Rabbit and Annie

An Exhibitionist Love Story

Part Five

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 5 of 6 parts, two chapters each. All characters are over 18 years old. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

* * * * * *

Chapter Nine

Homecoming

Dr. Kenetta Cabrillo and her staff appeared Monday morning, finding suites on the top floor of the Four Aces Inn, the nicest hotel in Midvale. Downstairs, they took over a small banquet hall filling it with x-ray machines, scanners, a whirlpool, and all sorts of strange devices. It must have cost a fortune. Starting late Tuesday, I was scheduled to be there every day at 4 o'clock for a long therapy session and a few short morning sessions as well. As I could barely walk, Dean Watkins assigned me my own personal tram and a driver.

"This is getting out of control," I complained in my afternoon art class, sitting at an easel instead of posing on the platform. Though my elbows, knees, ribs, and forehead were bandaged, I wasn't complaining about the discomfort. The pain was manageable.

"Everyone feels really bad about what happened, Rabbit," Judith said, barely able to look at me.

"I get that. It's just the attention I was getting before was already too much. Now I'm being pushed around in a wheelchair by strangers waiting in line to get their turns."

"It's their way of contributing. After posing for my class and Angela's dressed ... that is, her undressed rehearsals, being in a wheelchair can't be that embarrassing."

"Embarrassing isn't the word. It's feeling so helpless. I'm not used to this."

"It will only be a few weeks. You know, your last modeling session is scheduled for November 15th. If you want to beg off, it's okay. It won't affect your grade."

I ran the calendar through my head. The homecoming game that I was going to miss was on the 11th. I had been looking forward to wearing my new suit while dancing with Annie in the ballroom. Maybe she would be crowned Homecoming Queen. Then the final modeling session on the 15th, the away game against the Pennington Pirates on the 18th, Thanksgiving, and the infamous Greek play. Was I really going to let this mishap take me off the field for everything? Hide in my dorm room feeling pitiful?

"No, Judith, the show must go on," I insisted. "Most of my bandages will be gone by then, and I can take off the brace if the poses don't put too much stress on my knee."

"Wow, I wasn't expecting you to say that. Can I ask something else? Something much worse?"

"What can be worse?" I asked. Several of my fellow artists paused their activities while pretending not to listen, which I noticed.

"If we use a bigger hall, we can invite more attendees. Make it a fundraiser," Judith suggested.

I almost laughed. "Am I really that much of a draw?"

"You really have no clue, do you? Yes, you are that much of a draw," she answered. Annie and Jenny were at their nearby easels nodding.

"Children's Hospital always needs donations. If the money goes to them, invite whoever you want," I foolishly agreed.

I skipped dinner before my first evening session with Dr. Cabrillo. My stomach was already in knots. Darryl was my driver, a bald middle-aged groundskeeper who didn't want anyone else messing with his six-wheel tram. Traveling downtown was a 2-mile trip past the Red Horse Tavern. I considered stopping in for a drink on the way back.

The doctor had two assistants, and of course, I was immediately stripped naked and put on an examination table. A pinkish body covered with purple spots and bandages, which were quickly cut off. Cabrillo was in her late-50s, starting to turn gray, fairly tall and rigid. She didn't converse much at first, preferring to issue instructions. One of her assistants was an aspiring therapist, Miguel Rohas, who looked like a short-haired kid but was probably in his 30s. He started taking photos.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" I protested, using my hands to cover up.

"The attack on you was a crime, Mr. Harding. The hospital took preliminary photos of you as evidence," Cabrillo patiently explained. "It's important to note your wounds prior to treatment to avoid the suspects from claiming they are football injuries."

"A lot of the bruises are from football," I noted.

"Which is why I will be making a thorough examination," she answered. "I am an expert in my field. My findings will be documented."

I supposed that was fair enough. Letting the thugs who attacked Annie walk away free wasn't high on my agenda. Cabrillo began her study.

"Does this hurt?" she asked, twisting my arm.

"Yes, and even if I hadn't gotten beat-up, it would still hurt," I answered. "I'm not a pretzel."

"How many of these bruises do you think are from the fight, and how many from the football game?" she persisted.

"How should I know? No one got me naked on the bus."

"You like being contrary, don't you?" she questioned.

"I'm a short guy with tall friends. Of course I like being contrary. It's better than being a whimp."

"I'm sure your jaw is sore, and the ribs. Did they punch you in the genitals?"

"No, and I'd appreciate it if you took my word on that."

She examined me anyway, finding a deep bruise high on my thigh where Moe had kicked me. Another assistant, a pretty twenty-something registered nurse named Alice Young, was applying ointment. It was cream-colored, greasy, and had a slight burn to it. It felt good after a few minutes.

"Chicago Bears?" I mentioned.

"The Bears have a very professional department. Obviously. I've been there for ten years," she answered. "Yes, I travel with the team. And no, I don't sleep with them."

"I've been to some Bears' games. Soldier Field is awesome."

"I can get tickets for you and a few friends," Cabrillo offered. "I wouldn't be surprised if they let you visit the locker room."

"Me?"

"You've been getting a lot of press lately. Rabbit Runs. Art classes. The fight in Juniper." She lowered her eyeglasses, offering a discerning look.

"I don't have anything to do with that. I don't even follow the news."

"That girl does. The one who was attacked. She's been to the state capitol, on the steps with a microphone demanding justice. The politicians are getting nervous."

It made me laugh. I could envision Annie and her Kappa sisters out there raising hell. Woe to those who got in their way.

"Other than the right knee, you should be recovered in ten days," Dr. Cabrillo announced. "It will be necessary to curtail your activities to promote the healing process."

I accepted that. Russ, Kevin, and Illene were athletes, too. I wasn't the first member of my family to sustain an injury.

"As for the knee, I would like to avoid surgery," the doctor mused. "Therapy and a fitted brace should have you ready in four to six weeks."

"Six weeks! The final season of the game of the season is in two weeks. I don't want to miss it," I protested.

"Rabbit--"

"Give me some options," I requested. She frowned while looking at the X-rays.

"We can try employing mitigating measures but you won't be up to speed in two weeks. Walking, maybe, but none of the twisting and turning you're so famous for," she replied.

"You know about that?" I said.

"I've been watching your game films. Impressive enough for an underweight speedster. Let's focus on the regimen and see how you do."

It was a long week. Classes. Therapy. Fans. Studying. I was on crutches by the second day with a strong knee brace and close to using a cane for short stretches. Darryl was always nearby to drive longer distances. I could invite up to four passengers and it became a game. Everyone wanted their picture next to Rabbit in the tram. The Kappas painted it red and hung rabbit-eared banners, which didn't sit well with Darryl.

"That girlfriend of yours, Annie Tramble? She's quite the firecracker, isn't she?" Dr. Cabrillo observed during our Friday evening session. We were at the Four Aces, me lying on the massage table while Alice worked my muscles. They were generous enough to cover my butt with a towel.

"There's no secret about that," I confirmed, hoping she was still my girlfriend. After my return from the hospital, I hadn't seen much of Annie, which was just as well. It was days before I could move around, always accompanied by a lot of groaning. My ribs, arms, shoulders, and legs generally ached unless I was lying still. Chewing could be difficult, causing me to slurp more soup. I knew Annie was staying busy but had no real idea what she was doing.

"These stories going around, about the pranks she pulls on you. Are they true?" Cabrillo asked.

"You mean the ones where I lose my clothes?"

"Yes, those stories."

"I haven't heard all of them. I suppose people make shit up. But some of them are true."

"And you go along with this?" she inquired, adjusting a new brace for my knee. It had an amazing joint to provide maximum flexibility. With good balance, I'd be off the crutches and only using a cane.

"Annie is a little eccentric," I admitted. "She's also smart, rich, and gorgeous. I love being with her even though it won't last much longer. Losing a little modesty isn't such a big price to pay."

"You do make an odd pair, but I've seen stranger," she conceded. "I just wanted to make sure you're onboard with these shenanigans."

"Onboard?"

