A Golfer's Dream - Book Three The Real Education Begins    Written by TheCaddy

Disclaimer: This story is entirely fiction. It does not relate to any real 
person, living or dead. Any similarity to a real person, whether living or dead,
is purely coincidental and completely unintended. While actual places are
occasionally mentioned in this story, such mention is not to be a basis for
conclusion that any part of this story is real, or ever happened.
The following story is a work of fiction containing graphic descriptions of
sexual acts between adults and minors. All of the sex depicted is consensual;
the author does not intend to promote incest or sexual relations with underage
children. The age of consent in Canada is currently fourteen. The story is
written purely for entertainment purposes only. Those who are offended by such
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material which they would proscribe for others should search elsewhere. If you
are constrained by law or local authority from reading graphic descriptions of
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Chapter Nine - The Roller Coaster of Life

Dave woke early, very early; he realized he could not go to the range to practice 
so he rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.  He couldn't sleep as his mind 
returned to thinking about his options, should he be suspended.  Eventually he 
heard Colby wake up and climb off the top bunk.  When Colby left for the bathroom, 
Dave got up and pulled on his robe.  He brushed his teeth and was sitting in his 
chair when Colby returned.

Dave got right to the point, "Colby, I'm sorry I was in such foul humor yesterday.  
Keith has been a real asshole about me playing in the Canadian Open.  You may hear 
some rumors today, so I want you to hear what happened from me, first.  Keith was 
being his normal ignorant self and shooting off his face.  He made a comment about 
my father that pissed me off so I started to verbally abuse him.  He can give 
abuse but he doesn't take it so well and he made a very ignorant, totally 
disgusting comment about my mother.  I lost my temper and I hit him, cutting him 
just below the eye.  Coach Dawes saw me hit Keith and, when I wouldn't tell him 
what Keith said to provoke things - I was suspended from practice.  Alec checked 
out my potential punishment and, if this incident goes to the athletic department, 
I will be suspended a week from classes and two weeks from all sports activities."

Colby was surprised to hear Dave's story and he said he was sorry Dave was in 
trouble.  He then thanked Dave for telling him.  Dave asked if he wanted to go eat 
breakfast and the two roommates left for the dining hall together.

Dave ate a good breakfast and, after Colby left for class, Dave returned to his 
room and started studying again.  Shortly after nine o'clock Dave heard a knock on 
the door and, when he opened it, he saw Coach Toombs.  Coach Toombs said that 
Coach Dawes wanted to see Dave immediately.  Dave nodded and grabbed his DeaconOne 
card before he followed Coach Toombs to the golf center.

As they walked, Coach Toombs explained that Darcy had come to him and told him 
what Keith had said.  He further explained that Darcy was very afraid of possible 
repercussions and didn't want Keith or Will to know he had told on them.  Dave was 
relieved that Coach Toombs knew the truth and asked if he had told Coach Dawes.

Coach Toombs looked wistful as he said he had told Coach Dawes, but Coach Dawes 
would not publicly criticize Keith unless one of the four involved came forward 
and told the truth about what had been said.  Dave was angry that Coach Dawes 
didn't seem willing to deal with the problem, and that problem, he thought, was 
Keith.

When they arrived at the center, the team was practicing but Dave didn't even make 
eye contact with any of them as he followed Coach Toombs to Coach Dawes' office.  
They knocked on the door, then entered and sat down.  Coach Dawes spoke 
immediately, "Dave, I have heard indirectly what Keith said and if you are willing 
to confirm that formally, I'll deal with Keith formally."

Dave was mad that again it was being put on him to point fingers and lay blame.  
Dave had thought a lot about whether he would tell on Keith but he didn't believe 
he should.  He replied, "Coach, I'm not a snitch. As much as I dislike Keith, I 
still consider myself part of this team and teammates must trust each other.  I 
believe that real men take responsibility for their actions.  I admit I punched 
Keith and all I will say is he provoked me and I know I was justified.  If Keith 
isn't man enough to tell you the truth, then he will never gain my respect."

Coach Dawes shook his head, "Well Dave, I can't discipline Keith if nothing is 
disclosed, formally."

Dave simply nodded, "I'm not really worried about Keith; I'll stay clear of him as 
long as he does the same.  How will I be discipline?"

Coach Dawes answered, "I have talked it over with Coach Toombs; and; as long as 
you both apologize to each other, I will drop this right now without getting the 
athletic department involved."

Dave was relieved but he looked very serious when he said, "I will apologize but 
only after Keith apologizes.  If he does not say he is sorry for his words, I will 
not apologize for hitting him."  Coach Dawes shook his head and started to say 
something but Dave cut him off, "How would you feel if I said the same thing about 
you and your mother?"

Coach Dawes suddenly looked reflective and he nodded, "I'll speak to Keith - wait 
here."

Coach Dawes left the office and Coach Toombs said, "You will be a good business 
man someday, Dave.  You seem to be a very convincing negotiator."

Dave looked at Coach Toombs and simply shrugged.  They remained quiet for ten 
minutes until Coach Dawes and Keith entered the room.  Dave could see the start of 
a nasty black eye starting and a bandage covered the cut on Keith's face.  
Silently Dave celebrated, "Looks good on you, you fucking asshole."

Besides the scars, Keith's face looked very angry.  He walked to Dave.  As Dave 
stood, Keith put out his hand and said, "I'm sorry for what I said."

Dave shook his hand and replied, "I'm sorry I hit you."

Keith looked at Coach Dawes who said, "Return to practice, Keith.  Dave, go get 
your golf shoes on and start stretching."

Dave happily nodded and started to walk towards the locker room.  As he left Coach 
Dawes' office, the phone rang and Coach motioned for him to close the door behind 
him.

Dave opened his locker and pulled out his shoes.  He had just tied them when Coach 
Toombs entered, "Dave, there's been a complication.  Coach Dawes wants you to wait 
here until he knows more about the complication."

Dave looked at Coach Toombs in disbelief.  He asked, "What complication?"

Coach Toombs replied, "Coach Dawes simply told me there was a new problem - I 
don't know any more than you."

