Not My Day
by Rob Morris
Ethan James had decided enough was enough. His best friend was on an ego trip, even if he was performing a very charitable act.
Kira Ford tried to warn him off.
"Look, even if he is tripping, can't we let Conner have his moment?"
Ethan decided it was too much to let slide. Conner took the podium.
"Let me welcome you all to the ribbon-cutting for The Conner McKnight Football Academy. Everyone here helped make this place, a boost to underprivileged kids, a reality."
He was being humble enough, and the 'football' in the name was a welcome accuracy, though not in the States, but the trip was still on. Ethan gathered his nerve, and called his best friend out.
"Hey, Conner? Could you tell us a little about the man this Academy is named for?"
Kira, Trent, Doctor Oliver, and all the Ninja Rangers stared hard at Ethan, having forgone this comment to aid a noble cause. Yet Conner seemed not upset by the question, and in fact seemed to welcome it.
"Good catch, Ethan-that's why he's the brains of our group. I almost forgot the gentle giant, the magnificent tower of strength whose name and achievements stand above us-"
The others took away their stares, thinking maybe Ethan had called the ego trip correctly, until Conner continued.
"-my grandfather, Conner McKnight, who also gave this sorry jerk his name. He gave me my love of football-he was from Scotland, so it was NEVER soccer until I got to High School-and a belief in myself, which as my friends can tell you, I sometimes take a little too far. But he was just that good, and in his name, I declare this academy good to go. Now this first summer, me and some of my friends will be training the people who will be training others to help out. It's all about legacy, folks, so let's start one now!"
The others felt a twinge of embarrassment, but Ethan felt it so bad, he asked Cam to install the final stages of the player analysis program while he sought out the man he'd misjudged. Wading through the crowd of well-wishers, he finally found that familiar face.
"Conner? I made one really bad mistake today. Well, as of right now, I am all done with mistakes. I'm sorry for thinking the worst of you, my friend. So? Did I correct my error?"
The man in front of Ethan stared and shook his head. He called out.
"Conner?"
To Ethan's brief shock, Conner appeared behind Conner.
"Yeah, Eric?"
Eric McKnight saw three of his former Ninja teachers approaching, and made tracks.
"Your friend had something to tell you."
"Sure! What's up Ethan?"
Ethan's face showed his frustration with the day.
"Is the Abyss open? Because I think I'd like to jump in."