Hey Jerome
I’m free from the 16th December through to January 5th. Paul is free as well. What about you? Do you want to come down and get tickets with us? How about Friday?
We got our passports sorted out yesterday, they should arrive next week. Exciting huh!
Did you see the video footage of Jason on the internet? He was right up there in the swim, board and run eh! Just getting through the first 2 elimination rounds was tough. I bet he’s putting a lot of work into the ski leg. Still 10th was good, but, I wonder what he thinks. I haven’t congratulated him yet, but, I will.
Alex
Oh yeah my man!
Sounds fly to me! Already got my passport! I’ll come over Friday – probably be there around 11. Hell yer I saw it – How does he do all that? He’s a crazy man! Be something to see that live.
Cya
Jerome
Hi Alex
I had my first race and made it to the final but then came last in that. So in effect came 10th. That was a good result for me - so I’m pleased how it went. Did you see any? Any word on whether you can come?
I’ll email tomorrow cos right now I am so tired I can’t keep my head up and eyes open.
Love you from Jason
Hey Bro
That was crazy. You are a machine! I watched it but don’t believe it. Not bad bro!
Jerome.
Awww Jerome thanks.
No No No and Yes
I’m not crazy, I’m not a machine, you better believe it and – yer I think it wasn’t bad at all.
Am I dreaming? Is this truly happening? I can’t wait till you guys come.
Jason
The semester seemed to pass slowly but it only seemed that way because Alex, Paul and Jerome were excited about their first overseas trip and catching up with Jason. Paul although having never met Jason in person was also following the results and joined in on the emails flashing back and forth across the Pacific.
Alex was continuing his impressive rise through the ranks of college basketball. Every game he gave his best and that best was sheer brilliance. He missed Sam at point guard but had good combinations developing with Jack and Eric who were sharing the role now. His courses were going well too.
Paul was improving too. He was back in control of his life and doing the course he had always wanted to do in the first place. Tutoring Alex in Math when they were back in school was the tip of the iceberg that confirmed this was what he wanted to do. He could look in the mirror and not have to glance away at the person he saw.
Jerome was solid in his role playing for State. He played 5 at centre or 4 and always contributed to the game.
The clash between The Rattlers and State was looming and would be played as a Rattler’s home game that was already sold out.
Meanwhile Jason continued to train and competed in the second event of the series. He placed 12th in another short course format held this time in Victoria a south eastern Australian state.
The momentum was gathering and events would unfold quickly. The big game, Alex versus Jerome, would be followed by semester finals and then it would be “adios amigos” as the date to fly out neared.
The game day arrived. Alex met with the rest of the team at 9:00 am in the Snake Pit for a light training session to get the cobwebs out, timing accurate, his shooting movement nice and sharp and the game plan more familiar. This time was important for team bonding in a relaxed atmosphere that could not be achieved closer to game time. Coach Brown was instrumental in Alex’s development and their bond was one of complete faith in each other and mutual respect. Tonight Coach Brown would run the team in the absence of the head coach due to illness, so, in essence this was a step up for him.
The team session finished just before noon and the players made their way out to go home and relax till coming back early around 6:00 pm for the game. Alex exited the doors and was surprised to see groups of people making a day of it with picnic lunches dotted over the lawn and under the trees. He waved to some familiar students and headed home for some relaxation.
At 5:30 Alex grabbed his already packed sports bag and headed towards the Snake Pit. People were already lined up waiting to go in despite tip off being another 90 minutes away. Leticia was there and called out to him. Alex strode over for a quick chat and kissed her lightly on the cheek. She wished him well. He recognized quite a number of the people in line and soaked up their greetings and good wishes for a great game.
The security guards let him in the door with further greetings. He then walked across to the player’s corridor and down to the Rattler’s change room. Once inside he went straight to his locker opening it to find his uniform fresh and folded in the usual place. He took off his shirt, folded it neatly and placed it on the second shelf. Next he took off his shoes and socks, they were placed on the top shelf. These were soon followed by his newish blue jeans and finally his underwear which were also placed on the second shelf. Is was part of his preparation he needed to be naked, it was the first step in his transformation to become “the snake man” almost as though he was putting on a new personality along with the uniform. The uniform on and the persona of the snake with it Alex moved to the team area for final words from Coach Brown.
At 6:30 the team shuffled casually down the corridor arriving to the fanfare of the band and the cheers of a full stadium. No time was wasted as the team launched into warm up drill, then it was back to the bench for introductions to the crowd. The announcer bringing out the State team first player by player then the Rattlers over the roaring cheers of the crowd. Back to the final huddle and last words then hands in the middle and “rattlerssss go”.
