Off the Crossbar (9 page)

He rested his bike against the side of the house and pushed open the front door.

“We’re in here,” his mother called from the kitchen.

Charlie walked in and headed to the sink to wash his hands. His family had already started dinner.

“Grandma tells me you met a friend this afternoon?” his mom said.

Charlie sat down. “We tossed the Frisbee around a bit.”

“You also told her that you’d be home by six.”

“Sorry, Mom. I lost track of time.”

“You lost track of a lot of time — it’s after seven! I was beginning to get worried.”

“Sorry,” he said again.

“I assume you finished your book report.”

Charlie flushed. “Not exactly. I have a little more to do on it.”

“It’s due on Monday, right?”

He nodded. “I was going to try to finish it after dinner … and I have tomorrow to work on it.”

“I was in your room to tidy up before dinner, and I saw your report on your desk. It didn’t look as if you had only a little to finish. It looked as if you had the entire report to do — almost as if you hadn’t even started writing?”

“Maybe I haven’t written a lot. But I know what I wanna write about … sorta.”

“And you thought a game of Frisbee was a good idea in that situation?”

“I guess it wasn’t such a good idea now that I think about it. I’m going to get started on it right after we eat, I promise.”

He could tell his mother was angry. She was strict about school — his father had been too. They demanded good marks, and insisted that he get his work done on time. He knew he was in for it.

“I’m not happy about this, Charles. But why don’t you clean up and I’ll get dinner for you.”

Charlie was more than willing to let it go. He washed his hands, and then started to heap a massive pile of food on his plate. The Frisbee game may not have been a good idea, but he’d sure worked up an appetite.

He listened to his mom and grandmother discuss the café, which was due to open in two weeks. His mother had just hired a waiter and an assistant baker.

“I had to interview about a dozen people,” his mother said. “You wouldn’t believe some of them. They’d never
baked professionally a day in their lives. Most just thought it would be fun. I doubt they could even roll out a pie crust.”

“But you eventually found someone?” his grandmother asked.

“A fantastic person. Shirley Goodman is her name. Lots of experience and a really nice personality — I think we’ll get along well. She’s also new in town, and seemed thrilled to get the job.”

“I’m finished,” Danielle declared. “Can I watch the rest of my movie?”

“Did you finish your homework?”

“Did it at school.”

“All right. Just clear your plate and toss it into the dishwasher.”

Once Danielle had left the kitchen, his mother looked over at Charlie.

“I’ve told you before, that there are some things we like to do, and some things we have to do. School falls under the second category — it is not a hobby. It’s important that you keep up with your work, and do your best. I don’t care about the marks. I care about the effort. Staying up past your bedtime because you haven’t been doing your work on a regular basis is not acceptable. I know you were up late last night reading, and you’re probably going to be up late again finishing that report. This has to stop. And if hockey is going to get in the way of school, then there won’t be any hockey. Do you understand that?”

Charlie nodded. No point trying to defend himself.
He shouldn’t have left the report to the last minute, and he never should have agreed to play Frisbee with Pudge. “You’re right. I’m having a bit of trouble organizing my time. Hockey’s not getting in the way. It’s only right now, with the tournament coming up. I’m gonna really buckle down from now on. I promise.”

“That sounds good to me,” she said.

“Do you mind if I finish my dinner upstairs? I’d like to get started right away.”

“Okay. Just remember to bring your plate back as soon as you’re done, because I want to run the dishwasher.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Charlie gathered his food in one hand and drink in the other, and went to his room. He looked at the empty page on his desk and then over at the clock. He felt depressed. Another late night ahead of him — and tomorrow the assembly, where he’d find out who won the vote.

The girls’ and boys’ hockey teams sat together on the stage at the end of the cafeteria, which doubled as an auditorium. The room was abuzz with conversation as the entire school crowded in for the assembly. Groups of students huddled in the aisles gossiping and joking around, while just as many others wandered around looking for friends to sit beside.

Principal Holmes tapped the microphone with his finger. “Can everyone take his or her seat — and quickly please,” he ordered.

The students ignored him and carried on with their conversations.

“People, I really need your attention. We need to commence the activities immediately.”

He got the same reaction the second time. He was about to try again when Hilton came over, leaned over to the microphone, and said, “The sooner we get started, the sooner it’s over, so let’s everyone sit down and be quiet.”

That did the trick. Almost by magic seats were found
and talking ceased.

Principal Holmes cleared his throat, and the sound echoed loudly. “Everyone knows why we’re here today. It’s hockey time! And we’ve got four terrific teams ready to play this year. I have high hopes for our greatest success yet. The other teams are in big trouble, that’s for sure. And you know what I think? I think Terrence Falls is going to win in every division this year, that’s what I think.” He stopped and nodded his head. No one uttered a sound. The entire student body was silent. Principal Holmes stared out at the students, somewhat bewildered.

He coughed into the microphone, and in a more subdued tone said, “Without further ado, I’d like to call on the coaches to announce their teams. We’ll start with the junior girls’ team, coached by our new phys. ed. instructor, Ms Cummings.”

