Chapter 15: the scout

Another month goes by and Christmas draws closer. Since the final game before Christmas break is on Saturday, Zach and Marcus spend some extra time with Lauren after practice to make sure that they're optimally prepared.

After throwing a couple passes Zach notices a man sitting on the bleachers who's taking notes.

Hey coach, do you know that guy?

No, he doesn't look familiar. Give me a minute, I'll go ask what he's doing here.

Lauren spends some time talking with the mysterious man while Zach and Marcus work out a bit more.

Zach, you don't think he's a scout from the NFL, do you?

That could be it, I think you're right.

But you're not eligible for the draft until next year, I guess he's being thorough.

We're about to find out, they're coming over here.

They both know instantly that their hunch was probably right because Lauren is much more formal than she usually is.

The gentleman has requested to talk to you both. Are you ok with that?

Zach and Marcus look at each other, shrug and nod at Lauren.

She steps to the side and the mystery man steps forward.

My name is Sam Maddock, I'm the new general manager and head of scouting for the Las Vegas Marauders.

Marcus enthusiastically nudges Zach.

Told you it was the NFL!

Zach however doesn't react and takes a couple seconds to let it all sink in.

That's the team my dad played for... could you repeat your name please?

Sam Maddock.

Your name sounds familiar to me.

That's because I played with your dad for almost five years, we met several times when you were still little.

Oh my god! I remember playing catch with you and my dad in the back yard... sorry that it didn't recognize you, you look older.

Sam laughs.

It has been eleven years since we last saw each other.

It's good to see you again. I'm not eligible until next year though...

I am well aware of that. Me and the newly appointed head coach, Jake Rudor are now in charge of rebuilding the Marauders. Right now we have a mostly aging team, so I have my work cut out for me.

Must be exciting.

Absolutely. The first step in my rebuild is drafting cornerstone players that are leaders and will help me build a solid foundation for the future. I think Marcus could be one of those players.

Marcus is so shocked that Sam is there to scout him that he doesn't know what to say. Zach seizes the opportunity to praise him.

He is indeed a leader and as you can see, he puts in extra time after practice. His work ethic is next level.

That's good to know. Coach Turner, do you have anything to add?

I can confirm what Zach said. He's also very coachable and actively helps out with game planning while we're watching film of our upcoming opponents.

All of that sounds very good to me. Marcus, could we talk perhaps? I want to ask you some basic questions.

Sure!

Great. before we go do that, could we talk afterwards Zach?

Of course, I'll wait until you're done.

Lauren runs Zach through some footwork drills while they wait for them. Ten minutes go by and Marcus comes walking over with a big smile on his face.

Looks like it went well.

I think so, he said that he would be keeping a close eye on me. That's positive, right?

Sounds positive to me! Right coach?

Absolutely, it's about time they started paying attention to you.

Thanks, I'm going to head home and tell the news to Nika.

Could you let Rebecca know that I'm going to be home a bit later today?

Of course, take your time.

Lauren places her hand on Zach's shoulder before she leaves.

Are you going to be ok? Do you want me to stick around?

I'll be fine. You can go home to Caleb.

Alright, see you on Saturday.

Zach walks over to Sam and sits down next to him.

What did you want to talk about?

Where do I even begin... I'm sorry.

Sorry for what?

Your dad was a good friend of mine, I should have been there for you and your mom after the accident.

It's ok...

No, it's not. I should have had my act together and been there for you both. How did things go?

Fine at first. Sure, we were sad about dad, but we tried to make the best out of it.

The way you said that makes me think like it didn't stay that way.

We ended up moving back to my mom's home town so we could be closer to my grandparents. Over the next couple years they both ended up passing away, but getting to spend those years with them was nice. A couple more years later mom started getting more and more tired, after some tests it turned out that she has a rare muscular disease. The medicine is very expensive so things were tough for us.

Sam is visibly bothered by what Zach is telling him.

