Junior Year Box Set

I guess I should have known that Jeff and his camera crew would load onto the bus with us. It was only a few miles to the mall, and once we got there, our first stop was to get haircuts. They had five stylists available. One of them was free, so I asked if they had any books, and he got us a couple. It was much easier to show them what I thought would work.

I had shudders go down my spine when several wanted Blake Seaver’s latest hairstyle. Coach Way pulled me aside once I’d helped them all figure out what they wanted.

“How come you got a flattop and not just a buzz cut?” he asked.

“You know what’s funny? My granddad wore a flattop. I used to make fun of him, but he assured me that once I figured out how easy it was to take care of, I’d want one. I thought he was being old-fashioned. You know how some fashions seem to come back in style? Shorter hair is back now, but with a few twists. Most younger guys are wearing it short on the sides and then doing something creative on the top. Plus, I love that it takes me no time at all after a shower.

“For someone your age, a buzz cut would just seem like you’re avoiding a comb-over,” I teased.

“You must not be planning on ever playing,” he warned me.

“I think a flattop would suit you better than a buzz cut. People see those and instantly think you’re trying to hide the fact you’re going bald. The other problem is a lot of guys simply don’t have the head for a buzz cut. The flattop helps hide the goofy shape of their noggin,” I advised.

“So, I take it you’ve had a buzz cut?” Coach Way asked sardonically.

I dug out my phone and showed him a Stryker picture.

“I’m going to try the flattop,” he said after he saw my bald head.

Then I showed him the hair-wax stick they sold to help your flattop stand up in the front. I was lucky that my hair stood on its own. Coach Way’s hair was finer, and I suspected it would just want to lay down.

Once the first group was done getting their hair cut, I took them to some clothing stores and showed them what went with what. When the next group came out, I shook my head. They’d gotten their hair dyed red, white, and blue. I sure hoped that washed out. Their parents were all coming tomorrow, and I didn’t want to be the one they all pointed at when their sons looked like circus clowns.

It turned into a nice team-building experience as everyone had a good time. I’d helped them pick out some clothes they could wear for both interviews now and then later for dates. I did notice that half the coaching staff had gotten flattops. In this heat and humidity, it was probably a wise decision.

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When we got back to the hotel, I talked Fritz, Paul, and Chuck into playing poker with me and the three amigos, as I was now calling them. We kept it friendly so that Phil, Roc, and Yuri could learn the game. Paul was the big winner when he took home five dollars.

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Chapter 32 – You’re Not a Jedi Wednesday August 10

I made everyone who’d played poker the night before get up and run with me. Out of habit, I brought my Bo staff with me. Chuck hadn’t seen me with it before and was impressed with the drills I did while running. It had made a significant difference in my forearm, wrist, and hand strength.

I had set a decent pace to get the blood pumping when Fritz called out.

“Don’t look back, but we’re being followed. A white van is pacing us.”

“What should we do?” Yuri asked with a tremor in his voice.

“Allow Paul and Chuck to move to the edge of the street, and the rest of you get closer to the buildings. Once we find a spot, we’ll get off the street,” Fritz said.

I made sure I was between the street on one side and Phil, Roc, and Yuri on the other. No way did I want them getting hurt. I at least could do some damage with my Bo staff, if they got close. I debated about breaking it apart so I could use the two halves as batons, but decided I would rather have the length of the Bo staff. And, if it came to a fight, I was better with the staff than I was with batons.

“There’s a restaurant half a block up. Run in there,” Chuck ordered.

“Keep your pace,” Fritz warned as Yuri sped up.

He wanted us to keep together.

“Get down!” Fritz yelled.

I heard the engine of the van speed up. Right before the restaurant, there was an alleyway. Out of it, another van drove in front of us, blocking our intended path. Yuri and Roc dropped down on the sidewalk. My brother, Phil, stood frozen. I tackled him and took him to the pavement.

The side door of the van blocking us slid open, and a man with a mask and a gun began to get out. Fritz, Chuck, and Paul had all drawn their weapons and were facing the street as the white van had sped up and slammed on its brakes next to us.

“Gun!” I yelled.