(Jay Harris) – ESPN SportsCenter Host
"Over the past few years, you've likely heard the name Dwayne Moi Stone at least once. It's the name of the boy who holds multiple U.S. junior track and field records and who, at just 13 years old, brought MLB scouts to Hawaii by throwing a 100-mph fastball. He is now 15. In any case, Dwayne Moi Stone has officially decided to attend Kahuku High School in Hawaii... to play football."
# May 21, 2016
#-1. Oahu, Hawaii
#-2. Honolulu, Kahuku CDP
#-3. Kahuku High School
Yesterday was Kahuku High School's graduation ceremony. The semester had ended even before that. High schools in the U.S. usually have a long summer break from May to August, which is why the campus is almost empty right now.
After taking a look around the quiet campus, I headed to my lodgings with Mom.
"Are you really going to stay here?" she asked. "Yes."
Actually, Kahuku High School doesn't have dormitories. Students who live far away usually stay in nearby share-houses. But I wanted a place inside the school. As I've said before, I want to save time. Even ten minutes is precious to me.
So, the school set up temporary housing for me: a small prefabricated unit called a He Kilo. I was satisfied, but Mom was not. She looked a bit shocked.
"Are you really okay in here?"
"It's clean enough."
"Sigh..."
I gave my sighing mother a tight hug and told her not to worry. I knew she wouldn't listen, of course.
"There's a bed, and a place to wash up."
"But there's no bathroom inside, and no sofa." "The bathroom is right next door. Well, there's no sofa, though."
"I wasn't expecting much, but this is a bit much."
"I'm really fine, Mom. I'll be happy here."
The bathroom was installed separately outside the unit. You just have to go out the door and around the back. As for a sofa, I'd like one, but there's no room. Between the bed, desk, closet, and dresser, the place is almost full. I plan to put a carpet on the floor and a small table on top of it.
"Let's go buy those things right now. I have to set it up before I leave."
"I can buy them myself."
"No. Let Mom do at least this much."
When Mom gets like this, I can't win. It looked like we'd be going shopping together. Just then, Dad arrived after finishing the enrollment procedures.
"Not bad," he remarked.
"Are you serious? You think this is 'not bad'?" "Looks just right for a guy living alone."
"Oh, my goodness."
I fist-bumped my smiling father. Mom shook her head as if she had a headache. I told her it was time to cheer up.
A little later, we stepped outside the unit. Coach Travis was nearby, and he seemed concerned by Mom's expression.
"It might not be to your liking, but we've done our best. We will make sure Moi is comfortable. All the way until he graduates."
The coach then asked about our schedule. If we were free, he wanted to invite us to his home. So, I asked him back.
"Are you sure that's okay?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Actually, the whole family is here."
"What?"
For the first time in twenty years since starting her business, Mom had taken a two-day vacation. Although she told the rest of the family to rest, everyone wanted to come to Kahuku with us. I pointed to where they were waiting. The coach flinched.
"Yikes. I'd better tell my wife."
"Really? You don't have to push yourself."
"No, it's fine. Fortunately, the place is big enough for guests."
At the coach's words, I looked back at my parents. Dad nodded with a smile.
"Then we'll be in your debt."
"Don't mention it. I'll text you the address later. I think I'll have to lend a hand to help welcome our guests."
"See you later, Coach."
"Right. See you soon."
The coach left first, and we walked toward our family. Aunt Mel immediately linked arms with me—something I'm very used to.
"Are you sure about this? It looks cramped." "Yeah. Staying at Grandma's and hanging out with you would be fun, but once football starts, I won't be able to keep up with your schedule." "I see. But you'll come over on weekends, right?"
"Of course—I promise."
"Fine. I'll let you off for now."
Aunt Mel starts working here next semester too. I guarantee she'll be a great teacher. We moved to the nearest furniture store to pick out what I needed. After setting a delivery date, we waited for the coach's message at a nearby cafe.
My eldest uncle asked a question.
"When does training start?"
"Next Monday."
"Starting right away, then."
"Yes—there are freshmen, and it'll take time to reorganize the team."
"...Moi."
"Yeah?"
"How do you know so much about that?"
I was momentarily flustered by my younger cousin Brandon's question. I felt a bit guilty for no reason. Come to think of it, it wasn't something to be flustered about, so I laughed and said I heard it from the coach. Brandon nodded.
Then, Mom spoke to me.
"Moi?"
"Yes, Mom."
"Don't forget. No matter where you are, you are our proud son and family. Live honestly, and never compromise with injustice."
Honesty and courage. I've been taught these things since I was a child, and I intend to live by them. Looking at my mother, who couldn't hide the worry in her eyes, I nodded with the brightest smile possible.
"You'll definitely be proud of me, Mom."
"That's a perfect answer."
"Yes. Believe in me."
"I already do."
In my second life, I finally gained a proper family. From them, I learned love—how to give it, how to receive it, and how to share it. And now, I'm about to stand on my own, away from them. Though it's not a complete separation, I don't actually want that yet.
A little while later, Dad's phone rang.
"I got the message."
"From the coach?"
"Yes. It's not far. Let's go."
"Yes!"
Before getting into the car, I looked up at the sky. A beautiful sunset. It was different from Maui, but I'll be looking at this sky from now on. I need to get used to it quickly. In my previous life, I hated the sky. Why was that? I can't quite remember.
"Moi? Get in!"
