and on the wrestling team. We have lockers next to each other. That was how we met.”
“He seems nice from what you said on the phone.”
“He is. I feel bad for him though.”
“Why?”
“His father is a minister and from what I saw in the exercise room in the basement, he must push him into a lot of competitions.”
“I don't understand,” his mother said.
“There is a trophy case. It is filled with things from the past few years. I think there hasn't been one sport in elementary or middle school that Chris hasn't been forced into playing.”
“You don't know that Scott. Maybe he is just very competitive.”
“Maybe. Anyhow, I'm excited for Friday. I'm thinking about talking with the people in charge of the school paper. I'd like to get back into photography.”
“Oh Scott, let me guess. This boy would be considered good looking by many of the girls at the school?”
“Maybe, but that isn't why I want to take his picture. I'm good at photography and haven't taken pictures since sixth grade.”
His mother gave him a couple pieces of pizza on a paper plate. “I made your favorite kind. When I'm at work you will need to make yourself dinner. I did work it out that I should be home by 6 pm Monday to Friday.”
“Ya mom, how was your day today? It was your first day at work.”
“No no, we were talking about you. I want to know how were the kids. Did they give you any problems?”
“Mom, this place isn't like Oil City was. Besides, the others don't know anything about my past.”
“Good. I just started a new job and we don't want to have to leave again.”
“This time I am not going to let anyone force us to leave. It isn't like last time.”
Scott got out an Ipad from his backpack. “This is how they learn at the school. All our classes are on the Ipad.”
“I know. I had to pay insurance on it when I registered you. At the college many professors use electronic versions of the text books now. I knew that at least you couldn't say you forgot your books at school.”
He already had one Ipad at home, and it would have his textbooks in it too.
“I found out today about a program at the college for high school students. Could you find out what the requirements are? Chris was talking about how he was interested in going next year.”
“If you are eligible, you should think about it too. After seeing the college I know you'd like it.”
Friday
During the following four days, Chris introduced Scott to many of his friends at the school. They included him because Chris was a big deal.
Each day after school they would walk home together and split off two blocks from their respective homes. Thursday Scott went to Chris' for about a half hour. He helped him with his math homework, because he was far more advanced than the others in his grade.
Friday at lunch, which was a half hour early, Chris expressed his excitement at the big tournament starting at 1 PM.
“I have to do good, or my dad is going to be mad. He always looks disappointed if I don't get first place.”
“You should only ever just do your best. No one wins every time.You'll do great though.”
“I wish that I had a father that was as kind as your mother. She would never yell at you.”
“Mom just