At the locker room meeting, Nick was exhorted by Teacher Sally.
"Nick! Nick! Nick! Your performances today were poor. The tournaments are just around the corner. You can't just slow down in the eleventh hour. You've got to wake up, focus more, be more active, and show signs of improvement... instead of just stalking a cheerleader!"
Everyone laughed for a while before continuing.
"If that anonymous cheerleader keeps bothering you, I won't have any choice but to separate the sessions. Cheerleading practices would move indoors, while basketball stays in the same place. Do you have anything to add, Nick? Maybe?"
Nick turned to look at Shadd for a moment before replying, "I'm not against your separation plans, but cheerleaders are our greatest motivation. I source my inspiration from them! As silly as I may have behaved, just don't separate them from us. I promise that I'll behave better."
Teacher Sally fixed Nick with a direct stare. "Promise me nothing will come between you and me—and the rest of us—during this preparation journey."
Leaning forward, almost close to Sally's lips, Nick said affirmatively, "I promise."
"What was all that about? Getting close to each other?!" Tiffy suddenly asked.
Sally, clearly infuriated, replied, "That's none of your business! Giving solemn oaths is a private matter!"
---
Later, after practice, Tiffy and Marie walked home together. Tiffy was visibly worried about Nick.
"My boyfriend Nick is being scrambled by Teacher Sally and that junior student, Elizabeth Shadd. Marie, what do you make of this situation?"
Marie responded, "I think you should fight for your man. Otherwise, someone else might steal him before you even finish high school."
"And how do you suggest I do that?"
"I don't know, maybe come up with some retaliatory measures to teach them a lesson about coming near Nick."
"Teach them a lesson? But we're dealing with a teacher here. It's easier to confront Shadd than Teacher Sally."
"Your dad is a regional representative. Maybe you could sweet-talk him into getting to the bottom of this stubborn teacher situation."
"That's a great idea, but what kind of revenge words could I even use?"
"I don't know, lure your dad gradually and then make a sinister request about this teacher. You could falsely accuse her and see what happens."
"That's thoughtful. I'll try that. But what about the ripple effects?"
"Maybe some changes in class, but I doubt it would affect the basketball coaching. She's the only competent teacher around."
"Well, as long as she doesn't get close to Nick in class, I'll feel relieved. But at practice, with those girls around, it's a real challenge."
"For that, convince Nick to stay away from those two girls. If he gets carried away, that's on him."
"Nick is easily carried away. That's why I've been on his neck all this time. I heard from his family about his childhood head injuries."
"Wow, girl, you've got an uphill battle fighting for Nick! I get how much you care, but maybe you need to make Sally and Shadd quit basketball. What other options do you have?"
They paused thoughtfully. Tiffy echoed Marie's advice but felt the task impossible. Nick had fallen in love with both girls—she even saw him gift Shadd something at her backyard. Sally was pushing Nick to improve his skills. If only she could make them absent for a long time, it might work.
After weighing her options, Tiffy revealed her sinister plan to Marie, "We can't get rid of them. Nick's love for both is too strong. Maybe… I could poison them. While they're away, I'd focus on rebooting Nick's mind and affections to me alone. Then, hopefully, Nick will be sorry and sober up—loving me only."
Marie reacted, "That's a good idea! Hopefully it works. But how do we implement it?"
"Don't worry. Today, I focus on getting rid of Teacher Sally. Then, a few days later, if successful, we make both girls absent for a long time from the basketball court."
"Looking forward to it. I won't tell anyone."
"Fine, I trust you. Let's hurry home."
---
That night, Tiffy eagerly awaited her dad's arrival. When he arrived late, she greeted him excitedly.
"Dad! I missed you!" she exclaimed, running to embrace him.
He was surprised to find her awake and anxious. "What's wrong, Tiffy? Tomorrow's school day."
She sat him down and explained. "Dad, there's a teacher in our class bothering me a lot—interfering with my personal space, marking me unfairly, and punishing me unnecessarily. I need your help to get her moved away from our class."
Her dad sighed but promised, "I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this. I'll call my ally, the director, and get this sorted. Write down every complaint, and then I'll deal with the rest. Thanks for telling me."
The next day, the director announced in Tiffy's class:
"Good morning! Due to a complaint filed, Teacher Sally has been replaced with another senior teacher. Don't worry, this won't affect your studies much. Have a good day!"
Nick glanced suspiciously at Tiffy. "Who could've done that so suddenly?"
"I don't know! The complaint box is outside. Why look at me like that?"
"You're the one who complained about me and Sally yesterday, and now she's gone. With your parents' connections, how can I not suspect you?"
"That's ridiculous! I wouldn't go that far."
"Tiffy, you've always made protective moves to keep people away from me—like suspending Elizabeth Shadd recently."
"Well, Elizabeth deserved it. Your mental health isn't stable yet. I'm just trying to keep you safe. Can't you appreciate that?"
"I appreciate your love. I'm trying to sober up too, with therapy and practice. But did you really have Sally removed?"
"No… no way! Sally's helped you a lot. I'd never do that."
Nick smiled faintly. "Time will tell. I still love you, Tiffy."
"I love you too," she said, squeezing his hand.
---
After practices that evening, Sally was noticeably disengaged.
"Whoop! Today was terrible. Getting shifted to another class behind the syllabus… I don't know who complained, but I've been good to everyone here. You all know that. Okay, let's continue…"
She delivered a lackluster lecture.
Afterwards, Tiffy and Marie met up.
"Plan A worked perfectly. Now for the next step…"
Marie cautioned, "Let's give Nick more time. We don't want to risk anything affecting him suddenly."
"Right. We'll watch closely this week, then strike during the weekend if necessary."
"How will we strike Sally and Shadd?"
"Relax. I'll lure them to Faith's Pizza Inn this weekend, on my budget. That's where the strike happens. Effects will be slow, so next week they might be absent."
Tiffy added, "I also have footage of Nick cheating. I'll use it against him if needed."
They went home, full of dark plans.
---
The week passed with Marie and Tiffy watching closely during practice. On Friday evening, after locker room sessions, Tiffy invited the group to stay behind.
"Guys, I know this is unusual, but I want to treat you all tomorrow at Pizza Inn downtown. It's a celebration of little milestones. Nick's improving, Shadd's leadership is strong, Jasmine and Marie have been great allies, and Sally has been impactful too! Here's my number if you want to come. Hope to see you!"
Marie and Tiffy left quickly.
Nick felt conflicted during the much anticipated date gathering—Sally, Shadd, Jasmine, and Tiffy all vying for his attention. But the day ended peacefully, with thanks all around. The group had built a fragile bond.