The Freshman, Book 1

Chapter 5 - Game Day

Natalie's POV

A few days later, I was just getting getting out of a lecture with Zack and Tyler. "... I'll expect those problem sets completed and emailed to me by Friday," Professor Atiyah said.

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

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

"Maybe we should form a little study group! That would make the work more fun!" I said.

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

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

As we exited the lecture hall, we saw Abbie walking back toward our suite. "I'm, uh... gonna go catch up to her. Talk to you guys later, okay?" Tyler asked.

Tyler ran off. "Aw. He's like a puppy in love with another puppy," Zack said. "Speaking of which... how are things with you and Chris?"

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

"Oh really?" Zack asked.

"Zack, I'll tell you everything!" I said. "Chris tried to kiss me... and I kind of rejected him."

"Ouch. That is awkward," Zack said.

"Thanks for the support!" I said. "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," Zack said. "I'm sure he'll be eager to see you! Very eager."

"Zack..." I said.

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

"Chris? He means nothing to me," I said.

"Yikes. Remind me not to get on your bad side," Zack said. "But I guess if that's how you really feel, talking to Chris should be no big deal, right?"

"I guess you have a point..." I said.

"Of course I do. It's best to learn this about me now: I'm always right," Zack said. "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!"

"How thoughtful of you..." I said.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the stadium and found the team on the green, practicing drills. "Oh wow... look at Captain America over there by the sideline," Zack said. "Wait... I recognize that face. It's Darren Taylor! He's our school's starting quarterback!"

"I thought Chris was our quarterback," I said.

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

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

I walked up to Darren and found him chatting with a pair of all-too familiar girls. "What are you doing here?" Becca asked.

"Breathing? Existing?" I asked.

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

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