ANDREW'S RECRUITING SUMMER CHAPTER 12: PARTY AT ANDRE'WS HOUSE (JULY 10, 2005)

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Meanwhile, Andrew and Chris had just finished taking their showers upstairs, after a brief workout in Andrew's basement weight room.

 

"I can't believe that you benched 800 pounds for reps without a spotter Andrew," Chris gasped in astonishment. "And it looked so easy for you. Didn't you have any trouble lifting that huge amount of weight?"

 

  "Nah Chris, it was light weight for these huge arms," Andrew bragged, flexing his massive biceps with a cocky grin. "It feels great to show off my true strength instead of hiding it."

 

"Why have you hidden your true strength before this?" Chris asked.

 

"It scares everyone else around me when I show off," Andrew replied. "I found that out during my arm wrestling contest with Mike an hour ago. So now I've decided to hide my great strength from everyone, even Carrie, until I have to use it for the College Football Coaches during my recruiting visits. I have also begun treating Carrie more gently with each passing day so that she won't get scared of me."

 

"Good for you Andrew; you have learned how to be a Gentle Giant," Chris commended him, as they walked out of Andrew's bedroom. As they walked down the hall towards the stairs, he reached up to put a hand on Andrew's massive shoulder. "I'm glad that you can be gentle, because everyone sees how big you are and they know that your great strength is too strong to control. You must continue to use your great strength to help others, just like a superhero would. That way, no one will be scared of you and they will revere you as a hero instead. Let me help you learn how to do that."

 

"What do you know about handling great strength Chris?" Andrew asked him, turning to look at him in surprise.

 

"I have been friends for years with Nate, Stu and Lenny, who were once small kids like me," Chris replied. "Once they joined the football team and became big and strong, they showed that they could control their great strength quite well. That way, they didn't hurt anyone, not even me. So you should follow their humble example. Then you won't scare anyone with your great strength, except opponents on the football field."

 

"Well I guess that makes sense," Andrew agreed. "But I'm sure you know that I am a lot bigger and stronger than your friends!"

 

"Yes I do Andrew, but I'm sure that you can achieve the control to use your great strength safely, so that you won't scare your friends with it again. I'll be here for you this week to help you manage your great strength, especially during the party." He led the way downstairs, while Andrew had to duck his head so that he wouldn't hit his head on the ceiling. "You see how big you are Andrew? That's why you have to control your great strength before you really hurt someone, like you hurt David last season!"

 

"I'm really sorry about that everyone!" Andrew apologized to everyone in the living room. Since he saw most of his teammates there, he knew that they had witnessed him punch David out the previous November. "I didn't mean to snap like that, but David insulted my War Veteran Grandpa, so I just lost it!"

 

"That's okay Andrew; no permanent harm was done," Ralph, the Starting Quarterback, assured him. He looked around and noticed his teammates nodding in agreement. That's when he knew that none of them blamed Andrew for losing the Provincial Championship last season. "Thanks for inviting us all to this party Andrew. It's nice for all of us to have a break from the Recruiting Madness for one evening at least."

 

Andrew nodded in agreement and then the doorbell rang. Susan went to answer the door and when she opened it, he saw Andrew's High School Football Coach standing there.

 

"Hello there Susan; it's nice to see you again," Coach Everson said.

"Thank you Coach Everson; nice to see you too," Susan said. "I don't usually see you at these football parties. What are you doing at this one?"

"I wanted to congratulate the team on their recruiting success so far," Coach Everson replied, stepping inside. "And to discuss the final recruiting schedule with you and the other parents here."

 

"Great idea," Susan said, closing the front door behind him.

 

"Where's Mike?" Coach Everson asked, looking around the crowded living room.

 

Susan looked around the Living Room to see a lot of football players, but none of them was Mike.

 

"He must have gone down to the basement weight room," Susan realized. "I'm sure he'll be up in a few minutes."

 

Mike was in the basement weight room, showing off his max bench(800 Pounds) and one arm curls(200 Pounds) for his smaller friends Nate, Stu and Lenny.

"That's amazing Mike; you've really become a superhuman football god!" Nate congratulated his huge friend. He looked down proudly at his Varsity Football Jacket and then over to Stu and Lenny who were grinning proudly while wearing theirs. "And you trained us for football in Grade 9  so that we could play on the football team with you in Grades 10 and 11! It's been so great to spend time with you again, since we didn't get to spend a lot with you for the first half of Grade 9. And Coach Everson told us that we'll get to have some Starting Time this season: in our Senior Year! And it's all thanks to you training us, when you could have easily abandoned us for your football friends. You're our hero Mike!"

"Thanks guys," Mike said quietly, unable to think of anything else to say. "I really appreciate that," he added, as a couple of tears ran down his cheeks. He hastily brushed them away and muttered, "This is silly; I can't be crying: I'm about to meet lots of College Football Coaches this week who want me real bad! And I've already got three Official Visit Offers from last week's schools!"

"Those are tears of happiness Mike, so don't worry about it," Stu assured him, putting an arm around his huge friend's shoulder. "For a guy who was really shy seven years ago, like we were three years ago, it must be overwhelming to have such attention now from the NCAA." Mike looked over at him with tears in his eyes and Stu assured him, "Don't worry Mike, if anyone notices that you've been crying, we'll just say that it was dusty down here." Mike grinned quietly and Stu added, "We've got to maintain your Cocky Jock Image for everyone else, even Andrew."

"Yeah we do Stu," Mike said, hugging him gently. "Thanks man." He looked around the weight room for a moment and then decided, "Enough of this mushy stuff; let's get upstairs and join the party."

"Yeah, you and Andrew are the Star Players of the Senior Football Team," Lenny declared, leading the way upstairs. "You two deserve to be celebrated for getting us to Provincials last season!"

"Stop it Lenny; you're embarrassing me!" Mike complained, as everyone in the Living Room cheered.

"It's impossible to embarrass you Mike; your ego is bigger than I am," Andrew declared. He looked closely at Mike's reddened eyes and asked, "Your dust allergies kicked in again?" It was Code: he actually knew how Mike only cried in front of his closest friends.

"Yeah Andrew, you've got to clean your gym equipment once in a while," Mike complained jokingly. He smiled at Andrew: grateful that his big friend knew how to keep his shyness a secret. "Were you too busy showing off your great strength to think about that?"

 

"I guess I was; sorry about that Big Guy," Andrew apologized. "Now that you're here, with your friends, follow me into the Living Room. Coach Everson wants to address all of us."

"I'm coming Andrew," Mike said, following his huge friend into the living room.

"Thanks for coming upstairs Mike," Coach Everson said. He turned towards the rest of the football players, who were all wearing their Football Letter Jackets. "I just wanted to stop by to say that I am so proud of all of you: getting so heavily recruited by the NCAA this summer. I have been honoured to help each of your parents arrange the visits with the College Football Coaches that start tomorrow. I'm sure you'll make us proud this football season and bring that Provincial Championship home to ODCVI where it belongs." He turned to Andrew and added, "And I can't forget to mention the one football player here who has trained most of the Starters on this football team: Andrew Harrington!"

 

Everyone turned to applaud Andrew. He looked down in embarassment at first, until Mike nudged him in the ribs. Then Andrew grinned and flexed his biceps, pleased at the attention he had generated. 

"Good job Andrew," Coach Everson congratulated him, shaking his hand. "I'm very proud of you and you have redeemed yourself in my eyes."

"Thanks Coach," Andrew said quietly, remembering how Everson had benched him for two games in the Playoffs last season for punching out David. "I hope that I do well on the Recruiting Visits this summer."

"You have so far, as have you all," Everson assured him. He noticed some of the football players looking impatient, so he said, "I won't keep you guys any longer. I'll go help your parents get the BBQ ready Andrew. See you later."

"Congratulations Andrew," Ralph said to his huge friend, as Coach Everson walked out the back door.

"Thanks Ralph," Andrew said, smiling down at him. "How were your Recruiting Visits last week?"

"They were great Andrew, though they were in the Deep South instead of the Mid-West like yours," Ralph replied. "Alabama, Georgia and Clemson are the three schools Connor and I went to last week. That gave us just enough time to get back here last night. We already have offers for Official Visits this fall from Alabama and Clemson."

"That's great Big Guy; congratulations!" Andrew shouted in excitement. 

 

"You're the Big Guy here Andrew!" Ralph reminded him. He looked Andrew up and down and Andrew crossed his arms to emphasize the size of his chest. "I don't think you realize just how huge you really are Andrew!"

