Rabbit and Annie

An Exhibitionist Love Story

Part Three

by G. Lawrence

A Note For the Readers

This romantic comedy is intended to be fun, rambunctious, and mildly naughty. The purpose is to entertain. It's also a sports story. None of the events are intended to be realistic. This is part 3 of 6 parts, two chapters each. All characters are over 18 years old. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

* * * * * *

Chapter Five

IT'S NOT SHAKESPEARE

Sunday was quiet, thank the Lord. Annie was off doing something with her sorority or maybe spending time with another boyfriend. I tried to study, though I had been bad at that before and was only getting worse. Being stripped naked at the Red Horse Tavern and told to wait tables had caused me to quit my fraternity, the brotherhood I had valued through my freshman year. Videos and photos on campus websites spread my shame. Now I was playing football, getting attention for several quirky plays that would never happen again in a million years. I was living in the dorm with a beautiful lesbian, sleeping with a feisty former cheerleader, and been threatened by my ex-fraternity brothers angry that I had quit over their cruel prank. And I had to study!

I really only had three classes to worry about. World history, which was terribly dull. Introduction to sociology, which was a confusing mess. And art class, which was academically challenging with all the painters and sculptors to memorize. As for the art class, Mrs. Sandavol had promised to pass me if I would pose nude for her. Not my first choice but maybe my best option.

I read an article about President McKinley getting shot by an anarchist. What the hell was an anarchist? Needing to write a midterm paper, I looked it up. It seemed anarchism was a completely insane 20th century political philosophy designed to destroy all authority and replace it with--what? Nothing. As much as that appealed to me, being the youngest of four children and constantly told what to do, I didn't see how it was practical. But it was so stupid that I thought it would make a good term paper. Half an hour later, I was bored and decided to go for a walk. Mirry left me a note saying her drama class was having a dress rehearsal. She had drawn two red hearts at the bottom.

The campus stayed quiet on Sundays. We had an entertainment zone near the football stadium with a theater, playhouse, two restaurants, an arcade, and a bar. I rarely had the attention span to watch an entire movie. The Gypsy Abbot Theater offered about a dozen productions a year, one of which was Mirry's play, Athena Rising, so I slipped inside. It sat about nine hundred people with a large stage, huge curtains, and all kinds of lighting fixtures.

"Mr. Harding? This is an honor," Mrs. Farthington said, seeing me at the top of the aisle. We had met once when Sigma K used the theater for a fundraiser. I had swept floors and vacuumed carpets.

"Hello, Mrs. Farthington. How is the play going?" I asked.

"Quite well now that you are here," she answered, a trim woman in her early 40's with a frizzy red wig and brown eyes. "And please, call me Angela."

She took my hand, rapidly leading me down to the stage. Twelve young women were in ancient Greek costumes. Ten others, mostly guys, were shifting scenery and adjusting lights. A crew in the booth was working on the sound system.

"Josh! You made it!" Mirry shouted, her big blue eyes bright. "And just in time."

"I can't say how much we appreciate this," Angela said, taking me to the leftwing of the stage as the women crowded around.

"This is just what we need," Cissy Wong said, a girl from my world history class. Very smart. She spoke French and Mandarin.

"Now we can do this right," Roberta Stoll agreed, a cheerleader for the football team. I had seen her on the sidelines though we'd never had a conversation. I noticed Patrice from sociology dressed like a peasant. Another woman was farther back, her face covered under a gray hood.

I probably looked confused.

"Okay, ladies, take your positions," Angela directed. "Jacob, we'll want that spotlight. Bruce, bring up the sound. Let's see how this will work."

"Work?" I asked.

"The staging must be perfect," Angela answered. "Now here is your platform. We painted it black and it's dark, so don't fall off. Take off your clothes and put them behind the scenery. You'll share a dressing room for the real performance on opening night."

Opening night? Real performance? Take off my clothes!

I looked at my fellow performers, all struggling to keep straight faces. Mirry was as happy as I'd ever seen her, smirking victoriously. I realized she must have offered my services and left the note as bait. When I suddenly showed up, Angela naturally assumed I was there for rehearsal.

Gosh was this embarrassing. Nor did I see a graceful way out. Most of the lighting was to the right side of the stage where the women assembled. A 4' high wooden platform was next to me on the left.

"Everything?" I asked my director.

"Yes, Josh, everything," Angela replied. "You need to be comfortable with this. A male representing all males just as the gods made you. Your subjects will worship at your feet until discovering your unconscious arrogance. Then Athena will rise to rule the gods. We need to block the scene."

Angela rushed around giving instructions to the crew. I was stunned, still not quite sure what to do. Mirry approached.

"It's so great that you're doing this for me. I know we'll be friends forever," she gushed.

"You are quite the actress," I complimented, knowing she was seeking to flatter me. And it worked. I kicked off my shoes and socks, undid my belt, and slowly stacked my clothes behind a fake plant. Only my boxer shorts were left.

"Does this rehearsal really need to be done nude?" I inquired.

"Yes, the full Monty," Mirry answered with a playful grin. "The girls and I haven't been able to practice this scene properly. We just stare at an empty platform. Now we'll know what we're looking at."

"I know exactly what you'll be looking at," I responded.

"Are you still having trouble with classes?" Mirry questioned.

"You know I am," I confirmed.

"Okay, so here's the deal. Angela will sign you up for the drama course. You'll earn an easy A for doing this. It will boost your GPA. How's that?"

That sounded really good. I sighed without further comment, stripped off my underwear, and climbed a short ladder to get up on the platform. I could see the whole stage and had a great view of the theater. All nine hundred seats. Only then did I realize what I had just agreed to. Appearing stark naked before a live audience. Holy fuck! At least my side of the stage was in deep shadow. I doubted anyone would see more than a silhouette.

The women gathered in small groups, humble peasants giving their lines. The woes of the land. The woes of womankind. The quest for homes, family, and hearth. Wishing for better husbands. Six guys in drab robes sat on a bench before the stage acted as the chorus, chanting song and providing insight to the play.

"Okay, Josh, here it comes," Angela warned.

Everything went completely dark. The theater. The stage. Everything except a few flickering emergency exit signs over the doors. I waited, able to hear breathing and shuffling. I held my breath, wondering. And then suddenly, a bright circle of light had me fully illuminated! Only me. Standing naked in a sea of blackness.

"Oh fuck!" I shouted, dropping to my knees and bending over. Snickering came from the shadows. A few of the lights came back up. Angela walked to the foot of the platform.

"Josh, that's not exactly what we're trying for in this scene," she dryly remarked.

"Yes, ma'am. Sorry ma'am," I said, shakily finding my feet.

"Okay, let's try this again," Angela instructed as the lights went dark.

