Chapter 1: the decision


Welcome back people, it's the fourth quarter and the score is 26 to 30 with only 2 minutes left on the clock. Zachary Gray takes to the field, do you think the five star prospect can lead his team to a comeback win Matt?

I do Adam, Zachary Gray is an absolute Stud! This guy has it all, truly a once in a generation quarterback prospect.

He sure is, looks like they're ready to go. Gray is under center, he drops back... completes the pass, first down.

They need to hustle, the clock is ticking!

Seems like they prepared a hurry up style offense. Quick throw to the sideline and the receiver steps out of bounds to stop the clock.

Zachary Gray is 30 yards away from a perfect season. He's got a man wide open down the sideline... he's gone, touchdown!

The composure this young man has shown is just phenomenal, what a talent.

I couldn't agree more Adam. He'll be able to choose any college he wants to go to, I'm beyond excited to see where he decides to go.

Let's head down to the field and ask him.

Matt and Adam arrive at the field while the team is in the midst of celebrating their win.

Zachary, do you have time for a short interview?

Sure, ask away.

What goes through your mind when a game forces you into such a high pressure situation?

To me it comes down to executing what you did at practice and trusting my teammates.

It certainly worked for you, nobody can dispute that. Do you have a question Matt?

I sure do! First of all, I'm a big fan and I'm excited to see what's next for you. which leads me to the following question, do you know what college you're going to declare too yet?

I have given it a lot of thought during the season, it's not an easy choice to make. There are a lot of programs that I respect and many of them have offered me a scholarship, which I of course greatly appreciate. And I would like to take this opportunity to publicly announce that I have only one demand.

Don't leave us in suspense!

Zach takes a deep breath.

This might seem silly to a lot of people but the only way that I'll commit to any college, is if my best friend Lisa gets a full scholarship. She's been there for me through it all, from my father's accident to my first win.

That's very selfless of you, we'll be following your career closely.

Always a pleasure to talk to you both.

Adam and Matt turn towards the cameraman.

Thank you all for watching, I'm Adam Collins.

And I'm Mat Mcaddy, see you all next time.

Zach goes to the locker room to take a shower and say goodbye to his teammates since it was their last game together. After he's done, he walks back outside where Lisa is waiting for him. She gives him a short hug and a playful jab on his arm.

I can't believe you said that live on tv, who knows what that could do to your future!

I don't care about that, you're going to college with me. If that requires me to pull a stunt like that, so be it.

You're crazy. But you're right, without a scholarship there's no way I would be able to go to college. My parents just can't afford it.

I know, that's why I did what I did. We've known each other for ten years, there's no way I'm leaving you behind.

She gives him another short hug and they start walking home.

You're the best, I just hope it doesn't affect your options of schools to go to.

Zach gives her a nonchalant shrug.

It'll be fine. Some of them might drop me, but I can't imagine all of them will.

I hope your right, let's go see your mom.

When they walk past the parking lot, Zach's coach is getting into his car.

Are we still on for next week coach?

Yup, I've sent all of the details for your showcase to all the interested programs. Their coaches should all be there.

Thanks coach, see you then!

Happy to do it, it's the least I can do after this amazing season we just had.

A short walk later they arrive at Zach's house where his mom is waiting for them on the porch.

Welcome home. Congratulations on the win, you were great!

Thanks mom. I wasn't planning on making it that close but a win is a win.

After hugging Zach, she gives one to Lisa.

Are you staying for dinner?

Hey Natasha, if it's not too much trouble?

You know it isn't.

Zach chuckles as they go inside the house.

You always make too much anyway.

After helping his mom with the dishes Zach and Lisa lay down on the couch. He turns on the tv to see what the analysts are saying about his performance in the game. Natasha walks into the room just when they're showing his post game interview.

That's so nice of you to think about Lisa, you're such a softie.

I hate using my "fame" like that, but it's for a good cause.

Both of you going to college together would make me feel more at ease. You're too nice, people would take advantage of you. Lisa can make sure you don't stretch yourself to thin.

Lisa puts her hands on her hips and gives Zach a stern look.

I'm going to be keeping a close eye on you, so no shenanigans on my watch!

He rolls his eyes at her.

You act as if I'm the type of person to go to crazy parties, you know well enough that I'm not.