 

"Probably not Ralph," Andrew agreed quietly, getting embarrassed now that he was being flattered. "Not to change the subject or anything, but did you and Connor accept both Official Visit offers?"

"I did Andrew," Ralph replied. "I wasn't sure how many I would get, so I didn't want to turn any down."

"Don't forget that we go on more Unofficial Visits later this month," Connor reminded him. He flexed his biceps and bragged, "Once the College Football Coaches saw my big muscles, they wanted me real bad."

"You mean you took off your shirt in front of them?" Andrew asked.

"No we didn't, but good idea Andrew," Connor said with a smirk. "Why don't you go first and show us how it's done."

"Naw I think Mike should go first," Andrew demerred. "His ego is so huge, I don't know how he's resisted taking off his shirt for this long."

"You don't really think I'm that cocky, do you Andrew?" Mike asked, looking shocked at the accusation.

"Yes I do Mike," Andrew replied. "Unlike your brother Mark, you've been cocky and arrogant for the past three years at least." 

Mike looked embarrassed at that, but then he grinned and decided, "Well, I guess I'd better prove it." He took off his t-shirt and flexed his massive biceps. "What do you think guys?"

Everyone gasped in astonishment and then broke out clapping and cheering. Then they started chanting for Andrew to take off his shirt as well. 

Andrew looked around the Living Room carefully and noticed his, and JP's parents, heading outside to give the football team their privacy. He looked over at JP, who gave him a thumbs-up for encouragement.

"Don't be shy Andrew," JP reassured his huge friend. He noticed Andrew's face turning red and he put a gentle hand on Andrew's massive shoulder. "Go ahead Andrew; you deserve it after being such a great mentor for most of your teammates, and for me as well."

 

"Thanks JP," Andrew said humbly. He looked around the room at his teammates, who were looking impatient. "Okay guys, I'm ready."

He took off his tight t-shirt slowly, disguising the effort as teasing his audience. Everyone, including Mike, gasped with awe and a little fear at the huge muscular god that Andrew was. Andrew looked in the mirror and smirked at his massive pecs, huge muscular arms and six-pack abs.

Then he turned towards his friends and asked, "So, what do you think of my huge muscles everyone? Am I big and strong enough for College Football?"

Everyone clapped and cheered for Andrew, providing him with an enthusiastic "Yes" to answer his question.

"Good, then I can put my t-shirt back on," Andrew decided, doing just that. He looked over at Mike and asked, "Aren't you going to do the same Mike? After all, you waited until our parents and Coach Everson went outside before you took off your t-shirt."

"Good point Andrew," Mike realized. He put his t-shirt back on, with difficulty because it was so tight, and then asked, "Happy now?"

"Yes Mike, even though your t-shirt is so skintight that it still shows off everything," Andrew laughed.

"Yeah, and so are my jeans," Mike bragged. "But that's because I don't skip leg day."

"Or you wear the tightest clothes possible so that you can show off your huge muscles all the time," Andrew corrected him. Mike grinned and nodded in agreement. "I knew it Mike; you can't fool me," Andrew teased him. "Now let's go outside and join the rest of our teammates."

"I'll be with you in a few minutes Andrew; I want to talk with Sue alone first," Mike said. 

"Good idea Mike, and once you're both outside, I'll talk to both of you privately," Andrew decided.

Mike nodded in agreement, shook JP's hand and then turned to Sue as his friends walked outside. "So how did I do Sue?"

"What do you mean?" Sue asked, looking confused.

"How did I do walking the line between confident and cocky?"

"You did fine, but your skintight clothes screamed 'Cocky Jock' from a mile away!" Sue teased him. 

"Yeah they did Sue, but did you notice that neither Coach Everson nor the parents complained about my outfit?" Mike asked her with a cocky smirk as he put on his football jacket.

"I don't like that arrogant grin Mike; what are you planning?" Sue asked him suspiciously.

"I'm going to wear skintight clothes for all the College Football Coaches who visit me this week," Mike replied, trying to look innocent.

"It won't hurt your chances Mike," Sue realized. "When you did that last week for the Notre Dame and Michigan Coaches, their interest in you increased exponentially!"

"Yeah, and so it became more a Recruiting Visit for me than for Andrew," Mike remembered, taking her hand. "And when we visit the Deep South schools later this month, I intend to swap out my skintight Levis for skintight Wranglers. I'll also switch out my black cowboy boots for brown ones! That should help me fit in with the cowboy crowd in Alabama and Texas, don't you think?"

"Yes it will Mike, and sometimes cowboys are seen more as Alphas than athletes," Sue reminded him.

"That's true Sue, but I'm not just an athlete," Mike reminded her. "Thanks to my friendship with Rick and Carl, I've had some experience with the Country Lifestyle, even riding horses."

"Yeah, and even though Rick went to college two years ago, it should be like riding a bike for you: getting used to Country Life again," Sue said.

"What makes you say that Sue?" Mike asked, as they stepped outside. "I know that I'll get some time during Official Visits in the fall to experience more of the Deep South Life than this summer. But you're talking as if one of those Deep South Schools will be the one I go to."

"If both you and Andrew picked Alabama, you'd be able to protect a Quarterback that you both played with during High School," Sue reminded him. "Rick himself. Or maybe even Ralph."

"Good point Sue," Andrew said, stepping up to them. "You're really helping make this Recruiting Summer a success for Mike with good advice like that."

"Thank you Andrew," Sue said quietly. She was about to walk away when she remembered that Andrew wanted to talk to her and Mike. "What did you want to talk to us about? We have some time, since your parents just started the BBQ a few minutes ago."

“I have tried to help Mike become more gentle and humble this year, but I don't know if it's been effective Sue,” Andrew wondered.

     

“It has been Andrew: at least as far as how he treats me," Sue replied. “So you've done a good job turning him into a Gentle Giant: at least with me. I also want to congratulate you on your Recruiting Success so far.”

 

“Thanks Sue," Andrew said gratefully. "It's also great that Mike has had such Recruiting Success this summer. Oh, I should tell you that I met your younger brother Chris earlier today. He's quite brave around big guys like me and Mike."

"Yes, even though I have Mike to protect me, Chris still feels protective of me," Sue explained. "That's why he has never cared for Mike these past three years: he thought Mike was a bad guy just like Steve."

"Well Sue, at least you found out what Steve was really like and dumped him: the summer before our Freshman Year in fact," Andrew reminded her. "Mike told me all about it."

"I see," Sue said, turning to Mike with a frown. "Why did you tell Andrew all about that? I told you that in confidence Mike!"

"You never outright stated that Sue, and I wanted Andrew to know that you and he had something in common," Mike said.

"And what's that Mike?" Andrew asked him curiously.

"You both kicked Steve out of your lives once you discovered his true nature," Mike replied. 

"Well you're right about that Mike, and since we're both close to you, we have something else in common," Sue realized.

"And now that all three of us get along with your younger brother Chris, we have three things in common Sue," Andrew informed her. He held out his massive hand and asked, "Can we make a truce now, even if we don't become friends?"

"Sure thing Andrew," Sue agreed, shaking his hand gently.

"Good; I'm glad that's settled," Andrew declared. "Now that we're all getting along, let's enjoy the party. Mike, you go collect your new protege Chris, while I go find JP and entertain him for the evening."

Mike noticed that Chris was talking with his friends Ralph and Connor. So he waited patiently until they were done and then Chris led him towards the garage, intending to speak to him alone for a few moments. 

 

"What can I do for you Big Guy?" Mike asked his new small friend, causing Chris to duck his head in embarrassment. 

 

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm grateful that you never bullied me during the last three years," Chris said. 

"I couldn't do that Chris, even though we didn't get along," Mike informed him. "While I show off all my muscles every chance I get, I don't use them to bully the small kids."

 

"You're a really smart guy Mike: you've transformed yourself from a small guy into an awesome football player!"

 

"I was only able to do that because Andrew trained me for football," Mike said humbly, trying to be modest. "I just hope that I can train you for sports as well as he trained me. Did you mean it this afternoon when you agreed to tutor me in exchange for weight training?" Chris nodded and Mike grinned at him. "Thanks a lot man; I really appreciate that. With your help, I might even win an Academic Scholarship for college, in addition to my athletic one!"

 

"I'll be glad to help you reach that goal Mike," Chris said, slightly embarrassed by all the praise that his huge friend was heaping upon him. He was really amazed that Mike, a huge football star, valued the presence of smaller guys like himself.