Dave shook his head and began pacing around in the locker room; Coach Toombs left.  
Dave watched the clock tick off the minutes and it seemed like an eternity before 
Coach Toombs returned.  The clock had advanced thirty minutes but it had felt like 
hours.  Dave anxiously asked, "Do you know what is going on?"  Coach Toombs simply 
shook his head.

As they entered Coach Dawes' office, Dave could immediately see a lot of stress 
and concern on his Coach's face.  Dave and Coach Toombs sat down as Coach Dawes 
began, "Dave, it seems one of the paparazzi who was here several days ago was back 
again yesterday.  He took pictures of you hitting Keith and sold them to the 
National Enquirer.  They are writing a story based on the pictures and called me 
for my comments.  The story will be published next week.  I called the President 
and we had a conference call with the director of athletics.  I obviously had to 
tell them what happened and, while I didn't give them exact details, I told them 
that Keith said something totally loathsome and bad about your mother.  They 
agreed that I handled the situation correctly and that a one day suspension and 
apologies had been fine, if the incident had not become public.  Now, however, 
that has all changed.  The President wanted to have a discipline hearing but the 
Athletic Director and I have talked him into allowing the minimum suspensions to 
be enforced - you will receive a one week academic suspension and a two week 
athletic suspension."

Dave was furious and Coach Dawes held up his hand to stop Dave from interrupting 
him, "I know you're pissed, but let me finish."  Dave was turning red with anger 
but he nodded.  "If we had a discipline hearing and Keith was found to be at 
fault, he would receive discipline with at least the minimum suspensions that you 
are facing.  However, because you struck him, even if determined that you were 
justified, you would still be suspended for the minimum time and possibly more.  I 
know Keith was partly to blame but you did hit him and now you have to take 
responsibility for that."

Dave's thoughts were swirling with anger, frustration, and worry over his golf 
career.  He finally heard the words his father had told him when he had decided to 
go to the Canadian Open, "Be prepared to deal with the consequences of whichever 
decision you make."  Dave had never imagined that this could be the consequence 
but he realized he had to accept it.

He felt a tear in his eye as he stood and put out his hand to Coach Dawes, "I'll 
accept my punishment.  Thank you for saving me the embarrassment of a disciplinary 
hearing."  Coach Dawes shook Dave's hand before Dave turned and walked out of the 
room.

Dave was taking off his golf shoes in the locker room when Coach Toombs entered, 
"Dave, Coach Dawes has called all the players into the meeting room.  When you are 
finished taking off your shoes, please join us."  Dave nodded.

Dave got a drink of water before he entered the meeting room.  Half the team was 
there and they waited quietly for the other golfers to return from Miller Center.  
Dave sat alone to the side, bent over with his head in his hands.  He could hear 
whispering but he didn't look up.  Eventually he heard movement and knew it was 
the rest of the team.  He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at a very 
sweaty but serious looking Alec.  Alec whispered, "What's going on?"

Dave simply replied, "It's not good.  Coach will explain."

Coach Dawes moved to the front and explained, "As you all know, we had an incident 
between Dave and Keith yesterday.  I dealt with the issue this morning and both 
men have apologized.  I had thought and hoped the incident was behind us, however 
I got a call this morning and apparently one of the paparazzi that were here the 
other day was also here yesterday and he took pictures of what happened.  He has 
sold the pictures to the National Enquirer and they are publishing an article next 
week.  Some of you know exactly what happened and the rest probably know almost 
exactly what happened but we will stand together on this as a team.  If we are 
questioned by anyone, and that includes your own parents, your response is 'Dave 
and Keith had an argument, Keith provoked Dave, and Dave hit him' end of story.  
That is all you are to say to anyone."  He raised his voice in a very 
authoritative manner, "Am I clear?"

The whole room quickly replied, "Yes, Coach."

Coach Dawes then said, "Dave has been suspended from classes for one week and all 
athletic events for two weeks."  The whole team including Keith looked at coach in 
surprise and then looked at Dave.  Coach Dawes finished, "Please return to what 
you were doing."

Dave simply sat there and watched as his teammates left the room.  Alec stayed 
behind and growled, "This fucking sucks!"  Dave simply nodded.  Alec shook his 
head, "I have to get back to my workout - but I will come get you for supper."

Dave shook his head, "Don't bother.  I've been thinking a lot and I've decided to 
go home for a week.  I need to get out of here and this team needs me out of here 
as well.  I'll call you when I get back."

Alec shook Dave's hand then he said, "See you soon!"  Dave nodded before Alec 
left.

Coach Dawes was just outside the meeting room so Dave walked to him.  Dave 
explained, "I'm going to go back to QAI for a week.  Hopefully this will mostly 
blow over while I'm gone."

Coach Dawes replied, "Okay, Dave.  I'm sorry it had to be this way."

Dave simply nodded before he went to his locker and cleaned it out.  He got his 
clubs and walked back to his dorm.  It was still before eleven so he logged onto 
his computer and booked his flight home online.  He sent a message to Colby 
telling him what happened and that he had decided to go home for a week.  The 
flight from Greensboro to Chicago left at one o'clock so Dave packed quickly and 
called a cab.

The flight to Chicago passed quickly and Dave was soon boarding a flight for 
Montreal.  After he landed in Montreal and passed through customs, he called his 
father.  It was after supper and his father had just arrived home.  Dave briefly 
explained what happened and that he would be landing at ten-thirty and wondered if 
they could pick him up.  His father was very surprised and disappointed to hear 
Dave had been suspended.  But when he heard what Keith had said, he was more 
understanding.

Dave worked on his laptop during the flight home.  After the plane landed in 
Edwardton, Dave walked into the airport.  His parents and sisters were waiting for 
him and they hugged him supportively.  They got his luggage and drove straight 
home.  Dave was tired but when he arrived at the house, he had a long talk with 
his parents; he explained everything that happened in detail.  His father told him 
he understood him getting angry but he still didn't think Dave should have hit 
Keith.  He told Dave that he was fortunate to only get a one-week suspension.  His 
parents told him they loved him before he went to bed.

