Chapter 28: the big leagues

A month later. Zach arrives in the locker room for his first day of training camp. Marcus introduces him, Lars and Fred to all the other players.

That should be everyone, I was able to arrange it so all our lockers are next to each other.

Nice. What can we expect from our first day?

You're going to be working together with me, Lars and the other receivers. Coach Turner will be overseeing it most likely, so it should be familiar for us. Fred will be grouped up with the other linemen and their positional coach.

You guys are going to leave me already? I'll miss you.

Zach pats him on the back.

You're a big boy Fred, I'm sure you'll be fine. Just pay attention an learn from the veterans.

I know, I start joking around when I'm nervous.

Marcus hands him his jersey.

There's no need for that, learning is what training camp is all about.

They go onto the practice field and divide up into their groups. A couple minutes later Lauren arrives and addresses Zach's group.

Quarterbacks and receivers are with me. My name is coach Turner and I'm your new offensive coordinator, today we're going to go through some basic drills. Zach is the starring quarterback and Marcus is the number one receiver, the other receiver spots are wide open.

They take a break after an hour. While everybody is getting to know each, Zach takes a seat next to Lauren and hands her a bottle of water.

A female coach? What were they thinking...?

You cheeky bastard.

Anybody give you any trouble yet?

No, things have been great so far.

Good. Is it everything you hoped it would be?

More, I love the challenge. There's nothing more satisfying than overcoming a new and bigger obstacle.

I totally get that, especially when people expect you to fail. Has anybody stood out so far?

Lars is going all out as usual, he'll get play time. He needs to prove himself during the preseason, if he does that Jake should start him as your slot receiver. Speaking of the devil, there he comes.

Zach gets up and shakes Jake's hand.

Hey coach, how is practice going on your end?

I'm optimistic. The offensive line has improved a lot and the running back we drafted last year put in a lot of work during the offseason.

That will make my job easier.

Definitely, how is the rest of the offense coming along Lauren?

Great, the chemistry between Marcus, Lars and Zach should help us get on track early.

That's what I like to hear. Lars returned kicks at ECU if I remember correctly?

Yes he did.

Jake waves Lars over.

Mister Henriksen, could you come over here please?

Lars comes jogging over.

Yes coach?

I heard that you returned kicks at ECU, would you be up for staying a bit longer today and trying out for it?

Sure, anything to make the team.

Relax, you're not fighting for your job. But I like the enthusiasm. Lauren, since it's going so well on your end, I'm going to leave things here to you and focus on the defense myself.

Got it. Alright boys, back to work.

Yes ma'am.

When Zach gets home from practice, he finds Rebeca and his mom talking in the kitchen.

How are my two favorite ladies doing?

Great! we went to my new campus today to take a look around.

How did you like it?

It was fine, mostly.

Natasha laughs.

Some of the students definitely recognized her, she didn't like that.

I told you that might happen.

They were whispering to each other... it was awkward.

Ignore them, just focus on achieving your goal.

You're right, It's only one more year anyway.

Natasha gets up.

You youngsters can take a break, I'll make dinner.

Thanks mom.

When they get to their bedroom, Zach wastes no time and starts taking off his dirty workout clothes.

Rebecca seizes the opportunity and starts kissing him.

Are you sure you want to do this? I'm all sweaty.

I know... it's so hot.

Women can be so strange. Do you want to take a shower again?

We shouldn't, if your mom catches us again...

She's busy.

I don't know...

In one swift motion he picks Rebecca up and throws her over his shoulder.

Hey! What are you doing?!

You were taking to long and you clearly want to, so I'm not giving you a choice.

He closes the bathroom door behind them and puts her down.

Am I putting you in the shower with your clothes on? Or are you going to take them off willingly?

So dominant... I love it!

After their "shower" Rebecca is doing her hair in front of the mirror.

All done, how do I look?

Zach doesn't answer. Instead, he walks up behind her, puts his arms around her waist and rests his head on her shoulder.

Are you alright?

I am, just... happy. Practice was fun, you're getting ready to start your final year of college. Life is great.

Yes it is. Meeting you is the best thing that ever happened to me.

Same, I love you. I'm still a bit worried about my first game, but that's a problem for another day.

They head downstairs and sit down for dinner.

Looks great mom, thanks.

You're welcome. How was practice?

