We talked for a few more minutes but we were constantly distracted by friends blowing horns at us, or yelling out, surprised to see us talking together. I could see she was getting aggravated at the distractions as was I.
"Can you give me a ride home ?", she asked.
"Sure, no problem.", I responded, starting up the truck.
I pulled out of the lot and headed towards Courtney's house. She was oddly quiet as we drove, I noticed her looking at me several times in an odd manner. About ten minutes later, we pulled into her drive.
"Can we talk for a few more minutes ?", she pleaded.
I reached over and turned the truck off, sitting back in my seat. I was really tired and wanted to go home, but I didn't need any unnecessary drama at this point. She reached across the front seat and took my hand in hers, looking into my eyes.
"Brian, I don't know if I am going to say this right but here goes. I am in love with you. I have been since the first time we went out. I made a huge mistake by pushing you away. I am just hoping you can forgive me and give me another chance to prove to you just how much I love you.", she ended with a sigh, tears in her eyes.
I felt helpless looking into her eyes, familiar feelings came rushing from deep inside of me. I looked away quickly for fear she would see right through me. I took a deep breath then turned back to her.
"Court, I don't know what to say, really I don't. I do care for you, I never stopped, but what do you want to do at this point ?", I asked.
"I want to wait for you, I will be here when you get back, I promise you.", she said, squeezing my hand tightly.
"Courtney, I can't ask you to do that. Especially not now, after all that has happened.", I answered.
"You're not asking me to wait, I am offering to wait. That is if you still think we might have a future together.", she asked.
I just sat there looking at her, she looked beautiful yet so fragile, pouring her soul out to me, holding nothing back. I was at a loss for words, I had no idea what to say to her. I finally gathered my senses somewhat, I don't even know where the idea came from.
"Court, I will be leaving the day after tomorrow. How about we both give this some thought, I will be home over the Christmas holidays, if you still feel the same, we can see what happens.", I offered.
She thought carefully for a second, then a smile crossed her face for the first time since we began this conversation. She leaned over and gave me a hug, kissing me quickly on the cheek.
"That's a deal I can live with. And I promise you, I will not go out with anyone else until you come home." she said.
"I'm not asking you to do that Court, that's up to you.", I replied.
"I know it is. It's what I want to do. If anything changes, I promise I will be honest and call you. Will you do the same if you meet
someone ?", she asked.
"That's a deal.", I answered, holding her hand in mine.
I left for school late Thursday evening and arrived very early Friday morning, the bus trip was long and tiring. I was met at the station by one of the graduate assistants who helped carry my bags to the waiting van. We drove about thirty minutes before we arrived on campus. He took me on a quick tour, pointing out all of the points of interest, before pulling up in front of the athletic dormitory. He helped me collect my bags and led me to room 1356, which would be my home for the next year. He told me to get settled in, someone would call on me later. I looked around at the small, sparsely furnished room. There was a single bed, a desk, one large and one small dresser along with one closet. I began to unpack my clothes, putting everything in its place. Sometime around two o'clock, there was a knock on the door. One of the defensive coaches, Ray Milton stood in the door. He extended his hand to me quickly, a large smile as he looked up at me.
"Brian, it's really nice to meet you son. I have heard so much about you. I have watched a lot of tape on you as well. I must say though, you're even more impressive in person than on film." he stated.
"Thank you Coach.", I replied, shaking his hand.
"How many days a week were you working out over this past summer son ?", he asked with a grin.
"Six days a week sir, I took Sunday's off," I responded.
"I'm impressed Brian, I really am. I can't tell you how many people show up out of shape thinking they are going to coast because they were Mr. Wonderful at their respective little high school.", he laughed.
He handed me a packet which contained all of the schedules I would adhere to as an athlete. This was by and large, completely separate from my obligations as a student. I was expected to not let one interfere with the other. As a red shirt freshman I would workout and practice with the team, but I would not be allowed to dress out on game days. I would have to sit in the stands like everyone else, although my tickets were complimentary.
I took the weekend to get familiar with the campus and get acquainted with the coaching staff, trainers and players. On Monday morning, I picked up my class schedule, classes would start on Wednesday morning. Looking at my schedule, I saw little time for social activity. I would be in the gym at six every morning, then my first class was at nine that morning. Classes would let out around three, then it was back to the gym for evening workout, or practice if it was scheduled.
It is actually mind boggling what a student athlete has to go through at a major university. Both the academic and sports programs made demands on your time that were relenting, you never had a moment to yourself. By the time we actually put on pads and hit the field, my mind was numb, I was just going through the motions.