"Coming, Mom!"
Thud.
Happy and precious days. I plan to keep creating them here, too.
# May 23, 2016
#-3. Kahuku High School
#-4. Football Field
Last year, the Kahuku football team had 67 players. This year, there are only 51. Considering you need at least 60 to get through a season without issues, we're quite short-handed. The reason was a lack of good freshmen; many prospects went to the mainland. Consequently, there are only four freshmen on the Kahuku team this year. It's more than just a drought. On the bright side, we'll certainly get a lot of attention.
"I've heard the rumors. I heard you were amazing two months ago."
"Hi. I'm—"
"Dwayne Moi Stone. Is there anyone who doesn't know you?"
The boy who introduced himself was MarcusLombard. He's from Laie, near Kahuku.
"What position?" I asked.
"I applied for OL (Offensive Line)."
"You'll have to protect me then."
"Looking at your build, I'm not sure who should be protecting whom!"
"Haha. Nice to meet you."
The Offensive Line are my bodyguards. As a quarterback, I need to be on good terms with them. Marcus introduced me to the other freshmen. He seemed like the well-connected type.
"See him?"
"Yeah."
"That's Sol-Jay. Sol-Jay Maiava."
"Do you know him?"
"He was pretty famous on Oahu. He's a quarterback like you. Bad luck for him, being in the same year as you. That's why he's acting so blunt. He probably wants to be friends, but he's acting tough because you're rivals. Get to know him later; he's a fun guy."
"Thanks for the tip."
Marcus, Sol-Jay Maiava, and the last freshman...
"Whoa. He's bigger than I thought."
"Haha."
This was KaonohiKaniho. He kind of looked like a wrestler.
"John Cena?" I asked.
"Oh! That's it!"
"You can't see me, dude."
"That's cold. What's your position?"
"Call me an all-rounder."
"Tight end?"
"...No."
"Ah, Utility (UTL) then?"
"...."
In football, a Utility player is someone whose specific position hasn't been decided yet—often because they lack experience or their skills are hard to categorize.
"It's just that people haven't recognized my talent yet!"
"Is that so?"
"I'm serious!"
"Haha, sure, sure. I get it."
"FUCK!"
While we were chatting on the field, someone approached. He didn't look like a coach; he looked like a student. Then, a loud voice boomed from a distance.
"Freshmen! Fall in!!"
"Crap. Let's run."
"Yeah."
The one calling us wasn't a Huamatu. It was too early for them to show up. This guy was likely the "enforcer." Why do we have one? Simple. High school and college sports teams in the U.S., as well as related clubs like bands or cheerleading, have military-level discipline. It's a tradition. In my past life, I lived under strict rules too.
The man was larger than me. For reference, I am currently 6'2" (187 cm) and 214 lbs (97 kg). Yet he was even bigger.
"Attention!!"
He lined us up and stood in front of us, hands behind his back. He gave each of us a piercing glare. I looked into the distance—not avoiding his eyes, but because I knew this was how it worked.
"You!!"
"Y-Yes?"
"What's your name!!"
"Kaonohi Kaniho, sir?"
"What's with that voice!! 20 push-ups, now!!" "What?"
"Did you not hear me!! 20 push-ups!! Or should I make it 30?! Fine! 30 push-ups!!"
You might think Kaonohi was just unlucky, but the enforcer probably knew from the start who the easiest target was. My body tingled. It had been a long time since I'd been in an atmosphere like this. I'd actually missed it.
"And you!!"
"Sol-Jay Maiava!!"
"Who asked for your name?! Huh?!"
"...."
"30 push-ups for you too!!"
Ah—this is it. No matter what we did, push-ups were unavoidable. Marcus soon had to do them for some ridiculous reason, and then the senior stood before me. He growled softly.
"You think you're something special, don't you?"
"...."
"Dwayne Moi Stone. The celebrity."
"...."
"I don't need you. Just do 50 push-ups."
Without a word, I immediately dropped into a push-up position. I moved my arms mechanically. I finished 50 and stood back up. I saw the senior's eyes flicker slightly, but he maintained his composure. Aww, how cute, I thought.
Even though I remember my past life like a novel, for some reason, this senior just seemed adorable to me. No. Stay calm. I fought to keep a straight face.
The senior then introduced himself.
"I am EnokkVimahi! A proud Samoan of Kahuku!"
"...."
"This is my home, the land of my ancestors! It is the home I love most!! And I won't let some random nobodies ruin our proud Kahuku!! Understood?!"
"...."
"Answer me! From now on, you answer like this: Oorah!!"
"Oorah!!!"
I was the only one who answered immediately. The senior made the other three do more push-ups and then came back to me.
"Good. Cocky. I like it."
"Oorah."
"So, you get an extra 50 push-ups."
"Oorah!"
I know this is arbitrary. I know it's harsh. But in some cases, it's necessary. Focus. Discipline. The football field is a battlefield without gunfire; to protect yourself, you have to be pushed harder—both physically and mentally.
After my second set of 50 push-ups, I saw my teammates sweating beside me. Compared to them, I was in good shape. I was sweating, but my breathing was steady.
"Grab your bags and follow me!!"
"Oorah!"
"Oorah."
"Oorah..."
Our voices were still out of sync.
It'll be completely different in a week.
Taking the lead over my teammates, who were looking a bit overwhelmed and scared, I marched forward. My high school life had finally begun, and my heart was pounding.