This time I momentarily shielded my eyes, knowing Angela would correct me on that, and straightened up as the circle of light engulfed me, one hand at my side, the other pointing toward an unseen distance. Occasionally a hand floated over to cover myself, but then I drew back. A truly masculine male does not cover his God-given heritage. That doesn't mean I wasn't totally embarrassed.

"That's great. You're doing great," Angela praised. "Okay, girls, move in."

Lights returned to the stage. The actresses came forward, staring in awe. And it was good acting, for I wasn't that inspiring. Okay, for my size, I had a classic package. Not quite Michelangelo's David but respectable. Viewers in the middle seats would not need binoculars. I took solace in that.

The women read more lines. I really don't know about what. Much of it was nonsensical. I was struggling to keep composure, concerned about my manhood getting excited, for I could feel it moving. Angela noticed, returning to the foot of the platform.

"Josh, don't worry if you get aroused. This is only a rehearsal. We have remedies for that on opening night," she consoled. Easy for her to say.

They began again, and this time I recognized a familiar voice. Oh my God, I realized. The woman in the gray hood. It was Annie! She stepped toward the front with a big smile, gleefully bumping Mirry with her shoulder. The scene ended. The torture was finally over.

"Okay, good start," Angela said, clapping her hands. "Let's reset and do it again. Bruce, how is the sound? Jacob, let's see if we can get more light on the platform."

Oh god, I thought as the lights went back down.

Over the next three hours they gave me five breaks. Allowed to wear a bathrobe. Miss Wong found a ginger ale for me. I got a little wobbly at times though everyone was supportive. Admittedly, I was a bit overwhelmed, sitting in the back and not talking. Annie drifted past me a few times but didn't dare approach. Or Mirry. They didn't want me bolting for the door.

"Kid, you're the luckiest idiot I've ever met," one of the stagehands whispered behind the curtain. "I sure wish I could be you."

"I wish you could be me, too," I confided.

At last, they started wrapping up. The women removed their costumes, lights were shifted back, the scenery raised. Except for the panel behind my platform, a painting of Mount Olympus under a cloudy sky with lightning bolts. I started to climb down.

"Oh, no, Josh. Not yet," Angela said, stopping me. "We still need the publicity photos."

* * * * * * * *

Assured the photos would be tasteful, it was a relief to get my clothes back on. I neglected to ask what would happen to the uncensored photos. No one was providing that information. Angela and Annie walked off together in deep conversation.

"Let's get drinks. I'm buying," Mirry offered.

Cissy and Roberta joined us at the Rat Cellar next store. There weren't many patrons on a Sunday night and we all had classes in the morning. I didn't know if they were gay like Mirry and didn't think it prudent to ask. Despite being very friendly, they weren't flirting. The ladies enjoyed a glass of white wine and said goodnight.

"You're going to be a legend," Mirry teased as we loitered at the bar.

"None of this is my fault," I protested.

"Does it get easier?" she asked.

"Does what get easier?"

"Being nude in public all the time."

"Goddamn it! I'm not nude all the time! And no, it doesn't get easier. It's humiliating."

"I need to say, you really do look good up there. Not too tall, not too short. Muscular but not musclebound. Reasonably well-endowed without being a freak. And when you relax, there's a grace about you. Like a work of art."

"Please, let's not talk about being a work of art," I pleaded.

* * * * * * * *

The week started off better than the last few. My videos of shame were getting less attention and I had kind of accepted them as a fact of life. Putting the genie back in the bottle was never going to happen. On Monday, I told Mrs. Sandavol that I'd pose for her class in a few weeks, assuming my football career would be in decline by then. Dan often joined me for breakfast, not shy to talk about the fraternity. I pretended not to care, though of course, I was very curious. Annie's sorority was preparing some sort of fundraiser which kept her busy.

At football practice on Tuesday, Coach Wilson spent a few minutes refining the picket line strategy that would give me cover on a return play. There was a scheme for going down the right side of the field, and one for going down the left. With plenty for the offense and defense to work on, the special teams had limited time. We used it well. If I could get at least a few yards on each return I might not look so pathetic. Annie visited my dorm room that night, fascinated by my new bruises. When I seemed a little out of it, she took control and made all the exertion worthwhile.

Wednesday after class, I met with my women soccer allies. I explained the picket line strategy and asked Sasha, Jackie, and Keisha if they could improve on it.

"Will you practice with us naked?" Sasha asked.

"You want to be naked?" I teased.

"No, Rabbit, we don't want to be naked. We want you to be naked," she shot back with a grin.

"Ladies, I really appreciate your help, but I can't keep running around the school naked," I replied. "People will start to think I'm strange."

That got plenty of laughs. They didn't make me practice naked, but I was in my boxer shorts again. A small concession. They got a bit handsy at times, all in good fun. And I needed their insight. They were good players, fast and mobile, bringing another perspective. I sought to study their moves on an instinctive level, learning to react without overthinking. I prayed it would help.

Our home game against the Iroquois Devils was Friday night. I don't know why they were called Iroquois because their college was in Dayton with no relation to any Indian tribe that I knew of. The night before I could barely sleep despite being tired. If I flopped, I knew the Sigma K would release their video war against me. I'd be a joke again. If Judith and Angela dropped me from their nude projects, I'd need to study a lot harder.

Judith let the art class out early in anticipation of the big game. I changed clothes back at Blue Dorm, finding Mirry missing, and headed over to the gym. A bit of a walk, being on the other side of campus. Just as I was approaching the stadium, I noticed commotion along the breezeway, an area for souvenir vendors, beer stalls, pizza, and musicians. It was usually just ten or twelve booths and not much activity. Today there was a mob scene.

"What is this?" I asked an eager young freshman. She turned to me with big eyes and an excited smile.

"I want to get my Rabbit hat before they're sold out," she breathlessly explained.

I looked ahead. A booth three times bigger than normal was flying a red banner with Annie's rabbit illustration. It looked like the entire Kappa sorority was battling the mob, taking money and distributing products. I pushed in closer. The activity was so intense, no one even looked at me.

Rabbit stuff was everywhere. Red hats with bunny ears. Embroidered t-shirts. Banners came in three sizes. It was crazy.

"Are you getting a cut?" Brad asked, coming up next to me.

"Are the Alpha's in on this, too?" I questioned.

"No, just the Kappa's. But we've been helping. Used our pickup trucks to carry the boxes from the harbor," he explained. "You didn't know?"

"I had no idea. Annie has been busy all week, I just assumed she was hooking up with another guy."

"About that," Brad mentioned with a frown. "Annie may not be so loose as she wants people to believe. We may have broken up but we're still good friends."

"I wasn't trying to be rude," I apologized.

"No, I get it. It's like Annie says, you're a babe in the woods. It's a shame the fucking Sig's didn't protect you. Just so you know, the Alpha's and the Kappa's have front row seats on the 50-yard line and we'll be cheering for you. Win, lose, or draw, because that's what friends do."

