Erika was not among those who disliked Mr. Kelp. As point guard, she was the best passer on the team. She was also the only one
not worried about passing science. Her B in Mr. Kelp's class was her lowest letter grade overall. Still, she appreciated how he challenged the class. He didn't let students skate by with minimum effort. Erika considered his class to be good preparation for college. She made plans to meet Mr. Kelp before school. She wanted to ask if he would hold a special study session to help the team prepare for the exam. Her teammates were not fond of the idea.
According to Erika, her teammates did not see the point in a study session. They insisted that there was not enough time to learn everything. They were going to fail and get kicked off the team. The season was going to end in embarrassment. Then, one of the teammates spoke out. Erika would not reveal which teammate it was, but she remembers the words clearly. "Our only chance is for someone to get a copy of the test so we know the answers ahead of time." The team smiled. They felt like they had been offered some hope. Erika frowned. She felt like she had been given an order.
Erika tried protesting for a while, but she felt trapped. "As soon as the idea was out there, everyone jumped on it," Erika explained. "They kept telling me it would be easy. That I could save the season. That a real teammate puts the team first." Before she knew it, the team had drawn up a plan. Erika would visit Mr. Kelp's room the following morning. Someone would create a distraction down the hall. When Mr. Kelp investigated, Erika would grab a copy of the test from his desk. Erika wanted to say no, but between championships and friendships, there was too much to lose if she did.
The following morning, Erika stood in Mr. Kelp's room with her hands shaking and her teeth chattering. She snatched a blank test as he stepped into the hall. What happened next is a blur—partly because it happened quickly—mostly because Erika would like to forget it ever happened at all. She was called to the office, her backpack was searched, and the test was found. By the day's end, she had apologized to a shocked Mr. Kelp. She had been removed from the team by a disappointed coach. She had been suspended by an angry principal and driven home by tearful parents.
Wanting to be a good teammate, Erika never mentioned the other players. She expected them to step up and admit their involvement. She ended up taking the fall alone. Her teammates avoided her, saying they were happy the cheater was off of the team. With the exam postponed, they were treated as heroes for winning the championship without her. Erika transferred to another school, remembered as the girl who cheated to make straight A's. Today, a star athlete and college scholar, Erika blames past mistakes on no one but herself. The ball is in her hands again. This time she plans on making better decisions.
Which of the following facts is expressed explicitly in paragraph 5?
Erika has become a college student and athlete.
Erika has forgiven her teammates for what they did.
Erika has learned an important lesson about life.
Erika has worked hard to improve her reputation.
