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complimented me? So I would feel compelled to say something nice back? Sorry, I don't swing that way buddy."
    "No. I meant it."
    But something flickered in his eyes that made her suspicious.
    "Well then. You're a phenomenal football player. You have a lot of potential."
    "And you mean that?" he asked skeptically.
    "Just as much as you meant what you said."
    "Oh."
    "Yeah."
    He got up and promptly held his hands out to help her up. She pushed his hands away and stood up on her own.
    "What, you don't trust me?" he asked.
    "Not for a second."
    "How about we call a truce?"
    "Sure," she said easily.
    A little too easily
    There was something about the way she said 'Sure' that made him cross his fingers behind his back as they shook on it.
    "So are we friends?" he asked hopefully.
    "Of course not."
    "But we just called a truce!" Brandon protested.
    Shelley rolled her eyes. "It doesn't change anything. It just means peace between us until you get bored and decide to raise hell again."
    "You scared?"
    "Of course not," she scoffed, "I'm holding all the cards. If you play the way I think you will, I'll have you where I want you in no time."
    "So there is no truce?"
    Shelley shook her head. "There is. It depends on what happens after this."
    She turned her back on him and rejoined the circle. Brandon followed her and pushed Johnny aside so he could sit next to Shelley.
    "What are you doing?" she hissed.
    "Sitting in the circle," he replied, "Now hush! Mr. Wise is talking!"
    "Now it's time to give you my lecture," said Mr. Wise. "Today is about team unity. I know you're thinking, 'Some bonding session; all we did was compliment each other', but I hope you leave here today with a sense of renewal. I noticed a division in the team this week; I am assuming that Brandon and Shelley have called a truce for the good of the team?" When Shelley nodded he continued, "I expect the rest of you to get along, whether or not your favorite people get along. We're a team. Start acting like one! We can't win unless you work together. I didn't want to tell you guys this until the beginning of the season, but I think its best I tell you now. This is my last season coaching."
    Mr. Wise paused, letting the information sink in. None of the boys seemed too shocked; it was as if they had been expecting it.
    "That's partly the reason why Shelley is here. I want this year to be fun and rewarding for everyone. That means WINNING. We can't win unless everyone is on the same page, and right now some people are on entirely different pages. In order to succeed we all need to be working for a common objective. You're not going to get anywhere if you don't have a game plan, goals! Have a damn purpose this year! Most of you are seniors. Do you really want to be on a losing streak your last season? Listen to Shelley! She knows what she's doing, even if you don't think so. Take her seriously. Be the team that's too close to break apart; forge bonds. You've already been bonded by being on the team. You're brothers. We can't have a division in the family; that distracts us from what we're actually aiming for. Strive to win! Work hard, play hard! I'll know you're bonded when each and every one of you shows that desire to reach one common goal: to win. We don't need to go to state, although that'd be nice; just having a good record this year is enough! But team unity is crucial! If you've got problems with each other, leave it at home. Work things out on your own time, not mine. But for God's sake, START ACTING LIKE A TEAM!"
    Mr. Wise nodded, signaling Kyle that he was done. Kyle stood up and said,
    "And so I propose that we all go out as a team to IHOP for breakfast, since it's still barely 10 and I'm starving."
    - - - - -
    At IHOP Shelley found herself sitting next to Brandon, again . Did he have a death wish? She ordered strawberry crepes with extra whipped cream and was surprised when Brandon asked for the same. After their waitress walked away, Brandon quickly excused