Coach Assistant

By: Tim
(© 2015-2016 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

tim@tickiestories.us

Chapter 63 

That Friday evening, we just enjoyed each other’s company.   We didn’t discuss the day, though I knew that it would come up at some point for sure.   We cuddled and … oh, yea … we had some more fun as well … but it was kept quite innocent.   Dinner was brought up by David and my dad, who wanted to see whether or not I was doing OK. 

I knew that David probably had told my dad about Brad’s reaction. 

During the weekend that followed, it seemed that every one of our friends had some reason to call.   I talked with Alexei, because he wanted to come and visit in three weeks.   He had a week off after the championships and I knew he had more than just us as a reason to visit.   James called to see if we wanted to watch the championships with him on television.   He said he wasn’t sure he could watch it on his own.  Brad called for Francis, but I know that they discussed other topics as well.  Peter and Andrew both called but I didn’t want to talk to them yet.  And then there was Randy.  I know he knew what was going on, but he didn’t call.  He was the only person I knew who’d some experience with what I’d gone through … but I couldn’t reach him.  I’d waited until two or three weeks ago to try to contact him … but, since then, I’d tried by phone and e-mail … but he just hadn’t responded. 

Then there was Francis’s mother who, by accident, had been invited by my dad to drop by one evening.  I know they all meant well, but her presence also made me nervous.  I wasn’t sure but I guessed that they also wanted to be there for me in court on Thursday.  I’d though about it, though, and I didn’t want any of them to be there.  It would be hard and there was no way I could handle their looks and whispers afterwards.  I just needed to make sure they knew.  So, on the Sunday evening at dinner, I brought the topic up.  Beside David and Francis, Kathy and Sue were there, too. 

Oh, yea … Sue had become a regular guest for our weekend dinners.  Not that I minded, as I could sense that my dad was happier than he’d been for quite some time.  Just before the desert, I knew it would be the best moment. 

“Dad, Sue, Kathy … can you stay seated for a moment?” 

That got their attention immediately. 

“I want to talk to you about Thursday.” 

“What is it, Nick?  Do you want me to go with you to your room, or call our lawyer for an extra meeting?” 

“No, nothing like that, dad.  I know enough about what will happen on Thursday.  There’s just one thing.  Do you know who’s going to join us there?” 

“Hmmmm … well, I guess most of our friends will be there to support you and I’m not sure but I think that some of your teammates were talking about it as well, am I right, David?” 

“Yea, they wanted to ask the principal to skip normal classes for a few hours.” 

“No,” I said, a bit louder then I wanted to. 

“No,” I repeated now, in a more normal tone, as I wanted them to pay attention to my request.  “I don’t want anyone there … just you, dad, and maybe Francis.” 

It was silent now.  I could feel their gaze on me.  I just looked down at the table, waiting for one of them to say something. 

“OK, if that’s what you want, Nick,” my dad said. 

“Yea … I’m sorry, guys.  I know you want to be there to support me, but this is something I need to do and it won’t be any easier if I know that you’re all there.” 

I felt Francis’s hand on my shoulder.  I knew I’d never be alone. 

“OK, if that’s what you want, I’ll let the others know.” 

“Good!  Now, dessert!” I said. 

We finished dinner, but I felt an undercurrent of concern from several of them. 

We talked about David and Kathy’s baby … oh, didn’t I mention that yet?  It had been a tense time, just after we came back … when David and Kathy had told both their parents about the impending birth … but it’d all gone well.  After the baby was born, they’d go and stay most of the time with Kathy’s parents.  They were converting the garage into a small apartment.  I know they both were really looking forward to it. 

When we’d gone back to my room, the first thing Francis said was, “Are you sure you don’t want anyone else there, Nick?” 

“Yea … sorry, Francis.  You know most of what happened now.  I’m sure there will be stuff that comes up that you don’t know and, as for the rest … well, I don’t want anyone to know, OK?” 