After I finally found the courage to reach out to you and your mom, I found out that you had already moved away and I had no way of contacting you. Finding out that you needed me more than ever doesn't feel good at all. How is Natasha doing now?

She's mostly fine. Me getting a scholarship definitely helped, but she still has to work six days a week and that has to stop.

I agree. Did she move here with you? I would like to see her.

No, there's no way we could afford that.

Wait, is she back in upstate New York all by herself?!

There was no other option.

That's unacceptable! Give me her number and address, I'll get her over here before Christmas.

Are you serious?!

Consider it my way of making up for abandoning you.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

It's a Christmas gift from the Las Vegas Marauders, I'll take care of everything.

Thank you, seeing my mom again... it means a lot.

You're very welcome, see you at the game on Saturday.

We'll make sure to put on a show for you.

Things are quiet when Zach eventually gets home and he sits down on the couch. As he thinks about his conversation with Sam, a lot of emotions that were previously buried start rising to the surface and it overwhelms him.

He bursts into tears which draws the attention from Lisa who happens to be close by in the kitchen. Having heard about Sam form Marcus she immediately knows why he's crying. She walks over, sits down next to Zach, puts her arms around him and simply holds him without saying a single word.

Rebecca hears the commotion from upstairs. She comes rushing down to console Zach.

It's ok, we're here for you.

He wipes the tears from his face.

I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me.

Lisa scoffs loudly.

I do. You're terrible when it comes to dealing or even acknowledging your feelings and emotions. This was a decade's worth that came rushing out all out once.

It sounds like you've been paying attention in class.

I kinda have to if I want to become a licensed therapist one day. What do you think doc?

Rebecca nods in a confirming way.

I think our diagnosis was spot on. There's nothing to be ashamed of.

That's not it, I just don't feel comfortable when it come to that stuff. Oh, I almost forgot. Sam is flying my mom over for Christmas.

Lisa's face lights up.

Awesome! I miss having Natasha around.

Rebecca looks at Zach with her eyes are wide open in a slight panic.

Your mom is coming here?

Yup, in a couple days. Not so funny when it's you huh?

She doesn't reply and grunts at Zach in a displeased way.

Don't be like that, you know that she likes you. We could drive up to go see your parents if you want?

It's nice of you to think of them, but they're visiting my grandparents in Florida for the holidays.

Next time then, we'll have plenty opportunities in the future.

It's early Saturday morning and Natasha should be arriving any minute. Zach, Rebecca and Lisa decide to wait for her arrival on the porch at the front of the mansion.

Some time goes by until suddenly an expensive black care stops in front of them. Sam gets out, walks to the other side and opens the door revealing Natasha. Zach doesn't waste a single second, rushes over to her and gives her a big hug, picking her up in the process.

I missed you mom.

I missed you too, but please put me down... I've spent enough time in the air on my way over here.

Sorry, I got carried away. How was the flight?

Amazing! Sam spared no expense, he flew me over in a private jet and picked me up at the airport himself.

Sam shrugs and makes a slightly dismissive hand gesture.

It was the least I could do, it was a gift from the organization.

Regardless of who's "gift" it is, I'm grateful that I get to see my son again.

Lisa wanders over in her usual nonchalant way and gives Natasha a short hug.

As you can see, he's still in perfect condition... all because I kept an eye on him of course.

Natasha chuckles at her signature quirkiness.

You did a very good job. You haven't been sleeping in too much, have you?

No... only on Sunday. With Zach across the hall sleeping in isn't really an option most of the time.

Meanwhile in the background Rebecca is adjusting her hair, which of course doesn't go unnoticed by Natasha.

It's so good to finally meet you in person Rebecca.

Natasha embraces her before she can reply.

Welcome to California, we're so happy to have you here with us.

Sam quickly interjects.

And you better get used to it because I have on more surprise, this gift is from me personally.

He hands Natasha a set of keys.

What do you mean?

You being so far away from Zach makes no sense. I took the liberty of arranging an apartment for you downtown, only a fifteen minute walk from here. Rent has been paid for the next 18 months, by then Zach should be drafted into the NFL and you can both move to whichever city his new team is in.