He slept soundly in his old bed and was up early the next morning.  He decided to 
go to Hornsby Golf Course to practice but he didn't get much practice because all 
the members wanted to congratulate him on winning the Canadian Open.  He also 
dealt with the issue of his suspension with several members and when he told one 
of them about the upcoming article in National Enquirer, the member suggested he 
call a local reporter and give his account of the incident.  Dave thought about 
that suggestion for a while and finally decided to ask his father.

After Dave spent most of the morning at Hornsby, he saw his father at lunchtime.  
He asked his dad about doing an interview and his father thought it was a very 
good idea.  His dad explained that Islanders would rather read about the truth in 
their local paper then some fabrication in the Inquirer.  His dad said he knew the 
perfect reporter and immediately went to the phone.  A moment later he handed Dave 
the phone and Dave did an interview.  The interview lasted thirty minutes of which 
a significant amount of time was spent just talking about Mike Weir, Vijay Singh, 
and other high profile golfers.

When Dave hung up he felt much better about the whole situation.  He hadn't given 
a lot of details about the suspension - he basically said what his coach had told 
him to say.  However he did add that he was sorry for any embarrassment the 
incident might bring to his family and friends and Wake Forest.

Dave called John after he talked to the reporter.  John had a game that evening 
and he invited Dave to go into the dressing room before the game.  Dave said he 
would drop by and see him.  Dave spent the afternoon studying and sent e-mails to 
some of his classmates to ask if they could send him overviews of what was covered 
in class.  He sent e-mails to Jennifer, Sarah, and Tina to let them know what 
happened so they would not be shocked by whatever the Enquirer wrote.

After supper he went to the rink to visit John and his old teammates.  He enjoyed 
the game and the Missiles won a hard fought game.  Boots, their goaltender, played 
unbelievably well - he almost won the game himself.  Dave had a chance to talk to 
John after the game; he told him exactly what had happened with Keith.  John said 
he would love to get hold of Keith and teach him some respect - he was rubbing his 
fist as he said it.  Dave appreciated his best friends support.

John invited Dave to a house party after the game but Dave said he wanted to go to 
their usual hang out, McDonalds.  John explained that he didn't go there anymore - 
he felt too old.  Dave explained he was hoping to see Rebecca, so he got the 
address of the party from John and said he might drop by later.  Dave was 
surprised that he didn't know a lot of the people at McDonalds and he realized 
that all his friends were now hanging out at bars or having house or dorm parties.  
Dave was just leaving when a familiar redhead jumped into his arms and kissed him 
tenderly.

She asked, "When did you get home?"  He explained that he got home late the night 
before.  She told her girlfriends that she was leaving with Dave.  They got in his 
car and drove away.  They drove to the park where they could sit and talk.  Dave 
told her everything that had happened.  She simply said, "I don't like to say I 
told you so but I warned you that eventually you would meet someone who is jealous 
of you and would want to hurt you."

Dave nodded agreement and he must have looked sad because she immediately felt bad 
for what she said; she jumped into his arms and kissed him passionately.  The kiss 
led to heavy petting, which led to Rebecca pulling out his hard dick and giving 
him an earth-shaking blowjob.  He slid his hand inside her denims and was 
surprised to find panties.  He teased, "So you do own panties.  I was beginning to 
wonder."

She simply smiled, "I wasn't expecting to see you tonight."

He pulled her pants off and licked and sucked her to noisy orgasm.  After she 
recovered she moved him to the passenger seat and sat down on his now hard shaft.  
She kissed and hugged him as she rocked back and forth on his hardness until they 
both reached orgasm.  As they hugged and slowly recovered, Dave briefly wondered 
why he had ever left.

They remained in the same position for a long time before eventually getting 
dressed.  They talked for another hour before he drove her home.  He walked her to 
the door and kissed her tenderly.  She asked him to call her later in the week.  
He nodded agreement.

It was just after midnight so Dave drove home and went to bed.  He again woke 
early in the morning and practiced until lunch.  His father told him that 
Katherine's UQAI soccer team had a home game that afternoon, so Dave decided to go 
watch her play.  He had wanted to warn her about the article.

He arrived at the game twenty minutes before it started.  Katherine was warming up 
when she saw him and she ran off the field and into his arms.  He hugged her and 
briefly told her why he was home before she went back onto the field to play.  He 
went to look for a seat in the bleachers and her mother waved to him so he sat 
beside her.  They talked briefly but the game soon started and they both focused 
on the play.  Katherine played spectacular; she scored two goals and set up 
another - UQAI won four-two.  Katherine's mother explained that Katherine must 
have been playing extra hard for him because in the first three games of the 
season, she only had one goal and set up one other.  But she was by far the best 
player on the field with Dave there.

Dave smiled as he had thought that Katherine had really dominated the field, too.  
After the game Katherine rushed to her mother and Dave.  Her mother congratulated 
her and said she would see her at home later.  Dave took Katherine's hand and they 
walked to his car.  While they sat in the parking lot, he told her everything that 
had happened.  She was disappointed for him and wished for things to get better 
when he returned.  He said he hoped he could move forward but he was anxious about 
what the Enquirer would write.  Dave eventually drove Katherine home and said 
goodbye.

He went home and was studying when he got a phone call.  It was the Missile's 
coach, Alain Vigneault, and he invited Dave to practice with the team that week.  
Dave thought it would be nice to get some exercise and agreed.

Dave studied all evening before going to bed.  He woke early the next day and hit 
balls for two hours before going to the rink.  He brought his skates with him and 
Spider, the team trainer, outfitted him with a full set of gear.  Spider made a 
comment that he had been told to keep Dave's gear from the previous year ready - 
just in case.  Dave laughed.  The first practice was very tiring and Dave felt 
very slow.

After practice, he and John agreed to go to his house for lunch before returning 
to the rink for weight training.  On the way to the house Dave stopped at a local 
newsstand and picked up the Enquirer.  A small sub-line read "Golf Phenomenon or 
Hockey Goon?"

