It took exactly ten minutes into my first college practice to realize two things. First, I was no longer the big man on campus, there was a long line of athletes competing for that spot. Second, almost everyone here was as strong and as fast as I was. It was going to take more than just size and speed to play here, it was going to take heart, and a great deal of it.
After the second week of practice had come to an end, I was beginning to grasp the schemes and stunts that were being thrown at us. In fact I was learning all of the little techniques that veterans used to get the edge over their opponents. Every now and then I even earned some praise from one of the coaches.
We started the season ranked ninth in the country, which was solely based on where the team had finished a year ago. This was a very young team, very few senior starters, so it was going to be a rebuilding year for sure. We won our first three non-conference games easily, beating very small schools who played us just for the revenue. The team would be traveling to Florida this weekend to play our first conference game, although we were not allowed to travel with the team. I sat in my dorm room and watched us win a very tight game 28-21, which possibly meant a move up the rankings if someone above us lost.
I was beginning to see more playing time in practice, in fact I was actually getting rep with the first string, which really surprised me. By now I was beginning to hold my own with the upperclassmen, I was not being pushed around as much. There was no doubt that the defense was going to determine just how good this team would be for the next few years. We were loaded with size, speed and talent.
We were three quarters of the way through the season and still unbeaten, although the meat of our schedule was left to play. We had an away game in Arkansas next, then we had our bye or week off, then came back after Christmas to play a team from Georgia at home. Since I was not allowed to travel with the team and we had our bye week right behind a road game, I had eleven days off from classes and practices over the holidays. I asked and received permission to go home for that period of time, more importantly I needed the break. I had been talking to Courtney about once a week or so, the same with Ashley, trying to keep up on current events around my hometown. I decided to take the last bus out on Friday night, that would put me home about six in the morning, Ashley agreed to pick me up. As the bus pulled into our sleepy little town, I saw Ashley sitting in her car waiting for me. I got off the bus and made my way to its underside, grabbing two large bags from under the bus storage compartments. Ashley met me halfway, wrapping her arms around me, jumping into my arms. I was actually quite surprised by the greeting she gave me.
"It's so great to see you again, hotshot. Damn it looks like you're still growing.", she said.
"Hey Ashley, it's nice to be home. I'm exhausted.", I answered.
On the ride home, she gave me a quick update on the town's progress since I had left. What was happening at the old high school, so forth and so on. By the time we arrived home, all I wanted to do was sleep. I excused myself from Ashley and hit the bed. I slept until seven that evening. I found Ashley in the kitchen cleaning up for the night.
"Hey, you're finally up. Did you sleep well ?", she asked with a smile.
"Uh huh.", I answered.
"There's a plate for you in the fridge if you're hungry. I am going to take a shower.", she said.
"Ok, thanks.", I responded.
I warmed up the food and sat and ate at the kitchen table. It was nice to be home, this was the first time I had been really relaxed in months. I cleaned my dishes, loaded them in the rack and went to the family room. I was watching TV when Ashley came back into the room, her hair wrapped in a towel, wearing shorts and a tee shirt. It didn't matter what Ashley was wearing, what time of day it was, or what she was doing. She was absolutely drop dead gorgeous all of the time. It was really hard for me not to stare at her. As close as we were, I still felt very uncomfortable when I was alone with her, almost afraid. We were watching TV when she turned to me with that evil grin she had, the one that let you know she wanted something.
"So, you have a girlfriend at school yet ?", she asked, smiling.
"No, I haven't dated once, there is no time.", I responded.
"No time ? Come on Brian, I know there are girls everywhere. You can't tell me different.", she laughed.
"Oh there are tons of girls, but so far I haven't talked to anyone.", I answered.
"Well just so you know, Courtney asks me about you every time I see her. From what I hear, she hasn't been dating anyone either. You two have an agreement ?", she inquired.
"Yes and no. It's really informal.", I replied.
She went back to watching TV and the topic died off quickly. About thirty minutes later, I decided to call it a night and go back to bed. I fell asleep quickly, I was still exhausted.
I awoke Saturday morning to a dreary, gloomy day, the rain falling in a steady pattern. I ate breakfast, then decided to go to the gym and get in a quick workout. It was good to see Carl again, he seemed eager to hear about my training at school. We talked for a while, I had a good workout, took a swim, then headed home. Around two that afternoon my cell phone rang, it was Courtney.
"Hey Brian, I heard you're home. Whatcha' doing ?", she asked.
"Hi Court. Not much, just relaxing.", I answered.
"Can you come over later tonight, maybe have dinner ?", she inquired.
"I guess so, about six ?", I asked.
"That's great, see you then.", she ended.
I left for Courtney's at about six that evening, and arrived a few minutes after. I could see several vehicles in the drive, so I figured her parents were entertaining again, they did that quite a bit. I rang the bell and within seconds Courtney answered the door, jumping into my arms.
I hugged her tight, it was good to see her again. She led me into the family room where her mom and dad, as well as two other couples their age, were talking and drinking wine.
"Hey look who came home for a few days ?", she shouted as we entered the room.
"Brian, it's so nice to see you son. It looks like school is treating you well.", Mr. Timmons said, extending his hand.
"Yes sir, things are going well.", I replied.
I always liked Courtney's Dad, he was a genuine person, but he never made you feel like he was judging you. He reminded me a lot of my own Father, he appeared to be a man you could go to and get advice when needed. He offered me a seat on the sofa and began to question me about how life was away from home. The men were all interested in my answers, the ladies appeared to be bored. Football was not king in their world. After a few minutes, Courtney's Mom interrupted the conversation.
"Ok now, I'm sure Courtney and Brian have a lot of catching up to do. Leave them be. Now you two run along.", she said, waving her hand towards the front living room.