The Wave

David Collins still couldn't understand it. It didn't make sense to him why everyone hadn't joined The Wave in the first place. Then there never would have been these hassles. They all could have functioned as equals, as team­mates. People were laughing and saying that The Wave didn't help the football team at all on Saturday, but what did they expect? The Wave wasn't a miracle drug. The team had known about The Wave for exactly five days before the game. What had changed was the team spirit and the team attitude.

David stood outside on the school lawn with Robert Billings and a bunch of other kids from Mr Ross's class looking at The Grapevine. Laurie's story made him feel a little sick. He hadn't heard anything about anyone threat­ening or hurting anyone and for all he knew, she and her staff had made it all up. An unsigned letter and a story about a sophomore he'd never heard of. Okay, he was unhappy that Laurie refused to be part of The Wave. But why couldn't she and the people like her just leave The Wave alone? Why did they have to attack it?

Robert, beside him, was getting really upset over Laurie's story. "These are all lies," he said angrily. "She can't be allowed to say these things."

"It's not that important," David told him. "Nobody cares what Laurie's writing or what she has to say."

"Are you kidding?" Robert said. "Anyone who reads this is going to get the completely wrong idea about The Wave."

"I told her not to publish it," Amy said.

"Hey, relax," David said. "There's no law that says people have to believe in what we're trying to do. But if we can keep making The Wave work, they'll see. They'll see all the good things it can do."

"Yeah, but if we don't watch out," Eric said, "these people are going to ruin it for the rest of us. Have you heard the rumours going around today? I heard there are parents and teachers and all kinds of people in Principal Owens's office complaining. Can you believe that? At this rate no one will get a chance to see what The Wave can do."

"Laurie Saunders is a threat," Robert stated bluntly. "She must be stopped."

David didn't like the sinister tone in Robert's voice. "Hey, wait—" he began to protest.

But Brian cut him off. "Don't worry, Robert, David and I can take care of Laurie, right, Dave?"

"Uh ..." David suddenly felt Brian's hand on his shoulder slowly guiding him away from the rest of the group. Robert was nodding in approval.

"Look, man," Brian whispered. "If anyone can get Laurie to stop, you can."

"Yeah, but I don't like Robert's attitude," David hissed back. "It's like we must wipe out anyone who resists us. That's the exact opposite of how we should approach this."

"Dave, listen. Robert is just a little over-enthusiastic sometimes. But you have to admit he has a point. If Laurie keeps writing stuff like this, The Wave won't have a chance. Just tell her to cool it, Dave. She'll listen to you."

"I don't know, Brian."

"Look, we'll wait for her after school tonight. Then you can go talk to her, okay?"

David nodded reluctantly. "I guess."

15

Christy Ross was in a hurry to get home after choir that afternoon. Ben had disappeared from school half-way through the day, and she had a feeling she knew why. When she got home she found her husband hunched over a book on Nazi youth. "What happened to you today?" she asked.

Without looking up from his book, Ben answered irritably, "I left early. I, uh, wasn't feeling well. But I need to be alone now, Chris. I have to be prepared for tomorrow."

"But honey, I need to talk to you," Christy implored.

"Can't it wait?" Ben snapped. "I've got to finish this before class tomorrow."

"No," Christy insisted. "That's what I have to talk to you about. This Wave thing. Have you any idea what's going on at school, Ben? I mean, let's not even dwell on the fact that half my class has been skipping just to go to yours. Do you realize that this Wave of yours is disrupting the entire school? At least three teachers stopped me in the hall today to ask what the hell you're up to. And they're complaining to the principal too."

"I know, I know. And that's because they just don't understand what I'm trying to do," Ben answered.

"Are you serious, Ben?" his wife asked. "Did you know that the school counsellors have begun questioning students in your class? Are you sure you know what you're doing? Because, frankly, no one else in school thinks you do."

"Don't you think I know that?" Ben replied. "I know what they're saying about me. That I'm crazy with power ... that I'm on an ego trip."

"Have you thought that they may be right?" Christy asked. "I mean, think of your original goals. Are they still the same ones you have now?"

Ben ran his hands through his hair. He already had enough problems with The Wave. "Christy, I thought you were on my side." But inside, he knew that she was right.