Thursday, Friday, and Saturday found Pattrick and Shane studying together every evening at the library. After practice, Pattrick would rush through his shower, grab a quick bite in the cafeteria and then rush to the library to meet up with Shane. Thursday and Friday, they both did their own classes to get them out of the way. They worked in comfortable silence, neither going out of their way to make small talk, if they did talk, it was to discuss something about the assignment they were reading.

Pattrick, for the first time in a long time, enjoyed the company of a female. He wanted to get to know more about her, what made her tick, what made her laugh, what made her cry, what made her angry, what made her blush, and everything else under the sun. What sucked for him right now was that his dad was deployed and he couldn’t talk to him about what he was feeling. This was a foreign emotion for Pattrick and it confused the hell out of him. He was used to feeling lust and wanted to bang the girl’s brains out and either going to work out until that feeling left or going through with the actions, if that feeling didn’t leave after a harsh, mind numbing work out at the gym.

He couldn’t talk to his roommate because that ass-hat ran his mouth to Cynthia and that’s the last freaking person he wanted to know how he felt about Shane. He could talk to his mom but she wouldn’t really know from a guy’s perspective, plus she’d get all gushy and beg to meet the girl and he wasn’t ready for that yet.

Saturday found Pattrick so engrossed in his thoughts after practice and excited to see Shane, he didn’t realize that Cynthia and his roommate had caught up to him. “Hey Flash, where are you heading? Haven’t really seen you around this week. Everything cool?” Pattrick’s roommate and fellow football player Robert Bailey asked.

“Well he’s not heading to loserville’s dorm room, must have already hit that,” Cynthia sneered.

“Loserville? Who’s that, babe?” Robert asked.

“Ugh stop calling me babe. It’s the chick from Flash’s class I told you about that’s following him around like a lost puppy dog.” Cynthia reminded Robert.

“Hello, you two I’m right here, Cynthia, get your facts straight. As usual you twist shit around. Shane isn’t following me around, I walked up to her and was talking to her when you butted into the conversation both times.” Pattrick said with heat in his voice, upset.

“Yeah, and since when did the dyke start having dinner at the same time as the players? Monday was the first day I’d ever seen her in there.”

Pattrick stopped in his tracks, “Why the hell am I even explaining anything to you right now? It’s really none of your business who I talk to or what I’m doing. You’re not even on my dick.”

“Ugh, seriously? Whatevs, Pattrick, like who cares whose dick is whose? They are all the same, like seriously.” Cynthia whined.

Before Pattrick could fire back at Cynthia, Robert interrupted the conversation. “You’ve been ignoring your friends for the last week. Soon as practice is over, you’re running like there’s a fire after you from the locker room to the cafeteria then no one sees you until almost ten at night. Even when you were banging those milf’s the team rags on you about, we knew what was up. Cynthia says you’ve been rude to her ever since you started dating this chick from your cyber class.”

“First, milf’s? Who the hell says that shit anymore? Second, I’m not dating or banging anyone. I’m studying, something you two should consider, especially you Robert, because football isn’t always going to be there. What are you going to do then? Be a sports newscaster that we watch on tv that talks about how great you used to be and how it’s a shame you washed up? Get real man. I’ve told you all from day one, football isn’t my life. I don’t give a shit about it like you do. I have my dreams that I am going to follow, and if you two can’t understand that, that’s your issue, not mine. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go study.” Pattrick stormed off fuming that his roommate and Cynthia decided to team up on him like that. He really hated that they talked about Shane the way they did, he should have expected it because it was Cynthia, but it still pissed him off.

Arriving at the library, he walked in after taking a deep breath trying to calm himself down. He walked over to the corner section they always met and found Shane glued to the books, like always. Pattrick stood there for a few minutes before he sat down and started pulling all his books out.

“Oh hi, sorry, I didn’t hear you arrive. How was practice today?” Shane asked with a smile.

“Eh, practice is practice. How is your Saturday so far?” Pattrick asked smiling.

