Mutual Hatred - Love Game Read Online Free PDF

then looked at Brandon, drawing his own conclusions. As the team joined them, they sensed the tension between the two.
    Sexual tension, perhaps?
    Hah! As if.
    Shelley checked her watch. Forty-five minutes left. Who knew they could waste so much time running and arguing? She hoped tomorrow would be much better. They couldn't waste time like this, especially if they wanted to beat the best teams next season. Time for another lecture.
    "This is going to be the last time I tell you this, men . We wasted over an hour running and whatnot. I hope there aren't any repeats of today in the future because we need to start practicing ASAP. It's Tuesday. Tomorrow we're going to be in the weight room and watch some videotapes of your games from previous years. Hopefully you can learn from your mistakes and remember not to make the same ones this year. Thursday we'll begin special teams. Friday we won't be scrimmaging."
    A collective groan ensued. "Why not?" asked Alex Taylor.
    "I have no idea. Mr. Wise will tell us on Thursday," she answered.
    "So you don't even know? What kind of coach are you?" Brandon said scathingly.
    Shelley chose to ignore him. "I expect you to give your best effort this season. If any of your coaches think you can do better, we'll push you harder."
    Everyone nodded in understanding. It was satisfying knowing the boys had finally caught on. There were only 5 basic rules with Shelley.
    Don't argue with what she says unless you can prove her wrong.
    Don't cuss. Don't say anything offensive to anyone.
    Don't piss her off.
    Get on her good side the moment you meet her.
    Was 'Don't piss her off!' already mentioned?
    Shelley wasn't sure what she wanted to do now. She decided to let them go.
    "You can hit the showers or whatever you need to do. You're excused early today. But don't get used to it; sometimes we might go over two hours," she said tiredly.
    She watched them leave. Already there was a rift between the team. The division was evident; Brandon led half the team to the locker room while Johnny led the other half. Both sides were throwing glares and looks of contempt. Brandon turned around once to look at Shelley, but when she pretended not to notice, he determinedly turned around and that fierce look she knew so well graced his handsome face.
    If he would save that energy and determination for the game, we might actually get somewhere.
    Shelley turned and slowly trudged in the direction of Mr. Wise's office. She knocked and was told to come in.
    Mr. Wise had been gazing out the window, but when Shelley came in he sat down and beckoned her to sit also. Making herself comfortable in the chair across from his desk, she tried to think of how to phrase what she wanted to say.
    "I was watching you out there," commented Mr. Wise.
    Shelley smiled nervously. "Oh, did you?"
    He nodded. "You have the qualities of a leader, Shelley. You know how to take charge and dole out orders. But you need to control that temper. I heard your brief exchange with Brandon all the way over here. I commend you for ending it."
    Somehow, a 'Thank you' didn't seem like the appropriate thing to say. "I think I finally realized that it's a waste of time," she finally said.
    He nodded in agreement. "I also know for a fact that the team is divided between you and Mr. Miller. To be loyal to your captain or to your new coach; someone you're friends with or someone you hardly know. You and Brandon aren't making it easy for Mr. Stanford."
    Shelley blinked. "Could you perhaps elaborate?"
    "Of course. Kyle came to talk to me yesterday. He's quite concerned about team unity. And that is why I've scheduled a 'bonding session', as Kyle calls it, for Friday. We're a team and we need to start acting like one. We're going to get everything out. Say what you need to say to whomever and never say it again."
    Shelley stared at the trophies sitting on Mr. Wise's bookshelf. They were from so long ago. She wondered if maybe this year they'd be able to add another one