Chapter 12: charity

The next morning Rebecca practically skips through the kitchen while she's making her breakfast, which doesn't go unnoticed by Lisa.

You're in a good mood this morning. Did you... sleep well?

Yup, haven't slept that well in ages.

I bet!

Zach sits down next to Lisa and flick her ear.

Ow! What was that for?!

For being nosy.

Fine, I'll drop it. Elle had something she wanted to ask you.

What's up?

Remember the charity work at the local dog shelter that I told you about a while back?

Of course, are you setting up an event?

Yes, we're going to organize an "adoption rally". If you could be there it would help with the publicity and draw more people there.

Sure, just let me know where and when.

Awesome, I'll let you know the details later today.

Rebecca joins in on the conversation and turns to Elle.

If you end up making flyers for the event, make sure to give me a stack of them. I can spread some around in the hospital.

That's a great idea, I'll definitely do that.

Later that week on Sunday morning they head to the shelter where Elle is already hard at work setting everything up.

You're here! People should be arriving in about an hour, could you help us out with some last-minute organizing?

Zach and Marcus put up some tables and chairs outside, afterwards they go inside to check on the girls. As soon as they step foot inside they find them playing with the dogs.

Can you believe this Marcus? After playing a game yesterday we come here to bust our asses outside and here they are having a good time...

Marcus pretends to shake his head in disappointment.

Typical, we should have expected something like this.

The girls, being caught red handed all turn their heads to them like a dear caught in headlights. Elle scrambles to find an excuse.

We were seeing which one of these would be coming home with us...

I'm sure you were.

Rebecca swiftly picks up a small Husky and carries it over to Zach.

Look at how cute she is.

She's very cute, but a puppy is a lot of work.

Lisa walks over to them and starts petting the dog.

Except its not a puppy, she's an Alaskan Klee Kai. Think of her as a fully grown miniature Husky.

Like I said before, as long as she's well behaved it's fine with me.

Rebecca enthusiastically kisses Zach.

You're the best, I love you!

Hearing Rebecca say I love you to Zach so casually causes Lisa to look at him in surprise. He shrugs nonchalantly and smiles back at her.

People start arriving a little while later and dogs slowly start getting adopted. Thanks to Zach's presence the turnout is much larger than expected and the shelter manages to raise some extra funds for renovations, safe to say that the day was a success.

As the event starts to draw to a close Zach is surprised by a familiar voice.

Looks like today went well.

Hey coach. Yeah, I would say so. I see you brought the assistant coach along, good to see you again Caleb.

Hi Zach, we're here to get a dog!

Awesome, better hurry up though there are only two left.

Caleb runs inside with Lauren closely behind him.

A bit later Marcus heads home with Nika and Zach starts cleaning up. Afterwards he decides to take a seat on the grass to rest up a bit, a couple minutes later Caleb joins him.

Hey buddy, did you find a dog that you like?

We're taking Gus home with us, he was really nice. Mom is filling in the paperwork.

Isn't Gus the oldest dog?

I know, but mom said that he deserves a couple more years of love.

That does sound like your mom.

Now that she's officially named head coach the bank accepted the loan.

I'm sorry, I don't follow.

My mom wanted to buy the house that we're renting. But the bank wouldn't give her a loan because she wasn't officially the ECU head coach and lacked job security. That means we have a backyard that's big enough for a dog.

Now I get it, I'm happy to hear that things are better now.

All thanks to you.

I appreciate you saying that, but your mom is a good coach. She just needed a fair opportunity to show it.

Suddenly Caleb is ambushed by a small grey dog with a bushy snout who energetically starts licking his face.

You're getting me all wet Gus!

As they start playing with each other, Lauren sits down next to Zach.

Were you listening in on us?

Not intentionally, thank you for the compliment.

Sometimes all you need is somebody to believe in you.

I'm just happy that I have a stable job that I enjoy, and that Caleb no longer has to worry. He shouldn't have had to worry in the first place...

No, he shouldn't have. But that was the situation you were in and you got through it.

True, I'm lucky that I have a great kid that doesn't resent me for my shortcomings.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Take it from somebody who mostly grew up with only a mom to take care of him. As he gets older, he'll realize how much you did for him and appreciate you even more for it.

You have a talent for knowing exactly what to say, Rebecca is a lucky girl.

You were a good person in a bad situation. If we all do a little bit of good then together, we can make a big difference.

Words to live by, where did you get that from?

It's something my dad said to me once when I was little. I don't remember that much about him, but somehow that moment stayed with me.

The important moments, this one clearly made an impact on you. One day you'll be able to pass that lesson on to your own children.

To soon coach, to soon...

Rebecca shows up right as Lauren is laughing at Zach's discomfort.

What are you talking about?

Zach panics and completely fails to form any coherent sentences which prompts Lauren to laugh harder and harder.

We were talking about something his father told him. I then said that he could eventually pass it on to his own kids one day. And now he's freaking out.

Rebecca crouches down and playfully hugs him.

Does the prospect of little Zach's make you nervous? Too bad, I want lots of babies!

Zach's face goes pale and his voice cracks.

For real?!

Rebecca bursts out laughing alongside of Lauren.

I'm just kidding, I haven't really thought about it that much yet. Besides, it's going to take a couple more years before I graduate and I don't want to have kids while I'm still in college.

Zach lays down on the grass and exhales loudly.

That was cruel... I need a minute.

Good thing he's capable of handling pressure on the field Lauren, because off the filed leaves a lot to be desired.

Yeah, he handles two hundred plus pound pass rushers better than the prospect of being a father.

Rebecca giggles.

He has to have some flaws.

Zach lets out a groan.

You two are relentless... I think I'm going to transfer to a different school.

Oh no you don't. You told me that you love me, there's no way I'm letting you get away from me now.

Zach pulls her down on top of him and playfully kisses her.

Same, just no more baby talk... at least for a couple more years.

Fine, you're off the hook... for now.

After a successful day of charity work they head home with their new furry addition to the family.