My doctor waved to her assistants. They left the room. Carol and Jenny entered wearing nurse's uniforms complete with little white hats and red crosses.

"We've been assigned to takeover, Rabbit," Jenny said, beginning to massage my back. I looked around for my clothes. Carol was stuffing them in a drawer.

"I've had enough for today, thank you," I said, tucking the towel tighter. They thought that was funny. A moment later, the door opened. It was Annie, and she wasn't alone.

"Here he is, ladies and gentlemen. Our Rabbit," she exclaimed. "As you can see, he's getting the best care money can buy. This room contains a million dollars of cutting-edge technology."

Six distinguished men and women followed her in, all finely dressed. I guessed them in their early 50s to late 60s. They surrounded the table.

"Rabbit, these are several of your generous benefactors," Annie explained, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I've brought them here to see how their investment is progressing."

It took me a moment to understand. But only a moment. I had a top-flight sports specialist. State-of-the-art medical equipment. A private therapy room at the best hotel.

"Thank you, sirs and ma'ams," I choked out, keeping my head down.

"While defending me from those horrible rapists, Rabbit was punched in the face, punched in the gut, kicked, and pounded on," Annie continued. "Even seven days later, his body is a map of courageous bruises."

To prove her point, Annie pulled the towel off me. I was lying completely naked before all of them, one hand trying to cover my butt, the other in front of my face.

"Some of these bruises are from the Jackel's game," Annie said, touching spots on my body like a tour guide. "The facial bruises are from the fight where Rabbit was beating the crap out of three big guys before superior numbers dragged him down."

Annie leaned over, pure joy shining in her eyes. And then she gave me a deep, passionate kiss.

"Now if we can get Rabbit to turnover, I'll show you where he was gut punched," Annie announced, waving to Jenny and Carol in their cute outfits.

"No, I'm not turning over," I protested, grabbing the sides of the table. Jenny and Carol made a brief effort before giving up.

"Mr. Harding, we just want to say what big fans we are," the oldest of the gentlemen said, gray-haired and impressive. "And your bravery in that parking lot is an inspiration to every man who ever needed to defend a woman. We are proud to provide this assistance."

He reached to shake hands. I dared to release the table, returning the gesture. The other men followed. I was still embarrassed but they had paid big money to get me the necessary treatment, and being businesspeople, they wanted to make sure their investment was paying off.

"May we take photos?" one of the women asked.

"Of course, all the photos you want," Annie agreed.

They remained for fifteen minutes. After the towel was returned, I sat up with legs dangling off the table. I was asked about the knee, if I'd be able to play again this season, and if I would be testifying against the three miscreants in Juniper. I hadn't even been interviewed by the police yet.

My 'meeting' with the investors seemed to go well. There was no mocking. They weren't laughing. It felt like they were admiring a piece of art, which was ridiculous. They are lots of guys who were bigger, stronger and better looking than I. Carol and Jenny kept busy massaging my limbs. After our visitors left, Annie gave me a quick kiss and ran off. Something was bothering her but I didn't know what.

* * * * * *

I admit being somewhat depressed following a long week in a wheelchair and on crutches. I didn't feel like going to the Sabers game, thinking of staying in my dorm room and studying instead. Studying? Yeah, like that was going to happen. When Carol and Jenny came by, I put on my boxer shorts and a t-shirt.

"You can't mope in your room, Josh," Jenny complained, looking for clothes in the closet while Carol dug through my underwear drawer. Which struck me as kind of personal.

"I can't play. Even getting to the stadium is a chore," I disagreed.

"Everyone expects you," Jenny countered.

"I've grown accustomed to expectations," I replied, sitting on the bed under a quilt. The ladies sat next to me. They grew quiet. Solemn.

"We're friends. You know that, don't you?" Carol said, pretty as always with her chestnut hair in a bun and big brown eyes. I wasn't sure how to answer.

"Look here, Rabbit, haven't we always been here for you?" Jenny insisted, still the tall blue-eyed blonde who turned heads.

I had to laugh. They had been at the tavern that night taking photos of the nude waiter. Thrown paint balloons at the flagpole. Grinned during my posing sessions in art class. But they had also stood beside me in the cafeteria when I confronted Jeff. Facilitated my nights with Annie. Come to think of it, along with Annie, they had supported me at every turn. Cheered me at football games. Pursued enemies real and imagined. Jenny had ridden with me in the ambulance at Juniper and stayed with me in the emergency room. I pulled both of them close, wrapping my arms around their shoulders.

"You've been wonderful friends," I confirmed. "If I've ever done anything to make you doubt that, I apologize."

"Just so you know, if Annie ever gets tired of you, Carol and I are taking you as our boyfriend," Jenny announced. "Though we don't see that happening."

"Come on, Annie won't stay interested in me forever," I reluctantly disagreed.

"That's not the way we hear it," Carol said. "Annie says you've ruined her for every other guy."

"Ruined?" I questioned.

"Annie's been with some guys. Not as many as she pretends," Carol explained. "Big, hunky dreamboat types. She said everything in bed was all about them. They bored her. And then you came along and everything was about her. Her wants. Her needs. Annie says staying up with you is hard work because you give so much."

"I doubt that," I responded.

"She wouldn't fib to her best friends, so it must be true. How do you do it?" Jenny inquired. I sighed.

"When I was younger, my sister and her friends would sit around the pool and discuss what pleased them," I answered. "In great detail. I paid attention. More attention than I usually give in class. I can be a good listener when I need to be."

They laughed. Jenny finished laying out my clothes, casual slacks, a red pullover, and tennis shoes.

"We'll make sure Darryl has the tram ready before game time," Carol said as they prepared to leave. "Don't make us send Mirry after you."

After they were gone, I took off my shorts and crawled back under my quilt hoping for a nap. There was a bottle of pain killers next to the bed but I wasn't a big fan of drugs. There was another knock on the door.

"Come in," I encouraged. It was Brad wearing a blue collared shirt, not a Rabbit outfit. I reached for my shorts.

"Don't get dressed on my account," he snickered. I put on my shorts anyway.

"Tough day?" he asked. He produced a bottle of Eagle Rare Kentucky bourbon, cherries, and orange peels. He stirred the drinks like an expert and handed me one. Then he paused before my framed photo hanging on the wall near the window.

"The famous portrait," he observed. "You know, the Sig's may have been assholes for doing this, but the composition is good. All the classic Rabbit lines. The strong legs. Straight shoulders. The look in your eyes that says none of this can defeat you. We were so excited that night while you were serving our table that we didn't appreciate the irony."

"It was a one-time opportunity," I said, sipping my drink. "I won't be doing it again."

"What does the doctor say?" he asked, taking a seat in Mirry's chair.

"I might come back in time for the Pirates game," I hoped.

"Annie is worried about you."

"There's nothing to worry about," I replied.

"The Homecoming game is an hour away and you're still in bed."

"I won't be making any Rabbit Runs."

"Hell, Josh, it's not about that," Brad complained. "Look, I know we haven't exactly been friends, especially after the Red Horse Tavern--"

"Brad, that's water under the bridge. Let's not go there," I interrupted.

"Okay, glad to hear that. So, let's discuss Annie. We were only together for a few months and knew it wasn't going anywhere. She's very strong willed and bossy."

"You don't need to tell me that," I said with a tired smile.

"It doesn't mean I didn't love her. It does mean she needed a different kind of guy."

"Someone whimpy who would obey her?" I asked.

"No, goddamn it, I'm not saying that at all. And anyone who thinks you're a whimp is a fucking idiot," he insisted, getting mad. "Annie needs patience. Extraordinary patience, in my opinion. Someone who will love her quirks and all. And yes, when she took an interest in you, I was a little jealous. But I see it. All my brothers do. And Annie's sisters. The Monday after the Red Horse, when everyone thought you'd be cowering from the videos, you were back on campus. Head held high. Spitting in the faces of those jerks who betrayed you. You run those plays on the football field like a demon, come off covered in bruises, and go back the next week. And what you did in the parking lot ..." Brad paused, choking up. I didn't realize he was so sensitive. "When you went after three big fucking assholes to save Annie, it said everything about you that anyone ever needs to know."