Dave shook his head and leafed through the magazine until he saw the picture of 
him hitting Keith.  There were three action shots of Dave's fist closing in on 
Keith's face and then a picture of the coach standing between them with blood 
running down Keith's cheek.  There was also another picture of Dave wearing his 
Missile's uniform fighting a player from Val D'Or.  Dave remembered the fight the 
previous winter, very well.  The Val D'Or player had broken his stick over Dave's 
leg early in the game and later challenged Dave to fight.  Dave had really 
pummeled him and the picture showed Dave hitting the Val D'Or player's bloody 
face.

Dave tucked the magazine under his arm and then walked back to his car.  John read 
the article as they drove to Dave's house and Dave heard him periodically laugh.  
John was still reading the article as he walked into the house.  Dave pulled 
together a quick meal for both of them before he sat with John at the breakfast 
nook and read the article as he ate.  The article said that Dave was trying to run 
the golf team.  When a teammate questioned him, Dave punched the teammate.  The 
article also said that Dave was an aggressive mean person and that was proven by 
his dirty tactics when he played hockey.  The article referenced several people 
Dave had never heard of.  The article angered Dave and John immediately noticed 
his friend's mood.

When Dave finished the article he said, "Those fucking assholes wrote a total 
bunch of lies."

He looked at John who was laughing at him.  He started to get mad at John when his 
friend said, "Dave, not one person who has ever met you will believe a fucking 
word of that shit.  It's all bullshit and you know it."

Dave thought about his friend's comments and gradually started to chuckle.  John 
took up a defensive posture with his hands in front of his face and in his best 
"Ice Voice" barked, "Let's go!"

Dave laughed at his friend.  He realized that only a true friend would know how to 
make him feel better and he was relieved he came back to QAI.  John found the 
local Guardian newspaper and started to read it.  The headline on the sports page 
read Island Hero Returns Home with a large picture of Dave holding the Bell 
Canadian Open trophy below.

John read the article and then passed it to Dave, "Now that is what Islanders will 
believe."

Dave read the article and a tear actually came to his eye.  The reporter had 
called several of Dave's coaches and teammates from both golf and hockey.  There 
were even a few quotes from John.  The article explained how Dave had instilled 
pride in Canada and QAI when he won the open.  It explained how he had led his 
Major Midget team to a national title but never talked about himself - only the 
team.  He always gave credit to others.  The article discussed Dave's list of 
accomplishments then Coach Vigneault was quoted as saying that he had never 
coached a more talented, harder working, team-minded player.  He further said that 
if Wake Forest didn't want Dave, then he would be ecstatic to have him back on his 
team.  All Dave's other coaches and teammates had said the same thing - Dave was a 
supportive, team player.

The last quotes were from John and they said that Dave was the most helpful and 
supportive teammate he could ever imagine having.  John finally said that if Dave 
punched a jealous teammate then that person must have said or done something 
really, really drastic to provoke Dave.

When Dave finished reading the article, he looked at his best friend.  His eyes 
were misty and he was about to say something but John spoke before he had a 
chance.  "Dave, every word in that article is true.  You are a true team player 
and, if anyone questions that, then they do not have a clue what a team player 
is."

Dave simply nodded emotionally stuttered, "Thanks, John."

They changed the subject and talked about the start of the season for the 
Missiles; John explained how both Michael Lambert and Cory Urquhart had signed 
with AHL teams and wouldn't be returning.  Most of the defensemen were too old and 
Milan Hruska didn't return from Europe so the back line was very young.  A new 
scorer from Norway was added and the team hoped that he would have a good year.

Dave and John returned to the rink.  As soon as they walked into the change room 
within the dressing room, Dave and John stopped dead in their tracks.  Dozens of 
pictures from Enquirer article were tapped all over the wall.  At first Dave 
started to get mad but his line mate from the previous year, Pierre Andre Bureau 
walked into the room laughing and said, "If you are a goon - you are definitely 
our goon."  He handed Dave a white hockey jersey with yellow and blue trim.  On 
the front of the jersey was CHIEFS and Dave immediately got the joke.  The 
Charlestown Chiefs were the team in the movie Slap Shot and the Hansen brothers 
were the dirtiest hockey players in the league.  Dave laughed when he saw his 
name-bar on the back.  Bureau added, "You have to wear this for the rest of the 
week while you are with us."

Dave shook Bureau's hand and thanked him.  The whole team was in the hallway and 
all were laughing and teasing Dave.  Dave felt great as he thought - this is what 
a team is truly like.

The rest of the week flew past and, by the end, Dave was keeping up fairly well 
with the drills.  On Friday the team left for two away games but just before they 
left Coach Vigneault called Dave into his office.  He said, "Dave, I know we had 
this discussion last spring but with everything that is going on, I wanted to 
repeat the offer.  If you want to return to the team, we will hold a spot for you 
- you are always welcome."  Dave thanked him then they stood and shook hands.  
Coach Vigneault added, "Don't ever believe anything that was written in the stupid 
Enquirer article - you are a team player and no one should ever question that."  
Dave thanked him again before he left.

Dave had studied hard all week and he had received e-mails from several of his 
classmates.  He reviewed their notes and was confident he was up-to-date on all 
his classes.  On Friday night he stayed home and watched a movie with his family.  
They munched on popcorn as they laughed and cried through the show.

Dave practiced golf most of Saturday before picking Rebecca up for supper.  Her 
father met him at the door and he immediately congratulated Dave on the Open.  
Riley and Robbie charge in and jumped on Dave, wrestling him to the ground.  Riley 
said, "The creature said you were practicing with the Missiles.  Are you going to 
play with them again?"

Dave knew Riley called Rebecca the creature and he laughed before he replied, "No, 
I'm not going to play with them.  I was only getting some exercise.  But if I 
decide to play with the Missiles again, I promise to call you and tell you.  
Okay?"  Riley nodded before Rebecca came into the room and chased the boys out of 
the room.

After going to supper and a movie, Dave and Rebecca went directly to the park and 
had a wild night in the car.  After the exhausting sex, they talked for an hour 
before Dave drove her home.  They kissed passionately and Dave told her he loved 
her.  He drove home thinking about her lovely red bush.

