Author's Chapter Notes:

I'll get by with a little help from my friends

- The Beatles.

CHAPTER 38 - A Little Help

Dean Augustus Eberhardt let out an exasperated breath as he looked at the College supervisor.

"Special treatment! To a second year under grad student. Are they mad?" He exclaimed thumping his desk.

"Sir, the kid's benefactor knows people in extremely high places. And the funding he promised is enough to refurbish not only the gyms, it'll help us restock the library and update the lab equipment." Eberhardt seemed to settle down a bit; his anger slowly diffusing after listening to this logical explanation.

Seeing that he had been able to smooth his boss's ruffled feathers Koertig then continued sympathetically

"Anyway Sir, we just have to find the kid a safe place of residence and provide on campus housing to his bodyguard. The rest is completely their responsibility."

A large hand grabbed him by the collar and he found himself staring into icy grey eyes.

"You really think attacking a Von Lahnstein is a good idea twerp? I guess you love suicide missions," the hulking man hissed. The masked figure shook his head violently in fear.

"Then buzz off and don't come near him ever again", the large figure in black attire warned, "Unless you want to die lying in a dumpster somewhere." he threatened and finally let him go.

The terrified masked man ran off as if the devil was on his tail. The black attired figure again merged into the darkness.

Diary Entry

9 September 2008

I'm now the center forward for the University Team. Many players wanted me scratched because of my sexual orientation.

There have been threats but as yet none have followed through.

I'm living with the new assistant coach as the university fears for my life; but mostly because they want the Inter-Collegiate Cup and I am one of the few who can make it happen.

Anyway life goes on.

I read that Roman's father passed away a couple of months ago. So Roman has retired from skating and taken over the reins now.

I still miss him so much. Will this pain ever go away?

Oh and Christian came out on international television the guy has balls of steel!

Well gotta head out to practise. Hockey is the only thing keeping me from going insane.

Diary Entry

11th October 2008

Its Roman's birthday today. I called his number just to hear his voice. His number has changed.

Well I guess a business man wouldn't live in an apartment.

Diary Entry

2nd November 2008

I am suddenly getting a lot of ice time. Not to mention special treatment.

What the heck is going on?

The two players who used to ridicule me and bully me have just taken a transfer to other colleges.

I feel like I'm in some alternate reality. The dean is suddenly taking a lot of interest in my well being and progress. And the new assistant coach I'm living with. It's like I'm under constant surveillance he's always there. Not in a creepy stalkerish way, more like a dad or big brother way. He keeps on popping up everywhere.

Or maybe I'm just being paranoid. I don't know. He's pretty harmless. The guy is single, hot, with the most beautiful grey eyes. But he prefers staying in on weekend nights. If I didn't know any better (namely his hetero porn collection. Okay so I snooped. Sue me) I'd have thought he was gay. And I think he is heartbroken. Well welcome to my world buddy.

"Mr. Marish I don't mean to pry but why don't you date? You have women falling over you left, right and center."

"I've taken a vow of celibacy."

"Celibacy! Are you planning to join the church?"

"No! I've just gone off women for a while."

"For how long?"

"Until I make coach."

"That could be a long time you know."

"Maybe. But as of now my career is my priority. Now enough chatter don't you have a test tomorrow."

Diary Entry

12th November 2008

I don't miss dad so much anymore.

Don't get me wrong I still want to go home.

But I don't miss having a home cooked meal anymore. It's all thanks to Mr. Marish he is a fantastic cook. It's nice to have hot food on the table when I come home. When we're alone I call him by his first name. It's nice to have a friend again. He doesn't judge me. I even told him about Roman and he told me about Lena the girl who broke his heart. She had wanted a big rich sportsman so had pushed him into ice hockey and into going pro he had done everything she wanted but one knee injury and both his hockey career and his girlfriend disappeared.

Isn't that exactly what I had done to Roman?

Anyway we were talking about my new friend. He told me he always wanted to have his own restaurant. Cooking is his passion. So though he tells everyone that he wants to become a big coach some day; he has been squirreling away money for the past some years to set up a small restaurant somewhere. I think I'll ask dad if he is looking for a business partner. No.7 could go multi cuisine that would surely increase our customer base.