Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

Last Swim	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8134 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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AN: This switches to a different format approximately 700 words in. It's sort of an experiment. Part two will follow shortly. I'll be interested in any comments (positive or negative) if it worked or not.

April 7, 2006 Ann Arbor, MI

The building seemed to throb as hundreds of people danced to the heavy bass beat pouring out of the speakers. Ian put a hand on Michael’s waist and pulled him closer; neither one of them was the greatest dancer but it felt good to let go and follow the music.

The music slowed, signaling the approach of two a.m. and Michael slid his arms around Ian’s neck. Michael didn’t pay any attention to the song playing; he just followed Ian’s lead as they swayed together.

“You guys are so cute but I think they’d like us to leave now.”

Ian raised his head to see Valerie, Karen and Natalie standing there, grinning at them. Ian looked around and saw that the lights had come up and most of the patrons where leaving.

“Thanks for the tip. Michael, are you ready to go home?”

“I suppose.” Michael pulled back and turned around. “You guys really know how to spoil a mood.”

“It’s not us,” Valerie said. “It’s closing time.”

“I know but I’m blaming you anyway.” Michael said with a grin. “Are you guys going over to Jimmy John’s?”

The three women exchanged looks and Karen shrugged. “If you’re heading over there, we could use a ride.”

“No problem. If you aren’t getting anything to eat, we were just going to get takeaway and go home. We can drop you off at your building if you don’t mind waiting.”

“Thanks Ian; that would be great.”

&&

Michael ran into the sandwich shop and Ian and the girls remained in the car.

“Ian, we haven’t seen you around much this semester. How was your trip to Sydney?”

“It was fun, Michael and I did some tourist stuff and saw some friends; my sister’s having a baby in May so we also went to her baby shower.”

“You were invited to a baby shower?” Val asked with a chuckle.

“This will be our first niece or nephew aside from Michael’s stepsisters; the baby shower was actually the reason we went to there for Spring Break. We’re hoping Christina has the baby on time because we’re spending most of May there and she’s due on the twenty-fourth.”

“Are you guys going to the Pan Pacific Games in Vancouver? It looks like a couple of us might be going for the water polo team,” Karen said.

“Really? That’s excellent. We’re going out with Grant, Michael Klim and a few others for dinner the last night; you should join us. We don’t know where we’re going but it should be fun.”

“We’ll have to see who makes the team but that’s nice of you.” Natalie said. “What else are you guys doing this summer? I heard something about a camera crew hanging out at the pool.”

“Not until later this month. They’re coming the last week of the semester and then going with us to Shanghai and through the first week in Sydney. I think it’s going to be rather odd, having them follow us around but it’s an alternative to giving an interview.”

“Will it be like a documentary?” Karen asked.

“More or less. Depending on how it goes, they might even come to Baltimore and Vancouver with us.”

“You know, I keep forgetting you guys are celebrities. You just seem like regular people.”

Ian laughed. “Thanks, Val. I think we’re regular people too.”

She bopped him on the head as Michael got back in the car. “Sorry about how long iok. ok. Why are you abusing my man, Val?” Michael turned to her with a questioning look.

“He was being droll.”

“No! Not Ian.” Michael looked shocked.

“Michael, hush up and drive or no nookie for you tonight."

Michael quickly slapped a hand over his mouth causing the women in the backseat to start giggling.

^^

SCENES FROM A DOCUMENTARY BY CHAD WESTON & RACHEL GARRISON
“BODIES OF WATER: IAN THORPE AND MICHAEL PHELPS”

PICTURES OF IAN THORPE AND MICHAEL PHELPS APPEAR SIDE BY SIDE IN A SPLIT SCREEN FORMAT COMPARING THEM AT VARIOUS AGES WITH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THEIR CAREERS.

VO: When you’re one of two phenomenal swimmers of your generation, it only makes sense that people compare you to the other phenomenal swimmer. When American Michael Phelps started making a name for himself as a teenager on the swim circuit, comparisons were naturally drawn between him and Ian Thorpe, the Australian who won his first Olympic metals at seventeen.

