STORMS AND TWISTS

CHAPTER SEVEN

They alighted from the coaster bus. The players jubilated as they got out. The whole school was already waiting for them. They walked in with gold medals on their necks. Levi lifted the trophy up. They had their usual blue and white jersey on but this time around ‘champions’ was written on the back instead of each player’s name.

The whole school cheered them up. Casey felt like a hero. He stepped into the scene when only six matches were left out of twenty-six but they claimed the title. He had just set a new record as far as coaching history was concerned in the league.

They appeared in the assembly hall for the victory ceremony. All the players were given awards. He was also given an award but he also got a medal.

Casey could not help but smile. He was crowned as the coach of the year. People showered praises on him. It was his day. As he shook hands with Principal Robinson, he felt elated.

Mr. Hudson also shook hands with him. He had made him proud. He remembered he and Cody used to be un-cool to everyone. The epic fail had changed their lives completely. He approached him wholeheartedly.

The students hailed him and carried him high up on their shoulders. He told Cody and told them to put him down. Cody ran to him and embraced him warmly.

“Congrats bro. you are the best”. Cody said.

“Thanks”. Casey replied.

Soon, the celebration went down and everyone went to the school hall. Cody didn’t seem to understand what was happening.

‘Why is everyone moving towards the hall?” Cody asked.

“It’s the end of the year party. Christmas carols will be sung and Melissa is also going to perform there”. Casey said and stopped. He could realize what the mention of that name.

Cody’s face paused instantly. Casey knew what it meant.

“You are coming along, aren’t you?’Casey said slowly, unsure of his next response.

“No, I’m not. Melissa’s there.” Cody said, grumbling.

“Are you not going because you’ve decided to be absent in the initial or you made this decision just after you heard she’s going to be there”. Casey said, giving him a weird stare.

“Okay, you got me. I reckon with the latter.” Cody said, giving up the truth.

Casey exhaled and gave him a facial expression that made it crystal clear that he was displeased.

“Must you always be against each other? Her intimidating personality will make you do things you do not want to do in the eventual if you continue in this vicious circle of hatred.”

“Okay, I will go”. He said with indifference.

They entered the hall. They sat in the middle but the students made them get the seats at the front.

“You see, you don’t demand respect, you earn it”. Casey said, making reference to the treatment they got from the students.

Melissa was already on the stage by the time they got there. Casey looked up and observed the place. Soon, the students began to dance to the upbeat rock music and everywhere was noisy.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

It was night. Casey sunk into his bed. He was extremely tired. His tasks during the day had exhausted the strength in him. He needed a lot of rest to forge ahead for the next day. The next day had a lot in stock for him.

The following day would be the last day of school for the term and the end of term results will be announced. He had waited in anticipation for that crucial day. Just as he was about to drift in to sleep, he saw his phone displayed that someone was calling. He had placed it on mute earlier so the only way to be aware was to see it.

He wanted to dismiss the call but he saw it was Cody.

“Hi Cody” He said

“Hi” Cody replied.

“Why are you calling at this time? I need my duty sleep and besides, we get to meet in school tomorrow”. Casey queried.

“I’m so sorry. Today was tough and I’m in the know of that. We will talk about it tomorrow in school”. Cody said and was about to hang up.

“No, don’t hang up yet. Let me hear it now”. Casey said after a sudden change of mind.

“Okay”. Cody said and paused.

“Yesterday evening, I saw a book in the attic and it’s magical.” Cody said, breaking the last word in a whisper.

“How?” Casey asked with enthusiasm.

“I saw a vision of myself in the attic. I went there to unravel the mystery and I was about leaving when the book dropped on me. It’s called the Enchanted Diary and it was written by Alexander the Great”. Cody narrated.

“Bring the book to school tomorrow”. Casey requested.

“No, I can’t”. Cody objected.

“Why don’t you want us to check it out in school?”

“Casey, I don’t want the content to get leaked. That could land us in trouble”.

“You are right. I’d see you tomorrow”.

“Bye”. Cody said and hung up.

. . .

It was the last day of school. Casey was so happy. He had a lot of reasons to be delighted. He just won a trophy, his favorite season was winter and he loved Christmas a lot.

The decorations on the street and snowmen erected ignited the Christmas spirit in him. He met Cody at the school gate.

“Hi bro” Cody said and they shook hands

“Hi I’m glad it’s the last day of school. I can smell the holiday already.” Casey said and snuffed the air.

“You don’t to be doing that. The weather is cold”. Cody warned. They walked together to the classroom.

As they approached the classroom, they saw Carl and his friend. Their faces have anyone that came across them the impression that they are tough guys.

“These guys are something else”. Casey said.

“You are exactly right. They bully others and it’s not cool”.

Later in the afternoon, the results were distributed. Casey checked his and saw that and saw that he came second. He made seven A’s and two B’s.

“Not bad”. He said to himself with a slight smile.

Just then, Cody walked up to him.

“How was your result?” He asked enthusiastically.

“I came second. It’s not bad if you ask me”. Casey said.

“That’s cool. I came fifth. I had six A’s, two B’s and a C.” Cody said.

“Wow, you are genius”.

“You are even better”. Cody said and they embraced each other.

Just then, Felix passed by. He was on top of the class.

“I knew you were no match for me”. He said to Casey and walked away. Cody wanted to react but Casey nudged him.

“You should have allowed me to give him a piece of mind”. Cody said, fuming in anger.

“No. Today’s for him but I will seize the whole year”.

“You are smart”. Cody said, realizing the wisdom which he spoke with.

Melissa passed by. She was the center of attraction.

“Your twin is so proud”.

“I agree. I peeped into her results and found out that she made four F’s, Four D’s and a C.”

“She doesn’t set priority on the needful”.

“You needed to see how her face froze when she realized that I caught her”. Cody added.

“Probably that was the reason she didn’t call us losers today as usual.”

“Indeed it was”.

It was the close of school. The duo met Oliver. He appealed to them to teach him some football skills and they agreed to help him out.

As they walked on, Casey exhaled with relief.

“What a year!” The both of them erupt into laughter.