Not everyone makes it to their university of choice on their first try. Some don’t have the grades; others don’t have the money. A few go on a waiting list, which is how I ended up at the Brainfield Academy after graduating high school. My folks wanted to make sure I stayed academically sharp, and Brainfield was notorious for demanding standards. In my case, too demanding. I am Robert Banister, called Bobby. At the time I...

I met the girls at the coffee shop. They had advertised a bicycle for sale, and I needed a new one with school about to start. In the photo, it appeared to be a nice 26-inch Shimano with a platform on the back for my laptop. And inexpensive. Just what I needed, for money was short. Sammy’s Bean & Bistro at Halstead and 4th Street in downtown Huntington Beach was about fifteen miles from campus. I had just gotten back to I...

THE DARE “I know we haven’t been the best of friends,” my fraternity brother said, “but I need you to do a favor for me. I would really appreciate it.” “What favor?” I asked, for I had no wish to make our cool relations worse. “Last Friday, I made a bet with the Alphas on the Bears game. And the Bears lost. I owe them a dare,” Harris explained. “It’s due tonight, but I have the flu. Can you do my dare for me?” He sniffled...