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"I believe we all recognize that," Dr Kilgore says, trying to come to the president’s rescue "But--"

"If any of the boys on the teaan’s roo his jersey fro with the chaore appears fluirls But basketball players are athletes, and--"

"Are you saying cheerleaders aren’t athletes, Dr Kilgore?" Sarah’s voice is icy

"C-certainly not," Dr Kilgore stutters "Only that--"

"So why can’t you retire Lindsay’s sweater?" Hailey wants to know, her blond ponytail swinging in elance at Ki to chiirls are in their cheerleading uniforold letter P’s on the fronts, and very short, pleated gold and white skirts They have on flesh-colored hose beneath their skirts, and white footies with fuzzy gold balls on the back of them Their white sneakers are by Reebok and their hair color almost unaniht

"Look" Coach Andrews looks tired There are dark circles under his eyes "It’s not the jerseys themselves we retire when a player dies It’s the player’s number And Lindsay didn’t have a nu"

"Why not?"

All eyes turn toward Manuel, who, fro with his uncle and various other members of the custodial staff, blinks back

"Why not?" he asks again, as his uncle Julio, beside hilance around the table and happen to see Magda at the far end of it, watching the cheerleaders with a troubled gaze I knohat she’s thinking without even having to ask Because I’ree with Manuel," I hear myself say

Of course, everyone turns to look at me Which must be a relief to Manuel But which causes round

"I think it could be a lovely gesture," I say "If done tastefully"

"Oh, it will be," Cheryl assures us "We already asked if the band can play the school song real slow And we all chipped in and bought a wreath ot Lindsay’s sweater, all nice and pressed"

I notice that everyone--including Dr Jessup, the head of Housing--is staring at airl’s sweater during it?

"I think it would be a touching tribute to a girl who had more Pansy spirit than just about anybody else in this school," I say to President Allington, who is still looking confused