C'mon, Sharon, you're smarter than to conspicuously keep your seat while everyone else is standing and applauding.  You can still eye-fuck Peter while politely clapping.  Better not to attend at all and establish a solid alibi elsewhere.  Mandy's already been questioned by the authorities, and you can't be sure she didn't name you as a provocateur.

Yeah, he's smooth talker but if you're 5 inch tall. you've no real other option! 

Gotta say Peter sure is good at talking to ladies. Sure this was his sister but even before this I've noted his way at connecting emotionally with them to get what he wants. Maybe all his years of being surrounded by doting females has given him these skills out of necessity? Who knows. But he's a smooth talker that's for sure.

At first, I thought you had made a typo! But, a little re-reading proved that Peter Clark is Our Hero's full name. So, that being said, I give you top marks for showing the little guy that he still has other sources of potential trouble besides Sharon and Company. Basically extorting him into giving her another foot massage makes Coach Watson even worse than Toilet Girl, as subtle intimidation can, in a sense, be even scarier than outright attempted murder!*


*Although, I'm sure Pete might disagree with that latter point.

Author's Response:

I wondered if someone might think that at first glance. Watson just occasionally calls Peter by his last name, as many coaches might. He's definitely aware on this day especially just how many sources of trouble he has on all sides.

Nice to see Peter growing some teeth talking back. But Watch out for next trio's blow!

Aggression and territoriality are linked with testosterone, a hormone produced by both boys and girls.

I still don't know what Sharon's endgame is, other than a demonstration of dominance. 

Oh man, that conversation with Sharon was absolutely tantalizing! Just how she was able to get into his head. The perfect combo of talking just right to lead him in the conversation, while getting just close enough for him to feel her breath on his back and know how powerless he is. She's like a cat teasing her prey. It was just an amazingly well executed conversation. Bravo!

Mandy might be suspended. But, somehow, I don't think "the greatest threat under this roof" is gone.

Author's Response:

;)

I dont see how Mandy wouldnt be kicked out, she almost killed the guy! As long as shes around Peter will never be safe! In fact I think her punishment should be WORSE, as in, send her to juvy or something!

Oh my, who should Peter trust? I know I have some catching-up to do, but I wanted to pop in to tell you I enjoyed this chapter in particular. I find it representative of some of the things I've enjoyed about the story in general. You've commended me before on my restraint. Let me just say that Peter's interactions with Ms. Tritter are just heavenly, exemplars of the power of subtlety.

Sharon I find interestingly complex. Mandy is her foil as the unpredictable, genuinely scary one. Sharon is still threatening, but somehow less so. Even endearing, in an odd way. I'm hoping she's sincere, and turns into the friend who gets Peter to take some fun risks. In any case, I trust the 'smith to weave an engrossing tale, and look forward to following Peter's high school haps.