Chapter 18: year two at ECU

The day before the new school year is to start the doorbell rings and Zach opens up. On the other side of the door is Miss Meyers accompanied by a cute girl with blonde, curly shoulder length hair.

Hey Zach, I hope we're not interrupting anything?

No, we weren't doing anything important.

Great. This is Ruby, my niece.

Hi Ruby, nice to meet you.

Ruby's face goes slightly red and she shyly shakes his hand.

Hello, you're tall...

Zach chuckles at how adorably awkward she is until Claudia comes to her rescue.

As you can see, she's a bit shy. That's why I wanted to introduce her to Elle one day early.

That makes sense. Do you want to be a cheerleader?

Ruby nods enthusiastically.

Yes, I love to dance! But Im not much of a people person... so I was a bit afraid of coming here by myself.

There's no need for that, everybody here is nice... except for Lisa. But that's just an act until she's comfortable with you. Come on in and I'll introduce you.

Zach leads them into the living room where the others are watching tv.

Everyone meet Ruby, she's going to be a freshman starting tomorrow. One the left is Lisa, my best friend and one of the cheerleaders.

Lisa gives a dry and distant response, as expected.

Hey.

In the middle is Elle, captain of the cheerleaders and student council president.

Welcome to ECU!

And lastly, the cute one on the right is Rebecca, my girlfriend.

Nice to meet you.

Claudia puts her arm around Ruby.

Hello everyone, this is my niece. She wants to be a cheerleader so I figured that I'd come see you, she's a bit nervous though.

Elle immediately jumps into mother hen mode.

There's no need for that. Can you dance or do gymnastics?

I did jazz ballet for almost eight years and I also did rhythmic gymnastics for almost six.

Rhythmic... which one is that again?

Lisa stands up.

The one with the ribbon, same as I used to do. If you're shy you can do your tryout now with just us, that way you don't have to worry about other people.

That would be great, thank you.

Elle, Lisa and Ruby go to a different room so they can do the tryout in a more comfortable way for Ruby. Lisa taking charge like that caught Zach by surprise.

Lisa was being uncharacteristically nice to somebody she just met.

Rebecca shrugs.

I'm not surprised. She's letting her guard down a bit more every day, people grow at different speeds.

Claudia nods in agreement.

Rebecca is right, she just needed a bit more time. Ruby is a late bloomer as well... I'm a bit worried about her, I can't exactly keep an eye on her with all my responsibilities.

Rebecca nudges Zach.

We still have the room that Marcus and Nika used to live in, Ruby could stay here with us if she wants.

That's a good idea. Lisa and Elle probably wouldn't mind either, we can ask them when they get back.

Claudia lets out a sigh of relief.

That would be amazing. I promised my sister that I would look after her, you just took a load of my shoulders.

About fifteen minutes later the girls return form the tryout.

How did it go?

Elle gives Ruby a spontaneous hug.

She's in. We still need to work on growing her confidence a bit more but that will come in time, we're here to help in any way we can.

Ruby's cheeks go red and a big smile appears on her face.

Thank you, I already feel a lot better about moving here to ECU... now I just have to move into my dorm.

Claudia interjects.

Actually, Rebecca had an idea.

I was thinking that we have an empty room now that Marcus and Nika have graduated. Elle, Lisa... what about Ruby? She's nice and could use some "big sisters" to help her adjust to life on campus.

Elle is on board immediately.

Sounds good to me. Lisa?

I don't mind. Do you want me to show you the room?

Ruby seems a bit overwhelmed by how fast things are going but she goes along with it.

Sure, lead the way.

Lisa takes Ruby upstairs and Elle sits down on the couch.

Seeing Lisa so open with a stranger is a bit strange, a welcome change though.

Zach leans back on the couch.

I was thinking the same thing. When we were younger she was a lot like Ruby, shy and quiet. I think she's trying to guide her a bit... in her own way.

Rebecca nods.

She is studying psychology, so she might be using what she's been learning during class.