Brad reached out his hand. We had shaken hands before, but this was different. This was an affirmation. In a way, I had always envied Brad. Tall. Good-looking. A lot smarter. It never occurred to me that I might be more than a wannabe runt in his eyes. I gave him a firm grip.

"Thanks, Brad. Look at the bright side," I said. "You probably don't want to spend your free time having your clothes stolen."

He got a huge laugh from that and mixed two more drinks.

"Can I convince you to go to the game?" he asked.

"It looks like I have no choice," I conceded.

"One last thing, though I don't want to embarrass you," he warned.

"Yes?"

"This modeling session Professor Sandavol is advertising. It's for charity? The Children's Hospital?"

"You've heard about that?"

"Fuck, Josh, everyone on campus has heard about it. It's awesome. Sacrificing your modesty like that for the kids? You're becoming a goddamn legend."

"Which means what?" I nervously asked.

"Our fraternity has bought tickets, and the Kappas are selling more. I swear, no one is doing this to embarrass you. And I'm ready to prove it. If you want me to pose with you in solidarity, I will. So will Sam and Eldon."

"You'll pose naked in front of hundreds of people?" I questioned.

"If you need our support, we'll be there for you," he promised.

I needed to think on that. It was an amazingly generous offer and said a lot about his character. And that of his brothers. A guy could have worse friends, as I'd learned the hard way.

"Brad, I appreciate that," I finally replied. "But one sacrifice should be enough. And Annie will be so excited seeing me out there in front of all those people, I'd hate to disappoint her."

Brad laughed harder than before. "She really has found the man of her dreams," he concluded.

* * * * * *

The Homecoming game against the Symington Sabers was on a Saturday. Rumor had it that next season we'd be playing Saturdays rather than Fridays, no longer in competition with local high schools. The stadium was packed with a sea of red colors. Coach Wilson had me suit up without padding as I wouldn't be playing.

I entered the tunnel using my cane, very nervous, surrounded by teammates. They wanted me to go first, which I resisted. Eldon and Ray guided me forward into the stadium's bright lights. As I emerged, there was a standing ovation. It went on and on until I found tears in my eyes. Jet needed to push me along toward the player's bench where I gratefully found a seat.

The Badgers won the coin toss and Rocky had a nice runback. We scored a touchdown three plays later. They scored a touchdown. We got a field goal, they got a field goal. We got another field goal. I wanted to walk along the sidelines encouraging the team but couldn't stay on my feet very long, spending most of my time on the bench. Surrounded by cheerleaders in their skimpy silver outfits when they weren't cheerleading. Maya Langston plopped herself in my lap, arms wrapping around my neck. Great photo ops. I tried not to look at Annie sitting at the 50-yard-line with her Kappa sisters, afraid the excessive female attention might rile her.

Toward the end of the 2nd quarter, I needed a break. Back on my crutches, I wandered to a stool at the bottom of an aisle usually used by a security guard. Breathing was a little difficult with the bruised ribs. The knee hurt. Actually, a lot of things hurt. I used a water bottle to soak my face, the jaw still sore.

"This is all my fault, isn't it?" Annie said, suddenly kneeling next to me.

"What?" I asked.

"If I hadn't gone out to Brad's van alone, in a strange town, those clowns never would have come after me. You wouldn't have needed to rescue me. You'd be out there right now scoring touchdowns."

"Annie, none of this is your fault," I answered. "Things happen, and though I'd love to be out there tonight, it's only a game. It's not like I'm going pro or anything."

"I feel so bad about this," she confessed.

"Is this why I haven't seen you much this week?"

"There have been important things to do," she insisted.

"Is the wheelchair too much for you?" I asked. "If you'd rather not--"

"Oh, no. Don't say that. Please, don't think that," she pleaded, taking my hand. She was crying. I'd never seen her cry before nor thought it was possible.

"Sweetheart, I realize missing this game seems like a big deal. Of course I'd like to be out there, but it's not the end of the world. Let's make a deal. You give up on this guilt trip, I'll try to feel better about the crutches. Hell, I'll probably be using a cane again by Monday."

"Okay, that will work," she agreed with a sniffle. "Maybe we can use the whirlpool after the game?"

At halftime, with our team leading 16 to 10, I wanted to switch into my street clothes but was corralled by a reporter for an impromptu interview. I didn't say much, concerned about looking stupid. I mostly praised the team, the coaches, and our fans for their terrific support. The reporter appeared frustrated. Annie ran down from the stands.

"You must forgive him, our Rabbit is shy," she explained, taking center stage before the camera and looking pert in her Rabbit jersey. "He desperately wants to be in the game tonight. He'd be out there right now if they allowed his crutches. Which is why the Badgers are going to win. Win big. He's our inspiration."

The reporter finally had enough nonsense and left. Annie led me off to the side.

"Stay off that knee. I want dancing tonight," she warned.

"Dr. Cabrillo and her ghouls will be there keeping an eye on me. I should be good for several dances as long as it's not a jitterbug," I revealed.

"Need help getting into your new suit?" she asked.

"I'd like it to be a surprise. You've never seen me in a suit before."

"I like you better without the suit," she replied with a smirk.

Okay, it was tough watching the game while not being on the field. I wanted to get out there. I wanted to run! Commonsense kept me in check and my team was doing well. At the end of the 4th quarter, we closed out our home schedule 28 to 24. The Badgers were 10 and 1 for the season with only the Pennington Pirates to go.

Though there was no need to shower in the locker room, not having played, I was a little sweaty from patrolling the sidelines. And I wanted to get dressed for the Homecoming dance. Waiting until I returned to Blue Dorm might be too long with the communal showers growing crowded. I stripped off and went in. Hardly anyone else was there, just a few assistants organizing equipment, the coaches and players still on the field taking last bows for a successful home season.

"Rabbit! Rabbit Harding!" someone shouted from the door. I peeked out, seeing four sheriff deputies in brown uniforms and gold badges.

"What is it?" I asked, emerging from the shower in a towel.

"We have a warrant for your arrest," the senior deputy said, about fifty years old with thinning gray hair. His nametag read Gibbons. With him were two younger men and a middle-aged woman, all looking grim. Harbor, Smith, and Vicky Beckel.

"What's this about?" I dared to ask, tucking the towel tighter.

"You are charged with felony assault upon three innocent young men in Juniper," Deputy Gibbons said. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be held in evidence against you in a court of law. Do you understand these rights?" He took out a pair of handcuffs.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I protested. "They threw the first punch."

"Turn around. We're taking you in," Gibbons replied.

"Really? You're going to handcuff me wearing a towel?" I questioned.

"What makes you think we'll let you keep the towel?" Deputy Beckel sneered under her breath. If there hadn't been four of them, I'd have taken unwise action. I didn't need to.

"Rabbit? What is this?" Coach Wanda said, jumping in front of me. At 6'3 she was taller than the cops. I noticed a dozen spectators in the locker room with their phones pointed. And more were coming.

"Step aside, ma'am, this is none of your concern," Gibbons warned.

"I'm making it my concern," Wanda said. "And unless you think four white cops beating up a black woman in front of witnesses is a smart idea, you better start explaining."

Gibbons dug in his pocket, taking out a sheet of paper. Coach Wilson abruptly rushed up and grabbed it. The locker room was filling with coaches and players, probably fifty or sixty of them. I didn't know it at the time, but someone was streaming everything to the entire football stadium on the big outdoor screens.

"What the fuck is this?" Wilson demanded.

"Our arrest warrant," Gibbons' second-in-command said. Deputy Harbor, a somewhat brutish baldheaded thug..

Wilson looked over the warrant, and he was no fool. College football coaches know how to read the law.

"This warrant is drawn on Juniper Township. You have no power to arrest here," Wilson declared. "And his name is Joshua Harding, not Rabbit, you goddamned fucking idiot."

Suddenly Eldon was in the cop's face. Along with Kareem, Dash, Jet, and Ray. The whole team was squeezing close.

