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MD - Chapter 165: Thoughts on the future
🕑 Added 2025-07-29 16:13:43 +0000 UTCThe group arrived in San Diego after an hour-long road trip. When they got there, they didn’t head straight to the beach. The girls needed to change, so they went to the hotel where Monica and Rachel were staying.
Right now, Andrew, Leonard, and Howard were waiting outside room number 22. They had been there for more than fifteen minutes.
Andrew was sitting on the floor, legs crossed in a lotus position, absorbed in his phone, typing quickly with a slight smile on his face. Leonard was leaning against the wall with an resigned expression, while Howard was pacing in circles with his hands behind his back.
“Why are they taking so long?” Leonard asked, letting out a long sigh as he adjusted his palm-tree-print summer shirt. He was wearing beige shorts and flip-flops with Hawaiian leaves.
Of course, he wasn’t dressed like that at the tournament, knowing they were coming to the beach, he came prepared. But he didn’t take nearly as long to get changed as the girls. Same with Andrew and Howard.
“It’s one of humanity’s great mysteries… like the Bermuda Triangle,” Howard answered with exaggerated flair. “Maybe it’s part of their biological programming? Estimated changing time: 27 minutes per selected garment.”
Leonard rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.
Howard suddenly stopped and looked at Andrew, who hadn’t moved, his expression calm, thumbs flying across the phone screen.
“Hey, MVP! Are you listening to us or bragging about your victories to your girlfriend?” Howard said, half joking, half frustrated.
Andrew looked up without rushing, “Still whining about how long it takes girls to change?”
Howard nodded, “Isn’t it weird that putting on a bikini takes as long as getting ready for the Emmys?”
“Maybe they’re doing their makeup? But why? We’re going to the beach, it makes no sense,” Leonard added with a confused look.
Andrew slipped his phone into his pocket with a neutral expression. “I don’t know, you can ask them when they come out… but let’s not generalize. It’s not Monica’s fault. She went in a while ago to hurry Rachel and Haley up,” he said as he dusted off his black shorts with white details.
As for his beach outfit, it was simple. In addition to the shorts, he wore a white tank top, a black cap worn backwards, and flip-flops.
“Same with Pippa. She knows how to get ready on time, unless it’s a special occasion. Then yeah, she might take a bit longer,” he added.
“Congratulations, you have a girlfriend who defies the average female prep time. Hold on to her,” Howard said with a mix of sincere respect and thinly veiled envy.
Leonard gave him a couple of pats on the shoulder, as if to say: Hang in there, brother, your time will come.
“I just want to go to the beach! The sun, the water, the girls… Why are they torturing us with this existential wait?” Howard complained, not wanting Leonard’s pity.
“Howard, you’re not going to hook up with anyone, even if the girls came out wearing a sign that said I’m available. You need a complete tactic overhaul,” Leonard said bluntly. Seeing his support was unwelcome, he decided to hit him with some reality.
Andrew couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, how does it feel to spend your first year not going to Comic-Con every single day?” he asked, changing the subject.
Howard and Leonard looked at each other… then nodded in sync without hesitation.
“Totally worth it,” Leonard said.
“Yeah, one day at Comic-Con is more than enough,” Howard said with a smile.
It was the first time since they started going to Comic-Con years ago that they hadn’t bought passes for every day, just one.
As for Andrew, he wasn’t as strict about it. Before meeting them, he never had friends so into comics and geek culture that they’d want to spend the whole day at the convention with him. And going alone for four days felt like too much, so he’d always just attend the one day that interested him the most.
“Is Willa coming tomorrow or what?” Howard asked.
“Last time I talked to her, she said yes,” Andrew replied.
“Oh, you talked to her?” Leonard asked.
Willa hadn’t attended the Dana Hills tournament despite being invited, not out of disinterest, but because her schedule was completely packed. She had recently graduated from high school and was at that in-between stage: deciding whether to pursue a college career or dive fully into the acting world.
