Remember

Chapter 20

"Hey! Coach!" Gerry and I call after Boone, as he's leaving the school.

"What's on your mind, Bertier?" Boone asks us.

"It's Ray." I start

"I want him off the team." Gerry finishes.

"Guys, you know my policy." Boone says sympathetically.

"Yes, we do, and we respect it, but-" I start

"We know that Ray missed that block on purpose. Sometimes, you just gotta cut a man loose." Gerry finishes.

"Hmm" Boone thinks for a moment. "Well, you're the captain. You make a decision. But you support your decision." He says to Gerry, then walks off.

Gerry and I glance at each other before walking back to the school.

"You need to quit finishing my sentences." I tell him pointedly.

We walk back in just as the guys are leaving.

"Hey" Alan says when he sees me. "Can I walk you home?"

"Yeah, Gerry and I just need to do something real quick, and I'll be right out." I tell him.

He nods and walks out.

We stand by the door until Ray walks out.

"Ray" Gerry says, making him stop. "You're out."

"What?" Ray asks

"I'm not gonna let you play for this team anymore." Gerry explains. I stand behind him with my arms crossed, trying not to make eye contact.

Ray chuckles. "Oh yeah, Jerry Lewis? Gonna go and tell Coach Coon what to do? Just like last time?" Ray asks. "But then that's right. He is your daddy now, isn't he? Boone don't cut anybody. Remember Gerry?"

"I had you cut, Ray." Gerry says simply.

Ray looks shocked. "Is this cause I hit on your sister cause if it is, then-"

"That's not why." Gerry says. "You know why."

"You're just going to sacrifice our whole friendship, for them?" Ray asks in disbelief.

Gerry remains silent.

"You can keep up." Ray snarls as he walks by and out the door.

We follow after him, and he pushes past Alan.

"Wanna go get an ice cream?" Alan asks me.

"Sure." I say. "Gerry, do you wanna-"

"Nah." Gerry says. "I'm not in the mood."

I watch him walk off. He looks kinda sad, kicking around pebbles.

"You know what?" I ask Alan. "I'm gonna walk him home. We just had to cut Ray, and I think Gerry's a little bummed."

"Why'd you cut him?" Alan asks

"He missed the block on purpose." I say. "It's his fault that Rev broke his wrist."

Alan shakes his head. "You are so sweet." He kisses me on the forehead. "Go be with your brother."

I bite my lip to keep from grinning like a maniac, and give a small wave goodbye, walking down the stairs of the school.