He flew back to Wake Forest on Sunday and arrived late in the evening.  Alec 
picked him up at the airport and they talked about his trip during the drive back 
to campus.  Dave went right to his room and got settled back in.  Colby updated 
Dave on the residence happenings during the week before Dave went to sleep.

Dave noticed that a lot of students were again pointing and staring at him but the 
week passed quickly.  He was happy to find out he had stayed current on his 
studies and he worked hard to get ahead again.  He wasn't allowed to practice on 
the university facilities, so Alec loaned Dave his car and Dave drove to a local 
driving range every day.  His athletic suspension was finally up on Friday and he 
was relieved to go to the golf center and practice.

He woke early and when he didn't see Darcy waiting for him he walked to the golf 
center.  Alec, however, was waiting at the range.  They hit balls for two hours 
before the rest of the team showed up.  Dave thought that things would be better 
when he got back.  The team knew he could have pushed the situation and had Keith 
suspended as well so he felt he had taken one for the team, but the atmosphere at 
practice was not what he had hoped for.  All the players besides Alec were distant 
and cold.  Dave was initially angry but he told himself that he could and would 
earn their respect.  Even Darcy had changed and when Dave asked Alec, he said that 
Darcy had hung out with Will and Keith the entire week Dave was away.  Dave nodded 
understandingly.  Dave was even getting dirty looks from the women's team and he 
suspected that Tiffany was partly to blame.

Dave practiced hard all weekend with the team.  Two more teammates started to come 
around; the sophomores, Carl and Tony.  Keith had continued to be his ignorant 
sarcastic self but Dave ignored him.  The team had midterm exams the first week of 
October, so practices were cancelled until Friday, October 7th when the team would 
play the qualifying round for the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate in Alabama.

Dave studied hard and he thought he did well in his exams.

On Friday he was ready to qualify but when he got to Tanglewood, he was 
disappointed to see he had to play with Keith for the qualifying round.  Dave went 
to the practice range and got focused on his round.  His other playing partners 
were Will and Darcy.  Dave couldn't believe Coach Dawes would put him with the 
same three golfers who had betrayed him two weeks earlier.

Keith started in on Dave on the first hole.  He verbally abused Dave the whole 
front nine, but Dave shut him out and remained focused.  Will was always laughing 
and taunting Dave as well.  Dave was two under par on the front nine while both 
Keith and Will were so distracted by trying to throw Dave off his game that both 
were three over par.  Darcy was trying to stay out of it but he was distracted as 
well and shot two over par.  Dave started the back even better and with three 
holes left he was five under par.  He was about to hit on the sixteenth hole when 
Keith said, "I wasn't really sorry about what I said to you that day.  I know what 
I said is true."

Dave was furious and he was about to say something to Keith when Coach Dawes drove 
up on a golf cart.  He could see Dave was angry about something and asked, "Is 
there a problem?"

Dave stared at Keith who was smiling sweetly then simply shook his head to Coach 
Dawes.  Coach Dawes said, "Well, let's keep moving."

Dave stood over his ball but he couldn't get focused.  He hit a bad shot which 
landed in the sand trap in front of the green.  After the other three golfers hit, 
Dave walked angrily down the fairway but forced himself to get refocused.  His 
ball was buried under the lip of the trap and Dave did well to get it on the 
green.  He two-putted for bogey.  On the next hole Keith continued to talk about 
Dave's mother, but Dave managed to make par.  As Dave went to the last hole he was 
four under par.  He kept telling himself, "Finish at least three under and Coach 
Dawes will have to let you play the next tournament.  You can prove yourself at 
that tournament."

Dave stood on the last tee and was focused as he went through his pre-shot 
routine.  Keith made his usual comments as Dave prepared to swing but as Dave 
pulled the club back and started through on his swing Keith yelled, "Mother 
fucker."  Dave hit a huge hook left and the ball disappeared into the woods.  Dave 
lost it and strode towards Keith.  He was about to let loose on him when he heard 
a voice say, "Control your emotions."  Dave glared at Keith and said, "One of 
these days, Keith. One of these fucking days."  Keith had initially cringed but 
when he realized Dave wasn't going to hit him he laughed in his face.

Dave had to wait until Darcy hit his tee shot before he could hit his provisional 
ball.  He hit the provisional ball solidly even with the continued distractions.  
Dave looked for the lost ball but didn't get any help from the other three players 
and as soon as his ten-minute search time expired.  Keith yelled, "Ten minutes is 
up.  The ball is lost."

Dave stormed over to his provisional ball and hit it onto the green fifteen feet 
from the hole.  He just missed the putt before he tapped in for double bogey and a 
two-under par total.  When the group was shaking hands after the round, Coach 
Dawes was beside the green and both Keith and Will were acting appropriately.  As 
Dave shook Keith's, hand he whispered, "Fuck you, Asshole!"

Keith simply smiled.  When Alec finished, he asked Dave how he did.  Dave said he 
played well considering and he told Alec what Keith had done.  Alec was totally 
pissed but he told Dave that two-under should be good enough to get Dave into the 
next tournament.  Coach Dawes called the team into the conference room and read 
out the scores.  Keith and Will had the two highest scores at seventy-six and 
seventy-seven.  Darcy and most of the rest of the team were par or higher.  Alec 
was one-under par and Dave was two-under par.  The two lowest scores were three-
under par shot by Carl and the other junior, Rob.

Dave was sure that the third lowest score would get him into the tournament.  
Coach Dawes said, "The team for the Jerry Pate tournament will be Carl, Tony, Rob, 
Keith, and Will."

Dave was in total shock.  Inside, he was beyond angry but outwardly he was just 
stunned.  He looked at Alec in disbelief.  Alec was equally surprised but didn't 
say anything.  Dave never said a word.  He simply got up and stormed out of the 
room.  He grabbed his clubs and walked to Alec's car.  When Alec arrived Dave 
never said a word, he just put his clubs in the trunk then sat in the car.  The 
drive to campus was quiet and Alec didn't push the issue.  Alec asked, "Want to go 
to supper?"  Dave simply shook his head, no.

