Chapter 19: an unwelcome surprise

It's the day before the first game of the season and Rebecca's parents arrive to come watch the game.

Welcome to ECU!

Good to see you again Zach. Where's Rebecca?

She's still preparing the guest room, follow me.

Rebecca immediately rushes over to her parents when they enter the room.

You're here! Are you excited to watch the game tomorrow?

Ryan nods enthusiastically, Charlotte less so.

I'm very excited! You'll have to forgive Charlotte, she doesn't really watch sports.

I just have trouble with the rules from time to time. But I know what a touchdown is so I know when to cheer.

Zach chuckles.

That's good enough for me, my mom is coming over in a bit too.

Great, we can have another family style dinner together.

They walk into the living room where Lisa, Elle and Ruby are.

I would like you to meet my parents, Ryan and Charlotte.

They all go over to them one by one to introduce themselves.

Nice to meet you, I'm Elle.

I'm Ruby, the new girl.

Lisa, Zach's babysitter when Rebecca isn't around.

Zach shakes his head.

Lisa is an acquired taste, she takes some time to get used to.

After having a nice dinner together Zach decides to do some last minute studying and takes his playbook outside onto the terrace out back. A while later he's joined by Ryan.

The ladies were talking about cheerleader stuff... do you mind if I join you for a bit?

Of course not, take a seat.

Last minute preparations?

Something like that. Even though I know this thing front to back I always flip through it the evening before game day.

That's a good habit to have, it will help you be prepared for the pros.

I have to be as prepared as possible, I can't mess up this season... there's too much at stake.

You're putting so much pressure on yourself.

A lot has already gone "wrong", I have to make sure that I get picked in the first round of the draft.

Rebecca told us about your motivation, it's very admirable of you to work so hard for your mom. Make sure that it doesn't start to have a negative impact on your mental health, that's a slippery slope.

Thank you for your concern, but Rebecca makes sure that I don't go overboard.

If things didn't go "wrong" then you two would have never met, you have to focus on the positive things.

You're right about that, I have to keep in mind that I have the best support around me I could ever ask for.

And an incredible house.

Courtesy of Miss Meyers, she the Dean. She "gave" it to us for helping get rid of the degenerates that lived here before us.

Ryan lets out a sigh and shakes his head.

I read up on what happened, it's my daughter's school after all. Real piece of work that Josh... his uncle was just as bad, he knew about it and did nothing.

That's in the past now. Miss Meyers is great, her heart is in the right place.

Rebecca told me that she's... "fond" of you.

Yeah... I tease her about that, nothing more of course. A lot of the male students on campus are very "fond" of her as well.

I think I understand, bad combination with young men.

They share a laugh, head back inside and eventually manage to convince the ladies to call it a night.

Gameday. Zach has isolated himself to mentally prepare in silence until he's interrupted by Lauren.

Meditating?

Something like that.

You practiced hard and built chemistry with the new players, don't overthink this.

I know, but there's a lot riding on this season and I can't get it out of my head.

Driving yourself crazy about it isn't going to help.

Zach puts on his helmet and takes a deep breath.

Let's do this.

During the first half Zach's head is clearly not in the game and he misses several passes. Luckily Stanly isn't affected by first game nerves and he makes three field goals with room to spare.

While Lauren is going through some halftime adjustments with the team, she notices that Zach has almost completely withdrawn within himself. As soon as the adjustments have been made, she goes back outside to seek out Natasha.

He's completely self destructing, I don't know what to do. Could you maybe talk to him?

He might get even more stressed out if he sees me. Rebecca, he needs you.

She gets up with a determined look on her face.

Take me to him.

Lauren takes Rebecca to the dressing room but stops just outside of it.

Wait here, I don't want the rest of the team to see it.

She goes into the locker room and approaches Zach.

Do me a favor and go outside for a bit, get some fresh air.

Sure...

He notices Rebecca the moment he steps outside.

This isn't a coincidence, is it?

Of course not. What's going on? This isn't like you.

I know, I can't get out of my own head and its messing everything up.

Rebecca puts her hands on both sides of his face and forces him to make eye contact.

Look at me. I know that your heart is in the right place and that you're thinking of your mom. The pressure is high, but she's out there and believes in you one hundred percent, so do I. Same goes for Lisa, Elle, Ruby, Lauren and your teammates, so pull yourself together and go be who you are.

Zach takes a deep breath and blows all the air out of his lungs. He gives her a kiss and holds her.