Cummings came to the microphone, wearing black track pants and a blue sweatshirt with
Terrence Falls
on the front. She called out the names of her players, and then announced that Julia was the captain.

A loud cheer went up, and Julia waved to the crowd before she put on her hockey sweater.

“Hey look,” Scott said to Charlie. “Your girlfriend’s captain, just like you.”

“Scott!” he hissed. “Don’t say that … the vote’s not … I mean …”

“He’s still in denial — about Julia
and
about being captain,” Nick stated gravely.

Charlie rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the podium. Cummings began to announce the senior
girls’ team. Scott took some ribbing from his teammates when his sister was announced as captain.

“It’s not fair that all the hockey talent went to the oldest child,” Nick said.

“It’s not fair that I don’t have a chance to display my talent on the ice because I have to be your defence partner,” Scott shot back.

Charlie interrupted their banter. “I think it’s our turn now,” he said.

Hilton had taken his place behind the microphone. “Let’s have a nice round of applause for the junior and senior girls’ teams,” he asked. The students obliged with a lusty cheer. The girls returned to their chairs, except Julia and Scott’s sister, who were instructed to stand to the side of the stage.

Hilton began to introduce the junior boys’ team. One by one the players were called, until the five nominated players remained. Then Thomas and Craig were called. This was the deciding moment. Charlie felt his chest get tight and a flush rise to his cheeks.

Jake and Ethan tried to look cool, but he could see that they were also nervous.

“Now for the names of the two assistant captains and captain,” Hilton said dramatically. “One assistant captain will be Ethan Mitchell.”

The crowd cheered for Ethan as he went to get his sweater. It was down to Charlie and Jake. The entire school was dead quiet as they waited for Hilton to make the announcement.

Hilton paused once more, and then announced, “The
second assistant captain will be … Jake Wilkenson.”

Charlie felt as if he’d been run over by a truck. Apparently, Jake couldn’t believe it either. He snatched his sweater from Hilton and stomped off to stand next to Thomas and Liam. Charlie knew Scott, Nick, Zachary and Pudge had voted for him. Incredibly, enough of the other guys voted for him too. He waited to be announced.

“I give you the captain of the junior boys’ team: Charlie Joyce.”

Charlie kept his head down as he crossed the stage. He noticed that most of his teammates clapped. He also got a nice round of applause from the audience, which he appreciated because few of them knew him by name. Hilton shook his hand and gave Charlie his sweater. He eagerly put it on. Hilton directed Charlie towards where Julia and Scott’s sister were standing, and returned to the microphone.

“Now I’m going to hand the podium over to Mr. Hughes, the coach of the senior boys’ team.”

Charlie looked over at his teammates. Scott gave him a big thumbs-up, and Zachary nodded approvingly. Then Mr. Hughes began to speak, so Charlie turned to look at him.

“Congratulations, Charlie,” Julia said quietly. Her voice surprised him. Somehow he’d forgotten that he was standing next to her.

“Thanks. Same to you.”

Scott’s sister leaned over and said, “Congrats from me too. Scottie’s told me all about you. Says you’re the best player on the team, and a nice guy to boot.” She leaned
even closer, and added in a whisper, “and I’m glad Jake isn’t captain.”

Charlie didn’t know what to say. Julia didn’t say anything either, although it seemed like she was trying not to laugh.

Hilton came up behind the three captains, and said, “Let’s keep the conversation to a minimum, so the crowd can hear Mr. Hughes, okay?”

All three of them nodded guiltily, and stared straight ahead as the rest of the team was called out.

Finally, it was all over except for the naming of the captain. This time it was no surprise. Everyone seemed to know that it would be Karl Schneider. The students cheered wildly when he came forward for his sweater. He smiled at the crowd and waved gallantly. Karl was over six feet, and weighed close to 190 pounds. His tight T-shirt displayed his ample muscles. Pudge had told Charlie all about the school’s resident superstar. He’d set numerous scoring records through the years, including the most goals for the high school tournament last year. Karl also played junior hockey, and the seventeen-year old was widely expected to be a first round pick in the NHL draft when he was eligible next year.

“Perhaps a few words,” Hughes invited.

Karl nodded graciously. He took the microphone out of the holder and walked to the front of the stage.

“Last year,” he began, “only one team, the senior boys, got to the finals — Chelsea beat us.”

A few students booed loudly.

“But that was last year,” Karl shouted.

Everyone in the cafeteria shouted back, and soon they were all chanting, “Ter-rence Falls! Ter-rence Falls!”

Karl held his hand up and things quieted down.

“That was last year, and let me tell you, every Terrence Falls team has gotten better. I’ve seen the practices, and things are really looking up. I am going to make a prediction, and some may think I’m crazy, but I predict that Terrence Falls will win four gold medals at the tournament. In fact, I guarantee it. Four gold medals!”

Karl held up his right hand, four fingers extended. The students did the same, chanting “Ter-rence Falls!” over and over.