"I was there. We all were," Eldon growled. "Your crooked boss isn't going to frame our friend. And from the looks if it, the chances of you assholes leaving this building in one piece are about one in four. Better start working on that."

The deputies started to back up until discovering themselves surrounded by angry football players. I would have felt better about the situation if I'd been wearing more than a towel.

"Ell, calm down," I urged before the situation got out of hand. "Let Coach Wilson handle this."

The mob grew quiet. All eyes turned toward Wilson, even the deputies.

"You are not leaving here with Mr. Harding on this phony warrant," my coach decided. "Whatever means are needed to stop you will be used. I'm calling the attorney general right now to demand an explanation. You better have a good one."

Our coach was formidable, tall and broad-shouldered with eyes like a hawk. The cops reached for their guns but hesitated to draw them. The room was very tense. And then Annie burst in.

"Draw those guns and I'll make you use them!" she shouted, pushing Gibbons back with both hands. And then pushing him again even harder. "And have no doubt that if you hurt me, my family will pursue you to your goddamn fucking graves. Is Sheriff King and his rapist son worth it?"

Her phone rang loudly above the mayhem.

"Just in time," Annie exclaimed, answering the call. She listened for a moment before handing her phone to Gibbons.

"Governor Prescott wants to speak with you," Annie said.

Gibbons looked stunned, raising the phone to his ear. Many of us could hear Prescott's Hoosier accent. It was animated.

"Don't worry, Josh, I've got this covered," she whispered, stepping back next to me.

"Covered? You expected this?" I asked.

"I've been working with my Dad and his lawyers all week," she replied. "We expected King to pull something like this with Judge Evers backing him up. Like he always does. Though we thought they'd try to arrest you quietly at the dorm, or on campus. We didn't expect them to be this stupid."

Gibbons mumbled into the phone. We heard "under arrest'' and "state troopers." The deputy didn't look happy.

"Harding will report to the Juniper courthouse first thing Monday morning for processing," Gibbons said, handing the phone back. Annie laughed.

"You fuckers will be in jail Monday morning for attempted kidnapping," she responded. "And if you think Evers will protect you, think again. I have two Superior Court Judges on speed dial."

Now to be honest, I didn't know how much of what Annie was saying was true and how much was a bluff. She was terrific either way. For myself, I would have been loath to defy her.

"We'll be going," Gibbons decided, herding his deputies toward the door through a bustling crowd anxious to show their feelings. Annie glanced at Carol, now standing in the doorway. Carol nodded. Annie nodded back.

"This way," Annie said, taking the lead. It wasn't the tunnel to the parking lot. They appeared on the football field before 40,000 outraged fans.

"Friends, Juniper's Sheriff King sent his lowlife minions to arrest Rabbit!" Annie announced from a podium. "They claim he started the fight in that parking lot. What do you think?"

Suddenly the scoreboards lit up. There was a video. The parking lot outside the saloon, three guys grabbing a woman, roughing her up. Tearing her dress. A slender man approaches them, appears to speak, and then one of the three throws a punch. And another one. The slender young man fights back as the woman flees. Not all of the images were clear, and may have been enhanced by AI, but they weren't false.

Annie kept talking as the fight was visible to all. Narrating events. How she had gotten the saloon's security footage was a mystery. I assumed King would have confiscated it.

"What do you think? Did Rabbit start this fight?!" she shouted.

"No, no!" the crowd surged back.

"Shall we let them take our Rabbit?" Annie questioned.

"Never!" many answered.

"Lock them up!" someone screamed.

"Hang those fuckers!" a worthy fan yelled.

Of course, by the time the video ended with me on the ground in a bloody heap the mob was incensed. Just as Annie wanted. The entire presentation was going out on social media all over the state. The mood grew ugly.

Our town constable, Captain Michael Conran, approached with half a dozen officers.

"We will, at this time, escort you to a bus," Conran said. "My people will protect you to the county line."

"We have our own car," Gibbons objected.

"Not anymore. Vigilantes burned it," Conran informed. "Of course, a thorough investigation will be conducted and the guilty brought to justice."

Right, like that was going to happen.

King's deputies were led out under heavy guard. Annie was exuberant. I realized she had anticipated the whole scenario and laid a trap for them. The setting, the video, the governor ready to take her call. All of it. In a pleasant way, I no longer felt so bad about the stunts she pulled on me. I was small game compared to what she was capable of.

* * * * * *

I didn't spend time worrying about the legal situation. My summons for Monday was rescinded within the hour. Sheriff King claimed his deputies had overstepped their authority and Judge Evers was recused from further involvement. Once the parking lot video went viral, there were fewer politicians willing to back up an unpopular sheriff protecting his incorrigible son. None of it was going to fix my knee in time for the Pirate's game.

Once again dressed in my street clothes, I was escorted to Darryl's tram and driven back to Blue Dorm. The Homecoming dance was an hour away. Carol and Jenny were waiting.

"Annie is still making calls," Jenny explained. "We're here to help you dress."

"I can dress myself, thank you," I rejected, standing before my closet. My new suit, charcoal gray with dark blue pinstripes, wasn't expensive but looked good on me. The one time I tried it on in the men's store. Mirry entered, already looking like a dream in her flowing white gown and diamond necklace.

"Thank you, girls. I thought I'd need to prep Josh on my own," she appreciated.

"I don't need any prepping!" I protested.

The ladies laughed. Mirry began peeling off my clothes. In an instant, I was standing before them completely nude. And they didn't even care, discussing my clothes, hygiene, and cologne like I wasn't even there.

"Can we speed this along?" I requested, covering myself with my hands.

Mirry squinted her dark eyebrows and took me aside. "Josh, you really need to get in the game."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You rescued Annie. The fuckers who grabbed her are claiming you started the fight. The whole damn country is watching. There will be reporters and important officials. You need to look your best tonight. Stay calm and let Annie deal with these assholes because she is going to totally destroy them."

Wow! I was dismally out-of-touch with the bigger issues. While I thought Annie was ignoring me, she was marshaling political, legal, and public support on a massive level. I felt so bad for ever doubting her.

"Shame me all you want, sisters. I deserve it," I announced, raising my arms.

They had no idea what I was talking about and I never explained.

The ballroom at Jeffer's Country Club was huge. Probably thousands of people milling around the dance floor, standing at the bars, and finding refreshments on a dozen long tables. A band played background music. Badger banners hung on every wall. The stage was fitted for crowning a Homecoming Queen and King. I entered with Mirry on my arm wearing my new gray suit, a strong knee brace, and a vintage oak walking stick loaned by Mr. Lincoln. Alice was hiding in the wings with my wheelchair wearing her white nursing outfit. Brad and Eldon met me at the door better dressed than I was. It helps to be rich.

"You're looking good," Brad praised, shaking my hand. The one not holding the cane.

"Set any police cars on fire lately?" I asked.

"None that didn't deserve it," Brad answered with a smug glance.

"You're in true form, Miss Parris," Eldon complimented, kissing Mirry's hand.

"I hope you Alpha's have tickets for my play," Mirry replied, always the promoter. "Athena Rising going to be the hit event of the season."

"Don't worry, we all signed on," Eldon answered with a smirk.

I was getting used to this sort of ribbing. That's not to say I liked it.

Annie arrived looking gorgeous in a blue ball gown and string of pearls. Her sisters were equally beautiful. We had champagne, danced slowly, and enjoyed an evening of refined elegance. The press corps were kept off to the side taking photos. No questions were allowed. When it was time to announce the Homecoming Queen, I assumed Annie would win or be a finalist. Wrong on both counts. She didn't want a crown and kept her name out of the running. The winner was my soccer friend Sasha looking lovely in a slim black dress. With her long legs and high heels, she towered over me. It made me glad I wasn't sharing a stage with her.

"And our Homecoming King is our own Rabbit, Joshua Harding!" Dean Witmore declared to massive applause. I was shocked. Unable to move. And the longer I didn't move, the more the audience laughed.

Finally, Brad and Eldon needed to help me up on the stage. While I stood still before the curious hordes, Witmore held up a gold crown and slowly lowered it on my brow.