The girls come back downstairs.

What do you think?

The room is great, I love it!

Claudia stands up.

Then I guess it's settled, let's go get your stuff out of the car.

Zach helps out while the girls go get ready for bed.

I'll give you two some time to settle in, call me if you need anything.

Once he goes back into the hall, he notices that Lisa is still downstairs watching tv. He decides to join her for a bit and sits down next to her.

You've been awfully nice today.

You make it seem like I act like a bitch.

That's not I meant. Usually you're a no nonsense type of person who always says it like it is, no filter. With Ruby you were... softer than usual. You see yourself in her?

She looks down, lets out a sigh and faintly nods.

I was very similar to her before I met you.

I remember.

Ruby is pretty, a great dancer and has no reason to be insecure about being herself... but I also know that being yourself can be scary. You were a big help to me back then. And like you did for me, I want to spare her from the feeling that she has to do it all by herself... I want to make a difference in her life.

Zach stands up and gives Lisa a kiss on her forehead.

You'll make for a great psychologist one day, getting you a scholarship is the best thing I ever did.

Lisa tries to hide herself whiping a tear from her cheek and plays it "cool".

Thanks, see you tomorrow.

Zach heads back upstairs to check on Claudia and Ruby.

You settled in?

Mostly. I still have to set up my desk, but I can do that tomorrow.

Claudia gives her a big hug.

Call me if you need anything.

I'll be fine auntie Claudia.

Zach can't help but smile at Claudia showing her sentimental side.

We'll take good care of her, let me walk you to the door.

Once they get to the front door Claudia turns to Zach.

Thank you again, I can't keep an eye on her around the clock so this will have to do.

In order for you to do that you would have to move in here yourself. And let's be honest, if that was the case you would be spying on me half the time.

Are you offering?

Hell no, I would never feel safe enough to take a shower ever again.

Claudia laughs and shakes her head.

You're terrible... but probably right. See you around.

Don't be a stranger.

The next day a lot of the new students give Zach some starstruck looks. After the introduction assembly class starts off as usual. Afterwards Zach heads to the practice field where Daquan, Fred and Lauren are already waiting for him.

Did you all have a good summer?

Daquan nods.

Went back home to my grandparents in Chicago, it was nice.

What about you Fred?

Back to farm life for me. It was good to see my parents again, just what I needed.

How about you coach? Did you take Caleb somewhere?

We went on vacation with my parents, great memories for when he's older.

Awesome, happy to hear it.

A little while later the new recruits start arriving. Lauren stands up on the bleachers to address them.

Hello and welcome to ECU, I'm coach Turner. I'm going to divide you all up into your positional groups, defense is with me. Offensive line and running backs can follow Fred over there. Lastly, receivers and tight ends are with Zach.

They split up and start going through drills while Lauren does her best to observe everything. Zach throws one pass after another and a shorter receiver with long blonde hair quickly stands out. Zach asks the backup quarterback to keep the drill going and takes him to the side.

You're good, could you introduce yourself?

I'm Lars Hendriksen, I'm not the tallest or the fasters but I know how to get open. I can also return kicks if you need somebody for that.

Nice to meet you Lars, your route running did indeed stand out. Talk to the coach about returning kicks, she'll be happy to have a volunteer. Why did you pick ECU?

I'm a senior, I transferred here. I was... no longer wanted at my previous school.

What happened?

A teammate "spent some time" with my girlfriend, I punched him in the face and was kicked off the team.

Can't say that I blame you for that. You can have a fresh start now that you're here.

That's exactly what I need.

Zach and Lauren sit down to talk about the new recruits after practice wraps up until they're approached by Stanly.

Hey Stanly, what brings you here?

I played soccer when I was younger, are you still looking for a kicker?

Lauren has a surprised look on her face.

We definitely need one, our kicker graduated last year so I was getting desperate. Let's see what you can do.

Zach holds the ball in place and Stanly takes a couple steps back. He takes a deep breath and proceeds to launch the ball fifty yards downfield, straight through the uprights.

