Chapter 1 – Freshman In Paradise

* * * * *

It was early evening in mid May and a warm spring breeze flowed through Trevor’s bedroom window. His favorite rock station blared from the speakers and subwoofer of his desktop computer. He lounged in a beanbag, blasting his friends to smithereens and getting obliterated in turn as they enjoyed a deathmatch session before dinner. Trevor knew he would need to wrap it up soon. He could smell the Mexican seasoning, sizzling meat and the salsa emanating from downstairs. It was taco night in the Marshall household and all was right with the world.

Trevor was in that special time and place that, years from now, he would look back on fondly. That snapshot in time that adults dream of going back to for a second taste. He was a high school senior, soon to graduate. His crucial classwork was finished and all that remained was the last few weeks of school events, partying and soaking it all in.

The strapping, six foot young man with brown hair and matching eyes was well known in his small town. He prided himself on being friends with just about everyone in his class and all the lower classmen who entered his orbit. He was the first to show up to any party and often the last to wake up and stumble home when the illicit substances wore off.

Trevor was a member of the football team; a wide receiver. While he was no elite athlete and his years on the Summerfield Spartans hadn’t earned him any invitations to prestigious universities, he didn’t care. He simply enjoyed cracking skulls and having fun on the field. The competition and camaraderie were reward enough for him.

Perhaps he should’ve been more concerned that he was about to graduate and had yet to form any concrete plans for the fall, but Trevor couldn’t be bothered. He was a Free spirit who lived in the moment and gave little thought to crossing bridges until he arrived at them. Trevor had just turned eighteen a month ago and the world was his oyster.

Besides, he had no shortage of options. Trevor was getting better at playing the bass guitar all the time. He and a few of his buddies held semi-regular jam sessions and there was talk of taking their cover band on the road. Maybe he would do some construction or landscaping work and save up some money over the summer. He could finally buy a vehicle instead of biking, borrowing his Dad’s car or bumming a ride from his friends. That seemed like a better idea than taking out loans and jumping right into college when one had no idea what they wanted to study. If all else failed, there was the military. There was always a place for a fit young man in the armed forces.

These possibilities might as well have been grains of sand on some distant beach. Right now, all Trevor cared about was enjoying his game and wolfing down entire plates of delicious Tex Mex cuisine. His stomach winced as he performed a double kill and howled in victory over his headset. Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long for the familiar voice of his stepmother to yell up the stairs.

“TREVOR! WE’RE JUST ABOUT READY!“

“Alright! Be right there!”

Trevor said goodbye to his friends, logged out and powered down his videogame console. He pushed himself off the comfy vinyl seat and sprinted out the door. His sneakers stamped down the stairs swiftly as he was drawn to the dining room by the heavenly aroma of spiced ground beef and chicken. Upon entering, he was unsurprised to find his stepmother seated at the table enjoying her first glass of wine. No doubt father had poured it for her, happily.

Right on cue, his dad emerged from the other entrance; the one that connected the dining room to the kitchen. Richard was a tall, thin, olive skinned man of mixed Italian / Spanish origin whose hairline hadn’t budged at forty five. He carried a metal tray of heated taco shells with an oven-mitted hand and a porcelain bowl of Hot ground beef in the other. He set them on the table with a smile.

“Hungry?”

“As a spring bear!” Trevor confirmed as he took his seat.

His father chuckled and strode off to get the chicken, tortillas, salsa, chips, salad and everything else they would need for the feast.

“I can give you a hand, if you want?”

“Nah, I got it” Richard waved him off.

Trevor watched him go before his eyes shifted to the grinning Stacy. He was still amazed at how much things had changed in recent years. His parents had split up when he was fairly young and Trevor’s father had been an entirely different man up until four years ago. Trevor’s mom was out of the picture entirely and his father had wallowed in self pity for a long time after.

Back then, when he wasn’t working, Richard lounged around the house and drank. Chores and bills piled up. If dinner wasn’t takeout or delivery, Trevor was left to fend for himself. Richard was never abusive during his drinking, just preoccupied and neglectful. He would often leave for dates in the early evening and not return home until long after Trevor was asleep.