"Thanks for wearing clothes," he whispered, playfully poking me in the back.

What was I supposed to do? What was I supposed to say? I was clueless. Sasha jumped in.

"Our Rabbit is shy, as always," she said, not needing the microphone. "I know he wants to thank everyone for this honor. And the support you've given him, our Badgers, and our college. This has been a special year for all of us."

She stepped back to universal cheers. I waved to the fans and motioned for Brad, who got me down from the stage. I was breathing hard, a bit overwhelmed. Annie rushed up, her big green eyes filled with excitement.

"Now you're royalty," she gushed.

"Fair warning, Miss Tramble," I grouched. "If you start calling me King Rabbit, I'll put you over my bad knee and spank you."

"Promise?" she dared.

* * * * * *

Chapter Ten

Pirate Games

I still had two events before Thanksgiving to contend with. My posing session on Wednesday and the final game of the season in Pennington against the Pirates on Saturday. I had made a good impression at the Saber game, appearing in uniform to the approval of the crowd. After being crowned at Homecoming, I'd danced with Annie, Sasha, Jenny, and Carol. Cautiously holding onto my partners for support when not using the cane. Quite frankly, it felt like a subterfuge. A trick. I smiled through the discomfort while maintaining a steady stream of alcohol.

I asked Dr. Cabrillo for a special appointment Sunday morning, adjusting the knee brace for different circumstances. She seemed a little confused by my questions, which pleased me. Too often I felt transparent.

"The Pirates on Saturday?" I asked at the end of the session.

"Josh, you might make a short sprint, at most," she replied. "The moment you cut right or left, you'll go down. And it might be weeks before you get back up."

"A short sprint?" I questioned. "It might be enough."

That afternoon, I secretly met with my friends on the women's soccer team. I told them everything and asked for help. On the lower training field, we experimented with short sprints, sudden accelerations, and lame attempts to turn. It wasn't pretty. Most of their advice was to stay on the bench.

"Josh, you know we love you and you want to play," Sasha started. "But you need to be realistic. You only have a little speed and can't break to your right."

"I've always been best going to my left," I replied.

"We have some suggestions," Keisha said. "The problem is you can't practice them. If any of them work, they'll only work once."

"That sounds mysterious. I don't need to read a book, do I?" I asked, getting a laugh.

"We're going to run the plays. You just watch them," Sasha answered. "If you see something you can try, we'll take you through it in slow motion. But no more running today. We'd rather you weren't even walking."

I conceded their point and took a seat, watching as they kicked a football up, caught it, and performed various maneuvers to get free from pursuit. The girls were good, though I was glad they played soccer instead of football. They wouldn't be so spry after the battering I usually took.

After forty-five minutes, I noticed a pattern or two that might give me a momentary edge. There weren't going to be any Rabbit Runs. I might get enough yards to be respectable. We spent some time going over the plays, the ladies setting a picket line for me like the Badgers did, and then I moved through them slowly. Like a ghost. There was one surprise move that Jackie showed which was particularly intriguing though I didn't know if I'd be able to pull it off. To my disappointment, they never once asked me to practice in my boxer shorts.

Darryl drove me back to Blue Dorm in his tram. I was sore and sweaty despite the cloudy weather. In the past, I'd always used the stairs. I was on crutches again using the elevator. Mirry was gone, possibly on a date or at rehearsal. I stripped down, found a robe, and wandered to the communal shower, sitting on the floor under the hot spray. On a late Sunday, the 3rd floor was quiet.

What was I thinking? Obviously nothing too clearly. That couldn't be helped. I wasn't going quietly into the night, as some poet had said. I was nearly asleep when the door opened.

"Josh?" Annie said.

"I'm here," I confirmed. "Come on in."

"Sasha said you left the soccer practice limping. Are you okay?" she asked.

"Maybe a little worn out," I confessed. She shut the door before unbuttoning her blouse.

"Annie, as much as I'd like too--"

"Hell, Rabbit, don't you think I know that?" she said, quickly removing her clothes. She looked great. Round, shapely, and desirable. Despite my infirmities, I found myself being stirred. She crawled into the bed, snuggling under the quilt. Flesh against flesh. She felt wonderful.

"We aren't going to do anything," she warned. "At least, nothing strenuous. Now tell me about this practice. What were you thinking?"

"Not many accuse me of thinking," I joked.

"You can't play against the Pirates. You know that."

"No, I don't know that. And I won't know until I try. We only have one game left in the season. My knee brace is strong enough to let me stand and move around. With luck, anything might happen."

"You'll need to rest it completely. No walking. No crutches. Wheelchair only. My sisters will push you everywhere, and Darryl will drive you everywhere. And we should cancel Judith's class on Wednesday. Posing is too much stress."

"Judith said it's a fundraiser. For the Children's Hospital. How much money has she raised?"

"That's not important."

"It's important to me."

"Almost $35,000," Annie revealed.

"Fuck, that's a lot of money. Don't you want to see me naked and embarrassed in front of all those people?"

"I would love to see you naked and embarrassed in front of all those people. I even invited special guests. But your health is more important."

I rolled over to give her a kiss. She wanted to return my enthusiasm but was cautious. It had only been eight days since the fight. My eye was still discolored, the ribs sore, and various parts hurt when I moved. I was eating more soup than food because of the jaw. Despite all of that, I didn't want her feeling sorry for me. I wanted her to feel special.

"No. No, you stop that," she protested when I slid under the covers, nuzzling her. She grabbed my hair but didn't dare to pull too hard as I began stroking her with my tongue. And then she wasn't grabbing, she was squirming.

"Josh, you shouldn't. It's too much," she moaned.

It probably was but I didn't relent. Despite my sore mouth and general lack of energy, I doubled down, giving her everything. Annie thrashed, twisted, and panted. Her excitement fed mine. When her hips lurched in completion, I felt satisfied. I didn't need anymore. With hardly a word, I rolled over and fell asleep.

* * * * * * * *

It was Wednesday, the day of my final modeling session. I had classes in the morning, barely able to pay attention. Not that there was anything new about that. Dan met me in the dorm lobby. He was walking, I was using my crutches. Darryl had the tram ready. There was something festive in the air that made me uncomfortable.

"What's going on?" I dared to inquire.

"Oh, nothing. Just another day," Dan answered.

"Tell me the truth or I'll kick your lying ass," I threatened.

"Sorry, Josh. I'm more afraid of Annie," he replied.

Okay, another of Annie's schemes. I should have been outraged. Determined to thwart her evil plans. Finding a way to turn the tables, like I did at the Halloween party. Well, maybe someday. There was a blue sky and the Pirates game was only three days away. My knee was feeling better. I was passing my classes. And regardless of what Annie was intending, I'd already agreed to get naked for Judith's class. There was no point in getting worked up.

I reached the Fine Arts Building on time, only Darryl and I, just to discover we were being redirected to the Science Building.

"They gonna dissect you like a corpse?" Darryl teased.

"Without doubt they have something in mind," I agreed. I'd hardly gotten out of the tram when I encountered Dr. Cabrillo and nurse Alice. They had a wheelchair ready.

"Really, doctor? Such a fuss?" I scolded.

"You are scheduled to be on a platform for ninety minutes in different positions," Cabrillo responded. "I will be watching you every moment. If I don't like what I see, it will be ended."

"As much as that has appeal, let's not be rash," I said. "A lot of kids are depending on me."

"There will be no rashness," she promised.

I stubbornly wanted to stay with the crutches but Alice put me in the wheelchair for the ride inside. The security guard motioned me to a rear hallway. Security guard? In the Science Building? There was an auditorium. Or a theater, depending on the definition. Judith was waiting.

"Rabbit, I'm so sorry. This got out of control," she apologized.

"Care to explain?"

"There were supposed to be a hundred artists and guests. There are three hundred," she responded. "We're not allowing any cameras, except one, but the situation is hard to control."

