I woke the next morning and dressed for a run and Cole was eating breakfast. I asked, so no run? He said I'm not doing shit with you until you call the doctor and I'm fucking ordering dinner tonight and Ryan is aware. I grabbed a cup of coffee and fruit appeared before the coffee cup was filled. Then I was handed my phone and he said call now. I looked at him and he said, Michael, I'm serious and I laughed out loud. I called Dr. Jenkins office and asked for an appointment for the next day around noon. I was told to hold on a minute. I was eating some fruit and waiting and Dr. Jenkins got on asking what was up? I said I'm tired all the time and am actually napping, I mean I just sit there and I fall asleep. He said, Mike, I'll squeeze you in, get here as soon as you can. I said, ok and I would be there by 8:30. He said that works and I hung up. Cole looked at me and said, thanks. I dropped him at school and drove to the doctor's office. I checked in and was getting settled in for a long wait and before I knew it I was sitting in my underwear in an exam room. Dr. Jenkins came in took a look at me and said well on the surface you look well enough, let's have a look. He said, please open your mouth and stick your tongue out and say ahh. He said, doesn't that hurt? I said no, well not much. He felt around my neck and under my arms and my groin and and said, well you have MONO.
I just sat there thinking WTF, I don't have time for this. He said, you are grounded for the rest of the week, no school, no work, no nothing. Find a good book and relax. You need to eat better, drink lots of non-alcohol fluids and sleep. He said, it's not at the moment a severe case, in fact pretty mild, but MONO nonetheless. Ok, Doc. I have a very important interview at work this afternoon, an appointment with Dr. Brennan tomorrow and I'm planning on spring break in my place in the Outer Banks. He said, one meeting at work, keep the head appointment and we will see how things go. Dude, you need to slow down and I will he letting your dad know. Oh, I forgot the no school excuse. I asked, no drugs? He said it's viral so nope. Do what I said and it will be fine. Do what you usually do and ignore me, you will be in the hospital or grounded for weeks. I said, thanks got dressed, set an appointment for Friday and drove home. I went straight to my room, stripped, turned my phone off, grabbed my headphones and put some classical music on and was asleep almost immediately. I woke up about 3 hours later and was starving.
I though, shit I have to get to work and I looked at the calendar and saw, I still had three hours. It was a very hot long shower and I was feeling better. I just laid in bed reading, finally I dressed in appropriate clothes and left for the office. When I came in Ruth said, Mike you are permitted one meeting and Riley will be here in 30 minutes. I suggest you just sit there and read the piles on your desk. One meeting means one meeting and I'll have you escorted out of here. I smiled and said, yes mom. Ruth said, I'm not like that bitch so just do as you are told. I smiled and went into the office, thinking this sucks. After about 15 minutes I was bored out of my mind and I got up and started for the cafeteria and was stopped dead in my tracks. Ruth said, back in there and iced tea is on the way. I just shook my head and went back into the office.
Almost immediately there was iced tea and Ruth said, Mike your appointment is here. I asked, if it was alright if we met? Ruth laughed and said, I'm a witch not a bitch. However, as soon as this is over you are on your way home. I said, I get it please send her in. Riley appeared and I said forgive me if we don't shake hands, it seems I have the plague. She laughed and said I was told. I said, Riley it seems that Ruth runs the show here. I said, I was hoping to have this in a much less formal setting such as burgers and drinks, well drinks for you. She smiled and said, this is fine. Riley the report I got back on you confirmed what I suspected you are a top candidate. What are you long term goals? She smiled and said to run this place. I said well that's interesting but I have no plans to go anywhere. Again there was that smile and she said, my guess is that you will be on to bigger and more diverse things. Then she said, I also had you checked out. I said what did you find out? She said you are either a complete asshole or the reincarnation of Andrew Carnegie. I'm betting the later. She said, you play a lot of roles to get what you want or need.
I laughed, thinking who is interviewing who? Ok Riley enough about me. So you are willing to work with a spoiled rich kid and move up the ladder? She said I would rather work for the the business guy but will settle for anything except the dumb jock. I asked, if she would pass a drug test? She said absolutely unless we were testing for white wine or chocolate? I said, I get stuff like that a lot. If it were up to me I would, pass on the drug test but HR would fire me. I asked when she could start and she said, anytime. I said, ok I'll have Ruth call you with the test results and as I'm away all next week, you can work, with Mason. I said, we will start you at the same salary we gave to Mason, are you good with that? She said yes. I laughed and said and I am to assume you know that figure? She said that's correct. So if I offered you less..... she said I would have simply told you to fuck yourself and left. I said, I get the sense I'll have to be on my toes around you? There was that smile again and I said Ruth will, provide you the information on the drug test. Welcome aboard. She said thanks and went to see Ruth.
