“Uh, hi. Coach Patrick? It’s DT.”
“Ah, DT! So thrilled you called, kid. I assume you read my email. Listen. I didn’t want to put it in writing—you know the rules about poaching—but if you want to transfer, we’d have a spot for you here. We could use your talent.”
A mixture of excitement and anxiety buzzes under my skin. “Yeah, I read it. It’s obviously a lot to think about. I have some questions, and, well, there’s someone I’m here with, and we’re a package deal.”
“You got a girl, huh?”
“Yeah, my girlfriend. But she’s more than that, I’ve known her my whole life. It’s serious. I won’t go anywhere without her. And she’s thriving here. She has a full scholarship and a competitive internship in animal sciences. She won’t be able to leave without a comparable situation somewhere else.”
“Hey, why don’t you email me a list of your conditions? We’re very motivated to bring you to WVU, kid. I imagine we’ll be able to make it happen.”
“Oh.” I thought for sure my requests for Gracie would be a dealbreaker. “Uh, okay. I’ll send it over today.”
“Great. I’ll get it to my people over here and then get back to you tomorrow with more information. Sounds good?”
My chest loosens a little, and some of the tension slips from my shoulders. “Yeah, that sounds…great, actually.”
“Let’s set up another time to talk after that and discuss some other details. You won’t have to fight for playing time here. We see your talent and want to help you achieve your goals.”
“Wow. Um, thanks. That’s really good to hear.”
“It’s the truth. Alright, kid. I’m on my way to a team workout, but I’m happy you called. I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out that sets you up for the future you want. I’ll be in touch.”
“Okay, bye, Coach.”
New energy fills me, sparking feelings I haven’t felt in some time.
First, I feel a little guilty.
But then, the guilt is replaced with an emotion far more dangerous.
Hope.
“Thanks, Dr. Smith. I can tell your program will be a great fit.” I end my call with Westchester Valley University’s Dean of Zoology. Leaning back in my dorm room desk chair, I feel relaxed and at peace.
It’s been two weeks of constant WVU research. I’ve had conversations with teachers and students and read countless reviews of the department and staff. At this point, I know more about Animal Sciences at Westchester than I do about their football program.
I needed to be sure WVU would be a perfect fit for Gracie, and it is. If I want to achieve the life I promised her, transferring is the only way.
In addition to the prestige of their vet school, there are other bonuses. Gracie’s always wanted to live in a city. Granted, when we’ve spoken, she’s primarily talked about the city of Columbus, but you cannot beat New York’s cityscape. Also, WVU is near three different animal hospitals, which provide a lot of potential job opportunities and connections for students post-grad.
I know she’ll be hesitant to move so far from Mae, but Mae is constantly encouraging her to get out of Ohio, take risks, and live life. I can’t think of a better place to live life to the fullest than the Big Apple. I know Mae’ll be on my side when she finds out.
Coach Patrick promised me that news of the move wouldn’t be officially communicated until one week from now. That gives me ample time to tell everyone before it’s announced. I intended to tell Gracie sooner, but my research bumped me up right against the decision deadline. While I know she’ll be a little surprised, she’s always been supportive of our shared goals.
My phone jolts me from my thoughts of Gracie. I grab it off the desk and spin around in my chair as I answer the call.
“Hey, Mom!”
“Hiya, sweetie. How’re we feeling today?”
With how busy I’ve been researching, it’s been too long since I’ve heard her voice.
“Great. Better than great. Fantastic. I was actually just going to call you.”
Her tone perks up. “Really?”
“Yeah. I kind of have news. About football.”