When Alec pulled up in front of Palmer, Dave got out, retrieved his clubs, and 
emotionlessly said, "Thanks" before he walked into the residence.  Dave was in 
such a state that he didn't see the twins standing in the main entrance smiling at 
him.  He lumbered to his room and saw that Colby had gone home for the weekend 
again.  Dave crawled into bed and never got out all night

As he lay in bed, he questioned why he had come to Wake Forest.  He hated Keith; 
Will was an asshole too.  He tossed and turned all night.  He woke early the next 
day but just lay in bed until it was time to go to practice.  Alec asked if he was 
okay but Dave simply shrugged.  Dave was like a zombie all weekend.  He went 
through the motions but he really didn't care about his golf.  Colby returned on 
Sunday and instantly knew Dave had problems.  He took some books to the library to 
study.  Dave thought about his options all night and when he finally fell asleep 
he had decided on a course of action.

On Monday he went to classes but he didn't pay much attention.  During lunch he 
made a phone call to the Detroit Red Wings and asked to meet with the scout who 
had talked to him before the draft the previous spring.  The scout was very happy 
to receive Dave's call and agreed to fly to Winston-Salem and meet with him on 
Tuesday.  Dave didn't go to practice after his afternoon class on Monday.  Coach 
Dawes and the five golfers were gone to the Jerry Pate but Coach Toombs was still 
running drills.  Dave went back to his room and climbed in bed.

As Dave lay in bed he thought about the calls he had received to play in other 
professional golf tournaments and he considered turning pro.  He didn't know what 
was required but he was definitely thinking about it.  He eventually fell asleep.

On Tuesday he went to class but again he was in a fog and didn't pay much 
attention.  Alec found Dave in the dining hall and asked, "Dave, what's going on?  
Coach Toombs is pissed you didn't go to practice."

Dave looked at Alec and replied, "Fuck Toombs!"

Alec tried to get Dave to talk but he wouldn't.  He ate quietly then left for his 
room.  Just before supper, the Detroit scout showed up in a black limo and Dave 
was waiting for him outside Palmer.  The twins watched Dave get into the limo but 
he didn't even notice them.  As soon as he got inside the limo, he immediately 
changed his attitude to normal and went out with the scout for supper.

After a great meal at a fancy restaurant, the scout explained that the lockout by 
the NHL owners was a big problem and he couldn't sign Dave to a contract with the 
NHL club right now but he could arrange a contract with their AHL affiliate team, 
the Grand Rapid Griffins.  He would honor the original figures proposed but Dave 
may have to play with the Missiles for one more year.  The scout agreed to write 
up a legal offer, which Dave could take to a lawyer and confirm.  Dave would get 
his bonus and a new contract at the end of the Missiles' season.

The scout then asked, "Dave, I know there is trouble here - I read the Enquirer."  
Dave shook his head and was about to correct the scout but the scout continued, "I 
know, the Enquirer is mostly lies but if you hit one of your teammates - there is 
definitely a problem."  Dave finally nodded agreement.  The scout finished, "That 
said, I know how important your golf is to you.  Make sure this is what you want."

Dave replied, "I haven't made up my mind completely but I am very close.  I need 
to make one phone call to finalize my decision.  Will you write up the contract 
and I will consider it and let you know."

The scout shook Dave's hand then drove Dave back to the residence.  After Dave 
stepped out of the car, he waved goodbye to the scout then turned to enter Palmer.  
As he reached the door, Coach Toombs walked out the door and asked, "What's going 
on, Dave?  Who was in the limo?"

Dave replied, "A scout for the Detroit Red Wings.  He's sending me a contract for 
me to sign."

Coach Toombs was shocked.  He didn't know what to say.  Dave asked, "Do you want 
to know anything else?"  Coach Toombs simply shook his head and walked away.  Dave 
smiled to himself and walked to his room.  He picked up his cell phone and dialed 
Rebecca's number.  She answered the phone and just hearing her voice made Dave 
feel much better.  He said, "Hi, 'Becca.  How are you?"

She was surprised to hear his voice and replied, "Hi, Dave.  I'm great; how are 
you?"

He said, "I'm much better now that I'm talking to you.  I want to ask you 
something very important.  Will you marry me?"

Dave heard the pause on the other end of the phone but he waited patiently.  
Rebecca was shocked by his question and she asked, "Dave, what's going on?  How 
can I marry you if you are in North Carolina?"

He replied, "I've had my fill of these assholes.  I'm moving home tomorrow and 
playing with the Missiles.  I met with the scout for Detroit and we have agreed in 
principle on a contract.  I'm not going to sign it right away, I'm going to see if 
I can get my professional golf status and make my money at golf but if that 
doesn't work, I can play hockey instead.  I'll wait for you to finish school then 
we'll move to either my new hockey city or to Florida where I can practice golf 
all year round.  We'll wait to get married next year but I need to know you want 
me as much as I want you.  I need you, 'Becca."

Rebecca was shocked.  She had never dreamed Dave would do this.  She knew she 
couldn't be a part of him quitting school so she came up with the fastest but 
stupidest lie she could think of.  She answered, "Dave, I can't marry you.  I'm 
dating someone else now.  You should stay at university and get your degree."

Dave couldn't believe what she said, "What do you mean you're dating someone else.  
I thought you loved me."

Rebecca could feel herself breaking up but she replied, "Dave, I've moved on.  You 
should do the same."

Dave's rage overtook him and he yelled, "Fuck you, too!"

He pulled his arm back and threw the phone against the far wall.  It exploded into 
pieces.  Dave rolled onto his bed and pulled a pillow over his head.  He stayed in 
his room all evening.  He heard knocking on two occasions and both times Alec 
asked him to open the door.  He ignored the knocking and remained in bed.  Colby 
returned briefly after supper but quickly left for the library.

Dave debated all night what to do.  He eventually dozed off.  In the morning he 
was still undecided so he went to his classes.  He got his mid-term exams back and 
he received two A's.  He shook his head and thought, "Who gives a fuck?"  Alec 
found him at lunch again and Dave simply told him that he was still trying to 
decide what to do.  He told Alec about meeting with the Red Wing Scout.  He 
explained that he was leaning towards turning pro and trying to get his PGA card 
but the year was so late that he couldn't go to Qualifying School and didn't want 
to risk playing in PGA events in case he didn't earn enough money to get his card.  
Alec knew that the PGA offered cards to the top 125 players on money earnings 
list.  If Dave had a few good tournaments he could earn his card that way - just 
as Tiger had done.

