Making the Cut

by David Skuy

  Slogger jogged up beside him. “No worries, dude. Bad decision. Forget about it.”

  Scott and Nick veered over.

  “I don’t see how Jake could’ve done it,” Nick said. “It must have been Savard. The rope probably didn’t go back over.”

  “Savard said he was positive he threw the rope to the right side,” Slogger interjected.

  “I bet Jake was behind it somehow,” Scott said.

  Charlie kept quiet. If Scott or Nick found out about Nathan they’d make a big deal about it. He didn’t want to draw any more attention to himself. It was enough that he’d figured it out and he could be on his guard. He felt really bad about involving Savard, however. Charlie spotted him running with Burnett and Cameron off to the side. He drifted over towards him.

  “Hey, J.C.,” he started.

  Savard and Burnett stopped their conversation and looked over. Neither seemed too happy.

  Charlie felt himself flush. “Sorry about all that … garbage. I didn’t mean … I mean I didn’t want … I mean I know you didn’t forget …” He knew he sounded like an idiot, but the right words wouldn’t come. “I’m sorry,” he blurted.

  Savard shrugged. “I doesn’t matter — like she said, just a race.”

  “It’s weird, though,” Charlie said. “I swear there was only one rope when I got to the wall and …”

  “Forget about it,” Savard said. “It’s cool.”

  He didn’t continue, and Charlie felt the growing silence made things awkward. “Okay. Great. I’ll catch up with you guys,” he said finally.

  They nodded, and Charlie dropped back to Slogger, Nick and Scott.

  They all looked so serious and worried that Charlie felt doubly bad. He didn’t want to bring them down too. “No big deal, guys,” he said. “Whenever something sinister happens, Jake’s gotta be involved. No mystery there. I’ll figure out how he did it if it kills me. I’m not stressing. Besides, there’s a good part to all this.” He put an arm around Scott’s shoulders. “It’s snack time.”

  “I like your thinking, Joyce,” Scott said. “I’m so starved I’m gonna need a whole buffet for myself.”

  “We’d better get there first,” Charlie said, “or there won’t be anything to eat. Pedal to the metal, dudes.”

  He accelerated, with his friends hot on his heels.

  “Curse everyone who’s faster than me,” Scott said, breathing heavily.

  Charlie heard a few disses as he sped along the trail.

  “Why didn’t he run like that in the race?”

  “Showing off for Jen?”

  They actually passed Jen on the path leading to the cafeteria.

  “I’m impressed by the effort, gentlemen,” she said. “Save some food for me.”

  “I’d like to,” Scott said, “but that’s not possible.”

  Jen laughed and wished them luck.

  Together they barged into the cafeteria. Charlie grabbed a pile of trays.

  “We won the race that mattered,” he said dramatically, tossing the trays Frisbee-style.

  “One tray?” Scott said incredulously. “You trying to starve me?” Scott helped himself to three bananas, some cheese and crackers, two pieces of bread, and two yogurt containers — and then added a bunch of grapes and an orange.

  “You had breakfast, right?” Slogger asked.

  Scott put his forefinger on his chin. “I don’t rightly know,” he said, as if deep in thought. “I think it would be prudent to eat this in case I forgot.”

  Charlie was surprised by how hungry he was, and he piled the food on. A nagging feeling bothered him as he ate, however. Dealing with Jake alone was one thing. If Jake had a bunch of guys on his side, they could mess him up in a hundred ways.

  He finished his banana. If only Pudge were here. He’d know what to do. Pudge was great at figuring stuff like this out. It would also be cool to have another friend in his corner. He could always count on Scott and Nick. Slogger seemed to be a cool guy too, and Charlie couldn’t help but like Corey even though he rubbed those guys the wrong way. Sure he was way too serious about everything, but Charlie could tell he was under intense pressure from his dad to do well at camp. Add in scouts and scholarships, he could understand why he pushed himself so hard.

  Which meant Charlie had four guys on his side, against Jake and his gang, and a Team 1 that wasn’t very happy with Charlie Joyce at the moment.

  Very, very not good — and it could mean serious trouble.

  10

  DEAD WEIGHT

  Charlie pushed his tray away and leaned back. “If I eat any more I’m gonna die.”