“Of course … come here.”  He took me in his arms.  I felt loved.

When I came downstairs on Saturday, I reluctantly got the newspaper, expecting there’d be a feature story in it about the court case … but there was nothing.  I was so relieved as I read about other stuff.  Maybe they wouldn’t focus on it, I thought. 

The weekend went by quietly.  We enjoyed the company of others but the subject of the court case wasn’t brought up.  They all seemed to be OK with it for the time being.  Kathy was really starting to show by now.  She got a lot of attention, not only from David, but from both Francis and me, too. 

We went to see James on the Sunday afternoon and agreed we would watch the championship together and stay over for the weekend. 

Monday came.  I felt slowly starting to get nervous about Thursday.  I had another appointment with the doctor on Wednesday, just to discuss any tensions I might have.  I felt myself start to get a bit snippy, too.  I knew people were concerned but sometimes it was just too much.  I was glad Francis wasn’t like that.  He seemed to be OK around me and gave me enough space to let me handle it on my own. 

Several times on Wednesday, I saw several of my teachers standing together.  I wasn’t sure what that was all about, but I’d seen some stares in my direction.  Brad had been avoiding me for most of that week but, today, he suddenly had a big smile on his face whenever I saw him.  Damn!  I thought I knew what was going on!  I’m not sure if David or Francis … both of whom kept close to me at school … noticed it.  But I needed to find out what it was all about. 

When I walked into my dad’s office, he wasn’t alone; the principal was there, too.  I heard the latter say, “We’ll see and talk about it after tomorrow, OK?”  I saw my dad nod.  When the principal turned around and saw me, he was a bit startled and then he walked passed me while saying, “Good luck tomorrow, Nick.” 

“Hi, son!  What’s up?” 

“I think, dad, that you’d better tell me that.” 

“What do you mean, Nick?”

“What’s all the talk between teachers about?  And what do you need to discuss with the principal after tomorrow.  It’s about ME, isn’t it?” 

“Why would you think that?” 

“Well, the teachers keep staring at me, and the principal seemed to be a bit startled seeing me standing here.” 

“Oh, the principal wanted to discuss the budget for the rest of the year with me.  You know I applied for some new equipment but it seems the budget has been tightened … so, for now, I’m not sure we’ll get them.” 

I was sure he wasn’t telling me the truth … I’m not sure why … but he definitely wasn’t.  He would, I was sure, when it really mattered, but he was trying to protect me from something.  I saw Steve that afternoon.  He’d been at the courtroom … if anyone would tell me the truth, it’d be him.  So far, the gossip sheets hadn’t been around.  Steve simply told me that he’d send me the article he’d be putting in Monday’s edition of the school paper by Thursday evening … probably late in the day … and he asked if I could let him know Friday before noon if it was OK to print it or not.  I could live with that.  I trusted Steve and knew he’d present the news with a very open mind. 

I hardly slept that night.  I could feel Francis close by as he’d decided to sleep in my room that night.  I’m not sure he slept any more than I did, but at least I knew he was there beside me.  That gave me even more strength, I could feel it. 

It was a quiet breakfast that morning.  It seemed no one wanted to talk about what was going to happen.  My dad had gotten to the newspaper before I could and, before he gave it up, it was time to leave.  We drove with my dad to the courthouse.  As we turned into the street in front of it, I knew that the news had hit the streets as there were several camera trucks and a crowd of reporters outside the courthouse.  For reasons beyond my understanding, there were also some protesters out front, who were kept away from us.

“Don’t worry, Nick.  We’re planning on going into the courthouse directly from the parking lot, so we won’t need to talk with anyone.” 

That was a relief, but still ….

[Author’s note: I’m not going to report everything that happened at the trial, as most of the testimony simply repeats what I’ve already told you before.  But some of the testimony will affect the lives of Nick and Francis, and I’ll certainly mention those things.  Furthermore, the details of the American judicial system are unfamiliar to me, so I won’t make a fool of myself and go into imaginary detail on what happened in the courtroom.] 