SCENE FROM THE 200M FREESTYLE RACE AT THE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES IN ATHENS.

VO: When Michael and Ian met in the 200M Free in Athens, it was called the race of the century. Although Michael was considered a long shot and finished third, he stated all along that he wanted to swim against the best. What no one realized at the time is that Ian and Michael were discovering how much they had in common aside from swimming.

SCENE OF IAN AND MICHAEL’S LIVING ROOM IN ANN ARBOR, DATE STAMPED AUGUST 31, 2006. IAN AND MICHAEL ARE SITTING CASUALLY ON A TAN COLORED COUCH, HOLDING HANDS.

CHAD WESTON: Do you remember when you first met each other?

IAN THORPE: It was in Sydney, we were formally introduced on the second or third day of the swimming events but we’d seen each other around the week before. MICHAEL NODS.

CW: Do you remember what you thought about each other back then?

IAN AND MICHAEL LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND THE CAMERA ZOOMS IN ON THEIR HANDS BEFORE IT ZOOMS BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SHOT.

MICHAEL PHELPS: I remember thinking that Ian was really attractive in a very intimidating way.

IT (LOOKS AT MICHAEL): You thought I was intimidating?

MP (SMILES): Well, you were famous. I felt what Ian’s mom describes as all goose-girly; I could barely speak when Grant introduced us. That was weird because I didn’t even know Grant then either.

IT (TO THE CAMERA): Grant has a theory that I feel in love with Michael the moment I saw him.

CW: Is that Grant Hackett, your teammate in Australia?

VARIOUS SCENES OF GRANT AND IAN APPEAR ON SCREEN.

IT (IN VOICE OVER): Yes, we’ve know each other a long time and he’s a good friend of ours.

SCENE FADES BACK TO LIVING ROOM

CW: What do you think of his theory?

IT (LOOKS DOWN THEN LOOKS AT MICHAEL): It might have some merit. It was certainly a life changing experience that's for sure.
MP (GRINNING): Even if it made you feel old and creepy?

IT: I was in shock; you’d just gotten your braces off for heavens sake.

MP: And you were only seventeen, remember?

IT: It was still shocking.

CW: Because of the homosexual angle?

IT: Yes, at that point I hadn’t even thought I was gay.

CW: Didn’t you deny you were gay in 2002?

IT (SHIFTS AND LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE): It was hard enough dealing with the fact that I might be gay without the entire country looking over my shoulder. Yes, at that point I didn’t think I was gay but obviously I’ve since changed my mind.

MP: It’s sort of ridiculous, isn’t it? Asking a nineteen year old if he’s gay? Some people know very early but it takes others a while to figure it out.

IT: I didn’t think it was ridiculous; I just wondered why it was anyone’s business but my own.

SCENE SHIFTS TO ESPN REPORT; DATE STAMPED AUGUST TWENTY SECOND, 2005.

ROD DANIELS: Rumors were flying today that two Olympic swimmers had been outed as gay but the fact is Ian Thorpe and Michael Phelps announced it themselves via their own websites yesterday. Although neither swimmer was available for comment, Thorpe announced his move to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Phelps is attending the University of Michigan. Both swimmers mentioned their relationship and referred to each other as partners.

GREG MORTON: Rod, had there been any rumors previous to the announcement regarding a relationship between them?

RD: Greg there’d been some speculation that Thorpe was gay but he denied it three years ago. As you know, these kinds of announcements usually happen when the subject is about to be outed by other sources but there is no indication in this case.

GM: Aren’t Thorpe and Phelps considered to be rivals?

RD: Perhaps not anymore. In baseball news. . .

SCENE FADES BACK TO LIVING ROOM

CW: Obviously some people considered it their business. Were you about to be outed?

MP (shaking his head): No but we figured it was only a matter of time once Ian moved here.

IT: And we wanted to control how it was announced. We’re not having a sleazy affair that we have to hide; we’re in a committed relationship. There was nothing to hide.

CW: There were concerns early on that your relationship would hurt your careers. Has it?

IT (LOOKING AT MICHAEL): I think there are people who don’t like the fact that we’re a couple but fortunately, we’re not in a sport where subjective opinions count.