"I bought something for you while I was in America last week," Mike said, handing Chris a football.

"Wow Mike, is this for me?" Chris asked in astonishment.

"Yes it is Big Guy; turn it over so that you can see the logo."

"Wow, this football is from Ohio State!" Chris shouted in astonishment.

 

"Yeah man; only the best for you," Mike informed him. "This will be your training football."

 

"Hey good idea Mike; I'd forgotten that being trained for football won't be much good without a football," Chris realized. "Thanks for thinking of that Big Guy!"

 

"You're welcome Chris," Mike said, as they began walking back to the house. "It's the least I can do, especially after you've been to all my football games for the past three seasons!"

 

"Well now that you've bribed me with a football, I'll have to come to your games this season as well," Chris said with a chuckle. 

 

"You're a funny guy Chris!" Mike laughed, shoving him lightly in the shoulder with one hand.

"So are you Mike, if you think you can shove me off my feet!" Chris laughed. "I guess those huge muscles are just filled with hot air!"

 

"Do you think so now Little Man?" Mike roared, lifting Chris up by his collar with his right hand. He grinned when he saw Chris laughing and said, "There, I just proved how strong I am; are you happy now?"

 

"Yes I am Mike," Chris replied. "I'm not afraid of you, even though you're holding me up in mid air with only one hand. I can tell that you're just acting like a Cocky Jock; you're actually a Gentle Giant. That's probably why you have never bullied us little guys."

 

"Don't forget that I was bullied by the big guys before I started working out seven years ago," Mike reminded him. "So when I became a big guy, I made sure not to become a bully myself. I decided to act like a protective big brother instead, and treat the little guys as trainees, not targets." 

 

"I'm glad to hear it Mike," JP said, coming over to them. "I may have no chance against you, but I'll still come after you if you hurt Chris!"

 

"I'm glad that you're determined to protect him from me, even if it means that you'll end up in a body cast," Mike teased him. "I'm glad you're not a bully either." He grinned at JP and set Chris down. "What can I do for you Big Guy?"

"Supper won't be ready for a few minutes yet, and I want to see how strong you really are," JP informed him. "If you come with me down to Andrew's weight room in the basement, we can find out."

 

"Is that really what you want to see JP: the true extent of my superhuman strength?" Mike asked him seriously. "Why don't you punch me in the face like you did with Andrew and see if I wince?" JP's eyes widened and Mike laughed. "Yeah, he told me all about that. Go ahead and try it Little Man; you've wanted to punch me out since we first met!"

"We're getting along now Mike; it won't be fun for me anymore," JP protested.

"Yeah, but you might still have some lingering resentment for me," Mike guessed. "Best to let it out now when no one will get hurt."

"Okay Mike; you asked for it!" JP shouted, as he began punching Mike in the face. 

 

Mike grinned at first, not feeling any of the punches. Then he flinched a bit as a few of the punches began to hurt him. JP grinned and began punching him harder, hoping that Mike would beg him to stop. But Mike gritted his teeth in determination instead. 

 

All the party guests stared in amazement when they saw Mike resisting JP's punches so well. Mike finally caught JP's fist in one hand when he'd had enough and squeezed it until JP begged him to let go. He was too tired to punch Mike anymore and when he saw his new friend smiling, he knew that Mike wasn't mad at him. JP was also astonished at Mike's Superhuman Strength and was glad that his huge new friend hadn't started punching him back.

 

Mike crossed his massive arms across his huge chest and grinned at the amazed look on JP's face.

 

"So JP, was that a successful strength test or do you still want to see my max bench?" he asked with a cocky smirk.

"I still want to see your max bench Mike," JP informed him with a look of determination on his face.

"Still a Glutton for Punishment I see," Mike realized. He looked over at the BBQ and added, "Better make it quick; it's looks like supper's almost ready."

"What if everyone's eaten all the food by the time we get back outside?" JP asked, looking worried.

 

"Don't worry JP; Mom and Dad will keep some food warm on the barbeque for both of you," Andrew reassured him. "Go have fun with Mike for a few minutes and I'll see you both when you get back. Are you going with them Chris?"

"If they want me to," Chris replied, looking over at Mike and JP for permission. His two new friends nodded in agreement with big grins on their faces. "That's a yes Andrew; see you later."

Andrew nodded and watched Chris follow JP and Mike into the house. He saw Mike put a huge arm gently around Chris's small shoulders and smiled at how quickly his friends had accepted Chris. 

 

When Andrew turned back to look at his other friends, he caught a big punch from Ralph right on the jaw. Andrew blinked his eyes to conceal a flinch and then grinned at Ralph.

 

"Ah, so you guys want to see if I can take punches just as well as Mike," Andrew realized. "Well give it your best shot guys! Then we can go over to the patio and eat supper."

 

The remaining team members stepped forward and punched Andrew in the face one by one. When Connor, the last in line, stepped up for his turn, he saw Andrew rubbing his face and wincing.

 

"You'll be able to take a punch from me, won't you Andrew?" Connor asked him, concerned for his big friend.

 

"Just one," Andrew replied, unable to conceal one last wince. "Those linebackers really pack a good punch!"

 

"Okay, get ready Andrew," Connor advised him, drawing back his fist. He punched Andrew with his full strength and made his huge friend's head snap around from the force of the blow. "Are you okay Andrew? I didn't hurt you too badly, did I?"

 

"No you didn't Connor, but you did hurt me a little bit, and so did the other guys!" Andrew reminded him, rubbing his jaw. "You guys are really strong; I wouldn't want to run into any of you if I was a small guy!"

 

"I noticed that you barely blinked when I punched you Andrew," Ralph reminded him with a frown. 

 

"Well, I can take a punch from one big guy, but not 12 in a row!" Andrew reminded him with a frown of his own. Ralph smiled when he realized that Andrew considered him a big guy. Andrew grinned in response, really pleased that Ralph knew how to handle himself so well. "Now it's time to eat," Andrew decided, when he noticed the rest of the football players walking across the lawn towards the barbeque.

 

"There's one more thing you have to do for us before we eat," Ralph informed him, as he and Andrew followed the football players towards the patio.

 

"What's that Ralph?" Andrew asked him, smiling down at him. His stomach growled and he added, "Can you be quick about it? I'm really hungry!"

 

"Take off your shirt Andrew; let's see how ripped and massive you are," Ralph requested. 

 

"I already did that inside Ralph; did you forget?" Andrew asked with smug grin. Ralph nodded sheepishly when he realized that Andrew was right. "Then too bad Ralph; you don't get to see my huge muscles again!" he added with an angry frown.

Ralph nodded in agreement; worried that Andrew was actually mad at him.

 

Andrew let his angry frown become a quiet grin when he realized that he had just scared his smaller friend. He stepped forward slowly, but Ralph backed away in fear. Andrew put a gentle hand on Ralph's shoulder to keep him from retreating further. 

 

"I didn't mean to make you mad Andrew!" Ralph assured him.

 

"You didn't Ralph; I was just kidding around," Andrew assured him, patting his shoulder gently. He led Ralph over to the patio and added, "I think we should start eating supper now, while we wait for JP, Mike and Chris to get back."

 

"Good idea Andrew," Ralph said, as they picked up their hamburgers. "Let's go eat at one of the picnic tables in the back yard."

 

"Good idea Big Guy," Andrew agreed, following his smaller friend over to the picnic tables. 

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Meanwhile, back in the house, JP and Chris followed Mike down to the basement weight room.

"Wow, Andrew's weight room takes up half of the basement!" JP shouted in astonishment.

"Is this the first time you've been down here JP?" Mike asked him.

"Yes Mike; Andrew and I jogged down to the Narrows this morning," JP replied. "By the time we got back, it was lunchtime and then we had all the phone calls with the College Football Coaches. Then we had to get ready for this party."

"I was down here about an hour ago with Andrew," Chris informed them. "Andrew can bench 800 pounds for one rep and curl 200 pounds in each hand for multiple reps! Can you match that Mike?"

"I can try Big Guy," Mike replied. "As long as JP can spot me."

"I'd be glad to Mike: if you trust me that is," JP assured him.

"I wouldn't have a week ago, but I do now JP," Mike said seriously, dropping the Cocky Jock Act for a moment. "I will quite literally be putting my life in your hands during the bench-press, so I want you to take your task as my spotter very seriously."

"I understand Mike; I've served as a spotter many times for Matt over the last couple of years," JP assured him. "So you can count on me."