What would I do without you?

You would be doomed, no doubt about it.

Have you been spending time with Lisa?

They share a laugh and Zach heads back into the locker room where Lauren is waiting for him.

Feeling better?

I am, thanks for that.

Once they get back on the field Zach huddles up with the rest of the offense.

Sorry about the first half guys, I was just giving them a false sense of security. They're only five points ahead of us, let's go crush their optimism.

They don't waste any time and Zach completes one pass after another to Lars, picking up several first downs in the process.

Once the opposing defense puts two people on Lars, Zach launches a deep ball to Daquan that gets them within striking distance of the endzone. He turns to his new tight end.

Only a bit left. Derrick, I'm looking your way first. I'm going to throw it up high, the safety won't be able to reach high enough to contest you.

Got it.

As planned Zach throws it up high over the middle. Derrick snags the ball with little effort, giving ECU the lead.

When he gets back to the bench, he makes eye contact with Rebecca and gives her an affirming nod, she blows a kiss back to him.

Lauren pats him on the shoulder after he sits down.

Welcome back.

The rest of the game is one sided and they manage to score almost forty points.

Since it's the first game of the season there is a small preconference afterwards.

The others head home to start getting ready for a celebratory dinner, only Rebecca stays behind to wait for Zach and Lauren to finish their interview.

Congratulations on the win. There were some new faces out there, was that the reason for the slow start?

Since she knows that it was in fact because of Zach's mental struggles, Lauren takes initiative on the question.

It takes a while to get on the same page, we made some adjustments during halftime and you saw the results of that.

Indeed we did. Zach, your opinion about your new teammates on offense?

They worked hard during practice and they fit right in. We still had Daquan with his elite speed, Lars and his route running makes him very dependable for short yardage situations. And Derrick is too tall to be covered by a defensive back and too fast for a linebacker, so he's fun to have around... unless you're playing against him of course. All of that along with a solid performance by the offensive line anchored by Fred who keep me upright. I think we're only going to get better.

Speaking of getting better, what are the teams ambitions this year? Playoffs?

Lauren eagerly takes the microphone.

The ambition is to win every game. That goes for every team, not just us. They only select four teams for the playoffs, and since were only in the second year of our resurgence I don't see that happening... but I'm always hopeful. Winning the Rose bowl as a California native would be amazing. Don't know how realistic that is, but you need to aim high to maximize your potential.

Zach and Rebecca say goodbye to Lauren after the press conference is over and start walking home.

Shortly after leaving the stadium, they're approached by five guys wearing hoods.

If it isn't Zachary Gray.

The leader of the group has a familiar voice but they can't place it.

Do I know you?

I thought I left more of an impression, you are living in my house after all.

Josh? How?!

First you frame me and they you have the balls to live in my house, who do you think you are?

Zachary Gray, starting quarterback for ECU.

Josh's behavior gets more and more erratic.

You arrogant bastard!

The thugs he brought along slowly start surrounding them.

I'm scared Zach.

You have to be brave right now. I'm going to hold them off while you go get help.

Please don't be reckless.

We don't have any other choice, go!

Zach lunges forward and pushes two of them out of the way, creating an opening for Rebecca to escape. One of them attempts to give chase but Zach charges into him with his shoulder, knocking him against the wall. Behind him Josh pulls out a metal baton and hits Zach on the back of the head. He falls to his knees and feels around where he got hit, when he looks at his hand its covered in blood.

You didn't think I would let you get away with framing me, did you?

I didn't frame you Josh, you raped a girl and paid the price for it. Seeing as you're out already, you got off way to easily.

I wouldn't try to piss me off even more if I was in your position.

Zach tries to respond but he can feel himself starting to become lightheaded.

Nothing to say anymore? Fine, saves me some time.

Out of nowhere chaos erupts as Lars and Fred come charging in.

Lars, get Zach! I'm pushing them back.

Fred runs into them like a freight train while Lars does his best to drag Zach a couple yards back.

I got you Zach... Zach? Can you hear me? He's barely conscious Fred, we have to get him out of here!

Josh lets out an angry grunt.

This doesn't involve you, just walk away!

Fred scoffs at him.

You assaulted my quarterback, of course this involves me!

Lars steps forward next to Fred.

You're going to have to go through us first.

Josh motions his goons to attack.

So be it, take them out.

Punches are thrown, but Fred and Lars can't hold them back for long since they're outnumbered two to one.