My art teacher looked distressed. I wasn't. Why? What the hell was wrong with me? I guess that after the last few months, I was hard to impress. I'd walked away from my fraternity, become a football star, hooked up with the most gorgeous girl on campus, and got beat-up by three privileged punks in a parking lot. Everyplace I went, there were Rabbit banners and t-shirts.

"Let's look at the bright side. No one is going to arrest me," I said.

We reached the corridor behind the auditorium. After locking the wheels, Judith and Alice helped me out of the chair. Dr. Cabrillo put the crutches under my armpits with a frown.

"If you want to be in that game on Saturday, you'll do what you're told," she admonished.

I crept up to the door looking in. The science hall was designed for lectures and demonstrations. The floor area held a platform where a cadaver might be dissected. Thirty or more easels were set in a semicircle, and then seating sections rose behind them. The room was crowded and a bit noisy. I didn't spend time studying the audience, trying to stay focused on the mission. It would be a short walk to the changing screen that allowed me to undress with a degree of privacy. Judith went to the front, waving her hands for attention.

"We will begin soon," she announced. "Remember this is an academic environment. Rules have been established, and Dean Witmore has provided security to enforce these rules. Violations of decorum will not be tolerated."

I used the distraction to leave the hallway, Alice close behind me, and reached the screen, my head down. There was a stool to sit on. A moment later, Annie arrived in a long white lab coat and black shoes. Her hair was up in a bun. She was wearing eyeglasses even though she didn't need them.

"How are you doing? How's the knee? Can you do this?" she worriedly asked.

"I'm fine, sweetheart. I can walk unaided if I need to, but Cabrillo wants to be careful," I answered. "Now let's do this."

They helped pull off my sweater, unbutton my shirt, kick off my shoes, and peel down my long pants. I still had bandage wraps on my elbows that needed to be removed, and a patch over my right eye, leaving a purple swelling. Only my socks, boxer shorts, and knee brace remained. I could hear Judith giving a lecture on painting, sculpting, pencil sketching, and the history of live modeling. It sounded tedious.

Alice went to work on the brace, undoing ties and buckles like an expert. It came free and I stretched my leg. It felt good.

"You be careful," Alice said, sensing my satisfaction. "It only feels better with the pressure relieved. When you go out there, keep your balance on the cane until taking position." It wasn't Mr. Lincoln's walking stick but a medical cane with a curved handle.

"Yes, Miss Young," I acknowledged. She went to report to Dr. Cabrillo, leaving Annie and I alone. Or as alone as we could be with three hundred people on the other side of the screen. She knelt down to remove my socks, then raised my hips to draw off my underwear. I rose from the stool, leaning on the cane trying not to be nervous. Until that moment, the reality of the situation hadn't quite sunk in. Everything that morning had been about getting dressed, transportation, arriving on time. Getting undressed. Suddenly I realized what I was about to do, hearing chatter from the auditorium. How did these things keep happening?

"You're still a little purple," Annie observed, "but otherwise you look great."

"At least that's something," I mumbled.

"Here, let me help you," she offered, a hand going under my scrotum and fingers around my manhood.

"Annie!" I grunted in shock. "This isn't the place."

"Josh, you're scared. Your device is shrunk down to the size of a peanut. I'm just shaking you out a little."

She was right about that, wiggling enough to draw out some length without sparking an arousal. I did feel a little more manly. She straightened up to give me a kiss.

"Thank you for doing this. For the class, and the kids, and for me," she whispered.

"All in a day's work," I responded.

"I've arranged a surprise for you. I hope you like it," she hinted, pulling back. Judith finished her introduction. The audience was silent.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our life model for today's session," Judith introduced. I sucked a deep breath and stepped from behind the screen carefully using the cane. The platform was twenty feet away painted to look like white marble. I didn't look up until I was halfway there, finally acknowledging the growing applause.

"Rabbit!" someone finally yelled. And then they were on their feet, clapping and cheering. There was no mocking. It felt genuine and affectionate. And then I saw Annie's surprise.

What the fuck! In the first row of seats, front and center, were my brothers Kevin and Russell, and my sister Illene. They were applauding with everyone else, big grins on their faces. I paused, staring. They laughed, giving thumbs up. I glanced back at Annie, her big eyes bright with sheer delight.

I moved on to the platform where Judith seated me at the edge. I was turned sideways to the artists, a prearranged position to keep my knee free, mostly showing thigh, back, and shoulder muscles. Then she took the cane and withdrew, leaving me naked in a sea of eager observers. I had a little trouble breathing at first, finally finding enough focus to calm down.

Judith walked among the easels giving advice and guidance, remarking on form and perspective. Some in the audience behind her had sketch pads. Most were just taking in the scene, like a grand performance they'd tell their grandkids about someday. I noticed Illene had our father's camera, snapping photo after photo. Not just of me, but the crowd, auditorium, and the energy. All of it.

I adjusted several times, offering my back, the top of my butt, more leg, and stretching out to show off my feet. I had really great feet. No frontal nudity so far, though everyone had a glimpse when I entered. I was thankful Annie had made that part less embarrassing. After fifteen minutes, Judith called a break, coming forward with my cane and a white robe.

No time was wasted as I marched across the floor space to the seating. My siblings leaned over the railing, looking down from several feet.

"Guys, what the hell?" I said.

Though we had been exchanging emails the last few months, there had been little personal contact. And I certainly hadn't mentioned my more embarrassing adventures or the Rabbit business.

"We just had to see this, little brother," Russell said with a snicker. "It was too good to pass up."

"No one back home would ever guess you'd be a nude model," Kevin mentioned.

"Life model," I corrected, having paid attention in class.

"Mom is going to love these pictures," Illene added.

"Mom!" I exclaimed.

"Oh, don't worry, Josh. We won't show her everything," Illene replied. "It's not like she's never seen you naked."

"That was sixteen years ago. I've changed a lot since then," I claimed, getting a laugh.

"We're really sorry to hear about that fight," Kevin said. "We want you to know how proud we are. The whole family. You're our superstar now."

"Should we be calling you Rabbit?" Russell asked. All three reached into carry bags and put on Rabbit hats. Annie rushed up.

"Wow, Rabbit, you never said what hunks your brothers are," she gushed. "No wonder they call you the runt. Hi, Illene, it's nice to finally meet you."

"Thank you for taking such good care of our brother, Miss Tramble," Illene responded. "Mother sends her regards."

Annie was right about my brothers. Both better than six feet tall, broad-shouldered and square jawed, with clear eyes and genial expressions. Equally fit, Illene dyed her hair dark red, her deep brown eyes perceptive.

"Rabbit can be a challenge," Annie said. "He's stubborn as hell and doesn't know when to quit."

"He's always been like that," Russell agreed. "In high school, he was by far the smallest player on the Rabid Tigers. It never stopped him from being in the thick of it."

"He wants to play against the Pirates on Saturday," Annie revealed. It wasn't well received.

"We need to talk about that," Russell said. "You know what happened to me at Norte Dame."

"I'm playing for Coach Wilson, and not looking to turn pro," I defended. "Your knee healed perfectly, and mine will, too. There's only one game left in the season."

"One game is all it takes," Russell warned.

"I'm going to play," I insisted.

"We'll talk about it over dinner," Illene replied. "After you're done posing naked before hundreds of people."

My brothers laughed. Illene giggled.

I appreciated their concern but wasn't going to be deterred. Judith called me back to resume the session and I threw off the robe, sitting defiantly on the platform. Back straight, posture erect, unafraid to show whatever the artists wanted. It was by far my most confident performance. Annie was just a dozen feet away, watching me in awe.

We had a nice dinner at Victor's Steakhouse that evening. As the host, Annie insisted on paying despite our protests. All agreed the art class was a success.

"Tramble Industries?" Illene asked.

"My father is the CEO, and our family owns 51% of the stock," Annie explained. "We make great products that people can afford."

"That's what I've heard," Illene said. "Nearly all of my baby products are Tramble."

"A lot of our hospital equipment, too," Kevin contributed.

"I'm very proud of our company," Annie boasted. "You all should be proud, too. You do amazing things. And you've raised a wonderful little brother."

