CHAPTER 7

EARLY TO RISE

When Andrew’s father stepped into the kitchen the next morning, Andrew was tying his sneakers. “What are you doing up?” Dad asked. “It’s not even seven.”

Andrew glanced up at the hall clock. “Wow,” he said. “I’m doing pretty well. See you later, Dad.”

“Wait a minute!” Dad replied as Andrew opened the front door. “Why are you leaving so early?”

“I’m going to jog to school,” Andrew said. “And there’s no way this run will get in the way of my schoolwork, since normally I’d still be sleeping.”

Dad scratched his beard and yawned. “I’d like to be sleeping myself,” he said. “But at least have some breakfast. You can’t run hungry.”

“I already ate,” Andrew said, stepping outside. “Bye, Dad!”

And with that, he took off running.

* * *

At lunch that day, Andrew leaned on his elbows and stared at the pile of ravioli on his plate.

“Hey, Andrew,” Logan said from the across the table. He glanced at Carlos and laughed. “Andrew.”

Andrew didn’t reply. His eyes felt heavy. He was hungry, but he couldn’t bring himself to fork a ravioli and pop it into his mouth.

Suddenly he felt an elbow in his ribs and jumped.

“Hey!” he said. “What was that for?”

Carlos laughed. “Just wanted to make sure you were alive over there,” he said.

“Really, Andrew,” Logan added with a chuckle. “Were you up all night or something? You look like you’re about to pass out.”

“Oh, I got up extra early today,” Andrew replied. “And I guess I went to bed pretty late last night, too. I jogged home after practice yesterday. And this morning I got up early to jog to school.”

“Why?” Carlos asked.

Andrew shrugged. “If Coach French isn’t going to give me time at practice to get my speed up, then I have to do it myself,” he said. “That’s what Marcus says.”

Carlos shrugged. “Sounds okay to me,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind having a wide receiver as good as Marcus to throw to. I hope it works.”

“Thanks,” Andrew replied. He speared a ravioli and ate it.

“Sure,” Carlos said. “But I hope your new schedule isn’t making you too tired. After all, today is game day.”

Andrew dropped his plastic fork. “Oh no,” he said. “I’m exhausted, and I forgot the game is this afternoon!”

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