From the tip the game was close, hard and fair. Neither team able to make the critical break from the other. Each surge from one side matched by a surge from the other and the scores never than five points apart but mostly even with the lead exchanging sides frequently. So it was no surprise that at full time the score was even at 78 – 78. Jerome was having a fantastic game at centre and Alex was arguably the best player on court from either side. Extra time followed but even then it was even at 86 – 86. Another period of extra time was required to determine a winner.
The defining moment came in the last 30 seconds of double extra time. The Rattlers were one point in front as State took a time out with the ball in possession. Coach Brown spoke as the players listened intently, he asked for composure in defense and told the players to guard against the 3 point shot, no fouls, and that even if we give away 2 points we will have possession and can win it. If they don’t score we run the clock down, if they do we’ll use our time out and make a play. State took the ball in from the half way line, the ball quickly moved around the perimeter to the left then it was spun back through point to the right, back to point again then into Jerome at low post. The defense collapsed but Jerome faked inside right, swiveled left and shot on the board – 2 points. The referees whistle blew – Time Out, the rattlers were 1 point down and 15 seconds to play. Coach Brown’s calm exterior belied the true strength of the adrenalin coursing through his veins, he was as nervous as hell behind the mask of his face.
“One shot ok! We milk the clock and go for the win. His eyes fixed on Alex. “You’re the goto man Alex – call the shot”.
Alex responded breathily “they expect us to milk the time, no prob there, they expect me to make a play so I say send the ball deep in the left corner and I will – I’ll drive but I’ll dump to the elbow – Eric be there - take the shot”.
“Big call Alex” said Coach Brown “but be flexible ok – if you have the shot or milk a foul take it Alex if not dump”.
The ball was put into play and Eric did exactly what he was told. He dribbled the ball, bouncing it in centre court waiting for the clock to wind down. At five seconds Alex cut hard to the left, received the pass then did a cross over going left then right as the State defense expecting exactly that collapsed, Alex dumped to the free Eric at the elbow who went up for the jump shot. The ball hooked on the side of the rim then bounced out to a flurry of outstretched arms but it was Alex who soared highest and who put both hands on the ball simultaneously putting it back up onto the backboard from where it dropped in and then the buzzer sounded to end the game.
The crowd erupted with a deafening roar and everyone stood with a standing ovation for two outstanding teams who had put on the finest display of College basketball at its best. The Rattler’s bench flooded the court congratulating the team but Coach Brown just picked Alex up giving him a bear hug in his euphoria.
“I am so proud of you son” was all he could say. He was proud of all of them and told them so one by one.
Alex walked over to Jerome and they shook hands without words, they weren’t necessary right now. Basketball was the true winner today.
Finals started with Alex spending hours pouring through his notes and referring to his text frequently. Then on the morning of December 16th he sat his last task in Anatomy finishing just as the instruction for pens down was called. Once outside he text messaged Paul then hurried to his room, grabbed his travel documents, his packed suitcase and some bottled water then bolted downstairs and out the doors headed to where both Jerome and Paul were waiting in a rental car for the short drive to the airport. Their flight to LA took only 90 minutes but even so they still needed to hurry to find the check in counter for their flight to Australia. The long queue of passengers had already passed through by the time they arrived so their wait was minimal.
Paul smiled at the middle aged lady behind the counter and asked “excuse me miss is there anyway my friends here can have a seat with leg room? They’re college basketball players and this is a long flight. Anything you can do would help”.
“You should have come earlier, it would have been easier then”.
“I know but exams and all, we only just made it here”.
“I’ll have a look and see what I can do” she said as she tapped keys on the computer keyboard and glanced at the screen.
“It’s ok if you can’t but anything you can do to help would be appreciated” added Paul smiling the whole time.
“The flight is very full already and I don’t have three seats together, but I think I can help you. Would you mind waiting over there for me? It will only take a minute”.
They stepped aside to wait disappointed that they might not be able to sit together while the lady spoke into a telephone. They saw her tap a few more keys on the keyboard, spoke again into the phone and then watched as she listened, finally she nodded and called them over.
“You’re in luck boys” she smiled.
“That’s great” responded Paul.
“It seems we have an older couple who require tickets on this flight but were originally booked on a later flight. I can fit them in and my supervisor said to upgrade you to Business Class at no extra charge. Are you willing to accept that arrangement?”
“That’s fantastic” beamed Paul as all three flashed smiles.
They very happily booked their luggage and received their boarding passes for the long flight ahead.
Almost 20 hours later the pilot’s voice came over the intercom system advising passengers that they were “commencing descent into Sydney Airport and would arrive at 6:15 pm local time the temperature being a pleasant 22 degrees” then finished by adding “please remain seated and fasten your seat belts”.