There was a quiet moment. They had to be wondering why someone as rich and beautiful as Annie was spending so much effort on their introverted sibling.

After a tour of the campus Thursday morning, we prepared to say goodbye. Illene had two daughters to care for, Russell had a law firm in Boston, and Kevin was starting his residency at St. Mercy Hospital in Portland. He wanted to be a general practitioner.

"Joshua, let me ask," Illene said, taking me aside as they waited for an Uber to the airport. "How are you really doing?"

"Scared about the Pirates game, but I think I'll do okay," I answered.

"No, not sports. We've all been through injuries. This naked posing. Are you doing it for the money? We know times are tight but if money is a problem, the family can--"

"Illy, I'm not getting paid," I interrupted. "Mrs. Sandavol is giving me extra credit. My studies have been a challenge, which is nothing new. I agreed to this ... bigger venue when it became a fundraiser. I couldn't let the kids down."

"Many find ways to help charities without taking off their clothes," my sister mentioned with a frown.

"Yeah, well, they're probably a lot smarter than me. I'm just going with what I've got."

"Annette Tramble," Illene said. There was a pause.

"What about Annette Tramble?" I asked when she didn't offer more information.

"I never heard of her before we began getting those text messages, after the fight, but I've done my research since. So have Russ and Kevin. And Mom. Her family is really rich. She won a national cheerleading contest. She's the top student in the business department, a potential valedictorian."

"It's okay, sis. I don't hold any of that against her," I smiled.

"There are other stories."

I sighed. I knew Illene wasn't being critical, just worried.

"Annie is Annie. Brilliant and a little crazy. Let's not make too much of it. One day she'll look around, see a better guy, and that will be that."

"Someday she may see another guy, Josh," Illene replied. "She's not going to find a better one."

There were hugs and kisses as the Uber pulled up and minutes later they were gone. It was great seeing them again. Annie approached in the tram with Darryl. I was scheduled for a therapy session at the Four Aces. Rush hour traffic was a little slow.

"Your family is very accomplished," Annie mentioned.

"They all studied hard in school. They earned scholarships," I explained.

"But not you?"

"I'm not really scholarship material. My father left each of us a small trust fund. It's enough for tuition and my dorm fees. The rest I earn with summer jobs."

"If you need--"

"I'll be fine," I said, not entertaining offers.

"Have you considered a career? After college?" she asked.

"I'm not sure if I'll finish college. It would be different if I was going to do something with a degree."

"What's holding you back?" she pressed.

"I don't know. I don't want to be a doctor or lawyer like my brothers. I don't want to sell houses like Illene. And I don't need a college education to drive a forklift. Something will inspire me eventually."

"You're still too shy. We need to fix that."

"I stand in front of hundreds of people without my clothes. That's not shy," I protested.

"It's a start," Annie agreed.

* * * * * *

Our final game of the season was in Pennington, a blue-collar town just south of Chicago. Their record wasn't bad, 9-2, but attendance had been low. Until it was announced Rabbit was going to play. Suddenly the stadium was sold out, many coming down from the city for the game. I was nursing the knee in every possible way, with therapy and injections. I wanted to test it fully but didn't dare.

Friday night, after therapy, I walked a block to the Red Horse Tavern. Alone. It was busy but few paid me much attention as I took a seat in the back. I had come a long way since the night my treacherous fraternity brothers had tricked me into becoming a nude waiter. Over a Squirrel Nut beer and buffalo wings, I reflected on what Dan had said. Maybe it had been for the best. Or simply meant to be. Annie had seen something in me which she hadn't noticed before. I left the intramural bench to play for the college. Many who had humiliated me were now my best friends. Carol and Jenny. Brad, Eldon, Dash. The world can be really crazy.

"Hi, Rabbit," Brad said, suddenly taking a seat next to me. "Avoiding your public?"

"Sort of," I acknowledged.

"You need more food. I'm buying," he offered, waving to the waiter for porkchops and asparagus. Which I generally could not afford.

"How did you find me?" I asked.

"Annie has a GPS tracker on your phone. She always knows where you are," he explained with a chuckle.

"If she's plotting to get me naked at the Pirates' game tomorrow, it won't be much of a challenge. I can't get far without the knee brace."

"I doubt that's her plan. At least, not at the game. Annie thinks you've got too much on your mind already."

"That's probably true," I replied. "What's this all about?"

"I need a favor."

"You? You need a favor from me?" I questioned.

"Yes, after the Bear's game on Sunday."

"What about the Bear's game?"

"Wow, Carol is right. You really don't pay attention," he laughed. "Tomorrow night, after the game in Pennington, we're all going to Chicago. Boosters have gotten us rooms at the Drake. Sunday afternoon, we're attending the Bears vs Green Bay. Dr. Cabrillo says you might be invited down on the field."

Come to think of it, Wanda had mentioned something about this. I was so absorbed in strategies Sasha and Keisha had recommended during soccer practice that I'd barely heard a word she said. Brad was studying me.

"I see now why you can do the things you do," he observed. "You bring a lot of concentration to specific problems. Even shutting everything else out. That's a strength and a weakness."

"It's not something to dwell on. I seem to get along okay," I replied without denying the accusation.

"You do better than okay," he praised. "So here is my favor. My cousin Frank does a podcast from the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago. I'd like you to be a guest on his program on Sunday after the Bear's game. It should only take an hour."

"A podcast? You mean, I'd have to talk over the radio?" I questioned.

"Not just radio, Josh. It's the internet. Other media. Interest in Rabbit is very high right now. It would really help Frank out to have you on his show."

It wasn't something I wanted to do. It sounded embarrassing. What if I mumbled and made a fool of myself? But Brad had never asked me for anything and been very generous more times than I could count. Other than making me a nude waiter at the Red Horse Tavern and decorating me with paint balloons.

"Let me think about it," I requested. "What does Annie say about this?"

"It was her idea," he answered. Okay, that would take extra thought.

The bus ride north was uneventful. I was driven to the locker room in a golf cart, saying goodbye to Dr. Cabrillo, who would have a seat on the sidelines. I laced up the knee brace myself, knowing what I wanted. For the moment, it felt strong.

"Okay guys, listen up," Coach Wilson said. "This has been a great season. The best in twenty years. You've all worked hard and given everything. We have a lot of fans here tonight, so let's give them one last effort."

The team cheered. I tried to be optimistic. We entered the tunnel, waited our turn, and moved out to the field. Walked out of the tunnel without a cane.

There was plenty of excitement. Annie, the girls, and our booster clubs were on the fifty-yard line waving banners. Various important people made speeches, and then Lt. Governor Harris Michaelson flipped a gold coin. Heads. We would receive.

"Rabbit, if you're having second thoughts--" Wilson started.

"I've had second, third and fourth thoughts, Coach. I still want to try. I can't promise more."

"Okay, give it your best," he encouraged, sending me out on the field.

The rowdy stadium was filled with anticipation, every seat occupied. The Pirates didn't look worried, happy with the support of their home crowd. I felt a little shaky, unsure how this was going to play out. Eldon and Ray gave me thumbs up.

They kicked. The ball sailed short, allowing me to move up on it. They were coming strong on my left, not so much on the right. I couldn't cut right so I caught the ball and moved up the middle, getting a good block. And another. I cut left into the approaching mob, catching them by surprise, and tried to twist through. It didn't work. I couldn't get the push off my right leg that I needed. I changed back to the middle, assuming I'd be tackled in the next few yards.

Dash gave me a great block. Eldon crossed over, taking a Pirate down. I accelerated, finding a straight run not too difficult, and reached for an extra boost. It was there, just barely, as I ducked between two tackles. Hash was holding up a giant brute who was screening out his own players, but others were coming on fast, arms raised to throttle me.

I needed the maneuver Sasha and Keisha had worked out for me. It would only work once, if it worked at all. As several sets of arms reached out, I dove between them in a pinwheel somersault, putting weight on my left hand while keeping the ball in my right, both legs kicked high, and rolled over to land on my feet. The left leg landed first, but when I accelerated, the bad knee nearly buckled. I gritted my teeth and kept going. Fighting. Pushing as hard as I could.

