Specky Magee and the Season of Champions

by Felice Arena

Robbo reluctantly followed him into a vacant room. Danny jumped into a bed and quickly tied a sling around his arm.

  ‘Right, I’ll pretend to be sick. You pretend to be a friend visiting me,’ he said, as if he was a director on a movie set.

  ‘You’re crazy, Castelino! What if whoever was sleeping in this bed comes back?’

  ‘Well, that’s a risk we just have to take. Gee, I wish I had my camera. Shhh! Here they come!’

  As the entourage shuffled into the room, Robbo was so nervous he felt like he was going to throw up. Nathan Buckley and Barry Hall approached Danny’s bedside.

  ‘G’day, mate,’ said Nathan, first of the two to speak.

  Danny groaned a little.

  ‘Hi. This is a dream come true,’ he squeaked, pretending he was in pain.

  ‘Now, this is …’ one of the nurses began to say, picking up the clipboard attached to the end of Danny’s bed.

  Robbo looked away to stop himself from laughing. The photographers were snapping away like crazy.

  ‘This is Michelle!’

  ‘Michelle?’ questioned Nathan and Barry simultaneously.

  Robbo spluttered uncontrollably as the nurse glared suspiciously at Danny.

  But Danny didn’t flinch. He quickly talked his way out of the awkward situation.

  ‘Yes, Mich-EL. It’s French for Michael. My mum’s French,’ he lied, straight-faced.

  ‘Well, nice to meet you, Michel,’ remarked Nathan. ‘How are you feeling? How’d you break your arm?’

  This time, Robbo was too scared to look up at his friend. How was Danny going to get out of this one?

  ‘Well, would you believe I took an awesome mark over my mate Robbo here? I flew, like, two metres or so and then I came crashing down on my wrist. I’m waiting for the doctor to come and plaster me up.’

  Danny looked up and again caught the nurse pursing her lips and angrily squinting her eyes at him.

  ‘Well, that’s strange, Michelle,’ she said, scanning the patient details on the clipboard. ‘No mention of taking marks in your records, here. In fact, I’m surprised that someone like you, who suffers from brittle bones, would play football in the first place.’

  Nathan, Barry and everyone else in the room appeared totally bewildered by the nurse’s comment. Danny sensed that any second now his cover would be completely blown.

  ‘Um, Mr Buckley? Could you sign the back of my T-shirt? And, Mr Hall, could you do the same for my friend Robbo here?’ he quickly asked, changing the subject.

  The AFL champions obliged and soon afterwards they and their mob of followers rolled out into the corridor and moved on to the next room.

  ‘Unreal! I just got Nathan Buckley’s autograph!’ yelped Danny, but then he noticed that the Collingwood captain had written, ‘To Michel, look after those bones! – Nathan’.

  ‘Phew! That was close,’ sighed Robbo, relieved that the nurse had decided not to expose them, even though she knew they were ring-ins.

  ‘You can say that again. I don’t believe you, guys!’

  It was Specky and Tiger Girl. They had been at the back of the crowd and caught the entire performance.

  A few minutes later, Specky and his mates were back in Tiger Girl’s room. While Tiger Girl talked to Danny and Robbo about the previous week’s AFL games, Specky left them all for a moment to make a phone call from the hospital’s cafeteria.

  ‘Right, I need a favour from you two,’ he said to Danny and Robbo, on his return to the room.

  ‘Who’d you have to call in such a hurry?’ asked Tiger Girl.

  ‘You’ll find out,’ grinned Specky. ‘If you can get dressed, we’re going.’

  ‘Going where?’ all three asked at the same time.

  ‘I’m taking Tiger Girl to the MCG to watch Richmond and Carlton play,’ replied Specky.

  ‘But I can’t leave the hospital. I’m not supposed to. I’m meant to be resting,’ said Tiger Girl, as if she was trying her best to convince herself not to go.

  ‘Yes, you can,’ said Specky firmly. ‘You’re the one who said all that stuff about life’s too short and you gotta follow your dreams, remember? So now it’s your turn! It will be fun.’

  Specky suddenly realised that Tiger Girl was looking scared. It hadn’t occurred to him that she might not have the energy to go to a football game. Was he sounding kind of insensitive about her illness? he wondered.

