I grew up in a family that was always strapped for cash.
My father was a farmer. Unfortunately, a multiyear drought in southern California reduced the family savings to almost zero. He tried to sell the farm, but nobody was interested in buying it without the guaranty of constant supply of water.
Mom was a secretary in a local elementary school and her salary was low.
As a result, I never went on trips or had 'luxury items' like bicycle, Game Boy or a powerful computer. My parents emphasized to me that I had to be very good at school, so I'd get free tuition in a respectable college.
I managed to get straight A's in every subject all the way through high school. I wasn't sure if I was smarter than other kids, but I knew that unlike most other students, I absolutely had to have excellent grades! I spent a lot of time on school stuff.
When I was free, I enjoyed reading about discoverers, inventors and history of wars. I rarely played outside with other boys my age.
I started opening up socially as a senior in high school. Was it due to knowing already that my grades were good enough to get accepted with a full scholarship to a good college? Was it because my loneliness caught up with me at last? A hormonal 'thing'?... I wasn't sure.
At 18 years old I was 5'6", 155lbs. Since I was never into exercises or other physical games, my muscles were very 'unimpressive'... However, being known as the best student got me enough 'would be friends', who needed help in different subjects. I tutored, helped in homework and occasionally even wrote essays for them. In return, they invited me to parties and watching games with them.
One evening somebody introduced me to Ruben. This guy was 6'6", 270 pounds of pure muscle. He was our best football player and many of the known colleges tried to recruit him. All the pretty girls went gaga over him. The guys were jealous of his physique, success in sports and the way girls ogled him.
Any way, after about an hour of chatting with others and having a beer, I went to the bathroom to pee. Seconds later Ruben entered the bathroom. He stood near me and started peeing too. We finished almost at the same time.
Ruben smiled at me, "Nathan, I want to talk to you, but not here. I have a proposition that may interest you. Let's meet in my house tomorrow at 8 pm. OK?"
I was surprised by the unexpected offer. I didn't know what it was about, but the fact that somebody like Ruben would be interested in anything related to me was great!
He gave me the address. His house was 30 miles from my house. It was a problem.
"Ruben, I do not have a car and nobody would be able to drive me."
"OK. Give me your address and I'll be there with my Mustang at 7:30 pm. I'll drive you to my house and later back to your home."
"Sounds good."
...
Next evening Ruben arrived at 7:40 and apologized that he barely found the farmhouse. I just smiled. He was right. Our house was hidden behind several tall trees.
The ride back to his house was smooth and fast. Much of the time I was watching the scenery and the road, but I sneaked peeks at Ruben too. He was having on a tight tee shirt and short pants that showed his huge thigh and leg muscles. What a specimen!...
We arrived to his house and entered his room. He asked me if I wanted something to drink - Orange juice, cola, beer or anything else. I took Coca Cola. He grabbed a beer for himself.
I sat on a chair and he sat on a couch in front of me. He looked at me and blurted, "Nathan, among the many universities that asked me to join their football program, there are 3 that I consider seriously. However, all of them require me to pass the final exams successfully. Most of my grades are mediocre, but passable. However, I flunked math and chemistry. We have 3 months until the exams and the teachers in both subjects promised to make sure that my overall scores would be good enough, IF I pass the last tests. My proposition is simple. You help me pass the exams and I'll pay you. Money is not an issue, because all three schools have what they consider 'ways to help me have VERY comfortable life', if you know what I mean. What do you say?"
"I'll be happy to do it, but the logistics is unclear. Doing it in my house may be less convenient and more noisy. On the other hand I can't reach your house."
"Nathan, initially I thought of buying you a car, but I assume that you never had a driving test, right?"
I blushed, "You are right."
"I have another idea. I'll rent a double room for 3 months in the nearest Travelodge. It is located 2 blocks from your house. Every weekend we'll be there all the time and you'll work with me on math and chemistry. If you can spare additional hours on certain weekdays after school, it will be even better. You name your price and I'll pay you, but 50% of it you'll get only if I pass these 2 damn tests! Are we in sync?"
