The Freshman

Chapter 8

"He was just telling us about how to handle getting tackled.. Maybe you could show me your technique later, Darren ! I'm super curious. " Madison

"It's all about squaring your hips and getting low to the ground." Darren

"Sounds like fun !" Madison

"Actually ... I was sort of hoping I could ask Darren a question. For a project, you know ?"

"Go right ahead, New girl. Don't be shy." Darren

"I want to ask ... Is it hard to balance football and school ?"

"Its not easy ! I always try to take a lighter load during fall quarter since I'm so busy playing ball. And I'm not gonna lie. Football life has its .... Perks. I know this life won't last forever. I want to enjoy myself while I can. " Darren

"Not everyone on the team seems so happy - go - lucky ..." Zack

Zack gesture toward a bench at the far end of the field, where Chris is sitting by himself, hanging his head.

" ......" Chris

"I'll go talk to him ... See how he's doing."

"Good luck. He's super moody. He wouldn't even talk to me. And I'm me !" Becca

"What's the matter ?? It's not like Chris to get so down in the dumps."

"I think he's bummed, he's not a starting player like he was in high school. .. He probably thinks he'll be riding the bench

I walk away from the group and approach Chris.

" ....." Chris

"Hey there ... You doing okay ? You look like you're waiting for your mom to come pick you up after being ditched by your date on prom night."

"That bad, huh ??" Chris

"Afraid so, Come on,dish . What's on your mind ??"

"Oh ! Kath ! I'm solid. Just a little winded from all the drills." Chris

"Nuh- it, your not slipping out of this pro talk that easily."

"Alright,alright,fine." Chris

"It's just ..... sitting here makes me feel kind of useless, you know ?? I figured I'd have to pay my dues and all, but .... the reality of it is a lot harder to stomach. I can't help but think of Friday night's in high school, running out onto the field with my team. I just miss that adrenaline rush, I guess." Chris

"Chris .... College is more than just football !! So what if you're not the starting quarterback anymore ?? You're in college !! There are all sorts of classes to take, extracurricular to try, people to meet. Football is just one thing among many."

"I guess you have a point. People always say college is a time to try new things and experiment. Maybe I should to start doing that." Chris

"Exactly !! Going out to try new things can be scary, but I'm here for you if you need a buddy."

"Well, I did see a class in the course catalogue called, 'n

"Really ? Are you sad about .... Us ?"

"Us ? I mean ... I have been thinking about you ... But I'm worried about something else right now. It's just .... I knew I'd be on the bench behind Darren, but I wasn't really prepared for the reality of it. I can't stand the idea of not being able to help my teammates get a win, you know ? All through high school, I lived for Friday nights. That rush of adrenaline as our team sprinted out onto the field... Nothing else even comes close. " Chris