MP: I was concerned at first too. Ian was taking a big risk moving here to train with Bob and we weren’t sure how we’d train together but it seems to be working out.

SCENE SWITCHES TO TAPES OF IAN AND MICHAEL RACING IN LISBON, SHANGHAI AND VANCOUVER.

CW: Ian you won the 200m Freestyle in Lisbon and Vancouver but Michael won it in Shanghai. Do you two still feel competitive with each other?

IT: We never were competitive with each other to begin with. Yes, you can use another racer to spur you on in the pool but ultimately you swim your own race in the end.

MP: One of the things we’re trained to do very early is not let another swimmer drag you into swimming his race. Yes, you’ll swim faster when there are fast swimmers in the water but we all swim different races.

CW: But you two are careful not to swim next to each other when you train, aren’t you?

MP: We both like the buffer. I’m always aware where Ian is swimming but it’s too easy to be distracted when he’s in the next lane during training. It’s never a problem during a race but training is boring and your mind begins to wander.

IT: We also train differently. I’ll be doing fast sprints while he’s doing steady speed or vice versa and we’d draw each other out. It’s not just a problem with us, it happens to everyone. We all act like dogs after a rabbit when there’s a swimmer going fast in the next lane.

CW: Ian, you began attending the University of Michigan last semester as a full-time student. How’s college life been?

IT: I’m really enjoying it; the learning process is really stimulating. I always said I’d eventually attend university but now that I’m doing it, I realize what I was missing.

MP: You were missing the exams, the studying, and the papers?

IT: I like learning new things and being around people who are also learning.

MP (LEANING FORWARD TO WHISPER AT CAMERA): And now you know who the weird one in this relationship is.
CW: Before Ian can retaliate for that; how did your parents take the news that you were gay?

MP: My mom said she already suspected.

IT: I told my parents a year or so before Michael and I got together. They weren’t ecstatic but they didn’t have fits over it.

MP: I love Ian’s parents and my parents are very fond of him. The funny thing is that our parents all like each other too. We’re both very lucky in that regard.

SCENE CHANGES TO AN INTERIOR SHOT OF A KITCHEN WHERE IAN AND MICHAEL ARE SITTING AT A TABLE ALONG WITH KEN THORPE, MARGARET THORPE, DAVID WILLIAMS, AND CHRISTINA THORPE WILLIAMS. MARGARET IS HOLDING A BABY IN HER ARMS. IAN AND DAVID HAVE THEIR BACKS TO THE CAMERA. THERE ARE BOXES ON THE COUNTER IN THE BACKGROUND. LEGEND ON SCREEN: THORPE-PHELPS KITCHEN CARINGBAH, AUSTRALIA; MAY 26, 2006. SUBTITLES APPEAR AS EACH PERSON IS SHOWN ON CAMERA.

MP: Margaret, stop hogging the baby. Chris, tell her I can hold the baby.

MARGARET THORPE (TURNING SLIGHTLY AWAY FROM MICHAEL): It’s my grandbaby; I can hold her as long as I want.

MP (LOOKING WOEFUL): But we’re leaving in three days and Chris won’t let us take her with us.

MARGARET RELENTS AND CAREFULLY PASSES THE BABY TO MICHAEL WHO IMMEDIATELY STARTS COOING AT THE BABY.

CHRISTINA THORPE WILLIAMS: Oh, sure you want her now but wait until Iona needs a nappy change, then you’ll give her right back.

IT: Michael and I have both changed her diapers. I believe you’re talking about David.

MT: You know your father didn’t change one nappy when you kids were growing up.

KEN THORPE: That’s not true. I changed both of their nappies when you were visiting your mother.

CAMERA ZOOMS TO FOCUS IN ON MICHAEL WHO IS STARING IN FASCINATION AT THE BABY.

MP: I think Iona really smiled at me this time.

MARGARET GRINS AND SHAKES HER HEAD AS CHRISTINA LOOKS OVER AT MICHAEL WITH A SMILE. IN THE FOREGROUND, DAVID NUDGES IAN WITH HIS ELBOW.