"Good man; then I'm ready," Mike decided, loading the last of the plates onto the bar. He lay down on the bench, gripped the bar firmly and asked JP, "Are you ready to spot me Big Guy?"

"I sure am Mike," JP replied, as Mike lifted the loaded bar off its brackets. As Mike lowered it to his chest, he added, "Go for it Big Guy: make us proud."

Mike sucked in a huge lungful of air and exhaled as he lifted the 800 pounds slowly. His huge arms wobbled slightly, but he managed to replace the loaded bar on the brackets without help. Then he sat up, breathing heavily and grinned. 

"That was amazing Mike!" Chris shouted in astonishment. "You're as strong as the huge guys on World's Strongest Man!"

"Possibly," Mike agreed. "But for now, I just want to make sure that I'm strong enough to be a Starter as a Freshman in College Football." He looked over at the barbell rack and was pleased to see that there were some 200 pound dumbbells on the bottom rack. "Now it's time to see if I can curl 200 pounds in each hand for a few reps. Then we can go back outside for supper. I'll certainly need to refuel my huge muscles after taking them to the limit here."

"You're no longer talking like a Cocky Jock Mike; you're speaking like the Academic Genius we both know you are," Chris realized, as his huge friend walked over to the rack of dumbbells.

"Just don't tell anyone that: either of you," Mike warned them with a glare, effortlessly carrying the huge weights back to the bench.

"We understand Mike," JP assured his huge friend. "We'll help you maintain the image of a Cocky Jock."

"Good man JP; you know how to keep your Muscle God happy," Mike teased him, sitting down on the bench with the dumbbells on his thighs.

"Do you need help raising those huge weights Mike?" Chris asked, looking concerned. 

"Naw Chris; I'm just curling them, not shoulder pressing them," Mike assured him, lifting them slowly up to his chest. He began breathing heavily and added, "But thanks anyway."

JP and Chris watched silently in amazement as Mike slowly curled 200 pounds in each hand for five reps in total. They were even more astonished when he stood up and returned the huge weights to their rack, seemingly without effort.

"Wow Mike; you're just as strong as Andrew!" Chris gasped in amazement.

"Yeah I am, but don't tell him that; I don't want him to get jealous," Mike warned him with a frown.

"It's too late for that Mike; you beat him once in Arm Wrestling and you can take punches just as well as he can!" JP reminded him.

"Please JP, my modesty-"

"Doesn't last when you're constantly flattered," JP said. "I think you're getting more cocky and arrogant by the minute!"

Mike glared at him and then grinned as JP burst out laughing.

"You're a funny man JP: feeling brave when you think I'm tired," Mike laughed. He stepped forward, grabbed JP by the neck with one massive hand and lifted him effortlessly up to the ceiling. "What do you think now?"

"I'm amazed that your grip is still gentle enough that I can breathe!" JP shouted in astonishment. He looked down to see himself dangling almost eight feet above the floor and suddenly gulped in fear. "Can you please put me down now Mike?"

"Sure man, now that you know how to beg a huge muscle god for mercy," Mike chuckled, setting JP back down on the floor. He looked over at Chris, who was trying to hide a big grin behind his small hands. "Get on my shoulders Big Guy and I'll carry you outside."

"I'm not a little kid Mike; I can walk upstairs by myself!" Chris laughed. "Besides, after lifting JP up to the ceiling with one hand and benching 800 pounds, you're probably too tired to lift me!"

"Is that a dare Chris?" Mike growled, stepping forward until Chris's face was only an inch from his massive chest. "Do you really want to test my endurance Little Man?"

"Yes I do Mike, and I want you to show it off for the entire football team outside!" Chris dared him. "So lift me up onto your shoulders Big Man: if you think you can handle a big guy like me!"

"Okay Chris, you asked for it!" Mike shouted, lifting Chris onto his massive shoulders. "Just make sure you duck your head when you need to."

"Take me outside Big Man: just like you should as my servant," Chris teased him.

JP burst out laughing as Mike grinned and followed him outside.

Andrew laughed along with all his friends as he saw Mike showing off. "It's great to see you two and Mike as well!" Andrew shouted in excitement, as Mike set Chris down. He put a massive hand on Mike's shoulder and asked, "How did it go showing off your great strength in my Basement Weight Room?"

"It went great Andrew," Mike replied. "I think I'm as big and strong as you are by now."

"That's what I was hoping for when I started training you six years ago," Andrew said proudly. "I'm glad that you've become so big and strong and made some new friends in the process." He looked over at JP and Chris with a big grin. "Two great new friends at a fun football party!" he shouted in excitement. "I can't think of a better way to continue this Recruiting Summer than celebrating with all my friends!"

"Let's have some of the food your parents have kept warm for us," JP suggested. He looked over at the patio and realized, "It looks like they ordered pizza as well."

"It wouldn't be an Andrew Football Party without pizza and pop," Mike informed him, leading the way over to the patio. "Let's eat; I'm starving!"

So everyone started to eat the pizza and drink the pop that was already on the patio. Andrew's mom brought out some chips and dip and a few more bottles of pop.

"Your dad is back with the next 16 boxes of pizza," she informed Andrew.

"Are you guys still hungry? Do I need to get more pizza, or is there enough for all you football stars now that we have 32 pizzas?" Derrick asked everyone, as he came outside. He turned to Carrie, Sarah and Sue and added, "I can't forget about how hungry you lovely ladies must be can I?"

"Now I know where Andrew gets his charm; it was inherited," Carrie said, as she and Sue took some pizzas from Derrick and set them on the table.

"I think that these pizzas should be enough; thank you Mr. Harrington," Mike said, as he and the football players set the rest of the pizzas down on the table. 

"Call me Derrick Mike; it's a party," Derrick urged him. 

Everyone sat down, ate food, and listened to the music from the stereo system. Some of the couples even danced to the slow songs. Andrew rested his chin on top of Carrie's head and smiled as he realized all the fun he was having with his friends.

After about an hour, most of the food was gone and Andrew's parents came down the stairs, each of them carrying a dessert platter. Everyone chowed down on the dessert. As they ate the ice cream and pie, everyone began to talk about the future and what they each felt their lives would be like in ten years. Andrew's wish was similar to Carrie's: to be married with two kids, a boy and a girl. Andrew and Carrie hoped that their kids would grow up to be great athletes like they were. 

Once everyone was done eating, Derrick and Susan had all the football players put on their Letter Jackets so that they could wear them for a group picture.

"That way, you guys have a memento for this evening," Derrick said. "Starting tomorrow, you each have meetings with football coaches from the NCAA that will last all week. Then you go down to the States for more Recruiting Visits throughout this summer." He turned to Andrew and said, "Why don't you back your truck into the backyard so that you can play some of your CDs through the speakers."

"Good idea Dad; it has a great sound system, so I might as well show it off," Andrew realized. "Then we can all take turns posing in front of my lifted truck for some individual portraits."

"And then some group photos with your new friends JP and Chris," Susan added. 

Derrick went inside and brought out Andrew's CDs, holding them out to Andrew's friends so that they could select their favourite tunes. Andrew backed his truck onto the back lawn and turned on the sound system. While they did that, Susan got the bonfire started, while JP's parents prepared some bonfire snacks inside. 

Meanwhile, Andrew and Carrie had found an isolated section of the backyard where they could be alone for a few minutes. Andrew hugged Carrie gently and then gave her a big kiss.

"I love you so much Carrie; you don't think I've forgotten about you this week, do you?" he asked, stroking her face softly.

"Of course not Andrew; I wake up in your strong arms every morning," Carrie assured him, melting into Andrew's gentle embrace. "I love the look of your football jacket; it really completes your tough image."

"Yeah Carrie, and it's so tight on me now that it makes me look really tough and intimidating," Andrew agreed. "It's the perfect look to repel any troublemakers like we had last week at Ohio State. I only hope it doesn't scare any of my friends or family members though."

"You don't scare me Big Man!" Carrie managed to say before he kissed her softly. Once Andrew was done kissing her, she hugged him gently and added, "In fact, your new look makes me more attracted to you!"

"A fact I intend to take full advantage of once we have more time alone," Andrew promised her. He saw Carrie's smile of anticipation and looked forward to having lots of fun with her in the coming weeks. "But for now, we really should get back to the party and enjoy the rest of the night with all our friends."

Carrie nodded in understanding and looped an arm around his waist as he led the way back to his large house.

Once Andrew and Carrie got back, he asked Derrick, "Is everything ready in the backyard Dad?"