Just as they're getting overwhelmed, a loud voice erupts from behind Josh.

Stop right now or I will open fire, this is my first and final warning!

Josh turns around and come face to face with Ryan who has his pistol aimed straight at him.

You have exactly three seconds to lay down on the ground with your hands behind your heads, don't test me!

Josh and his goons quickly drop to the ground and surrender.

The next morning Zach wakes up in an unfamiliar room. Rebecca is sleeping on a couch towards the back of the room and Natasha is reading a book in a chair next to his bed.

Where am I?

Natasha jumps up immediately.

You're in the hospital, how are you feeling?

My head hurts... besides that I'm fine.

Don't trivialize this, you have several stitches in your head.

Calm down, it will heal.

I can't believe how lightly you are taking this.

My friends came to my rescue, that was pretty awesome. And I'm sure that Ryan will take care of Josh.

Natasha shakes her head in disbelief.

I'm just happy that it wasn't worse.

All the commotion Natasha has been making has woken Rebecca up. Without saying a word, she walks over and kisses Zach.

Thank you for getting help yesterday, you saved me.

I was so scared. I've never ran that fast in my entire life.

You did great, Fred and Lars bought time for your dad to get there. I don't remember much after that though.

Rebecca takes a penlight out of her pocket.

Follow the light with your eyes without moving your head.

Zach follows her instructions to the best of his abilities.

What's the verdict?

Maybe a light concussion, so not that bad. The wound itself is the bigger problem, it will take some time to heal.

It was bleeding pretty badly last night.

That's normal, a head wound always bleeds heavily. It should heal in a week or two.

Zach practically jumps up out of the bed.

I can't miss two games!

Rebecca pushes him back down.

I knew you were going to say that. Are you feeling woozy?

A little bit.

Is the room moving even though you aren't?

Not really.

Then you should be able to play next week. Provided I bandage your head up to protect the wound.

He grabs her and pulls her against him.

I love you.

I know... it's pointless to try and stop you anyway.

You know me so well.

Natasha can't help but smile at their interaction.

You two are something else. How about I go find you something to eat?

That would be great, thank you.

Zach and Rebecca cuddle for a bit.

Are your parents still in town? I want to thank your dad.

He's still dealing with the aftermath from yesterday. You'll be able to thank him tonight at dinner.

I don't have to stay here?

I'll talk about it with my mentor first, but I don't think keeping you here would serve much purpose for your injury. I can keep an eye on you anyway.

So you're my personal nurse?

I see what you're trying to do, but you're not ready for that yet.

Then I have no choice but to respect your professional opinion, doesn't mean I have to like it though.

I'll make it up to you, if you listen to me and rest.

Later that day Lisa, Elle and Ruby visit after class to walk home with Zach.

Lisa immediately runs up to him and starts inspecting his head. She's clearly worried, but as per usual she tries to hide it with humor.

Those bandages on your head look like a turban, that's cultural appropriation you know.

I'm pretty sure they don't wear it because they have a hole in their head.

Elle shakes her head.

Last night she was an emotional mess and now she's cracking jokes... glad to see that you're ok Zach.

I'm used to her acting tough, she's not comfortable enough to show emotion in front of everybody yet.

Lisa throws her hands up in the air.

Why are you talking as if I'm not here?!

Zach puts his arm around her.

Because I know that it annoys you. You shouldn't be afraid to show people that you care about them, it's usually well received.

I know... it's embarrassing, that's all.

Elle gives her a hug.

You know us well enough by now to know that we won't make fun of you.

Rebecca hugs her from the other side.

She's right. And you don't have to worry about Ruby either, she's so sweet that she's practically made of sugar.

Ruby blushes and awkwardly waves at Lisa as she tries to wriggle herself free from the group hug.

Zach gets sent to the hospital and somehow I end up with an intervention.

Because we love you, goofball. Better get used to it.

On their way home Zach takes a moment to walk next to Ruby.

How are you doing?

A bit startled, that's all. Certainly not how I expected my first two weeks here to go.

I can imagine... how did your first time cheering go?

Great, I had lots of fun! Although I have to admit that some of the boys were yelling some... unpleasant stuff.

Not teammates of mine I hope?

No, other students.

I'm sorry about that, there will unfortunately always be some bad apples. You can always talk about that with Elle, she's probably used to dealing with it.

I will, thank you for looking out for me.

Anytime.