Alec said, "Jesus, Dave.  You can't give up on Wake Forest that easy.  The team 
finished eighth in the Jerry Pate.  The team needs you; I need you."

Dave stared at Alec, "Coach Dawes doesn't want me on the team; so he can go fuck 
himself."

Alec started to speak but Dave simply said, "I don't care about the team anymore.  
If they want me to pay for my tuition, I'll do it.  I don't need the golf team."

He went to his afternoon class and got his exam back there as well.  It was an A+ 
and Dave again was indifferent.  After class Dave went back to his room and sat 
around doing nothing.  At seven o'clock he heard a knock on the door but didn't 
answer it.  Then he heard Coach Dawes' voice so he opened the door.

Coach Dawes looked very angry and he ordered, "I want you to come to my office 
with me right now."

Dave replied sternly, "I'm not going to your office.  I quit your fucking team and 
you can stick it up your ass."

Coach Dawes walked inside Dave's room and closed the door.  Dave stared at him 
with indifference as Coach Dawes asked, "So you're quitting because I didn't pick 
you for the tournament?  I thought you had more backbone than that."

Dave got very angry, "You have no fucking right to question my backbone.  I've put 
up with nothing but shit since I got here and I won't continue to be treated like 
a fucking doormat."

Coach Dawes asked, "How have we treated you poorly."

Dave growled, "That fucking Keith told me that I wanted to fuck my mother and when 
I hit him, I get suspended while he gets rewarded.  Backbone?  I could have, and 
should have taken that prick down with me but, no, I took one for the team.  And 
what do you do but put me out with the same three assholes that stabbed me in the 
back.  Keith chirped at me the entire round but I ignored him.  Just before you 
told me to hit on sixteen he told me he wasn't sorry about what he said and that 
he meant every word.  You knew something was going on but you continued to ignore 
it.  I made a decent bogey after a terrible tee shot and managed to survive the 
seventeenth hole.  Then on the eighteenth, I was in my back swing and Keith yelled 
"Motherfucker" at me.  I hooked my ball in the woods and Keith laughed.  I was 
going to kill him but I controlled my temper.  Those three pricks didn't even help 
me look for my ball, and then Keith called me on time as soon as ten minutes was 
up.  I still almost saved bogey and if I had I would have tied the low score for 
the round.  So then when you pick the team, you don't give me a chance - even 
though I had the third lowest score.  And on top of it all you reward Keith again 
when he shot the worst score.  Backbone?  I have lots of backbone but you have 
your head up your ass so far that you that you can't see a fucking thing."

Coach Dawes was stunned by Dave's confession but when Dave said he had his head up 
his ass, Coach Dawes got furious.  He looked directly at Dave and said, "You're 
off the team.  Your scholarship is cancelled."

Dave retorted, "Fine, stick it up your ass, if it can fit past your oversized 
head."

Coach Dawes glared at Dave and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.  Dave 
sat on his bed.  His entire body was shaking from adrenalin.  He pulled off his 
clothes and climbed under the covers.  He tossed and turned for hours before he 
fell asleep.

He woke early and debated what he wanted to do.  He was still undecided as to 
return home and play for the Missiles or continue with his education.  He thought 
about the school, he really liked his classes and he knew he could pay for it with 
his trust fund.  He eventually got up and went to his classes.  He got his last 
two midterms back; he had earned two more A+s.  He felt proud of his 
accomplishment and he decided to finish the academic term before he made an 
athletic decision.

He didn't see Alec at lunch but he still didn't feel like looking for him.  He 
went back to his room and started studying.  He knew he could immerse himself in 
his studies and not have to worry about his golf.  He studied hard all afternoon.  
It was almost suppertime when he heard a knock on the door.  He ignored it but 
suddenly he heard a very familiar voice ask, "Please, Dave?  I want to talk to 
you."

He opened the door and was shocked to see Jennifer standing in front of him.  She 
had tears in her eyes and she pleaded, "Please let me speak to you?"

Dave immediately pulled her into the room and into his arms.  She swung the door 
closed and asked, "Talk to me, Dave.  Please, don't shut me out - I want to help 
you."

Dave immediately began to cry, "I really need a friend."

She hugged him close and after several minutes, she asked, "Tell me everything 
that happened."

She guided him to the bed and they sat beside each other and held hands.  Once he 
started talking, the words flooded out of his mouth.  He told her every single 
detail and it felt so good to have her with him.  He had just finished telling her 
about telling off the coach when Colby opened the door.  Colby knew he was 
interrupting something important and apologized for intruding but Dave called him 
back and explained, "Colby, this is my best friend, Jennifer Samms.  Jennifer, 
this is Colby.  Colby, I've put you out enough over the last week.  You have the 
room - Jennifer and I will find somewhere else to talk."

Dave took Jennifer's hand and, as he grabbed his DeaconOne card, Jennifer said 
hello and goodbye to Colby.  Then she followed Dave out of the room and out the 
side exit.  Dave led Jennifer into the woods and said, "I know a private place."

He led her deep into the woods near the end of the practice range.  They found a 
wide part of the path deep in the woods and sat down.  Jennifer asked, "What do 
you want?"

Dave replied, "I've decided I want to get an education."

Jennifer shook her head, "Not what have you just decided - what have you wanted 
for the last four years?"  Dave looked at her as if it was a stupid question.  So 
she continued, "Right!  We both know what you want.  So what's stopping you?"

Dave got mad at her, "Haven't you listened to a single word I have said?  I can't 
play golf for this team."

She simply asked, "Why?"

Dave got angrier, "I don't know what they want?  I played my guts out and that 
fucking Keith tortured the shit out of me.  I know I can help this fucking team if 
they give me a chance - but they clearly won't."

She asked again, "So what do you really want to do?"