He reached to shake my hand. I accepted. I had no intention of ever pledging another fraternity, but if I did, there were worse choices.

I pushed through the crowd, threw $20 on the table, and grabbed a red hat with long slender ears. Carol looked up and started to object before recognizing me. I retreated until reaching the young freshman frustrated by the long line. A cute co-ed with short brunette hair and big brown eyes. I would have flirted if it didn't mean a death sentence from Annie.

"Here you go, honey," I said, giving her the hat.

"Wow, I can't thank you enough," she babbled, putting it on. And then she paused. "Wait a minute. Do I know you?"

"No, we don't know each other," I replied. "Enjoy the game."

I slipped into the gym finding the team getting ready. The Devils had been 11-1 the previous season and invited to play in the Cooperstown Bowl, which was weird for a football tournament to be sponsored by a baseball museum.

"Not wearing your hat, Rabbit?" Jet shouted.

"When will we be getting bunny ears for our helmets?" Ray asked.

"That's enough, guys," I protested. "Let's not make this worse than it already is."

"Worse? Fuck, Rabbit, the stadium is sold out," Rocky said. "Relatives I never knew I had are calling for tickets."

Okay, sports can be like any other entertainment industry. Sometimes it just needs a headliner, though I don't know why it had to be me. I could have streaked across the field naked and gotten just as much attention without fear of fumbling the ball.

We charged from the tunnel to great cheers. I saw Annie, Carol, and Jenny front and center. They had Dan with them, which was generous. Otherwise, there wasn't a Sigma K in sight. Coach Wilson rushed around getting us organized while Wanda coached the offense.

The Devils won the toss. I made a good kick and they returned it to midfield. They proved strong and fast. Well-practiced. Our defense stopped them short of the 20 and they had to settle for a field goal. Then they kicked the ball to us. We had our game plan ready, Eldon leading a picket line on the left for me to run behind, Jet with a picket line on the right as an option. I was nervous, my heart pounding as the ball came down. Kareem would warn me if I needed to call for a fair catch. He didn't. I caught the ball and moved to my left only to be instantly swamped by three Devils. They picked me up, carried me into the end zone, and dumped me at the foot of the goal post laughing. One of them mumbled, "Roadkill." It wasn't a good start to the game.

We gained two first downs and had to punt. Coach had Kareem do it. I threw a block that helped a little bit. The Devils got good field position and came storming back, scoring a touchdown. And then to show off, they made a 2-point conversion. Near the end of the 1st quarter, it was 11-0. It was their turn to kick the ball. I was the one catching it.

I moved right this time without seeing an opening, then cut back to the left. Still no ground. The Devils were doing good at hemming me in, slithering through our picket line strategy. I finally turned up field but didn't have the raw power to bulldoze anyone, gaining only 6 yards before being dragged down.

"Don't take it hard, Rabbit. These guys are tough," Eldon said as I was helped back to the bench. Our fans were cheering though not as loud as before. The Devils got another field goal.

"Want Simmons to take this one?" Coach Wilson offered, seeing I looked dazed.

"No, I should," I answered, strapping my helmet tight.

They hit me so fast I barely moved. The crowd groaned. I limped off the field. Fortunately, our defense held them to another field goal, for it looked certain they'd get a touchdown. We went into the locker room at halftime down 17 to 0. I felt like quitting but knew that was impossible. Coach Wilson sat down at my locker.

"Goddamn it, Harding, this isn't all on you," he insisted. "Our offense isn't moving the ball. Our defense is tough at the goal line but not tough enough to stop these field goals. Guys, this is a team effort. We need to play as a team. Harding, they will kick off to us when we go back out there. Don't take their shit. Show them the Badgers know how to fight."

We returned to mild applause by most, and with shouts of encouragement from our cheering section. I saw Annie, the Kappa girls, Alpha's, several other fraternities, and hundreds of others shouting. They were wearing red hats with rabbit ears, red t-shirts, and waving flags. It should have given me pause. It didn't. I owed them my best effort.

As we prepared to receive, I got a sudden idea. I waved in Simmons, Eldon, Jet and Ray.

"We need to try something different," I said. "They are waiting for us every time. Let's switch it up." I knelt down, sketching on the grass. There were only seconds to work with.

As the Devils lined up to kick, I dropped back to the goal line, watching. And waiting. When it looked like no one on our team was going to catch the ball, the Devils rushed forward. I accelerated from a dead stop, grabbing the ball on the fly, and instead of cutting left or right to my picket lines, charged right up the middle! Simmons was in front of me, taking out the first Devil. Jet came in from the left, taking out another. Then Ray from the right. Eldon had moved to the center of the field and now turned, hitting a Devil so hard they collided into a tangled pile.

I never slowed, hurdling the squirming mass of football players, coming down without loss of motion, and took off like a team of devils were chasing me. Which they were! Fuck them! They'd have to catch me first. I was pouring everything into it. Ripping across the grass like The Flash. Ball clutched tight. This time I heard the yelling. The screaming. The stadium was on their feet. Seconds later I was in the end zone gasping for breath. And feeling on top of the world.

I was still breathing hard when I handed the ball to the ref. My teammates were jumping all over the place. We had Kareem kick the extra point, for if I missed, it would have hurt our momentum. The Devils looked stunned, like they had a plan that suddenly hadn't worked.

"They're nervous now," Coach Wilson said. "Put the pressure on. Stick it to them."

And we did. The Devils had to punt. I gained 20 yards on the return, being knocked out of bounds so hard it nearly started a fight. We gained a field goal. We kicked again. They got tough but not tough enough, failing on 4th and 1 in the red zone.

"I have an idea," Eldon said. "Let's use Josh."

"Use him for what?" Coach Wilson asked.

"Everyone in this stadium is yelling 'Rabbit.' It's got to be getting to them," Eldon said. "Let's put him in at left receiver."

"I've never played receiver," I mentioned. "Not in a real game."

"And you won't have to now. You'll be a decoy," Eldon explained. "While they're chasing you, it will open the game for our offense."

"Kid, that's so fucking stupid it might work," the Coach agreed. "Okay, guys, let's make this happen."

For the first time since playing pick-up games in high school, I lined up on the left to go out for a pass. The Devils were in a quandary, not knowing what it meant. On the hike, I ran downfield looking back for the ball. Eldon caught it on the other side for a 40-yard gain. Brosky caught another for 23-yards. Jet swept right for 15 more, and then Eldon caught a pass in the end zone for a touchdown. The Devils kept looking at me. I pretended to be miffed that Jackson wasn't throwing to me, all the time thankful that he wasn't. Coach had me kick the extra point.

Our defense got really mean, keeping the Devils at bay for a single touchdown. Though their defense was fighting hard, too. We picked up a field goal. And another. Everyone was taking hard hits. Sweat and blood were everywhere. The end of the final quarter approached and we were still down 25-20 with seconds on the clock. It was 4th down, 8 and goal. Do or die.