Suddenly there was no one in front of me, but plenty of people behind. On a better day I'd have outrun them all, but not today. I fell into a limp, struggling to stay on my feet, seeing the goal line only thirty yards ahead. I glanced back, which I never do, seeing three Pirates closing in. I pushed harder, grunting, feeling a searing pain go up my leg and through my back. Only fifteen more yards. Ten. Five. It seemed they should have caught me. I wasn't going that fast. A hand shot out, catching the heel of my cleat. A second hand gripped my jersey. I twisted forward into the end zone holding the ball for dear life.

The stadium went crazy. They'd seen a Rabbit Run. A bad one, in my opinion. As I lay on the ground trying to breathe, I needed to wonder. How had I gotten so far downfield? It made no sense. A Pirate reached down, offering his hand to help me up. It took all my strength, which he seemed to sense, making an extra effort. My team quickly surrounded me.

"That was great, Rabbit. You caught them cold," Ray said.

"Weird move, that tumbling. They never saw it coming," Eldon praised.

I wasn't so sure. Back on my feet and no longer running, the knee wasn't so bad. I handed the ball to the ref and walked back to the sideline in a bit of a daze. The fans were still screaming, banners waved, and the speaker system confirmed the touchdown. It was all thrilling, though I wasn't feeling it.

"You looked in trouble at the end there," Wilson observed. "Maybe rest up for a few plays?"

"Kareem will kick the extra point," Wanda decided. I nodded, took a seat on the bench, and gulped a bottle of water. I wanted something stronger. Whisky and ten aspirin. With the special team back on the field and everyone else along the sideline, it gave me a quiet moment.

The Pirates returned the ball to mid-field and our defense prepared to give them a hard time. With a deep sigh, I got up, glanced to Dr. Cabrillo, and strolled unobtrusively toward the locker room.

"What's wrong?" my doctor asked as I reached the tunnel.

"My season is over, Doc. Can you help me out of this gear?"

"It didn't look that bad. Not from where I was standing," she disagreed.

"I don't think the Pirates gave me their best effort," I speculated. "Maybe they wanted to give their fans the thrill of a Rabbit Run, or maybe they felt sorry for me. I'm not going to accuse them of anything. But I'm not going to compromise them, or the Badgers, just for a few extra minutes of glory."

I limped into the tunnel. Annie caught up to me just as I reached the locker room.

"Josh, what's wrong? Did you hurt something?" she asked.

"Just my pride, sweetheart," I answered. "Want to get me partially naked?"

"Partially?" she questioned.

"We're not in Midvale. I'm not getting arrested here," I explained, making her laugh.

I sat down on the bench, getting help removing my cleats but leaving the white socks. My pants went next. Dr. Cabrillo summoned Alice and they removed my wraps and the brace. The knee was red and purple. Throbbing. They exchanged worried looks and found ice.

"How did you run on this?" Alice asked.

"Damned if I know. I wasn't thinking, just reacting," I guessed.

"No more brace today. We'll use a light wrap. You should be in the wheelchair," Cabrillo recommended.

"No, Rabbit's final bow is not going to be in a wheelchair," I rejected. "I'll stand using the cane and walk with the crutches. Alice can stay close to help."

"I will stay close to help," Annie corrected. "Let's give you a few minutes in the whirlpool. Find a clean undershirt. Doctor, think tennis shoes will be okay? Nothing too heavy."

"Let me see what's in his locker," Cabrillo replied. Annie helped me up, nestling under one arm while Alice supported me on the other side. We went back into the therapy room where I was undressed and put in the whirlpool. The hot swirling water felt great.

"See, I got you naked after all," Annie said with a sad smile. "I'm sorry the knee didn't hold up. I know how much you wanted to play."

"I'm good with this. I got one last shot like I wanted. Now I need to get better. Baseball season starts in April."

"Are you good at baseball?" Annie asked.

"Hell, Annie, I'm much better at baseball than I ever was at football."

We did not have sex in the therapy room. Even Annie wasn't that crazy, though she did tease me. Coach Wilson arrived.

"Josh, what is this?" he questioned as I was getting dressed. I had my football uniform hanging loosely without the shoulder pads.

"Calling it a day, Coach," I replied. "Thanks for everything."

He was quiet for a moment, looking at Annie, Alice, and Dr. Cabrillo. Cabrillo was about to inject the knee with cortisone to reduce the swelling. He grasped the situation.

"No, thank you. You gave us everything," Wilson said, shaking my hand.

I found my crutches and followed him back out to the field. When the fans realized I wouldn't be playing again that night, there was a moan, and then applause. Despite the disappointment, I felt relaxed, offering smiles, and took a seat on the bench.

The Pirates were no pushovers. They had scored a touchdown and a field goal while I was in the locker room, going ahead 10-7. The Badgers fought back, tying the game, and then surrendered another touchdown in the 2nd quarter, allowing the Pirates to take the lead. The teams went into halftime with the Pirates up by 7 points.

I did not join the Badgers in the locker room, not wanting to become the center of attention. They needed to focus on the game. I visited with our fans and signed autographs. Carol found me a hot dog. Brad provided a beer and reminded me that we'd be staying at the Drake Hotel that night. With a full bar. A few minutes later, I entertained questions from several reporters. One was from the Chicago Sun-Times, another from Fox Sports. I kept my words short, not wanting to embarrass myself. Annie wasn't so shy, going so far as to blame the fight in Juniper for my injuries. I had no comment on that.

As the 3rd quarter began, I made a circle around the field, reaching into the stands to shake hands and sign programs. The Pirates were accommodating, letting me visit their bench. I was curious to know if they let me score that touchdown but there were no hints of that. They did think their chances of winning had gotten better.

Coach Migel Roberts took a seat next to me. "I want you to know we didn't let you score on purpose, but maybe we reacted a little too slowly. No one wanted to see you get hurt."

"I know. That's why I took myself out of the game," I revealed.

"You did what?"

"Everybody needs to be playing their hardest, not worrying about me. This should insure a fair game."

"Kid, if you ever get tired of Midvale, I'd like you to play for me."

"I heard you were going to be coaching Oklahoma next year?"

"Afraid of going to a bigger school?" he responded.

I finished my loop around the stadium as the 4th quarter started getting enthusiastic responses from the crowd. The knee was sore though the painkillers helped. Having Annie next to me was reassuring. The Pirates had gained a 28-14 lead and were looking strong. They would go on to win 31 to 24.

The stadium gave the teams standing ovations, both having had successful seasons. I stood back a bit, letting our guys bask in the glory, for I'd only been on the field for one play. A somewhat doubtful play. Fans in red bunny hats and t-shirts waved banners. When reporters surged along the sidelines to conduct interviews, I disappeared.

"We had a great season," Coach Wilson concluded in the locker room afterward. "We went from 3 and 9 to 10 and 2. And next year we'll do better. I want to thank all of you for your hard work."

Wilson did not single me out and I was glad for that. In one respect, I felt like I had let the team down. On the other, the whole Rabbit business was absurd and likely never to happen again. I decided to count my blessings.

We ambled from the locker room into the parking lot where the buses were waiting. The drive to downtown Chicago would take about two hours, the Drake being an impressive older hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan. Sunday afternoon we'd see the Bears play at Soldier Field, then return to Midvale for a celebration on Monday morning.

"We have the penthouse," Annie said, snuggling close.

"The whole team?" I questioned.

"No, silly. Just us. My father arranged it."

"How much does this cost?"

"You don't need to worry about that," she answered.

"Annie, I'm not a charity case. I can't--"

"My parents stay very busy. I don't see them as often as I want to. So, if they go out of their way to do special things for me, I'm not going to say no."

This seemed important to her and it wasn't like they were giving me money.

"Okay, but I'll need to thank them," I said.

"Yes, but first, you need to make crazy love to their daughter," Annie replied.

* * * * * *

I'm currently working on the final two chapters. Please give this story your support if you like it.