That evening, Shadd came home eager to chat with her brother Lawrence about the recent school changes and her overturned suspension.
"You won't believe what just happened!" she exclaimed.
Lawrence looked up, curious. "What?"
"My suspensions got overturned—all thanks to the new basketball coach!"
"Wait, how is that even possible?"
"Well, today we got a new History teacher from the director. Her name's Teacher Sally. And guess what? She's also the new basketball coach!"
Lawrence's eyes widened. "A new basketball coach? Teacher Sally… that name sounds familiar."
"Yeah, she's from Pimento High school. She came over during the friendlies—and she actually noticed my post-game acrobatic moves!"
"Really? Maybe that's why she pardoned you."
"Exactly! I was the first to answer questions in class, indicating that I was already familiar with her from the friendlies."
"And how did Tiffy take it?"
"Not great. She frowned but told me to hand her a letter tomorrow."
"I'm glad you got pardoned. She seems to like you."
"Yeah, I just hope that I keep impressing her in the long run. Okay, I've got to draft that letter before I forget!"
"Fine. I'll practice my game, just in case of anything! You know I'm always here for you!"
Shadd retreated to her room to write a heartfelt letter of apology, which entailed confessions, regrets, and promises to improve. Later, she joined Lawrence outside.
The next day, Shadd was determined to impress Teacher Sally. The night before, she'd studied ahead, mastered the topic with Lawrence's help, and prepared answers. During the History and Governance class, she eagerly raised her hand for every question. She even got rare chances to explain subtopics confidently and accurately.
"This is impressive, Elizabeth. From now on, you'll sit at the front—right near me—for both class and practice," Teacher Sally announced later.
Grateful, Shadd thanked her warmly.
During break, anxious to hand over her letter, Shadd sought out Tiffy. Finding her, she approached humbly.
"Hi Tiffy! Here's your letter. I'm really sorry for everything."
Tiffy took it without much expression. "Got it. No problem."
"Don't forget practice today!" Tiffy added.
"I won't—I promise!"
As they parted, Shadd spotted Nick standing too close to Teacher Sally. Pausing, she thought," Why is Nick so close to Teacher Sally? Are they talking about a test? " Shrugging, she ran back to class.
At lunch, Jasmine and Elizabeth finally hung out together.
"You were so active in History! Did you read ahead?"
"Yeah, I wanted to impress the teacher, especially since she pardoned me yesterday."
"Well, she already said you'll sit at the front in class and practice. What more favors could she give?"
"Maybe letting me take lead roles in class or practice?"
"But she's not the class teacher. How would she do that?"
"If she recommends me to the class teacher as a top student, maybe I could become a class leader."
"Dreams are valid! Let's head to the cafeteria."
They joined the long lunch line.
"The queue's so long today. Wish Nick would just—"
"He's already at his table. No way."
"Look! Madam Sally is hovering around."
"She seems really student-oriented. It's her first days here. Think she'll favor us?"
"We'll see."
"She just stopped at Nick's table!"
"Yeah, she seems focused on Nick, standing right by him."
They watched and whispered, wondering if Tiffy, sitting nearby, was bothered.
About ten minutes later, Teacher Sally approached the queue, marching with authority.
"She's coming! Stay calm!" Jasmine whispered.
"Elizabeth Shadd!" Teacher Sally called out.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Hmm. Do you need a push? I was really impressed by how active you were in class!"
"I'd be glad—but only if I can bring my best friend Jasmine," Elizabeth said, taking Jasmine's hand.
"No problem! Follow me."
The girls were led to Nick's table, where Teacher Sally, surprisingly, joined them.
"Hi everyone. I know it's unusual for me to eat here, but I wanted to join you. Elizabeth really impressed me today—answering questions and explaining concepts like a pro. Well done, Elizabeth!"
"Thanks, ma'am! I'm humbled."
"I know you all—Nick, Tiffy from basketball and cheerleading."
"Yes, Tiffy's my captain, and Nick's basketball captain."
"Nick and Tiffy are senior-level stars—very active and clever."
"Do you teach all levels?" Elizabeth asked.
"Only one senior and one junior class."
They ate quietly before Teacher Sally spoke again.