"Yes son; we've started a bonfire and everyone is roasting marshmellows and s'mores," Derrick replied, leading him around to the backyard. As they stood beside the house, not yet visible to everyone else, he added, "I hope this was an enjoyable, and memorable, football party for you son."

"It certainly was Dad; I couldn't have asked for a better day!" Andrew assured him.

He stepped forward into the circle of friends around the bonfire, thanking each one of them in turn for coming to celebrate his Recruiting Summer. Carrie came out of the house with the first bags of marshmellows and set them down on the bench. Andrew hugged her gently and they began dancing as one of the slow songs began to play. Other couples joined them and for the rest of the night the teenagers gathered around the fire: talking, dancing, laughing and singing. They all knew that this would probably be the last summer that they would all be together and they realized that they would have to say that for most of the holidays in that school year. Andrew and Carrie knew that they would be together though, for many years to come. 

After slow dancing for a while, Sue asked Mike to come inside the house with her. So Mike followed her inside, having to duck his head to clear the patio door frame. 

"What did you want to talk about Sue?" Mike asked, as he took his boots off.

"I saw you down in the weight room earlier: testing your max bench and bicep curls with JP and Chris," Sue replied, looking very nervous.

"Why didn't you stay and watch Sue?" Mike asked curiously.

"I saw enough Mike," Sue replied, starting to look scared. "You're insanely strong, especially since you're not even 18 yet! How can a teenager rival the strength of the World's Strongest Men? It's not natural!"

"Didn't I ever tell you Sue?" Mike asked, putting a massive arm gently around her shoulders.

"It never came up Mike, and since I don't work out with you, why would it?" Sue asked rhetorically. "But I have always wondered how you went from 4 foot 8 and 80 pounds in Grade 5, to 6 foot 5 and 300 pounds at the end of Grade 11."

"300 pounds of solid muscle, you mean," Mike corrected her with an arrogant grin. He flexed his massive bicep and added, "No one could mistake my size for fat: I can guarantee you that!"

"I believe you Mike, but you haven't answered my question," Sue reminded him.

"And I won't, at least not here where everyone could hear us," Mike declared firmly. "I don't want them to discover my secret. Come with me down to the basement weight room and I'll tell you there."

"Okay Mike," Sue agreed, looking very nervous as she followed him towards the basement stairs.

"Don't look so worried Sue; I don't bite," Mike assured her with a reassuring smile. "I would never hurt you; I hope you know that."

"I just hope that remains the case Mike," Sue said. "You must admit that it's pretty unusual for a guy to more than triple his weight and grow nearly two feet in height in only seven years. Even during Puberty!"

"I'm no ordinary guy Sue; you should know that by now," Mike reminded her, as he opened the door to the basement stairs. He turned on the basement lights and added, "I'm a superhuman muscle god and you'd better not forget that!"

"And how much help did you get to achieve that huge muscular body?" Sue asked, as he led her downstairs. 

"Andrew, Carl and Rick gave me lots of weight training tips after Grade Five," Mike replied, leading her down the basement hall to the weight room. "And they trained me for football three years ago."

"That's not the kind of help I was referring to," Sue declared.

"I know Sue; you want to know if I'm taking anything to get so big and strong," Mike realized. "Specifically: Steroids, Testosterone or Human Growth Hormone."

"That's right Mike; I am," Sue agreed, sitting beside him on one of the weight benches. "Unless you're a genetic freak, there's no way you can get so big and strong with just a proper diet and exercise."

"It is conceivable if you're a teenager filled with raging hormones," Mike corrected her. "You must know enough about biology by now to have figured out that the teenage years, especially for guys, are the best time to work out to achieve maximum results."

"That's true Mike, but not the kind of results you've achieved!" Sue protested. 

"I am not on Steroids, HGH or Testosterone," Mike assured her. "I do take Creatine and Pre-Workout, but that's all natural to make sure that I'm in the best shape possible for working out."

"Then what's your secret Mike?" Sue snapped in exasperation. "How can you be so big and strong when you're still a teenager?"

"I have a Myostatin Deficiency Sue," Mike replied, pulling the Medical Report out of his pocket. He unfolded it and handed it over to her. "See for yourself and you'll understand."

Sue scanned the paper, her brow furrowing in confusion and finally sighed and handed it back to Mike. "I don't understand Mike; this report is filled with so many long words that I can't even pronounce!"

"Okay Sue, I'll use my Genius Intellect to break it down into terms your simple mind can understand," Mike teased her.

"Thanks Mike," Sue laughed. "So, what is the reason for your great size and strength in one sentence?"

"I have a lot less of the chemical that limits muscle growth and strength than most other guys," Mike replied with a self-satisfied smirk.

"That's it?" Sue asked, looking disappointed.

"That's not just it; that's everything," Mike clarified. "For me, working out produces double or triple the results that it does for normal guys. I can work out naturally and lift huge weights that even bodybuilders would need steroids to achieve. And I don't get fat; if I bulk up, it's all rock-hard solid muscle!"

He flexed his massive 24 inch bicep right in front of Sue's face, and her eyes widened with fear as his huge veins pulsed with blood. She looked up to see Mike smiling gently at her with the softest eyes imaginable. 

Then she noticed his smile fade into a look of worry. "What's wrong Sue? You're not scared of me, are you?"

"Yes I am Mike," Sue admitted. "Your face says 'I'd never hurt you' while your massive bicep says 'I could snap your neck with ease!' Which one am I supposed to believe?"

"My face and my words Sue," Mike assured her, stroking her face gently with one massive hand. "I'd never hurt you, even if you made me mad. And you haven't done that since this morning."

"You're right Mike," Sue agreed. She let out a huge sign of relief that he wasn't mad at her and snuggled into his massive chest.

"And now you know why I haven't told you my secret until now," Mike informed her. "But once I crossed 300 pounds of solid muscle and grew to almost six and half feet tall, I felt I had to."

"Thanks for trusting me Mike," Sue said gratefully. "So, what did you want to do now?"

"I'm refuelled with strength and stamina after eating several plates of food for supper Sue," Mike informed her. "Do you want to watch while I get in a quick workout before we go back outside?"

"As long as you pick weights you can handle alone; I won't be much use to you as a spotter," Sue realized. 

"You're right about that Sue, but you're the most useful person to me as a Life Partner," Mike reminded her, grabbing some 150 pound barbells off the rack. He brought them back over the bench and added, "I can shoulder press these weights without a spotter."

"That's my weight in each hand Mike," Sue realized, looking terrified.

"Yeah it is Sue, and that's why you're as light as a feather when I carry you in my arms," Mike reminded her with a cocky smirk. He sat down on the bench, lifted the massive weights in his huge arms and began shoulder pressing them with ease. "Keep a good count Sue; let's see how many reps I can do before I get tired!"

Sue agreed with a grin and began counting as Mike kept up his reps. She got to 10 reps before he got tired and lowered the massive weights down to his sides. Then he stood up and took them back to the weight rack.

"Pretty good pump on my arms and shoulders Sue; I feel stronger than I did before supper," Mike said with a huge grin. "Now for the bench-press."

"How much are you going to lift for that?" Sue asked, her eyes widening as Mike carried 100 pound plates over to the bar in each hand.

"My working weight without a spotter is 700 pounds Sue," Mike replied. "And I can do that for five unassisted reps."

"That's incredible Mike; four times the weight of a normal guy!" Sue gasped in amazement.

"And over twice my weight Sue," Mike informed her with a cocky smirk. "A guy knows he's really big and strong when he can bench more than twice his weight."

He lay down on the bench and proved that he wasn't just bragging as he lowered and raised 700 pounds for five reps. Then he sat up and grinned at Sue, breathing heavily but steadily.

"That's amazing Mike; you're insanely strong!" Sue gasped in astonishment and fear. "You're not just human; you're Superhuman!"

"Yeah I am Sue, and just wait until I get to work out regularly in a college weight room," Mike said, grinning with anticipation. "I'll become so strong after a few months of college workouts that I'll be able to bench 1000 pounds, just like my big brother Matt!"

"Is that your goal Mike: to become the strongest College Football Player on the continent?" Sue asked him, looking terrified at the prospect.

"Yeah it is Sue, I want to become a Superhuman Muscle God who's worshipped by millions of College Football Fans!"

"Why wait until then Mike?" Sue asked, sliding onto his lap. "You already have one adoring fan right here."