“Been here since ten this morning, what does that tell you?” Shane laughed lightly.

“That you need a life outside of classes?” Pattrick laughed, “Just kidding. Sorry had to pick on you just a little bit. How is your paper going for this assignment due next week?”

“I’ve got my outline done, now it’s just doing the sources and first rough draft which I will have done today, or at least be on edits of the first rough draft by Monday class time.” Shane said without looking up.

“You suck being so damn smart, and having nothing else to do.” Pattrick mumbled.

“Well if you didn’t play football, you could dedicate yourself to your classes, too.” Shane said with no emotion.

“Tell me how you really feel.” Pattrick replied with a little bite.

“I’m sorry what?” Shane looked up finally. “Did I say something wrong?” She asked in a confused voice.

“You’re direct and to the point. It’s like you have no emotions when it comes to others. I understand us working together is a hardship, and all. Maybe I’ll go study in another part of the library.” Pattrick picked up his bag and started to move.

Shane jumped up out of her seat and moved in front of him, placing a hand on his arm, “Please, don’t. I’m sorry it’s just out of habit. I’ve never really had to really be around other people much. Even four years later, I’m still learning how to be around Jenniffer and she’s my best friend. If you ask her, I’m the same way around her, too.” Shane sighed staring at her hand on Pattrick’s arm.

Pattrick looked down at Shane’s hand on his arm. His emotions were running rampant, something he wasn’t used to with a woman. He’d felt lust and desire, but never felt the warmth and the tingles that he’s feeling right now with Shane’s hand on his arm. He was surprised that she had jumped up to stop him from leaving. Moving his eyes from her hand to her face, he stared at her for a moment before she looked up into his eyes. He smiled at her then nodded. Fighting his desire to lean down and kiss her, he stepped back and set his bag down again and went back to unloading his books.

“So, you have your outline done already? I’m still trying to figure out how to do mine.” Pattrick sighed hating the fact he was still on the sidelines on what to truly do for his paper.

“Here, let me see what you have notes-wise and we can go from there.” Shane offered as she took Pattrick’s notes from him.

Pattrick stared at Shane as she read over his notes. For the first time in a week, he really looked at her. He loved her strawberry blonde hair that she kept either in a ponytail or messy bun. He figured her hair was long from the few glimpses he saw of the ponytail she wore. He guesstimated she stood around 5’4”, since she came to his chest and he was around 6’2”. She was the perfect height for him to wrap his arms around. What drew him to her the most was her green eyes and the freckles that spread out on her nose and cheeks, just under her eyes. He noticed she had an athletically-toned body but never heard her talk about practice for any sports on campus. She had a nice rack which he tried hard not to look at when she stretched. His second favorite part about her, other than her eyes, was her ‘squat’ ass. He loved to look at her round cheeks when she turned away from him. They were firm and tight, just like he liked them, something for him to grab a hold of when he was cuddling with his girl.

Pattrick shook his head when the term ‘his girl’ popped into his head. Clearing his throat, he looked over at Shane, “So, what do you think of the notes so far?”

“Well you may want to list one or two more ideas, otherwise your notes look good. We can work on your sources and get started on your rough draft today so you’ll be ahead of the game. She only wants the rough draft on Friday since this is going to be part of our final project from what I understand.” Shane said still looking at his paper.

“Okay, great, thanks. I appreciate you really helping me on this.” Pattrick said with a smile.

For the next several hours, Pattrick and Shane both worked on their papers, stopping now and then to talk about Pattrick’s paper and reliable sources to use and how to word certain theories that he believed in. Pattrick loved that she would stop every so often to see if he needed help with anything, she would offer to look over what he had so far and give him advice on what to tweak.

Four hours into their studying, Shane’s phone went off making her jump. Pattrick watched her as she picked up the phone, “Hi Laura.

“No, I’m good. Jenniffer said something about a date tonight or something, but I’ll be fine. Maybe she’ll get lucky tonight who knows, I know she’s stressed about her new economics teacher.” Shane said laughing.

