to the bench.

"They were all over you. How did you do that?" Kareem asked.

"Speed," Jet decided. "They'd have had better luck catching a jackrabbit."

I really had no idea how it had all happened. I had done returns in high school but nothing so intense. Or before such a large crowd. I was still breathing hard and needed water. When Kareem got up to kick to the Raptors, there was a brief silence.

"Let Rabbit kick it," Kareem said. "I'll hold the ball for him."

Astonishment wouldn't describe my reaction. "Why?" I asked.

"Kareem is right. Our fans are going nuts," Jet agreed. "If you go out there and kick the damn thing, we'll have full seats for the rest of the season."

I didn't see how that could be true. Coach Wilson gave me a nod. The whole team was looking at me.

"Okay, but don't let me get run over," I requested.

It was a decent kick. Nothing to write home about. The Raptors got the ball on the 20-yard line and made two first downs before punting. Simmons caught this one, having a nice runback. I managed a block that didn't count for much. Toward the end of the first quarter, Kareem kicked a field goal. The Raptors managed a field goal toward the end of the first half, making the score 10 to 3. We went into the locker room ahead. Many couldn't believe it.

I drank a ton of water and needed to pee. Eldon asked how I was doing. I nodded, not able to do much speaking. The second half started with us kicking off to the Raptors. The coach had me kick, which I thought was a mistake. The spectators were shouting, "Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!" Where the hell did that come from?

The Raptor returner was good, winding through our guys and breaking free down the sideline. Only Kareem and I stood in his way back near the goal line. I moved forward hoping to get tangled in his feet. Kareem bravely hit him high at the same moment I went low, all of us going down. And then the ball was loose, rolling toward the end zone. If a Raptor reached it first, they'd have an easy touchdown.

I jumped up, grabbed the ball, and looked around. Jesus loving Christ, there was chaos everywhere! I broke left for the sideline intending to take the ball out of bounds rather than fumble, then cut right at the last second when a Raptor tried to tackle me, slanting toward the middle of the field as players dove in every direction.

"Rabbit!" I heard through the screaming. It was Eldon waving at me. I took the clue, running toward him, and then around him as he intercepted a Raptor. Then I saw Dash also taking a blocking position. He took out another Raptor as I sped past.

I braked, letting a Raptor dive past me, accelerated, and braked again, causing a collision. Raymond rushed in to knock down a Raptor in my path. I wouldn't say I was frantic. Maybe a bit anxious. But I was looking, and checking, taking every advantage. There was no panic.

And there it was again. Open space. Not so clear as the last time. Two Raptors were in position to cut me off, so I burst forward, finding my full speed in seconds. The defenders were running diagonally, gradually closing the distance. I needed more speed. More speed! I dug down someplace I didn't know I had, cutting away from them toward the corner of the end zone. The space between us got smaller and smaller.

I didn't really see what happened. Suddenly I was buried under two panting guys, pinned on the green turf. Squashed. There was a lot of yelling. Referees were pulling the pile apart, finding me at the bottom with the ball clutched to my chest. The ref's arms went up, signaling touchdown. It had been a 99-yard fumble return.

Oh, my god, there was insanity everywhere. Again, I needed to push hands off me, not wanting to be groped. My teammates performed a demonstration behind the end zone, dancing and waving their arms. I staggered back to the bench, happy to sit down. Coach Wilson knelt next to me.

"Damn it to hell, boy, I wish you'd been playing for us last year," he praised.

"Coach, you've got to know this is all accidental," I pleaded. "It's not skill."

"I don't give a fuck if it's skill, or luck, or guts," he answered. "Dean Witmore tells me donors are calling in. Keep this up and we'll have enough money to make this a first-rate program."

"I'll try, but do me a favor," I requested.

"That is?"

"Let Kareem kick the extra point. If I miss it, I'll feel like an idiot," I begged.

The Raptors came back with a touchdown. Simmons called for a fair catch, taking the special team off the field. I was still stunned, feeling a bit dazed. Toward the end of the game, with the Badgers up 24 to 13, Coach Wilson had me try for a 25-yard field goal. The stadium was very loud. If I made it, I'd be responsible for 15 of our points. The kick missed by a wide margin, getting laughs and groans. The Raptors had one more field goal before the game ended, losing by 8 points.

