After Graduation

"Well, did you ever think we'd make it?" Zack asked.

"I knew I would, but I had my doubts about you, preppy," Slater said smiling. Then, his faced turn serious. "Can I talk to you for a sec? Maybe out in the hall where it isn't so loud." Since graduation had ended, the volume level had begun to sky rocket with all of the talking, laughing, and sobbing.

"Sure." Zack followed Slater to the less populated hall.

"I'm having second thoughts about going to Iowa, Zack. I've moved around so much. I don't know if I want to do it again."

"But, Slater, you wanted that wrestling scholarship more than anything. I mean, look at all the stupid stunts we pulled to get your father to consider letting you go."

"I know. I know. Look, maybe I'm just getting cold feet. Emotions are sky high right now," Slater shuffled on his feet. "Forget it. I've still got the summer to decide."

"Decide? If you don't go to Iowa, what other choice do you have? You're not going to throw away your scholarship—your education-- because of nerves are you?" Zack asked his voice escalating.

"Chill out, preppy," Slater put his hands up to motion for Zack to keep his voice down. "When did you turn into my father, anyway? Besides, do you think I'm dumb enough to turn down Iowa without having a back up plan?" Slater asked as he paced the floor.

Zack shrugged, "Well…" Then, he smiled. "Just kidding, man. What's your plan?"

"Well, California University offered me a wrestling scholarship, too. There team isn't as good as Iowa's, but that means I might have a chance to stand out. Plus, I don't have to cross any more borders," Slater smiled.

Zack frowned as he thought about all that Slater was saying. His two best pals might end up at California University… without him. He'd be at Yale. Alone. Having to study. This small fish in a big pond talk was starting to make him have doubts himself.

"Preppy, you ok? I thought I was the one needing cheered up here," Slater chuckled. Zack shook his head and snapped out of his thoughts.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go back inside."