The Freshman

Chapter 5 Game Day

Kath POV

    A few days later, I'm just getting out of a lecture with Zack and Tyler.

".... I'll expect those problem sets completed and emailed to me by Friday." Professor Atiyah

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

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

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

"Study Buddies !! I wish I hadn't just said that so enthusiastically." Tyler

"Have I ever told you how adorably nerd you are ? Study buddies it is." Zack

    As we exit the lecture hall, we see Abbie walking back toward our suite.

"....." Abbie

"I'm, uh ... Gonna go catch up to her. Talk to you guys later, okay ?" Tyler

     Tyler runs off.

"Aww. He's like a puppy in love with another puppy. Speaking of which ... How are things with you and Chris ?" Zack

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

"Oh really ?" Zack

"Zack ... I'll tell you everything ! Okay ... So we kind of ... Kissed."

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

" 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

"Zack ..."

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

"Chris ? I .... Have feelings for him."

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

"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 life as a football player. And in the meantime I can make sure you don't embarrass yourself ! " Zack

" How thoughtful of you... "

    A few minutes later, we arrive at the stadium and find the team on the Green, practicing drills.

" Oh wow ..... Look at captain America over there by the sideline. " Zack

"..... 😊" Darren

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

"I thought Chris was our quarterback."

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

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

     I walk up to Darren and find him chatting with a pair of all- too familiar girls..

"What are you doing here ?" Becca

"Breathing ? Existing ?"

"Well, go exist somewhere else. Madison and I are having a deep conversation with Darren !" Becca

"He was just telling us about how to handle getting tackled.. Maybe you could show me your technique later, Darren ! I'm super curious. " Madison

"It's all about squaring your hips and getting low to the ground." Darren

"Sounds like fun !" Madison

"Actually ... I was sort of hoping I could ask Darren a question. For a project, you know ?"

"Go right ahead, New girl. Don't be shy." Darren

"I want to ask ... Is it hard to balance football and school ?"

"Its not easy ! I always try to take a lighter load during fall quarter since I'm so busy playing ball. And I'm not gonna lie. Football life has its .... Perks. I know this life won't last forever. I want to enjoy myself while I can. " Darren

"Not everyone on the team seems so happy - go - lucky ..." Zack

     Zack gesture toward a bench at the far end of the field, where Chris is sitting by himself, hanging his head.

" ......" Chris

"I'll go talk to him ... See how he's doing."

"Good luck. He's super moody. He wouldn't even talk to me. And I'm me !" Becca

"What's the matter ?? It's not like Chris to get so down in the dumps."

"I think he's bummed, he's not a starting player like he was in high school. .. He probably thinks he'll be riding the bench

    I walk away from the group and approach Chris.

" ....." Chris