برگشت به تیم

Chapter eleven

Return to the Team

Suddenly they hear voices in the corridor outside. Ricki sees Stacy’s face at the glass panel in the door. Someone tries to open the door from the other side. Kyle shouts to Pat to help him keep it shut. Eric is too angry to notice. He hits Ricki on the head. Ricki is on the floor. He can’t get up because of his leg. Then he sees his crutches next to the computer table. If he can reach one of them.

He grabs Eric’s leg and pulls him down. Eric falls and, at that moment Ricki grabs the crutch and pins him down with it.

The door opens with a crash and Mr Stockton and some of the senior boys burst into the room.

“That’s enough, boys” he shouts. “Caplin, Martin, Jones - go to my office immediately. You’re in serious trouble. The police are coming for you.”

Eric is furious. As the seniors lead him and the others away, he shouts at Ricki and Tony, “I’m going to finish you! I’m going to break your other leg, Anderson. and yours too, Caruso!”

Later the four friends are in the lunch room at school when Mr Stockton walks over to the table. He smiles at the four students. “Kyle, Pat and Eric are not going to be in school for a while. The police are investigating their part in Ricki’s accident and the problems with Tony’s mom’s car. Kyle and Pat aren’t going to play basketball this year. Coach says he doesn’t want trouble-makers on the team.” He turns to Ricki, “I see you don’t have your crutches any more, Ricki,” he adds. “When are you going to start basketball practice again?”

“Well, the doctor says my leg is much better. I can start playing again next month,” replies Ricki.

“That’s good, but take it easy - you don’t want to hurt your leg again,” says Mr Stockton. “Now, there’s a newspaper reporter in my office who wants to talk you. He wants to do a story in the local newspaper about Eric and your accidents. Come to my office in thirty minutes. Stacy, Trish - you two girls, too.”

Later in the afternoon, Ricki and Tony are in the locker room. Tony is getting ready for practice when Anthony comes in and talks to them.

“Kyle Martin and Pat Jones are off the team. Coach says I’m on the team! I’m going to play in the game on Friday night!”

“That’s great, Anthony - you’re a good player, you deserve it,” says Ricki, smiling.

“I hope your leg gets better and you can start playing again soon, Ricki,” replies Anthony. “We’re going to be a fantastic team this year!”

They walk out onto the basketball court. Ricki sits down to watch the practice session. He thinks, “Now all the trouble is finished. I just want to play basketball!”