CTW: It’s just gas, Michael. Honestly she’s only two weeks old, that’s too young for her to smile.

MP: This is so going to suck. She’ll be so grown up when we see her at Christmas. Chris, are you guys sure you can’t come visit before then?

KT (PATTING MICHAEL’S SHOULDER AS HE STANDS): We’ll take lots of pictures for you and Ian, Michael. Now that we’ve figured out the web camera thing you boys gave us, we’ll have Iona over here every week so you see see her.

IT: All right, Michael. It’s my turn.

IAN STANDS AND COMES AROUND THE TABLE.

MP (PROTESTING): But I just got her.

CTW: It’s probably a good thing you two don’t live here all the time or the poor girl would never learn how to walk.

SCENE CHANGES TO AN EXTERIOR SHOT OF A LARGE DECK OVERLOOKING THE WATER. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE SITTING ATG TAG TABLES AS THE CAMERA ZOOMS IN ON MICHAEL AND IAN SITTING AT ONE OF THE TABLES WITH RYAN CALLAHAN, DEBBIE PHELPS AND OTHER UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE. LEGEND ON SCREEN: PHELPS-CALLAHAN ENGAGEMENT PARTY JUNE 3 2006 MIDDLE RIVER, MD. SUBTITLES APPEAR AS EACH PERSON IS SHOWN ON CAMERA.

DEBBIE PHELPS (LAUGHING): Michael, I think he’s got you there.

MP (ALSO LAUGHING WHILE PUTTING A HAND OVER IAN’S MOUTH): Shut up, Ian. Mom, stop taking his side.

MICHAEL LOOKS AT RYAN WHO PUTS BOTH HANDS UP.

RYAN CALLAHAN (CHUCKLING): Oh, I think I’m going to stay out of this. I’ve never seen you in full eating mode but I’ve heard the stories.

MP (LOOKING SERIOUS): Ryan, before you marry mom you should be aware that she exaggerates things horribly.

IAN PULLS MICHAEL’S HAND AWAY FROM HIS MOUTH.

IT: That’s hardly a good argument. Something like that could work to his advantage.

IAN WIGGLES HIS EYEBROWS AND GRINS AT DEBBIE WHILE MICHAEL PUTS A HAND OVER HIS EYES AS THE OTHERS AT THE TABLE LAUGH.

MP (WAILING): That’s my mom you’re talking about!

IT (PUTS AN ARM AROUND MICHAEL’S SHOULDER): And I’m sure they’re just going to be playing checkers on their honeymoon.

MP (HEAD FALLING TO TABLE): Ian!

SCENE CUTS BACK TO MICHAEL AND IAN IN THEIR LIVING ROOM.

CW: You both really seemed thrilled about your new niece.

IT: I was just over the moon.

MP: It was awesome when David came out and told us it was a girl. Seeing her just a half hour after she was born was amazing. She was already blinking and looking around, very aware.

CW: They named her after both of you?

IT: Yes, Iona Michelle.

MP: It’s quite an honor. We’re really looking forward to her first Christmas but it’s going to be hard. Christina’s already warned us that we’re not to spoil her.

IT (SNICKERING AND RUBBING HIS HANDS TOGETHER): Ha! Like she can stop us.

MP: Ian’s already been shopping for the perfect present. I just want us to be the coolest uncles ever. Not because we buy her things but because we’ll listen to her and support her.

CW: But you’ll have more nieces and nephews after your mother marries next summer.

MP (NODDING): I have three nieces and nephews on my dad’s side; they’re his wife Jackie’s grandkids. After mom and Ryan get hitched, we’ll have nine more. But it’s a little different with Iona. I never really got to see any of the others right after they were born. My stepsister Ginny, she’s had Danica and Max since Jackie and Dad got married but she lives in South Carolina with her husband so I’ve only seen pictures.

CW: It’s obvious that you both love children. Do you have any plans to have any of your own?

IT (LOOKS AT MICHAEL): We’ve discussed it but whatever we do, it won’t be for several years. We’re both still young and it wouldn’t be fair to subject a child to our schedules at this point.

