Boot Camp Read Online Free PDF Page B

strangers—all crushed in together.
    â€œOkay, everybody, on three yell, ‘Hard work,’” JYD said. “One, two, three—”
    â€œHard work!” we all screamed and threw our hands into the air.
    There was a burst of conversations and laughter as everybody started toward the bleachers. It was like all the words that hadn’t been used throughout the day rushed out.Interestingly that was the only rush. Nobody was moving very fast. Maybe it was because we were too tired or just reacting to the fact that we couldn’t take our time during the day—at least not without paying for it in push-ups.
    â€œSo did you have a good time?” my mother asked as we reached the bleachers.
    â€œGood, but tiring,” I said.
    â€œTiring doesn’t start to describe it. I’m bagged,” Kia said.
    â€œToo bagged for a little sightseeing?” my mother asked.
    â€œThe only sight I want to see is a hotel room,” Kia said.
    â€œNo, first dinner, and then the hotel room,” I added. “Although, maybe we could take a nap before dinner.”
    â€œSounds like they really worked you today,” she said.
    â€œI’m exhausted,” I said.
    â€œThat’s good to hear,” came a voice from behind me. It was Jerome.
    â€œWe’re not complaining!” I protested.
    â€œDidn’t think you were,” JYD said. He and my mother shook hands and exchanged greetings
    â€œWe like to think that we work the kids pretty hard,” JYD said.
    â€œNo pain, no gain, right?” I said.
    â€œThat’s what I hear, although it’s pretty hard to believe that when you’re going through the pain,” JYD said.
    â€œWe can handle it,” Kia said.
    JYD smiled. “Never had any doubts about that. Are you having fun?”
    â€œActually, a lot of fun,” I said.
    â€œDespite how tough it is?” he asked.
    â€œMaybe
because
of how tough it is,” I said.
    He gave me a questioning look.
    â€œIt’s not just a camp on learning about basketball,” I said.
    â€œAnd we are learning,” Kia added.
    â€œBut we’re being pushed to try harder, to be more than we were when we walked in the door,” I said.
    JYD put a hand on my shoulder. “That’s good to hear. We like to think that this camp is about more than just learning about basketball.”
    â€œI was wondering,” my mother said, “if you can tell us where we could find a good hotel close to here.”
    â€œI could, but I won’t be doing that,” he said.
    What did he mean?
    â€œYou three are going to be my guests. You’ll be staying at my home with my wife and me.”
    â€œYour house?” I gasped.
    â€œIt would be rude of me to invite you all the way down here to my boot camp and have you stay in some hotel.”
    â€œThat’s a kind offer, but we can stay at a hotel. We don’t want to put you out,” my mother said.
    â€œThat won’t be a problem at all. Johnnie and Sergeant—well, my younger brother Joshua— are staying with us as well.”
    â€œDo you still have space for us too?” my mother asked.
    â€œThere’s room for everybody,” JYD said.
    I was thinking that he probably did have a pretty big house—he was in the NBA.
    â€œI don’t know…we really don’t want to impose,” said my mother.
    â€œYou won’t be imposing.”
    â€œWell…”
    â€œPlease, Mom,” I pleaded. How cool would it be to stay at Jerome’s house.
    â€œYeah, please,” Kia added.
    She looked at both of us and then up at JYD. “Thank you for your very kind offer. We’d be happy to stay with you and your family.”

Chapter Five
    â€œAnd turn left here,” I said as I read out the directions to my mother. “This is the street.”
    She slowed the car down and turned.
    â€œThis is quite the neighborhood,” Kia