Chapter 7: crisis management

The next morning Rebecca starts softly caressing Zach's face to slowly wake him up.

Wakey wakey sleepyhead.

Good morning.

You're a deep sleeper.

Guess I was tired from the game after all. Or maybe it was because I was enjoying your company.

I'm sure you were. You look adorable with your bed hair by the way.

Zach grabs Rebecca, pulls her against him and completely messes up her hair.

There, a good relationship is balanced.

I see what you did there. But it takes a girl much longer to look presentable.

He gives her a soft kiss and looks her in the eyes.

If you really think that I'm with you because of your hair or makeup, then you couldn't be more wrong.

While it's nice to hear you say that, it's more about everybody else not thinking that I'm an absolute mess.

Fuck them, other people's opinions don't matter.

I know, but that's easier said then done. People are constantly looking at you, I don't know how you deal with that.

I usually ignore it. And when people approach me, I treat them how they treat me. If I worried about every single one of them, I'd go crazy.

Even more crazy than you already are? I don't think that's possible.

Is that your opinion? Or is it a diagnosis?

Just an observation by a medical professional.

So you're a professional now huh? I thought you were still in training?

Details, who needs them?

Zach laughs and stands up.

Come on silly, lets take a quick shower before we go. Do you want to share one?

Rebecca is surprised by his proposal and the anxiety can be seen on her face.

It's ok to say no, I just thought I would keep the playfulness going... sorry if I went too far.

You don't have to apologize, I'm just not ready for that yet.

He hugs her and caresses her back.

Take your time, we've only been together for a couple weeks. No pressure at all.

Thank you. I really want to, believe me. I need a bit more time, I just hope that you don't get bored with me....

Zach sternly looks her in the eye.

I don't want to hear you say anything like that ever again, I'm not with you for that. I'm with you because I think you're an amazing person for many reasons.

Thank you.

You're hot though, not going to lie.

She playfully slaps his arm.

You're terrible, get in the shower!

After their shower they head over to the hospital attached to the campus.

I'll be right back, I'm going to go find my mentor.

She returns several minutes later with the doctor from the other day.

Hello again mister Gray, Rebecca explained the situation to me. Luckily for you it's early enough that we can go ahead and take the x-ray right now.

Thank you, sorry for the inconvenience.

It's only an x-ray, it won't take too long. Follow me.

Zach walks inside room and takes his shirt off.

Meanwhile Rebecca and her mentor go into the next room where they can see him through glass. Rebecca's mentor momentarily loses her composure when she sees Zach without his shirt.

Look at those abs... that is a pleasant view so early in the morning.

Rebecca giggles.

They're even better up close.

Her mentor looks at her in shock.

No way! Are you two?

Rebecca nods with a sly smile on her face.

Lucky girl, good for you! Do let me know what they feel like... for science reasons of course.

Rebecca can't help but laugh.

Of course, I'll write a detailed paper on them.

Zach and Rebecca take a seat in the doctor's office as they wait for her to return with the x-ray.

Several minutes later she joins them and hands the x-ray to Rebecca.

He's your patient, tell me what you see.

Rebecca takes a close look for several seconds and Zach runs out of patience.

So? How bad is it?!

Calm down, looks to me like nothing is broken.

The doctor nods.

Correct, you got lucky. A week or two with plenty of rest and you should be back to your old self.

That's great, thanks again doc! Can I still throw at practice?

It's probably best if you don't, but if you do decide to throw just make sure to not go all out. No hitting or tackling what so ever!

That goes without saying, I have a red shirt on at practice anyway.

The doctor gives him a confused look.

Sorry, that means nobody can hit me at practice. Specifically, to avoid injuries.

Then you should be fine, have a good day!

You too, and thanks again!

You're welcome, see you tomorrow Rebecca.

They start walking back to campus.

Will I see you after class?

I was thinking of walking to practice with you, that way I can inform your coach about the injury.

Great, she's probably going to freak out... be prepared.

Good think I'm used to dealing with concerned parents at the hospital, it should be fine.

See you after class then.

Wait! Before you go... thank you for trusting me.

What do you mean?

Last night, when you told me about your mom. I know that men typically aren't comfortable with showing that side of themselves. Thank you for trusting me enough to show me that vulnerability.