[from Francis’s point of view] 

We’d been home now for quite some time.  The time in court had been hell.  I’d not been able to sit up front with Nick but sat just behind him.  I know he knew where I was, but still I’d have loved to be seated beside him, giving him a supportive touch from time to time.  I guess, all in all, it could have been worse but still … the things that were said and how people had responded to it were difficult to take. 

As we left the building, I’d tried to hug Nick but he’d not let me.  I could see that he was withdrawn into his own world.  I was told that that could happen but, still, I hoped he’d snap out of it soon. 

I’d talked on the phone with Brad and told him more or less what had happened today.  The newspaper would surely give a very colorful report the next morning on the testimony.  What I didn’t know was that one newspaper had already picked up all the details from the school newspaper. 

I’d left Nick alone for some time as I knew he needed that …but, still, being separated hurt … in more than one way … as I wanted to be there for him and he wouldn’t let me.  We’d see after dinner what would happen. 

After a silent dinner, I went upstairs and did some homework.  I just hoped that Nick would be able to do the same.  I didn’t hear the door open, so I was a little startled when a voice said, “Can we have a chat, Francis?”  It was Nick’s dad. 

“Yes, of course, sir,” I answered.  He walked in and sat on a chair beside my desk. 

“I know you’re worried about Nick, just like the rest of us.  If you need help dealing with it, let me know, OK?  I know this can’t be easy for you, with everything that’s going on.  I know you want to be strong for Nick, too, but I think he can handle some expressions of emotion, if you feel the need.  It might even help to let him show some emotion, as I think it’s a bit dangerous for him, the stoicism he’s been pretending today.  He’s kept his distance from everyone.” 

“I know, and I hate it,” I replied.  “I’m also not sure what I can do about it.  I thought I’d leave him to have some time alone.” 

“I agree, but don’t make it too long, as I think we must make sure he doesn’t start to feel alone.  He might try to push all of us away for the next few weeks … but that’s something we just don’t want to give him a chance to do.” 

“You think so?” 

“Yea… just don’t push him … but let him know you’re there for him, as I know you want to be.” 

“So you think I should go to him then?” 

“I was with him a little bit earlier, but he wouldn’t talk to me.  He was reading an e-mail, I think, but he might be happy to see you.  Maybe you could just sit with him and do your homework.  Just don’t push him.” 

“OK … thanks, sir.” 

“I meant it … if you need to have a chat, let me know.” 

“I will.”  He left the room.  I gathered my books up and started to walk towards Nick’s room. 

I slowly opened the door and looked to see what he was doing.  I saw him sitting on a chair beside the window.  He was looking out and then looking down to the sketchbook that was on his knees.  His pencil was going across it very quickly.  I quietly walked in … I don’t think he’d heard me. 

I just sat down at his desk, looked at him and continued to do my homework.  I glanced at him from time to time and, I wasn’t sure, but I though he looked at me, too, so he knew I was there. 

After a time I felt a hand touching my shoulder.  I wanted to look up at him but he moved me in the direction of his computer. 

“Read the e-mail for me, Francis.” 

I looked at the screen and saw that there was an open e-mail on the screen.  I started to read it out loud.

Hi, Nick!  I … well, I have no idea how to start this e-mail.  I know you want me to do this, but I’m not sure I’m the right person.  But I know that, if I want to become a journalist, this is part of the job.  I know you know how I feel and what I would like to say … so I’ll just leave it there and just get on with the bit I want to put into Monday’s edition of the school paper. 