Are you serious...?

Yes, your husband got me a place on the Marauders even though I was a no name undrafted player. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have had a career at all, let alone be where I am today. And I should have been there for you when he... this is my way of making up for that.

Zach embraces Sam without hesitation. When he lets go of Sam, Zach looks at him with some tears in his eyes.

Thank you, you're a good man.

I just wanted to make sure that you're together.

Natasha follows suit and gives Sam a hug.

This is so much, I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of you. You have essentially given me my son back... I don't know how to thank you.

The smile on your faces is all the thanks I need. Now that we've taken care of that, I'll see you at the game in a couple hours.

They proceed to give Natasha a quick tour of the mansion.

This place is amazing! but if you'll excuse me, after that long flight I need to go to the bathroom.

Zach puts his hands on his face and lets out a deep sigh as soon as Natasha disappears around the corner.

Instinctively Rebecca puts her arms around him.

She's here now, you don't have to worry anymore.

Zach returns her embrace.

Such a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, it's like a can finally breathe again. I told myself that every pass I threw had to be perfect, so that I could take care of her in the future. Now I can finally focus on the game and nothing else.

You mean that you weren't even playing at one hundred percent yet?! I feel sorry for your opponent this afternoon.

Speaking of my opponent, I'm going to be late if I don't get going. Could you tell my mom that we'll see each other at the stadium?

Of course, go get them!

Zach is fully focused from the moment the game starts. He completes one pass after another, the opposing defense doesn't stand a chance. Both Zach and Marcus break school records for single game performances, leading the team to easily it's best performance of the season and winning the game 10 to 50. On his way back to the locker room he hands the game ball to his mother and kisses her on the cheek.

After the team finishes celebrating Sam walks into the locker room to congratulate Zach.

Talk about putting on a show, you guys were amazing!

Not having to worry about my mom set me free, thank you again.

Happy to do it. You and Marcus truly have an impressive connection for having only had a couple months to practice together.

Marcus pats Zach on the back.

That's because we have the same drive, we end up staying after practice most of the time.

Good, that helps you stay motivated. Before I head back to Vegas, I would like to invite Marcus to the senior bowl. Our coach Jake Rudor is going to be one of the coaches there, and that would allow him to "get his hand on you" so to speak. Are you interested?

NFL level coaching, of course I'm interested! Give me the time and place, I'll be there.

Great, you'll get your official invitation some time this month. See you there!

They say their goodbyes to Sam and head back home. Over the moon by his invitation, Marcus tells the good new to Nika and calls his parents.

Zach walks over to the guest room to say goodnight to Natasha after having a great night together catching up.

I'm upstairs if you need anything.

Will you stop worrying already, come here and give your mother a kiss.

Goodnight, I'm happy that you're here.

So am I. Now go rest up, we have to go take a look at my new apartment tomorrow.

Early the next morning Zach and Rebecca go downstairs and find Natasha already in the middle of preparing breakfast.

Good morning! I wanted to say thank you for the hospitality by making your favorite.

Zach's face immediately lights up.

You made blueberry pancakes?!

I sure did. Would you like some too Rebecca?

Don't mind if I do.

Great, dig in!

Elle walks into the kitchen a short while later.

We haven't been introduced yet ma'am, I'm Elle.

Nice to meet you Elle. I heard that you're the responsible one, are you making sure that everybody behaves themselves.

They're well behaved, especially Rebecca. Lisa still needs some work, but she gets good grades so I'm letting it slide. Speaking of Lisa, I woke her up on my way down here so she should be down in a bit.

Then I'll make another batch of pancakes, would you like some?

Yes please!

A couple minutes later Lisa finally comes walking into the kitchen. She sits down at the table while still wearing her pajamas and every hair of her pixie style haircut pointing in a different direction.

Good morning...

Natasha hands her a cup of coffee.

There's our sleeping beauty, did you sleep well?

