Making the Cut by David Skuy Read Free Book Online Page B

clapping.
    “Joyce, if you studied this hard in school your marks would be way higher,” Scott said.
    “Attention over here,” Jen announced. “I’ve posted today’s schedule on the bulletin board — and the rosters for the four teams.” She gestured to the whiteboard behind her. All the players began talking at once.
    “Quiet down, boys. Let Jen finish,” Trevor pleaded.
    The announcement proved too exciting however, and a low murmur continued. “You’ve got another five minutes to eat,” Jen said, “so finish your breakfast. You’ll see the teams soon enough — believe me, you’ll need the energy. Once you’ve seen your team, please go to the conference room with your team number. Team 1 meets in room one, et cetera. Not too difficult, even for hockey players.”
    Jake’s table roared at Jen’s joke.
    She pointed at the board again. “Following the meeting, which will take about an hour, you’ll go to your designated rink for the morning practice.”
    She’d barely finished before a horde of players charged to see the teams.
    “Don’t those losers know I’m the only one who made Team 1,” Scott said.
    Charlie almost choked on his toast laughing. Scott had a way of saying anything and making it funny.
    “You think you’re a funny guy?” Zane glared at Charlie, his fists clenched. “Let’s take a walk outside where the coaches won’t interrupt.”
    Dumbfounded, Charlie stared back. What was he talking about?
    “Why don’t you call me a loser to my face, loser,” he thundered.
    So that was it. Zane thought he’d made the joke, and had misunderstood what Scott said.
    “Zane, no one was dissin’ you. My buds and I were joking around. It’s cool.”
    “What’s cool is me putting my fist through your head,” Zane growled, taking a step forward.
    Charlie’s heart was beating wildly. He wasn’t afraid of a fight, but he certainly didn’t look forward to messing with Zane. He knew firsthand how strong he was. Behind him he noticed Jake smirking. Did he put Zane up to this?
    “Like I said, we weren’t talking about you.”
    Zane turned to Jake. “This dude’s lamer than a cold grilled cheese sandwich. You actually go to school with this wiener?”
    Jake shrugged. “Chill, man. We’re all fellow campers.” He came over and pulled Zane aside, clapping him on the shoulder a few times. “There’s no point fighting him — he’s not in your league.”
    All the guys at his table got up and followed them to the board. Zane turned around, and with his right hand pointed two fingers to his eyes and then back at Charlie.
    “Does he need glasses?” Scott joked.
    “What’s his name?” Slogger asked.
    Charlie’s heart was still thumping. “It’s Zane,” he managed.
    “More like Insane,” Nick said.
    Charlie told them about his run-in with Zane at thefitness test.
    “At least we know his push-ups are weak,” Scott said.
    “I don’t think too much of him is weak. He’s one big dude,” Slogger said.
    “And ugly,” Scott added.
    “Let’s see where we’re playing,” Charlie suggested. He didn’t need to be reminded about Zane’s size.
    The guys were still crowding around the lists so Charlie couldn’t see them at first. Over the shoulder of one kid he noticed that Nick was on Team 3, and then he saw Scott’s name under Team 4. To his surprise Corey was on Team 3. Jake was on Team 2. He felt a bit lightheaded as he looked to the final list.
    He couldn’t believe it: Charlie Joyce — Team 1.
    Slogger elbowed him. “We’re teammates. Be nice to me and I’ll pass to you once in a while.”
    Charlie ran down the Team 1 list. Savard and Burnett had made it, as had Simon and Gabriel. His heart sank a bit when he saw Zane had too; Slogger’s name was under his.
    Scott clapped Charlie and Slogger on the back. “Well done, Joyce. Bloody good show, Sir Sloggster.”
    Charlie wondered if Scott was miffed at being on Team 4. “You’ll move up quick,” Charlie said to