Fans flooded on the field. I asked Eldon and Ray if they could keep the mob off me, pleading sore ribs. They were a little sore, but in truth the crush was becoming overwhelming.

"Rabbit, that was great!" a campus reporter shouted, putting a microphone in my face. "What are you going to do now?"

"Hopefully take a shower," I answered.

We moved off the field into the locker room. I was so glad to get out of my gear. Had it not been inappropriate, I've have stripped naked in the tunnel. I did find myself in the shower, glancing around for bruises. My team was elated, slapping backs and whacking towels on butts. Winning the first game of the season is not a bad thing. I noticed Eldon and Dash.

"Guys," I summoned, waving them over. "Thanks for those blocks. They're giving me a lot of credit that belongs to you."

"Josh, thanks for saying that, but you were the one with the ball," Eldon answered. "We were just doing our jobs." We happily shook hands.

"You could use twenty minutes in the whirlpool," Coach Wanda suggested, finding me before my locker wearing a towel. "Dr. Keppart will be along in a few minutes."

"I don't need a therapist, Mrs. Jefferson," I begged off. "The whirlpool sounds good."

And then, without thinking, I dropped the towel and walked into the training room nude. I don't believe that was the protocol. Coach Wanda found a robe, though I was already in the tub before she reached me. I groaned as the hot waves swirled around. It felt really great.

"Where's my boyfriend!" a female yelled. There was commotion outside the door, and then Annie stormed in.

"Josh? Or is it Rabbit now? They didn't hurt you, did they?" she questioned.

And just like that, she was taking her clothes off, climbing into the tub. Coach Wanda approached.

"We'll give you a little privacy, Miss Tramble," the coach said. "But no sex in the whirlpool. Do you hear me? No sex here in the gym. None of your shenanigans."

"Yes, Wanda, you've warned me before. I know the rules," Annie agreed.

The door was closed. The party in the locker room kept getting louder. It had me worried. What would happen when the fans learned my scoring runs were sheer luck?

"Earth to Josh," Annie was saying, straddling me with her hands on my shoulders. She leaned in for a kiss. "You were fucking awesome."

"The Raptors were taken by surprise," I guessed. "The next team won't be so careless."

"I sure am glad I fucked you before all this happened," she announced.

"Glad you did what?" I questioned.

"If I was with you after scoring those touchdowns, you'd think I was a groupie. And I'm not."

"Am I your boyfriend now? Is it a large club?" I asked.

"It's a club of one," she answered with another kiss. "It only gets larger when it needs to." She grabbed down low, finding proof of my excitement.

"This is the one thing I really like about jocks. You get covered in purple bruises and can still rise to the occasion," she cooed.

"I'm not a jock. Let's not get ridiculous," I protested.

"The whole school will be talking about you tomorrow, and it won't be the Red Horse Tavern. You better find a press agent fast," she warned.

"It sounds like I already have a press agent, Miss Tramble. What's your next move?"

She laughed. "Okay, having a famous boyfriend isn't a bad thing," she admitted, beginning to rub herself over my arousal.

"The coach said no sex in the gym," I warned, not wanting to get suspended after my first game.

"Would you rather streak back to your dorm instead?" she teasingly suggested. "Only a few thousand people will see you. Or streak to the Kappa house. My sisters will want to watch us having sex if we go there."

I couldn't tell if she was being serious. And too beat-up to argue. I lifted my hips, she lowered hers, and just like that we were connected. To be accurate, Annie did 90% of the work, and with such exuberance that I was in awe. I don't know if she climaxed, being afraid to ask, but I certainly did.

We emerged from the training room, Annie dressed and me in a robe. The team had their clothes on, drinking sports drinks and sneaking beers. I went back to my locker finding my pants while dropping the robe. For a moment, I was the only one naked in the whole room. And it wasn't unnoticed, getting lots of supportive mirth. No photos.

The college town celebrated our glorious victory hoping it wouldn't be the only one of the season. I avoided the Red Horse Tavern, not ready for that yet. I did hang out in the campus recreation center before being coaxed back to the Kappa house for a big party. Many Alpha's joined us. Annie and I went up to her room making furious love until midnight. And no, her sisters did not watch us.

