A Forever Love: Rocco & Bella’s Story

By Marsha Robinson

Rocco and Bella’s past relationships have left them drained and discouraged. Despite the disappointments of their past, they still have a strong desire for a ‘Forever Love’ with the right person. As they cry out to God, He supernaturally puts them in each others path. You will fall in love with Rocco and Bella, as well as, many other fun-loving characters, as they encourage one another in a romantic tale of love, life, and friendship! As iron sharpens iron, they minister to one another and their friends while gaining spiritual knowledge and wisdom for life.

The Faith & Romance Series masterfully combines romantic love with walking in God’s divine providence. You will be inspired as you witness them bearing one another’s burdens and establishing a community of God’s love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728332253

Marsha Robinson

Marsha Robinson was born in San Diego, California, to Rev. Ronald and Madie Jefferson. She currently lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband and children. She is extremely passionate and gifted in simplistically teaching the Word of God in a way that is refreshingly honest and down to earth. Marsha artistically combines spiritual knowledge with romantically engaging love stories. The spiritually inspiring messages that are skillfully woven throughout the book will encourage you to know God on a deeper level. Marsha feels called to minister God’s love wherever she goes. If you enjoy gaining spiritual knowledge and romance, you will love reading her Faith & Romance series. Her books have captured the hearts of readers and inspired them to share her books as a unique way to further spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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© 2019 Marsha Robinson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  09/27/2022

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3227-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3226-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3225-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019916796

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version

(Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic

Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

A NOTE TO THE READER

By the time I was two years old, I had a strong love for reading. This passion created a desire to write inspirational books and novels. I’d like to dedicate my first novel to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He placed the gift and passion in me to not only write books, but to give my readers the best gift of all...the desire to intimately and deeply develop an everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ. It is my deepest prayer that Jesus is your First and Forever Love. I love you and God Bless you.

-Marsha Robinson

CONTENTS

Chapter 1     Destiny Is Calling

Chapter 2     Kill’n’ It

Chapter 3     Ms. Wrong

Chapter 4     Mr. Wrong

Chapter 5     The New Hottie

Chapter 6     So Fine

Chapter 7     Falling in Love

Chapter 8     The Blue Lagoon Jazz Lounge

Chapter 9     Can I Trust You?

Chapter 10   Please Forgive Me

Chapter 11   Birthing Intimacy

Chapter 12   Clash of the Besties

Chapter 13   Darling, You Slay Me

Chapter 14   Going after the Prodigals

Chapter 15   Never Disrespect My Woman

Chapter 16   Home Sweet Home

Chapter 17   The Blessing of Having a Supportive Family

Chapter 18   Conquering Anxiety

Chapter 19   The Big Game

Chapter 20   She’s Mighty, Mighty Mine

Chapter 21   I Want to Be with You Forever

Chapter 22   Run Away with Me

Chapter 23   A Trip to Paradise

Chapter 24   New Beginnings

Chapter 25   The Families Become One

Epilogue

About the Author

About the Book

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CHAPTER 1

Destiny Is Calling

For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord,

thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you and expected end.

—Jeremiah 29:11

M arcella Ann Truman, also known as Bella, sat alone in the den of her parents’ home. The den overlooked her mother’s beautiful botanical garden. She was seated at the family piano, playing Yiruma’s River Flows in You. While doing so, she began to methodically reflect on why she didn’t get accepted to the university in Northern California. She’d researched the benefits and challenges of attending that university since she was in junior high school. Most of her friends attended her home church in Southern California, and they had all been accepted to the universities of their choice. She couldn’t comprehend why her 4.0 grade point average and her abundance of extracurricular activities hadn’t guaranteed her placement at the school. She was the vice president of the student council, had been captain of the cheerleading squad for two years, and she interned at a local magazine as an editor’s junior assistant. She also enjoyed tap dancing and acting in the off seasons. She was crushed by the fact that she didn’t have a plan B. Her only plan was to attend the university. She had foolishly put all her proverbial eggs in one basket.

A week later, her church youth group leader told her about a special scholarship at the University of Michigan. The scholarship was targeted to both minorities and international students. The college was looking to become the top research university. Bella didn’t want to be a scientist, nor did she want to work in the medical field. The only thing she wanted to research was journalism and business management. She also had a deep desire to increase her knowledge in theology, which was the main reason she originally chose a Christian-based college.