Just a few months ago, she appeared in a film called Legion, where she had a supporting role that received positive reviews. On top of that, she was currently filming a special episode of Gossip Girl, reprising her role as Agnes. And as if that weren’t enough, just a few weeks ago Square Enix officially announced that Willa would voice a major character in one of their upcoming video games.
She had managed to clear one day to go to Comic-Con with Andrew and the others.
“Yeah, she asked me about the tournament earlier and congratulated me when I told her I won. She said she’s going to buy me a figure tomorrow, whatever I want,” Andrew said with a satisfied smile.
“She has no idea how dangerous that is. Some of those figures are crazy expensive,” Leonard said, letting out a low whistle of surprise.
“She knows. She’s more knowledgeable than me in a lot of geek stuff… A beautiful girl, actress, gamer, superhero fan, and she’s going to Comic-Con with us… is there anything more perfect?” Howard sighed in admiration, staring at the ceiling.
Andrew looked at him, amused. “If you think she’s so perfect, why don’t you try something? She’s single, and we’ve all been friends for months. What do you have to lose?”
Howard and Leonard turned to look at him at the same time, as if Andrew had just said the most ridiculous thing in the universe.
Howard blinked slowly. “Are you being serious right now?”
Leonard tilted his head, confused. “This guy’s a genius on the field… but in other areas…”
Howard raised a hand and pointed dramatically at Andrew. “She’s the one who laughs at all your jokes! The one who sits next to you during marathons and always agrees with your movie picks without saying a word!”
Andrew blinked, not fully grasping the intensity of their reaction.
Howard huffed at Andrew’s confused look. “Andrew! Willa’s into you! It’s not obvious because she’s sarcastic, dry, and makes fun of all of us… but she’s different with you. She playfully hits you with the R2-D2 pillow when you trash a character she likes or whatever. Me? When I say something she doesn’t like, she whacks me so hard I lose my breath!”
Leonard laughed at that last part, because it was true.
At first, Leonard had been interested in Willa. He couldn’t help it. She was pretty, smart, and had a ridiculous amount of knowledge about comics, video games, and geeky franchises.
For a nerd like him, it was like watching a fictional character come to life. For a few weeks, he idealized her, thinking maybe there was something special between them.
But then he understood. It wasn’t love. It was just the classic illusion of meeting the first girl who shared all your interests and thinking that was enough. Over time, he realized that as a friend, Willa was amazing.
But as a romantic partner… impossible. Her strong personality, sharp sarcasm, that intimidating aura, Willa was scary. Leonard respected her too much to even think about crossing that line.
Andrew let out a soft laugh. “You’re reading too much into it. Willa and I are just friends. That’s all. She’s never acted weird or flirted or anything. I’m with Pippa, and she knows that.”
Howard shrugged. “Hey, I’m just saying… if you weren’t with Pippa, it wouldn’t be such a crazy thought.”
Andrew shook his head and said calmly, “We’re just friends, and that’s all.”
Howard smiled with resignation and added with a touch of drama, “Loyal, honest, and a golden arm. Are you the main character in a teen romance novel or something?”
Andrew chuckled lightly. “Aren’t the bad boys the ones who always get the girl? I’d be the guy they leave behind for the leather-jacketed guitarist with emotional trauma.”
Leonard nodded seriously. “It’s true. But in your case, you’re going to be a millionaire as a pro quarterback or a YouTube star… which, spoiler alert: makes up for the heartbreak.”
“Yeah, you’ll be drying your tears with hundred-dollar bills or Nike sponsorship checks,” Howard added.
All three burst into laughter just as they heard the click of a lock. The door opened, and Monica appeared with a triumphant expression.
“All ready! I did it: Haley and Rachel are beach-ready,” she announced, as if she’d just brokered world peace.
“Finally…” Howard muttered, but trailed off when he saw the girls’ outfits.
Rachel looked like she’d stepped out of a summer magazine. She wore a black bikini covered by a loose sarong, with denim shorts over the bottom piece. Her hair was perfectly styled, cascading naturally over her shoulders, and she had on a chic summer hat.