I woke up in my own room Saturday morning. Alone and hungover. Mirry left a note congratulating me on the game and saying her drama class had a dress rehearsal. I staggered down the hall to the community shower wearing only a towel, staying under the hot water for a long time. It wasn't just the football game that had me sore everywhere. Annie could be very vigorous when provoked, and I had done a lot of provoking.

Finally, I strolled out to the campus cafeteria for a late breakfast. Dan saw me in the dorm lobby and tagged along.

"You were great last night," he congratulated.

"That's what Annie kept saying," I responded. It took him a moment to get the joke.

"The game was great, too," he chuckled. "This seems to have worked out good for you."

"What do you mean?" I inquired.

We selected scrambled eggs, buttered wheat cakes, and black coffee, finding a table near the back. Dozens of eyes were on me, as they had been all week, but looking differently. Now they had photos of me being naked and scoring touchdowns.

"If the guys hadn't offered you up to the Alpha's as a sacrifice last week, you'd still be a Sigma K," Dan explained. "Too shy at parties to get a date. Sitting on the bench at intramural games. They would really like you to come back. It would be different."

"Dan, I'm never going back to the Sig's, and I'm not done with them yet," I replied.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I realize Gregg, Jeff, and the others thought they were in a bad spot. The Alpha's were going to raid the new pledge class and membership is low already. If Gregg and Jeff had been honest with me, asked me to take the hit for the fraternity, I might have said yes out of loyalty. But they didn't do that. I was tricked. Blindsided. The humiliation was so much worse because I didn't see it coming from my own brothers. And they were taking pictures, too, mocking me like everyone else."

"Yes, I've seen them," Dan admitted. "I don't know why they did that, but I'm sure they didn't think you'd react like this. You've always been so cooperative. So--"

"Accommodating?"

Dan decided he had said enough.

"Three of our pledges quit. Gregg isn't sure if the others will stay," he revealed.

"The Sig's are already weak. What is their future like without a new pledge class?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Not good," Dan acknowledged.

We were getting ready to leave when Annie and half a dozen Kappa sisters stormed into the cafeteria waving red pompoms and dancing in short skirts. And a big surprise.

"What's this?" I asked.

"A new logo," Annie answered.

They were wearing illustrated t-shirts of a rabbit in a football helmet, big ears sticking out of the top. I needed to grasp its meaning.

"Our new hero! Rabbit!" Carol declared. "We just dropped off the banner art at the printers."

"Banners?" Dan said, still at my side.

"T-shirts. Banners. Hats," Annie explained. "Josh, you said I'm you're press agent."

"I was kidding," I protested.

"I wasn't," Annie shot back, her big green eyes feisty. "Last night's game is all over the internet. People are buying tickets. Our away game next Saturday against Belmont is sold-out."

"No more sex in the locker room," I responded. "Not in Belmont. I don't have money for a lawyer."

Our listeners were a little shocked. Though probably not surprised. Dan was. He saw how gorgeous Annie was, looked at his former mousy roommate, and couldn't put the two together. I couldn't, either. Nor was I complaining.

* * * * * * * *

I needed Saturday to recover and knew it. I also had a new mission.

"Josh, congratulations on the game," Sasha said, meeting me on the lower practice field Sunday afternoon. The campus was nearly empty. She arrived with seven other members of the women's soccer team.

"Ladies, I need your help," I humbly requested.

"Rabbit needs our help?" Keisha said with a laugh.

"Yes, and that's the problem," I answered. "Everyone thinks I'm this great star now. They have no clue it was blind luck."

"What do you need?" Jackie asked. They weren't laughing anymore. I looked worried.

"Teach me more about your open field running," I pleaded. "I know this is a lot to ask--"

Sasha held up a hand to stop me and huddled with her teammates. They were giggling.

"Josh, we're down here on a remote field all alone. No spectators. No cameras," Sasha began. "We'll teach you everything we know for a favor."

"What favor is that?" I wondered.

"Strip down to your underwear again," she answered. "And take off your shirt."

"You want me to practice half-naked?" I asked.

"No, of course not. You can keep your shoes and socks," Jackie offered, getting a round of chuckles. I looked confused.

