When Derek’s replacement took over for him, his team had cut the deficit to two points. Dave remained in the game for his team the whole time, since he was their only center.

Coach Nelson gathered everyone in the bleachers when both scrimmages had ended. “Good job, everyone. You boys all gave it your best. Now Coach O’Neill and Coach Bernstein and I will huddle up and decide who makes it to the next round. Check the bulletin board out front here on Monday afternoon to see if you’re on the list. Final tryouts are same time next Saturday. So I’ll see some of you then. If you’re not on the list, thanks for coming out today—and try again next season.”

Everyone clapped, and Derek went over to where Dave was standing. “Good job, man,” he said sincerely. “You’re definitely going to make it.”

“Thanks!” Dave said, a big grin on his face. “You think so?”

“Definitely. You stuffed me twice, you dog!”

“Sorry. Doing my job.”

“Totally. That’s why I say you made it.”

“Yeah. Well, you too!”

“Aw, I don’t know… ,” Derek said, shaking his head. “A lot of competition.” He couldn’t help looking over to where Sam was standing. “A lot.”

“No worries,” Dave said. “You were awesome!”

“Well, see you at school, I guess.”

“Yeah. Testing time,” said Dave. “You ready?”

“I guess,” said Derek, again looking Sam’s way. “You?”

“I’ve been pounding away at it. Nothing else to do except get ready for today.”

Dave, of course, wasn’t planning on being in the talent show. That’s why he hadn’t been under the kind of pressure Derek had been.

“Hey,” said Derek, getting an idea. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to do a small part in Vijay’s and my routine? Nothing big, just—”

“No way!” Dave said, putting both hands up. “Don’t even think about it. I’d never get up in front of everybody and dance. Every time I’ve ever tried to, I got total stage fright!”

“You can’t be afraid to fail, Dave! If you don’t even try, you’ve already failed!”

Derek knew it was true—at least in his head. But what he didn’t say was that he himself was nervous about getting up there. The only people he’d ever break-danced in front of were his family and Vijay—certainly not the whole school!

“Derek, you’re my best friend—I would do anything for you, man. Just not this.”

“But—” Derek sighed, giving up. “Okay. I just thought I’d ask.”

“Sorry. I hate to let you down. I feel bad.”

“You do?”

“Yeah… but not that bad.” Dave said good-bye and went back to where his dad was waiting.

Too bad, thought Derek, watching him go. He would have made a great monster.