"Oh yeah Girl!" Mike laughed, hugging her gently. "Worship your muscle god and in return he'll give you more pleasure than you can possibly imagine!"

"You already do that Mike: every time we go to bed," Sue informed him. Mike smirked, realizing that Sue had just admitted that he was a sexy stud. "I bet you can't carry me in one arm and a 100 pound weight plate in the other!" she dared him.

"Challenge accepted Sue," Mike said, with an arrogant grin. "But I'll do something even more impressive. Climb onto my shoulders and I'll carry a 100 pound plate in each hand!"

Sue did that and so Mike only had to take a few trips to return the weights back to their rack.

"There now, that wasn't so hard, was it Big Guy?" Sue asked as he set her gently down on her feet.

"That's Huge Guy to you Little Lady," Mike corrected her with a cocky smirk. "Don't ever forget how to properly address your Muscle God!"

"I love it when you act so tough and dominant," Sue said, snuggling up to his massive chest. Mike put a huge arm gently around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. "Should we go back outside now and join the rest of the party?"

"It sounds like everyone's coming inside," Mike realized, cocking his head to the side and listening carefully. "Let's invite them all down here and see how strong they are on the bench-press."

"What would be the point?" Sue asked, looking confused. "Only Andrew can match your great strength."

"When I started working out with Andrew six years ago, he never made fun of me for being so small and weak," Mike informed her firmly. "He instead encouraged me to do my best and celebrated my strength milestones. I intend to do the same with all my teammates, and even my new friend Chris: if he wants to start working out with me."

"What if he doesn't want that Mike?" Sue asked him.

"You were with us during lunch when he said that he did Sue," Mike reminded her with a glare. "Do you really think he'd risk making me mad by lying to me?" he growled as he flexed his massive biceps.

"No at all Mike," Sue agreed, terrified at the sight of her huge  boyfriend's bulging muscles. "Look in the mirror and see why it would be suicidal for anyone to make you mad."

Mike looked in the mirror and grinned when he saw his huge muscles bulging in his skintight clothes.

"Oh yeah Sue, I'm a God!" Mike roared in excitement. "Just wait until the College Football Coaches see me tomorrow! They'll be begging me, on their knees, to join their football teams!"

"Do you really intend to wear those skintight clothes when you meet the College Football Coaches this week?" Sue asked incredulously. When Mike nooded eagerly in excitement, Sue added, "Your clothes are so skintight that you could be arrested for Indecent Exposure!"

"Not true Sue; the interest the colleges had for me last week increased exponentially once I changed into these skintight clothes," Mike corrected her with a cocky laugh. "There's no better way for me to demonstrate my awesome build and Superhuman Strength than to dress like this." He stepped up to her until her face was just inches from his massive chest and added, "Besides, they're not the only ones who want me real bad."

"You're right about that Mike, but I want you for your talents in the bedroom, not on thr Football Field," Sue reminded him with a sexy smirk.

"Why you Little Minx: I ought to take you right here!" Mike dared her. "Should we put down a gym mat so you don't get hurt?"

"No Mike; just take me home after the party and stay over," Sue corrected him. "We can go to bed then." She grinned up at him as he trembled with anticipation and added, "Now let's see how strong your Iron Will is. Can you contain your immense desire for me until we're alone in bed together?"

"As immense as my desire for you is, it's no match for my Strength of Will Sue," Mike assured her. "If there's one thing I've learned as a huge strong guy, it's how to control my great strength so that no one gets hurt."

 

"Then it's time for you to prove it," Sue decided. "I'll go upstairs now and bring the other guys down here so that you can show off your great strength to each other."

 

"Fine Sue, then I'll spend a minute or so posing in front of the mirror," Mike decided. "I have to bring back Mike the Cocky Jock for the guys, and put away Mike the Gentle Giant."

 

"I didn't see the Gentle Giant tonight," Sue teased him. Mike laughed when he realized that she was right. "So you won't have to change your personality too much for the guys."

 

"You're right Sue: only my trainees see Mike the Gentle Giant," Mike agreed. "When I'm around the rest of the football team, they see Mike the Jock every day!"

 

"I know that Mike; I watch every game from the stands," Sue reminded him. Mike nodded as he remembered that and Sue added, "I'll go upstairs and get everyone else: that will give you time to get into the Gym Rat mood."

 

"Good idea Sue: by the time you get back down here with all the other party guests, Mike the Gentle Giant will have been replaced by Mike the Cocky Jock!"

Sue nodded and went upstairs to bring his teammates and friends donw to the gym where he was waiting. Then he showed off his max bench.

 

"Wow Mike, you can bench 800 pounds; that's really impressive dude!" Andrew congratulated his big friend. He turned to JP and asked, "What do you think JP?"

"I'm surprised that a small guy like Mike can lift so much," JP replied with a smirk. 

 

"What do you mean small?" Mike asked him with a smirk, flexing his 24 inch bicep, which strained the sleeve of his skintight t-shirt.

 

"Just kidding Mike," JP assured him. "Pretty good arms man; they're going to bust the sleeves of that t-shirt any day now!"

 

"That's the idea JP," Mike informed him with a cocky smirk. "Now let's watch Andrew bench 800 pounds for reps!"

 

"Get ready to be amazed Little Man," Andrew said, laying down on the weight bench as Mike got the weights ready for him. "It's great that you're as strong as me! For now anyway!"

 

Everyone watched in amazement, and more than a little fear, as Andrew backed up his words by benching 800 pounds for three unassisted reps, with only some effort. Mike realized that Andrew was still stronger, since he was repping what Mike maxed out at.

 

"Pretty good job Andrew; now it's my turn," JP said as Andrew stood up from the weight bench.

 

"Are you going to bench 800 pounds just like I did?" Andrew teased him. 

 

"I'm nowhere near that Andrew, but I can bench 315 pounds," JP corrected him. "Let's see if I can do that more than once." He looked up at Mike and asked, "Will you spot me man?"

 

"Sure thing JP," Mike replied, as Andrew raised his eyebrows in surprise. He looked over at Andrew as JP took some weight off the bar and assured him, "Don't worry Andrew: JP and I settled our differences when we went to pick up Sue for this party. During my workout with him earlier, he actually spotted me. So now I'm going to return the favour."

 

As Mike helped JP put his plates on either end of the bar, Andrew suddenly realized that he and Mike were almost the same size, even bigger than Phil. He was amazed when he saw JP bench 315 pounds without a spot on his first two reps, even though Mike had to help him with his last one.

 

"Good job JP," Andrew said, very proud that Mike was such a good spotter.

 

"Thanks man," JP said, standing up and shaking Andrew's hand. 

He winced as Andrew returned the handshake. "Sorry about that JP; I forget how strong I am sometimes."

 

"Don't worry about it Andrew; you didn't hurt my hand on purpose," JP assured him, massaging his sore hand. He turned to Mike and said, "Thanks for spotting me Mike: you're a great workout partner."

 

"Thanks for saying that JP," Mike said with a grateful grin. "It won't be long until you can bench 315 for five unassisted reps and then it will be time to move up to 330!"

 

"That will get me close to half your bench Mike; you're a lot stronger than I am," JP realized. Mike grinned proudly as JP added, "But fortunately your humble nature keeps you from bullying people. But I won't tell anyone that you're a Gentle Giant; I'll help you preserve your Cocky Jock Image for all time!"

"Thanks man," Mike said gratefully, laying a gentle, but massive, hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate that."

"Anyone else want to test their strength on the bench-press?" Andrew asked, looking around at all his teammates. Everyone shook their head and Andrew asked, "Okay, now that the strength tests are over with, what would you like to do next?" 

"It's your party Andrew: you decide," JP declared.

 

"It's almost dark, but our In-Ground Pool has lights," Andrew realized. "Let's get changed into our swim trunks and cool down from our workouts."

 

"You guys go ahead; I'd like to speak to Mike alone for a few minutes," Chris said.

"Sure thing Chris; see you in a few minutes," Andrew agreed, leading the rest of the team, Carrie, Sue, Matt and JP upstairs. 

JP waved goodbye to Mike and Mike waved back.

"So what did you want to talk about Chris?" Mike asked, smiling down at his new friend.

"I just wanted to say how amazing it is that you can bench-press so much weight!" Chris shouted in astonishment. "You're a Superhuman God Mike!"

"Thanks man," Mike said, clapping him on the shoulder with one great hand. Chris winced and grabbed his sore shoulder. "Sorry about that Chris; I didn't mean to hurt you."