I grinned, "It's a deal if my salary is half the tuition fee in the university of my choice."
Ruben had a throaty laugh, "Nathan, that's fair. I'd like to start this weekend. When we meet the first time, let me know what weekday afternoon you can spare for me as well."
"OK. I'll tell my parents about our deal and meet you at the Travelodge on Saturday at 9 am. I can bring some books, but if you have a good laptop computer, we can use it too."
"Nathan buddy, I think that both of us can benefit from this arrangement. See you in school or on Saturday at the hotel."
My parents were happy to hear that I was going to spend time with somebody my age and earn money for my college years.
Two days later, on a Thursday, Willie, another guy from my class, came to me and told me, that if I worked with him on HIS weakest subject, English, he'd let me drive his car three times. I said that I was sorry, but I would be too busy and didn't have time for him. He got upset and slapped my face hard. I almost fell to the ground. I mumbled, "Idiot!" He heard it and came toward me with his fists ready. I was scared to death, but my legs refused to move. He hit me once in the chest. I fell backwards on the grass. He approached me again.
From the corner of my eye I saw somebody running in our direction. It was Ruben. He grabbed the other guy's neck and asked me what happened. I told him. Ruben stared at the frightened guy and whispered, "Willie, is Nathan telling me the truth?" Willie didn't answer. Ruben said, "Nathan, please slap his cheek hard and then punch him just like he did to you. And after that, if I ever see or hear that Willie comes within 30 yards of you, he better has his will ready." I told Ruben that I forgave Willie and refused to hit him. Ruben turned to the poor guy, "Willie boy, you are lucky that Nathan is such a nice person. But your lucky break is over! Am I clear?" Willie was shaking, "Yes sir. I'll never bother him again. I swear!..." Ruben let the guy free and he ran away as fast as he could. I thanked Ruben and my good fortune that my savior was around at the right time.
...
On Saturday I arrived at the hotel early and asked about the room that was reserved for Ruben Neves for the next 3 months. The lady at the front desk said that there was no reservation on his name, but there was a paid reservation for 3 months for another person by the name of Nathan Aronson. I chuckled and pulled my ID to show her that it was me. I got a key and went to see the room. It was a large room with 2 queen size beds, private bathroom and large screen TV. Excellent!
Ruben showed up 10 minutes later, "I tried to get a suite, but for the next 3 months this was the best room they had."
I chortled, "You do not need to apologize. I have never been to a better room than this one. It is perfect!"
The first hour we sat at the desk and I tried to find out how much help he needed in math and chemistry. It turned out that in math he was at a level of a 9th grader, while chemistry he needed almost everything, starting from the beginning. I dedicated the first 2 hours to basic math, moving slowly through 2 chapters of Algebra.
At noon Ruben became tired and hungry. He suggested to eat at a restaurant nearby and then jump into the pool for an hour, followed by a short siesta and study some more afterwards.
I hesitated, "Ruben, I do not have a swimsuit and I cannot swim..."
"Change of plans! We eat at Panera, on me of course, then we go and buy you a swimsuit and later we go to the pool."
Buying a swimsuit the first time in my life was weird. I felt almost naked! And my pale skin... But I decided that it was time to try.
We went to the room. Ruben undressed completely and moved naked into the bathroom. I was shocked!
His skin was dark brown with some hairy areas on his chest and bush. The bulging muscles all over his body were shiny. The wide chest contrasted with his much smaller ass. The long uncircumcised pecker was dangling above his large sac. He looked like Michelangelo's famous statue of David on steroids... Comparing to his athletic body, mine was puny and white... I had no hair on my chest and it was scant on my bush too. My dick was much, MUCH smaller than his...
Ruben came out of the bathroom wearing a low cut speedo, that emphasized his large package. He looked like the perfect man... or god!
He saw me ogling his body and grinned, "All my life I loved sports. Exercises, healthy eating and the right genetics helped. Let's go to the pool."