Chapter 2: California here we come!

The evening before they leave for California. Zach comes down the stairs with his bags and finds his mother watching a sports talk show on tv with Adam and Matt who always commentated Zach's games.

Big shock in college football. Zachary gray, the number one rated player coming out of high school is going to the East California University. We don't know what made him decide to go there, but it sure is strange. Matt, what are your thoughts?

It is indeed strange Adam. But even though ECU has consistently been one of the worst football programs in the country, I have no doubt that Zachary Gray can turn that program around.

We certainly with him the best and eagerly away his first game for ECU.

Natasha turns off the tv as soon as she notices that Zach is standing behind her.

Sorry, I didn't hear you come downstairs.

It's ok, everybody has been talking about me like that for the last week... I'm used to it by now.

Don't listen to them, they don't know you like I do. Adversity makes you strong, you're going to show them that.

Zach sits down next to his mom and gives her a hug.

Thank you for always being such a great mom, I'll make you proud.

You already have. And even though your dad is no longer with us, I know he feels the same.

Early the next morning Zach and Lisa take their seats on the plane.

How did it go with your parents when you were saying goodbye?

The usual, my dad told me to be careful and my mom cried. Your mom was probably composed as always.

Pretty much, she always knew this day would come. She had 18 years to mentally prepare herself for it.

True, Natasha is one tough lady. I still can't believe we're going to California, I couldn't sleep because of all the excitement.

After landing, they collect their bags and find somebody holding a sign with their names on it.

Hi, I'm Zachary Gray. Are you here to take us to ECU?

Indeed I am, please follow me.

The driver takes them to the campus where a massive crowd has assembled with welcome banners. They erupt into cheers as soon as he exits the car.

Frank has to almost fight his way through the crowd to reach the car.

Everybody is clearly excited that you're here Zach, is there any chance you would be willing to say a couple words?

Even though he's caught off guard Zach nods halfheartedly.

Sure...

Great! Follow me to the podium.

Frank escorts Zach to a small podium and grabs the microphone.

Here he is everyone, please give a warm ECU welcome to our new starting quarterback Zachary Gray!

Zach gets handed the microphone and he somewhat shyly waves at the crowd.

Hey everyone... thank you for the warm welcome. I'm excited to be here and I cant wait to get on the field. Let's go ECU!

Shortly after he's escorted away into one of the nearby buildings by Frank.

Sorry about springing all that craziness on you without warning. The student body is over the moon that you're actually here.

It's alright, just warn me in the future. What's next on the agenda today?

There are only two things left. First somebody from your dorm will show you where your rooms are. The other thing is a basic medical exam to make sure everything is in order, a formality of course.

At that exact moment a cute girl with wavy brown shoulder length hair and big blue eyes arrives.

Speak of the devil, this is Rebecca.

Hello Zach, nice to meet you. I'm Rebecca and I'm responsible for pretty much everything that goes on in your dorm.

Nice to meet you, this is my best friend Lisa.

Hey Lisa, your rooms are next to each other so you can both follow me and I'll take you there.

Rebecca escorts them to a smaller dorm on the other side of the campus.

As you can see our dorm is a bit more secluded, that's because of your "celebrity" status. Frank wanted to make sure that you have your privacy.

That's very considerate. But I don't want to be treated like a celebrity, I just throw a ball.

You throw the ball very well...

Lisa interrupts her awkward flirting.

If you don't mind, I'm very tired after travelling... which room is mine?

You're in room 105, here's your key. Zach is in room 106 and I'm in room 107 down the hall should you ever need me for anything.

Thanks, I'm going to take a nap while you go to that medical exam.

Alright, see you later.

Rebecca escorts Zach to his room and he puts his bags inside.

Could you do me one last favor and point me in the direction of where I need to go for the medical exam?

It's in the hospital next to the campus, I'm an intern there. I can just show you if you want?

Thanks! That's probably for the best, I would hate to get lost.

No problem at all, follow me.

They arrive at the hospital and are greeted by one of the doctors.

Hey Rebecca, what are you doing here today?

Zach is here for his examination.

So you're the superstar everybody has been talking about all week. I'm going to be honest with you... I forgot all about the examination. But since Rebecca is here, how about you do it?

Rebecca looks at her like a deer caught in headlights.

Me?! I'm only about to start my third year.

You'll do fine, there's a checklist you can follow.

Ok... thank you for having confidence in me.

You're my best student, no need to be so humble. Examination room 3 is all yours, take as long as you need.

They go into the room and Zach sits down on the examination table.

What's on the menu doc?