Jerome drawled “I thought 22 degrees was cold - better wear your coats boys”.
“It’s Celsius” laughed Paul “so that’s more like 75 to us. We better get used to things being different”.
“So will they have kangaroos at the airport?”
… and at that point they all laughed.
Going Business Class they were through the luggage area well before the Ecomomy Class passengers had exited the plane. Even customs was easy. They took a luggage trolley, put their gear on it and pushed towards the exit down a long corridor then around a corner. A large crowd was gathered at the spacious meeting area as they scanned the faces. Jason help his hand high waving it so they could see him and it was Alex who was first to notice. “There he is to the left” he told the others who glanced across and saw him grinning.
Finally they were together. Jason could not contain himself he hugged Alex, patted his back before moving onto Jerome and finally Paul “great to see you guys” he spluttered. “…and you Paul finally we get to meet. Welcome to Australia guys”.
Jason ushered them through the arrivals lounge across the pedestrian crossing and into the multistory car park where his car was parked. The luggage safely stowed away in the boot (trunk but it is called boot since they are in Australia). Jason told Jerome to sit in the front so he could have more room then laughed as Jerome went to open the car door. Jerome looked up frozen in time with his hand on the door handle looking at Jason. Paul caught on first and started laughing too then Alex but Jerome still didn’t get it. “Ok lets go” laughed Jason, and so they went to get inside the car.
Jerome finally got the joke! “Ok ok ya got me that time” he laughed then proceeded to close the driver side door and went across to the left side front passenger seat!
Just as well Jason drove out the airport and onto the streets of Sydney, the sensation of being on the left of the road felt really weird. Jason’s hotel was in town opposite Hyde Park, the drive taking around 20 minutes. Once they went through hotel check in they went up the elevator to the 8th floor and along to their triple room with three single beds. “I hope this is ok” chirped Jason “my room is down the corridor in 821 - I need to be in a separate room tonight and tomorrow and in bed by 8:30. Tomorrow I have a sponsor’s breakfast then after that we’ll relax a bit if it’s ok because I don’t really want to use up too much energy before race day. I’ll leave you to get settled and be back in an hour, I can hardly believe you’re here at last”.
It was more than ok and very generous of Jason to look after all the accommodation for them. The room was fine, the bathroom spotless and the view through the window across the park very pleasant. “Look at that building” said Jerome the one with the skinny column and a space ship on the top”.
“I wonder where the Opera House is” mused Paul.
“… and the harbour” added Alex.
Good as his word Jason was back after an hour and took them all downstairs in search of food. He took them down towards George street past an amazing range of cuisines from all over the world. “Does anything in particular interest you?” asked Jason.
“It all interests me” chimed Jerome which was followed by laughter from the others.
“You choose Jase” said Alex. “We’ll go along with anything, won’t we boys”. The three nodded.
“Ok well, how about keeping it simple tonight, would Subway be ok or maybe Kebabs?”
“Kebabs?” asked Paul.
“Yeah, why not” agreed Alex.
So they made their way into a nearby shop where Jason commenced the orders. Jason ordered a chicken kebab served inside Lebanese bread with tabouleh, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, grated carrot, cheese, houmous and hot chilli sauce. “That sounds good to me I’ll have the same” added Paul.
“Yeah the same for me too” chimed Alex.
“Make mine beef instead but otherwise the same” added Jerome
Jason asked for take away and when ready took them up to the park and along to benches near the fountain. The kebabs were good, really good. To the others it seemed so weird to be here eating outdoors – back home it might even be snowing and the wind would be cold.
Jerome pointed up towards the building he noticed earlier. “What’s that building” he asked.
“It’s called Centrepoint Tower, we’re going there tomorrow for lunch.
Half past eight came too early and it was only part way to dark as well. “It’s bed time for me guys. The race is coming up day after tomorrow so I have to be strict with preparation. If you guys want to look around feel free ok but I have to go back. I’m up at 5 for a light swim then the sponsor’s breakfast so I’ll come pick you guys up at 10:00 am ok, if you’re awake that is”.
“Yeah sure Jason, we probably should try sleep and get over the jet lag” responded Paul.
They headed back together each looking forward to what the next day would bring. Jet lag or not Alex, Paul and Jerome were a lot more tired than they realized and were soon asleep.