I feel good when I'm with you, no other way I can describe it. look, I'm serious about you... that doesn't mean that things have to go fast, but I just want you to know that I'm in it for the long haul.

Rebecca blushes and hugs him.

Me too.

Zach sees the girls from the school newsletter during lunch and goes over to them.

Hey, Melanie and Melody, right?

Yup, that's us.

I wanted to apologize for not coming to see you sooner. The practice game was dropped on us without warning so I kinda forgot about the interview I promised you.

Totally understand it, no need to apologize.

We can do it today after practice if you want?

That would be great! Melody, we can make it a video interview.

Good idea! You can wear your jersey, that would be perfect for social media.

What Melody forgot to tell you is that we're also in change of your and ECU's social media. Don't worry, you don't have to do anything besides what you do best. We'll just take a picture of you every once in a while, at practice or during games.

Sounds good to me, I'm not really a social media person so I'm glad I can depend on you two for it.

Happy to be of service, see you after practice!

Zach and Rebecca make their way to the practice field after an uneventful day in class.

Hey coach.

Hey Zach, who's this?

My girlfriend Rebecca.

Nice to meet you, how long have you been together?

Rebecca takes hold of Zach's arm.

A couple weeks, I managed to charm him pretty quickly.

You've got yourself a good one, he's been great both on and off the field.

Speaking about on the field... we just came from the hospital.

The hospital?! Why?! Are you alright?!

I'm fine, just some bruised ribs.

How are you so calm about that?!

Rebecca tries her best to calm Lauren back down.

He's not going to miss any games, he just has to be careful for a week or two. So no tackling or hitting of any kind, throwing softly should be fine though.

Thank God. Before I forget, there should be a new transfer student coming today.

Awesome, what position does he play?

Center.

Great, I could use some extra protection. The player we had there now was doing his best, but any help is welcome.

True, he gave it his all but he needs more time to develop.

Rebecca stands on her tippy toes and kisses Zach on the cheek.

I'm going to leave you to it, I need to go do my homework anyways. Have fun!

Ok, see you soon!

The transferred played arrives not long after Zach changed into his workout clothes.

Hi, I'm Fred Richards.

Zach turns around and comes face to face with a mountain of a man. His arms are the size of small trees and his hair has a slight red tint. He shakes his hand.

Nice to meet you. You're huge, I already feel safer now that you're here. This is coach Turner.

Welcome to the team. Mister superstar here already got himself hurt in the first game so we can sure use you.

Thank you for the warm welcome and for the opportunity.

After I heard about what happened at your old school, you definitely deserve a fresh start. That doesn't mean that I'm just going to hand you the start, you'll have to compete like everybody here.

Fred answers in an almost military style.

Yes ma'am!

Lauren calls Zach over towards the end of practice.

How did he do coach?

Fantastic, he's going to be a difference maker. Still needs work when it comes to technique, but his raw strength more than makes up for that.

Good, did you need me for something else?

Yes, practice snapping the ball a bit with him.

Sure, no problem. Hey Fred come over here for a sec!

What's up?

Let's practice snapping the ball for a bit so were on the same page.

Sure thing.

They do a few test snaps together both under center and in the shotgun formation while Lauren observes.

Looking good guys, that'll take care of itself.

Fred playfully nudges Zach.

I hope you didn't mind being so close to my butt, you going to be seeing a lot of it after all.

Zach laughs.

With all due respect to your ass Fred, I prefer my girlfriend's.

I can't believe you just said that, I'm hurt.

I'm sure you'll get over it. On a different note, how did you get so freakishly strong?

I grew up on a farm in Nebraska. I helped out ever since I was young and that resulted in what my dad calls "farm muscle".

Whoever lines up across from you is going to suffer, I know that much.

Looking forward to it, see you next practice!

Zach sticks around a bit after practice to talk to Lauren.

You mentioned something about Fred deserving a fresh start, did he get in trouble at his previous school?

No, nothing like that. I don't know any specifics, but their coach was fired for misconduct and their football program was shut down. Rumor has it that he would "punish" players for making mistakes during games.

That's rough, he seems like a nice guy so I'm glad we have him here now.

Agreed, see you in a couple days.