That all changed when the fit, curvy blonde at the end of the table entered their lives. Trevor couldn’t deny his stepmom looked good for her age. The crazy thing was, she was a few years older than Richard, though she certainly didn’t look it. Trevor never would’ve guessed his father the type to go for an older woman, but Stacy had him wrapped around her finger.

When he remarried two years ago, Richard was well on the way to becoming a model husband and father. Getting along with Stacy had been rocky at first, but as things with his dad improved, Trevor couldn’t hold any grudges against the new head of the Marshall household, which was definitely her. Was it even still the Marshall household? Stacy had opted to retain her maiden name.

Trevor didn’t know much about her profession, except that she was some kind of therapist and counselor. She worked for a private practice and didn’t like talking about her work. Regardless, her skills had helped turn his father’s life around.

Since moving in, they’d converted half the basement into a private studio for Stacy. She and father would often be down there at night, enjoying their private time. Trevor never made an attempt to breach their little sanctum. The stern stepmom kept it under perpetual lock and key and Trevor had no desire to uncover her secrets. The last thing he wanted to think about was his father and Stacy boning, nor was he interested in whatever weird shit they were into.

“Looking forward to graduation?” Stacy asked between sips of her Zinfandel.

“Hell yeah! It’s gonna be a nonstop bash for like three days. I’ve got invitations to three different parties. It all starts the minute we toss those caps!”

Stacy offered him a thin smile. “Yes, I’m sure that will be fun. A well deserved bit of revelry, but it’ll be over before you know it. Have you given any more thought to what you’ll be doing this summer? Or, more importantly, this fall?”

“Some” Trevor answered, crossing his arms over his chest. “But I haven’t made any decisions yet. Still weighing my options.”

Richard walked back into the room for the third time, setting down the remaining items before taking his seat at the table. He pulled his chair in and gawked at the bounty before him, ruminating over what he wanted first.

“I see” she responded with a nod. “Well, perhaps your father and I can help you with that. We have some news, don’t we Richard?”

“Oh, yes! Big news! But we’ll get to that soon enough. Please, dig in! Before it gets cold.”

The trio hastily assembled their meals, enjoying their favorite combinations of the available ingredients. They chatted amicably about current events and the upcoming graduation as they ate, but as the meal drew to a close, the conversation turned back to Trevor’s future.

“So, as Stacy mentioned, we have a proposition for you.”

“What kind of proposition?” Trevor asked, his gaze shifting between the two.

“The kind you would be wise to accept” Stacy answered. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs as she sipped her second glass of dark red.

Richard flashed her a smirk, his eyes begging her to ease into this. He turned back to his son and continued. “We know that you’ve been having second thoughts about going to college. Stacy and I have a plan that might ease those concerns.”

“It’s not even just about what I want. I didn’t get a football scholarship and it’s not like my grades are going to impress anyone.”

“Grades aren’t necessarily an issue unless you’re applying to a high profile school” Richard countered. “And as long as you can pay.”

“Right, and I don’t want to go into debt for a basket weaving degree. I don’t want you guys taking on debt for that either.”

“Basket weaving?” the blonde woman scoffed. “Is that how young people refer to the humanities these days?”

“Just hear us out” Richard interjected, raising his hands in supplication. “Stacy went to a lot of trouble to put this together, so it’s the least you can do.”

“Alright…” Trevor responded with a nod. He leaned back and got comfortable, preparing himself for another lecture on the importance of a four year degree.

“Your stepmom is friends with a senior staffer at an in-state university. After talking with her and finding out about a new program they’re launching, she worked out a deal to get you in.”

“What school?”

“Eden S&M University” Stacy answered. “Formerly Eden S&M Academy.”

“Never heard of it.”

“It was a religious school for many years. Now, a fully accredited institution. It’s a little over a hundred miles away. Just a two hour drive into the north country.”

‘Yeah, in a car I don’t have…’

“What’s the S&M stand for?”

“Seminary and Missionary. Not what they do anymore, but they kept it for prestige, I suppose.”

“Just think of it like Texas A&M” Richard quipped.

“Ok, so what’s this deal then?”

