Sport
series 1
The Gymnast Princess
By: Amy Laine
~1~
Dedicated to Family and Friends
Mrs. Lanskey our gymnastics teacher pointed at me. “Courtney why don't you practice forward rolls along the lines?” I nodded.
It was Beginner gymnastics but I was the only girl here who hadn't been able to land a cartwheel. To top it off, Ashley and her clique all took lessons in dance, so they could move their hips without getting a cramp, or two.
I took a deep breath and let myself lean over the mat. As I tumbled down I tucked my legs in and I started to roll along the line. My back hit the ground first then my legs. Everything was fine until my arms went down. I ended up in a messy sprawl on the ground.
Ashley walked over to me. “Need a hand?” She asked a little to sweetly. She offered me her hand and I took it. “Oops!” Ashley cried letting me slip so I fell back down again. My head hit the hard tile floor where there was no mat. I got up rubbing my head. “I'm so sorry! I didn't imagine your hand being so slippery!” Ashley faked an apology. “What did you do? Wipe your boogers on it? FREAK.” She whispered into my ear as I started into another forward roll.
My eyes stung with tears as I did one mess-up-forward roll after another.
“Oh! Look! Courtney's crying!”
Mrs. Lanskey glared at me. “Concentrate Courtney! Look where your going! You almost crashed with Amy!” I nod.
I walk home with my hands shoved into my jean pockets. I really don't like gymnastics, but Mom makes me because she wants me to make friends. Like I could make any friends there!
~2~
I open the door to the house after inserting the key. Mom is there reading a book. “Hi mom.” I sigh as I put down my backpack. “How was school?” She asks.
“Same.”
“And Gymnastics?”
I shudder but tell her, “It was really awesome. You should see me on the high beam!” Mom laughs. “I can tell you love it there! If I can scrounge up enough money I'll try to pay the tuition for next year.” I gulp. Mom continues. “I'd like to meet some of your friends too.” Mom smiles at me. “Why don't you invite one over this weekend?” I have to think fast. I remember how little white lies can grow. And mine had already started!
“Oh, do we have any ice cream?” I asked changing the subject. Mom didn't notice. “Sure, in the freezer. I dropped by the store today, and guess what was on sale? Peppermint ice cream!” Mom smiles broadly at me. Peppermint ice cream is my favorite. I smile and got out the ice cream. “One for you?” I pointed at mom with a wet ice-cream scooper. “No thanks, darling I've had my share.” I notice huge dents in the peppermint ice-cream. I can't help but smile.
As I eat my ice cream I think about gymnastics. Was it really meant for me? I couldn't even do a forward roll! Once again my heart ached in longing to go back home. Home...I had plenty of friends and I was a really good volleyball player. But Ternsessum (the town) doesn't play volleyball. At least there I wasn't a freak.
I felt really lucky today. I had peppermint ice cream the night before, got all A's on my report card, and Ashley was sick today. Who doesn't call that lucky?
I stand posed on the mat. Right hand first, leg, and left hand follows. I told myself. I was about to do a cart-wheel. I had planned on doing one at the end of the year, but today had the feeling in the air.
I dive, imagining myself standing tall at the other end. I landed at the other end... face first. Tears sprang to my eyes (again) and I have to fight them back down. Mrs. Lanskey growled at me. “Courtney! You need to swing your legs in the air! Come on straight! Do it again!”
I gave an awkward duck of my head and was in position to do a cart-wheel.
But my faith was shattered. Mrs. Lanskey shook her head. “Courtney? Why don't you practice rolling in a straight line? Remember keep a parallel body that is straight, tuck in your arms and concentrate on rolling in a straight line.” I could tell Mrs. Lanskey didn't think highly of me. The sneer in her voice proved it but...who could blame her? I didn't even think of myself as even OK in gymnastics.
As I tucked my arms in I took a deep breath and began to roll. I closed my eyes afraid of what I might see if I looked. When I opened m y eyes again I realized I felt cold tile beneath me- instead of a mat! I sighed. I already knew I hadn't been able to go in a straight line. Mrs. Lanskey clucked her tongue disapprovingly. I grabbed my gym bag and fled the room trying not to be a baby and let Ashley's friends see my cry.
I sat in the locker room pulling off my leotard. Underneath was my undershirt. I pulled on my tight jeans hoping it wouldn't make me look to skinny and more of a misfit. After that came my turquoise T-shirt and the light blue jacket. I pulled out my hair bob and took out my brush. I combed my hair till it was silky. At least, that was something no-one could say I was bad at. For a moment I admired the naturally curly locks of hair. Then I picked up my gym bag and stuffed my hideous pink leotard inside.
I stayed awake in my bed for a long time thinking about today. I thought about gymnastics. Why couldn't I just be good at gymnastics?
I considered telling my mom the truth. But that would only break her heart.