After finally deciding to pursue the scholarship at the University of Michigan, she applied to try out for the cheerleading squad. Even though she was accepted to attend the school, she was too late to sign up for cheerleading auditions. It seemed as though high school was destined to be the best years of her life. Not only were her college plans being ripped to shreds, but she was being forced to leave her family and friends. What was she supposed to do in a state that was 2,300 miles away from home? The more she thought about her future, the more despondent she became. Her dreams seemed to slowly evaporate right before her eyes.

*****

Marlene Truman’s youngest daughter, Bella, was truly a gift from God. As the baby of a large family, one would think she would be spoiled, selfish, and thoughtless—especially since her older brothers thought she could do no wrong, and her sisters gave her lots of attention. Since Bella was five years younger than her last child, it had been a shock to her and her husband when they discovered they were expecting another child. Even though Marlene’s other pregnancies had been free from drama or stress, her pregnancy with Bella was difficult. Her body had threatened to miscarry during her first trimester. She had to shepherd her strength with this pregnancy, and by the beginning of her third trimester, her ob-gyn, Dr. R. A. Brown, had placed her on bed rest. Despite the exceptional medical care that Marlene received and the loving support of her family, Bella was born seven weeks premature. Marlene remembers watching her as she lay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the hospital. She was so tiny and fragile. She had tubes connected all over her body, and the sound of the medical equipment that was monitoring her vital signs filled the air. Marlene and her husband, Renaldo, cried out in prayer for several days for their precious gift from God to be all right. Within weeks, she was just as vivacious as any other healthy baby.

The first few days after Bella’s birth, Dr. Brown walked in the room and said, Don’t worry. Your baby girl is a fighter. I’ve been delivering babies for a very long time now, and I know a strong fighter when I see one. Before you know it, she will have control of your entire household! Marlene decided to not only trust the doctor at his words but to add her faith to them. At that precise moment, she decided to name her daughter Marcella Ann Truman. Marcella is Latin for warlike, martial, and strong. Ann means grace, prayer, and God has favored me. Naturally, her family name, Truman, meant loyal one. With a name like that, it would only be a matter of time before Marcella Ann Truman rose to do great things for the Lord.

Marlene and Renaldo had given all of their children biblically sound names because Proverbs 22:1 says, A good name is rather to be chosen (better) than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. As Bella grew up, Marlene saw her little miracle exhibit every characteristic and blessing of her God-given name.

Marlene watched as Bella played beautifully at the piano. Anyone who didn’t know Bella would have thought she was playing with great finesse and passion. Marlene knew her daughter well, and she knew that she was playing with a very sorrowful heart. As her fingers skillfully moved across the keyboard, every note seemed to cry out with Bella’s unspoken pain and despair. She very slowly entered the room, so as not to disturb her.

Bella was startled by her mother’s presence in the room. Apparently she was so entrenched in her thoughts she didn’t hear her approaching. She instinctively slowed her playing. I didn’t hear you come into the den. Did you want something? asked Bella.

No, I heard you playing, and I thought I would check on you. How are you feeling?

I’m fine, replied Bella.

You don’t look fine. What is it that has you so deep in thought?

Bella had a very good relationship with her mother. She trusted her implicitly. She felt as though she could talk to her about anything. However, she was trying to be a responsible adult about this situation. She really wanted to start handling all her decisions on her own. She was the youngest of six children, three older brothers and two older sisters. Even though they hadn’t all chosen to go to college, they all seemed to have made the transition from high school to adulthood without any problems. Bella felt as though she was stalling before she even got out of the gate.

I was just thinking about the university in Michigan. Things just aren’t going as I planned. The one thing I was really looking forward to is cheering at the university. Now they’ve told me that I can’t even do that.

Maybe you shouldn’t accept no when you want the answer to be yes, said Marlene.

It’s college, Mom, not high school. You can’t just go strong-arming people into getting your way. Cheering on a collegiate level just doesn’t work that way. They tend to be very strict in keeping the rules.