"This will be fun," red-headed Carmen suggested, a strong midfielder. "Half of us are gay so that shouldn't bother you. And we really like watching you run. You're a work of art."

"A work of art?" I questioned.

"Josh, all of us are runners. We see a purity in your form," Jackie explained. "Okay, you're not the fastest. Other men look stronger. Even more virile, if you want to use that term. You have an elegance that outshines all of them."

"Can we ask a favor?" Sasha requested. "We'd like Gilly to film the workout. We won't show anything inappropriate. That's a promise. We just want to record your running. It will be 100% respectful."

Okay, this was a little strange, maybe just an infection of their female brains, but I needed their help. They weren't asking for much.

"Ladies, next Saturday we're playing the Belmont Beavers and everyone thinks I'm some kind of prodigy," I tried to express. "Embarrass me all you want on this field. Record what you need to. Just help me not be humiliated before an entire stadium."

I kept my boxer shorts, shoes, and socks. Things could be seen swinging around when I moved. I wasn't being an exhibitionist, I don't think. Not lewd. Quite frankly, it was instilling an embarrassing adrenaline rush that I desperately needed. Or so I told myself.

The ladies were fully onboard. For four hours we practiced broken field running. They advised on sharp turns, how to spot opponents, and when to make a break. Exercises were run over and over. We bumped, collided, and hands mysteriously found their way into my shorts. On one stretch, Sasha accidently pulled my boxers down, causing me to trip when they fell around my ankles. Humiliating but a small price to pay.

It was nearly sunset when our practice came to an odd conclusion. I had gotten so sweaty that the boxers were soaked, revealing far more than they should. After kicking off my shoes and socks, I pulled the shorts down to wring them out, keeping them discreetly in front of me. No free shows. Out of nowhere, Annie, Carol, and Jenny suddenly stomped on the field, the Kappa sisters outraged.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing with my boyfriend? Making porn videos?" Annie shouted, noticing Gilly with the camera.

"It's performance art," Sasha defended.

"If any of you have fucked him, I'll scratch your goddamn eyes out," Annie threatened.

"Aren't you still fucking other guys?" Carman asked.

"That's not the point, and it's none of your damn business," Annie answered. "Josh belongs to me. He's mine. My personal property."

I should have been insulted by that, but I wasn't. It made life simpler.

"He's still your guy," Sasha insisted. "We just like seeing him in a natural state."

Annie studied the team members. As a former cheerleader, it wasn't like she didn't know them. She'd probably slept with some of them, being flexible about such things.

"Okay, we've been friends too long to doubt your loyalty," Annie conceded. "Are you done for the day?"

"Yes, we just wrapped up," Jackie confirmed, her teammates gathering their gear. Annie grabbed my clothes, shoes included, handing them to Jenny for safekeeping. And then she snatched away my wet boxer shorts. I was suddenly naked. In front of all of them. I used my hands to cover myself.

"Annie, what the hell?" I said, hunching over.

"You can't run around in damp underwear. You'll catch cold," Annie smiled, tossing my shorts to Jenny. They went in the bag, too. I was trying to find a shred of modesty, red-faced as all the ladies were grinning.

"You are so cute when you do that," Carol said, looking to see if Gilly was still filming. She was.

"I was just practicing with them, not putting on a show," I defended.

"Oh, I know that. You're not the kind of guy who cheats," Annie acknowledged. And then she lunged at me, knocking me into the grass. Straddling me.

"Time for everyone to leave," Annie announced. "We'll catch up later."

The soccer team and Annie's friends moved out, thoroughly amused.

"In the middle of the practice field?" I said.

"It's getting dark. You shouldn't worry so much," Annie whispered.

"I worry about a lot of things," I answered.

"You're worried that you'll do poorly against Belmont. Coach Wilson will be let down. The fans will mock you. Well, that's not going to happen. It's not going to happen because you're good. Better than you think you are. And if you ever doubt it, remember the hottest girl at this school is shagging you every chance she gets."

There was an odd logic to that, though I couldn't quite make it out. Annie was on top of me, riding cowgirl with a hoot and a holler, lowering herself on my excitement, and didn't relent until she'd fulfilled her mission. Then she made me walk off the field naked, not letting me have her baggy sweater until we approached the gym.

