High School Story

Chapter 8: Tiger Spirit

The football team is in the middle of practice with the former quarterback missing.

Julian: Caleb! Go long!

Julian throws the football to Caleb, but it lands several yards of the target.

Julian: Argh! Dammit!

Caleb runs back to Julian.

Caleb: It's okay, Julian. You're just rusty.

Julian: I mean yeah. But Coach Burke switched me to running back for a reason. I'm just better at it.

Coach Burke: Honestly, I think we need to move you back there. Thanks for trying. But if we're adjusting to a new quarterback, we should have everyone in their best positions.

Julian: I understand. Has anyone signed up for replacement QB tryouts yet?

Coach Burke: Not yet, but I'm sure we'll find someone.

Sammie: Excuse me, Coach Burke?

Coach Burke: Yes, Sammie?

Sammie: Caleb and I have to get to homecoming committee.

Coach Burke: Ah right. I'll see you tomorrow, Caleb.

Caleb: See you tomorrow.

A few minutes later at the gymnasium, Sammie arrives at the gym as Maria stands in front of the homecoming committee with a smile plastered on her face.

Maria: Hi Guys! On today's agenda, we have dance music, following by solidifying plans for Friday's pep rally. Any questions?

Koh: Yeah, why is homecoming committee in charge of pep rally? I thought we were supposed to be working on the dance.

Maria: Pep rally is a part of the dance, Koh! It's where we announce the nominees for the homecoming king and queen! Besides, the pep rally has historically boosted ticket sales up by six hundred percent, so it's important we get it right.

Maria then spots Autumn in the corner of the room, doodling on her hand.

Maria: Autumn!

Autumn jumps up, exclaiming.

Maria: Pay attention!

Autumn sighs.

Autumn: Sorry, Maria. I guess with everything going on, this just doesn't feel like the right time to worry about homecoming.

Sammie: But Autumn, that's exactly what Hearst wants! Why do you think they recruited Brian? To try and our spirit down.

Maria: Exactly! And if we won't boost our classmates spirits, who will? Now, any suggestions on music?

Maria surveys the room again with no one, but Sammie seeming to be paying attention until finally Wes speaks up.

Wes: Maria, you should known better.

Maria: What do you mean "I should known better"?

Wes: Even if we throw a half-descent pep rally, it's not like it'll bring back our star quarterback.

Payton: This just doesn't seem like the time.

Maria: Not you too! Payton, you love pep rallies and homecoming. What happened?

Payton puts her head in her hands.

Payton: Can we go home, Maria? Between Mia's injury and Brian's leaving....I just can't deal with you right now.

Maria: Deal with me?

Payton's eyes get big as she realizes what she just said.

Payton: I....I'm sorry! That's not what I meant.