“No, I’m good. Enjoy the night with the boys. I promise I’ll be okay alone. If anything happens, I’ll call you. Have you been able to talk to Joe’s friend yet?

“Oh, that’s awesome. Thank you so much, Laura. Yes, if you trust him, go ahead and do that, just tell him to message first before calling so I know it’s him and have him let me know it’s you that gave the number.

“Thanks Laura, I really appreciate it. And yes, I’ll call when I get back to the dorm.

“Yeah, Chinese does sound good now that you’ve decided to say something.” Shane laughed at whatever the woman said on the phone. Pattrick was amazed at the change in her appearance when she was talking to this ‘Laura’ person.

“I can’t wait to see you and Lindsey next week and finally meet this Joe.

“Yes, it will be amusing to watch Lindsey with his brother. I may have to video tape it just for giggles.”

Shane laughed, “Okay I’ll see you next Saturday.”

Pattrick watched Shane smile as she hung up the phone. He was amazed at the difference in her just talking to this Laura person. “So, you’re lucky and have your room to yourself tonight huh?”

“Yeah, she got a date with some guy tonight. Laura was offering to come hang out so I wasn’t alone, but I’m actually looking forward to the peace and quiet in the room” Shane laughed.

“I know a good Chinese place you can order from if you’re open for suggestions. And no I’m not trying to weasel my way into an invite.” Pattrick said quickly.

Shane laughed, “Well, if you don’t mind sitting outside, we can share some Chinese.”

Pattrick shock was real even though he tried to make it fake to get her to laugh, “You’re really going to order some Chinese food with little ole me?”

“Oh, shut up. You’re anything but little, dumbass. Do you have a menu?” Shane laughed.

“Yeah, in my room, are you comfortable enough to walk to my room with me to grab it and then we can hang out outside waiting for the food to arrive? I promise I’ll make sure none of the little piggies or the big bad wolf get you?” Pattrick said wiggling his eyebrows and holding his breath, hopeful at the same time.

Shane shook her head, laughing at the same time, “I guess I can walk with you. Just be advised that if I don’t call Laura at a certain time she will turn this campus upside down looking for me and I won’t be held responsible for your death.” Shane gave a smirk.

Pattrick gave a loud laugh. “I definitely need to meet this Laura person. Come on let’s go get this menu. I honestly don’t want to be in my room any longer than I have to, since it’s Saturday so that means the Barbie will be there. Sorry, I stole your nickname for her.”

The two headed to Pattrick’s dorm room, talking about their assignment. Pattrick was so happy that she seemed to be at ease with him a little more each day. When they got to his room, he knocked before going in just to make sure they knew he was coming in, not that Cynthia would care about walking around the room naked, that was one of the reasons he tended to go home.

Entering the room, they saw that Cynthia was laying on top of Robert, with her skirt up to her waist, no underwear, and her top undone. Robert was leaning back against the wall, sitting up with his shirt off. Cynthia looked over at Pattrick with a smirk on her face and desire in her eyes.

“Put your damn clothes on Cynthia, I’m not interested. Shane, just stand at the door, I highly doubt you want to see this shit. Let me grab that menu and we can head out.” Pattrick said with disgust in his voice over the fact Cynthia kept throwing herself at him, even in front of Robert.

“Aw, don’t want dumpella to see what a real woman looks like? I mean you did find this worthy at one time.” Cynthia said a little loud.

“Well, considering I was drunk off my ass, I would have found Robert’s grandmother hot too, so don’t consider yourself special.” Pattrick fired back.

Pattrick watched as Robert pushed Cynthia off his lap and stood up, fastening his pants then walked towards the door. Before he could block Robert’s approach, Robert had the door open further to look at Shane.

“So, you’re the hot piece of ass the team has been talking about taking up Flash’s time.”

Pattrick watched as Shane just stared at his roommate with a blank expression and he had to hide his smirk when Shane raised an eyebrow and said “Huh?”