I’m not telling you to break any rules, Marcella Ann. What I’m telling you is that if you really want to cheer, then ask God for favor. If God has the heart of the king in His hands, then touching the heart of the director of cheerleading is absolutely no problem for Him.

If that is so, then why didn’t I get accepted to the university up north?

Have you considered that God may have a deeper reason for sending you to the university in Michigan?

What could possibly be more spiritual than going to a Christian university?

Being in the perfect will of God.

I just can’t see how going to the university in Michigan could possibly be God’s perfect will. I don’t even want to be there. I get depressed just thinking about it.

God doesn’t always show us His plans from beginning to end, Bella. It’s up to you to trust Him. Trusting God becomes infinitely easier when you walk by faith and choose to have a good attitude. Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh, but in the end, he realized that God was working everything out for His perfect will.

Bella pondered her mother’s words. I definitely don’t want to end up in the belly of a big fish.

Then I suggest you pray and tell God how you feel. Ask Him to help you with this transition and for Him to reveal His plan in due season.

As usual, you’re right, Mom.

Look at you becoming all super-spiritual. You know, the first sign of becoming a mature adult is realizing how smart your parents are, said Marlene playfully. She grabbed Bella and kissed her lovingly on the cheek. After they prayed for God’s divine favor on Bella’s life, they played the piano together. Neither spoke a word as the beautiful melody filled the room.

After they played several songs, they began to smell the heavenly aroma of a good home-cooked meal coming from the kitchen. Something smells really good, Mom. What’s for dinner?

Your father grilled chicken and hotlinks. I made black-eyed peas with oxtails and rice. Collard greens and turkey are simmering on the stove, and corn bread is in the oven. Come on. You can make the salad.

Bella hadn’t had much to eat, so her mouth was watering. As usual, her mother had made some of her favorite foods. No one made more tender oxtails and black-eyed peas than her mother. They were a delicacy to enjoy! Her father was a master chef on the grill. She always felt meat tasted its best when cooked on an open flame. Lead the way, said Bella.

*****

Rocco Lewis Steele couldn’t believe the great work that God had done in his life. He was so grateful for the many blessings that the Lord had bestowed on him. Even though he tried to live a good life, he knew he wasn’t worthy of all the things that God had done for him. Last week, he purchased a house. It was a serious upgrade from the college dorm room of his freshmen year. In his sophomore and junior years of college, he shared an apartment with two of his friends. As a senior in college, he would finally be living on his own. It was nice to have roommates, but sometimes he just wanted to be left alone.

As he glanced around his home, he began to think, This really is a lot of space for one person, but he loved his space. He was making really good money, and this was something that he was willing to splurge on. It was a two-story house with a large living room, kitchen, dining room, den, sitting area, and a small powder room on the main floor. He even had a laundry room to wash his clothes. No more searching for quarters and hauling his clothes to the Laundromat. The Laundromat was so busy that he normally did laundry in the middle of the night, when no one else was around. He decided to convert the sitting area in the front of his new home into an office. It was the perfect area for studying. The upstairs had three bedrooms and a full bathroom. He designated the master bedroom for himself. He had two large closets and an en suite bathroom. The large bathtub/Jacuzzi was perfect for soaking his muscles and joints when his coaches worked him really hard. He could use the massaging jets for hydrotherapy or pleasure. He used the other two rooms as a hobby room and a guest room. He loved to build models and paint in his spare time. Even though some people might think it was childish, his hobbies relaxed him, relieved stress, and kept him sane.

He heard the sound of his father’s ringtone. It was BB King’s, I’ll Play the Blues for You. Rocco rushed to answer his phone.

Hey, Pop, what’s up?

I was just calling to see if you got settled in your new place, said Edward.

Yep, I just finished putting my schoolbooks away. I think I’m good to go.

Your mother wants me to remind you to buy groceries. She’s afraid you might starve to death, living on your own.

Rocco laughed to himself. His mother was always worrying about him and his three brothers. It was a wonder that woman ever had any time for herself. Rocco had two older brothers, Nathan (Nate) and Jester (Jessie), and one younger brother, Lucas (Luke). They often joked that she would still be carrying them all around in a stroller if she could. He knew it was a blessing to have a caring mother, but sometimes she just worried a little too much.