Stacey smiled. “We’re being given a substantial discount on your tuition, room and board. You might even say we’re getting it for a song. Eden currently has a three to one female to male ratio and they are very selective about whom they admit. However, once I told my friend about you, she agreed you’d be a perfect fit.”

‘Whoa! Three to one?!? I like those fuckin odds! I didn’t know Pussy CITY was just a couple hours north!’

Trevor nodded. “I admit, as sales pitches go, that’s a very strong opening.”

“Wait, it gets better!” his father jumped in. “Not only is this the chance to get a college education on the cheap, which we will cover, but if you agree to go to Eden, guess where you and I are going this weekend?”

Trevor looked puzzled. “…Where?”

“Down to the car lot, to pick out your new ride.” Richard’s grin spread to the very corners of his face.

The young man’s eyes shot open. “For real?!?”

“You’ll need a way to get there and back. Stacy and I aren’t going to pick you up every time you want to come home for a visit. And this way you won’t have to toil away all summer just to afford some beater. We’ll get you something nice that’ll last you the first stretch of your Adult life. You can enjoy the summer before you head off to school. We’re happy to, since we’ll be saving so much on your education.”

Trevor was already on the verge of agreeing when Stacy put the cherry on top of the sundae.

“Oh, and you might like this. You don’t need to declare a major when you enter. Eden tailors your program as you go, introducing you to various humanities courses and helping you chart a path to a degree that suits you. What that piece of paper says is hardly important. The important thing is you’ll have a four year degree after attending a school that introduces its student body to unique, life changing experiences.”

The cold steadiness of Stacy’s voice was a marked contrast to the excitement in his father’s. Still, her words were no less invigorating. Not having to decide on a major or even a course of study appealed to Trevor greatly. Those were exactly the kinds of decisions he agonized over and getting to avoid them entirely was a major plus as far as he was concerned.

*CLAP*

Richard smacked his hands together and rubbed them with enthusiasm. “So, what do you say, son?”

Trevor didn’t keep them in suspense for long. Truthfully, it sounded like a great opportunity and if he didn’t like how it panned out, he could always fall back on one of his other plans. He saw a ton of positives and the only negative was he’d have to sit through the typical liberal arts rigmarole that was standard with any higher education. Meanwhile, he’d be surrounded by young, available hotties and get his first car all expenses paid along with his degree. These were multiple gift horses and he wasn’t about to look them in the mouth.

“I think you just talked me into going to college.”

* * * * *

FOUR MONTHS LATER

It was a beautiful day on the campus of Eden S&M. A light fall breeze blew leaves through the quad. In the background, students were walking, jogging and biking around. A radio blared classic rock in the distance while a couple guys tossed a football back and forth. It was the lunch hour and students were lounging on the lawn or sitting on the benches dotting the walkways; enjoying a rest and a bite to eat in between classes. Sarah had brought a blanket for Trevor and her to relax on while they enjoyed their meal.

Trevor lay on his side, resting his head on one arm as he looked up at the beautiful redhead. Her shoulder-length locks framed her face on both sides, falling in a wave on the left and tucked behind her ear on the right. Her skin was pure porcelain white and her face was divided by a thin, perfectly straight nose. Her eyes were such a light shade of blue, they could be mistaken for gray unless you were up close and gazing into them deeply as Trevor was now.

They’d met at orientation and hit it off instantly. It had been a whirlwind Romance as they settled into college life and navigated the first few weeks of classes. Although they were still a relatively new couple, they were already spending date nights cuddling after dinner; chilling with Netflix until their hands and lips found better things to do.

Trevor was completely enamored with the 5’6 co-ed. It wasn’t just her slim curves that he’d fallen for, but her energy, upbeat nature and zest for life. Her passions ran deep. Among them were understanding what made people tick and caring for animals and the environment. Sarah was either going to be a psychologist or an attorney for environmental NGOs. She just hadn’t decided yet.

Sarah ate the last few bites of fruit salad before setting her tupperware and miniature fork aside. She turned and looked at the two young men playing catch in the distance before setting her gaze back on Trevor.

“Looks like you’re not the only football player on campus” she remarked. Sarah reached out and gave Trevor’s red and white varsity Spartan jacket a tug.