I mostly hung out with the ECU gang, we had a fun time. We still have a lot to do before we're ready for the season though.

You know how to play with Marcus and Lars already, isn't that an advantage?

It absolutely is. Now we can build on that even more, Lauren knows our strengths and weaknesses like no other so she'll put us in advantageous positions. I don't know how far that will take us against NFL level competition, we'll have to see.

You can't expect to be perfect straight away when you make it to the highest level. I remember your father telling young players to focus on learning their first year.

Then that's what I'll do.

Over the next two weeks Zach keeps going to practice until one day during their water break, somebody from the reception desk comes rushing onto the field.

Marcus Jackson! I'm looking for Marcus Jackson!

That's me...

Your girlfriend is on her way to the hospital, her water broke!

Marcus stumbles and almost falls to the ground, Zach manages to catch him.

Whoa there, keep it together.

It's a week early...

Lauren comes over and grabs their helmets.

He's in no condition to drive, take him to the hospital.

What about practice?

I appreciate the commitment, but missing two hours of practice is not the end of the world.

Ok, let's go Marcus!

They jump into Zach's car and drive to the hospital as quickly as possible.

You're being quiet Marcus, are you doing alright?

I don't know, this is so sudden. It's hitting me like a ton of bricks.

Look, I'm not going to act as if this is not a big deal. You've always been a responsible guy, this will be no different. Learn one thing at a time.

Right... one thing at a time.

They arrive at the hospital and head to the front desk.

Hi, my friend here is becoming a father today.

What's your girlfriends name sir?

Nika...

Ah yes, she arrived not long ago with another young lady. Take the elevator behind you up to the second floor, then go right. She's in room five.

Zach pats Marcus on the back as they're taking the elevator up.

Deep breaths.

What am I going to do?

Hold Nika's hand and support her. That's all you can do, I think.

Makes me feel a bit powerless to be honest.

I get that. But you don't have to perform a miracle, sometimes being there is enough.

Marcus exhales audibly.

I'll settle for everything going well without complications.

I'm sure it will be.

They exit the elevator and Marcus carefully enters the room. A bit later Rebecca comes out into the hallway.

What are you doing here?

Nika called me because you two weren't answering your phones.

They were in our lockers.

I know, that's why I called the front desk.

Quick thinking.

You guys really hurried over here huh? Didn't even change your clothes.

Sorry about that.

It's fine, it will make for a funny story one day. Besides, I like those football pants... your butt looks nice in them.

Zach pulls Rebecca against him.

Do you want to go make a baby of our own in the closet over there?

Like in that one episode of friends? Tempting as that may be, let's wait one more year, after graduation.

Ok... just for fun then?

Rebecca laughs and shakes her head.

You are unbelievable. Sneaking around back home is one thing, I'm not doing that here.

Would it help if I showed you my butt?

Stop it! I promised Nika that I would notify their parents... your butt will have to wait until later.

Rebecca makes the phone calls while Zach goes down to the cafeteria to get them something eat and drink.

I got you a sandwich. Anything yet?

Thanks, no nothing yet. Their parents are driving up, they should be here tomorrow.

That gives Marcus and Nika some time to rest. Is this the hospital of your internship?

Yup, this is the one.

Do you want to go take a look at the children's department while we wait?

That's a good idea. I requested to do my internship there, I don't know if they'll approve it though.

They walk over to the other side of that floor of the hospital and have a look around. As they walk by a room filled with toys, suddenly a foam football comes bouncing through the door towards them, followed by a loud gasp.

Whoa there kids, watch out where you throw this.

Two young boys stare at Zach with their jaws dropped. Eventually the oldest speaks up.

Are you who I think you are? Zachary Gray?

That's me. You two getting some practice in?

I'm playing quarterback on my middle school team, I want to be like you.

Thanks buddy, keep working hard and I'm sure you can do it.

Zach turns to the younger brother.

What about you?

He shakes his head.

I'm not allowed to play, I have to get better first.

What's wrong?

I have cancer.

Zach hearts sinks and he doesn't know what to say, the oldest boy breaks the silence.

The doctor said that he's in remission, but we don't know what that means.

My wife here is a doctor, she can explain it.

Remission is a good thing, it means that your cancer is gone.

The youngest boy gasps and his face lights up with excitement.

