Tears for Toby - 4. Chapter 4

Part 4
Contact
I was standing in the recreation area talking to Alice Reynolds during the afternoon break when I saw Keith Buckle walking towards us.
“I thought you were supposed to be on the under 15 team that’s playing today.” I said when he came in earshot.
“No I’m not playing today I’m on the bench, and I’m glad I am, we’re taking a right thrashing we’re 3-0 down already and if it wasn’t for Blanchard in goal it would be double figures.”
So is the game over?”
“No it’s half time, I’m not needed and as I have a dental appointment at 3.15pm I leaving now.”
Keith strode off then suddenly turned and said, “By the way Toby, your ex mate is playing a real blinder. He hasn’t changed much, he's a lot taller but still built like a beanpole. He’s running rings around our defence, and just puts the ball at the feet of the strikers for them to score.”
“My ex mate,” I said, “who the hell are you yapping about?”
“Joe, Joe Burton,” and he was walking off for his appointment.
I ran after him and grabbed his shoulder, “Keith say that again,” I yelled, “as I spun him around.”
“Say what again.”
“The name idiot, what was the name you just mentioned.”
“Oh yeah Joseph Burton your mate from junior school.”
“Oh shit! thanks Keith, one more thing what’s the name of the school that we’re playing against”
“Evington Park High School.” And Keith left to keep his dental appointment.

I dashed into the school waving to Alice Reynolds as I passed her, and headed for my locker and had it opened and my mobile phone in my hand and dialling home in the space of minutes.
“Hi mum,”
“No nothing is wrong all I want you to do is listen to what I have to say then you can act accordingly.” I took a deep breath then said,
“Mum I’ve found out where Joey is.”
“Quiet mum I don’t have time to answer your questions, now listen, do you have paper and pencil handy. Okay I’ll wait.”
I waited a minute which seemed like forever until I heard my mother say she was ready.
“Okay mum, Joey is attending Evington Park High School but where he lives I have no idea. Can you contact the school and get his address, and phone number, then contact his home to see if he can stop off after the match with us. We can take him home later today or even tomorrow if he’s allowed to stay overnight.”
“No don’t phone me back I’ll phone you I’ve got my last two classes to attend then I’ll be free just hope I can get to Joey before they leave. Okay bye mum love you.”

I was on pins all through my last two periods, when the bell rang I was out of the class like a bullet and getting to my locker in record time put my books away. I had my phone out and was talking to my mother in no time. She had managed to persuade the school secretary to part with Joey’s address and phone number and my mum had contacted his mother. Mrs Burton was happy for us to pick up Joey and if he wanted to stay overnight she had no objections.

I ran to the main gate as fast as I could and saw what I knew must be the Evington Park team coach coming around from the back of the school I waited till it was just outside the gates then running alongside it pounded on the door with my fist at the same time yelling for the driver to open the door. Thankfully he stopped the coach and opened the door and I jumped into the coach. I looked around then I saw him sitting at the back staring at me as my voice erupted with a yell of “JOEY.”