Tell Mom I have plenty of food, water, and snacks. Thanks to the care package she sent me, I have enough toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies for the entire year! Rocco couldn’t complete that statement without laughing out loud.

Okay, son, I’ve gotta go. I’m expecting a client any minute now. He’s purchasing two colts from me, one male and one female, said Edward.

Who’s the mare?

Black Diamond gave birth to them seven months ago.

She’s a beautiful horse. I can’t believe they are seven months old already. It seems like only yesterday I was home visiting and she gave birth.

Time really does fly, and as you get older, you will find out that it races on roller skates.

How’s Dollar? asked Rocco.

Your dog is just fine. He misses you of course, but the horses keep him busy. Your mother spoils him with chicken on the weekends. Now that you are living in that fancy house, he can come live with you.

I’d love to do that, but I don’t think he would be very happy here. I want him to stay on the farm where he is free to run wild all day. I’ll bring him some treats the next time I visit. I love you. Give Mom a kiss for me, and thanks again for everything.

I love you too, son.

Rocco disconnected the call. He loved speaking to his parents, but it always left him feeling a little homesick when they called. He began to reminisce over his life. His father (Edward) and mother (Louise) had raised their four sons on a beautiful 150-acre ranch. The air was fresh, and the scenery was amazing. They even had a lake that his grandfather Sherman kept well stocked with fish. Since his father was a horse breeder by trade, he and his brothers grew up riding and taking care of horses. Breeding horses was hard work, but Rocco had loved every minute of it. His father’s lead foreman (Chester) was like an uncle to them. His father and Chester met in the army. They were in the same squadron and had fought side by side in the military until they were both injured in battle. His dad recovered and came back to the family ranch. A year later, Chester’s wife, Thelma, called to tell him that Chester had developed a serious drinking problem. He was inebriated all the time. He ran through all their money, he lost his job, their car was repossessed, and they were going to be evicted from their home in three days. She was at her wit’s end. Their families had had enough of Chester’s drinking problem and weren’t willing to help them any further. Thelma only wanted to borrow enough money to put some of her things in storage. Instead, Edward flew out to help them. He checked Chester into a good alcohol treatment and rehabilitation center and helped Thelma to get a small apartment nearby. He stayed with them for three weeks, until he knew they would be alright. When Chester graduated from the program, he went back to see him and invited them to visit his ranch. Chester and his wife, Thelma, never left. Edward built a house for them at the southern part of their ranch. They raised their seven sons, (Eric, Scott, Dave, Dennis, Kyle, Justin, and Peter) on the ranch as well.

As Rocco got older, he realized that he also enjoyed building things and animation, which led him to pursue a degree in graphics, animation, and business management, with a minor in theology. However, choosing his own path in life hadn’t been an easy decision. Not only did he feel obligated to stay and help his father on the ranch, the United States Amateur Boxing Association was attempting to get him to pursue a career in boxing, and the university in Michigan was trying to recruit him to play football. Rocco felt as though he was being pulled in three different directions all at once. He loved the ranch, boxing, and football. He wanted to make the right decision, but he just wasn’t sure which path to take. It would have been so much easier if God would just put up a big neon, flashing sign that showed him which way to go.

One day while he was alone, cleaning out the stables, Chester approached him.

What’s up, Roc?

Nothing. I’m just cleaning up out here.

It looks to me like you’re just pushing hay and dirt around. What’s on your mind, kid?

Rocco took a deep breath. I just don’t know what to do next. Should I stay here on the ranch? Should I pursue boxing? Or should I go to the university in Michigan? I feel like I just can’t make a decision. I want to do the right thing, but what is the right thing?

Chester thought about Rocco’s situation. He knew what his parents wanted him to do, and he knew what he wanted him to do, but Rocco needed to be about the Father’s business. The boy had a very bright future ahead of him, and he wanted him to do well in life.

Well, you know, son, navigating through the vicissitudes of life can be quite challenging. As a man, you have to consider what wise people are telling you and make your own decision. After you think about what you really want to do with your life, make sure you spend time petitioning God for His perfect will. I will tell you this: the ranch will always be here waiting for you whenever you decide to come home. Even though you can make a lot of money boxing, you have to ask yourself, Is it really worth the physical punishment and possible permanent damage you may suffer? Going to college is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to educate yourself in whatever career you choose. It’s true you can always go to college later, but it will be so much easier to go while you’re young, and you will always have something substantial to fall back on.