He looked right into her eyes and said, "I want to show these fuckers that I can 
play.  I want to stick it down their fucking throats."

She smiled at him, "So what's stopping you?"

He thought for a long moment and then laughed, "Well, I told the coach he had his 
head up his ass and that he could stick the golf scholarship there as well if he 
could fit it."

Shocked, Jennifer laughed out loud and covered her mouth with her hand, "You 
certainly have a way with words."

Dave chuckled again, "You should have seen the look on his face."  Dave suddenly 
turned serious, "I don't think I can undo that one."

Jennifer smiled, "No, you probably couldn't but I already have!"  Dave looked at 
her questioningly, so she continued, "I spoke to Coach Dawes before I spoke to 
you.  He asked Darcy about what you told him and Darcy confirmed it all.  He has 
suspended Keith and placed Will on probation.  He is not happy with your 
statements to him but he understands your frustration and your need to vent."

Dave asked, "How did you find out about everything?"

She smiled then explained, "Rebecca called your parents after you called her on 
Tuesday.  They tried to call you but couldn't get through on your cell phone.  
Last night Alec called them too and they were going to come down but they didn't 
know whether you would talk to them.  Thankfully, they called me.  I booked the 
flight and called Alec; he picked me up at the airport.  He seems like a great 
guy.  I think you have found a true friend in him."  Dave nodded agreement as she 
finished, "Coach Toombs had talked to Alec and told him what you said to Coach 
Dawes.  Alec knew that I needed to talk to Coach Dawes first, so he took me 
directly to him from the airport."

He looked at his friend in disbelief, "You two did all that for me?"

She scolded, "You know damn well you would have done even more for any one of us.  
We love you as much as you love us."

Dave hugged her tightly and he closed his eyes as he felt tears run down his 
cheeks, "I do love you."

Dave suddenly heard a noise and he looked up and saw a beautiful girl directly in 
front of him.  It was one of the twins and he knew she could easily see him 
crying.  He gently pushed Jennifer back and wiped his cheeks as the dark haired 
twin said, "Sorry to interrupt you, Dave."  Then she walked past them on the path 
and disappeared in woods.

Jennifer looked up at the gorgeous dark skinned girl and their eyes met briefly 
before the twin was gone out of sight.  Jennifer asked, "Who was that?"

Dave smiled, "One of the twins.  I don't know their names."

Jennifer laughed, "She obviously knows your name.  You're losing your touch, Dave 
MacDonald - a beautiful dark-haired girl knows you - and obviously likes you - and 
you don't even know her name.  And, even worse, there are two of them.  Dave, you 
have been way too distracted by your golf."

Dave laughed, "You don't have to tell me."

They hugged again before Jennifer added, "Coach Dawes is waiting to speak with 
you, if you're up to it right now."

Dave nodded, "I'm ready."

He led Jennifer back to his room and she sat with Colby while Dave walked back to 
the golf center.  It was after supper and none of the team was around as Dave 
walked into Coach Dawes' office.  Dave closed the door and sat down in the chair 
across from the desk.  Before Coach Dawes could begin, Dave said, "Coach Dawes, 
I'd like to apologize for what I said to you last night.  I am very sorry I cursed 
at you and I am sorry what I told you to do with the scholarship.  I have wanted 
to play golf at a US college for as long as I can remember and I'm begging you for 
another chance.  I'll sit out whatever suspension you deem necessary and I will do 
whatever you ask of me.  Please give me a chance to prove that I can help this 
team."

Coach Dawes looked at Dave and replied, "Dave, I have to apologize to you as well.  
I'm sorry I allowed this whole situation to escalate out of control.  I also need 
to confess that I am partly to blame.  I told Keith to give you a hard time 
because I thought you had found success too easily.  I thought you needed to 
experience some adversity to help you mature but I never expected Keith to go off 
the deep-end and say what he said.  I'm very sorry I put you in that situation.  I 
will forgive you for what you said last night if you will forgive me for setting 
Keith on you."

Dave smiled, he felt relieved to be getting another chance.  He quickly stood up 
and shook the Coach's hand and said, "Thank you, Coach; I promise I will make it 
up to you."

Coach Dawes said, "You certainly develop strong relationships.  I've always hoped 
that Alec would step up as a leader and he certainly came to your defense today.  
You have had a profound influence on him in a short time and your friend Jennifer; 
she could set up housekeeping at the gates of Hell and serve ice water to Lucifer 
- a very persuasive woman.

Dave smiled, "Alec is a great guy and, as for Jennifer, we would go to the end of 
the earth for each other.  Thanks, Coach, I'll see you at practice tomorrow."

Coach Dawes nodded as Dave walked out of his office.  Dave found Coach Toombs and 
apologized to him as well before he went back to his dorm.

When Dave arrived at his room, Jennifer was sitting on the bed looking very guilty 
about something.  Dave knew her well enough to know that when she was scheming - 
she looked like the preverbal cat that ate the canary.  Dave immediately asked, 
"What are you up to?"

Jennifer simply grinned, "Who me?"  Dave shook his head before she asked, "Will 
you take me to supper?"

Dave replied, "Definitely, let's go."

Dave led the way out the door and they both said goodbye to Colby who snickered 
knowingly as he studied at his desk.

As they entered the main entrance hall, Jennifer said, "I have to use the 
bathroom.  Can you wait a second?"  Dave nodded, so she walked into the women's 
wing of the dorm.

She was only gone a few moments before she walked back into the room holding the 
arm and talking to one of the beautiful, dark-skinned twins.  Dave simply shook 
his head, as he now knew what she was up to.  Jennifer smiled at Dave and asked, 
"You don't mind if my new friend joins us for supper, do you?"

Dave smiled at the both of them and replied, "No, I don't mind at all."

As they walked out the front door of the residence, Jennifer did introductions, 
"Dave, this is Jana Coulter-Adams.  Jana, this is the nicest guy in the entire 
world, Dave MacDonald."

Dave's face turned beet red as he simply said, "Hi, Jana."

She replied confidently, "Hi, Dave."

Jennifer then hooked an arm under each of their arms and said, "Let's go eat."