MP: Maybe after Beijing or more likely after I retire in 2012. Ryan’s daughter Colleen and her partner Beth are looking into adopting from China or Russia. It’s a really long process so we’ll have to see.

CW: You’re both only sons. Any thoughts about surrogacy?

MP: I think it’s a valid option and we’ve discussed it. Right now, it’s not something we’re seriously exploring. I’m only twenty one, Ian’s twenty three. Neither one of us is quite feeling the biological clock ticking.

CW: You two have a lot in common. You are only sons, the youngest. Your mothers are teachers. You were both considered unusually talented in your field at a young age. Do you think the similarities of your backgrounds helped bring you together?

IT: To a degree, we understand each other because we’ve both experienced similar things but it’s our differences that I think attract us.

MP (LOOKS AT IAN): You think?

IT: Yes because if we were too much alike we’d both be bored by now.

SCENE FADES TO QUICK CUT EDITS OF IAN AND MICHAEL’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES: TRAVELLING, SWIMMING, TRAINING, VISITING FAMILY, ATTENDING CLASSES.

VO: DURING THE SUMMER OF 2006, MICHAEL AND IAN TRAVELLED FROM ANN ARBOR TO SHANGHAI FOR THE FINA SHORT COURSE CHAMPIONSHIP. THE DAY AFTER THAT ENDED, THEY FLEW TO SYDNEY FOR A SHORT VACATION AND THE BIRTH OF IAN’S SISTER’S DAUGHTER. THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE THEY FLEW TO BALTIMORE, MARYLAND FOR MICHAEL’S MOTHER’S ENGAGEMENT PARTY AND THEN BACK TO ANN ARBOR IN MID-JUNE. MICHAEL SWAM IN THE CONOCO/PHILLIPS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN EARLY AUGUST AND THEY BOTH COMPETED AT THE PAN PACIFIC GAMES HELD IN VANCOUVER LATER THAT MONTH. WE THOUGHT IT SOUNDED LIKE A GLAMOUROUS JET SET LIFESTYLE UNTIL WE SPENT OUR SUMMER TAGGING ALONG.

CAMERA PANS ACROSS KITCHEN WHERE MICHAEL IS MAKING COFFEE; THE WINDOW IS DARK AND THE CLOCK ON THE LOWER RIGHT OF THE FRAME READS 5:12 A.M. APRIL 24 2006 ANN ARBOR, MI.

CW: Michael, is this the time you normally get up?

MICHAEL PHELPS: (laughs) No, normally it’s six but we’ve got finals this week and a meet next week so we’re squeezing things in. Just your bad luck, I guess.

IAN THORPE ENTERS FROM THE RIGHT, DRESSED IN JEANS AND A SWEATER. MICHAEL HANDS HIM A CUP OF COFFEE. IAN’S EYES ARE BARELY OPEN AS HE LEANS AGAINST THE COUNTER AND SIPS FROM THE CUP. MICHAEL SAYS GOOD MORNING BUT IAN ONLY GRUNTS IN RESPONSE. THE CAMERA REMAINS CENTERED ON IAN AS MICHAEL ENTERS AND EXITS THE FRAME.

MP (SMILING FONDLY AT IAN): He’s a little grumpy in the morning but he’ll wake up once he hits the water.

MICHAEL LIFTS TWO BOOK BAGS ONTO THE KITCHEN TABLE AND WALKS OFF CAMERA, RETURNING WITH TWO JACKETS AND A TUPPERWARE TYPE CONTAINER.

CW: What’s in there?”

MP: Fruit with some granola. He’ll eat it in the car.

MICHAEL POURS THE REST OF THE COFFEE INTO A TRAVEL MUG AND HANDS IT TO IAN.

MP: Come on, let’s go.

SCENE CHANGES TO CAR INTERIOR. MICHAEL IS DRIVING AND IAN IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IAN IS PICKING THROUGH THE CONTAINER, EATING WITH A PLASTIC FORK. C NOW NOW READS 5:31 A.M.

IAN THORPE: What time is your last exam today?

