JOE'S DILEMMA (Part One) Joe crouched very still watching the chameleon in the underbrush. He was fascinated as he watched the s
mall lizard change colors as it moved from spot to spot. Joe had already seen him change from brown to green. Now as he sat near the yellow leaf, Joe could see him changing again. "People are like the chameleon," Joe thought, "except the chameleon has an excuse—survival. People change depending on who they are trying to impress. It's funny how someone can be your friend until someone more important comes along." Joe kicked at the rocks and the chameleon scurried away. He was tired of watching him anyway. He'd better get on home before his mother started wondering what was taking him so long. As Joe approached the back door, he could smell supper. "Wash up; dinner is almost ready. Where have you been?" asked Frances Walker, Joe's mother. "I stopped awhile to think, Mom," answered Joe. "Anything you want to talk about?" Mrs. Walker asked. "Maybe later, Mom," said Joe as he walked back to his room. Mom tried to understand, but she always tried to fix things, and sometimes made things worse. This thing between Rick and him would have to be worked out between them. The next morning Joe rushed out the door, late for school. "Joe, take this muffin if you're not going to have time for breakfast. You need something to eat before you go to school." "Thanks, Mom. I didn't realize it was so late," said Joe, stuffing the muffin in his mouth. "Bye, hon," said Mom. "There's Rick. Guess you're both running late this morning." "Wait up, Joe. What's your hurry?" said Rick as he rushed to catch Joe. "Oh, hi Rick. Don't want to be late for school, that's all," Joe said. "We've still got time. I hear the team we're playing for the district championship is hard to beat," said Rick. "Yeh, but so are we," replied Joe. "That is, if all our team keeps up their grades." "I'll find out if I get to play today. I have to make a 95 on that math test I took yesterday to bring my average up. I studied really hard, and memorized all those math facts. I think I did fine though," said Rick. "Yeah," thought Joe, "I'm sure you did make the grade; but not because you studied. I wish I hadn't seen you cheat, Rick. You're ambitious in the wrong way." "Is something wrong, Joe? You seem so quiet," Rick said. Before Joe could answer, Rick yelled out to Jonathan and Brett, "Hey, wait up guys. What's going on?" "We were just talking about the game on Friday night. We'll tear them up," laughed Brett. As the threesome walked ahead, Joe slowed down. "It's the same old story," he said to himself. "Good ol' Joe is fine until somebody better comes along. Why does Rick even like those guys? Everybody knows they're always in trouble. They're rubbing off on Rick. I wonder if that's why Rick cheated." By the time Joe arrived at his locker, everyone seemed to be surrounding Rick. Apparently Rick enjoyed the attention. "No wonder he liked all the physical exercise he does. Maybe I'm just jealous," thought Joe. "He's so popular. I need to learn to behave and think differently." "Rick, you're the best guy on the team. You just have to qualify. If you don't, they'll put Joe in the starting line-up. We need you, man." Joe couldn't tell for sure who said that. He hid behind his locker door. He knew he wasn't as good a player as Rick, but he could hold his own. He was as diligent as the next guy. Besides, he was no cheater. All he'd have to do is tell Mrs. Marshall he saw Rick cheat and Rick wouldn't get to play. What would happen then? Joe began to groan as he thought about it all. "Who's the chameleon, Rick or me?" he asked himself. He knew cheating was wrong, but he sure didn't want to tell on Rick. Later that afternoon as he moved in the direction of the math classroom, Joe could see Mrs. Marshall was handing out the math tests. "Rick," she said, "I'm glad to see your grades are improving. Keep up the good work." Rick looked down at his paper and mumbled, "Thanks." Joe thought Rick looked a little uncomfortable, but he couldn't tell for sure. It looks like all of our team will be playing in the championship game," said Mrs. Marshall. "I hope you put in as much effort in Friday's game as you did in studying for this test." "Oh, Mrs. Marshall? Joe asked raising his hand. "Yes Joe?" replied Mrs. Marshall. "May I see you after class?" Joe asked. "Yes, Joe. I have about ten minutes," replied Mrs. Marshall. Question Do you identify more with Joe or Rick? In one to two sentences explain why you think this.