I was looking at drawings for the second building and there was a knock on the door and it was security. I said, can I help you? He said, I hope so. I was told to walk you to your car. I screamed RUTH THIS IS JUST RIDICULOUS. I heard her laughing and I said, I'm good and on my way home. Security said thanks, Mike.
At home Cole was sitting in the kitchen drinking iced tea and reading something. He looked at me and said, dinner will be here soon, grab an iced tea. I asked what was for dinner and he said, well it is not ribs and fries, or that shit you usually eat. Ok, so what is it? Mike, you are having chicken parm. a salad and strawberry shortcake for desert. I'm having lasagna, salad and cheese cake for desert. Basically it is shut up and eat it. I laughed and said is that extra? Look MJ don't fuck around with this MONO or you will be laid up for a very long time. I said, Cole thanks to you we caught this early.
I asked Cole about Spring Break and he said sorry, golf and he was really looking forward to multiple rounds at Oakmont and Latrobe. So MJ in your spare time did you find out who is behind this? I smiled and said how do you feel about Wake Forest? Cole looked at me and said, I hate trees. Are you serious? Before I could answer there was a knock on the door and the food was here. We unpacked the dinner and I said, Cole I can't work out so there needs to be less food, I think I'm already a little flabby. He said, if you keep it up, shut up and eat will be a new rule. I laughed and said, thanks for today. When we were finished, I wasn't permitted to help clean up. I went into dad's office retrieved the helicopter and put it on Coles bed. In my room, I threw myself into bed and called dad, it went to voice mail.
I grabbed some work papers and was laying in bed but was hearing a strange noise. It was a low hum. I figured it was nothing and kept reading. The damn noise would get louder then fade away. I got engrossed in the lease and all of a sudden the noise was louder and in through my door was the damn helicopter. I started to laugh as that damn brother of mine was flying the remote copier around my room. It was hysterical. The copter landed on my desk and Cole came in and was laughing so hard he could hardly stand. He said, asshole I'll hover until you are better. Now get your ass in bed and read something that is not work. Cole reading is reading and I'm reading work shit, so get over it. I was told to read and that's exactly what I am doing. Cole, thanks for doing all this and the helicopter was a blast but I have things to read. Cole said, I get it but please be asleep before 11:00 this is important. Damn, I need you to get those rules out of my ass and that can't happen till you're better. I laughed and asked him to wake me in the morning as I needed to get him to school. He said, MJ it's taken care of, good night.
I don't remember when but I woke the next morning fully dresses and papers all over the place. I looked at my phone and fuck it was turned off, I thought I'm going to kill that helicopter pilot. Then I just laughed as it was a little after 8:00 so I went downstairs and made coffee and there was a note from Cole. Please eat a decent breakfast and lunch will be delivered and I'll order dinner and don't you dare change any of that, just sleep. The coffee was ready and I decided to have scrambled eggs and toast. I grabbed the paper and there was an article in the business section with the headline "Young entrepreneur starts second project". I read it and it was nothing at all, basically that Enterprises had applied for permits. What bothered me was a comment that I was asked for a comment and did not reply. I tried to email the Major and it would not send, something about the server. I immediately called the office and asked for Dr. Williams. Kyle got on the line and I said, please turn my email back on. He laughed and said, orders from the old man. I said, Kyle please just do it, I'm resting and it is physical shit I need to be away from. Then I said, you know what, I just use my CMU student account. He said, ok I give up give me 15 minutes. I said, thanks and hung up.