* * * * * * * *

Still sweaty from the long practice, I didn't put my clothes back on right away after Jenny surrendered them, keeping the long pink sweater Annie loaned me. Without doubt I looked silly but it would only be for a few minutes. The ladies headed back for their sorority house while I needed a shower. At the entrance to the gym, I found Jeff, Larry, and Pete waiting for me. The Sigma's seemed more displeased than usual.

"Well, if it isn't the great hero," Jeff sneered. "What the hell are you wearing?"

"Move on, guys, nothing to see here," I dismissed, trying to go around them. It didn't stop them from taking out their phones for pictures. My hair was damp and spiky. I had track shoes without socks. The sweater revealed my bare legs under a hem that barely covered my butt. I tugged the sweater down.

"Think you're all high and mighty now?" Larry said, blocking my path. "Hanging out with those Kappa sluts. Turning the Deltas away from us."

"Enjoy the moment, shithead," Pete added. "Because when you fuck up, and you will, we have photos of you from the Red Horse, too. Lots of photos. Digital. We'll post them everywhere."

"Gregg tried to make peace with you. Asked you to come back, and you spit in our faces," Jeff complained. "We can't afford to let you get away with that. We lost three pledges because they thought the Sig's are weak. We aren't going to lose any more."

"We might even get new ones," Larry speculated. "Lots of new ones, once we show everyone what a nerdy doorstop you really are."

I thought there might be some truth to that. If my football career suddenly fell flat, I'd be a joke again. Perfect for their recruiting. They saw me considering their words.

"Don't think you'll take me by surprise with that left jab," Jeff warned, clenching his fists. "Next time I'll be ready for you."

"Trying to put me in my place again?" I asked.

"Your what?" Jeff replied.

"Don't pretend. That night at the Red Horse, you put the working-class kid on display instead of one of you. I was the only one there who didn't come from money," I answered.

"It wasn't like that," Larry protested.

"What was it like?" I pressed.

"The Alpha's wanted a sacrifice for their game," Larry replied. "After Dan, you were our best choice."

"You always put it all out there for the fraternity before. We figured you'd do it again," Pete explained.

"You owed us your loyalty," Jeff insisted. "Most of the brothers weren't even there that night. Half didn't know what was going down until after. You turned your back on everybody."

I was getting a little impatient with them.

"Brad told me the Alpha's were texting you. Giving updates from the flagpole. Not one of you came to help me. Not one. So, save your whining."

"You should have kept faith, you little runt. You won't keep embarrassing us," Jeff swore.

I still wondered if they were looking for a fight. Three on one weren't good odds with me in a pink sweater. I waited to see what they would do. They hesitated. Maybe they thought the gym too public.

"We'll be around," Jeff promised. I had no doubt about that.

* * * * * * * *

Belmont was an away game on Saturday night. They didn't worry about competing with local high schools for fans like Midvale did. They also played some very strong teams, though their record the previous season was only 8 and 4. Better than the Badgers, who were 3 and 9.

"Okay, this might be tough," Coach Wilson said in the visitor locker room. "They have some good players."

"We have a rabbit!" Eldon yelled, causing everyone to laugh. And making me more nervous than ever.

The stadium seated 40,000 fans and I didn't see an empty seat. I'm sure it wasn't because of Annie's publicity campaign, which was largely nonsense. The Beavers had a vigorous program with smart coaches and dedicated players. Still, we were determined to give them a fight.

We won the toss, the Beavers kicking off to us. Coach Wilson wanted me to do the runback rather than Simmons saying it's what everyone expected. It wasn't what I expected. The game was being televised locally.

I caught the ball, thank goodness, and moved left using Simmons as a screen. I saw Eldon and Dash setting up to give me blocks. And then I was buried. Crushed. I don't even know where the hell they came from. I was on the ground, squashed, the ball tightly wrapped in my arms. I'd lost 2 yards.

"Okay, not the best start," Wilson conceded as I returned to the bench. The Beaver fans behind us were laughing. My teammates were looking away. I heard 'rabbit' in derogatory terms. Someone called Rabbit roadkill. It was everything I feared.

"Josh! Josh!" a voice yelled. It was Annie in a front row seat behind our sideline. I walked over, head down.