MP: I should be out by three thirty. Are we still meeting Bob at four?

IT: Yes but that’s it for the day. We should be home by six hopefully.

CW (VOICE OFF CAMERA): Is today an early day?

IT: Well, we’ve both got to study tonight and try to get to sleep early to start all over tomorrow.

SCENE CHANGES TO INTERIOR OF Canham Natatorium. CAMERA PANS OVER POOL AND FOCUSES ON IAN AND MICHAEL SWIMMING TWO LANES APART FROM EACH OTHER. CLOCK READS 8:03 A.M.

CW (IN VOICE OVER): They have exams at ten so they’ll be getting out soon but throughout the day, they’ll return to the natatorium whenever they have a free period.

SCENE CHANGES TO EXTERIOR CAMPUS. MICHAEL KISSES IAN GOODBYE AND THEN STARTS WALKING QUICKLY ALONG A SIDEWALK, PULLING A SANDWICH FROM HIS BAG, THE CAMERA FOLLOWS ALONG. CLOCK READS 9:40 A.M.

CW: Where are you going now?

MP (AFTER SWALLOWING): Biology exam.

CW: Do you always eat on the run?

MP: This week I do. My professors were cooperative about giving me the exams early so I don’t want to be late.

SCENE CHANGES TO INTERIOR HALLWAY. A DOOR OPEN AND IAN APPEARS, HE TURNS TO WAVE TO SOMEONE AND THEN CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM AND BEGINS WALKING AS THE CAMERA PACES HIM. CLOCK READS 11:48 A.M.

CW: How did it go?

IT: I think I did well.

CW: What class was that exam for?

IT: Philosophy. Now I can finally eat lunch.

CW: And after that?

IT: A history exam and then back to the pool for weight training. We’re actually in taper right now so I’ll only weight train for a half hour.

CW: Taper?

IAN OPENS A DOOR FOR THE CAMERA AND CREW AND BEGINS WALKING.

IT: Taper is where you taper down your training to be at your peak for a meet. Everyone starts it at a different time but a week out from a meet, everyone’s in taper.

CW: But you swam for two hours this morning, that’s cutting back?

IT: Normally we swim four to six hours a day in two sessions, so yes. Two hours is cutting back. Now we’re just trying to keep our feel for the water without pushing ourselves.

IAN OPENS DOOR AND SCENE SWITCHES TO INTERIOR SHOT OF CAFETERIA. IS SHS SHARING A TABLE WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE. SUBTITLES APPEAR AS EACH PERSON IS SHOWN ON CAMERA.

IT: Sorry Jim. Professor Atkins is giving the rest of you a different exam.

JIM IZUMI: That’s typical. He’s a great teacher but his tests are diabolical.

KYLE GOODMAN: Don’t worry, Jim. You’re probably going to ace this one and so will Ian. It’s people like me who are going to die on Thursday.

IT: Kyle you really should have come to study group. Philosophy is one of those subjects that you need to talk over with people.

KG: But it was only Saturday night, a guy’s got to live.

JI: A guy’s also got to eventually graduate and get a job.

SCENE CUTS TO MICHAEL LEAVING A BUILDING AND WALKING QUICKLY. CLOCK READS 2:04 P.M.

MP (GRINNING): Hi, guys. How’s it going?

CW (OFF CAMERA): We’re trying to keep up with you.

MP: It’s a busy day and there are two of us. Maybe you should get another camera crew so you aren’t racing around.

VOICE OF CAMERAMAN MICHAEL TILTON: Now you tell us.

CUT TO MICHAEL OPENING DOOR OF Canham Natatorium. CAMERA FOLLOWS AS HE WALKS TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE BUILDING SAYING HELLO TO PEOPLE AS HE GOES.

CW: Back in the pool?

MP (STOPPING BEFORE ENTERING A DOOR MARKED ‘DRESSING AREA’): No, now I get to ride the bike for a half hour. The bikes are over there.

MICHAEL POINTS TO WINDOWED ROOM OVER TO THE RIGHT

MP: I’ll be out in a few minutes.

