CHAPTER 11
The next day, Owen and Max were the first kids to arrive at the arena. Jace and Stan were standing off to the side, talking in hushed tones.
When Jace spotted Max and Owen, he quit talking and waved hello. He smiled at them as he walked over.
“Get geared up, guys,” he said. “Big match today.” He glanced over at Stan. “We’re up against the green team.”
Soon, Max and Owen stood near the entrance to field one with their markers in their hands and their hoppers loaded.
Across the field, Max could see the members of the green team, ready and waiting to start. But nothing happened. In fact, Stan wasn’t even up in the observation area yet.
Owen elbowed Max. “Look,” Owen said, pointing across the field. The biggest member of the green team was being pulled away — Alex.
“What’s going on?” Max said quietly. Jace and Stan were leading Alex around the field toward the yellow team’s entrance.
A moment later, Alex stood in front of him. Jace and Stan were beside him. Alex lifted his goggles and held out his hand.
“I’m sorry for picking on you a little,” Alex said. He shoved his hand toward Max.
Max stared at the bully’s hand for a moment. Alex cleared his throat. “You’re supposed to shake it,” he said, a snotty tone in his voice.
Max looked at Stan and Jace. They both nodded a little. Max had no choice. He shook Alex’s hand, just for a second. Then Alex turned and walked off.
Stan left to get up to the observation area and start the matches.
“That’s the end of that,” Jace said. He smiled and patted Max on the back. Then he turned and headed to the observation area too.
“Yeah, right,” Owen said. “There’s no way that was a sincere apology.”
Max shrugged and smiled. “To be honest, I don’t even care if it was,” he said. “I feel better anyway.”
“Why?” Owen said.
Max thought for a moment. “Because I told my dad about it,” he said. “It felt good to get it off my chest instead of keeping it bottled up inside.” He grinned at Owen. “Now let’s focus on what’s important,” he said. “Let’s play some paintball.”