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tell the truth, I was afraid to stand up to Mirabelle.
    When we left Coach Flores’s office, Mirabelle was crowing. “See how easy that was? Now we have a shot at winning. I’ll tell you who I think we should play. Then we’ll tell them before our next game.”
    So much for being co-captains.
    I was starting to get the idea that Mirabelle was verygood at getting what she wanted—no matter what the cost. I felt guilty that I hadn’t stood up to her. I should have said something to Coach Flores! Would all my new friends be mad at me?

CHAPTER NINE

    I felt totally nervous and guilty about our new lineup strategy. Well, make that Mirabelle’s lineup strategy. Apparently as co-captain my job was to stand there and nod while Mirabelle did all the talking.
    Mom, Dad, and Maisie were waiting for me in the parking lot. We drove home together, with Maisie complaining loudly.
    â€œYou promised me I’d get a juice box at Devin’s next soccer game,” she protested. “If I have to go to all these games, I want a treat!”
    My mom sighed. “I forgot to pick some up. I told you that.” Even though juice, soda, and sugary snacks were forbidden as a general rule, we did get them as treats and for special occasions.
    I wished the biggest problem in my life were the lack of a juice box. I sighed loudly and just stared out the window, not saying anything.
    We pulled into the driveway. My mom and dad exchanged looks. “Maisie, come in and help me set the table for dinner,” Mom said.
    Maisie, still grumbling, followed Mom into the house.
    Dad grabbed a soccer ball out of the trunk. “Want to kick the ball around a little bit before we eat?” he suggested.
    I shrugged. “I guess.”
    We walked to the backyard. Dad lobbed the ball toward me, and I halfheartedly kicked it. We kicked the ball back and forth for a while in silence, my dad giving me time to unwind.
    â€œSo, Devin, are you ready to tell me about whatever is bothering you?” he finally asked.
    I let out a big breath of air and kicked the ball so hard, it went flying over the fence and into the neighbor’s yard.
    My dad grinned at me. “I bet that felt good.”
    It did. And before I knew it, the entire saga of Mirabelle and Coach Flores came pouring out.
    â€œWhat if everyone hates me?” I wailed as I finished telling him everything that had happened.
    Dad wrapped his arms around me, giving me a big hug. “Relax,” he said. “Nobody is going to hate you. It sounds like this Mirabelle is a strong personality. I’m sure all your friends understand that.”
    Strong personality. I laughed to myself. That was one way to describe her!
    â€œAnd I understand the motivation behind why she did what she did, even if her methods weren’t sound,” Dad continued. “Coach Flores needs to give the team moredirection. I don’t blame Mirabelle for wanting to take charge. Do you want me to talk to the coach about this?”
    â€œNo!” I said, my eyes wide. That would be so embarrassing. And the last thing I needed was Mirabelle’s wrath for having my dad tattle on her.
    â€œOkay. Then let’s look at the facts,” Dad said. “According to you, Mirabelle is not that nice. But she wants the team to be better. So don’t worry about her lineup strategy until you see it. It might be something you can agree with her on. If you don’t think everyone is getting a fair share of playing time, you’ll have to say something. Do you think you can do that?” My dad cupped my chin with his hand and looked into my eyes. “You’re a natural-born leader, Devin. And people really like you. Don’t forget that. You don’t have to be afraid of Mirabelle.”
    I felt myself standing up straighter. My dad always knew what to say to make me feel better.
    After dinner that night Kara called. It was like her best friend supersense was