"It's not your decision," Neil said in venomous French. He didn't realize what he'd done wrong until he felt Wymack's piercing stare. Andrew's lot knew Neil spoke French. Neil could explain it to the upperclassmen later and they wouldn't think twice about it. But Wymack, like Andrew, had also heard Neil speak fluent German. Neil ground his teeth and refused to return Wymack's look. "I'm not going on stage with you."

Kevin's smile never faltered, but his French response was cold. "You are being an idiot."

"I can't be on TV."

"You already were," Kevin said. "You will do this today, or you and I are finished. I will wash my hands of you on the court and you can struggle your way through mediocrity alone. You can return your court keys to Coach when we get back to campus. You won't need them anymore."

It was like getting punched in the chest. "That isn't fair."

"Did you or did you not promise me you would try?"

"But this isn't—I don't want—"

"Did you or didn't you?"

Neil thought he'd choke on every argument and protest he didn't say. He was sure his breakfast would come back up in another second. The thought of getting on stage and letting a camera get a good look at him was nauseating, but not as frightening as Kevin cutting him off. Neil only had until mid-October to play with the Foxes, and then he'd lose Exy forever. Every time he saw a calendar he died a little on the inside. He couldn't give it up any earlier than the Raven game. He wouldn't survive.

Kevin nodded to Kathy and switched back to English. "It's settled."

Kathy's smile returned immediately. "Brilliant."

She motioned for them to follow and led the way toward the building. Kevin caught Neil's shoulder and pushed him after her. Neil twisted out of his grip and swatted at Kevin's hand. Kevin made a second grab at him, but Matt reached over Neil and shoved Kevin back. Abby hissed at them to behave, but Kevin and Matt were too busy glaring at each other to notice.

With Kevin pushed back a step, Andrew was now in Neil's line of sight. Andrew tipped his head to one side as he considered Neil, and Neil made the mistake of looking at him.

Apparently Andrew's drugs were already kicking in, because Andrew's smile was bright and mocking. "You're so stupid."

Andrew was right, so Neil didn't waste his breath defending himself. He turned and started after Kathy.

Dan caught up with him in a couple strides. "Neil? You don't have to do this, you know."

Neil only shook his head, too angry to speak.