Page 3 of His Shy Girl

Me:What’s your major? I’ve gotten a couple names to avoid in the English department.

Bren2025RB:Communications. So, please give me all the names. I know I’ll have to take all the English prerequisites forsure, so definitely don’t want to get stuck with any hard-asses. What’s your major, BTW?

Me:I’ve heard to stay away from Professor Drake. Everyone recommends Chapman instead. I’m going into Speech Pathology, so we’ll have a lot of crossover of classes at the beginning. Thankfully, we have some time to figure out our schedules. People have been recommending to take English lit on the three day schedule (M, W, F) because you get extra time to write your papers.

Bren2025RB:That’s a good tip. I could definitely use extra time for writing papers. How come you picked Speech Pathology?

So that I can gain more of an understanding of why I am the way I am. I want to understand where my speech issues stem from and how to fix the wiring of my brain. Plus, I’d really like to help others who struggle with their speech. My goal is to work with kids when I graduate and help them overcome their insecurities. Help free them of their fears and boost their confidence so they can go after their dreams. And maybe I can find some of my own confidence in the process.

Living with my stutter, practically muted by my nerves most of the time, has made everything a challenge. There have been so many things I’ve wanted to do, but mydisabilityhas stopped me. For example, I could never be a cheerleader or enter the spelling bee or sing in the chorus, which was always a dream of mine because I love music so much. But only when I’m alone in my room or in the car can I sing a song with ease. In public, up on stage with all those people watching, my voice would crack on every note and I’d be laughed off stage. If I can help even just one kid to not have to face the same struggles, I would feel fulfilled.

But this is not exactly what I want to lead with, with the girl I just met. She seems nice, and she likes Kanturia. Besides, I don’t need any guys logging on, reading what I’ve written andthen making fun of me. I get enough of that from the boys at my school.

Me:It’s just something that’s always interested me. And I know some people with speech issues, so it hits close to home. Why’d you choose Communications?

Bren2025RB:That’s cool. I actually volunteer with some special needs camps, so I have mad respect for anyone in the field. I’m going with Communications because I figure it will be useful for all aspects of my life. All the media interviews I plan on doing. LOL. So, what’s your favorite football team?

Football? Okay, talk about a subject change. And a random one at that, except she must’ve seen one of my comments to one of the guys about the Devils’ game this weekend. I happen to be obsessed with the sport, partly because it’s always been my special thing with my dad. From the time I was a little girl, we’d watch the games together on the weekends. Then every year for my birthday, Dad takes me to see a game. I could talk football for hours if you let me, but I’ve never met another girl who likes to talk about it. Especially not a gamer. I was picturing her as a goth chick, but now my image is changing a little. Morphing into someone more like myself. Someone a little nerdy who dresses a little tomboyish, but loves the color pink.

Me:Gotta go with my home team: the Cowboys. And obviously the Sun Devils for college ball, though the Longhorns were always my favorite growing up. But here’s hoping the Devils go to the bowl this year. That would make our freshman year epic.

Bren2025RB:Damn straight it would. So, what part of Texas are you from? I’m homegrown, too.

Me:I’m from Fort Worth. You?

Bren2025RB:Small world. I’m right outside Dallas. We’ve probably played you guys before. Ever heard of Stetson?

Of course I’ve heard of Stetson. Who hasn’t? That’s where all the rich kids go to school. Like, seriously rich. Now, I’m a bit intimidated. I’m also shocked that she’s ever heard of Kanturia. I assumed rich girls would be into boys and makeup, spending their time on social media doing eyeliner tutorials, not playing video games. Just goes to show I shouldn’t buy into stereotypes and make assumptions about people. Heaven knows people have made their assumptions about me. They think because I have to have modifications in the classroom and struggle with my speech that I’m stupid. They call me “special” and not in the good sense of the word.

Me:I don’t think anyone hasn’t heard of your school. LOL. I’m about 20 minutes away from you. I go to Lovett. Wow, it’s a small world.

It’s crazy to think that she lives so close to me. We could’ve crossed paths at some point and not even known it. Passed each other in a Target aisle. Been in line together at the grocery store.

CarsonKeginator:Yo! I go to Bryerson. We’re playing Stetson next week. We’re gonna kick your ass.

Looks like another local has logged on. I know Bryerson, too. Our school will be playing them in a few weeks. Crazy that all these kids from around here will be at the same college next year. Then again, ASU tends to be where a lot of Texans go if they don’t get into UT. It’s not that I didn’t get in, it’s that I was hoping for a fresh start. A few less familiar evil faces.

I’m guessing by this guy’s username that he’s into drinking. Not that I have a problem with that, but parties are definitely not my scene. A bunch of drunken guys being loud and rowdy gives me hives. Plus, I have a hard time speaking on a good day; I can’t imagine how hard it would be for me under the influence of alcohol.

Bren2025RB:Wouldn’t be holding your breath on that win. But good luck. ;) Will you be playing for the Sun Devils?

Bren’s response has me smiling. I like her already. And I love the fact that she likes football.

CarsonKeginator:No. I didn’t make the team. Fuckers are going to regret their decision. I’m the best running back in the state.

And this is where I tune out. This guy sounds a little arrogant. I get that it’s a pride thing, that he doesn’t want to look bad in front of us girls, but he’s just lost my interest. I’m more interested in talking about Kanturia, and when I see Bren’s message pop up on the screen, I can tell she is too.

Bren2025RB:Hey, Will! Do you want to message me your gamer name and I’ll friend you so we can play?

Me:It’s the same username as this one. I’ll go log in now.

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Brennon

Will logs out of the Facebook group and I’m right behind him. It doesn’t look like he was interested in engaging with Carson either. The “Keginator” was ragging on the team, spouting his mouth like a meathead, not knowing who his audience was. I was tempted to tell him that I’m going to be the new running back for the Devils, but I opted not to get into it with the guy. I’m not interested in stirring shit up on a public forum. But I’d figured he would’ve picked up on my RB tag on my username. As soon as I saw Will’s, I knew he was a tight end.

Dang, it’s kind of crazy that right from the jump I’ve already met someone who not only plays football but is also into my favorite video game. What are the odds?

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