"Should we let Josh run it?" Eldon asked.

"No. Josh's open field. We're in a box," Jet denied.

"Don't worry, I've got this," Deke said. "Eldon, up the middle. Jet, right corner. Josh, draw fire in the left corner."

"Deke, they aren't even chasing me anymore," I objected, thinking I might block. Though admittedly, my ribs were aching.

"Just draw some heat, Rabbit. That's all I'm asking," our quarterback responded.

We lined up for the final play of the game, me at left end. The ball was hiked. I charged toward the corner and turned to see Deke being chased. Eldon was open for a moment, and then he wasn't. I couldn't see Jet. Ray and Dash were trying to give Deke cover. Devils were everywhere. And then Deke stopped, looking at me. Looking at me like it was his plan all along.

Oh fuck! Deke threw a bullet into my chest. The Devils realized what he was doing at the last second. I held my breath and said a prayer as the ball hit me like a rocket. It literally took me off my feet as two Devils tried to knock the ball from my arms. I put my heels down, dragging through the grass as they drove me out-of-bounds. And then I was smashed into the earth under a pile of frustrated football players. What happened? I had no idea.

The referees ran over, peeled the Devils off, and made sure I still had the ball before ruling it a touchdown. We had won 26-25. The stadium went crazy. My teammates rushed over but I wasn't getting up. Something hurt. Hopefully not too bad. After our trainer came out and asked a bunch of dumb questions, I was picked up and helped off the field.

By the time I reached the bench, all I heard was "Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!"

Coaches Wilson and Wanda came to check on me. I was out of breath and nearly traumatized. Deke came to sit next to me. Our winning quarterback had a lot to be proud of.

"Josh, I swear if I live to be a billion, I will never forget the look on your face when you realized I was throwing the ball to you," he said, highly amused.

"You're lucky I didn't duck. What were you thinking?" I asked.

"It's like you said, they had stopped chasing you. You were the perfect choice," he explained. Perfectly logical.

"The fans should be cheering for you," I insisted. "It was your plan. You won the game."

"The team won the game," he corrected. "And our fans helped, never giving up. They were cheering for you."

"Come on, Deke. They were cheering for Rabbit. A character Annie Tramble invented for a Kappa sorority fundraiser."

"Believe that if you need to. Are you okay?" he said.

"Yes. Getting my breath back," I answered, a hand still on my ribs.

"Okay, then," he mysteriously announced.

Suddenly a dozen teammates surrounded me, lifted me up, and carried me off the field to a thousand cheers. I noticed Annie running at my side trying to grab my hand. If she wanted sex in the whirlpool again she was going to be disappointed.

* * * * * * * *

I had expectations of peace and quiet in the locker room, which proved delusional. The team crowded into the showers jauntily discussing the game. Who did what. Where were the prettiest girls sitting. We seemed to have an audience watching forty naked guys covered in soap. Coaches. Trainers. Reporters. Annie.

The training room had four whirlpools, all of them soon occupied. Wearing a towel, I snuck off into a corner, gobbled four aspirin, and sipped a beer. Once the commotion died down, I considered taking my turn in a tub. Annie came to fetch me.

"It's more quiet now," she advised, leading me by the hand through the gym. Many of the guys were getting dressed by then. Why was Annie even in the locker room? I never actually figured that out. She tore off my towel in the doorway, pushing me to the largest whirlpool. It made me glad the locker room didn't allow cameras.

The hot water felt so good it was unbelievable. Annie stripped down, but not naked. She was wearing a black bikini.

"I can't let Wanda catch me this time," she whispered. "Too many witnesses. But you'll be taken care of."

"Ann, please. You're great, but getting aroused in the gym is too much. I don't need the stress," I begged off. She sighed, unhappy with my plea.

"I'll give you a pass this time," she agreed. "You look like you've been runover by a truck. That doesn't mean we won't pick this up later."

"Thank you, sweetheart," I groaned.

"Sweetheart? You called me sweetheart?" she exclaimed, grabbing my face for a passionate kiss. Despite everything, I felt my spirit rising. And then we were interrupted.

"Citrus Collins for the Indianapolis Magpie," a spiky-haired reporter introduced. With a camera girl behind him. "That was a hell of a game, Rabbit. Our viewers want to know more."

"Mr. Collins, in case you haven't noticed, I'm fucking naked," I answered. "Maybe we can do this another time?"

"Just a few quick questions," he pressed. "On the first play, when they squashed you like a bug, did you--"

In a blur of motion, Annie was out of the tub, her wet bikini barely on, pushing the rude fellow back toward the door. And then she shoved the camera girl, pulling her hair.

"Damn it, you fucking leaches! You heard him! Later!" Annie shouted. "Eldon! Jet! Help!"

The guys came running, took one look, and hustled the bewildered reporters away. I wish I'd had a camera to take pictures of Annie. She was totally awesome. Protective, aggressive, and sexy as hell. Wanda entered a moment later, somewhat to my disappointment.

"Miss Tramble, glad to see you're partially dressed," she snickered. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Wanda. We just needed to get rid of a few troublemakers," Annie answered.

"Josh? Are you holding up? Saul will be by soon to look at you," Wanda advised.

"Just a little sore. I'm sure I'm not the only one," I replied.

She nodded and strolled out leaving the door open. A moment later, there was another visitor. Dean Witmore.

Our dean was in his early 60's, moderate height, a little bent over, with thinning gray hair and thick eyeglasses. He wore a nice but not expensive brown suit.

"Miss Tramble, I see you are in classic form," he said with a restrained grin.

"Yes, sir. But staying out of trouble," she responded, wrapping herself in a towel.

Right, I thought. Stripping me naked and having sex on the soccer field is a great way to stay out of trouble.

"May Mr. Hartman and I have a moment?" Witmore requested.

Annie ran out, happy to escape. I looked around for a robe and couldn't find one, having only the churning waves of the whirlpool for cover. Was it embarrassing? Sitting there naked before the dean of the entire college? Well, I was an athlete in the gym following a big game. It could have been worse.

"I need to thank you," he started, finding a stool. "The publicity from your heroics is attracting a lot of attention. We're getting large donations for the football program and other departments, too. Governor Prescott has sent congratulations. The lieutenant governor has agreed to host a fundraiser at the Jeffers Country Club next month."

"I'm sure the team appreciates that, sir," I responded, covering myself whenever the whirlpool waves suddenly left an opening. He may have noticed me squirming.

"About these videos of yours," he brought up with some reluctance. "I understand you don't deliberately put yourself in these situations."

"No, sir. I don't look for ways to lose my clothes," I confirmed.

"I see. Well, we know Midvale Valley College has a long tradition of risqué pranks," he continued, giving an appraisal and a warning. "It makes us different from other smaller colleges. Considerate but open-minded. I feel it's harmless as long as nothing inappropriate occurs."

