Thanksgiving Break
Monday
It was the first day of Thanksgiving break and Zed had been awake since before dawn. The air was crisp and the sun was just starting to rise as he and Zevon got into the car.
"I never thought, I'd be doing this," Zevon said stealing a glance in Zed's direction. "I'm proud of you son."
"Thanks, Pops," Zed smiled sleepily. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Depends on the favor."
"Don't let me sign a commitment letter today," Zed laughed. "I really want to look at both schools before I make this decision."
Zevon let out a laugh."I will do my best to keep all writing instruments away from you," he promised, pulling into Addison's driveway. As they made their way up the walkway, Addison opened the front door.
"Let's go, quickly," she rushed out, quickly walking past both of them towards the car.
"Good morning!" Missy and Dale cheerily called out from the front door.
Addison sighed, stopping on the walkway. "Too late."
"Good morning Mayor, Chief," Zevon said politely.
Zed smiled as he realized what his girlfriend was trying to escape. "I am loving the matching sweatshirts this morning."
"Oh these old things," Missy said looking down. "You're too sweet, Zed."
"We just wanted to show some SLU support," Dale smiled. "Go Rays!"
"My parents clearly aren't showing any bias when it comes to me selecting a school," Addison said from behind Zed and Zevon. "You missed the stingray-shaped pancakes and the coffee served in Shoreline University mugs earlier."
"I missed pancakes?"
"You would focus on that part," she smiled.
Zevon glanced down at his watch,"We really need to get on the road if we're going to make the meeting at 10."
"I can't wait to hear all about it!" Missy said as she hugged her husband in the doorway.
"You can still come with us," Zevon offered, much to Addison's dismay.
Missy smiled. "No, I can't. Despite what my daughter might think, I do want her to make her own decision. I'm afraid if I went today, my bias would play too big a part."
"Really Mom?"
Missy nodded her head as she wiped away a tear. Addison walked back to the door and hugged her mom tightly.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"But I'm still bringing you two to Bay Ridge tomorrow," Missy said as she dried her eyes. "If there's even a chance you're going somewhere other than Shoreline U, I need to see it."
"Fair enough," Addison smiled as she hugged her parent's goodbye.
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After three and a half very long hours, filled with Zed and Addison singing along with the radio and playing goofy car games, Zevon pulled off the interstate.
"Almost there," Zevon mumbled to himself.
"Wow, Pops. I thought it was supposed to take at least four hours."
Zevon rolled his eyes. "Let's just say you two motivated me to get us here as quickly as possible."
"Oh come on! You know you've loved every second of this trip!"
"Oh yeah, every second. Addison, remind me to pick up some earplugs for your mom tomorrow," Zevon laughed.
"Laugh it up, Pops. I know you're just deflecting. You're trying to come to terms with the fact that your handsome, yet humble, son is about to tour a college campus. The first step to leaving the nest."
"There might be some truth to that," Zevon mumbled. "But, no time to over analyze. We're here," he announced as the car pulled up to the main entrance.
Zed stared out the car window in amazement as he got his first glimpse of the stately university. "Wow."
"I know, right!" Addison gushed hugging him tightly.
"Alright you two, let's do this," Zevon said as he parked the car in the visitor's lot on the side of the administration building. The two teens held hands as they walked up to the front doors. Zevon couldn't help but smile as he watched them. It was moments like this he knew his wife would have loved.
Zed and Addison walked up to the receptionist. "Good morning, ma'am," he said with his signature lopsided smile, "Zed Necrodopolus and Addison Donnelly checking in to meet Mr. Winters."
The receptionist smiled, "Of course, Mr. Necrodopolus, Ms. Donnelly. He's been expecting you. Take the elevator on the right up to the fourth floor, take a left, and it's the third door on the right."
"Right, four, left, three, right...got it," he smiled. As the three of them approached the elevators, the doors opened.
"Zed, Addison, and Mr. Necrodopolus!" Mr. Winters greeted them. "I was hoping to meet you in reception! I'm so glad you finally made it up to Shoreline."
"Mr. Winters, thank you for taking the time to meet with us," Zevon said as he shook his hand.
"The pleasure is all mine. How would you feel about me taking you on the tour of campus instead of joining up with the tour group today?"
"That would be great," Zed said.
"Perfect. Sue, can you call over to the Athletics Department and have Coach Roberts and Coach Mills meet us in the Varsity Room?" he asked the receptionist as they made their way back to front doors.
"Sure thing, Mr. Winters," she smiled. "Enjoy the tour!"
As they walked out of the administration building, Mr. Winters turned and smiled at them, "Welcome to Shoreline University," he began as he turned back around and started the tour. "Founded in 1892, SLU stands on 1,125 acres of breathtaking coastline. We are one of only a handful of fully integrated universities in the nation, with Zombies making up about 20 percent of our undergraduate students. 80 percent of our student population lives on campus in our 11 dorms or our newly renovated state of the art apartments. Shoreline University is a leading research university that, combined with our proximity to the state capitol, offers undergrad and graduate students a unique academic environment. And this," he said as he motioned towards the large building they were now standing in front of, "is our brand new Athletic Complex. There are a few people in here I'd like you to meet." he said as he opened the doors and ushered them in.
