Prologue
Then-Freshman year
Elle
Goosebumps spread across my arms as I sit through what I hope is the final part of the NCAA student athlete speech. The presenter, I think his name is Rob— is talking about red-shirting whether it’s for an injury or for a year if you decide to transfer. I know I should be paying better attention, but it is freezing and it’s not like cross country athletes are being poached by other schools, it happens, but it’s not common. Not like the ball sports, football, basketball, baseball, those sports, you know the ones that people besides the athletes’ parents come to watch, REAL spectators, actual revenue brought in; ya know those sports.
I squirm in my seat hoping some movement will stop the hairs on my arms from standing straight up; when the presenter finally ends his speech and declares us free to go, once we turn in our signed compliance forms.
I quickly sign the forms and get up out of my seat, praying to the powers that be that my nipples are not visible through my sports bra and t-shirt that I decided to wear; because even though I promised myself that college would be my fresh start, my new me, one who actually puts effort into how she looks, I still ended up in my usualattire, a t-shirt and running shorts. Sneaking a quick glance down I discover that there is a god and he or she deems me worthy because I’m safe from nipplegate. Unfortunately, since I was discreetly checking myself out, I am not safe from bumping into a hulking man giant.
“Sorry! I wasn’t paying much attention.” I explain shifting my backpack onto my shoulders. Well shit. Man giant is gorgeous. Caramel hair and perfect eyebrows. You’d be surprised how many men neglect their eyebrows.
“No problem, I can take those for you.” Man Giant responds as he holds out a hand for my forms.
“That’d be great, yeah thanks.” I reply as he graciously takes both of our forms and turns them in and walks out.
Great first day Ellie, very smoothI think as I watch him leave. Luckily, we’re at a very large university and I will probably never see the hulking man giant again. Grabbing my phone from the water bottle sleeve of my backpack I text my friend Vi.
Elle: Well I hope your day is going better than mine. Just bumped into a hulking man giant at the compliance meeting.
Vi: Ohhhh what sport was Man Giant and was he hot?
Elle: I mean I literally had to look up at him. But yeah he was pretty cute and since he’s so large I’m going to assume something physical but since it was the mandatory rules/compliance meeting. I have no clue what sport.
Vi: this is why you always lose when we play Clue. You’re not observant enough.
Elle: rude.
I swipe out of my messages and pull up my class schedule again. Sighing, I make my way to the lecture hall and hope I can get a decent spot, not one in the way back but definitely not in the front. Middle, preferably near the aisle in case I have to pee from staying hydrated for practice.
Lucky for me, I’m early enough that there are still spots available in my desired location. I pull out my pen and notebook. Everyone around me has their laptops out, but I know I learn better when I physically write it all down. So here I am, slumming it old school style.
“Oh! I recognize you. You were just at the meeting too. Can I sit here? I know no one in class.” A deep voice startles me from my doodles on the margins of my notebook. I glance up to see Man Giant with a slightly anxious look on his face.
“Yeah, sure, go ahead I don’t know anyone either so the spot isn’t being saved.” I smile.
“I’m Archer” Man Giant says as he plops himself down next to me. His face relaxes into a more comfortable expression.
“Elle” I say, “but most people call me Ellie.”
“Nice to meet you Ellie, so what sport do you play?” His blue eyes are piercing. I can’t tell if he’s genuinely curious or trying to make polite conversation. I’ve always been a girls’ girl soconversations with men do not come natural to me. I mean I talk to my brother and his friends just fine, but I’ve also known most of them since they were pre-pubescent. So this conversation with a real life Adonis, completely out of my depth.
“I run cross country and track.” I reply and I can’t help but notice the ‘eesh’look that crosses Archer’s face, the look that says ‘this chick is a psychopath, she actively enjoys running for extended periods of time’. “What sport do you play?” I ask quickly, trying to salvage this conversation.
“Football” before he can elaborate or I can ask what position, our professor clears her throat and the class begins.
Now-Present Day
Elle
“That was ugly. At least it’s the first game of the season?” I say to Fish as I slug back the rest of my beer. It’s Sunday night and the beginning of my fall break so I can afford to drink a beer or three on my couch; with my cat, who couldn’t care less about Wolves’ game. My cat continues to groom himself completely unconcerned with the disaster we just watched. “He just looked so sad out there at the end of the game.” I look over at Fish like I expect him to actually answer me. “Should I message him and tell him he’s still doing a good job? My students always respond positively to that when they’re having a bad day.”
Before my logic can catch up with my liquid courage, I grab my phone and pull up his Instagram. “Lucky for mewe still follow each other from college. I don’t think he realizes he still follows me actually but at least I know my message won’t get flagged.” I say to Fish as I type the message and hit send.
Archer
Lights flash and the cacophony of sounds dies down as I step up to the podium. I know I fucked up tonight. I threw two interceptions and everyone is pissed. I’m pissed, my team’s pissed and Coach is pissed, although he will never admit it. He just gives you that ‘I’m disappointed’ look. Which is arguably worse.