Rocco was intently listening to everything Chester said. He was known for offering good, sound advice. Thanks, Chester.

You’re welcome. And one more thing. I heard college girls are not only smart but mighty fine too. Feel free to send me a letter about all your exploits in college so an old man can live vicariously through you, said Chester with a wink.

Chester, you are a married old man that ought to be ashamed of himself. What would Thelma say?

There you go, ruining a perfectly good fantasy after I helped you out. I should have left your ragged butt out here shoveling horse poop by yourself.

Rocco laughed. Alright, alright. I’ll send you a postcard but no pictures.

Rocco smiled to himself as he remembered his conversation with Chester three years ago. His family gave him so much love, encouragement, and strength. They were more than just family. They were his very lifeblood. Every one of them was extremely special in their own way.

As he reflected back over his life, his decision to go to the university in Michigan had been spot-on, as the British would say. He’d hit the ground running because of his choice to play football. He’d started playing as middle guard. Hard work and perseverance had earned him the coveted position of offensive tackle. When he played peewee football, his grandfather had nicknamed him Son of Thunder. This year, he intended to live up to that nickname by absolutely crushing it on the football field. Not only had he performed better than anyone thought him capable, but word on the street was that some professional scouts had him in their sights. He wasn’t sure about playing football professionally, but he did know he loved the game. He wanted his final year of college to be about enjoying where he was right now, on the way to where God was taking him.

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CHAPTER 2

Kill’n’ It

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and

He shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy

righteous as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

—Psalm 37:5–6

R occo sat in his favorite reclining chair, drinking a protein shake before he left for class. He had just finished his morning devotional time in the Bible. He was currently studying the ministry of the major prophets in the Old Testament. He was always fascinated to see how God used them to deliver the message of God’s wrath against sin when most people only wanted to hear about the blessings of God. He felt that some people used God for their own personal gain, instead of truly loving and worshipping Him. Some of them treated God like Santa Claus, childishly making a list of everything they wanted without building a personal relationship with Him. Others treated God like a genie. They expected Him to grant their every wish, and then they simply put God back in a bottle until the next time they needed Him. The scriptures made it plain and simple that God was not Santa Claus or a genie. People were not supposed to use God for whatever they wanted and then cast Him aside. They were to seek God in every area of their life, and the blessing of their obedience to Him was that He would bless them with what they needed and desired. They could not expect to dishonor God and live in open rebellion and then have God bless their sin. It just didn’t work that way. Rocco wanted to make sure he was seeking after God every day. He didn’t just want material things. He truly loved God for the awesome sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Jesus’s love for all of humanity gave everyone access to God, eternal life, and prosperity in every area of their life while on earth. For this reason, God was worthy to be praised in whatever situation arose.

Rocco glanced over at the clock. He still had plenty of time before he needed to leave for the university. He grabbed his gym bag and checked to make sure all his equipment was intact. While he was rummaging through his bag, he began to reminisce about all the challenges and victories that God had given him during his football career …

Rocco had been playing football since elementary school. He loved sports, and when it came to football, his love for weight training and wrestling made him a natural. He was the perfect combination of strength, speed, and agility. As he got older, his love and talent for football increased. He thoroughly enjoyed the game and the camaraderie of his teammates. As he progressed in the sport, football became more of a vicious dogfight than a competition between trained athletes. His first experience with a competitive duel on the football field came from Drew Tolles. Rocco met Drew when he was about eight years old. They had attended the same elementary and junior high school together and had been acquaintances in their younger years. Their combative rivalry began when they went to opposing high schools, which eventually led them to go their separate ways. Drew didn’t view football as simply a sporting event; to him, it was warfare. He wanted to win the game by any means necessary. Unfortunately, that meant he became a very dirty player. Not only did he cheat whenever he could, he went out of his way to hurt the other players. As their rivalry in football grew, they became competitive enemies in high school. Drew did not restrict his attacks on Rocco to the football field. He began to start vicious rumors about Rocco that slandered his character and maligned his abilities as a player. Rocco understood the teasing and heckling that went on during the game. However, it was considered unsportsmanlike behavior to conduct one’s self in such a manner. Unfortunately, a lot of the players indulged in taunting one another on the field. It was a form of psychological warfare that Rocco abhorred. He didn’t understand why some people just couldn’t go out on the field and play a good, clean game of football.