"This building houses all our athletic personnel and training facilities. Anything the student-athlete could need can be found in this building," he said as he led them to an elevator. When they reached the 5th floor, they entered an ornate trophy room. Championship banners from various sports hung from the ceiling. Standing in the center of the room were two men. "Coach Roberts, I'd like you to meet Zed Necrodopolus and his father, Zevon Necrodopolus. And Coach Mills, this lovely lady right here is Addison Donnelly," Mr. Winters said as he introduced everyone. "Coach Roberts, as I'm sure you know runs our National Championship winning football program, and Coach Mills is..."
"The most consecutive National Collegiate Cheer-Championship winning coach in the history of the NCCC!" Addison exclaimed.
Mr. Winters chuckled, "That's right."
Coach Roberts walked up to Zed and Zevon and shook their hands, "Zed, congratulations on leading the Seabrook Mighty Shrimp to yet another State Championship."
"Thank you, Coach Roberts."
"As I'm sure Stanley here has told you, we've been following your career since you first started making headlines Freshman year. Our team is one of the few fully integrated teams in NCAA Division I Football. I want this to be very clear, we are not recruiting you because you're a zombie. We want you to be a Stingray because you are a gifted football player with an obscene amount of potential. I truly believe that with the proper training, you could be an NFL draft prospect in 4 years."
"Wow, Coach Roberts. Thank you. I've never even considered that a possibility. Then again, a few years ago I never thought any of this was possible. Has the NFL changed their Zombie policy?"
"Well, Zed, as I'm sure you could attest, a lot can change in a few short years. I have no doubt that the NFL will be integrating in the very near future," he winked at Zed, "but you didn't hear that from me."
"Alright, Coach. Enough with the confidential info," Mr. Winters laughed, "I don't need to field angry calls from the Commissioner."
"Sorry, Stanley," Coach Roberts laughed.
"Pops," Zed whispered nervously.
"I know, son. I'm not letting you near a pen," he quietly assured him.
Turning back to Zed and Addison, Mr. Winter's smiled. "Here at Shoreline University, we expect the best. Whether it's Championships, Academics, or personal character. You two represent everything that we stand for. You both are currently taking AP classes and are maintaining a 4.0 all while leading your respective teams to championship seasons and being active in student government. We'd like to offer you both full 4-year scholarships, complete with room and board in either our athletic dorm or our academic honors dorm. You'd also both have access to our training facilities starting immediately upon graduation in May."
Addison's jaw dropped open. "Mr. Winters, we haven't won the Cheer-Championship yet. I didn't think scholarship offers were given until after," she said in a quiet shocked voice. "I was just expecting a tour."Zed wrapped her up in a big hug.
"Normally we don't, Miss Donnelly," Coach Mills smiled. "But, like Mr. Winters said, we expect excellence in more than just athletics. And you do already have two national championships under your belt as co-captain," he laughed. "You are exactly the kind of cheerleader I want on my squad. You're smart, determined, hard-working, and extraordinarily talented."
"Thank you, Coach Mills. I...I don't know what to say," Addison smiled as she hung on to Zed for support. "Thank you."
Mr. Winters smiled, "You don't have to say anything yet. Either one of you. I'm sure you'd like some time to speak with your parents and weigh all of your options. Choosing a college is a big decision. Take your time, figure out what's best for you. If that's us? Well then, SLU would be proud to welcome
you."
"Mr. Winters, thank you," Zevon said. "We appreciate the time to sort everything out."
"No need to rush these things. I'd hate for anyone to make a rash decision. There's a reason signing day isn't until the spring," Mr. Winters chuckled. "Well then, now that business is out of the way, how about we tour the rest of the campus and maybe grab a bite to eat?"
Right on cue, Zed's stomach growled loudly.
"I'll take that as a yes," Mr. Winters laughed. Zed, Addison, and Zevon said their goodbyes to the coaches and followed Mr. Winters as they continued their tour.
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"Wow, I don't think I'm going to be fitting on that," Zed said skeptically as he looked down at the standard issued dorm bed in front of him.
Mr. Winters smiled sympathetically. "No, I don't suppose you will. Unfortunately, all beds in our dormitories are the same size as the ones here in Bartholomew Hall."
"Oh well," Zed said with a shrug. "At least I'm used to my feet hanging off the bed when I sleep...Hey, Addie...look!" he said standing in the middle of the room while stretching his arms out to the sides almost touching both walls at the same time.
Mr. Winters laughed. "Well, this just isn't going to do at all. It's not usually offered to first-year students, but because you do qualify for our Academic Honors dorm and our Athletics dorm, we could see about getting you into our on-campus apartments instead. They're much roomier and come with bigger beds."
"Oh, Mr. Winters, you don't have to do that. I'm used to this, trust me."
"It's really no big deal. The university has made exceptions in the past," he laughed as he motioned to his own height. "We could go take a look at them if you'd like?"
"Sure," Zed shrugged.
"Great, they're on the other side of campus. That'll give us a chance to view some of the other buildings on our way." Mr. Winters said as he led the group back outside.