Sure, but if college is anything like high school, then girls will be throwing themselves at you from every direction. And I don't want any of them to use you because you might make a lot of money in the NFL one day.

Zach bursts out laughing.

Yes, please keep potential gold diggers away from me. But let's be honest, you will be checking out just as many girls as me.

Her face goes beat red.

That's beside the point...

Natasha can't help but chuckle at their interaction.

You two are unbelievable. Did you ask your coach about the workout?

I did, its next Friday. I'll listen to what the coaches from the different colleges have to say and I'll make my choice based on that.

Great. Go where it feels right, you'll play better if you're in a comfortable environment and are surrounded by the right people.

Don't worry, I'm not going to make that decision lightly.

For the next week Zach prepares every day to get ready for his workout. When he arrives, his coach has a strange look on his face.

Hey coach! Everything alright?

I'm confused... only one coach from the big colleges showed up.

They might be running late, let's give it some time.

As Zach is stretching and warming up Lisa arrives.

Hey, I expected there to be more people here.

You and me both...

It's not because of me... is it?

If that's the case then I wouldn't be interested in going there anyway.

His coach waves him over.

I don't know why, but I guess this is it. What do you want to do?

Do the workout and make the best of the situation I suppose.

Zach goes through his drills, showing off his arm strength and athleticism. His coach gives him a high five after the workout is over.

Good job today Zach.

Thank you for everything.

You're very welcome, good luck wherever you end up.

The coaches from the different colleges approach Zach as he's drinking some water.

Nice to meet you Zach, I'm coach Berger from Ohio State. I liked what you showed today.

Happy to hear it. Do you have any questions for me?

Yes, one big one. You probably expected there to be more people here today. I'm assuming that's because of the "request" that you made on tv the other day. How serious were you about that?

One hundred percent serious.

Suddenly all the other coaches turn around and leave, until only coach Berger and one gentleman in the back remain.

I'm sorry Zach. If it were up to me, I would give you what you want. But a full scholarship on top of yours is just too much. I wish you the best but it won't be at Ohio State unfortunately.

As coach Berger walks away Zach is in complete disbelief about what just happened.

The last gentleman that was waiting in the back approaches Zach.

That was rough, you didn't deserve to be treated like that. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Frank Reeder the dean of ECU.

Never heard of ECU before, sorry...

We haven't won a football game in several years, so that's not surprising. Actually, our coach quit so last year's offensive coordinator got promoted to head coach. Nobody else wanted the job if I'm being honest.

Your sales pitch needs some work...

Frank laughs.

You're not wrong about that, but I have to be honest with you. I think our team being terrible could actually be a good thing for you.

You lost me Frank...

I know it must sound crazy, but hear me out. Imagine all the analysts talking about how you, the "unwanted" superstar took our football program from the bottom all the way to the top, that would be the best storyline in all of college football. You going to Ohio State or Alabama and doing well would be what is expected of somebody with your talents. You taking ECU to the top would be a remarkable accomplishment.

Zach takes a moment to think it through.

You actually make a good point Frank. What about Lisa's scholarship?

It's expensive, not going to lie about that. I see it as an investment, the publicity you'll bring should help the school grow and hopefully make it worth it in the long run.

Zach motions Lisa to come over.

What do you think about going to ECU?

She shrugs nonchalantly.

I'm fine with anywhere as long as we go together.

Then it looks like we'll be going to ECU. What does ECU stand for Frank?

I probably should have led of with that, it means "east California university".

Zach and Lisa react in unison.

California?!

I know that it's the other side of the country, but the school will pay for your flight. I'll send you an e-mail later with all the info.

Great, then I guess we'll see you there.

Looking forward to it, see you next week!

Lisa wastes no time and starts celebrating as soon as Frank leaves.

Oh my god, I can't believe we're going to California! I've never heard of ECU before though, why did you pick that school?

Zach starts gathering his gear to avoid eye contact with her.

No reason, I just liked the offer.

Lisa grabs his hand.

The others left because of me, didn't they?

Don't worry about that, you're more important to me than some fancy school.

That's a big sacrifice you're making for me...

You're like a sister to me and family comes first.

They go home and share the news with Natasha.

It's unfortunate that they cared more about money than you as a person, their loss. California is exciting though!

It absolutely is, we're going to make the best of it. Lisa, don't forget to pack your bikini!

I won't! I'm going to go tell my parents, see you tomorrow!

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