Free Box Out by John Coy

sixth of July, not the ninth.” The woman holds up six fingers.
    â€œIt’s the ninth. Eight, nine.” The guy’s got a gravelly voice. “I always remember eight, nine for July ninth.”
    â€œEight isn’t the number for July. That’s August and her birthday’s in July, not August. It’s July sixth.”
    Liam catches the eye of the pretty cashier with purple nail polish and slides his money forward.
    Outside, he unscrews the cap and turns on the pump. He needs to hurry to have time to talk to Coach before first period.
    At school, Liam waits in the hall outside Coach’s math room. Iris Cleary is talking to Coach about a make-up test. Liam rocks back and forth on his heels. She’s taking forever.
    What’s he going to say anyway? What if he told Coach that he’s uncomfortable with the prayers and HAF because he’s not a Christian? Maybe he could say he was a Sikh. He went to school with Sikhs in Seattle. What would Coach say if he showed up for practice in shorts, shoes, and a turban?
    He pulls at the red tie that’s snug around his neck. Coach insists that they dress up for road games to give a good image of Horizon. Liam feels like he’s choking and his feet pinch in his dress shoes. He can’t wait any longer. There’s notenough time now before the bell. He scrambles away down the hall.
    English is as boring as ever. Mrs. Stabenow reads from her notes and drones on about symbolism in poetry like only she’s smart enough to figure it out. He used to like reading when he was little, but there’s nothing like being forced to read a bunch of boring books to take the fun out of it.
    After school, Liam walks into the locker room. The bus leaves for Tintah in half an hour, so Coach will probably be in his office getting ready for the game. Liam jams his fingers between his neck and tie to create some space. He’s always hated ties. Calm down. Relax. He knocks on the door.
    â€œCome in, Bergie.” Coach pauses game film of Tintah and pulls newspapers off the metal folding chair. “What’s on your mind?”
    Liam takes a deep breath. “I’m really glad to be on varsity. I appreciate the opportunity.”
    â€œYou earned it, Bergie.” Coach looks at him like he knows this can’t be the reason Liam’s here. “When Jensrud got hurt,we needed another tall guy. Height is the one thing I can’t coach.”
    Liam smiles. “I feel like I’m learning a lot.”
    â€œYou are. You pay attention. You play hard. You’re improving. That’s all we ask. As a sophomore, of course, you have a lot to learn. And we need you to put some muscle on that frame for next year.”
    Liam nods. He’s shaking all over, like he’s fallen into an icy lake. “Coach, you said if we ever had anything we needed to talk about to come on down.”
    â€œThat’s right. My door is open.” Coach leans back and spreads his arms. “What’s on your mind?”
    â€œCoach, I’ve never been on a team where we pray together before games…and I’ve been thinking about it.”
    Coach picks up a pen and clicks it. “You’re a Christian, aren’t you?”
    â€œYeah, I’m Catholic.” Liam puts his hands on his knees to keep his feet from tapping.
    Coach frowns. “Bergie, I’m surprised you’re bringing this up.”
    â€œI’m not sure everybody is comfortable with it.”
    â€œNo one has said anything to me.” Coach clicks the pen again. “Has someone said something to you?”
    â€œNo.” Liam looks down at the floor.
    â€œThen it’s only you. Are you comfortable with it?”
    â€œI don’t know.” Liam remembers his conversation with Mom. “I’m not sure it’s right in school.”
    â€œIt’s fine.” Coach sets the pen down. “If you want, I’ll check it