Chapter 30: a sense of accomplishment

Over the course of the season Zach has some growing pains, but towards the end of the season he really comes into his own. He ends up with almost four thousand passing yards, thirty touchdowns and fourteen interceptions. Thanks to Zach's late surge the Marauders end the season with eight wins and eight losses, a significant improvement from the previous season.

Now that the season is over Zach spends the day giving his body some much needed rest.

Later that day he drives to down to the hospital to pick Rebecca up.

Hey there beautiful, your chariot has arrived.

Thanks handsome.

Your last day is over, graduation is next.

You're right about one of those things.

What do you mean?

Graduation is indeed next, but it's not my last day at the hospital. They asked me if I wanted to stay and I said yes.

Congratulations!

They called me into their office and I was going through my entire day to think of what I could have messed up, then they just offered me a job. Apparently, somebody is retiring and they were satisfied with my performance so they just asked me to take her place.

Best decision they ever made. I'm so proud of you, I always said that you're special.

Thank you for always supporting me.

As much as I would like to take credit, you did it all yourself. Hard work and dedication.

This is beginning to sound like one of your pre game speeches.

Maybe, it's still true tough. When are your parents coming?

I'll call them tomorrow, I want it to be just you and me today.

Today is your day, your wish is my command.

I like the sound of that.

They have a lovely dinner together and cuddle up on the coach.

This is my favorite time of the day, snuggling with my big strong man.

I love the compliments, but I already told you that I would do anything you want me to.

There is one thing I wanted to talk about...

What about?

Now that I'm done with school and have a job.... What would you say if I asked you if we could start trying for a baby?

Right now?

Rebecca bursts out laughing.

I appreciate the enthusiasm. That means yes, right?

Of course, I want what makes your happy.

I love you, you're the best!

Let's hope I'm as accurate down there as I am on the field.

That was a terrible joke.

Suddenly Rebecca points at the tv.

Look, they're talking about you.

Zach turns up the volume.

The final nominee for the offensive rookie of the year is none other than the first overall pick himself, Zachary Gray. Gentlemen, any thoughts?

Makes perfect sense, he had a fantastic first season. They're win total improved significantly compared to last year, and he's not even a finished product yet.

True, almost four thousand yards and thirty touchdowns is very impressive to start your career with. He's also the ultimate good guy, you can't help but like him.

Is this award his to lose?

He's not going to lose it, he made a franchise relevant again in only one year. Other rookies had good seasons, but only Zachary Gray did that.

Zach turns down the volume again.

That's enough of that.

Why? They were saying such nice things about you.

I know, all of the praise just makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. They're acting like I did it all by myself, and I most certainly didn't.

Then say so in your speech when you win, shine a spotlight on everybody who you feel deserves it.

Zach gently kisses her.

Once again you're there to set me straight.

It's ok to be proud of yourself too, it doesn't have to be and arrogant thing.

I'll try to work on that, but not right now.

He picks her up and starts carrying her up the stairs.

I remember you saying something about making babies?

She giggles loudly.

Practice makes perfect.

I've always been a big advocate of practice.

Almost a month later Zach and Rebecca head to L.A. for the NFL honors event.

They walk the red carpet together and pose for some pictures. When they get to their seats Zach continuously looks around.

Is something wrong? Are you nervous?

A bit, but that's not it. There are so many people here that I've been watching my whole life. look, over there is Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Russel Wilson. I didn't get to play them this season.

Then go say hi to them.

I don't know...

At that exact moment somebody taps Zach on the shoulder.

Zachary Gray?

Yes? Holy sh...

Nice to meet you, I'm Tom.

I know... it's an honor to meet you.

We didn't get a chance to play against each other this season, I wanted to come say hello.

I really wanted to play you, although I doubt that I could have won.

No need to be so humble, you've show that you have what it takes to be successful in this league.

Thank you so much, coming from you that really means a lot. Your drive to never give in to what people say and rise above it has been both motivational and inspirational.

I'm happy that I could be that for you. Drive and hard work are essential, judging from what I've heard about you I know that you'll get there.

Looking forwards to facing you in the Superbowl one day... you seem to play in it almost every year so it's almost unavoidable.

Tom winks at him as he walks away.

Be careful what you wish for.

Zach sits back down and looks at Rebecca.

Oh my god... I can't believe that just happened. I talked to Tom Brady, the goat.

Goat...?

It's an abbreviation for "greatest of all time".

Is he that good?

Yes... he has too many records to name all of them right now, especially in the playoffs. He's won seven super bowls... so far. The next closest in the goat conversation is Joe Montana with four... sorry, I'm talking too much.

It's ok, you're excited. He was really nice too, I can see why you like him so much.

For the rest of the evening, they enjoy the jokes from the host until it's time for Zach's category.

When it comes to this group of youngsters there's only one thing they have in common, all teams except their own are afraid of them. These are the nominees for offensive rookie of the year.

Willie Torren, runningback, Atlanta Falcons.

Ritchie Wellard, wide receiver, Detroit Lions.

Sander Dinon, tight end, Green Bay Packers.

Myles Winter, Guard, Seattle Seahawks.

Zachary Gray, quarterback, Las Vegas Marauders.

And the winner is... Zachary Gray.

He gives Rebecca a big kiss and heads to the podium to accept his reward.