Then came Haley. A striking yet elegant red bikini. She also wore worn denim shorts and white sandals. Her hair, like Rachel’s, was carefully styled, and she carried a small handbag. Her expression was relaxed and confident.
Monica didn’t draw quite as much attention, her style was completely different. She wore a lightweight sports jacket, made of thin blue fabric, zipped almost to the neck, and beneath it, her bikini was barely visible.
She had on classic black Adidas shorts with white stripes down the sides. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, ready for action. It was the most practical and athletic look of the three. Even so, her beauty was hard to ignore, making the trio a very eye-catching group.
“Wow,” Leonard murmured under his breath.
“Totally worth the wait,” Howard added in a thin whisper.
Rachel and Haley glanced at them with faint smiles, clearly pleased by the reactions.
As for Andrew, when his eyes landed on Rachel for a moment, he kept a perfect poker face, the mark of a loyal boyfriend.
“All right, let’s move! The ocean awaits,” said Monica, carrying a beach bag filled with games and supplies. She had a beach afternoon planned with her idol, and she intended to make the most of it: beach football, volleyball, and more.
“You remind me of my mom,” Haley murmured playfully, noting Monica’s level of preparation. She was sure Monica had a mental itinerary ready, maybe even a physical checklist.
“Let me help you,” Andrew offered, reaching out for the bag.
Monica, slightly surprised, smiled and handed it over. For Andrew, with his strength and athletic build, the bag weighed nothing. Leonard and Howard, meanwhile, were carrying two umbrellas like rocket launchers.
The group began walking along the coastal road toward the beach, which wasn’t far from the hotel. The salty sea breeze was already in the air, and the sound of the waves set the rhythm. Andrew was chatting with Monica.
Her parents were either already on the beach or at an outdoor restaurant enjoying their vacation. As for Ross, he was at Comic-Con.
At one point, Monica changed the subject and brought up the tournament and Andrew’s flawless performance. She already knew that a UCLA scout had approached him and offered an unofficial visit before September.
“How many more universities do you think will reach out just because of what you did at Dana Hills?” Monica asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.
Andrew brought a hand to his chin, thinking. “Mm… I’m not exactly sure, but there are already two.”
“Two!?” Monica exclaimed in surprise. “Who besides UCLA?”
Andrew smiled at her reaction. “It was after I went to change, right after the title celebration, the photos and all that. That’s why I didn’t get a chance to tell you. A guy named Marcus from USC came up to me. He congratulated me, gave me his card. He said the unofficial visit hadn’t been approved yet, but that they’d be contacting me soon to talk.”
In the world of college recruitment, scouts can’t offer official or unofficial visits without first submitting a report to their university’s coaching staff and getting the green light. Even if a scout is fully convinced about a player, they have to follow protocol.
That’s why Derrick from UCLA had gotten ahead.
“USC! That’s amazing! I mean, it makes sense, considering you took the spot of the QB who already has a verbal offer from them,” Monica said, clenching her fists with an excited smile.
“Whoa, Monica, calm down. You sound happier than Andrew himself,” Rachel said, half amused, half stunned by the news. Two colleges were already interested in Andrew, and he hadn’t even started the official season with Mater Dei.
And not just any universities: USC and UCLA, both top-tier programs. Especially USC, with its history and dominance in the past decade within its conference.
“Do you think more colleges will reach out to you?” Rachel asked.
If UCLA and USC already had him on their radar, it was logical to assume other PAC-10 teams would follow: Oregon, Stanford, Arizona. Even more so once word spread, and once the video Andrew would upload to his YouTube channel showed he threw 41 touchdowns in 7 games, 6 in the final, with zero interceptions. It was going to blow up.
It wouldn’t be crazy for colleges from other states to come knocking and not wait for the regular season to make offers.
“I guess so,” Andrew said with a strange expression.