 

"No permanent harm done Mike; my shoulder will be fine in a few minutes," Chris assured him. When he saw Mike looking worried, he added, "Hey, don't feel bad Mike: you just have to learn how to control your great strength a little better."

 

"I'll work on that Chris," Mike said quietly, looking embarrassed. 

 

"What's the matter Big Guy?" Chris asked him. "Aren't you proud that you can bench 800 pounds, even if it's only for one rep?"

 

"Yes I am Chris," Mike replied. "But so few people can bench that much that I don't want to cheapen that feat by bragging about it. What if I made those who don't, or can't, bench that much feel bad? I don't want to give anyone the impression that I'm better than they are just because I am way bigger and stronger than they are."

 

"You're bigger and stronger than almost everyone!" Chris reminded him. "Even most of your football teammates are dwarfed by you, especially me! You have no idea how much everyone at school admires you Mike, thanks to your awesome talents on the football field! And you've trained small kids in the gym so that they can get big and follow in your footsteps on the football team! You're a real hero and role model Mike: to your teammates and especially your proteges!" 

 

Tears welled up in Mike's eyes as he became overwhelmed with embarassment and he turned away so that Chris wouldn't see.

"What's wrong Mike: did something get in your eyes?" Chris asked, to give him some Tough Guy Cover. 

"Yeah Chris: tears of joy," Mike replied, deciding not to hide his soft side anymore.

 

"What are you so happy about Mike?" Chris asked, sitting down beside him on a workout bench.

 

"I have turned two enemies into friends today, and all I had to do was act humble instead of being cocky," Mike replied with a smug grin.

 

"So you're just acting humble?" Chris asked, looking confused. "Have you just been pretending to be a Gentle Giant instead of a Cocky Jock?"

 

"Poor choice of words on my part Chris," Mike realized. "I meant to say that all I had to do was be humble instead of being cocky."

 

"Well that makes more sense Mike," Chris agreed. "So, what shall we do now that we've figured that out?"     

 

"Just relax in the pool with our friends," Mike replied, leading him upstairs. "Did you bring your swimsuit?"

 

"I'm wearing it Mike," Chris replied, pointing to his shorts. "Did you bring yours?"

 

"Yeah man: it's in my truck," Mike replied. "I'll go get changed and then you'll see how muscular I truly am with my shirt off."

 

"I'm ready Mike," Chris bluffed, even though he was scared to find out.

 

      "You wait for me by the pool with everyone else Chris and once I get changed, we'll see if you're ready," Mike dared him with a cocky smirk.

 

Chris went outside to the pool, where he and his new friends tested the pool water. Even though it was getting dark, the pool was warm enough: having been in the path of the sun all day. He noticed that the other football players and JP still had their t-shirts on and he wondered why.

 

"Well Chris, what do you think?" Mike asked, walking up to him shirtless.

 

  Chris's jaw dropped in astonishment as he froze in terror: staring speechless at the huge muscular figure standing in front of him. He stared up past Mike's six pack and huge pecs to see his huge friend smiling down at him.

 

"I thought you were looking forward to seeing me shirtless Chris," Mike teased him. "Is it too much for you after all?"

 

Chris nodded quickly, still too scared to even speak.

 

"Then don't look behind you Chris," Mike said with a smirk.

 

Unable to resist, now that Mike had mentioned it, Chris snuck a glance behind him and then froze again in fear. The huge muscular form of Andrew advanced on him slowly, leaving him trapped between two huge muscle monsters.

 

"Stop it Mike and Andrew; you're scaring him!" Sue shouted in desperation.

 

Mike and Andrew stopped in their tracks: realizing that they had given into the Cocky Jock Act and scared their new friend. 

 

"Perhaps we can help," Nate decided, stepping forward with Stu and Lenny. "We're a lot smaller than you two and we've been Chris's friends for years. We'll calm him down and come back to the pool with him in a few minutes."

 

Andrew nodded and then turned around to see JP staring up at him with his mouth open in awe and fear.

 

"Better close your mouth JP, or you'll swallow some flies," Andrew advised him with a joking grin. JP closed his mouth quickly and Andrew nodded in approval. "That's better JP. Now what's wrong? Surely you've seen me shirtless before! Did you forget just how huge and muscular I am?"

 

"Yeah I did Andrew, but you look even bigger than you were this morning," JP replied, trying to squash his fear. "How can that be?"

"I've got a good pump from working out today," Andrew replied with a big grin. He pointed one massive arm at Mike and added, "The same can be said for your new friend Mike."

"That's true Andrew," JP agreed, looking over at Mike and realizing that he was just as huge and muscular as Andrew. "You look insanely huge and strong Mike; those College Football Coaches will be begging you to join their football teams!"

"That's the idea JP," Mike declared, crossing his massive arms over his huge chest. "Thanks for the compliment Big Guy!"

JP gave Mike a big grin: grateful that his new big friend was thinking of his morale. As JP looked around at the crowd of football players in the pool, he noticed that they were all bigger than he was: even the smaller players like Ralph and Connor.

He looked over towards the patio and noticed Nate, Stu and Lenny leading Chris over to them. "Looks like Chris is coming back; try not to scare him guys."

Chris walked slowly up to Andrew and Mike, as Nate kept a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey guys: sorry about getting so scared."

"You don't owe us an apology Chris; we owe you one," Mike declared. He stepped forward slowly and knelt down so that he and Chris were the same height. "I never stopped to think that you'd never seen me shirtless before. My huge muscles must be very scary for you."

"They didn't used to be Mike: but that was when we weren't getting along," Chris realized. "We didn't spend any time together, so you didn't matter to me." Mike narrowed his eyes in anger and Chris hastily added, "I didn't mean to insult you Mike!"

"Then what did you mean Chris?" Mike asked, gently laying a massive hand on his shoulder.

"I meant that now that we're going to spending more time together, you're going to show off your huge muscles more often: even if they're not covered by a t-shirt!"

"My t-shirt barely covered them anyway: it was so tight," Mike declared with an arrogant grin. He noticed Andrew and JP moving away to give them some privacy. Mike stood up and led Chris over to a picnic table where they could sit down. "But I should consider what you've just told me and make sure that I don't scare you out of working out. Do you still want me to teach you how to get big and strong?"

"Yes I do Mike; thanks for still being willing to do that," Chris said gratefully.

"No problem Big Guy; I'll be glad to help you," Mike assured him.

JP sat at another picnic table with Andrew and looked over at Mike and Chris chatting. "Mike's a really great mentor, Andrew."

"Yes he is JP," Andrew agreed. "He was my first trainee: both in the gym and as a workout mentor. Once he told me that he had three small friends who wanted to get big for football, we trained them in Grade Nine. Ralph also trained Chris that year, having been trained by Mark that summer. Mark trained Connor throughout Grade Eight, so that he could join the football team with us in Grade Nine."

"Wow!" JP realized. "Does that mean that except for Phil, every one of the football players here at this party was trained by you two at some point?"

"I never realized that before, but you're right JP," Andrew said with a proud grin. "Even Mike was trained by me: in the summer before Grade Six. Of course, after one summer training with Matt, Rick and Carl didn't have to train me too much for High School Football. Did you know that I got to go with them on their Official Visits?"

"Wow Andrew, I didn't know that!" JP shouted in astonishment. "Does that mean that when we visited Ohio State this summer, it wasn't your first time there?"

"That's true JP, though Coach Tressel was wise enough not to mention that: especially in front of David," Andrew confirmed. "Before YouTube, tagging along on my older teammates' recruiting visits seemed the best way to get the College Football Coaches to notice me." He led the way over to the pool, which Mike and Chris were approaching and added, "And it seems to have worked, because they came up to watch me play and invited me to Spring Tryouts during March Break."

"It certainly worked out for you Andrew, and by inviting me along on your visits, the College Wrestling Coaches are noticing me," JP realized. "This week, as we figure out which schools you're going to visit for the rest of this month, I should contact the Wrestling Coaches there to make sure they're ready for me."

"Getting a bit cocky there JP," Andrew teased him, as they stepped into the shallow end of the pool. "You're not yet that big a deal!"

"I didn't mean that Andrew," JP assured him. "I meant that I want to make sure that they have time to plan my tours of their wrestling facilities."

"Ah, I understand now," Andrew realized. "Sorry about that misunderstanding Big Guy."

