Super Skilled Me

(2)

          My teeth sink into the chocolate-covered peanuts as the sun shines down upon me.

          Dian and I, both ready to begin our sophomore academics, are having a picnic together on the school campus for lunch. We found a spot tucked away near the football field, where the two of us can sneak some alone time before practice later this afternoon. It's hard with my crazy basketball schedule to fit in time for my girlfriend, so I have to make these moments count. If only words could describe how much she means to me, but I'm not sure I can come up with anything.

          "Babe," I say, continuing to snack on the peanuts. "You've gotta try these. They're freakin' delicious."

          "How many times do I have to tell you? I'm watching my weight."

          "Yeah. But just a handful here and there won't kill you."

          "Nuh, uh. I'm not going to budge."

          I roll my eyes. "Whatever. I'm gonna finish them off." I continue to dip my hand back into the bag repeatedly like I'm starving.           

          "Go for it," she says, motioning to the bread in her hand. "I'm very content with my whole grain sandwich here."

          I laugh. "Ah, yes. The same thing you eat every day."

          "Hey," she says, getting defensive. "It's good to have routines."

          "I just don't know how you do it though."

          "Do what?" she asks.

          "How you're able to resist these incredible foods I offer you. Like I'm eating these peanuts right now and I'm literally in heaven." I feel like I'm a junkie popping pills, that's how much I'm enjoying these little damn things.

          After finishing our meals (if you can even consider what I ate a meal), we agree that it's probably best for Dian to head to class. As the loyal boyfriend I am, I vow to walk with her through campus to Cheaser Hall 3. It's on my way to the gym anyway, so now we can spend a little more time together. Strolling through the campus is always a sentimental feeling, especially with someone you have feelings for. On our walk, I'm recognized by many people passing by the campus. Like I said before, I'm known as the big basketball star, and those are not my own words.

          "So, how's the team looking this year?" Dian asks, holding her books in hand.

          "Well, I was talking with Tony the other day, and we both agreed that we're just as talented, if not more than last year."

          "That's great. You've been the talk of the town for the last several months."

          She's right. There was a big scouting report done on my freshman season and the way I played. The guys who were watching me took down several notes, many of them agreeing that it's my basketball IQ that's the most impressive feature of my game. They also pointed out that I'm a lethal lock-down defender, and that even as a shooting guard, I can get up and snatch a rebound for my team when needed. It was very flattering to be mentioned once again as the top player in the province, but I still have work to do, if we want to repeat as champions this year.

          But then, as always, Dian has to bring up the sad news.

          "I'm gonna miss you so much when you're in Germany," she reminds.

          Ah, yes. We're having this conversation again.

          "Babe," I say, playing it off, even though I'm going to miss her, too. "Don't worry about it. It's not a full-time thing. I'll be back, you know?"