Read Front Court Hex for Free Online Page B

for speaking up for me,” Jerry said as they left the warm smell of thelocker room behind them and stepped out into the chill night air.
    “He had it coming,” Ronnie said.
    They waited for a car to pass by, then crossed the street.
    “When’s our next game?” Jerry asked.
    “Thursday,” said Ronnie. “It’s another scrimmage. We don’t play a league game again until next Tuesday against the Skylarks.”
    Jerry was silent a moment. “I won’t be there,” he said finally.
    Ronnie frowned. “Why not?”
    “I’m going to be sick that night,” Jerry replied.

10
    J ERRY KEPT HIS PROMISE. He didn’t show up for the game.
    He started to read a book on antique and classic cars, but couldn’t concentrate on it. He knew that his place was at the game,
     not here. Even though it was a scrimmage, even though he might not make a single basket, he should have gone to the game.
    Darn it!
he thought.
It’s all Freddie Pearse’s fault!
    Freddie was the real reason why Jerry didn’t go. Sometimes Chuck Metz and theother guys made remarks to Jerry about his missing shots, but it was Freddie who really was the dirty one.
    He’s the one who climbs all over my back whenever I miss
, Jerry thought despairingly.
He never considers how hard I play. He overlooks the times when I steal the ball from an opponent, pick off rebounds, and
     dribble the ball upcourt to make it possible for him and the other guys to shoot. No, he thinks that I should make baskets,
     too.
    Jerry was quiet at the breakfast table the next morning.
    “Jerry, I haven’t heard you say a word about Danny Weatherspoon lately,” his mother said.
    “I haven’t seen him,” Jerry said.
    “Oh? Do you suppose he isn’t well?”
    “I don’t know.”
    At about 10:00 Jerry was in the school corridor, heading for math class, when someone poked him on the shoulder. He turned,
     and couldn’t believe his eyes.
    “Danny!” he cried, and looked at the red bell-bottom pants and blue shirt Danny wore. “Man, do you look sharp!”
    Danny grinned. “Thanks, Jerry. My mother thinks I should wear clothes according to the custom of the times.”
    “Yeah, you sure look better,” Jerry agreed. “Where have you been during the last week?”
    “Home. And here. Oh, I know what
you’ve
been doing. That’s what I want to see you about.”
    Jerry frowned. “Now? This minute?”
    “This minute,” Danny said. “Come on. Let’s get out of this traffic.”
    He elbowed Jerry around the corner of the hall. “Jerry, you’ll have to get on the ball,” he said emphatically. “You haven’t
     paid the slightest attention to what I’ve been telling you.”
    “About my doing things at home, you mean?”
    “Not things, Jerry! Duties! Your behavior is a disgrace to you and the Weatherspoons! Of all the relatives in our warlock
     ancestry you are just about the most — well, I can’t describe it.”
    “Then don’t try,” said Jerry.
    “Can’t you understand that I’m trying to help you for your own good?” Danny persisted. “Unless you mend your ways you’ll continue
     through life just the way you have been on the basketball court. Basketball is only one of the many ways in which you can
     suffer for your shamefulbehavior. Am I getting through to you, Jerry?”
    “You’re all wet, Danny,” Jerry said seriously. “I’m not going to be a goody-goody to satisfy you or any other ‘warlock ancestor’
     of mine. You’re wasting your time.”
    “I’m not asking you to be a goody-goody. Nor an angel, either. I’m just asking you to live decently, not to steal, and to
     love your parents by showing it. Is anything wrong with that?”
    Jerry admitted there wasn’t.
    “Then will you please get off your high horse and start working at it?” Danny said. “You come from a distinguished family,
     Jerry. You’re different from other people.” Danny smiled. “Really, it’s no disgrace being related to warlocks. It’s a lot
     of fun most of the time. Who