"Yes, sir, I understand," I agreed, hoping there would be no more escapades.

"I have given Mrs. Sandavol permission for you to pose in her art classes," he informed. "And though the full-frontal nudity in Mrs. Farthington's play is pushing the envelope, I've approved that, too. However, it was necessary to censor portions of the publicity posters."

"Posters?" I said.

"Yes, bronze coloring with silver highlights. Very god-like. The art department did a wonderful job," he explained. "But we can't have fully nude students displayed like that on billboards around campus. Modifications are being made. After all, the theater is giving a free limited-edition poster to everyone who buys four or more tickets. And, of course, they will be for sale in the souvenir shop."

I was totally red-faced. Yes, the drama department viewed it as performance art. They were not the ones posing nude in the pictures.

"Thank you, sir," I said.

He got up to leave offering to shake my hand. I did not stand up. He paused at the door.

"Josh, I just want you to know, I've given special instructions to the campus police," he confided with a sly smirk. "You can be naked on campus anytime you want. No one will arrest you."

How comforting, I thought. I sure hope Annie doesn't hear about this.

Chapter Six

Annie Takes Charge

Saturday morning should have been quiet, but it wasn't. I got up late, sore from taking hits during the game, and found Dan in the dorm lobby waiting for me. As we walked across campus toward the cafeteria, I noticed a large crowd in the Commons next to the library.

"What's that?" I asked.

"You haven't seen the messages this morning?" Dan said with surprise.

"I don't live on my phone," I answered.

"I'm sorry. There have been new postings," he warned.

It was almost lunchtime, showing how deeply I'd slept. I saw barbeques. Helium-filled balloons. A bonfire. I guessed 300 students, many of them wearing Rabbit t-shirts. I wasn't sure what to think.

"You should know what this is about," Dan urged before we got too close to the festivities.

We sat on a bench next to the infamous flagpole where I had been handcuffed and painted a month before. Dan took out his phone, bringing up new postings. It was video from that infamous night at the Red Horse Tavern but not taken by the Alpha fraternity. These were taken by my own brothers, the ones who set me up. It had audio.

"When the Badgers went into the locker room down 17-0, Jeff and Larry thought it was the perfect time to humiliate you," Dan explained, turning up the sound. "Gregg gave them permission."

"This is working out great," I heard Jeff whisper as they watched me play nude waiter. There I was in the crowded bar, butt-naked and shamed, carrying a tray of drinks. Patrons mocked and jeered, changing orders to make me run back and forth. Girls slapped my ass.

"And he never saw it coming," Larry merrily agreed, sipping his beer.

"He looks so humiliated," Julie observed, not quite so enthusiastic as the guys.

"I can't believe Easy is really doing this," Pete confided, using my fraternity nickname.

"We knew he'd do whatever he's told," Jeff confidently asserted. "Someone needed to take the Alpha's dare. Easy was our perfect choice."

"I don't understand why Josh is going along with this," Donna remarked. "Look how exposed he is. In front of all these people. I don't know how he's keeping it together."

"Won't Josh be mad when he learns the bet was fixed?" Julie asked. "You guys never intended to win."

"It doesn't matter. Easy does what we tell him to do. He always has," Jeff answered. "Do you want him naked for your next carwash?" They all laughed.

Dan prepared to turn off the video just as I was approaching a table of several nicely dressed women to take orders. Near where the Sigs were sitting. Their victorious snickering was audible.

"We should have him serve us, too," Larry decided. "We'll offer to leave him a good tip."

"And then we won't," Pete added. More laughter. I was made to serve their table, standing naked before them. They didn't leave me a tip. Cheap bastards.

Dan and I walked toward the Commons as I dwelled on this new situation. The crowd kept growing as we approached. The Sig's video had spread all over campus. Every student and faculty member with a phone was probably watching it. I noticed a dozen Sigma K's on a low hill overlooking the Commons. They didn't appear happy.

"Josh!" Annie shouted, running toward me. "Isn't this great?"

"I don't know. What is it?" I asked. I saw hundreds of classmates. Fraternities. Sororities. Campus clubs. Football fans. Many were wearing red Rabbit hats.

"Did you see the new video? The one those Sig motherfuckers posted?" Annie asked.

"Just now," I admitted. "Not something I wanted."

"They posted their trash last night when they thought the Badgers would lose. They disrespected you, our team, and our school. And now they're going to pay."

I'd never seen Annie like this. She was always fierce. Determined. Set on what she wanted. Now she was an avenger, thirsting for revenge. And she had an army backing her up.

Dan returned with four old friends. Former fraternity brothers whose friendship I'd valued. Tim, Stan, Rodrico, and Herrick. A tall, athletic bunch like most of the Sigs.

"We didn't know about the Red Horse trick beforehand," Tim said. "When Jeff told us later that you'd agreed to it, we should have been suspicious."

"We're sorry about what happened at the fraternity house that night," Herrick said.

"We've left the Sig's," Stan mentioned. "That photo Larry framed was going too far."

"And this last video is way out of line," Herrick added, revealing his new Rabbit t-shirt. "We're starting our own club. The Midvale Rabbits."

"We're not trying to embarrass you," Rodrico was quick to say. "We know you're shy about this Rabbit business. This is about supporting our school. It's about loyalty."

They offered to shake hands. I had tears in my eyes as I accepted the gestures. Sometimes friends really are friends.

"Okay!" Annie shouted. "Time for the ceremony!"

Ceremony? I wondered.

The crowd surged toward the firepit. And more were coming. Messages were being sent all over campus. Had I been missing something? It wouldn't be the first time. Annie stood on a bench as the flames were enhanced with sticks and logs. She took out a Sigma K jersey, purple with red trim. It wasn't my jersey, I had trashed that the night I quit the fraternity. This had been purchased especially for the occasion. My former brothers stepped forward, also holding their jerseys.

"Last night, while our Badgers were struggling against those eager Beavers, a Greek house at our school sought to humiliate a member of our team, and Midvale," Annie declared, standing tall wearing her Rabbit hat with bunny ears. "But despite their attempts to undermine us, we won!"

A cheer went up. Everyone looked toward the slope where the Sigma's watched from their hill.

"All right, let's show these traitors what we think," Annie said.

One by one, my friends from the old fraternity stepped forward to throw their jerseys into the bonfire. Dan went last, waving the shirt before tossing it into the flames. Annie handed me the one she found for the occasion.

"Join the club, Rabbit," she ordered. I tossed the jersey into the flames to hoots of approval. The Sigma K's on the hill disappeared. I noticed all eight of their former pledges were now standing with the new Rabbit club.

"Rabbit, everyone only sees your videos," Annie abruptly mentioned. "Sleek and manly. Take off your clothes. Show your fans what we're fighting for."