MICHAEL OPENS DOOR AND DISAPPEARS BEHIND IT. SCENE CUTS TO MICHAEL IN SPANDEX SHORTS AND T-SHIRT PEDELING ON A STATIONARY BIKE.

CW: Can you talk while you ride?

MP: Sure.

CW: Ian mentioned weight training. Do you weight train too?

MP: I just started a light workout with weights a few months ago. Ian’s got a whole routine down including yoga and running along with the weight training. I’m getting into the yoga but I’ll probably never run. We both also take a self-defense class once a week.

CW: Is the self-defense class a reaction to what happened last fall?

MP: We’d planned to take the class anyway but that certainly pushed the issue.

CW: Has it been frustrating, waiting for the trails to begin?

MP: On the one hand, I wish it was over but I’m not looking forward to it.

SCENE SWITCHES TO TAPE OF A WOMAN AND TWO MEN IN PRISON CLOLTHING AND CHAINS BEING ESCORTED INTO A COURTHOUSE BY POLICE OFFICERS. ADDITIONAL SCENES FROM NEWS REPORTS AND OFFICIALS FOLLOW.

VO: IN SEPTEMBER OF 2005, CATHY SHEARER, HER BROTHER NATHAN AND DONALD GRADY WERE CHD WID WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER PLACING AN INACTIVE BOMB IN MICHAEL AND IAN’S MAILBOX. FURTHER STATEMENTS FROM THE FBI AND LOCAL POLICE HAVE SUGGESTED THAT CATHY SHEARER HAD BEEN STALKING MICHAEL FOR YEARS EVEN WHEN HE WAS UNDERAGE. ON THE ADVICE OF THEIR LAWYERS, NEITHER MICHAEL NOR IAN WILL DISCUSS DETAILS INVOLVING THE CASE.

SCENE CHANGES BACK TO BIKE ROOM AS IAN ENTERS HOLDING A PLASTIC BAG.

IT: Michael, it’s almost three. Have you eaten?

MP: Not yet.

IT: I brought you soup and a burger.

MP (STOPS PEDDLING): God, I really love you.

IT: I love you too now come eat before it gets cold.

MICHAEL HOFF TFF THE BIKE AND JOINS IAN AT THE DOOR. THEY WALK DOWN THE HALL HOLDING HANDS.

MP: How were your exams?

IT: Not bad, how were yours?

MP: I think I did well.

BOTH ENTER A ROOM WITH TABLES AND VENDING MACHINES. IAN PUTS DOWN THE BAG AND UNLOADS SEVERAL STYROFOAM CONTAINERS. MICHAEL PULLS OUT TWO WATER BOTTLES FROM A REFRIGERATOR AND SITS DOWN ACROSS FROM IAN.

SCENE CHANGES TO A LONG SHOT OF IAN, MICHAEL AND TWO TEAM MATES TALKING WITH BOB WHILE SITTING ON THE BLEACHERS. CLOCK READS 4:46 PM.

VO: MICHAEL AND IAN HAVE TURNED OFF THEIR MICROPHONES FOR THE STRATEGY MEETING WITH THEIR COACH. IAN WILL LATER JOIN BOB IN A PRIVATE TELECONFERENCE WITH HIS COACH IN AUSTRALIA, TRACEY MENZIES WHILE MICHAEL HAS A YOGA LESSON. THEY’LL FINALLY LEAVE THE FACILITY AT 6:15.

SCENE CHANGES TO BRENDA MORRIS-TYLER IN MICHAEL AND IAN’S KITCHEN.

VO: A FEW MONTHS AGO, IAN AND MICHAEL HIRED BRENDA MORRIS-TYLER TO COOK THEIR EVENING MEALS AND SHOP FOR THEM.

CW: Your brother was the FBI Agent in Charge of the case back in August. Is that how you met the guys?

BRENDA MORRIS-TYLER: Yes, I had just retired from the Marine Corps and was looking to buy a condo or house in Detroit but I was having a hard time finding something I liked. My mother’s here and I was living with her but we’re both stubborn women and we were getting on each other’s nerves. When Frank mentioned that Michael and Ian were trying to find someone to rent their garage apartment, it seemed like a good solution. I’d have a great place to live and they’d get someone who would keep an eye on the house while they’re gone.

