TJ Zaps the One-Upper #2: Stopping One-Upping and Cell Phone Bullying
Danny dropped the basket onto a shelf Want to ride it It cost 400 bucks Maybe later I said as I ran my hand over the seat Danny leaned on my shoulder I’m not sure your feet would reach the pedals anyway he said as he slapped my back and laughed 8
Ha ha I said Danny laughed even louder I thought it was funny Then he tossed me a basketball You still playing But before I could answer he said You’re looking at the star of my basketball team I made the fi fth grade travel team last year Then he pretended to shoot a basket You’re too young for travel aren’t you You’re in what fourth grade Danny was a year older than me but two grades ahead I nodded But last year I was voted MVP for the Hornets Danny didn’t look impressed I remember the fi rst time I was voted MVP He ran his fi ngers through his hair Of course it felt even better the second time I led the league in rebounds and scoring He twirled the ball on his index fi nger I averaged seventeen points a game I 9
haven’t missed a free throw in a game in two years You know twenty-four months My nine-point average suddenly made me feel like a second-string player Dad chimed in TJ’s one of the highest scorers on his team Aren’t you TJ I rolled my eyes and shifted my feet Not really Then I bit my lip I don’t think so Sure you are bud said Dad beaming He even starts now Now said Danny Man I’d fl ip out if I was a benchwarmer I glared at Danny I wasn’t a benchwarmer Whatever he said At least you’re a starter now That’s good for a fourth grader 10
He spun the ball faster And faster It made me dizzy So what’s your average asked Danny Mr Greenburg looked tired Pace yourself Danny Don’t wear TJ out How about unpacking Dad cleared his throat TJ can help for an hour Can’t you buddy Before I answered Danny grabbed my arm and pulled me inside Thanks shrimpo He threw his head back and snorted Haven’t you grown at all since I left This was going to be a loooonnnnng hour Danny led me through a maze of boxes until we got to his room Do you still read comic books I asked 11