  ‘Um, look,’ he said, backtracking. ‘You don’t have to if you don’t think you can. We can do it another time; when you’re feeling better or when you get out of here.’

  Tiger Girl paused for a moment. She looked at Danny and Robbo and then back at Specky again.

  ‘No, I can do it!’ she said, taking a deep breath. ‘Mum won’t be here for a couple of hours. And my next therapy session isn’t until late tonight,’ she added with a nervous quiver in her voice. ‘All right! Let’s go then!’

  ‘Great! And, I promise, we’ll take it easy,’ exclaimed Specky. ‘Now, you two, we need your help, since you’ve already proven to be such brilliant actors. Danny, I want you to get into Tiger Girl’s bed, put on her bandana and cover yourself with the blanket. And Robbo, like you did before, I want you to sit here pretending you’re visiting her. If the nurses come in, tell them Tiger Girl’s sleeping and they should leave her alone.’

  At first, Danny and Robbo refused to go along with Specky’s outlandish request, and for several minutes there was a lot of back-and-forth bickering until Tiger Girl stepped in and pleaded with them.

  ‘Guys, it’s not every day I get to see my heroes in the flesh. You’d be really helping me out.’

  Danny and Robbo turned to each other and nodded. Specky could tell that his friends had Tiger Girl’s best interests at heart. They were worried about her, but, at the same time, they wanted to help her dream come true.

  ‘Okay, we’ll do it,’ they agreed.

  16. the truth

  While weaving in and out of the hoards of barrackers streaming toward the hallowed home of Australian Rules, Specky caught Tiger Girl looking up at the MCG in complete awe. He still couldn’t believe that she hadn’t ever experienced a live AFL game.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Specky asked.

  Tiger Girl could only nod as she slipped her arm around Specky’s and gave it a tight squeeze. Specky led her to the city side of the stadium, finally stopping near the gates that led to the players’ room.

  ‘What are we doing?’ she asked.

  ‘You’ll find out – very soon,’ Specky replied, smiling from ear to ear.

  Five minutes passed before Specky received a tap on the shoulder. It was the Great McCarthy.

  ‘Hey, football legend. You owe me big-time,’ he said, launching right into conversation without saying Hi. ‘I’ve had to pull so many strings to make this happen, you know. Anyway, follow me and I’ll take you in where … sorry, what’s your name?’ The Great McCarthy turned to Tiger Girl.

  ‘Samantha,’ she answered, sounding a bit worried. ‘Speck? Isn’t he one of those senior boys who were smoking at school? What are you doing hanging out with him?’

  Specky took Tiger Girl aside and told her about how his sister was dating the Great McCarthy and that he had got to know him and he was actually a good guy – he just acted tough in front of his mates. ‘And he’s totally given up smoking, too!’ he added.

  ‘Come on! I’ll show you where Samantha can get changed,’ said Dieter.

  ‘Changed? Specky, what’s going on?’

  Specky gestured to the Great McCarthy that they’d be with him in just a few moments.

  ‘Look, um, seeing your Richmond boys play would’ve been great. But I thought it’d be even better if you could get up close to them.’

  Specky could see that Tiger Girl had no idea what he was talking about. He continued.

  ‘I’ve arranged for you to dress up as the Tiger’s mascot. That was the phone call I made from the hospital.’

  Specky had to grab hold of Tiger Girl because she
looked as if she was going to faint.

  ‘What? Seriously?’ she said in disbelief.

  For a second or so, Specky wasn’t sure whether he had done the right thing or not. He wondered if Tiger Girl was strong enough.

  ‘But, look, it’s up to you. If you don’t feel like you can do it, we’ll just watch the game.’

  ‘Are you kidding? This is unreal!’ she cried. ‘You’re the greatest! Thank you!’

  Specky blushed as Tiger Girl flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

  ‘Hey, enough of the love fest, you two!’ yelled the Great McCarthy. ‘It’s time to go in.’

  Specky and Tiger Girl were given guest passes by the gate attendant, and they followed the Great McCarthy inside the famous stadium. They made their way from the members area toward the Richmond change rooms, pausing to look at the giant pictures of all the AFL captains, which were hung on the inside walls. They passed through the members zone into the general seating area and walked past the Melbourne Football Club change rooms. Right next door were the rooms used by the mighty Tigers. The two Richmond officials on the door smiled at Dieter, and let them in. At least fifty kids waiting outside looked on enviously as Tiger Girl and Specky were granted the privilege of entry into the team’s inner sanctum.