"Josh, fuck them," she insisted, jumping up. "Do you hear me? Fuck them! Can I tell you a secret?"

"What would that be?" I asked, thinking it would be better to slink off the field.

"I'm not so dumb as people think," she revealed. "I'm a business major. 4.0 GPA. I'm going to earn an MBA and a PhD. And it's not like I need the money. My family is filthy rich. So listen to me. You can do this. Get mad. When these motherfuckers get in your way, be smarter and faster. I know you have it in you. Let it out. Let it all out for me."

She leaned over the railing, giving me an awkward kiss. Could what she was saying be true? It was hard to believe.

We made two first downs and had to punt. The Beavers drove downfield and scored a touchdown. 7-0. Their fans were confident. Coach Wilson asked me if I wanted Simmons to take the ball.

"Guys," I said to my special team. "That picket line we used against the Raptors, can we do that again?"

It didn't take a lot of explaining. Between Coach Wilson, Wanda, and Eldon, they sketched out a plan. The Beavers kicked the ball, planning to squash me again. I was determined to ruin their night.

We made it look like Simmons was going to catch the ball, then I jumped in at the last second and broke right. Different than my previous game. And the moment they began to close in, I saw my picket line forming to the left: Dash, Jet, and Eldon. I reversed course, accelerating so abruptly the Beavers were caught off-guard. I passed Dash, who took out an opponent. Then Jet. Eldon was already running, screening my path as I cut diagonally to the left. He blocked one and then charged into a second, both of them going down. I hurdled the pile, hit the ground running, seeing no one in front of me. I never looked back. Seconds later I was in the end zone.

The Beavers were stunned. Their crowd grew quiet. After Kareem kicked the extra point, the game was tied. When Coach Wilson had me kick off, it bounced neatly to the far corner of the field leaving our opponents on the 2-yard line. Jet tackled their quarterback in the end zone for a 2-point safety.

The competition became brutal, though I wasn't on the field for most of it. When the Beavers scored another touchdown to go ahead 14-9, I ran the ball back 75 yards, being tackled on our own 10. Sanders ran the ball in for a touchdown three plays later. The Beavers came back with a field goal.

Both teams were exhausted when we went to the locker room at halftime. We were down 17-16 and feeling optimistic. Sometimes that's all it takes.

"You're doing great, guys," Coach Wilson praised. "We need more. We need a lead they can't come back from. Dash, Jet, that picket line worked great. Let's expand on this. Rabbit, what do you think? Can you use them as a screen?"

"Give me fifteen seconds of blocking and I'll be gone, Coach," I boasted with no possible way to back it up. And I didn't care. The mocking of the Beaver fans had me completely pissed off. It reminded me of the Red Horse Tavern and what the Sig's had said. And I remembered what Annie had said. That look in her eyes. Totally confident. Indomitable. Even if I was wrong, she wasn't. She couldn't be.

The Beavers received the kickoff at the beginning of the 2nd half and drove down for a field goal. 20-16. They kicked to us, and just like Coach Wilson planned, I used the picket line as a screen. The pounding was brutal, but they weren't pounding on me. I was running so fast most of the opposition didn't even know where I was. Being small helped. I cut this way and that, braking, accelerating, and braking again, a blur behind bigger men. A final twist looked like a ballet step, something Sasha had taught me, and I was off to the races. For the second time I returned the kick for a touchdown. 23-20 Badgers.

The game just got worse for the home team. Deke Jackson threw thirty yards for a touchdown. And then another from our own 22. The scariest moment of the whole game was when Wilson let me kick the extra point. On another punt return I ran the ball back 65 yards before being tackled, setting up a field goal for Kareem. The Beaver fans looked discouraged.

It wasn't all the Rabbit show. Our whole team was rising to the occasion. The defense dug in, making every play a challenge. Early in the 4th quarter, I wandered back to where Annie, Carol, and Jenny were sitting. I swear Annie wanted to jump me right there on the field. It inspired me to one last touchdown at the end of the 4th quarter, a 55-yard punt return. The game was largely over by then so it didn't count for much.