  “So you’re not going to finish that apple?” Scott asked.

  He rolled it over to Scott. His friend bowed before crunching into it.

  Trevor banged a spoon on a table. “Time to award the prize to Team 2 for winning the obstacle course race,” he announced.

  Charlie’s uneasy feeling got a bit worse. He didn’t need to be reminded of the race.

  “I bet Team 2 doesn’t have to go for a run tomorrow,” Nick said to Scott.

  “Maybe they get to sleep in,” Slogger said.

  The room quieted down. “Maybe it wasn’t the longest race,” he said, which got a reaction, “but there was a winner and the prize is amusing, so whatever … The grand prize is that each Team 2 member will be piggy-backed to practice. Team 2 now has to decide which team will do the piggy-backing.”

  A huge cheer went up from some of the guys at Jake’s table, all high-fiving, and the hooting and hollering got louder and louder. Jake began chanting, “Team 2! Team 2! Team 2 will destroy you!” and soon all his teammates joined in.

  “Huddle up, boys, and pick your team,” Trevor said with a laugh. He seemed to think it was all in fun. Charlie had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

  Jake called out, “Give us Team 1,” and began chanting “Team 1! Team 1! Team 1!” Soon the cafeteria was in a total uproar.

  If they didn’t already, the Team 1 players would really hate him now. He honestly thought he’d be sick.

  “Gentlemen, before you go, please check the bulletin board,” Jen said. “A few players will be moving teams. Think of it as a slight rebalancing. The coaches wanted me to stress that no one is being demoted or punished. They just think a few guys will flourish more on different teams.”

  After that announcement, the players began to put away their trays and head to the rinks. All of them made sure to check the bulletin board, however; and Charlie noticed some happy faces, and a few sad ones too.

  Jake came over to Charlie’s table. “My legs are darn tired, Joyce. That obstacle course took a lot out of me. I think I need a lift to the rink. Are you ready?”

  With a cocky grin he wandered over to the bulletin board, where Zane and Markus traded high-fives with him. Charlie knew it before he read the new team lists — Jake Wilkenson, Team 1. He noticed that Corey had moved to Team 2 to take Jake’s spot. That would cheer his roommate up at least.

  As if on cue, Corey appeared next to him. “Awesome, isn’t it?”

  He could only assume he was referring to his promotion. “It’s great news,” he said. “You deserve it.”

  Corey leaned closer. “I knew it would happen,” he said in a confidential tone. “Like you said, it’s okay to let some other guys have a chance. I must’ve sounded totally lame yesterday, worried like an old grandmother. I’ll be on Team 1 soon, for sure.” He elbowed Charlie, as they made their way outside. “What’s this Savard like? Is he really any good? He looks kinda small to me.”

  “I think he’s gotta be one of the best players here,” Charlie answered.

  Corey’s face clouded over. “But he’s not that big? I mean, what could he do against me in the corners or in front, right?” He suddenly thrust his hand in his pocket and pulled out his phone. “Hold on a sec, Charlie. It’s my dad.”

  “So I got promoted to Team 2,” Corey said. “Yeah, today. This morning. I’m off to practice … I�
�ll call you back later.”

  He put the phone back in his pocket. “I’m gonna run over to the rink — see if I can get on the ice for a bit of a skate around. Catch you later.” Corey ran off across the field towards the rink.

  “Excuse me, Charlie. Can I have a word with you?” Jen said. Charlie stopped and waited for her. “I don’t want to make a big deal out of what happened this morning. But I want to convey to you that issues are piling up: late for training, no form, and now the obstacle course. The coaches discussed moving you down to take some pressure off you, and let you focus more. Do you think that would help?”

  Charlie shook his head. It all seemed so unfair. He knew it looked bad, but none of the problems Jen mentioned were really his fault. But she’d think he was a whiner if he said that.

  “I’ll do better. I know I maybe got off to a slow start … being late and stuff.” He wondered if she knew about the elbow pads. “I’m good now. I’ll be fine.”

