Life Of Two Best Friends: College CHPT 43

CHAPTER 44

School yesterday seemed to be better. Maybe without the constant stupidity of running into the upperclassmen, my days were becoming less stressful. I was actually able to focus on my classes; I even was able to complete homework assignments in classes. Which in turn, allowed me to catch a nap in the afternoon before practice. So I was able to be refreshed, and ready to go again.

After the day of helping Chad, the upperclassmen left me alone. Chad had told the other guys to leave me alone; at least until Bryan returns. So hopefully I can figure out college and be better situated for the mock meet.

…

“Everyone gather around,” Coach called out to everyone as we did our stretches.

We all walked over confused at the sudden change. Maybe it was another one of coach’s last minute changes that means death or learning. I’m hoping for learning.

“Bryan has switched schools. He is now leading the Eagles team in Helena. Our rival school.”

‘What? He left?’ I looked to coach but he did not look my way.

“I am guessing Bryan used his family’s name to be able to pull such a stunt. And as you can see a few other A string teammates are gone as well.”

I checked over to where the upperclassmen usually stood, and only Chad stood there. ‘What is going on? Bryan was not the type to run away. He seemed more like the type to be kicked off the team before leaving.’

“I’m telling you all this, just to let you be aware. Not that it changes anything. The mock meet will still tell me who will be the A string athletes. But now there are more spots open, as long as you want it enough you have a chance. Now get in the pool.” Coach started off to his chair. Like all was back to normal.

“Coach,” I had caught up to him. “What’s going on?”

“George. Set an example and listen to your coach. We can talk after practice. Now go.”

Coach was right. No sense in arguing. I walked back over to the top lane. Chad stood there too. The lane beneath me looked to me for the warm-up set. ‘Lead George. You are the leader now.’ “Eight hundred freestyle warmup. Let’s go!” I leapt into the pool.

…

“What happened Coach?” I stood in Coach’s office. Jeremy and Chad had both stayed behind.

“Bryan tried to get you kicked off the team.”

“What! Why and how could he try to do that?”

“Oh, believe me George. If I had not been the coach, Bryan and his father would had succeeded. Had I not been notified of their last minute meeting with the headmaster you would have been probably expelled.”

Coach cut me off before I could respond.

“They I were trying to twist the truth about why Bryan was suspended from the team. That it was all your fault, for manipulating and falsifying what really happened. They painted you in such poor light by the time I arrived. Luckily I had the video on my phone and I killed their scheme. Which in turn made them look bad. And before the headmaster could give them their verdict they exclaimed they quit this school and left the office.” Coach rubbed his forehead and seemed to stare into nothingness.

‘Wow. I knew Bryan was coward. But I never thought him to be a quitter. Really I thought he would be someone to be kicked off the team before just running away. What a disappointment of my rival.’ “What now Coach?”

“Between the two of you, you must decide who will now lead this team.”

I looked at Chad. He seemed determined. But I didn’t know if the rest of the team would listen to him. Since he was originally part of the upperclassman group. Not that I wanted the role. I didn’t think I was ready for that, but everyone listened to me already.

“I don’t want to be the referee on this decision. Go back and discuss it among yourselves. But starting tomorrow this team needs leadership. Now go back to your dorms.”

…