Page 59 - ThreeGiftsForFlipBook

When he spoke, Sam knew this was one of those times. “Okay, Sam, here’s the deal. There are three things you are going to have to do. First, since you won’t be able to run after practice you need to be at school at seven-thirty. And instead of one mile, I want two now, three starting in December, and four starting in January.” Sam gulped but nodded. Coach Hamilton had him over a barrel and they both knew it. “Second,” Coach Hamilton continued, “you will need to take your free time during lunch hour to lift weights.” Again Sam nodded. “And third,” Coach Hamilton finished, “you will need to explain to the team why you are leaving before conditioning.” “But Coach, they’ll all think I’m stupid.” “Don’t you think they have a right to know why you are leaving early?” Sam lowered his head. “Yes. But can’t you tell them?” “I’m not the one that stole children’s bags of candy.” Sam agreed because he had no choice. He was sure his teammates would tease him about having to babysit at the Women’s Crisis Center, but he knew if 54