"That's okay Andrew; sometimes I don't make my intentions clear," JP informed him. He looked over at his huge muscular friend and whispered, "And you're so big and strong that sometimes I still get nervous around you. It's very scary to see how strong you are: benching 800 pounds and curling 200 pound dumbbells in each hand!"

"I can understand that JP," Andrew assured him.

"How can you possibly understand being scared of a huge strong guy Andrew?" JP asked him in astonishment. "You've always been one!"

"Not before Grade Five I wasn't," Andrew reminded him. "When Matt started training me just after his Senior Year of High School, he stood at 6 foot 7 and weighed 350 pounds of solid muscle. I was terrified of him at first, before he revealed that he was actually a Gentle Giant. Big strong guys don't have to act tough and aggressive, because they could squash any opponent like a bug. So unlike small guys, they don't have to make a lot of noise to be noticed. In fact, I can walk very quietly, as you found out Chris when you didn't hear me approaching you earlier."

"You're right Andrew; I didn't hear a thing until Mike told me not to look behind me," Chris confirmed. "So, if you were scared of big guys before you became one, I imagine there's nothing that you can scare you now."

"You're right about that Chris," Andrew agreed, not even bluffing. "As JP can confirm, not even David Harrington scares me, even though he tried everything to destroy both my military and civilian jobs. I took care of him so well that he'll never bother me in either workplace ever again."

"What did you do to him Andrew: choke him out?" JP asked.

"Naw, nothing so legally complicated JP," Andrew replied. "I just made sure that his workplace crimes got him fired." He looked over at his other friends in the pool. "But we're not here to talk about my enemies JP; we're here to enjoy the rest of this party with my friends."

JP nodded in agreement and followed Andrew, Chris and Mike over to the pool: where they had fun with their friends for the rest of the evening.

======================================================

A couple hours later, after everyone had gone home, Andrew and JP sat down at the Dining Room table and looked at Andrew's Recruiting Letters.

"I'm glad we sorted these out before the party JP; we wouldn't have had time to read them all now," Andrew realized.

"There are still dozens of letters here Andrew; how do you expect to read them?" JP asked him.

"While you guys were partying, your dad and I sorted out each school's letters: putting the most recent ones on the top," Susan informed them. "Since these piles of letters represent the schools that are visiting you this week Andrew: you should read just one from each and then go to bed."

"There are 20 schools here Mom!" Andrew exclaimed in excitement.

"That's right Andrew, and they're all top Division 1 NCAA Football Schools," Susan confirmed with a big grin. Andrew matched her grin with one of his own. "But keep your Reserves Schedule in mind for August; you have to report to the Meaford Base with all your gear at 1800 hours on Civic Holiday. So it's best that you only visit one school each day, leaving travel time to get to the next one. So have your Michelin Atlas with you when the coaches visit you, so that you can plan the best NCAA Road Trip for the rest of this month."

"Thanks for the good advice Mom," Andrew said gratefully. Susan waved Goodnight and headed upstairs. Andrew turned to JP and said, "I just thought of another reason why you should be with me when the College Football Coaches visit me this week JP."

"What''s that Andrew?" JP asked, looking down at the calender with all the coach visits on it.

"The Football Coaches who visit me will be able to contact the Wrestling Coaches on your behalf," Andrew replied. "That way, at each school we visit, you'll be able to tour the Wrestling Facilities while I tour the Football Facilities."

"Good plan Andrew," JP said approvingly. "It looks like four coaches will visit you on each day of this week: for two hours each."

"Yeah, and we'll be meeting the coaches between 8 to 4 all week," Andrew realized. "I think I will invite some of the coaches to dine with me at a local restaurant: one in Orillia at 10 am and one at Webers at noon."

"Good idea Andrew," JP agreed. "So, which coaches visit you tomorrow?"

"You've been looking at the Calender JP; you tell me," Andrew teased him.

"Penn State at 8 am tomorrow morning," JP replied. "Then it's West Virginia at 10 am, Virginia Tech at Noon and Clemson at 2 pm."

"Well, if all four coaches want me to stop by for an Unofficial Visit, that should work out just fine," Andrew realized. "Then we can proceed to Clemson, Georgia Tech, Alabama and Ole Miss, before moving on to Arkansas, Oklahoma and the Texas Schools. Then we can come back along The Gulf Coast to visit the Florida Gators and the Miami Hurricanes."

"Good thing those latter two coaches are visiting you on Friday," JP realized. "Because then you have to get right back on the road to continue our Unofficial Visit Road Trip."

"Well, I think that's enough talk for now JP," Andrew decided, picking up the basket of NCAA Football Letters. "Let's go upstairs to bed now. By the way: where's Matt?"

"He's already asleep upstairs in our Guest Room," JP replied. 

"Well then you'd better go join him JP," Andrew advised him, as they headed upstairs. "I'll see you early in the morning; plan to get up at 7 am."

"See you then Andrew," JP said, holding up his hand for a fist bump. Andrew gave him one, making JP grin. "Have a good sleep."

"You too Big Man," Andrew replied, giving him a huge grin.

JP and Andrew headed into their respective bedrooms for the night: very excited about continuing their college recruiting journey the next day.

======================================================

Meanwhile, at Mike's house, he got home to find his father Martin waiting for him on the front porch.

"Hey Dad, thanks for waiting up for me," Mike said gratefully. He noticed Martin looking at him closely and assured him, "Don't worry Dad; there was no Underage Drinking at Andrew's party, and his parents were there the whole time to make sure of that."

"That's good to hear Mike, because the first College Football Coach visits start tomorrow morning and I expect you to be alert and ready for them," Martin said.

"I will Dad," Mike assured him. "Will you be there with me?"

"I don't need to Mike," Martin replied. "Your Road Trip with Andrew last week was your test of adult responsibilities and you passed it with flying colours. I think I can trust you to make the correct College Football Decision on your own: since it is your first major adult decision."

Mike was stunned silent by his dad's faith in him and he could only mumble, "Thanks Dad."

"You're welcome son," Martin said, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder. He realized that even though Mike was dressed like a Cocky Jock, he wans't acting like one. But he still had to call attention to his outfit. "Are you still intending to wear those skintight clothes to your meetings with the College Football Coaches?"

"Yeah Dad," Mike replied, with a hint of his usual cocky smirk. "I tested them out with the football coaches at Notre Dame and Michigan and they weren't bothered by it. In fact, it seemed to increase their interest in me. So if you meant what you just said about me making the correct College Football Decision on my own, then that includes how I dress during the visits from the College Football Coaches tomorrow."

"Good point Mike," Martin admitted. "You're so good at football that I keep forgetting how smart you are." Mike mock-glared at him, and Martin hastily apologized. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded son; in fact, I'm very proud of how well you've done for yourself in High School Football. I was even prouder during the Playoffs last year, when you didn't help Andrew beat up David. That made sure that you didn't get benched and were therefore able to Start all the games: by taking over as Centre for his two week suspension. You made me very proud Mike: leading the Offensive Line so well."

"Thanks again Dad," Mike said quietly, feeling very embarrased at all the praise. He looked at his watch and added, "Well, it's pretty late and I have to get up early in the morning. Good night Dad."

"Good night son," Martin said, watching as Mike went inside. He sat back down on the porch swing and smiled to himself: pleased that a second son of his was about to start on an awesome College Football Recruiting Journey.

Once Mike got inside, he went up to his bedroom and took off his t-shirt. He looked in the mirror and laughed at the huge muscular figure he saw there.

"Yeah, I'm a Superhuman God!" Mike roared in excitement: no longer having to act humble. "I'm going to rule the High School Football Field this fall and dominate the College Football Field next year! Those coaches who start visiting me tomorrow are going to be on their knees: begging me to join their football teams and use these huge muscles to decimate their competition!"

He flexed his massive biceps and kissed them: one after the other. Then he flexed his abs and fondled them: getting off on his insanely muscular build. Since he didn't have Sue there to worship his massive muscles, Mike had to practice some Self-Worship. He did that every day: in part because he was so proud of his body, but also to give into his Cocky Jock Side when it wouldn't offend anyone else.

Mike thought about starting his own YouTube Channel, like Andrew had, focussing on Workout Tips and the Glory of High School Football. He grinned at the thought that he could help others reach the heights of Athletic Glory that he had and he smiled with pride as he realized that he had already helped his smaller friends do that. Mike was relieved that as he had become huge and incredibly strong over the past few years, neither his girlfriend nor his friends had become so scared of him that they had left him behind. Mike realized that he had to act even more gentle and humble now that he was so big and strong: so that he would have a successful time in College Football.