"I'm not going to strip, Miss Tramble," I objected, getting a good laugh from the crowd. "And I take this demonstration as support for our team. Not for me. And if anyone gets naked, it should be Annie. She's much prettier than I am. What do you think? Should Annie strip?"

"Strip! Strip! Strip!" the fans urged. She was flushed with embarrassment, pulling her shirt tighter. She wasn't inclined to remove her clothes.

"You learn fast," she whispered, enjoying the attention.

"I wish that was true," I replied. "I may fail half my courses this semester."

"We can fix that. I have connections."

"Will you sleep with the professors?"

"What makes you think I won't?" she answered.

* * * * * *

Following Dean Witmore's offer not to let me be arrested for public nudity, Mrs. Sandavol and Mrs. Farthington wanted a conference. They ordered a pitcher of Squirrel Nut beer at the Rat Cellar as we sat in a quiet corner booth.

"It's time to schedule your art session," Judith said.

"So soon?" I questioned.

"Don't worry, it will be very professional. I've recruited a coach to help you."

"I'll probably need help. I have never even seen a nude model let alone been one," I confessed.

"We call them life models," Judith corrected. "It may be uncomfortable at first, but many find it soothing. It can also build a sense of confidence."

"Who have your recruited to be my coach?" I had to ask.

"Miss Annie Tramble," my evil art teacher answered.

"It will just be the regular class, won't it?" I worried. "I mean, you're not letting outsiders audit the session."

"Just the registered students," Judith assured me. "Angela seems to be getting you prepped for the Greek play. I'll have you striking classic poses to prepare."

I tried to remember what poses those would be. It had been part of Judith's lesson in the early weeks of the semester but I barely remembered any of it. My fault, not hers.

"We have good news for Athena Rising," Angela announced, very attractive and energetic for a 40-year-old. She had switched her red wig for black hair with silver streaks. "So many tickets have been ordered, we're moving the date to Thanksgiving weekend and doing four performances. Opening night on Friday, a matinee and evening show on Saturday, and a closing show on Sunday. This way it won't interfere with your football schedule."

I sat there with my mouth hanging open. "It was supposed to be one performance. On a Wednesday afternoon," I said.

"Who told you that?" Angela laughed.

"Mirry," I answered.

"Josh, opening nights are the tradition. Usually Friday. With you as the star, all four shows will be sold out."

"I'm only on stage for four minutes. With no lines," I pointed out.

"Yeah, we may be revising that," Angela responded with a grin. "Mirry is reworking the script."

Okay, Mirry had gotten the better of me on this one. And what could I do about it? Revenge? Yeah, right. I may be easy to embarrass but Mirry was invulnerable to shame.

"This is more than I expected," I confessed.

"We realize this has difficult moments for you," Judith consoled. "We've also seen those awful videos. In the worst of moments, you persevered. Kept your head up. That's why we know you can do this."

"Your participation is attracting more interest in our programs," Angela admitted. "It's good for us. It's good for the college. And if a few ignorant buffoons mock you, there are legions who admire your courage."

"Legions?" I questioned with a doubting smile.

"Okay, there are a lot," Angela modified.

After a busy day, I was finally back in the sanctuary of my dorm room. Hardly able to understand how this had all happened. Mirry entered wearing a jaunty red outfit with a broad rim hat and yellow feather.

"What's wrong now?" she asked.

"What's wrong? Did you know there are going to be four performances? At Thanksgiving? The theater is distributing nude posters of me," I complained.

"Of course. I helped lay out the designs," she answered with no hint of remorse. "They are going to be collector's items."

"How could you do that?" I inquired, totally humiliated.

"Let's be real, Josh," she answered, sitting on my bed. "You're the perfect guy."

"Perfect?" I questioned.

"You are masculine without being threatening. Graceful without being effeminate. You have moments of self-confidence without being arrogant, yet you embarrass easily while having the fortitude to endure the worst humiliations. Which is endearing. You have admirers even if you don't want to accept it. I'm not surprised that Annie loves you."

"Love?" I answered in shock.

"See what I mean? You're so introverted that you never see what everyone else sees. She's crazy about you. Almost an obsession."

"Annie gets me naked every chance she gets," I replied.

"Every girl needs a hobby," Mirry answered.

I got out of bed not bothering with my shorts. Mirry stripped down and we fired up our laptops to study. I noticed she was a little more talkative than usual, giving me gentle suggestions on how to review the lessons. Just before 8 o'clock, there was a knock on the door. I put on my robe.

"Annie?" I said.

Annie, Jenny, and Carol poured in, the girls carrying pizza and beer. We used Mirry's desk for a table.

"This is unexpected," I mentioned.

"No, it isn't," Mirry said, finding her purse and sweater. "I'm staying with a friend tonight. You guys have the room to yourselves."

I noticed Jenny and Carol lay the pizza box down and put the beer in the refrigerator. Then they turned to leave. Carol stopped to look at my photo on the wall. The one of me playing nude waiter at the Red Horse Tavern.

"Would you consider selling this?" she asked, moving closer.

"Sell it?" I questioned.

"My mother is a benefactor of the Franklin Art Gallery in Boston. I'm sure they'd love to have it," Carol explained.

"Why would I want a full-frontal photo of me hanging in a Boston art gallery?" I inquired. "My brother Russel works for a law firm in Boston. He'd see me."

"Hell, Rabbit, lots of people have seen you," Carol answered.

"I'll pass, thank you," I said. She raised her phone and took a picture.

"Time to go," Jenny announced.

"Thank you for this, Mirry," Annie said, getting up on her toes to give the tall woman a kiss. It wasn't a lover's kiss, though there was deep friendship.

"He's your guy," Mirry answered. "You could have done a lot worse."

Soon it was just me and Annie. Alone. Okay, sorry for the metaphor, but we went at it like rabbits for an hour. After a joint shower in the communal bathroom, Annie and I returned to my room snuggling under a heavy quilt.

"How are your classes going?" she asked as we lay curled up.

"Mirry and Coach Wilson are finding a tutor for me. I might actually pass my courses," I said, surprised as anyone.

"That's great. What are you going to do when you graduate?"

"What?" I responded.

"After you graduate. Your brother Russell is studying business law. Kevin is in medical school. Your sister has two young daughters and is helping your mother at the real estate office," Annie recounted. "What do you want to do?"

Until that moment, I'm not sure I'd ever seriously thought about it. It wasn't going to be professional football.

"Let's see if I graduate first," I stalled. "What do you want to do?"

"That's easy. I'm going to be a recruiter for my father's company, and someday, I'll be running the place. Our factories make great products at prices people can afford."

I envied her clarity. And realized such an accomplished woman wouldn't stay interested in someone as aimless as me for very long. She noticed.

"I have an idea," she mysteriously suggested.

