“Hey, AJ,” Lyle called out. AJ stopped and turned, wondering why his former team member was trying to desperately to draw his attention.

“What do you want, Lyle? Lawyer’s fees for representing my girlfriend in Student Court?” AJ asked, rolling his eyes.

“No way, dude, it’s not like that at all.”

“What, then?”

“Coach Lyons wants to see you!”

AJ raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “What does he want with me?” he asked. “He hasn’t wanted anything to do with me since… hell… August!”

Lyle leaned in close. “Dude, I think he wants you back on the team,” he whispered.

Unconvinced, but still curious nonetheless, AJ walked to the coach’s office, followed by Lyle. AJ rapped at the door.

“Come in!” Coach Lyons barked out. AJ opened the door and stepped in, with Lyle a few feet behind.

“Desjardin, just the man I’ve been waiting for. It took Robbins long enough to find you,” Coach Lyons remarked.

“Sorry about that,” Lyle muttered. “AJ didn’t want to come along.”

“Robbins, leave. Desjardin, sit down. And Robbins, shut the door on your way out!” Coach Lyons instructed. Lyle nodded and hurried out of the room, as though a pack of ravenous wolves were on his heels.


Coach Lyons indicated the papers on his desk. “I’ve been looking over your grades,” he remarked.

“Yeah?” AJ asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“You’ve really improved, kid,” Lyons said. He glanced at the paper. “Math, improved from a C to an A. English, D to B. History, D to A. You know the rest.”

AJ nodded silently.

“Well, kid, seeing as how your grades have picked up, what would you say to rejoining?”

AJ’s eyes brightened. He had missed being around guys. It would be nice to not be subjected to discussions of periods and “fat clothes” and other such topics. He needed time to just be a guy.

“Sure,” AJ agreed. “I’d love to be back on the team.”

“Great!” Lyons exclaimed. “You can start immediately.”


“Excuse me?” a voice called out.

Ophelia shut her locker firmly, and then turned to face the speaker. “Julia,” she said, recognizing Mae’s friend. “What do you want?”

Julia fidgeted a little, looking embarrassed. “Well,” she said slowly, “I’m president of the school’s art club.”

“Good for you,” Ophelia replied dryly, turning to leave.

“My group’s been looking at the stuff you’ve done in Mr. Rivers’s class. It’s really good, some of the best work we’ve seen since… ever!”

“Well, thanks,” Ophelia said slowly. “Get to the point.”

Julia took a deep breath. “The Oakdale High Art Association’s membership is by invitation only. We allow only the best artists in the school to join. And…” Julia paused, though Ophelia was unsure whether it was through nervousness or for dramatic effect. “We would like to extend an invitation to you.”


Ophelia frowned a little, thinking. She needed an outlet for her creativity, and sometimes, the news show just didn’t do that for her. A chance to do what she loved most, around like-minded people, without interruptions from her family! Wonderful! Still, she was unsure of whether or not it would be disloyal of her to show interest.

No, it wouldn’t, Ophelia decided. They’d want me to do what I enjoy, what makes me happy. Still, I better not seem too excited to join.

Aloud, Ophelia replied, “Let me see the studio and meet the people I’d be working with, and then I’ll give you an answer.”

Julia grinned broadly. “Sure,” she replied cheerily. “Right this way!”


Author's Note: And, because you asked for it... Dunstan in drag. Enjoy!