After all, she did gymnastics when she was a kid. It was her favorite thing to do till she fractured her leg doing a flip on the high beam. I shuddered. I hadn't been born then but fracturing something sounds so...so...painful.
I decide not to tell Mom. It is for the better anyway...right? But part of me asks, 'Do you really want to do gymnastics?' “Yes!” I whisper out loud. But deep down the answer is no. And I know it.
I woke up at 7:32 this morning and decided to talk to mom about gymnastics. I went out to get some breakfast when I saw Mom. She was having cereal. “Mom? About gymnastics...” When I saw my mom's joyful face I broke off. Not now. I'll tell her later. I tell myself. “Whats that honey?” Mom asks. “Nothing.” I pretend to choke so I can get a glass of water. Anything to get away.
I get out the Life and gulp it down hungrily. Mom hugs me and says, “Have a great day at school!” I gulp when she says, “And gymnastics! Courtney their having a contest and I well... SIGNED you up to be in it! I know you'll do great! It's at your gymnastics center and you'll be competing with LOTS of other girls!” I stare at her. I can barely speak. “You...what...that's...how?” I stammer. Mom smiles. “It is next week on Monday. 4:00 OK? I'll be watching my little girl beating those half trained walruses!” I stare at her in shock and dismay. “Mom I'm not so little anymore. I'm twelve.” I manage to get out. Mom hands me a flier about the contest and I slip it into my binder. Mom hugs me again and sends me off to school. The whole way to school I am so shocked I can't even blink.
We have a history test today and I am absolutely dreading it. I couldn't study last night...I was too tired. Besides who WANTS to look at some boring past stuff? I give a tiny sigh then walk through the middle schools door to torture.
I stare at the history test.
Columbus sailed the ocean a long time ago. He believed that the Earth was Round. Others said that you could fall right off the edge. Many other map-makers agreed. What year did Columbus sail?
A. 1486
B. 2008
C. 1492
D. 1892
I stared at the question hard. All I could think about was gymnastics. And the competition! My mom would be so mad... I gulped and quickly circled B on my test.
I don't know why but, somehow gymnastics was working its way into my regular life. And that was not a good thing let me tell you that.
I'm on the mat once again. Mrs. Lanskey did a backwards flip to demonstrate. “Now, I know this is dangerous but I believe in you girls. I'll help you, and you'll be tied to a string. It will be a back flip nonetheless.” Our Gymnastics teacher said. I felt a knot in my stomach. What if I couldn't do it? What if I messed up in front of the whole class? I needn't have worried.
Mrs. Lanskey signaled to me. “Yeah?” I asked. “Courtney I don't think you should try this yet...” Today my teacher seemed to be sympathetic. “Why don't you try the low beam?” I hopped over to it feeling queasy. This beam was still a good few inches off the ground.
“What should I do on this?”
“Try a roll.”
I knew I couldn't do it. I couldn't roll straight! I couldn't even do a roll that looked like a roll. I sighed and climbed onto the beam. I looked down at the floor beneath me feeling sick. At the moment I felt like I was on Mt. Everest and could have fallen off its peak. Down...down...millions of miles to Earth's rocky surface. But... I had to be brave.
~3~
I tucked in and began to roll. I squeezed my eyes shut and felt the smooth beam beneath me. Good. I hadn't fallen off. I heard Mrs. Lanskey shout to me. But I guess the thudding of my body against the wood blocked her out. All the sudden I was flying through the air. Just like at Mt. Everest. I thought. Then I hit the ground hard. I lay, winded for a moment then my eyes opened. I sighed again. I'd done the roll perfectly...but I hadn't gotten up at the other end.
Mrs. Lanskey ran over to me. “Courtney! Are you alright?” There was a hint of a smirk in her voice. I tried to reply but the air was knocked out of me from the fall. I just nodded a little and asked to go home early. Brittany one of my classmates cast a sympathetic glance at me. I didn't care right now. Ashley got up. “I'll help her to the locker rooms.” She volunteered. Mrs. Lanskey nodded. “Thank you.” I glared at her as she said. “Way to go freak. I have never seen anyone do a forward roll so terribly.”
I cried all the way home. Why didn't I have any friends in gymnastics? Is one too much to ask? My mind is filled with 'if's' and I have to pinch myself to the real world.
I had to go to gymnastics even though I didn't want to.
“Mom, I don't feel that good... Could I stay home?” I begged my mom after school. Mom smiled at me. “What hurts?” I had to think fast. “Um...my stomach?” Mom observed me head to toe as if trying to see the inside of me. Then she rushed to the kitchen and got out a little white box.
I looked at the tiny box,
uncertainty. “Mom...” I
began but then
decided not to tell her that I had faked it. Then I'd have to tell her why I faked it...then I'd need to tell her that I hate gymnastics. So I opened the flap and pulled out a huge blue pill. “Um...Mom?” I asked. “Isn't this a little big?”Who knew such a little box could hold such a BIG pill?