  She peered into his eyes. “You’re a nice kid, and we want you to do well. The YEHS is for elite athletes, and if the pressure is bothering you then let me know and I can help. Don’t feel like you have to stay on Team 1 to prove something …”

  Her voice trailed off, and then she waited for him to respond.

  “I’m … I’m good, like I said. I’m into the rhythm of the camp now. There won’t be any more mistakes.”

  She didn’t look entirely convinced. “Okay, Charlie. Why don’t you head on out.”

  Heading out wasn’t exactly something to look forward too, but he was happy to end this conversation. He said goodbye and, as he exited, heard shouting and laughing. The piggy-backing must have started.

  This wasn’t going to be pretty. This was going to be downright ugly!

  A few Team 1 guys had already started towards the rink when he arrived. Team 3 and 4 players had formed a lane and they clapped and dissed the unfortunate piggy-backers as they trucked across the field. Clark, Miller and Binns were watching too, giving good-natured encouragement.

  “Mr. Joyce,” Jake said grandly. “I’ve been waiting for my noble steed. Let’s make haste. I do not wish to be late for my appointment.”

  Charlie steeled his nerves and bent down without a word. He wasn’t going to give Jake the satisfaction of seeing how embarrassing this was. Jake jumped onto his back.

  “Giddy-up, horsey,” Jake said gleefully. “Catch up. I wanna win.” He slapped Charlie’s sides, imitating a jockey.

  Everyone was laughing at Jake’s antics. It wasn’t so comical for Charlie. Jake was a big guy, and once they’d gotten past the onlookers he made sure the ride became painful. The occasional dig of the elbow into his back wasn’t the worst part, though. Jake kept up the trash talk the entire way, never letting up for a second.

  “Joyce, too bad about the rope. I feel awful about it … now that you’re my horse and all.”

  “There was only one rope, I was there first, and I didn’t cut you off,” Charlie sputtered, as the strain of carrying him became overwhelming.

  “You’re right. Only, no one else knows that — which is the beauty of situation. The guys on Team 2 love me ’cause I won the race for them.I’m on Team 1 where I belong, and all the Team 1 guys think you’re a total cheating doofus — even Savard, he told me. Now I’m not so sure it’s cool that we’re teammates. But I bet you’ll mess up again big time and get sent down. You never know what can happen.”

  He laughed at that, which confirmed Charlie’s suspicions. Nathan had definitely thrown his rope over. When he got to the other side of the field he let Jake drop.

  “One day you’ll get what you deserve, and I hope I’m there to see it,” Charlie said. “And from now on how about we don’t actually talk to each other. You’re not as interesting as you think.”

  He brushed past as Zane and Markus came over.

  “What did he say?” Zane asked Jake.

  “He … um … he told me … He said he has a big booboo on his knee and it’s really hurting.”

  Charlie kept on going. Jake never had to take responsibility for being such a jerk. He was the type of guy who always got away with things. As he reached for the door handle to go into the rink, the door swung open and Slogger stuck his head out.

  “Did you survive?” he asked with a cock-eyed grin.

  “Not with my pride. How about you?” Charlie said.

  “I carried Nathan. Not quite as big as Jake. I got off easy. But I hope we don’t lose any more challenges.”

  Charlie paled. “I guess I’d better apologize to the guys. No one’s gonna be too happy to see me.”

  Slogger looked surprised. “I didn’t mean it like that.” His eyes lowered to the floor and then back at Charlie. “Some guys buy Jake’s act. I’m not one of them. I’m not buyin’ it for one second. The guy is too cool by half. I’ll see how tough he is on the ice.”

  “Jake’s an awesome player,” Charlie said. “He’s probably one of the best players here.”

  Slogger shook his head. “I don’t get you, Charlie. Scott filled me in on the Rebels and your school team, and all the garbage Jake’s pulled on you — and then you tell me how great he is.”

  Charlie had to laugh. “Maybe awesome is going too far. How about barely okay?”

  “That sounds more like it,” Slogger said, and together they went in.

  11

  LOSERS WEEPERS

  Jen almost ran them over running up the stairs from the dressing rooms. She seemed almost out of breath, and for the first time since Charlie had met her, she looked really angry.

  “Sorry, gentlemen. Did you see anyone come down these stairs?”