Thank you for this incredible honor. I would like to start by thanking my offensive line for keeping me upright and my receivers for every catch, couldn't do it without you guys. Also a big thanks to coach Rudor and coach Turner, I love working with you both and hope we get to do it for a long time. Can't forget our general manager Sam Maddock, you've become somewhat of a second father to me and I'm grateful for everything that you've done for me. My mother for being selfless for so long and always supporting me to pursue my dreams. The city of Las Vegas and the Marauder fan base, for the warm welcome and support this first year, you're the best. Lastly, my wife Rebecca. As much as this award has my name on it, we all have our weaknesses and she's helped me overcome mine more than once. You make me the best version of myself, you're the best thing that ever happened to me.

Zachary Gray everybody! Something tells me that this won't be the last time we'll see him up here.

Before they go back home to Vegas Zach and Rebecca decide to pass by ECU for Elle's graduation. The arrive early in the morning and ring the doorbell, Elle opens up and greets them with a hug.

It's been so long! What are you doing here?

We were in L.A. for the award ceremony and thought we would come say hi before we head back home.

And we wouldn't miss your graduation, number one in your class as expected.

Thanks guys. It's good to have you here again, come in!

They go to the kitchen and Elle makes the ma cup of coffee.

Where's Lisa?

It's ten in the morning... where do you think she is?

I'll go wake her up, be right back.

He makes his way up the stairs, enters their bedroom, sits down on the side of the bed and gently strokes Lisa's hair.

Five more minutes...

I've heard you say that too many times before, no way I'm falling for that.

She instantly recognizes Zach's voice, jumps up and embraces him.

You grew out your hair, I like it.

It's annoying and gets in the way... Elle likes it so I'm dealing with it.

Looks very feminine, I'm not surprised she likes it. She's pretty much Elsa from frozen after all, I guess that would make you Anna.

I think of myself more like Olaf, at times I have no idea what's going on, but I'm having a good time so I don't care.

That does sound like you, you coming down?

I'm going to take a quick shower and join you.

On his way back to the kitchen he runs into Ruby.

Hey Zach!

Hi, cheerful as ever I see.

Happy to see you again, that's all. Not as happy as aunt Claudia is going to be though.

Probably not, what's new with you?

Not much. Keeping up with my studies and getting ready to take more of a leadership role with the cheerleaders.

No longer the shy girl, I like it. Confidence suits you, you have the talent to back it up after all.

Thank you, the support that you've all given me helped a lot.

You coming out of your shell and pursuing your dreams is all the thanks we need.

Right now I'm pursuing breakfast, let's start there.

After they finish up breakfast, they get ready for the graduation ceremony. Elle gives her valedictorian speech and every student accepts their diploma.

At the reception they all introduce themselves to Elle's parents and enjoy some drinks with them.

Zach takes the opportunity to spend some time with Daquan and some of the other ECU players until he decides to head back to the others.

He sees Claudia as he's making his way over. She's unenthusiastically nodding her way through a conversation with some men in suits.

Hello miss Meyers... sorry, am I interrupting something?

Her face immediately lights up.

Zach! I was just talking to some possible investors.

You won't regret investing, ECU is a great school and miss Meyers is fantastic at her job. Now is the right time for expansion too, the success of the football program alone will make it worth your while.

The investors look at each other and nod.

A compelling argument from somebody who's speaking from experience, we'll be in touch to finalize things.

Thank you, I'll await your call!

Zach puts his arm around Claudia once the investors have left and gives her a squeeze.

There, that's taken care of.

Zachary Gray to the rescue once again.

I don't do that for just anybody.

It's good to see you again... you look good.

So do you. Still driving all the college boy's crazy?

She winks mischievously.

Not intentionally. That investment will make a big difference in the scholarships we can hand out and hopefully spruce up some of our facilities.

That's great, I'm happy to hear it. Let me know if I can ever do something for you or ECU.

I'll definitely do that, thanks again.

You're very welcome. I'm going to head back to my wife.

Sure, rub it in.

Sorry, see you next year at Lisa's graduation.

At the end of the day the five of them are sitting on the couch together at the mansion.

Just like old times.

Lisa rolls her eyes at him.

Old times he's says... it's only been a year, that was such a dad joke.

Well... we are trying, I might as well get some practice in.

You are? Really?

Rebecca nods as she nestles herself against Zach.

Since I'm graduating next week, I thought the time was right, Zach agreed.

You forgot the part where you were offered a job at the hospital.

That's amazing congrats!

Thank you Lisa. What are you going to do now that you've graduated Elle?

I've been thinking about it for the last year, I want to be a defense lawyer. Helping people that need it the most.

Zach nods affirmingly.

That fits you, very admirable. Vegas has a larger market than here... just saying.

I see what you're doing Zach. Starting off in a small town is going to be for the best I think, at least until Lisa graduates. After that we'll probably move closer to you guys.

Awesome, hopefully you'll both be aunts by then. Oh, before I forget. Will you help me with my contract when I have to resign a couple years from now? I'm no good with contracts and stuff like that.

You're definitely getting ahead of things. Of course, I'll help you. I'll give you the family discount.

Great, consider me your first client. What about you Ruby?

I'm studying business, so I was thinking about combining it with dance and open a dance studio.

That's a good idea, I like it. if you want I'll be your business partner and investor. We could also turn it into a youth center, where we could do a bunch of different programs.

Fantastic idea! Keep kids off the street and give them a positive environment where they can make relationships like we have. And with all the shows in Vegas there would be a lot of interest too.

Zach raises his glass.

Look at us making plans for the future.

Lisa downs what remains of her drink.

It's almost like we're adults.

They all share a classic ECU evening together before Zach and Rebecca head back home to Vegas the next day.