The Freshman

Five: Game Day

"I'll expect those problem sets completed and emailed to me by Friday." called Professor Atiyah after us as we exited the lecture.

"Ugh." groaned Zack. "Who knew college was going to be so much work?"

"Are you kidding me? I can't wait to get started!" Tyler said enthusiastically.

"Two types of people." I said.

They both laughed.

"Maybe we could form a little study group!" I suggested. "That could make the work more fun!"

"Study buddieeees!" exclaimed Tyler, visibly excited about my idea.

We stared at him.

"Yeah, I wish I hadn't just said that so enthusiastically."

I laughed. His nerdy but goofy personality was just adorable.

"Have I ever told you how adorably nerdy you are?" Zack said, taking the words out of my mind. "Study buddies it is."

As we exited the lecture hall I saw Abbie walking back toward our suite. So did Tyler.

"I'm, uh... gonna go catch up to her. Talk to you guys later, okay?" he went after her.

"Aw. He's like a puppy in love with another puppy." said Zack.

I nodded in agreement.

"Speaking of which..." he turned to me. "How are things with you and Chris?"

"I... I don't know what you're talking about." I said.

"Oh really?"

"Okay... please don't tell, but, we kind of... kissed."

"Wow! You work fast! I figured it would take at least a week for you two to start hooking up."

"I said it was just a kiss! The worst part is, I have to talk to Chris for Professor Vasquez's assignment. And it's going to be so awkward."

"Oh, don't be such a baby. I'm sure he'll be eager to see you! Very eager."

"Zack..."

"Fine. I'll stop teasing you. For now. But just be honest with me for a sec. How do you feel about Chris?"

"Uh... I, ugh... have feelings for him." I said quickly.

"I knew it! In that case, you should be happy to have an excuse to talk to him!"

"I guess you have a point."

"Of course, I do. It's best to learn this about me now: I'm always right. Now come on! Chris should be in the middle of practice. You can watch him in action and then ask him a few questions about his life as a football player. And in the meantime I can make sure you don't embarrass yourself!"

"How thoughtful of you."

...

A few minutes later, we arrived at the stadium and found the teams on the green, practicing drills.

"Oh wow... look at Captain America over there by the sideline." I said.

I pointed to a handsome blonde football player.

"Wait, I recognize that face! It's Darren Taylor! He's our school's starting quarterback!" Zack said.

"I thought Chris was our quarterback."

"Is that what he told you? Chris is only a freshman. He's our backup."

"I don't see him around. Maybe I should ask Darren a few questions about football life."