  ‘Oh my God! I just saw Richo and Wayne Campbell!’ gasped Tiger Girl.

  ‘Right,’ said the Great McCarthy, waving to get her attention. The costume might be a little large for you, but you’ll get by. Once you’ve changed, you have to run up this tunnel here. That will lead you onto the ground …’

  Specky couldn’t help feeling excited for Tiger Girl as he watched her listening carefully to every word the Great McCarthy said.

  ‘When you get on the ground, walk around the boundary fence and greet all the Richmond fans. Shake the kids’ hands, but watch out for the older kids: try not to let them punch you or pull your head off. Got that?’

  ‘Um, that sounds a little rough,’ said Specky interrupting. He turned to Tiger Girl. ‘Remember, you don’t have to do this, if it’s all gonna be too much for you,’ he added softly.

  ‘I know. I’ll be okay,’ she said, touched by Specky’s concern. Dieter continued.

  ‘As soon as the players have run through the banner, then it’s time for you to come back in. I’ll meet you here, okay?’

  ‘Then, come up and meet me near the gate we came through. Near the hot-food stand. I don’t wanna miss seeing you do this!’ tagged on Specky.

  Specky made his way through the crowd, past the sea of seats that were quickly filling up, and down to the boundary fence. He spotted the Richmond mascot on the other side of the ground. Even from where he stood, Specky could see that Tiger Girl was getting into the part – prancing about, swinging her arms and shaking kids’ hands along the way.

  Eventually, she made her way around to Specky’s area.

  ‘Go, Tiger Girl!’ Specky hollered out to her.

  Tiger Girl gave him a big, animated wave and then mimed the actions of blowing a kiss.

  A younger boy standing next to Specky looked at him oddly.

  ‘Err, gross! Tigers aren’t meant to do that!’ he remarked.

  Specky smiled and continued to watch Tiger Girl make her way around the ground.

  Finally, the Richmond and Carlton cheer squads erected their club’s banner and the teams burst through. It was time for Tiger Girl to leave the field and head back to the change rooms.

  Meanwhile, Specky headed to the hot-food stand as arranged, but, when he got there, he found the last person in the world he would have expected to see.

  ‘Specky?’ came a familiar voice from directly behind him.

  Specky turned to see Christina. He automatically looked around to see if Screamer was nearby. He wasn’t.

  ‘Hi,’ she said.

  ‘Hi,’ stuttered Specky, who noticed she looked as nervous as he felt. ‘What are you doing here? Thought you were at the movies …’

  ‘Well, what about you? Thought you were there, too, but then you, Robbo and Danny disappeared,’ she replied. ‘And, well, Derek suddenly changed his mind and said he wasn’t in the mood to see a film, either. So we decided to come here, instead, ’cause Dad’s directing the live telecast today, and my Blues are playing.’

  ‘Oh,’ said Specky, lost for words, still not believing that he was actually standing in front of her. ‘Um, so where’s Screamer now?’

  ‘He’s with Dad in the media rooms. I just came down to get a drink. So, why are you here? Don’t tell me you’ve added Richmond and Carlton to the list of teams you barrack for? What does that make it, seven now?’ she smiled, making Specky feel a little more at ease.

  ‘No,’ he grinned.

  Specky told Christina about Tiger Girl and how he was there because of her.

  ‘Yeah, Derek told me you had a girlfriend in Year Nine. Is that who you mean?’

  ‘Yeah, but she’s not my girlfriend, she’s just a good mate,’ said Specky, kind of embarrassed.

  ‘Like we used to be,’ quipped Christina.

  An awkward pause followed as the two just stared at each other with looks of regret. Specky didn’t know how to reply to that last comment.

  ‘Look, Specky,’ Christina said, finally. ‘I didn’t mean to hurt you with all that Great Footy Contest stuff. But, if I did, then I’m really sorry.’

  ‘Hey, it’s cool,’ Specky mumbled, now looking down at his feet. ‘I guess I couldn’t believe you teamed up with Screamer and you didn’t tell me, that’s all.’

