The Program

10

— So You've Got Brutes And Strategy —

I wake up and look at the time on my phone.

Oh no, the wrestling tournament is today. I didn't even tell Monica and Daniel either.

I get up and quickly get myself ready. Everyone else is already up. I guess I'm just a late sleeper.

"Hey, um Monica," I say. "There's a wrestling tournament today at the school. I'm sorry, I forgot to tell y'all."

"Oh, kid, we are busy today," Monica says, trying her best to act sad, even though I can tell she doesn't care about any sports. "I wish I would've known so I could've planned on going. I guess Jay can take you. He doesn't have anything to do."

Oh great. Cause that's just the right person...

"Ok, thank you," I say, and turn to pack my bag and eat breakfast.

I listen as Monica tells Jay. However, he doesn't complain.

He doesn't actually say anything.

—

I finish my breakfast and Jay leads us out the door. We get into his truck and start down the road. No words are spoken. It was as if we were playing the quiet game.

—

When we get out of the truck at the school, very few cars are there, as it is a weekend.

"I'm staying to watch, only cause I have to take you home," Jay tells me on the way inside.

I just nod, and we part ways at the main gym. He climbs the steps into the bleachers and I walk through to the back room.

Coach Jameson greets me. "You're a little late newbie."

"Sorry sir, I slept in."

"Yeah, that's what they all say. Now get changed."

"Yes sir," I say, grabbing my clothes from my bag. I change in the open when no one is looking.

Coach Jameson gives the team a chat before we walk out about how we are only going against each other for practice. Although it is practice, it is still a legit tournament and should be treated as one. We need to work our hardest and blah blah blah blah blah.

We all walk out in a line to the center mat, and we stand at the back edge of it so the crowd can still see.

"This is an uneven number, so only one of you will get a buy into the finals. And if you're even more lucky, you will only fight once at the end for first and second. I do apologize for that, but, it's a small number. So don't get your panties in a wad," Coach Jameson says as he walks down the line of us.

"I'll draw for the buy," he says, reaching into a cup. "Interesting. Newbie you have the buy."

I don't know whether to appreciate that or dislike that. I remain neutral.

"Now, someone is going to sing The National Anthem," he says. "You will stand and you will place your hand over your heart."

Lucky for me, I know what this is. We have this at The Program. However, it isn't in song.

A guy walks from the stands as an announcer says, "This is Devin Anderson, here to perform The National Anthem. Please stand."

Devin brings a microphone from his pocket to his mouth. Everyone places their hands to their heart and removes their hats. I do the same.

He starts singing words I've never heard before. I scrunch my face a bit. This isn't The Pledge of Allegiance. This must be for talented people to sing. All we do at The Program is train.