Going back into the locker room was a relief. We had won 47-28. Despite a terrific game, I was beat to hell. Covered in bruises. No wonder my brother Russell was happy to leave Notre Dame's program in his senior year. I almost wanted to leave now.

As I sat on a bench in a towel, head bent over, Eldon sat next to me.

"This was the best game ever. Thank you," he complimented.

"Half of my heroics were because of the blocks you gave me," I insisted.

"I won't say that's not true," he responded. "But even if it is, it doesn't change anything."

"Eldon, I'm just relieved not to look like a fool. I was scared the whole time."

"Josh, we're all scared of fucking up. It's natural. The test is coming through when it counts. Can I be honest?"

"Let's not be too honest," I demurred.

"At the Red Horse, when you were told to strip, you could have told everyone to fuck off. I would have. You obeyed out of a sense of obligation. An obligation you've given to our team. I think we're going to kick ass this year because of you. Not because of what you do on the field, but the dedication you bring."

We shook hands on that. It was all excitement from winning the game, of course. Adrenalin running through the veins of victorious young men. Even I felt it. When we played the Iroquois Devils in game three at home, and they squashed me time after time, the perspective would be different.

* * * * * * * *

The bus ride home felt like it lasted forever and I wasn't in a mood to party. When we stopped outside the gym, I slipped away back to the dorm. After taking so many hits, all I wanted was aspirin, whiskey, and soak in a hot tub for three hours. The dorm didn't have a tub, so I sat on the floor of the shower instead. And had visitors.

"We were at the game," young Melinda Sanchez said, poking her head through the curtain. "Will you sign my pennant?"

"I won $80," Darla Haskins bragged. "I'm going to buy a new dress. Can I show it off for you?"

"I'll sleep with you," Linda Evans offered. "But don't tell Annie Tramble. I don't want her coming after me."

"Ladies, please. I'm in the shower. Fucking naked," I pleaded. "I love you all, but can you give me a little privacy?"

The communal shower room stayed crowded. Someone handed me a beer. There was talk of ordering pizza. Then Mirry barged in, stripped off, and sat in the shower with me, rubbing my sore legs. For a lesbian, she seemed awful happy to be sitting with a nude guy. But there was nothing sexual between us. There never would be.

"You are the best roommate ever," she said. "Will you make a guest appearance at my new play? It will boost ticket sales."

"Now you are just being ridiculous," I complained. "Students can see me for free in the cafeteria. They don't need to see me at your play."

"I know. I just wanted to see where you're at. I'm not seeing a big ego here."

"A big ego? Two lucky games at a smalltime college in the middle of nowhere? Please. My brother played for Norte Dame. Kevin was offered a football scholarship at USC. I'm playing for a frontier school that competes with local high schools for fans."

Mirry laughed. "Okay, I totally get it. At least I don't need to worry about getting you laid. I hear Annie has her brand on you."

"I really like her," I confessed. "And I don't know why. She stripped me in a bar and put me in handcuffs. Threw paint balloons at me. Paraded me through the streets on a leash. And she never fails to say she owns me."

"Does she own you?" Mirry asked.

"Yes," I answered.

The hot water was still pouring down on me. Not so much on Mirry, backed closer to the wall. I should have soaked in the gym whirlpool but didn't want so much attention. Not with sports reporters looking for interviews. I had definitely picked up more bruises.

"My theater group is doing Athena Rising. A scene that needs a nude man. No lines. Very brief. It's symbolic of male dominance in a feminist world."

"Would I be the only one naked in this scene?" I asked.

"No one else appears nude," she confirmed. Why was I not surprised?

"The female cast will be dressed as Greek peasants," Mirry explained. "There will be a chorus and everything, just like Aeschylus used."

Really? She expected me to know who Aeschylus was?

"You realize that, until three weeks ago, I was never naked anywhere," I continued. "Then there was the Red Horse, and the flagpole. My art teacher wants me to be her nude model. You want me to be... a what? A symbol of male dominance while naked on stage with a dozen clothed women? That doesn't even make sense. And Annie strips me every chance she gets."

"Some guys are just luckier than others," Mirry smirked.

"Make a note on our calendar, but I'm not saying yes," I partially agreed. "I need to figure all this craziness out."

* * * * * *

Part 3 will be out soon. If you like this story, please give it your support.