“Yeah, too bad Eden doesn’t have a football team.”

“I guess they’re not big enough for that, huh? Even if the student body was closer to 50/50, it’s still a small school.”

“They’ll probably never be a conference school, but that’s ok. I’m fine leaving my football days behind. So many guys end up taking brain damage, eventually.”

“Your skull is pretty thick. I don’t think you have to worry” she said with a grin.

“Hey! I’ll have you know I have a beautiful mind to go with my hunk bod!”

Sarah giggled. “Teasing, of course. What do they have you doing in phys ed, anyway?”

“The guys? Just basic stuff so far. Calisthenics. A little running. Some tumbling and flexibility. I hope they let us play some scrimmage games eventually. Soccer, basketball, anything…”

“Same. I think it’s weird we even have phys ed at university. I thought the days of gym class would be over.”

“I like it. Helps keep me awake between courses. On the days without it, I’m dozing off by the fourth class.”

Sarah smirked and shook her head. “If you’re not interested in the program, why did you come here?”

“I told you, my parents talked me into it. Got a car and a fun summer out of it. I wouldn’t say all the classes bore me. I’m sure I’ll find something to like, in time.”

The cute redhead crept closer, her hair hanging down as she crawled toward Trevor on hands and knees. “Well, I’m glad you came, because I already found something I like.”

She dipped down for a kiss and their lips met. Their tongues darted back and forth for a spell as they swapped saliva and warm breath. When Sarah finally pulled away, her eyes were warm, hungry and full of mischief.

“I’m going out with the girls on Friday, but Saturday night, you’re all mine.”

Trevor snickered. “That’s my line, babe. How bout I–“

Before he knew what was happening, Sarah darted forward, grabbed his arms and pushed him back on the lawn. His head fell back into the grass as her body slid onto his. Sarah’s deceptively strong thighs locked over his as she took his forearms and pressed them back over his head. Trevor could have stopped her. At least in terms of upper body strength resisting her pin would’ve been easy, but he was amused.

Trevor chuckled as she pressed him down and hunkered over him, her full weight leaning down on his frame. Her C-cup breasts pressed through her silky blouse and plastered against his chest. Her legs clamped around his and held down his lower half. Her angelic face hung just above his, looking down at him haughtily with a toothy smile.

“You’re not a very good listener. We’ll need to work on that. I said you’re mine.”

Trevor’s eyes opened a little wider and light shades of red darkened his cheeks. He felt his cock swell in his jeans. He’d always been interested in the girl next door type, but he couldn’t deny he was enjoying this too. It was somewhat odd, since on first meeting her Sarah had seemed quite shy and submissive. That had slowly changed as the early weeks at Eden had flown by. Maybe he was finally meeting the real her?

“Well, when you put it like that, I suppose I’m at your service this weekend.”

“Good boy.”

Sarah leaned down again and they kissed even longer and deeper. Time flew as their light make-out session extended into the waning minutes of the lunch hour. Neither of them cared who might be watching their little show on the campus lawn.

* * * * *

“Mr. Marshall? Hello?!?”

Angelica had asked her question twice, with no response. She frowned, looking down the aisles of seats to Trevor’s in the back row. She’d noticed his head wobbling back and forth a few times as she gave her lecture, but until now, the young man had remained conscience. Now his head was down completely with a forearm just in front of it, acting as a cushion. He was openly napping in her class. That wouldn’t do.

Ms. Armstrong put a finger to her lips and looked from side to side, calling upon her students for silence. She retrieved a ruler from her desk and stalked forward, her heels clicking off the tile floor as she slowly advanced to the back of the room. As she drew closer to her slumbering subordinate, his snores grew louder. With no one speaking, the whole room could now hear the evidence of his dereliction.

Angelica stopped at his side and placed her hands on her hips. A devious smile spread across her face as she watched his torso gently rise and fall.

*SLLLAAPPP*

She brought the ruler down on the desk just inches from the young man’s head. Trevor’s heartbeat shot through the roof, going from a peaceful lull to an eruption of furious beats. His eyes flew open as he jumped in his chair, startled awake.