  “Not really,” Charlie said. “We just got here.” He pointed at Slogger. “We kinda had piggy-back duties.”

  He expected her to laugh. Stone-faced, she replied, “Spread the word that Coach Miller’s Stanley Cup ring is missing. He left it in the coaches’ change room this morning …” She closed her eyes briefly and with two outstretched hands said, “Are you sure you didn’t see anyone? Who came in before you?”

  “I came in right before Charlie,” Slogger said. “I didn’t see anyone — at least I don’t remember anyone off the bat.”

  She groaned slightly. “This is all I needed. Okay. Get dressed.”

  “Do you want us to help look?” Charlie said.

  “No, thank you. You have to get ready.” She sprang up the stairs two at a time and walked quickly towards the door.

  “You don’t think someone would actually steal it, do you?” Charlie asked Slogger. It seemed unbelievable. Steal a Stanley Cup ring! “You could never wear it around, and …” He gave his head a shake. It seemed too unreal.

  “It would be a totally bold move. I mean, to go into the coaches’ room, dig around and take the ring … a bold move.”

  “Miller’s gonna totally lose it,” Charlie said.

  Slogger opened the dressing room door. “Did you guys hear about Miller?” he said. “Jen just told us. Someone stole his Stanley Cup ring.”

  “That’s whacked,” Simon said. “For real? No way!”

  “Where’d you hear that?” Cameron asked.

  “Jen told us,” Slogger said.

  “What’s the controversy?” Jake said, as he flopped on the bench by his equipment.

  “Jen said someone’s ripped off Miller’s ring.”

  Jake’s eyes grew big, and he laughed incredulously. “Now that’s a big score. How much would a Stanley Cup ring be worth? Thousands, I bet.”

  “You’d get a ton of money, like twenty thousand dollars,” Zane said.

  “Not that much, dude,” Jake snorted. “Give me a break.”

  “Yeah … well … like I care,” Zane muttered, and he went over to open his bag. Slogger sat down as well. Charlie looked around for his bag. The guys continued to talk about the ring. Jake took the lead, speculating on who took it and how he’d sell it without getting caught. Charlie, meanwhile, was feeling ridiculous standing in the middle of
the room looking for his equipment. But where was it? He scanned the room again.

  “You gonna give us a pep talk, Joyce?” Jake said, finally noticing him.

  He laughed, but he knew it sounded nervous and panicky. His equipment was probably in another room. “Maybe later,” he said, and he turned and left. As the door closed he heard some guys laughing. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. Why didn’t he just say his bag wasn’t there? He sounded completely lame — and was dissed by Jake yet again.

  Staying calm got a lot harder as he searched the other dressing rooms. They’d practiced here yesterday afternoon, so where else could it be? He wandered into the lobby, his mind racing.

  Trevor was standing by the vending machines. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready?” he said.

  Charlie had run out of ideas, and so, trying not to sound too desperate, he said as casually as he could, “I’m sort of looking … for my equipment.”

  Trevor raised one eyebrow and pulled his head back. “I might try the dressing room.”

  “I did … it’s not there.”

  “Where could it be?”

  “I wish I knew,” he said meekly.

  “First Miller’s ring, and now this.” Trevor raised his arms and let them flop to his sides. “Did you check all the other rooms?” he said quickly.

  Charlie nodded.

  “Charlie, this is not good. How can you lose your equipment?”

  Charlie looked down at the floor.

  “I’ll help you look,” Trevor said softly. “Come on. It has to be here somewhere.”

  Ten minutes later they’d looked in the coaches’ room, the trainer’s room, upstairs in an office and even in a storage room that Charlie had never seen. His panic level doubled when the Team 1 players began to file onto the ice. Trevor seemed almost as distressed as Charlie.

  “This is bizarre. I have to get ready. I’m doing the warm-up drills for Team 1 today.” He looked genuinely upset. “Find Jen and have her help you. Sorry, but I have to get my skates on.” He ran back to the coaches’ room, leaving Charlie alone in the lobby. Coach Miller swept past him, followed by Jen and Coach Binns. They all looked very, very angry. Halfway down the stairs, Jen whirled and came stomping back to him.