  ‘I know, I know. Look, I realise Derek can be a bit of a bully sometimes, but I’ve seen a side of him that’s really sweet, fun and caring. And I know that must sound weird to you. But he’s done some really nice things for me.’

  ‘Like what?’ asked Specky, finding it difficult to believe that Christina was talking about the same Screamer Johnson that he knew.

  ‘Well, he made me promise not to tell anyone, but he has other talents and interests apart from footy. And there’s a side of him I find really cute.’

  Specky cringed, feeling a wave of jealousy wash over him.

  ‘And, also,’ Christina added. ‘He has a tough time with his dad, you know? And, well, I’m just saying it affects him more than most people realise.’

  Having seen how harshly Mr Johnson treated Screamer, Specky could relate to part of what Christina was saying, but it still didn’t change the way he felt.

  ‘Well, if we’re apologising, then I’m sorry you and Screamer were disqualified and can’t go to America. That really sucks. Just because your dad sometimes works for the same TV network as the contest sponsors.’

  ‘What are you talking about?’ asked Christina. ‘We didn’t get disqualified because of my dad.’

  ‘What? You didn’t?’ said Specky, puzzled.

  ‘No! We got booted off the trip because of Derek’s dad! He paid off one of the contest organisers to make sure we were picked. And when the other organisers were checking out my dad’s background – which was all okay – they found out what Mr Johnson did. But Derek doesn’t know that. His father lied to him. And, well, I haven’t told him the truth because I know it would really hurt him.’

  Specky shook his head in utter amazement. He needed a few moments to let all this new information sink in.

  ‘Anyway, I know – since you’ve ignored my instant messages on-line, and since you didn’t want to talk to me the other night at the dinner – that you probably don’t like me anymore. And that’s fair enough, I s’pose,’ said Christina looking forlorn.

  ‘That’s not true, I do like you,’ said Specky. ‘And I did want to talk to you – well, maybe at first I didn’t ’cause I was really cheesed off, but then I thought I should just get over it, ’cause, you know, you’re really cool and stuff. But Screamer warned me not to go anywhere near you. He threatened to dob me into my folks about something he knows I shouldn’t have done.’

  Now it was Christina’s turn to digest some surpri
sing new information.

  ‘I’m so sorry, Speck. I can’t believe he did that. And here I am going on about how sweet he is and –’

  ‘It’s okay. I’m just glad we’re friends again,’ said Specky, stopping Christina mid-sentence.

  There was another pause, but this time Christina took a step closer to Specky.

  ‘What?’ asked Specky, leaning back.

  ‘I’m glad we’re friends again, too, Specky Magee,’ she said quietly. ‘’Cause I really, really, really like you. I always have.’

  Before Specky knew it, Christina had leaned forward a little more and put her arms around him – embracing him tightly.

  Is she gonna kiss me? Should I kiss her? Specky’s mind was racing – so was his heart. His ears were tingling and his feet felt as if they were floating two metres off the ground.

  Specky wished it could last forever, but then he glanced over Christina’s shoulder and caught sight of Tiger Girl standing there. Then he saw Screamer, watching them with a shocked expression.

  17. run!

  If looks could kill! Specky knew he should be dead meat. But, surprisingly, Screamer didn’t charge at Specky in a fit of rage. He didn’t even swear at him. Instead, with a wounded look on his face, he turned and ran the other way. As for Tiger Girl, she just spun around abruptly toward the hot-dog stand, pretending she hadn’t seen anything at all.

  ‘I better go after him. My dad will think it’s weird that he’s gone back without me,’ said Christina.

  ‘Yeah, okay,’ said Specky, still feeling tingly all over.

  ‘I’ll talk to you on-line. Okay?’

  Specky nodded, and, with that, Christina ran off back into the crowd in pursuit of Screamer.

  Now Tiger Girl, Specky thought, nervously wandering toward her. Did she think they were going out? Would she be upset?

  ‘Um, what you just saw …’ stuttered Specky, not sure what he was going to say.

  Tiger Girl placed a finger on his lips. ‘You don’t have to explain anything to me,’ she said, smiling. ‘I’ve just had the best time of my life because of you. It’s the greatest gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you. And, besides, I think you two look cute together.’