The news of the "meeting" between Josh the senior jock, and Roger the new transfer student was already on everybody's lips by lunch time. Josh is used to being the biggest guy in school and now, at the time when he is supposed to be capitalizing on his popularity, Roger shows up and Josh doesn't want to share his title.
Roger is an army brat. His father is a general in the army and Roger has never stayed a whole year at any one school. This has made him more of a loner since every time he makes new friends he ends up having to leave them behind. His favorite sport is basketball and due to his height he is being recruited by many colleges but he hasn't decided on what he wants to do yet.
Roger is eating alone in the lunch room when he is approached by another student who asks, "mind if I sit next to you?"
Roger looks to his right at the guy talking to him. He looks younger but in good shape, "No I don't mind take a seat, names Roger."
The student reaches out with his right hand, "names Mike". Roger extends his right hand and swallows Mike's hand within it. Mike heard what happened between Roger and Josh and hopes that he could be friends with his former friend's enemy. Mike also has another motive which he doesn't want to explore just yet.
Roger just keeps eating and looking straight ahead. Mike decides to "break the ice" by asking, "Roger, can I ask you a question?"
Roger knew what was coming. It's what everyone who ever meets him asks. Actually it could be one of two questions depending how big a jerk the questioner is. But he's game so he answers, "sure, go ahead and ask."
Mike summons up all his courage and prepares to run as he says, "what's it like to be so short?" Silence... Then a smile comes across Roger's face and he starts laughing.
He turns toward Mike, "I'm glad you didn't ask me how the air was up there."
Mike laughs back, "I was going to when you got up."
Roger puts his long arm around Mike's shoulder. "Mike, what year are you in?"
Mike, feeling like he's being hugged by a bear, "I'm going to be a sophomore."
Roger laughs again, "so your a freshman then. Nothing to be ashamed of. I was one once, about seven inches ago."
The two of them are exchanging stories and becoming quick friends when Josh enters the room and looks directly at Mike. Even though their relationship was over, Josh isn't thrilled to see that Mike is getting "buddy buddy" with Roger. Nobody but Mike knows that Josh is gay and he would like to keep it that way as his football scholarship would be in jeopardy if it was to become known. Mike receives the nonverbal message and Josh continues on his way after totally avoiding Roger.
Roger turns to Mike and asks, "What was that all about?"
Mike tilts his head down, "We used to be friends before he got so full of himself. The friend that I knew doesn't exist anymore. Now I don't know who he is."
Roger laughs, "Well I can tell you who he is in two words, ass and hole. I can spot them a mile away but then again I can see over everybody...I say that's a joke son, a joke. Cheer up Mike. I like you and I don't care for many people. I have to go talk to the coach about basketball practice today but why don't you stop by after school and watch me in action."
Looking up at the now standing giant, Mike with a straight face says, "That's strange, I pictured you for soccer." Roger laughs and walks away. Mike watches him and wonders what it would be like to have a body like that.