Hight and weight is first. Please step onto the scale.

I should probably take my shoes off, right?

Rebecca blushes.

Actually, it says that you should be in your boxers... you don't have to do that if you're not comfortable with it of course.

No, it's fine.

Rebecca's face goes more and more red with every piece of clothing Zach takes off.

Well, you most certainly look healthy...

He chuckles and steps onto the scale. Rebecca takes her notepad.

210 pounds, now please stand under the thing in the corner... 6 foot 5. Great, please take a seat on the table.

Zach sits down and Rebecca takes out her stethoscope.

Now I have to check your heart rate and breathing, just relax for me.

As she's listening to his heart she briefly looks up and they accidentally make eye contact. Rebecca blushes and quickly looks away which doesn't go unnoticed by Zach.

Everything sounds good to me...

Are you ok? You seem a bit flushed.

I'm fine, it's the California weather... I shouldn't have worn this sweater.

Maybe you should take it off then?

Probably a good idea... blood pressure is next, let me put this around you arm. 120 over 80, that's as it should be.

Looks like I'm nailing my first exam at ECU, what's next?

You sure are. Let's see, eyes and ears are next. Let me grab a pen light, please turn your right ear to me... looks fine, and your left as well. Now I'm going to flash the light into your eyes, please focus on my eyes or nose... whichever you prefer.

I think I'm going to go with your eyes, beautiful shade of blue by the way.

Thank you... I know it's bright but please try to blink as little as possible.

After a while Rebecca turns the light off and Zach blinks a couple times.

Sorry about that, I know that it can be a bit uncomfortable.

It's ok, you're doing great by the way. I can see why the doctor trust you so much.

Thanks, that's very sweet of you.

Did you always want to be a doctor?

Pretty much. I want to be a pediatrician, I love kids.

They are cuter than me, I can't blame you for that.

Only a bit cuter though, looks like we only have one thing left. I have to check and palpate places that have previously been injured.

I've only been injured 3 times. A bruised rib several years ago, a small tear in my left hamstring and I dislocated my shoulder when I was around 7 years old.

Rebecca exhales audibly.

Then I better take a look at those... which rib was it?

Right side, around here.

She feels around thoroughly, maybe a bit too thoroughly.

That kinda tickles.

Sorry, I was just... concentrating. Left shoulder?

Yup, my right arm is my throwing arm so my left isn't that important.

Better check in anyway, just in case. Let me just hop on the table next to you.

She spends the next minute squeezing the muscles around Zach's shoulder and moves his arm in all possible directions.

11 years of healing seems to have done the job. That just leaves your... hamstring. I guess I better... get down there, you can put you foot on this stool.

Rebecca nervously lowers herself and takes a deep breath.

Let me know if you're uncomfortable, I don't want you to feel like I'm taking advantage of you.

Zach playfully winks at her.

Any more than you already have?

Her face goes as red as humanly imaginable.

Busted... sorry.

It's ok, but let's go on a date before we go any further.

Rebecca laughs.

Deal, now let me check this last spot and we can be on our way.

After feeling around his thigh as casually as possible Rebecca checks off the last box on her list.

And we're done, you're in perfect health.

Great, does that mean I can get dressed again?

Sadly, yes. I'm going to give this to the doctor while you do that.

After getting dressed Zach goes outside and waits for Rebecca.

Oh, you didn't have to wait for me.

I'm a gentleman, and a gentleman walks a lady home. I need a bodyguard if I get ambushed by another crowd.

She laughs loudly.

I don't know how effective I would be as a bodyguard considering I'm practically half your size.

Good thing you're my doctor then.

When they get to the dorm, they stop at Lisa's room.

I'm going to check how she's doing. You're in 107, right?

Yup, just down the hall.

Great, do you want to exchange phone numbers? In case I have a question when you're not around.

Sure, call or text me anytime!

I will, see you tomorrow?

Maybe, I'll wait until you're done with practice. I assume that there are going to be a lot of spectators though...

We can always walk home afterwards with Lisa, she's going to try out for the cheerleaders.

Sounds good, see you tomorrow then!

Zach knocks on Lisa's door as Rebecca walks away. When she opens the door her pixy style haircut looks more like a hedgehog and her eyes are still halfway shut.

How was your doctor's appointment?

I'm in perfect health, just wanted to check how you were doing.

Fine, until you woke me up.

I had a sneaking suspicion that you would need some "motivation" to unpack.

What makes you say that?!

I've seen your room back home...

Lisa acts shocked but quickly drops the facade.

Fair enough...