“Are you deaf or something?” Robert asked.

“I told you she was retarded and dumb. I mean, like, look at her hair, and like, those clothes she’s wearing.” Cynthia snickered.

“Again, with the ‘like’ in your sentences. Your mom must have dropped you on your head a few times, didn’t she? No Quasimoto, I am not deaf, retarded or dumb. Listening to you two yak, I do wish I was deaf, and oh Barbie pringle twat, retarded and dumb mean the same thing. Not nice to talk about yourself like that.” Shane fired back.

“Alrighty then, here’s the menu, let’s go grab something to eat.” Pattrick said fighting hard not to laugh out loud and cheer Shane on.

Walking up to Shane, putting his body between Robert’s and hers, he gestured with his head for her to go out the door. He was uncomfortable, with his roommate seeing Shane or being around her, and he didn’t know why. Keeping himself between Shane and Robert, he kept walking out the door, protecting her from anything that may come out of the two. Once they were outside his dorm building, he let out a sigh of relief and felt he could relax a little easier.

“Here’s the menu. Let me know what you want, I’ll order it and go pick it up and meet you outside your building for dinner.” Pattrick said relaxing a little more with each step away from Robert and Cynthia.

“Are you okay? You seemed a little tense in there.” Shane commented watching him.

“Yeah, I don’t really like going in there very often when she’s around, it usually becomes a stressful situation with her always trying to get my attention while she’s messing with him. I’m just glad she’s not there often or I’d just move back home and drive in every day.” Pattrick said looking around.

Just then his phone rang. Seeing it was Wolf’s number Pattrick answered. “Hey Wolf, what’s up? Everything okay with mom and Tina?”

“Hey Flash, all is good. Just letting you know the team and I have our tickets. Tex is coming in tomorrow so he will be with us. Caroline, Alabama, Fiona and Cheyenne will be with us this weekend, too. The others are going to stay home and keep the kids occupied. A couple of guys we know from another team and a few people from their group are coming to join, us. They know someone that goes to school there where you are so they got a seat for them to join us as well.”

Pattrick heard Dude in the background say something to Wolf. “Hey, can I call you two back in a few. I’m getting ready to order dinner at the Chinese place. I’ll call you when I’m heading in to pick it up.”

“What Chinese place? Dude and I are out right now grabbing stuff for everyone at the house.” Wolf replied.

“I was going to order from Ming Chang Chow, over on Byrne Street.”

“That’s where we are. Tell me what you want and I’ll place the order and drop it off for you.” Wolf offered.

“Are you sure? Don’t want the ladies to riot because you guys stopped by.” Pattrick said laughing at the image in his mind.

“Just give me the damn order or I’ll dump mine on your head.” Wolf laughed.

Pattrick gave Wolf his and Shane’s order then hung up. “Looks like my Uncle Wolf and Uncle Dude are coming by with our food. They were already at the place we were going to order from, so I don’t have to make a trip out. Let’s find a spot and relax.”

“Well, um,” Shane hesitated. “Look, I never do this so don’t think anything of it. Okay? It looks like we’re going to get one of San Diego’s famous storms so why don’t we just go up to my room if you promise not to try anything. When your uncles get here, then you can run down and get the food. Just don’t think this is going to be an all the time thing, though.”

“Shane, I don’t want to go up there if you’re going to be uncomfortable with me in the room with your roommate not there. That would be the last thing I want to do. I’m fine with sitting downstairs in the main area.” Pattrick said with no hesitation. He loved the idea of having her alone and being able to talk with her with no interruptions from the peanut gallery, that he knew would show up just because it was him. But he would rather have her alone so he could get to know her more.

“It’s fine. I can’t have you sitting out here getting sick in the rain. Sitting in the main area, we’d never be able to hear each other talk. I’ll just message Laura that you’re in the room so if anything happens, she’ll know who to hunt down and bury in a shallow grave.” Shane said straight forward.

Pattrick laughed and nodded. “Okay I can deal with that. I promise I won’t break your trust.”