Right on time at 10:00 Jason knocked on the door to find them all dressed and ready to go. He led them out the hotel and into the underground railway at Museum Station, he purchased city circle tickets and bundled them all into a train then out again at Circular Quay. The Opera House loomed large and spectacular on the right but it was the ferries that Jason was interest in. A morning tour of the harbour would be relaxing and spectacular. This was followed by the short walk to the Opera House forecourt and plenty of pics standing on the steps with the building behind them. Next it was back on the city circle train for Martin Place and the speed elevator to the top of Centre Point Tower where they first went on the observation deck and then into the revolving restaurant with superb views over the harbour, eastern suburbs and city. The meal was almost as good although to be honest the view was what really made it spectacular. Back on the street again a short walk to the Queen Victoria building where Jason took them to an Australiana shop where he had already organized special presents and collected three canvas bags he had organized previously. This was followed by a monorail ride, above the city streets and across to Darling Harbour, then back around to the stop closest their hotel. Jason once again taking his leave to go back and rest while the others continued to explore the city on foot.
Once back in their room, where Jason had placed the canvas bags on each bed, they found cards inside envelopes and addressed to each one. Alex opened his and read Jason’s words.
Alex thanks for coming. Your presence means a great deal to me. I am inspired every time I see you or talk to you and feel blessed you are part of my life. Enjoy the gifts.
The first gift was a black beach towel with Jason’s surf club logo in the centre. The second was a new pair of surf club speedos with the name Alex on the back. Next was a multicoloured and patterned pair of boardies. This was followed by a very kool boomerang painted with aboriginal motifs and finally a rolled up canvas which when unrolled was a vibrant painting composed of lots of little dots (later he would learn this was a traditional aboriginal painting).
Paul opened his card.
Paul I am really happy you came. Alex loves you and that’s enough for me. I hope we become really good mates and look forward to the many years of knowing you better. I hope you enjoy the gifts.
Jerome opened his card as well.
Hey Bro glad you came. Be good to have you in my corner for the race. I’m looking forward to being friends forever. Hope you like the gifts.
The bags were more or less the same only the boardies, the paintings and the boomerangs were different.
“This is kool” exclaimed Paul as he held up his boomerang, “I wonder how you make them come back”.
.
“He said to expect beach stuff so maybe it has something to do with that” added Alex. Then added “Jerome in speedos - what was he thinking?”
“Fly for a white guy” joked Jerome.
The next morning Jason woke them early for breakfast they drove out to Bondi. Jason parked the car in a marked car place then walked up the hill to a vantage point where he could stand and survey the surf.
“What are you looking for?” asked Paul.
“I’m trying to read the waves and currents, maybe see where the rips are”.
“Ok I get it - to see which parts to avoid”.
“No the rips can help me get out easier”.
“um .. I thought rips were dangerous”.
“They are but we can use them to get out through the break quickly. Waves break on the beach one after the other and the build up of water has to go somewhere, usually it spreads along the beach and then feeds into a rip that flows back out away from the beach. It’s more or less like a cycle – if you get caught just conserve energy, float and put your arm up to indicate you need help – don’t fight against the current ok”.
“Can you see any?”
“Yeah sure down towards the south, see the discoloured water moving back out to sea … That’s Backpacker’s Rip - it’s called that because the backpackers who know nothing about surfing go in there for a swim then get carried out and the life savers rescue them. It happens a lot. The event today is in the middle of the beach but see the surf – there’s a fair sized swell on … and to the left of the cordoned off area can you see the rip? I might be able to use that. The tide is full now but on the way out so when the race starts the waves might stand up on the sandbank a bit – that could be interesting.
“Have you got some sort of game plan?”
“I do yep” replied Jason. “The course is longer today, each leg is longer and instead of going around once with each leg we have to go back around a second time and in between the two courses is a 2.5 km beach run on the soft sand. My plan is to stay just behind the lead pack around the first three legs, then press a bit on the run to tire them out a bit and take the advantage in the second time around. I don’t know the order yet but hopefully the board and swim will be first two, that would suit me”.
“Where do we go to watch?”
“I have passes for you guys in the reserved area – see it marked over there with the red rope”.
Jason scanned the surf again to be sure then led the way back down towards the beach and over to two guys dressed in club colours. “Hey dudes what do you know? These are the guys I told you about Alex, Paul and Jerome meet Bluey and Lanky”.
Alex looked confused trying to figure out which name belonged to which person. Jason laughed explaining that Bluey had the red hair and Lanky was the short guy. Like huh! Oh well it is Australia!
Jason addressed Alex, Paul and Jerome “Guys I need to do some race talk for a while, these guys are handling my surf craft today. Here’s the passes I’ll catch up with you after the race”.
“Good luck” offered Alex and Paul simultaneously.
“Fly my man” offered Jerome.
I too fear for Jason. Remember, he is my choice so no harm must befall him.