Free The Childe by C. A. Kunz Page A

gracefully sauntered through the opening. Jumping on Cat’s bed, she lay down and started purring. Cat lay down next to her, scratching behind her ear. “Do I have tons to tell you? You’ll never believe what happened to me tonight!” As Cat talked on, Jewels listened to every word she said, seeming to store it in her memory.

5
    The Big Game
     

     
    The next two weeks of school flew by with preparations for the Homecoming festivities. With school spirit in high gear, the halls of Astoria High echoed with the excitement of its student body and roar of the school mascot, the Panther. Banners with black and gold writing were hung in the hallways as a constant reminder to the school that they would soon face their rivals, the Madison Warriors, in a pigskin battle royal.
    Bypassing the gym, Cat opened the side door leading to the pool. The warm, humid, chlorine filled air hit her as she entered. Walking around the edge of the pool, she headed for the locker room to change. Dressed, passing the coach’s office, Cat overheard a heated argument coming from within.
    “You’re lucky I’ve let you swim in these last two meets, Miss Rowe! Not showing up for practice is unacceptable!”
    “We both know I don’t need to practice. And your winning attitude will not allow you to kick me off the team. So this conversation is totally moot,” Amelia said pompously.
    “Well you better keep winning or you’ll find yourself on the sidelines! That’s a threat and a promise! You’re dismissed!” Coach Hutchins bellowed. Amelia stormed out of the office, nearly colliding with Cat. Glaring at her, she wondered how much Cat had overheard. Moving to the side, Cat watched as Amelia flung open the locker room door, making it crash against the wall and sending a shower of concrete tumbling to the floor.
    “Running a little late aren’t we Cat? Well don’t just stand there, out to the pool with you!” Coach Hutchins pointed, allowing Cat to walk ahead of her.
    Standing by the pool waiting for her turn, Cat mulled over what she just witnessed. Amelia must be really strong to crack the wall. She’s definitely an intense person, that’s for sure! And how does she get away with talking to Coach like that? Looking to her left she noticed Kirsten stretching arrogantly. Feeling her gaze, Kirsten looked at her and smiled, though Cat noticed her eyes were cold and calculating. “Next!” shouted Coach Hutchins and Cat turned to take her position on the blocks.
    Sixth period finally rolled around, it seemed like the day had been endless. A static noise erupted from the speakers at the front of the classroom. “Hey Panthers! Cindy Napleton here! Just reminding you that tonight is the big night when we’ll cream the Madison Warriors!” Her bubbly cheerleading voice piped through the static. “As I speak, each teacher should be passing out the Homecoming Court ballots. At the end of class he or she will collect them. By the way, I’m on it. Also we’re soooooo happy with our Mascot, Eleanor Porter, who’s done a fabulous job over the last two weeks.”
    “Eek!” Cat turned to see Elle sliding down in her seat, her hair falling completely over her bright red face.
    “So Panthers, let’s beat those wimpy Warriors and don’t forget to vote. Cindy Napleton signing off!”
    “Elle sit up, everyone’s staring,” Cat leaned over and whispered. Elle slowly rose up in her seat, her face flush and eyes staring straight ahead.
    “Jeremy would you please pass out the ballots?” Miss Amaya asked smiling at him, her purple scarf flowing around her neck as if blown by a non-existent breeze. “Thank you Jeremy. Now, I know today is Homecoming and you’re all probably focused on the game tonight. So I’ve decided to take it easy on you today and give a little trivia about the history of Homecoming. Then we can review what we’ve learned over the past few weeks.” Before Cat and Elle knew it, the bell rang ending their favorite