Really?! Then I can finally play football?

Rebecca crouches down to be at eye level.

You'll probably have to be patient for a little longer. Your body still needs some more rest and time to recover. Be careful and practice with your brother, you should get back to normal in no time.

Zach crouches down next to Rebecca.

No tackling. Throwing, running and catching is fine. And when you're tired you have to rest. You're still young, there's enough time to catch up to your brother.

Their parents enter the room as soon as Zach finishes his sentence.

Boys it's time to... hi, are you...?

Zach chuckles and reaches out to shake the father's hand.

Hi, I'm Zach. I just went through the same reaction with your boys. This is my wife, Rebecca.

Hello, we heard that you got some good news. Remission?

Yes... finally it's been a long two years.

The mother wipes away a tear.

It really has, I'm Jane and that's Patrick by the way.

Nice to meet you both, do you boys want a picture?

The both reply in unison.

YES!!!

Zach takes off his jersey after the picture and takes a marker out of one of the coloring boxes.

I forgot to ask your names.

Quin and Jason.

Such cool names.

He opens the and starts signing the jersey.

To Quin and Jason. There, my first autograph ever.

Awesome!

As the two boys stare at their gift with awe and wonder, their father is almost moved to tears.

Thank you, we really needed that.

Happy to do it.

I'm actually a huge Marauders fan, but had to give up my season tickets since the healthcare system in America is so messed up.

The healthcare system I can't do anything about. The tickets on the other hand...

You really don't have to.

Yes I do. A father that makes sacrifices for his son like you have has my utmost respect. You've had a lot of bad luck, so right now you're going to accept this, you deserve it. All I need is your name and address, type it in my phone.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome, four tickets?

Jane shakes her head.

Not me, just the boys.

You don't have to go to every game. Maybe for one of their grandpa's?

Now that you mention it, my dad would love it.

Four tickets it is, you should get word soon.

Thank you again... I guess we'll see you at the game.

Yes you will, have a nice day.

They wave goodbye until a female doctor approaches them.

That was so nice of you.

It's a small thing for me, but it can have a big impact on their life.

Very true. I'm doctor Norwell by the way, you handled those boys very well young lady.

Thank you. I want to be a pediatrician, I'm in my last year. I actually applied for an internship here at the hospital.

What's your name?

Rebecca Lindsley-Gray, this is my husband Zach.

Noted, I'll do my best to get you placed here.

Thank you so much!

You did a great job with those boys, you belong here. Gray, was it? from the Marauders?

Yup, that would be me.

That explains the outfit.

Sorry about that, I had to rush over here in a hurry. One of my teammates is in the process of becoming a father as we speak.

No worries, welcome to the city.

Thanks.

See you soon Rebecca.

Looking forward to it!

An hour later Natasha arrives at the hospital.

Mom? What are you doing here?

Lauren called me and told me what happened. I thought I would bring you a change of clothes and something to eat.

Not long after they finish eating, Marcus comes bursting into the hallway.

It's a girl!!

Congrats!

Marcus practically falls into Zach's arms.

It's alright brother, it's over.

I'm so tired, I can only imagine how Nika feels right now.

Rebecca gives him a short hug.

You did fine. How about Natasha and I go see how she's doing while you catch your breath out here with Zach.

Good idea... I need to sit down.

Zach gets Marcus a bottle of water.

Here, you probably forgot to drink in all the chaos.

I did, thanks.

How do you feel.

He takes a large sip of water.

Relieved, so many things could have gone wrong.

But they didn't, are you happy with a girl?

I never really thought about the gender. If the second one is a boy, then we can call it quits, one of each would be ideal.

Already planning ahead I see.

I know that it must sound crazy, but we always planned to have two.

You can always see how the first one goes and learn from it.

My thoughts exactly.

Let's go see how the girls are doing.

They slowly walk into the room and approach Nika.

Look, it's daddy and uncle Zach.

she's cute, good job... daddy.

Marcus visibly cringes.

Zach, you know I love you... but never call me that again.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Have you picked a name yet?

I like Lia, what do you think Marcus?

Lia Jackson... sounds good to me.

They talk a bit longer and head home to let Marcus and Nika rest.

A couple days later Nika visits after practice to show Lia to Lauren.

There she is, can I hold her?

Of course, you know what you're doing after all.

