That Boy

And lets face it, I can get an education anywhere, right? But I'm going to have to live with these people for four, hopefully only four, years. So it's imperative that I really do find a place where I will feel comfortable.

Of course, Dad made Phillip have a sit down with him to discuss the rules for the weekend. Although really, I think Dad would let me go just about anywhere if it meant I wasn't with Jake. Let's just say he hasn't exactly made Jake feel like part of the family. But that's a whole other story.

“So what did he tell you again?” I ask Phillip for the hundredth time because this really cracks me up.

“I am holding you personally responsible, Phillip.” Phillip does a perfect imitation of my Dad's deep voice. “She'd better not get drunk, stoned, pregnant or dead.”

I laugh some more.

Little does he know, Phillip, who is still by far the most responsible of the three of us, has turned into a full-fledged partier this year.

It's going to be killer.

Da

Here's the other great thing. Phillip and I are staying with Da

Yes, my parents are letting me spend the night with a boy. Okay, it's a boy that they trust, sorta, but I just find this all so hard to believe.

Our goal is to get to Lincoln in time to see part of Da

Da

When I questioned him further on what college girls wear, I got no answers, other than, Uh, shorts, jeans, you know.

NO….I DON'T. That's why I'm asking!

But I gave up and, in the end, let Lisa pack for me. Which is a really scary thought in and of itself.

Once on campus, Phillip makes me drive around forever trying to find a suitable place to park. I'm sure if we would have pla

“Phillip, they don't know who we are. I'm parking up close. I mean, I'm going to get a ticket regardless of where I park.” I'm completely confused by the array of threatening parking signs with cryptic letters on them. “So why not park close?”

As usual, I frustrate that boy. Regardless of his new found partying skills, Phillip is still a follow the rules and go by the book kind of guy.

Dad's probably right. I'll be perfectly safe with him and won't get into any trouble.

Darn it!

“Look!” Phillip cries out.

What? Really cute boy?

“There. Over there. A visitor parking lot and it's fairly close. Go park there.”

I'm tempted to argue cuz it's not that close, but I don't need him mad at me already.

So I say, “Great job, Phillip!” and park.

We get out of the car and walk down the wide, main pathway that leads through the campus and ends at Memorial Stadium. The campus is really beautiful. I've been here for lots of football games, but never really paid attention. There are huge trees, whose leaves are just starting to change colors and wide stretches of green grass. I love the cool old buildings with their neat architectural features. I wonder how they keep such old places looking so clean and shiny. There are all sorts of students, some appear to be rushing to class, others are just mulling about. We see a group of girls pretending to study in their bikini tops. Phillip is looking at them and not where he is going and about trips over the curb.

“Real smooth,” I tease. I also notice a group of cute boys kicking around a soccer ball.

I have tried to dress appropriately for all possible collegiate activities. I'm wearing jean shorts and a very fitted vintage T-shirt. I hoped this outfit would blend in. I mean I don't want to be walking around here looking like a dumb high school girl! I notice that most of the girls are dressed similarly.

Oh and look! There is an adorable couple walking toward us. They are holding hands, and they stop to kiss, and they are looking at each other like they are in LOVE!

Oh, I so want that to be me.

I am so going here.

Where's the sign up sheet? I'm in!

We work our way down to the stadium and the practice fields. I've never seen a college practice before, so I'm really excited.

Well.

Now I have to tell you that if you ever plan on stopping by the University to see the Huskers' practice.....

Don't bother!

The place is like FORT KNOX!

I'm serious. There is so much security, I don't think even the President of the United States, himself, could get in without a pass.

Actually, I know he couldn't. He's from a rival state!

The Bureau of Homeland Security ought to come here and take some lessons because I'm telling you, if our country's borders were guarded like this, we'd never have to worry about anything.

The security guys have walky-talkies and earpieces and everything. I tried to explain to one of the big men that I'm a friend of one of the players, but that didn't seem to matter. He just looked at me with a face that said, Sure you are and Like I've never heard that one before. When that didn't work, I asked him what was such a big secret. I mean a football play is pretty much a football play, isn't it? And please. I know that Nebraska has always been a powerhouse in collegiate football, but are there really that many people trying to spy on them? Is it really an issue?

Evidently.

So Phillip and I sat around and waited between some cool old columns, with our backs facing the practice field, until the guy told us it was officially over.

Da

We find Da

“Well, we tried to watch practice,” I tell him.

“You shoulda told me you were coming early, I could've gotten you a pass,” Da

Coulda, woulda, shoulda.

“See, JJ,” Phillip smarts, “sometimes it pays to plan ahead.”

“Shut up, Phillip. I didn't see you doing any pla

“Hey,” Da

Now that gets my attention.

“Memorial Stadium?” I ask Da

“Yeah,” he shrugs, like it's no big deal.

“UH, YEAH!” I scream.

So we walk over there.

Well, I kinda run.

This is soooo exciting. I mean I have been watching this field on TV since I was old enough to remember. And I've been to lots of games, but nobody told me you could walk on the field!

I stand in the middle of the field and spin in a circle.

This is awesome!

I grab Phillip and say, “Come on,” and drag him into the middle with me. We stand on the big red N.

“Look around, Phillip!” I say with excitement. “Did you ever realize just how huge this place is?”

I am overwhelmed.

“Ye-ah,” Phillip says, “I've been to football camp here, remember?”

Fine. Mr. Know It All.

Mr. Been There, Done That.

But I don't care. I don't let his lack of enthusiasm bother me. I just can't believe how huge it is! I mean the perspective is totally different from here than it is in the stands. What a rush it must be for the football players to hit the horseshoe in the tu