Overtime Read Free

lowered the microphone neck and Principal Holmes leaned towards it. “Your Fundraising Committee president wants to say a few words,” he said.
    Charlie had never paid much attention to student politics. “When did we get a fundraising committee?” he asked Pudge.
    “No idea,” Pudge said. He seemed confused as well.
    A girl stepped up to the microphone. “My name is Melissa Witherspoon,” she began. “I was a grade eleven rep on the student council last year. We only learned of the school closing this morning, like you. We need to act fast, because if we don’t, the school will close in November and all of us will have to go to other schools. For those of you in grade twelve, that means not graduating from Terrence Falls and no prom. For the rest of you, the repairs may take longer than expected, and you could lose another year.”
    Charlie looked around the cafeteria. Every student was sitting upright, staring up at the stage. He could tell they were as shocked as he was.
    “There is a way to save our year. The school board can do temporary repairs to get us through the winter. Then they can finish the roof off in the summer over the vacation. Principal Holmes has allowed us to form anemergency committee made up of student council members from last year, with Mr. Hilton as our advisor, to spearhead the fundraising effort. We have to raise the money for the temporary repairs. The school board won’t pay for that.”
    “How much?” a student demanded.
    Melissa paused and took hold of the mic again. “It’ll cost one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”
    A gasp sounded from the students.
    “I know it’s a ton of money,” she said. “But there are seven hundred fifty students at Terrence Falls. If we all pull together, along with our parents and the community we can do it. At least we have to try.”
    One hundred and fifty thousand dollars! Charlie remembered the Rebels’ car wash fundraiser last year. They’d made five hundred dollars, and were lucky to do that.
    “We don’t have time to hold the regular student council elections,” Melissa said. “We’ll do that once we save the school. For now, we want you all to think of as many fundraising ideas as you can. Think of anything. Over the next two days you can present them to the committee. We’ll pick the best and get started.”
    Principal Holmes shuffled to Melissa and took the mic. “Um … yes. Thanks. I’m hopeful the fundraising will be successful. But we must also prepare for the worst. As I said, look for the bus schedules and school assignments on the main bulletin board.” He cleared his throat. “Please make your way back to your classes in an orderly fashion.”
    The students rose from their seats. A million thoughts raced through Charlie’s mind. “How unluckycan we get?” he said, as much to himself as his friends.
    “At least we don’t have to worry about losing to Chelsea in the Champions Cup this year,” Scott said.
    “It’s still a huge rip,” Charlie said.
    “I wonder what schools we’ll have to go to?” Zachary said.
    “Hey,” Nick said to Charlie. “You’re late every day, and you can walk here. What are you gonna do when you have to catch a bus?”
    “It means I have no choice — we’re going to have to raise that money or die trying,” Charlie replied.
    “Nobody can live forever,” Scott said. “I’m in.”
    “Me too,” Pudge said.
    “Do or die,” Zachary said.
    “We’ve been through tough times before,” Charlie said. “Last year we organized the Rebels by ourselves, and won the Championship. This year we’re gonna save the school.”
    “Rebel Power!” Nick said.
    “Go Terrence Falls!” Matt said.
    “I think I’d better go look for a part-time job,” Scott said.
    Charlie laughed, and they all joined in. He actually felt better too. It was a massive amount of money, but maybe, if they came up with some great ideas, they could pull it off.
    Maybe.

4
RAIN DELAY
    Charlie followed