Thinking about CMU, I called the deans office and left him a message, asking for some class work, as I was laid up and had the time. His secretary Mrs. Shuttllworth was very cooperative. Then I called dad and again it went to voicemail and this time I left a message "how about a fucking call, I'm not fighting just want to talk". I needed a shower and thought I would dress for the head doctors appointment and then changed my mind and put on baggy shorts and a tee. I checked my email and fuck there were a bunch. Now I might be fighting with dad. Just then the phone rang and it was dad and I was so tempted to let it go to voice mail. However I just said, hi stranger. He laughed and said, you must be growing up, no tantrums just a sarcastic remark, or you that sick? Dad, I just sleep a lot and am reading and yes it's work and will be CMU shit soon. I have a head doctor appointment today and Carrie and I mutually called it quits. You have the entire office watching over me but I made Kyle turn my emails back on, as I threatened to use my CMU student email. Oh and Cole is doing such a good job watching over me I put the helicopter on his bed and the ass flew it into my room and landed it on my desk. Dad just laughed. So dad, how is Megan? He said good and finally relaxed about the confirmation process and for some reason it is moving quickly. Then he said, Mike have you cancelled Spring Break yet? I said no, Dr. Jenkins said it will be discussed on Friday, but I'm telling you, I really need to get there. Mike, please take it easy and mental stress is still stress. I said, dad, I promise and I love you.
I then called the Major and he answered with, I not to be talking with you and he laughed. I said fine then listen. Please call the PG and comment on today's article in the business section, I don't like reading I was unavailable for comment. Also, please see if the business editor is interested in an interview. I said thanks and was about to hang up and he said, you don't need an interview with the PG how about a live interview some Sunday morning with KDKA, again? I said sure, but are you good with that? He said, yes I want you to explain to every one why at 17 you need a private jet. So is that a done deal? He said, your dad said not to talk with you about it till Spring Break is over. I said, just one question? Is that my ride to the beach? He said yes and hung up. I was shocked, a fucking jet. My very first "toy". Then I thought of the costs.
Just then there was a loud banging on the door and when I got there I discovered it was lunch. I thanked the delivery guy and tried to tip him and was told that it was already taken care of. Lunch was a chicken salad and a large container of wedding soup. I poured an iced tea and was enjoying the lunch when my phone rang and it was Cole. I answered and he asked so how is my big bro and is lunch there yet? I said thanks and it's very good. He said get some rest and I'll see you for dinner, I'm playing 9 holes and I know you have a head appointment. Later dude and he hung up.
I finished eating and went upstairs and started reading the emails and forwarded them to the appropriate people and had none I needed to deal with. Feeling tired, I set my alarm, grabbed my headphones and put on Kenny G. I don't know when but I fell asleep and the fucking alarm woke me. That's never a good thing for my mood. I had time for a shower and I put on nondescript preppy clothes which were Khakis and a golf shirt with just a manufacturer logo and drove to the doctors. I checked-in and was waiting in the reception room when Dr. Brennan came out and said, Mike it's a great day, let's go for a walk? I said, your office please, I'm avoiding exercise as per Dr. Jenkins. He laughed and said, I know and that was a test. I immediately tensed and said, if we are playing games I'M FUCKING DONE. He smiled and said ok, let's go? Doc, this isn't a good start, well for me. He said, ok I get it and I knew that approach would upset you. So why did you do it? Well to gage how you are physically and you seem rested and bored. I said well all I do is sleep, eat and read. He said, ok let's get to work. We went to his office and I grabbed a comfortable chair and we started. We started with Carrie and I told him that we had mutual agreed to take a break as we both had lied and cheated. Mike, why did you lie to her? I told him the story and he listened intently. When I finished he asked, would you do that again? I said, I would not have had sex with Carrie and the had fun with the other but it was a few more flavors than I'm comfortable with. He then said you are unbelievable, sitting here you have it figured out but it bothers you, why? I smiled and said, if I knew that I wouldn't have my ass in this chair. Look doc, I'm not upset about Carrie, it needed to happen and I know exactly what I need in a woman and if that's her fine, if not I have years to find the right one. He said, so what do you want? I said 3 kids or so and the ability to on occasion taste my various flavors. He said, Mike it isn't important what I think about that personally but as your doctor, you need to be very careful with the flavors as you call them. Doc, I know and it is always limited to select friends and will remain that way.
He asked about Cole, and I replied that so far he is the perfect younger brother and a great companion. Then I added he hovers a bit too much. I told him the helicopter story and even he laughed. We talked about dad and his love life and how that impacted me. I said, this latest one involves her and her ex and Cole and me speaking my mind and her doing the same. She is wicked smart and very aware, but seldom interferes. I like her. We will see how it goes once she moves in, but I'm not expecting a problem. Football was next and I said, sadly I was looking ahead to college football and not so much another high school year. The pressure to win will exceed anything rational. I said high school football needs to be fun and I am very aware that the next level is a job.
