Working Things Out

Finally! Maddie said as Gage skidded into the yard. “ You’re twenty minutes late! ” " Football practice ran late again, sorry! ” Gage started madly raking leaves. Maddie sighed. Gage was small and shy, and he had never been into sports before. But this year he seemed to care about nothing else.

" How was practice?” she asked, trying to sound supportive. He grinned. “ Great. I’m the fastest runner on the team. ” " Cool. ” Maddie just wished he was a little faster at getting to their after-school job. They were helping their neighbor, Mrs. Famer, with some yard work for an hour a few days every week.

" Ready to trim those tree branches?” " Sure. ” Gage grabbed the shears and raced up the ladder. As Maddie picked up the branches he cut, frustrated thoughts crowded her mind. If Gage had been on time, they might have been finished by now. The ladder suddenly shook, and a branch flew past her head.

" What are you doing up there?” " Just practicing a football pass. ” Gage sounded embarrassed. “ I guess it works better on the ground. ” Maddie bit back angry words. At this rate trimming the trees was going to take twice as long as it should.

Sure enough, their hour of work was up before the trees were done. But Mrs. Famer thanked and paid them. She smiled at Gage. " You must have a different schedule these days. You two never show up at the same time anymore. ” " I know, ” Gage mumbled guiltily.

As she and Gage walked home, Maddie clutched the money in her hand. Normally, she halved it right away. " You’ve been late a lot, Gage! ” she finally blurted out. " Football just . . . ” Gage’s voice trailed away. All of Maddie’s frustration bubbled up. “ Football! ” she exploded. " Is that the most important thing in the world now?