The Sophomore

Chapter Eight - I Want it That Way

Emily's POV

I followed the sound of voices to the kitchen, and saw Chris and Arjun arguing. "I understand that football is keeping you busy. But don't you think student government takes priority?" Arjun asked.

"Arjun, you said you'd be able to cover for me in the fall! It's only one quarter, then everything goes back to normal," Chris said.

"There's a reason that we have a president and a vice president. This isn't a job for one person. And I don't know why you're so hung up on this football stuff. It seems like it's making you miserable."

Chris sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. He turned away from Arjun and noticed me standing in the doorway. "Emily? What are you doing up?"

"Sorry, I heard voices down the hall..." I said.

Arjun cleared his throat and moved to leave. "I should get going. Apologies if we woke you up, Emily," Arjun said. "Chris... Maybe we can pick this up later?"

"Yeah. Sure," Chris said.

Arjun hurried past me, and when I heard the front door open and close, Chris leaned forward on the counter and let out a breath. "Hey, is everything all right?" I asked.

"Yeah. Fine. Just student government stuff."

"Well, I gathered that much. I could hear you talking."

"I'm really sorry we woke you up."

"Chris, I'm not mad. I just want to make sure you're doing okay."

Chris ran a hand over his face, rubbing his eyes. "Well, Arjun is taking over as president for me while I'm doing football this quarter... But I guess it's been more work than he thought, and he thinks I should drop sports to focus on student government."

"Drop football? But you're the captain!"

"But... Maybe he's right. What am I getting out of this? Am I even happy? I mean, the team is playing better on the field, but I'm so worried about everyone getting along. Keeping Manny and Zig from fighting at practice... It's like having a grenade in each hand. I'm exhausted."

"Chris, ask yourself what makes football so important to you. I can't make up your mind for you, but... Why not talk this out a bit?"

"Well, as frustrating as it is to deal with all these conflicts... I still love football. I like knowing that I'm part of something bigger than myself, and working with the guys to achieve success. And I like the sense that we're all kind of a family... Maybe that's what's been bothering me."

"I get that. You just want everyone to cooperate. But even families have tensions and issues."

"I know. I just wish I was better at helping them work through their issues. I do really care about them."

Chris let out a sigh, and I put a hand on his arm. "Look, whatever you decide, I don't want you to beat yourself up too much. You're doing your best here... Try to relax."

"Actually... When I was first elected captain, Darren gave me two vouchers for a spa as a congratulations gift."

"Maybe that was your first cue that this was going to be a stressful gig?"

"Yeah, I guess I should have known what I was getting into..." Chris inhaled deeply as he surveyed the room once again. "I've been meaning to check this place out, but I don't want to go alone. I've never been to a spa before. Today's the last day that they're valid... Do you want to come with me?"

"Oh, that sounds fantastic! I think we could both use some pampering."

"Great! Do you wanna head over now?"