· CHAPTER 10 ·
After the game, the team walked into the locker room for their regular post-game talk. Leslie joined them, using crutches to help her get around.
Everyone was happy, smiling and laughing. After a few minutes, Coach Arnold called everyone together and asked for quiet.
“Tonight was a really great effort from all of you,” Coach said proudly.
“I am really impressed with our free throws,” she continued. Coach Arnold nodded at Katie and said, “Great job, Katie.” Everyone clapped, and Mel put her arm around her friend.
Then Coach Arnold went on, “I am also very proud of our newest addition to the team. Nice job tonight, Mel!”
Everyone cheered. Mel could feel her face getting hot as she looked around at all of her smiling teammates.
She finally felt like part of the team, and the best part was that Leslie was there, cheering loudly.
When Coach Arnold was done talking, everyone hurried to change. They only had a few minutes before the varsity game would begin.
As Mel tied her shoes, Coach Arnold walked over. “Nice job,” Coach said.
“Thanks, Coach,” Mel said.
“And one more thing,” Coach Arnold went on. “I talked to Katie. She seemed to think that some of the freshman girls have been giving you a hard time.”
Mel looked down, embarrassed. “It’s not a big deal,” she said quietly. “I think it’s over, anyway.”
“I’m glad to hear it’s over,” Coach said. “But I’ll still be talking to the freshman coach about it tomorrow. Mel, I know that you don’t want to get anyone into trouble. But everyone here is on the same team, whether they’re on the freshman team or JV or varsity.”
“Okay,” Mel said. “Got it.”
“I know you do,” Coach said. “Great job today. See you out there.” She headed into the gym, and after a few seconds, Mel followed her.
Katie was sitting toward the top of the bleachers, and she waved when Mel walked in. Mel made her way into the stands to sit by her friend. But as she did, she heard a voice.
“Mel?” It was Felicia.
Mel felt a swoop of fear in her stomach. Had Coach Arnold already talked to Felicia? Did Felicia think Mel had told on her?
Felicia stepped quickly up the stairs to where Mel was standing. “Look, I’m really sorry about what I said the other day,” Felicia said.
“Why did you do it?” Mel asked.
Felicia shook her head. “I was really upset that Leslie got hurt,” she said. “I felt like you didn’t care. It seemed like you were glad she was in an accident because it meant you got to play on the JV team.” She sighed. “Plus, my dad gave me a hard time about not making JV. Anyway, Leslie told me that you were the first person to visit her in the hospital, and after I saw how you were cheering for us tonight, I realized I really screwed up.”
“It’s okay, Felicia. Really,” said Mel. “Everyone says things they don’t mean when they’re upset.”
Felicia gave her a small smile. “Thanks,” she mumbled. “See you tomorrow.” Then she started walking back down to the other freshman players.
Before Mel could head up the stairs, Felicia turned. “Do you and Katie want to sit with us?” she asked shyly.
Mel smiled. “For sure,” she said. “I’d love that. We’ll all sit together. As a team.”