Decisions To Make

Carter woke up the next morning, not surprisingly sore from how rough his own team had been on him. Lance had lost the game all because he wouldn't throw Carter the pass.

Still, Carter had a long day in front of him. First football practice which the boy could only assume meant laps for the team considering what happened last night. Then breakfast. Then meeting with his private track coach, who had been at the game last night and private practice. He was honestly looking forward to none of that. He was, however, looking forward to tonight and spending time with Blossom at the dance.

Football practice went as suspected. Laps and plenty of them. The coach had said he could sit out but Carter did not want to give them anymore kindling for that fire of hating him. So, he ran with the team. Was knocked into a few times until some of the nicer team members started running with him.

After practice he ran into Mel who clearly blamed herself for what had happened at the game. It wasn't her fault and he told her as much. People seemed to be leaving Mel alone - not blaming her for what happened with Doug and for that the boy was glad. Still, they certainly wanted to blame him or at least the team did.

He ate breakfast with Blossom and their friends. Then it was to meet with his private coach. That wasn't at the school but a private track a few miles away.

"Come in and close the door behind you." The coach said as Carter entered his office.

Coach Moss was one of the best track coaches in the country. His clientele was extremely limited to those he chose to take on. He could also drop athletes quickly if they didn't measure up.

"Take a seat." Carter did as was requested and already knew the coach wasn't happy. "What was that at the game last night?"

Carter briefly explained what had happened without going into too much detail.

"I see," Coach Moss continued. "Tell me again why you're here. I mean working with me. What is that ultimate goal?"

"To compete in the Olympics." Carter said. It had been a dream for years now.

"They didn't hurt you seriously this time but what about next time? What do you think will happen if you have to miss practice or Nationals due to being injured because of your own team." Coach Moss let out a breath. "What did I say about football - about you moving up to varsity,"

'You didn't like the idea because I could get seriously injured." Carter responded.

"Well, I now hate the idea. You are doing too much anyway. You need to either decide football or training to reach the Olympics because you cannot do both. Not any longer." The coach stated. "Now, go decide what you want more football or that chance at a spot on the Olympic team. No practice today, you look too sore for it anyway. GO."

"Yes, Coach. Carter went back to his car. If he quit the football team he knew people would see him as given into them or scared, which he wasn't. If he didn't, all those years of practicing for the Olympics, might be for nothing.

When the boy's car pulled into the parking lot of the school he wasn't any closer to deciding.