Look out for the <>! Fun fact, this small-time band is from my local town!

Anyhow, happy monday!

Darla H

My blaring alarm jolted me awake. It didn't take me long to jump out of bed with anticipation, knowing today was the first day of classes.

Excitement buzzed through my veins as I scooped up the outfit, I picked the night before. Today marked my second year of college.

With a spring in my step, I made my way down the stairs to see Dad drinking his standard black cup of coffee.

I didn't even have to clear my throat for him to switch his attention to me. Quickly, he put down his coffee on the kitchen island and smiled. "Nojo are you ready for your first day!"

I nodded as a grin appeared on my face, thinking of my full schedule. With 15 credits, I would be busy, but I was sure I would still have room for my internship with Dad. He did offer a break so I could focus on school, but I knew how much help I was, and I couldn't bail on him with the start of the season coming.

"I'm so excited for the start of the semester. It's going to be a good year."

He fist bumped into the air. "You better believe it! My gosh, that attitude can conquer anything! Like a person hiking Everest."

"Learned from the best," I stated as I finger gunned him.

He beamed as he leaned across the island to close the gap between us. "So, you're going to watch plays with us after classes today?"

"I might be a tad bit late, but I'll be there," I said as I thought back to my schedule. With my last class across campus, meaning I would have to take the bus to get to the Woody.

"Fine with me! I can't wait to work with you during this semester."

I couldn't agree more. There was something addicting to being the intern. I couldn't give it up.

"Great, well, went to leave and get a start on this day?"

I nodded as I took a banana and put it into my sack lunch, I packed the night before. "Let's get the show on the road."

____________________

<>

"So did you plan a team building game for this week?" I asked as I sat in the passenger seat next to Dad.

Dad shook his head. "Nope, can't do it this week. We are reviewing new plays for the game next week."

"Next- next week?" I sputtered in shock. I thought I had more time before the start of the season. My heart raced as my hands became clammy at the thought of running out of time.

He laughed as he stroked his mustache. "Well, we can't just dance around the field for show, can we?" He winked. "People are ready for the real thing. That's what the Ohioans live for. Didn't you remember me talking about this yesterday?"

I shook my head as I tried to recall.

"I swear, anything football related goes in one ear and out the other. It's like the game of telephone we used to play when you guys were kids. Although ironically, you were the best at playing that."

And suddenly I got an idea for the next team building game. "Have you ever thought about playing telephone with the team?"

His eyebrows rose as he turned down the road. "No, but I think you're on to something."

I smirked as he pulled off to the side of the road by a big silver building. "I know I am." I got out of the car.

Dad rolled down the window as I walked away. "Remember, you are only as small as you think you are."

I nodded as I turned back to him. "So, own your confidence."

"That's the spirit! Anywho, see you later, superstar." With that, dad rolled up the window and drove away, leaving me on the sidewalk as other students passed me.

I turned back to the silver building that had curved edges as a smiled crept up on my face. This school year was going to be grand. With a deep breath, I walked into the building, knowing what classroom I had to go to.

Someone once told me that OSU was the school that shouldn't be possible. They told me it was too big, like its own town and that it was too big to succeed. I never believed them until I attended classes. With buses running through campus, it felt like a little city. It intimidated me at first, but I was now used to it. They were right; it was a town, but that was just one thing that made OSU great.

As I got situated into the classroom, I heard my name being called. Almost immediately my head snapped up towards the sound of the voice.

"Yo, oh shit, is it you, Nora?" Shelly asked with a smile.

I smiled at him as he came closer. "You're taking this class too?" I welcomed the familiar face but for a moment, I wondered what he was doing here, almost forgetting that these players were also students, just like I was.

"Hell yeah I am!" He cheered as he sat next to me until a serious face fell upon him. "Wait, shoot, you aren't going to tell your dad I swore? I already owe him so much."

I shook my head. "Nah, your secret is safe with me." I was collecting secrets like a pirate, holding them captive. What was one more little secret to hold?

"Cool. I knew I could trust you. Nora, you're such a team player," Shelly said as he took some books out of his black backpack.

I smiled. At least that made someone.

"Wait, what's your major again?"

"International Business. How about you?"

"Business."

"That's cool," I stated, surprised he was in the advanced marketing class. I hated to admit it, but I never thought any of the team would be in an advanced college class. That sounded terrible, but I couldn't help but think of the standard stereotypes.

"I love it. I want to be like my dad once I graduate. He's a bank manager."

His goal seemed so average. It shocked me, thinking he would want something more. I just assumed all those players would want to go pro. "You don't want to go on and play professional?"

"Of course, that's the first pick, but I need a backup plan. At least that's what my dad says. We all can't be like Everett who's bound to go pro any day now." He rolled his eyes as he pulled out his books.