“Starting tonight,” he shouted, as if straining to be heard over the crowd, “we are going to start kickin’ some serious butt. And the butt we’re going to kick most seriously is Chelsea’s.”

That got an even bigger reaction, and the students got to their feet and cheered Karl on. “I’m proud to be wearing this sweater. And I’m going to be proud of all our teams when the tournament’s over.”

Karl punched the air with his four fingers still extended, then went over and shook hands with the other captains. Charlie was amazed at the size and strength of Karl’s hand, and he held on for dear life as the powerful boy pumped his arm vigorously.

Karl stopped for a moment and said to Charlie, “I’ve seen you play, kid. Good luck and don’t make me a liar. Win that gold.”

Principal Holmes took the microphone back from Karl and was telling everyone that regular classes would
start in ten minutes. People began milling around the seats talking excitedly.

“So when do you play your first game?”

Julia was looking up at Charlie, catching him by surprise for the second time. It took a moment for the question to register.

“We play at eight o’clock tonight, I think. I can’t remember exactly who we play, but we play at eight.”

He tried to think of something else to say, but nothing came to mind. He was beginning to feel foolish when Julia said, “We play before you, then.”

“I’ll come early to check it out,” he replied. “Who do you play?”

“I can’t remember either,” she said. “Terrific captains we are, eh?”

“I guess we’d better figure that out by second period or people will begin to talk,” he said.

“Hey, Julia,” a high-pitched voice called out. “Come over here for a sec.”

A group of her friends had gathered at the bottom of the stairs.

She took a few steps towards them, then turned back to Charlie. “Lead your team to gold, or Sir Karl will be very disappointed,” she said, before heading off to join her friends.

“I’ll do my best,” Charlie replied.

Scott came up behind Charlie and put him in a headlock, adding a few knuckle rubs for good measure before letting him go. Nick, Zachary and Pudge came over as well.

“I want you to know that it was my vote that put you over the hump, so you have to be nice to me,” Scott joked.

“I think it was the fifty bucks I gave everyone,” Nick added.

The boys laughed, except for Pudge. In a serious tone, he said, “You deserve to be captain. A lot of the guys told me they voted for you.”

“Thanks, Pudge,” he said. “I hope I won’t let you guys down.”

“You’d better not let us down,” Scott said. “We made you, and we can break you.”

“You got that right,” Jake growled as he walked past, followed by Liam and Thomas.

Charlie and his friends watched as they left the cafeteria.

“It never ceases to amaze me what a jerk he is,” Scott declared.

Charlie sighed. “I wish I knew why he hates me so much.”

“Jake has to be the best player,” Pudge said. “I’ve been on his team since Atom, and he’s always been like that. He knows you’re better, and he can’t handle it.”

“We need Jake,” Charlie said, deflecting the praise. “He’s the best goal scorer we’ve got, and Liam, Matt and Thomas are no slouches either.”

Scott looked startled. He held out his hands to interrupt. “Wait a second,” he said. “I thought Charlie was our best goal scorer. That’s why I voted for him.”

“My specialty is defence, you know that,” Charlie replied.

They all laughed. “I’ll introduce you to our end sometime, Mr. Defensive Specialist,” Nick said.

Principal Holmes clucked disapprovingly. “Boys, please. You’re going to be late for class. You simply must get going.”

“Coach Hilton asked us to stay behind,” Scott replied, “to go over strategy for the game tonight. He wants us to use the four-star abracadabra defensive forecheck lock down.”

Nick covered his mouth with his hand and the others struggled not to laugh. Charlie suddenly realized that Scott was joking. The guy had no fear when it came to being funny.

Principal Holmes shook his head. “Dear me. I’ll never understand all these sports terms. It’s like another language.”

Ms Cummings gestured for him from the cafeteria floor.

“Yes, I’m coming,” Principal Holmes said. “Please excuse me, boys. Good luck tonight, and I hope the four-star abracadabra … locking strategy thing works out.”

As soon as he was out of earshot all five boys roared with laughter.

“You’re gonna get us suspended one day,” Nick said, slapping Scott on the back. “Forecheck lock down — now that’s a classic.”

“I’m proud of that one myself,” Scott said, patting himself on the back.

“We probably should get to class,” Pudge said.

They jumped off the stage. Charlie looked back before
he left the cafeteria. He wanted to hold on to this moment for a little longer — to be elected captain, in grade nine, was a huge honour. It could also add a huge amount of pressure. All eyes would be on him tonight. He closed the door gingerly and followed the others down the hall to his locker.

Later that day Charlie sat at the dinner table with his sister and mother. They were eating pasta, a pre-game ritual his father had always insisted on.

His mother had gone to great lengths to make it exactly the way he liked, but Charlie was barely eating, just picking at it with his fork and playing with the sauce.

“You should eat a little something before the game,” his mother said.

Charlie shrugged. “I’m not that hungry, I guess.”

“Are we perhaps a little nervous?”

“Maybe a little,” he admitted. “I just wish that the guys hadn’t made me captain. It’s not that I don’t appreciate it. But I’m new to the team, and it probably would have been better to choose one of the guys who’s been around longer.”