* * * * * * * * *

Being an underweight ballcarrier being crushed time after time by really big guys isn't as much fun as it sounds. We were coming up to our 4th game of the season against the Wilmington Tiger Claws in Crawford, a sixty-mile bus ride. We would leave early Saturday morning, have a chance to practice in their 50,000-seat stadium, and rest up before gametime. There was an incident first.

Annie, Carol, Jenny and Dan joined me at the Red Horse Tavern on a Wednesday evening for a light meal and beer. I was ordering buffalo wings when five Sigma K's approached our table. It was Jeff, Larry, Pete, and two others who had humiliated me that night a month before. Phones came out.

"We need to settle this," Jeff said. I stood up, took off my jacket, and got ready for a fight. Five-on-one weren't good odds but at least there were witnesses. I wouldn't throw the first punch.

"No, not that," Jeff said, backing off with his hands raised. "We surrender."

"You what?" I asked.

"We've lost our pledge class. Five brothers have quit the fraternity," Larry explained. "Everyplace we go, we're insulted. Please, end your campaign against us. Tell us what you want."

I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was. And, at the very least, I wasn't going to get beat-up.

"It wasn't me who posted those fucking videos at last weekend's halftime," I responded. "I didn't blindside a brother and abandon him to be paintballed at a flagpole by the Alpha's."

"We made mistakes," Pete admitted. "It shouldn't cause the fraternity to collapse. Sigma K has been at Midvale for 40 years. Please don't end it now. Not over this."

My revenge had been to alienate their pledge class, which they managed to do without much help from me. And I had no real desire to destroy them. My years as a Sigma K had been rewarding, for the most part.

"What are you suggesting?" I inquired.

"To make up for what happened, Larry and I will be naked waiters for the rest of the night," Jeff offered. "You can take photos, mock us, or whatever. After, you'll issue a statement that we're good."

"Gregg is onboard with this. The fraternity will issue a formal apology," Larry added.

It seemed fair to me. I looked at Dan, who was nodding. We wouldn't be Sig's again, there was too much damage for that, but we could get along.

"Okay, that works for me," I agreed, reaching to shake hands. Annie jumped from her chair, pushing me back.

"No, that doesn't work," she declared, getting in Jeff's face. "It wasn't enough that you betrayed and humiliated Josh that night, but you tried to do it again with that fucking halftime video. You need to pay!"

The crowd watching us cheered. I had no idea my previous history at the Red Horse was so well-known.

"Go girl!" someone shouted.

"Make them crawl!" another demanded. I put up my hands seeking to quiet the critics.

"Annie, what are you thinking?" I asked. She had an evil grin. Remind me to never get on her bad side. She huddled with her sorority sisters.

"Okay, this is what happens," Annie announced a few minutes later. "All five of you are naked waiters tonight, not just Jeff and Larry. We're texting our sisters and the other sororities. Expect a big audience. And on Saturday, you'll ride to Wilmington with the cheerleading team in their bus. Naked. Wearing Rabbit hats."

"Naked!" the Sig's shouted.

"We'll let you wear Rabbit t-shirts during the game. Nothing else," Annie continued. "And if the Badgers win, you'll take off the t-shirts, throw them to the crowd, and run back to the bus nude."

Wow! I thought. This was harsh. Though I was having trouble feeling sympathy for them after how callously they'd treated me. Taking videos at my worst moment. Laughing about leaving me a tip. I glanced at Dan. He was all smiles.

"What about it?" Annie said. "The Greek houses have gone easy on you so far despite the embarrassment you've caused. That can change. I promise you, that can change a lot."

She was standing in the middle of the room in black slacks and a tight red sweater, fists on her hips, auburn hair down to her shoulders, staring up at five tall guys daring them to say no. Every phone in the bar was recording the confrontation.

"Naked waiters tonight," Jeff conceded. "We'll need to ask the brothers about the rest."

"Ask all you want," Jenny intervened. "Rabbit is the hero of the whole school. Disrespect him and you disrespect all of us."

"Preach that gospel, sister!" a drama student in the back shouted to much applause.

Clearly I had not been paying enough attention. I was certainly not the hero of the whole school. One bad game would prove that. But I did reflect on things my sociology professor said about fame being transitory. Whatever that meant. Should I just enjoy the moment?

"We'll be at the bus Saturday morning," Jeff agreed, much to my astonishment.

"The Kappa's will have your hats and t-shirts delivered to Sigma house," Annie acknowledged. "Now get naked. I want to order drinks for my sisters."

The five of them went to the end of the bar, stripped off their clothes, and asked the bartender for instructions. Sam pretended to offer them aprons and then reneged, getting chuckles. The guys began circulating among the tables to take orders, 100% nude and shaking with shame. When asking patrons what they wanted, Larry could barely talk. Until then, I don't think they even considered what it had been like for me. At least they had brothers at their side. I had been alone.

"Look at them," Jenny said, snapping photo after photo. Carol was making videos. Annie was beside herself with glee. Yes, she and the Alpha's had humiliated me, and enjoyed doing it. Such pranks were a school tradition. Annie saw her new victims as traitors deserving no mercy, having violated our brotherhood.

In my opinion, it was a brutal night for my former friends. The Red Horse became standing room only as two hundred spectators responded to the Kappa's texting. I have no idea how many photos were taken. Jeff, Larry, Pete, Tony and Ferris were kept busy, running nude from table to table. Amused patrons would place an order and then change their minds, as had happened to me, making them work twice as hard. Many complained about the poor service. I noticed their Delta sisters, Julie and Donna, gather up their clothes and sneak out of the bar. It was a two-mile walk back to campus.

"Your buffalo wings," Larry said, putting the large plate on our table.

"We want more sauces!" Carol complained with her flirty brown eyes as she took a full-frontal photo. "And more napkins. Why are you guys so slow?"

"The kitchen says they have more customers than usual," Larry apologized.

"Larry, just so you know, Midvale really appreciates you doing this," Carol said. "We're live streaming to the whole campus. There are hundreds of positive remarks."

That really wasn't what our nude server wanted to hear. After a time, our servants' shoulders were sagging. Shuffling their bare feet on the straw-covered floor. The mob was merciless, jeering and mocking. I had been embarrassed that night but this was worse. This was personal.

"I think they've had enough," I finally suggested.

"No, Josh. They're getting what they deserve," Annie insisted. "A bunch of pampered rich boys who thought to fuck you over just because you're a blue-collar kid. They need to be made an example of."

"I agreed to let up on their fraternity," I answered. "My word is important to me."

"We'll let the Sig's slide after Saturday," Annie promised. "Until then, they're going to pay for what they did to my boyfriend." I had to laugh.

"I wasn't your boyfriend at the time," I recalled. "You were the one who handcuffed me that night. Dragged me on a leash through the streets naked while cars honked. And you threw the first paint balloon at the flagpole, turning my hair green."