Then he said, Mike you have talked about everything you have under control and nothing about your mom and Bill and that family shit that haunts you and in fact has exploded your relationship with Carrie. I took a deep breath and said, look I tried with Bill, him and I are polar opposites. We are both addicted, him to drugs and booze and me to being successful. He was never a major factor in my life and Cole has already mitigated most of that, as I have the brother, I have always wanted. As for my mother, I continue to hate her and more intensely as time goes on. Mike, so why did you invade you very special place with their ashes? I said because, it was the only place and time where we had a good time. I'm hoping that calms the hatred I have for her. Doc, that's why this trip next week is so important. If that place is no longer special, I'll sell it and find one not related to either of them. Oh, that place could be the damn Duck Pond at VT. Mike, what's your special place here at home? I said the top row of the high school stadium. Before you ask it is because this all started in that stadium or the back patio.
Doc, one thing that scares me is that I'm different. He asked, different how? I said, I'm not less intense, but it comes across differently. He laughed and said, Mike growing up is a bitch and you are experience what every high school rising senior experiences. Yes, that's early, but typical of you. What will amaze you is you will feel so grown up and you will get to college and be amazed at how immature you actually are. Mike you are a good bit different but remember while you are very mature and do a ton of shit you are 17 and have all the emotions that go with that. You have plans and goals and I guarantee many of those will evolve. I thought for a minute and said so with all I do and how bright I might be and how good an athlete I might be I am only 17, is that correct? He said yes. Ok, that's fair and I get it but I don't feel 17. He laughed and said that doesn't fucking matter emotionally you are 17. Just understand that and deal with it. Then he said, I hope you find a way to keep your special place but promise me that you won't sell it until we talk about it. I'm hoping it is a starting point to fix the mom thing, in your head.
The conversation switched to casual stuff and I knew he was just getting a read on me, which I felt was a good idea. I was totally relaxed and I was finding out things about him as well. Then he said, Mike Dr. Jenkins would like you to stop in. I said, thanks and how about two weeks and he said that works unless you don't go on the trip. I said thanks and went downstairs and checked in at Dr. Jenkins office. Once there I was reading a magazine and was soon situated in an exam room. My temp was normal, and my blood pressure was great. I was told to have a seat and that the doctor would be right in. I don't think the door was closed when Dr. Jenkins appeared asking how I was doing? I said sleeping a lot and he laughed and said, you mean like a normal teen? I just looked at him and he asked so how much sleep you usually get? I said in bed around 11:30 and up just before 6:00 to run. He shook his head and said so you are really getting about 6 hours of sleep, running and working out and there is work and school. I said, well if you put it that way, you are correct. Then he said let's have a look? He felt around in my neck and under my arms. Looked down my throat. He said well the lymph nodes are some what better and it is obvious you are behaving. While this was caught very early, you still need to take it easy.
He was quiet for a minute and said, ok you like thing direct so here goes. You simply can't keep that schedule up. You need at least 8 hours a night. I know what you are going to say but I need you in bed most nights an hour earlier and that you stop running either Sat or Sunday and sleep the fuck in. Can you do that? I said doc, absolutely and the helicopter pilots I live with will assure that. He laughed and said, well that answer and your promise to keep doing what you are doing gets you on your trip. I said thanks and that this is an important trip for me. Mike, I know this is a lot to ask but limit the drinking and the sex. I said well it's an all guys trip so we are good. He laughed and said, Michael as I said limit the drinking and the sex, I am aware of the flavors you like and PROTECTION, PROTECTION, PROTECTION. I said, Doc I already started that. Then he stood up got in front of me and said, dude there is stuff out that that can't be cured with a hit of penicillin, in fact it will simply kill you. Is that clear enough for you? I simply said yes and thanks.
Knowing Cole wouldn't be home yet, I drove to the mall and directly to the hair salon and Caleb was just finishing with a client. He said, Mike it's good to see you. I said well just a trim and he said ok I'm tired fighting with you and you are comfortable with your look, so I'm not pushing. I said, thanks I've been analyzed and probed enough for one day. He laughed and we chatted while he washed and cut my hair. He asked about Ryan and I said, I only see him about work issues and he seems fine. Then he said well, then you don't know we are going on vacation together. I said, well I knew he was going away but didn't know you were involved. He laughed and said, I'm amazed you didn't see me around the apartment. I simply laughed and said I am unaware about those things generally. He laughed and said well that's obvious.
