Your Time

Chapter 38

{November 2029}

"Mom, dad, I don't know what to do."

Adam sat beside his parents at the kitchen table. Today, he was trying to decide on a college.

"Well Adam, it depends on what you want to major in, and if you want to play, football, baseball, or both."

"There's tons of colleges mom."

"I know buddy. But if you're going to go to college, you gotta pick one."

"You could always go right into the draft like I did," Harrison added.

"I don't know about that dad. I think I want to go to college."

"And that's a good decision," Carrie told him. "You've got plenty of schools offering full scholarships. Personally, I think Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Florida are the best options right now. But it's all up to you."

The schools Carrie mentioned were all offering him a full scholarship for football or baseball. "What about Auburn?"

"That's a good school as well. But Adam, you have a while to decide."

He sighed. "I know mom. But I want to decide soon. You know? So I can get ready for college."

"I'm not a good example either. I took classes online while I was living with your dad. I still got my college degrees, but it wasn't in a classroom environment."

Carrie paused. "You dad and I knew we wanted kids when we were young. I was 23 when I had you. I would've still been in college at that time."

Adam was looking over the papers again. "I think I want to go to Clemson."

Clemson was probably the best school. They offered him a full scholarship, with boarding and food costs covered, as well as whatever else he would need. "You sure?"

"Yes."

"Well then give them a call."

Adam did, and pretty soon a representative from Clemson was soon on his way for the signing.

In the meantime, the kids played with Leia in the backyard. Her favorite thing to do was chase a frisbee or a tennis ball. Emma threw the ball for her. "Leia go!"

The chocolate lab tore across the backyard after the ball. When she caught up to it, she sprinted back with the ball between her teeth.

Harrison came out a few minutes later. "Let me see that."

Ben tossed his father the ball. He launched it farther than any of the kids. Leia ran after it as the ball bounced all the way to the woods. During the run after the ball, it took a hop over a bush. The kids and Harrison weren't sure if she'd try to jump it or run straight through it. But she leaped over it with plenty of room to spare.

The kids ran through the backyard to meet Leia halfway. When she got to them, she was panting with slobber dripping out of her mouth. "Good girl Leia!"

She immediately flopped on the ground, begging the kids to pet her. And so they did. "Who's a good girl?"

Leia dropped the ball from her mouth and barked. "Yes you!"

She licked Billie before jumping to her feet and dropping the ball at Billie's as if to say, can you throw this for me?

Billie threw it far, giving Leia another good run. The tennis ball bounced way over head as she tore after it. As Leia kept going, the ball took a hop towards the pool. It didn't look like Leia would catch it in time.

"Leia!" All the kids shouted as they ran after her. But when Leia was running after a ball or frisbee, they figured out it was very hard to stop her.

"Leia!"

It seemed like slow motion as the ball bounced off the pavement and into the pool. The chocolate lab followed it, landing in the water with a splash. "Leia!"

Hearing the commotion, Harrison and Carrie made their way outside with Adam to see the dog in the pool with her beloved tennis ball in her mouth. They couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "Oh Leia, what are we going to do with you."

She swam over to the edge, dropping the ball before climbing out. "Emma, Ben, and Billie."

"Yes dad?"

"Since you are responsible for this," he pointed at the wet dog playing with her tennis ball. "She needs to be washed and dried before she can come back in."

"Aw dad! Why?"

Harrison didn't answer their question, but instead told them to get to work.

•••

A few hours later, the representative from Clemson arrived to see Adam. He brought a lot with him. Along with the official signing papers, he came loaded with Clemson apparel for the entire family including t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts.

"It's nice to meet you Adam. My name is Chris."

"Nice to meet you," Adam said, shaking his hand.

"Shall we get to work?"

Adam nodded, leading Chris to the kitchen table. A few minutes later papers were spread out the length of the table. "These are for your parents." Chris pushed a stack of papers for Carrie and Harrison to sign.

As his parents were signing the papers, Adam listened to Chris telling him all about Clemson. It had a very nice campus, and supposedly all the professors were nice and understanding as well, especially when it came to football and baseball season with all the traveling. "You'll be able to meet the coach in a few weeks, if you choose to take a tour of our campus over Christmas break."

"I'd love to take a tour."

"Good."

After Carrie and Harrison finished with the papers, which were mostly insurance information, Chris gave Adam the official document. He read it twice as his mom suggested, including the fine print. Then once he was ready, Chris gave him a hat to wear while signing the document. Carrie and Chris took pictures as Adam sighed the official contract that would guarantee him a full scholarship to the University of Clemson.

"We're very glad to have you Adam."

"Thank you."

Carrie gave him a hug. "We're so proud of you Adam!"

"Thanks mom."

"And we will be at all of your games," Harrison added.