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.