CHAPTER 1
The Barrets

The sun glistens off the lake as Drew Barret peers through his bedroom window while adjusting the top button of his school shirt. As Drew bends down to tie his shoelaces, he can’t help but reflect on this past summer at basketball camp. Slipping into a daydream, he can hear the sound of a basketball bouncing in the back of his mind. He is dribbling a basketball while Coach Gramm speaks.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout this year, guys. I hope to see all of you here again next summer. Keep working on your basic skills and always remember–don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong!” At that moment, Drew is picturing an older version of himself as team leader of his favorite basketball team in the Professional Basketball League giving a similar speech to his teammates, “Practice makes perfect, guys, so remember–practice until you can’t get it wrong!”

“Drew, honey! You can’t be late for your first day of school!” his mom shouts from the kitchen, snapping him out of his daydream.

“How is it September already?” he sighs.

It feels like it was just yesterday that he got the news he would be moving to a new school. He’s been preparing himself all summer for this day. He exhales deeply, staring at his reflection encouragingly. “Longwood Academy, I’m ready for you.”

Drew had been suspended from his previous school, Agustov, at the end of the prior school year for shoving a boy, Mark, too hard into a wall and breaking his wrist. Mark had been pushing Drew’s best friend, Trev, around and teasing Drew about being “soft” on Trev. Trev and Drew were more like brothers than best friends. They had become friends in first grade and grew even closer once they realized they lived in the same neighborhood on the western end of their island, Isle of the Shallows. They were so close that they each called the other’s parents aunt and uncle. Mark, however, was known as the school bully, so when he asked Drew, “you like him, eh?” Drew became instantly furious and had pushed Mark.

Drew had explained to Mrs. Feruson, the headmistress, “Mark’s been bullying me and everyone for too long and I just had enough. Just ask them.” Drew pointed to the witnesses he had brought with him to Mrs. Feruson.

Mrs. Feruson put her hand up, stopping further discussion. She did not want to hear anything more. “This is not your first time in my office and this time you’ve gone too far. You’re suspended! You broke his wrist!” she scolded firmly.

“You’re just taking Mark’s side because he’s your nephew. You don’t care that he’s wrong and don’t care about any of us either!” he had shouted back at her, tears of frustration streaming down his face.Why am I crying? STOP CRYING! he had thought angrily to himself.

Back in his bedroom, he continues preparing for his new start. He shakes his head as if to shake the memory and the dark mood that had just come over him.Mark’s stupid and just thinking about him makes me mad! That’s okay. I made my point to everyone there. Now, I’m moving to Longwood. Just remember, stay calm ... and out of trouble because I don’t need Mom taking away my basketball and computer time. I know she thinks I’m the bully. Why can’t she understand? Enough, Drew, you’re going to a new school. Remember that! No need to thi