I was sleeping very well... until goldy locks woke me up.

Elle rolls her eyes.

Don't act like you're not happy that I woke you up, would you rather have Zach do it?

No, I take back what I said.

What's wrong with me waking you up?!

Nothing, except that it's always accompanied by some sort of physical activity. And I'm just not capable of doing stuff like that while my body is still waking up.

Natasha slides a plate of pancakes in front of Lisa.

Then wake up with these. When you're done, we'll go check out my new apartment.

A fifteen-minute walk later Zach, Rebecca, Lisa and Natasha arrive downtown at the address Sam gave them.

I know where we are. The bakery I went to for our first date is across the street, over there.

Rebecca starts blushing and takes a hold of Zach's hand.

It was so nice, he took me on a picknick.

Natasha gives Zach an approving nod.

I didn't know I raised a romantic.

A man has to put in some effort to prove that he's worthy... that may be a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean.

You're right, you have to show to each other that you're willing to make an effort.

The baker went above and beyond, he's a big ECU fan, he made me look good.

That's so nice of him. How about we go inside and take a look at my new home for the foreseeable future?

They go inside and take a look around. It's fully furnished with one bedroom, a kitchen, livingroom, a small backyard and one spare room.

Nothing special, but it's nice. What do you think mom?

It's more than enough for me. I'm close to you, that's all that matters.

And it's only temporary, who knows where I might end up when I get drafted.

Lisa emerges from the spare room.

Any idea what you're going to do with that room?

Not yet, I'm going to have to think about that.

What about painting? My parents still have the portrait you made of us when we were little. It's upstairs in the hallway across from their bedroom. My mom always says that she chose that spot so it would be the first thing she sees when she starts her day. It would be a shame if you never painted again.

I stopped because I didn't have the time for it anymore, and because I was always too tired after work. Now that I'll have more time, I guess it would make sense for me to pick it back up again. the supplies are pretty expensive though, I think I'm going to need to look for a part time job.

What are you going to do about the house back home? Sell it? I can ask my parents to help you with selling it and sending your stuff over?

That would be a big help, thank you.

No problem. We can call them now if you want, it's Sunday so they should be home.

Zach takes Rebecca's hand.

While you two take care of that, we're going visit the bakery and get something for lunch. See you in a bit.

They cross the street and enter the bakery, where they're greeted by the baker's wife.

Welcome back! I see the date was successful.

It sure was, we've been together for a bit over three months now.

That's amazing, I'm happy for you both. What can I do for you today?

We came to order lunch, Zach's mom is moving in across the street.

Must be exciting to have her so close by.

The baker suddenly emerges from the back room.

What's exciting? oh, it's my favorite costumer!

Good to see you again, my mom is moving in across the street.

Do you need any help with the move?

Thank you for the offer, but everything is already taken care of. The only thing we still need to figure out is a part time job for her.

The baker and his wife look at each other.

Our daughter went to college this year and we could use a hand from time to time. If she's interested, we could use her for two days a week.

Thank you! That's very convenient, I'll let her know to drop by so you can talk about specifics.

After ordering some lunch for everybody they head back to the apartment.

Welcome back, Lisa's parents are going to help out with sending my important things over here and selling the house.

Great, that's one thing taken care of. We also talked to the baker and his wife, they said that they could use some help for two days a week.

That would be nice, I'll drop by tomorrow and talk with them about it.

Zach puts his arms around his mother and holds her close.

Things are finally looking up. I'm going to make sure that you'll never have to worry about anything ever again, I promise.

At the end of the day Zach lays down in bed and Rebecca slides up against him.

I love your mom, she's such a loving person.

She's the textbook example of a warm mother. I was always showered with hugs, kisses and affection in general. As a teenager it felt like it was a bit much, now I always think about the things she's done for me over the years.

Rebecca laughs and shakes her head.

"As a teenager" ... you're still nineteen Zach.

Early teens, puberty... you know what I mean.

I'm just messing with you old man. I like having her around, it makes you smile more.