“Boys, let’s get out on the field!” Coach Randall barked. Immediately, his new players obeyed.
Madeline pouted a little when Bruno let go of her and rushed over to his coach. Nearby, Neil stood mooning after the strapping boy shouldering his way out with the rest. Briefly, Madeline had a mental image of a scrawny brown-haired boy with glasses, not exactly an outcast but socially awkward enough to keep him a loner. Coach Randall’s tampering had certainly done him plenty of favors.
“Neil?” Madeline sidled up to her taller friend.
The girl turned quickly as if just realizing her presence. “Matt? Is that you?”
“It’s Madeline, now.”
Neil giggled. “In that case, call me Nessa. As in Vanessa.”
“Oh, nice name,” Madeline complimented. “I would’ve figured Natalie or Nell.”
Nessa ran a hand through her long, lustrous hair that now brushed her feminine hips. “Well, it’s based on the butterfly genus, actually. Because that’s what I feel like, a caterpillar that just turned into a beautiful butterfly!”
“A butterfly genus?” Madeline shook her head. “Turned into a sexy cheerleader, and you’re still a nerd.”
“Hey, I like bugs, ok?”
“Nerd.”
Nessa stuck out her tongue before joining in Madeline‘s laughter.
“Okay, ladies!” Coach Wells called out. “Gather round! I have something to say.”
Madeline and Nessa mingled with the rest of the girls now clustered around the woman.
“Now, as I’m sure you’ve figured out, each of you is totally dedicated to your boyfriend.” Coach Wells paused while her students nodded. “Keep in mind, that does not mean I want to see any rivalries in the squad. The last thing we need is a divided squad. Most importantly, you are ultimately loyal to me, first and foremost. There may be times when I’ll ask you to do something behind your boyfriend’s back. I expect you to do it without hesitation, because it’s really for the greater good. For all of us. Is that clear?
More nodding.
“Good! Now let’s get out there and practice!”