"Yes, that was so much fun," Annie answered with a huge smirk. "We need to make it an annual event."

* * * * * * * *

Of course I was nervous going into the next game. I had leftover bruises from the previous games and felt a little slower. Yet with so many counting on me, doubts could not affect my performance. At some point I'd get hit hard enough to tear or break something and that would be that. Until then, I intended to be the most dangerous runt on the field.

It was the 4th game of the season against the Wilmington Tiger Claws in Crawford, a sixty-mile bus ride. A lot of it was rural. The team bus was full and excited, expecting to win. A far different mindset than we started the year with. And it wasn't just about the Rabbit business. Everyone knew that was a combination of luck and opportunity. They also thought Rabbit was such a distraction to our opponents that it created opportunities for everyone else.

It was a big stadium for such a small college, drawing fans from St. Louis. We parked in a private lot north of the locker rooms. As the cheerleaders got off their bus, I saw five members of Sigma K with them. They were wearing red Rabbit t-shirts, and by all appearances, they weren't wearing anything else, showing bare legs and bare feet.

"Looks like fun, doesn't it?" Annie said, coming up beside me.

"Not something I want to do," I answered.

"Not tonight, anyway," she responded. "It is very important that you win tonight."

"More important than always wanting to win?" I asked.

"When the Badgers win, Jeff and his bro's have to strip off their t-shirts and run back to the parking lot naked," Annie explained. "And the buses won't be there. They are going to be moved to the south lot."

"Wait, you're saying--"

"Those traitorous jerks will run into an empty parking lot, be chased out to the street by security, and have to walk home naked through cornfields," Annie clarified.

"Sixty miles?" I inquired.

"They can do it in two days," Annie assured me.

I knew she was joking. Everyone who read the messages later knew she was joking. Nevertheless, the sixty-mile nude walk of the Sigma K's became a legend even if it never happened.

The Tiger Claws were a decent team attempting to overcome their losing record from the year before. The Badgers knew how they felt. Coach Wilson gave a rousing locker room speech though I don't really remember what he said. We ran out of the tunnel to great cheers, finding the stadium packed.

"Look. Rabbit hats," Deke said, pointing behind our benches. I saw a large section of Midvale fans in a blaze of red. More than I had seen at an away game before. Annie, Jenny, Carol and Dan were in the first row at the railing. In rising levels were Kappa's, Alpha's, other Greeks, clubs, and a booster society. From time to time, Annie stood up to wave her banner, getting cheers. She was quite the instigator.

"Rabbit, if it looks like you can't make yardage, take a knee," Coach Wilson advised.

"Take a knee? I've never done that," I protested.

"It's psychology," he explained. "It will show you're not afraid of them. And at the right moment, you won't take a knee and run instead."

It sounded kind of devious to me. Not to my liking. I wanted to put it all out there. No tricks. Win, lose, or draw. I would try to obey the coach but couldn't promise it.

The Tiger Claws kicked off to us, and wouldn't you know it? They came on so strong that Eldon and Jet made a hole for me. I charged through and suddenly there was no one between me and the goal line but the kicker. He was a tall, skinny fellow, racing to cut me off from the left corner. I almost considered trying to run him down. It was one on one. I had speed and position. He looked a little awkward. His eyes looked scared. He was their kicker, not a tackler. A strong shoulder would send him into the turf.

What the fuck am I thinking? I suddenly woke up. Even if I could run the poor guy over, I might not score if others were coming up behind me. I felt there was something dark about the impulse, wanting to hit the guy just to make him look bad. I jiggled left, twisted right, and danced past him into the end zone untouched.

The stadium went crazy. It took me a moment to realize it wasn't just our own fans.

"What is this?" I asked Eldon, taking off my helmet.

"They got to see one. The Wilmington fans. They got to see a Rabbit Run," he explained.

"A what?" I said.

"You've scored a runback every game this season," Jet said, coming up to join us. "No one in our division has ever done that. Hell, I don't know if anyone in state has done it."

"Wilmington are fans?" I questioned.

"Oh, no. They still want us to lose," Deke confirmed. "But they wanted to see if the Rabbit is real."

"This is all on you guys now," I insisted. "You need to give me smart blocks or we're all going to look like village idiots."

"Wanda has a whole notebook full of new patterns," Coach Wilson said, joining the conversation. "This is like what Josh keeps saying, though he doesn't need to keep saying it so often. They're going to catch on to Rabbit eventually. Until then, let's have fun and make the most of it."

That sounded like a great plan to me. I found myself suddenly yearning for my former simpler life. Doing chores at the fraternity. Sitting on the bench. Trying to study in quiet rooms late at night. Little noise and no confusion. Now everything was different. The Red Horse Tavern videos. Crazy football fans. Posing nude in art class. And Angela's play! Oh my God, what was I thinking? And Annie. Inexhaustible Annie Tramble. What the hell did she see in me? The most beautiful, exciting woman on campus shagging a recovering introvert.

We kicked to the Tiger Claws, not giving them good field position, and then Ray hit their quarterback so hard he lost the ball. Hash Rensom jumped on it for another touchdown. It was not going to be a good night for our opponents.

I kept trying to get on the field, anxious for battle. Would they let me play left end again? As a decoy? No. Coach Wilson kept me doing returns and we only had a few of those. I had a 30-yard gain and two shorter ones. That doesn't mean I wasn't getting knocked down. I would have extra bruises by the end of the night. Belatedly, I realized I never did take a knee like Coach Wilson wanted.

Eldon and Jet gained a lot of yards, having great nights. Deke threw three touchdowns. Final score Badgers 46, Tiger Claws 17.

There were more celebrations as we headed for the locker room, though not so loud as when we were at home, not wanting to rub it in. There were suggestions of hitting the nightclubs but Crawford didn't have the generous liquor exemptions enjoyed by Midvale so most of the team couldn't drink. We decided to wait.

A roar went up. We stopped and turned at the mouth of the tunnel to see five young men strip off their red t-shirts and run naked up an aisle as thousands of people issued startled cheers. Pink butts and cameras were everywhere. Many things were shouted. I noticed Jeff and his crew running for the exit where the buses had parked. And were no longer parked. Brad and Dick ran behind them and locked the gate. Stadium security escorted them out to Main Street. In downtown Crawford. Cars were honking. Annie was waving one of the lost shirts and whistling victoriously.

"We'll get them even better next time," Annie declared.

"No," I said with a frown.

"No? But we--"

"Anne, we made a deal. I gave my word," I explained. "We're letting the Sig's off the hook." My resolve was firm.

"You're a soft-hearted fool," she said, though it wasn't a criticism. She took my arm to give me a kiss. "But if they ever come after you again, I'll make them pay a lot worse. That's a promise." 

* * * * * *

Part Four is ready to go and will be posted soon. For readers who like this story, please give it your support.