Even he hadn’t expected to break out this quickly, for colleges to already start fighting over him. He thought that would happen after his regular season games, once he was champion of the Trinity League… not now.
He had underestimated the level he had reached in this new life. He was far superior to his former self.
“And do you have any idea which one you’d like to go to? At least between the two that already showed interest?” Rachel asked, curious.
Andrew didn’t hesitate. “If I had to choose between these two… I’d pick UCLA. No doubt.”
Rachel and Monica looked at each other, a bit surprised.
“Not USC? But… isn’t that like the top university in the PAC-10?” Monica asked, raising an eyebrow.
Andrew nodded. “Yeah. It’s the historic one. The most dominant, the most prestigious. It has all the tradition, legendary quarterbacks, titles, fame… But that’s exactly why it doesn’t appeal to me.”
Rachel frowned, “You’re not interested in… being part of the best program?”
Andrew explained calmly, “I want something different. A college with a strong program, yes, but one that isn’t at the very top right now or hasn’t been in recent years like USC. I don’t want to join an already-built dynasty. So I won’t go to USC…”
“Of course, even though UCLA fits the kind of program I’m looking for, it’s not the only one. There’s also Stanford and Oregon, they’ve been on the rise in recent years, but still need to cement themselves. Arizona and Washington too,” he added.
None of those college had reached out yet, of course. The Dana Hills tournament had just ended.
As for out-of-state college, Andrew wasn’t ruling them out, but he was more hesitant. Not because they lacked quality. He knew very well that the SEC, home to Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, and others, was the strongest and most competitive conference in the country, the cradle of champions. And sure, that caught his attention.
But they were far.
Very far.
Andrew was extremely close to his family. He treasured them more than anything, a family he never had in his previous life.
They were all a part of his everyday life. The idea of moving to the other side of the country, of spending months away from them, didn’t appeal to him at all.
And besides, it wasn’t necessary.
The PAC-10, soon to be the PAC-12, was still one of the nation’s elite conferences. He could compete at the highest level without being thousands of miles from home.
He could have it all: development, national exposure, and closeness to his loved ones. And that combination, to Andrew, was worth more than any packed stadium or legendary jersey.
Of course, he wasn’t ruling those colleges out, but they’d have to convince him. Big time.
“Enough talk about a distant future,” Howard panted. “Let’s set up a base and then hit the sea!”
Andrew laughed as they made their way down to the sand, already feeling the heat of the sun on his feet.
His friend was right, that was still a long way off. And first would come the college tours. He wouldn’t make any decisions until the end of the year… or when he was about to start his senior year of high school.
Comments
John Bose
I think Oregon would be peak, they already have elite talent on the team by the time Andrew gets to College. Plus it’s a huge football School, but has never won a championship so he’ll be doing something historic. Also, the co-founder of Nike is a HUGE donor and supporter of the team. To the point where he recently said that the last thing he wants to do in life is bring a championship to Oregon lol. So exploring how Nike builds a relationship with Andrew would be super interesting, especially if he performs at the college level like he does in HS. But, I have to remember this is actually a modern family fanfic, so it would kinda defeat the purpose to be out of state and away from the main cast for 3-4 years. So it looks like UCLA it is lol. hopefully Andrew commits early to UCLA and causes a talent boom (other top talents going there to play with him). I think it would be kinda boring if Andrew goes to UCLA and is just relying on what talent they had in real life. I think it’ll be really cool to see the butterfly effect of having the (eventual) #1 player in the country joining and creating a talent pipeline. Seeing Andrew play with recognizable players from this time would also be cool, since who knows what team he’ll be drafted to in the NFL. My money is on the Rams, the timeline kinda works out, but we’re still far from that lol.
Josh Muggs
As for colleges it’s cool to read other coaches like Nick Saban in Alabama wanting the hell out of Andrew but ultimately UCLA is best for him cause it’s literally still at home for him and he can forge a new dynasty and even make the Championship bowl game if he leads the ucla team to a magnificent season so he can forge his own legend there but it’s cool to read other colleges from their pov
