However, I need to explain why and what Jim did. He had won the right to play on the varsity basketball team, but the damn coach wouldn't let him play...on the varsity team because he didn't have the seventy dollars it took to purchase the stupid special Converse basketball shoes the team had to wear. All he had were the standard black Converse basketball shoes so the coach put him on the third string.We were pissed off at the coach and the school so one night Jim and I broke into the school. Mom was not nearly so mean when she was around, and soon we were to find out why.One morning at school I found that I had not brought my report folder due that day for a big English project. I had spent hours and hours on it and was angry that I was about to get my grade lowered rigt before graduation for not having it with me. I called Daddy in tears from the guidance counselor’s office and he agreed to pick me up from school and drive me home to get it. The home nurse was there that day, and. ‘Honey, you know damn well, I’m familiar with the equipment of everyone, at least every man, in here.’ she replied, eying Beth, who just smiled and brazenly looked the young black woman up and down then met her gaze and held it. Adele sucked in her breath at the apparent audacity of Ray’s sister. She wondered what would happen if…Ray interrupted her musings. ‘So, you’re also familiar with mine? Could you make a judgement of whose is bigger, just yes or no?’ Adele grinned and nodded. ‘A. Jamie wrinkled his nose and pulled off his belt and threw it in for the next hand’s ante. My mouth fell open as I stared at him. My son!I sighed and leaned back in the chair. “I’m not doing that!” “Mrs. T., keep your belt. Here’s what we’ll do. You don’t have to ante. But if you lose… then you have to throw ah, something in as your ante, ok?” Eric was such a charmer. Brenden seemed embarrassed by his friends. He was always the quiet one. I liked that about him.I smiled at Eric and told myself.