CW: How did you end up cooking for them?

BMT (LAUGHS): I like to cook but I hate cooking for one person. The boys have busy lives and while they’re both good cooks, we started talking when I came out to meet them and it all sort of came together. It’s worked out really well because I get to cook and never have to eat leftovers.

CW: Michael’s been noted as having a huge appetite. Do you have any leftovers?

BMT: They can both eat so I usually fix enough for six people. They’ll take any leftovers for lunch the next day if there are any.

SCENE CHANGES TO MICHAEL, IAN AND BRENDA EATING AT THE KITCHEN TABLE AND TALKING.

MP (IN VOICEOVER): We love Brenda. With both of us in school full time, she’s gives us time to study when we get home.

IT (IN VOICEOVER): She’s become a good friend too. We don’t think of her as a mother although she sometimes gives us enough grief to be one of our mothers but it’s nice to have a female influence in the house; sort of like a sister.

BMT: Michael, I saw you hide the last roll under your napkin. You’ve had two already.

MP: But Brenda, Ian’s had two.

BMT: And I’ve only had one. Come up off it, bubba.

MICHAEL SHEEPISHLY UNCOVERED THE ROLL AND HANDED IT OVER.

BMT: And don’t give me that bull about my waist line either. I won’t fall for it again.

SCENE CHANGES TO INTERIOR OF AIRLINER IN FLIGHT. MICHAEL AND IAN SIT ACROSS THE AISLE. THE LIGHTING IS POOR AND A SUBTITLE NOTES THIS WAS FILMED ON A HANDHELD CAMERA ON APRIL 26, 2006.

CW (OFF CAMERA): How many miles do you think you guys in in a year?

MICHAEL AND IAN LOOK AT EACH OTHER BEFORE TURNING BACK TO THE CAMERA.

IT: Probably over fifty thousand this year with three trips to Australia in the works.

MP: I know I usually end up with enough frequent flyer miles to use for at least one trip.

CW: Do you always fly coach?

IT: Only on domestic flights or when we fly with our teams. This time we’ll be changing over to first class for the San Francisco to Shanghai flight. When you’re over six feet tall, flying in coach for over ten hours is really uncomfortable.

SCENE CHANGES TO INTERIOR OF AIRPORT. SUBTITLE NOTES DATE AS APRIL 27, 2006 5:37 PM. MICHAEL AND IAN ARE STRIDING DOWN CONCOURSE AS THE CAMERA KEEPS PACE. MANY PEOPLE ARE STOPPING TO STARE AT THEM.

CW: What’s the hurry?

MP: We’ve got time to see the Pudong Natatorium but it closes at nine.

IT: It’s only a short taxi ride so we should have time to swim if we hurry.

MP (GLANCING AT IAN WITH A GRIN): And Ian’s anxious to try out his Chinese.

SCENE CHANGES TO INTERIOR OF TAXI. IAN IS IN THE FRONT SEAT CONVERSING HESITANTLY BUT THEN WITH GREATER CONFIDENCE TO THE DRIVER. MICHAEL SITS IN THE BACKSEAT WITH THE CAMERA PERSON AND APPEARS TO BE ASLEEP. SUBTITLE NOTES THE HANDHELD CAMERA IS IN USE. CLOCK READS 6:33 P.M.

SCENE CHANGES TO EXTERIOR OF Pudong Natatorium. TIME NOTED IS 9:10 P.M.

VO: DESPITE SPENDING SEVENTEEN HOURS IN TRANSIT, IAN AND MICHAEL SPENT ALMOST THREE HOURS AT THE NATATORIUM. THE FACILITY OFFICIALS WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO FILM INSIDE.

IAN AND MICHAEL WALK OUT AND IAN FLAGS FOR A TAXI.

CW: What now guys?

MP: Food then bed. We’ve coming back here at eleven tomorrow morning so you guys get to sleep in.

IT: Taxi’s here.

^^^^^
END PART ONE OF EBB AND FLOW
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