"So, continuing our tour...to your right is Tordjman Library. It's open 24 hours to students..."
"Wait a second," Zed said, interrupting Mr. Winters. "Tordjman? As in Bucky Tordjman?"
Addison laughed nervously, "Yeah, Bucky shares a name with a few things around here."
"More than a library?!"
"Yup."
"Ah, Mr. Tordjman," Mr. Winters smiled. "That would be Bartholomew Hall, Flanagan School of Business, and Tordjman Library," he said as he pointed to the three buildings around them.
"Flanagan School of Business?" Zed asked, looking over to Addison. "As in Melissa Flanagan Donnelly and Katherine Flanagan Tordjman? Your mom and aunt?"
"Named after my grandfather," she shrugged.
"How did I not know this?" Zed asked more to himself than anyone. "Wait a second...Bartholomew Hall? Are you telling me that Bucky is actually short for Bartholomew?!"
"He'll probably kill me for saying this out loud," Addison giggled, "but Bucky's full name is Bartholomew Trevor Flanagan Tordjman."
Zed threw his head back and laughed. "Oh, that's too perfect! Just wait until I see him on Thanksgiving!"
"Now, now, children," Zevon laughed.
"Sorry, Pops, Mr. Winters."
"Nothing to apologize for, Zed. You seem like just the type of friend that Mr. Tordjman needs."
Zed laughed. "I try, Mr. Winters. I try." Turning back to Addison, "so is there a Donnelly building I should be looking for?"
"No!" she laughed as she playfully pushed his shoulder. "Bartholomew Tordjman was Bucky's great-grandfather on his Dad's side. Bucky's family is way more connected to everything in this state than mine is. Flanagan School of Business was only re-named that after my Grandfather passed away and willed a large sum to the university. It's really no big deal."
"If you say so, gorgeous," he laughed. The four of them walked across campus, briefly stopping in various other buildings along their way.
"And this would be our recently renovated on-campus apartment building," Mr. Winters said as they approached a large 6 story complex. "There are a few layouts available in this complex. We have one bedroom studios through four bedrooms, 2 bathroom suites. Let's take a look, shall we?" he said leading them into the main building.
As they walked through the lobby and into the center courtyard, Addison exclaimed, "It has a pool!"
"Yes, it also has a gym, laundry center, and rec room." Mr. Winters said as led them to the elevator and up to the top floor. "We only have an empty studio and four bedrooms to show you, but you can get a good idea of the basic layout and bedroom size," he said as he unlocked the first door. "This is our standard studio apartment."
"Wow, this is so much better than the dorm rooms," Zed smiled as he stood in the center of the room and stretched his arms out without them touching the walls.
Addison walked over to the kitchen area, opening the various appliances. "Z, there's a full kitchen! You could cook!"
"You cook, Zed?"
"I dabble."
"He's being modest," Addison laughed, "everything he cooks is amazing."
"He definitely inherited that ability from his mother," Zevon laughed, "if it doesn't come out of a can, I can't make it."
Mr. Winters let out a chuckle. "I can definitely relate. My sister must have inherited every cooking gene in the family. My wife always jokes about my extensive takeout menu collection."
"Okay, enough of the food talk. I'm starving," Zed laughed as his stomach let out another loud growl.
"Let's go check out the other unit and then we can grab a bite to eat," Mr. Winters smiled. He led them further down the hall and unlocked the door. "This is one of our four bedroom suites. It has two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and an appointed common space."
Zed laughed as he walked in."This is the size of a small house."
"This has a similar layout to our 3 bedroom suites, which also has two bathrooms. Our two bedroom has one bathroom. Obviously, with anything larger than the studio, we require roommates."
"That makes sense," Zed replied as he and Addison walked through the apartment hand in hand. When they made their way into one of the bedrooms, Zevon smiled.
"I can already tell you if they decide to attend SLU in the fall, they'll be getting an apartment...together," he said quietly with a chuckle.
"I figured that would be the case. They definitely don't seem like your average high school couple."
"They never have been," Zevon smiled.
"I deal with high school seniors all the time, but those two...there is something special about them...individually and together."
"I couldn't agree more."
"I actually fit on the bed!" Zed exclaimed as he and Addison walked back into the common room, leaving out the part that he and Addison both fit on the bed quite well together as well.
"Well that's a relief," Mr. Winters smiled. "We don't have any larger beds," he said with a laugh as they walked out of the apartment.
They walked towards the center of campus before he stopped them "Well I think we only have one stop left on our tour...the dining hall."
"Yes!" Zed exclaimed as they walked up to the building. When they walked in, his eyes went wide. "This is the most amazing place I have ever seen."
Zevon laughed as he watched his son."I really hope that scholarship offer includes a meal plan."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi everyone! WOW! I am blown away by the responses the "Halloween" chapters received. The PM's and reviews were awesome! Thank you so much! I promise I'm going to get around to responding to everyone, life has just been complete craziness the last few weeks.
This is going to be a 5-part installment, running Monday-Friday. I hope you enjoyed this weeks chapter. Leave me a review and let me know!