Last Thursday was one of the most difficult days of my life as a reporter.  I know you are used to me putting my own feelings and ideas into a story but, even for me, being at a courthouse is something new.  I’m sure you’ve all read by now the scandalous lies that were printed in one of the local newspapers on Thursday.  Those comments attracted many more journalists to the courthouse to see for themselves what was going on.  Well, I can only say that I was appalled by the grossly unfair accusations that were made regarding our school and certain members of it.  Even worse is the fact that I found out during the hearing that that journalist’s report was based entirely on reports provided by the accused.  In the defendants’ opening statement we got our first view of their defence in this case.

I informed you last week that more of the interview with Nick would be published as the trial was proceeding.  I’ll do so as promised but you have to remember that this interview took place before the trial started.  I agreed that Nick would be able to add any comments he wanted to make about the trial. 

In my last column, I wrote that Nick was attacked by a former team member and two doctors.  It seems these two medicos have been active in the gymnastics association for quite some time now.  The senior management of the association has initiated a full investigation of the behavior of these two to see if there were more incidents like the one with Nick.  It all started, Nick told me, when ….

When I asked Nick how he felt about what had happened, he said that, in the beginning, he’d been aroused as any boy would be when he encountered sex for the first time.  Hormones run through us constantly and every boy relieves himself of sexual tensions.  But he also found those activities very difficult to handle, for it felt wrong.  But the team member knew how to push his buttons, just as the doctors had when they had initially met him.  I asked Nick if he was a willing participant, and he said that, initially, he was.  He wanted to spend time with the team member, who was an excellent gymnast, older and more experienced.  Nick said that he knew he’d need the help and guidance of someone more experienced to succeed.  “But that changed, didn’t it, Nick?” I asked.  He answered, “Yea … pretty soon, something happened that, looking back, I should have reported instantly but I couldn’t … and, from then on, they pushed me to perform even more degrading acts, using the threat of revealing the fact that I was gay and what I’d done already to force me to perform.  I definitely was not ready for all this …  I didn’t want to be outed, and I certainly didn’t want to have people see what they’d made me do.  They’d taken pictures, to, and used those as leverage.” 

Blackmail, as I stated in the first part of this series, is what this case is all about, nothing else.  I hope that the tabloids will focus on that fact and not chase after the lurid claims of the defence. 

I hope we can be supportive of Nick, his team and the staff as we proceed to the second trial day on Thursday of this week. 

Steve

I had been able to read Steve’s e-mail without too much emotion in my voice.  I didn’t completely understand what the article was saying about accusations, as I hadn’t read anything about them today.  I turned around and looked at Nick. 

“Have you kept anything from me today, Francis?” 

“What do you mean, Nick?” 

“What are they talking about, Francis?  What accusations?” 

Oh, my god!  He thought I knew and had kept it away from him!

“I have no idea, Nick.  I know that your dad read the newspaper this morning but that was the only paper I saw and I haven’t had time to read any others.” 

“Oh, damn!  What is going on then?” 

“I guess there is only one way to find out.  Let’s go downstairs and ask your dad.” 

 “You think he knows?  He could have told us before; he was in my room just before you came in.”

“I don’t know!  Let’s see what he knows.” 

When we got to the living room, my dad was sitting in his chair, staring at a blank TV screen. 

“Dad, do you know where this morning’s newspaper is?” 

“Thrown out,” he said, evasively. 

“Oh … was there anything in it about the trial … me … us?” 

“Yea, there was a short piece.” 

“Dad!  Come on!  Do we have to force it out of you?  We know there was something in this morning’s paper.  Steve mentioned it in his piece for the school paper.” 

“I don’t know, guys, whether you need to know.  It was full of scandal-mongering, hateful comments … nothing that you need to take seriously at all.” 

“You are sure?  It looks like Steve did.” 

“Oh, Steve … he’s just a cub reporter.” 

“OK … but, please, in future, don’t hide anything from us.  We need to be prepared for anything.” 

He then looked at us and said, “OK, if that’s what you want.” 

But I knew that my dad wasn’t being totally honest, there was a note on evasion in his voice.

To be continued...

Posted: 11/25/16