An older man cleared his throat at the front of the class. "Ok, let's get this class started. Firstly, can we go around the room and introduce yourself?" He looked around and pointed to Shelly. "Shelly Despain, do you mind introducing yourself?"

It didn't matter that Shelly was in the middle of the classroom; he was the star and even the teacher knew that. I shifted in my seat, feeling uncomfortable about it. This was one reason the players thought they could get away with anything.

I watched Shelly sit up a little taller with a smile on his face. It me wonder how many times this happened to him. But it was clear, Shelly wanted this kind of attention.

"I'm Shelly Despain and I'm on the football team."

Suddenly the room grew quiet, turning attention to him as if he was the most important person. I had never been in a class before with one of the football players before. I would admit that it was interesting to see how quickly attention could shift.

The professor smiled at Shelly. "And when is opening game?"

"Next Saturday." Shelly leaned back in his seat casually.

"And what's your favorite thing about football?"

"Footwork," he replied instantly, as if knowing this question would be asked.

"And your favorite person on the team?"

He paused in thought, and for a second, I could see him struggling to answer. Finally, he placed his hand on my shoulder. "Nora has to be my favorite person on the team."

"Nora....." the professor said as he looked at his attendance roll. "Orban? Like Paul Orban's daughter?"

I nodded as a lump formed in my throat and my cheeks grew hot, wishing Shelly didn't put me on the spot like that. Last year I flew under the radar but this time around, I wouldn't be so lucky. If he didn't say something, the professor wouldn't have made the connection. But Shelly just messed that all up for me. Unlike him, I didn't like to be the center of attention. "Yeah, he's my dad," I mumbled.

The professor's eyebrows rose as he looked around the class. "Looks like this class suddenly got more interesting. Football royalty is here."

"I have to ask, is your dad really as cheerful as he appears?" someone across the room asked.

"It's true. He really is that cheerful," Shelly said.

"I knew it."

"Alright, let's get on with the rest of introductions," the professor said, bringing the attention back to him. He looked around the room and pointed to the kid in the first row. "You then, name, hobby and major, please."

The kid stared at us for a second before turning his attention to the whole class. He started to speak, but my thoughts drowned his voice out. All I could think about was how this semester would be completely different. They would see me as the coach's daughter and that sounded terrible.

"Thanks a lot, Shelly," I whispered to him.

Not sensing my tone, he smiled. "I really meant it. You are my favorite person on the team."

At this moment, that fact didn't matter. In fact, it didn't even sink in. I just wanted to be forgotten.

____________________________

As the day went on, the memory of the first class slowly died in the back of my mind, although occasionally, it would pop up at unpleasant times, reminding me I would be remembered at next class.

This thought caused a scowl to appear on my face as I sat at the Woody's cafeteria, watching lacrosse players on the practice field below.

"Hey, so how was the first day of class?" Tad asked as he ran up to me with a drink in his hand. His casual street wear appearance made me believe he hadn't had a chance to change to his normal 'towel boy' getup.

I shook my head to clear it. "It was ok. Anyhow, I'm excited to get back in the classroom."

Tad chuckled. "Nora, I don't think I'll ever understand your excitement towards school."

I smiled. "Anyhow, how was your first day?"

He shrugged as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "It was fine, I just wish it was summer break again."

"It won't be summer again, at least not for the next nine months."

"Gee, thanks for the reminder." He stretched and sat next to me. "I'm glad that fall camp is over. Those days were long."

"And now that fall camp is over, the days aren't as long?"

"Not for me at least. They do a lot of lifting before classes or endurance training. I am not as needed."

"So why are you here today?"

He pointed at the food. "Free meals. I save a lot of money doing this."

I nodded as our attention turned to the players once again as they grabbed some food. For a moment we were silent until I spoke up. "Hey, have you ever had one of the players on in your classes?"

He shook his head. "My major is music education. I highly doubt any of these guys would be interested in that. Why do you ask?"

"Because Shelly's in one of my classes."

He grinned. "Now that's interesting. How is he in the classroom?"

"He's friendly, but he was the center of attention and somehow I got wrapped into it."

"Wow, must be so tiring to be a superstar here in Columbus." Tad rolled his eyes as if it was a massive cross to bear. But he didn't understand, it was.

I pushed him. "Seriously Tad. I'm not joking around. I didn't like it."

"My question is, how did no one notice you beforehand? Your name is Orban, there can't be many out there."

I shrugged in silence.

"Well, that's shocking."

Dad waved to me as he ate a beef stick. "Nora, can you run this paper to the Melissa's office?" he asked as he walked up to us with a folder in his hands.

I nodded as I took the folder. I turned my attention to Tad. "I'll talk to you later."

"Sure." Tad shrugged, then walked to a player who was calling out for a drink.