CHAPTER 9
That night, after the game and after he’d done his homework, Andrew looked over his schedule.
The next game was a week away. If he did his morning homework during lunch, he’d have extra time to run after school. If he skipped playing Championship Soccer with his brother some nights, he could get to bed early and be up in time for a morning run, too.
That week, Andrew was very busy. The morning after the game, he woke up early and ran sprints in the park near his house. He even had time to shower and catch the bus afterward.
At lunch, he spotted Logan and Carlos at their usual table, but he headed off to a quiet corner with his tray of food.
Andrew pulled out his books and started his math homework. After a few minutes, he realized someone was standing behind him. He turned to look.
“Hi, Carlos,” Andrew said. “Hi, Logan.” His two teammates stood there, smiling at him.
“What are you doing?” Carlos said. “It’s lunchtime. You’re not supposed to be doing homework now.”
“Yeah,” Logan said. “What, did you leave your homework for the last minute? Is this due next period or something?”
Andrew shook his head. “Nope,” he said. “This is the homework Ms. Finnegan assigned in math today. I’m getting it done now so I can work out tonight.”
Carlos and Logan looked at each other. Then Carlos put a hand on Andrew’s head. “Hm,” he said. “He doesn’t have a fever.”
“Maybe we should call the nurse anyway,” Logan said. “Just to be on the safe side.”
“Ha ha,” Andrew said without smiling. “You guys are hilarious. Now leave me alone so I can work.”
Carlos shook his head. Logan slapped Andrew on the back as they walked away.
* * *
That weekend, Andrew had plenty of free time. Normally he’d spend it at the mall with his friends, or playing video games with his brother. Not this weekend, though. He had a game coming up, and he needed to get ready.
“Andrew!” his dad called. “Logan is on the phone. Are you meeting some guys from the team down at the mall today?”
Andrew was at the front door, putting on his sneakers. “No, Dad,” he called back. “I’m going running. Tell Logan I’ll see him Monday. We can hang out next weekend.”
He pulled open the door and flew down the sidewalk toward the track at the park, leaving Dad holding the phone.