Interception

Jeremy

"What do you think makes you a successful athlete?" Marissa asked.

We were currently crammed in the news room on campus. Sitting on the little dingy brown couch that looked like it had been here since the school's inception.

I've been in this interview for about ten minutes now.

We were arms length apart because she didn't want me too close to her while she was working.

"I think I'm successful because I genuinely love football. I work really hard every day to hone my skills. I go to the gym five days a week, I'm on a strict diet, even though I do break that sometimes. I had to sacrifice my weekends of going out with my friends. I sacrifice a lot because I want to be the best."

"I really do all this with love. My team keeps me going and I just want to make my family proud."

She nodded in response taking notes while her phone recorded.

"What are your plans after college?"

"It's been my dream since I was like six to play pro. It doesn't even matter for what team as long as I went pro. I just want to keep playing football and being near the ones I love for as long as time allows."

I looked at her and she blushed at my answer.

She cleared her throat, "Finally, to conclude, what makes you different from other players?"

"I don't know, I don't think I'm that different. We all play by the same rules and guidelines. I think what probably sets me apart is my technique. I hold so many memories from when I was younger, playing with my dad and my brothers. Overtime, this hobby became competitive and the more I practiced the better I got."

She nodded as a sign to continue.

"I don't like to consider myself as different or better than my peers. I just think I'm blessed with talent."

She registered the finality in my tone and she stopped the phone that's recording.

"That's all you need?" I asked.

"Yea." She answered.

"Just have to type it all up and release as my final entry for the paper," she explained while she packed her things.

"You wanna go home now?" I asked as I took my car keys out of the pocket of my jeans.

She nodded, "Your place or mine?"

"Let's go to mine," I suggested as she stood directly in front of me now.

I took her stuff from her hand and held them with my right hand, while I used my left hand to hold her right, leading her to my car.

When we got situated in my car, she released an exasperated breath.

I took her out for brunch and we got something to eat before heading back to my place.

I opened the front door of my apartment with my keys and to my surprise it's quiet.

Looks like Scott and Daniel are getting ready for graduation last minute as expected.