Holy shit Stanly, that's one cannon of a leg you have there! Why did you quit playing soccer?

I didn't like the culture, the other players sort of bullied me...

That won't happen here, I can promise you that. What do you think coach?

Lauren just stands there with her jaw dropped.

You just nailed a fifty yard field goal like it was nothing... welcome to the team!

Stanly acts a bit embarrassed but he's clearly enjoying the praise.

Thank you. I still need to work on the cadence and make it a routine though.

That's what practice is for, we still have a couple weeks before the season starts.

Zach playfully nudges Lauren with his elbow.

I would say that today was pretty successful, don't you think?

Absolutely, the offensive line is showing promise and you have an exciting new weapon to work with. The defense should also be better now that they're more experienced.

Zach enthusiastically pats Stanly on the shoulder.

And don't forget about our new star kicker.

Everybody cleans up after practice and Zach decides to go check out the cheerleader tryouts that are still underway just outside of the stadium.

Just as he arrives Ruby is doing an elaborate choreography that end with her doing the splits. He's so impressed that he spontaneously starts clapping.

That was amazing, way to go Ruby!

She immediately jumps back to her feet with her face as red as a tomato.

Thank you...

Several new girls instantly try to make their way over to Zach but Lisa gets in between them.

Calm down ladies. I know it can be difficult to control your hormones, but he's got a girlfriend and they're very happy together.

Zach and Elle can't help but laugh at Lisa's intervention as the tryouts wrap up.

How did the tryouts go?

Elle motions towards Ruby.

You saw her, she's amazing.

Thanks... you're all being really nice.

Zach shakes his head.

Has nothing to do with being nice. I don't know anything about dancing and even I could see how good you are.

Lisa nonchalantly pats her on the back.

See, I told you that you had no reason to doubt yourself. How were things at practice Zach?

It went very well, several promising new players. Elle, you'll never guess who made the team.

I don't know...?

Stanly.

From the library?!

Yup, turns out he used play soccer. He nailed a fifty yard field goal first try.

No way, thats awesome! And some more social interaction will do him good.

He sure surprised the hell out of us. Happy he showed up though, we didn't have a kicker and if he can score three points for us consistently, I'll sleep much easier.

Once they get home Zach gets into the shower. After he's done, he walks into the bedroom where he finds Rebecca on the bed staring at the ceiling.

Rough day?

It wasn't that bad, just annoying. I had to show all the freshmen around the hospital... again.

That's the price you pay for being the teacher's pet.

I'm not the teacher's pet, I'm an honor student. They trust me and give me more responsibilities because of that.

I know, I'm just trying to lift your spirits a bit. How can I make you feel better?

She sits up and notices that Zach is wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.

I'm sure we can figure something out... I think its time for your annual medical exam.

Oh really, what kind of exam are we talking about?

Rebecca giggles mischievously and slowly starts pulling the towel away.

Full body.

Zach heads downstairs after a thorough examination and walks into the kitchen for a glass of water. He stumbles upon Ruby who's preparing herself a snack while she's listening to some music. She dancing from one side of the kitchen to the another and since she has her headphones on, she didn't notice him entering the room. When she turns around and sees him, she almost drops her sandwich.

You scared the hell out of me!

Sorry about that, I didn't want to interrupt your performance.

It's ok, I'm just not used to living with so many people... yet.

Don't worry about it, you're a good dancer so it's actually pleasant to watch. Lisa sings in the shower... but she's not a good singer.

I guess I'll see for myself soon enough. She's very fond of you, how long have you known each other?

About half our lives, she was there for me when my father passed away.

Auntie Claudia told me about that, must have been difficult.

It was, still is at times. I wish he could watch me play, one game would be enough.

So he could see that he lives on through you?

Maybe, that's a nice way putting it. I'm going to head back upstairs before Rebecca comes looking for me. Goodnight, glad to have you here with us.

So am I, goodnight.