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though she had been recruited and Liz had been ordered to escort her into camp. Some stares were openly hostile, but Liz’s directness had offered Emma a challenge. She pushed through the loud, boisterous crowd and was finally encircled by Liz’s friends. Liz did the introductions. There was silence. Emma realized that she had not encountered girls exactly like these before.
    Then Brenda, who had appeared the most hostile, said, “Y’ from the hills, eh?”
    â€œI live in Brandon Heights,” Emma said.
    The bell rang.
    â€œI thought so, with your saddity self.” Brenda walked around Emma and the group laughed.
    The words hit Emma like a sharp and chilly wave. I’m not stuck-up, or grand, either, Emma thought, but said nothing. That Brenda could be a problem she really did not need. She started toward her class. The chill of Brenda’s words did not go away. Emma felt she was right back where she had been at Marlborough High when she was trying to erase the image of “Oreo chick.” But she was in no mood to prove anything to anyone. She hadn’t sought them out, she told herself, even though she had met them willingly enough. What would Allan say? She had been jammed by the survivors .

Four
    The stadium hummed with a thousand voices that cool, sunny November afternoon. Pre-game pep cheers flowed in waves. All day the campus had been poised, shrouded with a particular hush, a suspense—waiting for this moment to release the outburst that would sweep Manning to victory over Marlborough, making Manning city-wide football champions.
    The boojeis were in command, leading the cheers:
    FI - RE -UP, TIGERS , FI - RE -UP
    FI - RE -UP, TIGERS , FI - RE UP
    FIREUP TO FIGHT
    FIREUP TO WIN
    FIREUP TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN
    FIREUP !!!
    Emma, excited by the bustle, pushed through the crowd to find Allan Page. Would he be waiting as he promised? Marvin was coming to the game. She hoped that he and Allan would get on fine. But would they?
    The rivalry between Manning and Marlborough was fierce and the city championship game was just the monster to stir tensions that bordered on enmity. Even the strongest bonds could be loosed in the course of a shared sports event. They’ll like each other, she reassured herself.
    Finally she saw Allan near the stadium. He was desperately trying to reach some girl, who had from behind placed her hands over his eyes. As Emma came closer, she recognized the girl, Brenda. Liz and Brenda’s other friends were around Allan, laughing.
    â€œThank goodness, you’re here,” Emma said as she walked up.
    â€œOh, so that’s who y’ waitin’ for,” Brenda said, removing her hands. “No wonder y’ can’t sit with us. Brandon Heights gits all y’ attention.”
    â€œI’m not even going to the game. I already know the winning team, so why waste my money?”
    â€œDon’t be jivin’ us. We know where y’ comin’ from.” Brenda and her friends walked away without saying hello to Emma.
    Emma’s attention was on the crowd. Where was Marvin? she wondered. Had she missed him? She hoped he hadn’t gone into the stands.
    â€œThey’re on your case, I see,” Allan said.
    â€œWho? What you talking about?”
    â€œBrenda and her little crowd.”
    â€œOh. Them . I told you Liz singled me out. What are they supposed to be? Tough or something?”
    Allan laughed. “They survive.”
    Finally Emma saw Marvin. Her heart pounded and her insides seemed to do a flip-flop.
    â€œHey, man!” Allan rushed toward Marvin.
    â€œWhat you say!” Marvin reached for Allan.
    â€œYou two know each other?” Emma asked.
    â€œWe’re old junior-high buddies,” Marvin said, and in the next breath to Allan, “You know this lady?” He took Emma’s hand and drew her to him.
    â€œAllan Page is my ace, Marv.”
    â€œDid she tell you she’s my