Between Classes and Kick-flips

The Return to College

The sun had barely risen above the horizon as Max Goof stepped out of his dad's car, looking up at the familiar red-brick college campus. The leaves were just beginning to turn, giving the place an autumnal charm that he had missed over the summer. It felt good to be back, even though the semester ahead promised its own set of challenges. Still, after the whirlwind that was last year—complete with the X-Games fiasco—Max was determined to make this year less chaotic.

"Well, here we go again," PJ said, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. "Ready for another year?"

Max grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. "You bet. This time, I'm gonna keep things simple—no more over-the-top stunts, no more insane competitions. Just focusing on my studies and having some fun."

PJ nodded, though he seemed skeptical. "Yeah, right. Let's see how long that lasts."

They walked toward the dorms, catching up on their summer breaks. PJ had spent his summer with his new girlfriend, whereas Max had spent it working to earn some extra cash. 

As they reached the dorm, Bobby, the third member of their trio, appeared out of nowhere, startling PJ and causing him to drop his bags. "Guess who's back, baby!" Bobby shouted, pulling both of them into a tight hug.

"Good to see you too, Bobby," Max laughed, trying to extricate himself from the embrace.

"Did ya miss me? Did ya think about me? Did ya cry yourself to sleep wishing ol' Bobby was there to make everything groovy?" Bobby's voice was a mix of faux bravado and genuine excitement.

The trio made their way into the dorm, already slipping back into their old routines. It was comforting, in a way, to know that some things never changed. But as they rounded the corner to their dorm room, Max's heart sank. Leaning casually against the door, with that infuriating smirk plastered on his face, was Bradley Uppercrust III.

"Well, if it isn't the Goof and his lackeys," Bradley drawled, pushing off the door and straightening his posture. He looked every bit as smug and self-assured as he had the last time Max saw him, and that was not a good sign.

"What do you want, Bradley?" Max asked, trying to keep his voice steady. He had no interest in starting the year with a confrontation.

Bradley shrugged, examining his nails as if the conversation bored him. "Just thought I'd check in on the "new X-Games champion" as your so currently well known as", he rolled his eyes. 

Max clenched his fists, but PJ stepped forward before he could say anything. "We don't have time for this, Uppercrust. Why don't you go bother someone else?"

"Touchy, touchy," Bradley said, finally looking at them. His eyes locked onto Max, and the smirk widened. "I was actually just passing through. But don't worry, Goof. We'll be seeing who's the real champion this year.

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Max fuming. Bobby was the first to speak up after Bradley had disappeared down the hall.

"That dude is seriously whack, man. Like, major bad vibes."

PJ nodded in agreement. "I thought he'd finally back off after last year. Guess not."

Max took a deep breath, trying to shake off the encounter. "It's fine. He's just trying to get under my skin. Let's not let him ruin the first day back, alright?"

They entered their room, but the shadow of Bradley Uppercrust III lingered in Max's mind. He had hoped their rivalry was over, but it seemed that Bradley had other plans.

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That night, the boys stayed up, playing video games on Bobby's computer, eating snacks and laughing about what an imbecile they thought Bradley was, making up funny and obviously impossible ways to humiliate Bradley.