Back at home I found a totally furious Cole. He started with where the fuck were you all afternoon? I said 2 doctor appointments and a fucking hair cut. You need to relax and I'm good and cleared to go to the beach, as long as I behave my self. Cole you can help me with something, though. He said ok, what's that? I said make sure I'm in bed by 10:30 every night and we are not running on either Saturday or Sunday depending on what works for our schedule. He smiled and said absolutely. I asked about golf and he said 35 from the tips. He said once again I struggled with the greens, I like them faster. Then he said ok lets eat.
He said he really struggled with this as he has never ordered healthy two day in a row. I laughed and said so same question what we eating? He said, MJ we are both having Habachi Shrimp and Steak. I said damn, I never think about Japanese but this sounds good. He said it's like yesterday, shut up and eat it. As we ate I asked a lot of questions about his round today? He said mike I hit every fairway and every green and 3 putted twice and still shot 1 under. I asked the pro why the greens were so slow and he assured me they weren't. I pushed back and he said well they are how the members like them and if I had a complaint I should take it up with my parents. I simply smiled and said, well there will come a time when you will regret me not being associated with this place. Mike, he laughed and walked away. I asked, if he wanted a shot sent over his pro shop and Cole said, nope I got this. He will not be disrespecting me again, I'm like you special and he will adjust or move on. I simply said, that sounds good to me. I said, Cole I got a big time lecture today from Dr. Jenkins. He told me PROTECTION and that there was shit out there that would kill you. He said well I think that's good advice and I'm all in.
I went upstairs and called dad. He answered and asked how I was doing? I said I assume you know. He said Dr. Jenkins called and he is pleased with your reaction to things and you are cleared for next week. He is less happy with what he called different flavors. Dad that's correct and I get it. Then he said, I'm assuming Dr. Brennan will not be checking in. I said correct and we can discuss it in detail but apparently I am a very intelligent business guy and emotionally 17. I simply need to understand that. I asked when he would be home and he said Friday evening. I said great we can talk then. He said that works and good night.
I checked my phone and there were multiple calls from JJ and one each from Ray and Jim, all of which excited me. I went downstairs and got some iced tea and went back to my room and I called Ray, it went to voicemail and I left a quick message and called Jim. He asked why I wasn't in school and I said, I have MONO and would be out all week. He asked if the trip was still on and I said, absolutely as I was cleared earlier today. I told him it was an all guys trip but I was lectured about different flavors, bets and protection. He laughed and said that condors were a very big seller at the pharmacy. Even the woman are buying them. We simply chatted about our days with me leaving a ton of shit out. I said we were still leaving early Sunday morning and we were flying. He said that's unbelievable yet totally awesome. I said, we can firm up plans on Saturday and hung up. It was good to find him normal and relaxed.
I was about to call JJ and Ray called. I said so how is my saluting cousin. He laughed and said, I'm awesome as he had a long talk with your dad and it is good to understand things. He said, he also talked with Ryan and that he was very excited to be spending a month at home. I asked if he knew he would have the apartment alone for 2 weeks and he said, yup. Then he said Ryan laid down some rules. I said Ray he went through a lot with Bill and does not want a repeat. He said, there would be no repeat as he is doing well and making meetings on campus, that he wasn't the only one there with issues. Ray please understand you old friends will be tempting you. He said, Mike I promise they won't be hanging around with me. Actually, your reaction, if that happens, scares the shit out of me. Ray, I said, understand I'm not watching over you, how is your golf game? He laughed and said still about 18 strokes worse than yours, I just laughed. I asked him to think of some things we could do together and said, I bet that's not as easy as it used to be. I laughed and said, you will need a better bet than that. We talked for a while longer and I said, keep out of trouble and I'll call soon.
I called JJ and he said, fuck dude you have a hot car and now an equally hot jet. I said, you perve have you seen it? He said yup and it is super fast. I asked were you in it and he said, yup right beside dad in the copilot seat. I said damn and I have no details. He laughed and said, I'm not to talk with you about it but dad said, if there is an attempt to get a mile high pin, he will put the autopilot on and throw the involved individuals out. It might be your jet but pilot rules. I just laughed. Mike it seats 10 and has a food area and a john. I said, well I haven't signed off on it and this sounds super expensive. JJ laughed and said trust tightwad Jim. I laughed and said, good nigh, stop over tomorrow. He said sure and hung up.
I was laying in bed and heard that buzzing noise and I yelled COLE, IF THAT FUCKING HELICOPTER COMES IN HERE, I'll KICK YOUR ASS. He yelled back THEN GET THAT ASS IN BED AND NO READING. Then he added good night. I simply did what was required.
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