My back hurts like a bitch right now.
No, I didn't injure myself - I got drunk with the other freshmen, and got some wings inked on my back, with a banner. Maybe I was drunk, or maybe there's something...but when I looked, Jake's initials were on them. It hurts like hell, and I'm broke for the next gazillion years, and now I've got my best friend's initals on my back for all eternity. How the hell am I supposed to explain that on ESPN?!
I've been here at college now for about a few weeks, and it's a bit different. The culture here is...different, but not as bad as my sister Tara kept telling me before I left North Carolina. I'm living away from home for the first time, and I'm feeling...well, free. Not too free, mind you. My secret still has to stay just that, especially when I'm out with my teammates. When they talk about girls and stuff, I have to make up some crazy story about dumping Teri before leaving to come here, and playing the field and all that.
But on the other hand, the fact that this place is so big has allowed me to explore a little. I've been able to join the campus Christian club, and by some miracle I met Denton there...he's a guy from San Francisco, taking journalism at the school. I first met him when he was covering our last home game (I think it was my goal-saving heroics that impressed him, I don't know), and then we ran into each other at a meet and greet event for the club. We took our conversation outside the campus bar after the event, and well...we've had a couple dates so far. I do like him, but again...I gotta be careful not to get caught when I'm seeing him.
Meanwhile, things on the field are going well. We beat a cross-state rival last week, and I've gotten past a few sophomores on the depth chart to become the team's first choice CB. It does mean more journalists are coming up to me during practices and after games asking me questions. It's not ESPN yet, but I'm thinking that's going to happen sooner or later. But every time I'm in those media scrums, my eyes always gravitate toward Denton, and I have to stop myself so I don't give myself away to anyone...I still have to keep soccer in my sights, and I can't let my feelings jeopardize that.
Jeopardy...
Hey, wait...was that bio quiz tomorrow, or Tuesday? Oh shit...I probably should study anyway, because I do NOT want to fail this course (the instructor is a bit of a...let's just say I don't want to take his class again). But first, gonna put some more of that backtine on my back. Still hurts.