"Before I forget—you'll sit at the front during class and practice."
"I remember you mentioning that earler!"
"You'll sit with Nick."
"Nick?!" voices echoed in surprise.
Tiffy was quick to complain. "Excuse me, no offense, but Nick's my boyfriend. If anyone sits close to him, it should be me!"
"Tiffy, I understand. Young relationships can be tricky. But here's why I'm doing this…"
"Why?" Tiffy snapped.
"Because Nick and Elizabeth are talented and motivated. Sitting them front and center will inspire them—and the team."
"But I'm more talented and smarter than this junior, Elizabeth!" Tiffy raised her voice. Nick tried to calm her.
"Relax, babe. This is a new teacher. Let's show some respect. I've got you." Nick consoled Tiffy.
Teacher Sally continued, "To keep the peace, Tiffy, you'll also sit next to Nick during practice. Jasmine, you'll sit beside Elizabeth. But during such lectures, Nick and Elizabeth will be front and center."
Taking a deep breath, Tiffy nodded. "Fine. I'm sorry for overreacting—I just got worried about Nick."
"Apology accepted. I've been there."
A pause followed, then Teacher Sally asked Elizabeth, "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Elizabeth hesitated, then answered, "No, ma'am. I'm focusing on studies, hobbies, and friends for now."
"That's good. You're still junior. Focus on your goals—the rest will follow."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"You're welcome. By the way, I was inspired by your creative skills during the friendlies. Maybe next week, you'll teach the team some moves?"
"I'd love that!"
Tiffy interjected, "Next week? But she just got back from suspension. She hasn't caught up with us!"
"Tiffy, it's my schedule, not yours. Remember, you're still under me."
Reluctantly, Tiffy softened. "Yes, ma'am."
"As I said, Elizabeth will captain the cheerleading team for two or three weeks, showcasing her creativity—just in time before the next semester."
At that, Tiffy abruptly rose, leaving food unfinished. Nick followed to console her.
"Tiffy! Wait!"
She stopped, scowling. "That new teacher ruined my day!"
Nick tried to soothe her. "I know the changes are sudden. She's new and has her own way of doing things."
Tiffy snapped, "Her old team barely made it to the nationals. We're used to nationals! Let that sink."
Nick sighed, eyes closed briefly. "I know this is about Elizabeth. Otherwise, you wouldn't react like this."
"It's not about that junior—it's about you, Nick! I want you close to me." She held her cheeks, eyes tearing. "I'm afraid of losing you."
"I've got you, girl," Nick said, hugging her.
He escorted her back to class.
That evening's games came fast. At assembly, Tiffy announced Teacher Sally's plans to everyone.
"Hey guys! Welcome to today's session. Before we start, I have some announcements. This afternoon, Jasmine, Shadd, and I ate with Teacher Sally. Weird, I know. She said Shadd will captain us for a few weeks starting next week—showing us her creative skills in tutoring. So be ready, and Shadd, get prepared!"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Okay, back to practice…" Tiffy added gloomily.
After practice, the boys and girls gathered in the dressing room for Teacher Sally's lecture. The four students highlighted at lunch—Jasmine, Shadd, Nick, and Tiffy—sat front and center.
"Good evening, everyone. I see you arranged yourselves well. By the way, do you have any female-oriented sports here?"
Nick answered, "No. All our sports are male-oriented. The school just became co-ed after being all boys. It'll take time to add female or mixed sports."
"That's good to hear. Let's continue."
Teacher Sally led the session that evening. Afterward, Jasmine and Shadd walked home together.
"You should have seen Tiffy's face. She was frowning at Teacher Sally. I think she's already started disliking her."
"But Teacher Sally is new! I don't get Tiffy's attitude."
"Maybe because of the favors she's giving you—like the captaincy, and sitting near Nick."
"True, but Sally is also close to Nick. I saw them talking during break. Maybe it's some secret revenge?"
"Where?"
"After I handed Tiffy her letter today, I saw Nick and Sally standing close, looking over a test."
"Wow, that's new. We'll see how it plays out."
"Yeah."
The girls kept chatting about Shadd's brief captaincy and how she'd prove herself going forward.