The Sophomore

Chapter Eighteen - Baby One More Time

Emily's POV

After a relaxing winter break, I returned to Hartfeld for the winter quarter and was waiting for the football team's bus to arrive. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I took it out to see a text from Zig.

We're almost back. Can't wait to see you! -Zig

Wrapping my arms around myself, I spotted a campus newspaper dispenser, and headed over to take out the newest issue of the Knightly News. Chris Powell's Leadership Takes Knights to National Championships, my article read. I skimmed over it. Our Knights are going to the National Championships, much of that is attributed to Chris Powell's leadership. So much has changed...

"Wow, it's out already! I can't wait to show this to Chris!" I exclaimed. "That must mean the article I wrote for Becca is in here somewhere..."

I flipped through the paper, eventually stopping in the middle and folding the papers back to get a good look. Former Kappa Phi Sigma Leader Praises New President, my other article read. I skimmed over it. This former Kappa Phi Sigma leader has expressed her views regarding the new president. Do you agree? We had the chance to talk...

"This looks great! I hope Madison sees this soon." There was a honk, and the football team's bus pulled up to the curb. The brakes let off a hiss of steam as the doors opened and players slowly disembarked. Chris spotted me and jumped the final steps before heading my way, a grin splitting over his face. "There he is, the man of the hour!"

He wrapped me up in a warm hug before stepping back to beam at me. "Wow, I still can't believe it..." Chris said. "You're looking at this year's National Champions!"

"Chris, I was so excited for you when I was watching the game. And, I bet you're happy to be back!"

"Boy, am I! Nationals were grueling. I can't wait to get back home and just relax for a while."

Just then, Zig got off the bus and spotted Chris and I. I ran over to Zig and threw my arms around his neck. He let out an oomph but then laughed and wrapped his arms around me as well. "I missed you too," Zig said.

"Not as much as I missed you," I said.

I took his hand as the both of us walked back toward Chris. "So I guess you've heard from Cap that we did pretty good."

"Pretty good? I saw my boyfriend doing pretty great." I reached out to hold Zig's hand. "I couldn't take my eyes off of you when you were on the field. That touchdown you scored was incredible."

Zig rested his forehead against mine. "Scored a touchdown, impressed the girl. That's my winter break checklist taken care of." Chris cleared his throat, and Zig and I stepped apart, smiling apologetically at him. Zig's phone dinged, and he took it out. "Oh hey, my roomies are asking when I get back. They want to congratulate me on the big game!"

"That's great! Go ahead and relax for a bit, Zig. You've earned it," Chris said.

"Just don't be late tonight!" I exclaimed.

"Tonight?" Zig asked.

"I organized a party to celebrate! And I'm pretty sure I told you."

"Right, right, I'm still coming back to reality. I did know about that, and I'll definitely be there."

I kissed Zig on the cheek before saying goodbye, and then Chris and I made our way home. As we were walking across campus, Chris nudged me in the side. "I read your article on the drive home. It's already on the website," Chris said.

He looked at the newspaper in my hand. "And? What's the verdict?" I asked.

"You made me sound great! The captain on the page did not sound like the captain who was nauseous with nerves the night before the championship game."