At the end of their high school season, Rocco and Drew had been within the top four teams in their division. This meant that they would advance to the semifinal games. After both teams won the semifinal games, they advanced to play against each other in the championship game. Drew had taunted all the players that day. The final straw for Rocco was when Drew maliciously injured one of their kickers. He had bullied the smaller player all season long, and he took great pleasure in seeing him carried away on a stretcher. Even though Rocco hadn’t been the one to miss his block, it still enraged him. For the first time in his football career, he was actually out for blood. To add insult to injury, Drew’s team had gone on to win the high school championship that year. Rocco had been very angry with this defeat. His family had all been there to witness this humiliating experience. The next day, his father had taken him fishing. Normally, his father took all his sons on fishing excursions. However, this time it was just him and Rocco. They spent the first forty-five minutes just fishing together in silence. His father wanted to give him some time to just relax and clear his head. Once he felt Rocco was ready, he gave him a chance to vent.

The fish don’t seem to be biting right now.

Nope, replied Rocco.

Do you want to talk about the game yesterday?

Nope.

Well, obviously I didn’t bring you out here to just fish. I brought you out here so you could move beyond what happened yesterday. It’s best to release bad experiences quickly so they don’t fester inside of you. I know you’re extremely disappointed with how the game turned out yesterday.

It’s not just because we lost, Pop. I can’t stand that bigmouth, Drew Tolles. That dude is such a complete and total jerk. He goes around bullying everyone and purposely fouling people on the field. We would have won that game yesterday, if some of our key players hadn’t decided to stay out drinking and carousing half the night. It’s so unfair that they won the game! Why would God allow the bad guys to win? It’s almost like evil prospered over good.

Son, the first thing you need to understand is that evil will never truly prosper over good. The devil might win a few battles, but he will never win the war. I know it’s hard to believe, but if you give this situation to God, He will vindicate you. It might not be today or tomorrow, but it will happen. Right now, you have the satisfaction of knowing you played a good, clean game yesterday. In God’s eyes, that makes you a champion. A true champion for God is not necessarily the one who wins the game. A true champion is the one who stands for Christ and wins the war. He knows that he will live to see another day. That’s what happened when Jesus gave His life on the cross. The devil thought he had Him beat, but God used that situation to bring salvation to everyone who believes in Him.

So, what you’re saying is it ain’t over until God says it’s over.

That’s right. Trust me, you will live to play another day, and God will absolutely get the glory and teach you a lesson in the process.

Rocco had still been very upset about the game. He began to wonder what lesson God was trying to teach him. On that day, he had no way of knowing that in his junior year of college, he would discover that his father was absolutely right.

*****

Rocco remembered the thrill and excitement coursing through his veins during the final game in his junior year of college. He always felt his best on game day. His body was full of strength and energy. He felt more explosive power as he ran the field, blocking, defending, and tackling his opponents. He was exceptionally good at zoning in on the opposition and making sure they did not reach their intended destination. One of the things that made him an exceptional player was that he understood that it took more than speed and agility to be a good player. He needed to understand the strategy of the game. That was why he spent a lot of time watching videos of other games, both collegiate and professional, in his spare time. He was always trying to improve his game. Watching the films of other games also helped him to improve reading the plays. Reading plays had never been one of his strengths but rather a challenge that he was determined to master.

Rocco began to fervently study the Pioneers when he started hearing analyses that favored them to play in the championship game. His interest was piqued when he realized Drew Tolles was playing for the Pioneers. Rocco studied their team until he understood their strategy and how they played the game. He knew their strengths and their weaknesses.

Now here they were, three years later, facing off in a collegiate championship game. Some twist of fate or divine providence had set the stage for Rocco to finally receive vindication. The crowd roared with excitement as the Michigan Corsairs lined up against the Ohio State Pioneers in this year’s Big 10 Football Championship game. Ohio State had an impressive running game; however, Michigan’s defensive game was unmatched by any other college that year.

Rocco