Fresh Start- a Goldbergs/Schooled story

Adjusting to a New World

I woke up the next morning to the clatter of Coach charging about, "Morning Scout, how do you fancy a 12-mile run this morning?" I rubbed my eyes trying desperately to wake up, "sure I guess, what time is it?" Coach replied, "5am. I asked, "who wakes up at 5 in the morning?" Coach sprung up, "Me, every morning! And who better to rope into this than you, my prodigy." I replied, "Oh what the hell!" Coach laughed, "We'll have a full English when we get back." I asked again, "what is that." Coach sat down next to me, "bacon, sausages, fried eggs, black pudding, fruit pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and fried bread. It was Mama's speciality, God rest her soul." I got up and folded up my blanket and grabbed some shorts, "well let's get going, I can't wait!" He yelled, "That's my girl!"

I went running, trying to keep up with Coach and almost succeeding for the most part. It was quite nice watching the sunrise. I got back to his apartment and Coach cooked his famous full English breakfast. It was delicious and unsurprisingly one of the greasiest meals I have ever eaten.

I sat eating when I asked Coach, "So what are we doing in Gym today?" He paused for a moment before he smiled, "I'm not sure Scout, have you got any ideas?" I nodded, "I was thinking dance," He screwed up his face before I continued, "Scottish country dancing, I learnt it at my last school, it's quite fun." Coach laughed, "alright, but on one condition. You pop by my office and teach me some first." I nodded and he handed me one of his spare whistles, "Alright Coach Scout, you own the power."

I took the whistle and went to get changed into something a little less, sporty. Coach handed me my letterman jacket and I went to school with Coach. I went into school and straight to Lainey's classroom, "Hi Lainey, am I interrupting anything?" I saw her and CB standing talking in her classroom. "Hey Ames, it's absolutely fine, come on in." CB did his secret handshake with me before he gave me a high five and left Lainey's classroom. "What's going on Ames, how was your first night with Coach Mellor?" I smiled, "really good actually. Can we go to Waffle House after school?" She smiled, "sure thing Ames." I smiled, I just wanted something out of my day to be normal.

"Hey Coach Dad," I said as I knocked on his office door that lunchtime, "Hey Coach Scout, how's it going, I was just about to go to the cafeteria if you care to join me." I nodded, "okay, but one thing, can I miss wrestling tonight? I want to go to Waffle House with Lainey." Coach stroked my head, "that is fine, nothing wrong with a bit of girl time." I laughed "thanks, Coach Dad." "Now teach me some of that Scottish Country dancing!" I took his hand and took him through step by step. Unfortunately, the bell rang before I could finish.

That night I went to Waffle House with Lainey and as ever we sat gorging on waffles and catching up on everything. She asked me, "so what have you been up to?" I smiled, "We went to TGI Friday's, picked out an assistant coach chair, went on a run, watched an episode of American Gladiators and had an amazing breakfast. Who knew you could fry bread! Plus I got my own coaching whistle!" Lainey laughed, "I've never seen you so happy before!" I smiled, "I've never really been so happy. I feel like I can truly be myself around Coach, he really looks out for me." Lainey smiled, "I'm so glad, you deserve to have a supportive Dad. Especially one like Coach Mellor. I have known him for a long time and all he's said is he wanted to be a Dad. I've never seen him so happy you know." I simply smiled, not quite sure what to say.

I got back to school after our Waffle House fun and I wandered into Coach's office and sat in my chair until he finished wrestling practice. "Ahh! Oh hey, there darling," he jumped a little as he came into his office, "How was your trip out with Lainey?" I replied, "It was good. I love hanging out with Lainey." He sat down on his chair and said, "I will never stop you hanging out with Lainey, you know that." I nodded and gave him a hug. I got up and he said to me, "you know I was so proud of you today. You were incredible, you were me." I smiled, "no prizes for where I get it from." He got up off his chair and put his jacket on, "you're a good kid. Let's head off home. I'm craving a beet smoothie" I agreed and followed him out of school.