While they're busy with Lia, Caleb arrives at the practice field on his bike. Zach walks over to greet him.

Long time no see Caleb, are you used to your new home yet?

Mostly, I've made some friends already. Is that Marcus's baby?

Yup, want to go take a look?

Before we go, can I ask you something?

Sure, what's up?

There's a... guy at school that doesn't believe that my mom is a coach here and that I know you. He makes fun of me for it.

Sounds like a typical high school bully to me.

Yeah... pretty much. I have this school project coming up where each week a student has to interview somebody they admire, my turn is coming up...

And you want me to come embarrass him.

Yes. I do admire you though, I did mean that.

Thanks buddy. Name the time and place, I'll be there.

Next Wednesday morning, or do you have practice then?

Only in the afternoon, I'll see you there.

They walk over to Lauren who is still completely enamored with little Lia.

Mother instinct still going strong I see coach.

Of course, babies have a way of bringing that out of a mother. Once upon a time you were cute like this too Caleb.

Caleb cringes and tries to change the topic.

I'm sure I was... Zach is going to help me with my presentation for school by the way.

That's great! Thank you for taking the time.

No problem at all. Caleb is pretty much my little brother, no way I would refuse.

Several days later Zach arrives at Caleb's school. The girl at the front desk jumps up immediately when she notices him.

Hi... are you? Never mind, what can I do for you?

I'm here for Caleb Turner.

I'll take you to his class, please follow me.

She knocks on the door and goes inside the classroom while Zach waits outside until she returns.

They're ready for you.

He opens the door and sees Caleb sitting on a high chair at the front of the class with an empty one next to it. Every member of the class immediately starts murmuring as Zach takes a seat next to Caleb. They fist bump as the teacher stands up.

That's enough, quiet everybody! Caleb, please introduce you guest.

This is my friend Zach, some of you might know him as the quarterback of the Las Vegas Marauders.

Where did you meet each other?

At practice when he was playing for ECU in college, two years ago?

Zach nods.

Almost two and half now, his mother was my coach. Actually, she still is. She's my offensive coordinator with the Marauders now.

The teacher sits down at her desk.

You can start your interview Caleb.

Caleb takes a deep breath.

Zach, one of the things I noticed immediately about you... and admire about you is how driven you are. Where did that come from?

It's difficult to pinpoint a single moment, I suppose it's an accumulation of many things over the years. From my dad passing, to the big schools dropping me and my mother being sick to name a few. All those things are almost like a fuel to my fire, it makes me want to fight harder and prove people wrong.

Apart from that drive, practice and studying, what is the most important thing to be successful in life?

That's a big question. I would say having the right people around you is a big part of it. Your mom and the players at ECU who became my friends were there for me both on and off the field. I also met my wife at ECU, she helps me be at my strongest mentally.

So it's like a team effort?

In a way, yes. It's not like we actively plan things, but when you care about each other it just happens organically.

Strong together, a good lesson to learn. What are some of the things you want to in achieve in life?

There are a lot of things. Be a good husband, and hopefully a good father one day. Perform well with the team and bring joy to the fans. I would also like to complete my father's legacy and win a Superbowl for the Marauders.

That's very ambitious.

Ture, but I think that ambition is essential to achieve things in life. Reaching the maximum of your potential can only be achieved by striving to be the best. Becoming the best is actually not that important, but always giving everything you have is. That way you won't look back on your life knowing that you could have done more, tried harder, that way you'll have no regrets.

They wrap up the interview and Zach answers some more casual fans from the class. They decide to wrap up and take a group picture together.

As they're grouping up, Zach taps on Caleb's shoulder.

Which is the one you told me about?

Caleb hesitantly points him out.

I heard that you like to be a bully, that cannot be tolerated. No picture for you until you learn to become a better person.

Shortly after taking the picture the bell rings and the students head to their next class. Zach decides to wait inside the classroom a bit longer until the students in the hallway are gone.

Sorry about that bit at the end.

The teacher shrugs.

Don't worry about that, the little bastard deserves it. I know that as a teacher I shouldn't say things like that, but he thinks he can do whatever he wants because mommy and daddy are rich. They're probably going to complain to the principal about this.

Then send them my way and I'll tell them off for you.

I might just do that. Thank you for inspiring the kids, it was a great positive message.

Happy to do it.