[wentwood]

The party at the Max continued
Safira spoke up.
"I am proud of the hard work our team has shown out there
today at the game. This is not about a trophy but about
coming together to be able to work as a team. You all have
shown that. Some of you have felt betrayed by your old school
so it can feel natural to want to get even. I understand that. Your
new friends will always have your back. We all won that game
together as a team. Remember that. It is not about a school
spirit competition but being able to trust your friends. You
have all shown you can. Also I wish to point out that Tamera has
delt with a tough situation on the field with Jessica. I am proud
of her. I had seen the whole incident. Tamera knows enough
to set a grudge aside. I have decided to excuse Jess in light
of what Sweet Valley has done to her. This was not her fault.
Tamera had managed to calm Jessica down. This is what
school spirit means. Helping a friend deal with a tough
problem."

At home later Tamera went to talk to Lisa.
"What's your deal Lisa? It's not about winning. And
besides Liz and Jess were drifting on their own the
first day at Bayside. And those other 4 girls. Is that
fair to them?" Tamera snapped. "Grow up and get
over yourself. You're no better than the kids at Sweet
Valley. I was trying to help them fit in."
She went to her room.
"What was that about?" Lisa asked.
"I think you know Mom." Tia said as she joined Tamera.
"Excuse me?" Lisa muttered. "What did I miss?"
"The bigger picture Lisa. Tamera told me on the
phone." Ray snapped. "The girls were disowned by
their old friends and they have to fit in at a new
school and start over."
"Ewww." Lisa muttered.
"Exactly." Ray said. "A new school is never easy. Tamera had
a point. The Wakefield were having a rough time of it. They
have Tamera in their corner."
Lisa nodded.

Tia entered Tamera's room.
"You OK sis?"
"I'm great except for Lisa. But I'm worried for Liz and Jess.
That's twice we beat Sweet Valley. It's bad enough their old
school disowned them and now this game made it worse.
True we won it fair and square but now Sweet Valley could
take it out on us."
Tia sat by Tamera.
"Sweet Valley started all this Tamera. We just finished it
for them. Think about it. All SVH could see was being the
best in the state. Our team played for the heck of it and
we still won. We were just enjoying the game."
Tamera smiled.
"Thanks Tia. Maybe we do have real school spirit. Sorry
I missed that."
"Actually you didn't Tamera. We weren't trying to out
best anybody. We were just having fun out there sis."
"Liz and Jess are our friends and I guess it made me
a little mad."
"I know. We'll deal with SVH later." Tia said.

Next morning Tamera was at Bayside.
Safira saw her so they went to homeroom together.
"I was impressed by what happened at the game Tamera."
"I know Safira. It's not over with Sweet Valley yet. They still
only care about trophies and state titles."
Safira nodded.
"That is their problem. The fact is we are better than that. You
put your friends first. You could have cared less about being
state champion."
Tamera relaxed.
"I know Safira."
Safira looked at her.
"Hey there is a big dance tomorrow if you might want to help
me with it."
Tamera nodded.
"Sure. Is it a date dance?"
"No not that kind of dance. It is more of a party for the school."
"Sure Safira." Tamera said.
Safira passed her the details.
Tamera nodded.
"I'll see if Tia wants to help."
"Want to have lunch at the Max?"
"Tia and I can make it."
The girls went to home room.

After Riley's class Tamera pulled Tia aside.
"Safira asked us to meet her over lunch and she put me
in charge of the school party. You want in Tia?"
"Parties can make or break a reputation. I'm there. This is our
chance to do something cool for the school." Tia said. "And yes to
that lunch."
"Maybe Kelly , Lisa and Jessie can help." Tamera told Tia.
"Let's ask them."

Tia went to see Lisa.
Tamera is in charge of the school party. Care to help us out?"
"Sure Tia." Lisa said.
"Tamera went to find Coach Morris "
"I bet Kelly would love to help."
"That just leaves Ms. Spano."
"Jessie is definitely in."
"Great. Can you guys meet Tamera and me after school at the Max?"
"Sure Tia."
"With you three in on it this party is going to be cool."
Lisa smiled.
"We used to plan all sorts of stuff when we were in school here."
"All right see you guys at the Max."