Mom laughed. “Don't be silly. It's the size of an M and M.” I still didn't believe her. “Do I chew it?” I asked feeling a glisten of hope. Swallowing made me choke. If I chewed it maybe I could break it down before swallowing. “Nope! If you swallow it you'll be alright.” I groaned inwardly and popped the pill into my mouth. I felt as if there was a boulder in there instead of that little blue pill... My throat clogged up and I gasped for air. Mom handed me a cup full of water. I jugged it down gratefully. Thankfully, the pill followed the water down. Mom smiled. “Now you can go to gymnastics!” It was all for nothing? But I don't say anything.
I felt a little more confident today. Brittany offered to help me with my forward rolls. “Really?” I ask to shocked to say anything else. Brittany nods. “Yeah. Why don't we start on the mat over in the corner?” Mrs. Lanskey walks over to us. “Brittany, why don't you practice on the high bars?” For a moment I think Brittany will ditch me to go with her clique. I hang my head.
“Actually, Mrs. Lanskey I promised Courtney I'd help her with her forward rolls.” Brittany tells Mrs. Lanskey. Our teacher frowns. “Are you sure? Your not at that level any more... It's not good practice for you.” Brittany smiles at her. “It's okay. I'm going to hang with Courtney.” I smile shyly in Brittany direction. Brittany clapped her hands. “Okay! Get on that line girl!” Brittany isn't bossy- she is just trying to help me.
I moved to the line. “Tuck your legs in,” Brittany instructed helping me into position. I fold my legs neatly. I know the routine. After all this is all I've ever done before in gymnastics.
Brittany smiles. “Okay, Court let's see you spin!” I felt a happy spark inside. Only BFF's give each other nicknames. And mine was Court! (Personally I would have gone with a bit more flare but hey...not my choice!)
“Okay Britt!” I say giving Brittany a nickname too. Name for a name. I let myself slowly roll down the line and surprise myself with standing straight and tall at the other side. Britt clapped. I smiled. I felt lighter then ever before. Today must have been my lucky day!
Ashley attempted to make me feel bad for succeeding. “Nice circus freak. Try a cartwheel.”
I gulped. Mrs. Lanskey nods. Britt gives me a encouraging smile. I take a deep breath and get into position. I'm about to hit the line with my hands when Ashley says- “Not so fast Courtney. We all know you can do it.” “Not. It was just a coincidence.” Her eyes glare. Her Best friend Devecia nods. “The beam.” She points to the slim wood hanging about a foot off the ground. I try not to show my fears but I walk to the practice beam.
“Uh-uh.” Ashley clucks her tongue the way our teacher does when she is mad. “Try the high beam.” I wouldn't know it was possible for something to be skinnier then the low beam but the high beam defiantly proved it right.
Mrs. Lanskey doesn't do anything. She acts like she is enjoying me trying to defend myself.
Mrs. Lanskey nods. “All right...I suppose. Courtney up to the high beam you go.” “B..b...but Mrs. Lanskey the high beam is for experienced gymnasts! I'm just...” My voice drifts off as I see that our teacher isn't listening. “Get up there.” Devecia growls in a low voice in my ear. I'm scared stiff but I walk up there casually. I know I can't do it. And this ain't no line. It is a really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really high beam.
~4~
I start to take the pose. I feel a shiver go through me as I look at the ground miles away...Okay maybe not miles but you get the point.
I get a quick drink from my purple water bottle and tell myself to get a grip. It is just a beam. It's not like it can kill me right? Or can it...?
I get up on the beam and walk along it to get a feel of what I'll be doing a cart-wheel on.
“Get on with it!” Amy (from the bars) yells.
Britt moves forward. “Mrs. Lanskey- she isn't ready! Please stop! She'll hurt herself!”
I want to do it though. No matter how scared I am I have to show Ashley, Amy, Veronica, Devecia, and the others I can do it.
I run my leg over the beam one last time and launch into my cartwheel. My hands hit the beam and my feet are in the air. The air is suddenly upside down and I feel myself begin to wobble a little. I land a little awkwardly but otherwise I'm proud.
Ashley turns away muttering. I know they wanted me to fall off the beam and maybe break a bone. If I didn't break a bone they defiantly would make fun of me for falling off. I can hear the taunts. “Ouch! Did that hurt Courtney? Oh wait it couldn't of because Courtney can do and overcome anything like this little beam here.” And, “Oh Courtney someone got a boo boo? Do want me to kiss it for you or is Mommy still in town?”
Don't think about that. I tell myself. You did it.
Britt comes cheering up to me. “You did it! OMGOSH!” “It isn't that amazing.” Ashley muttered walking away.
As I walk home from gymnastics I start to feel hungry. And home is four miles away! I see the open door of Pizza Haven open. My mouth starts to water as the delicious scents of cheese pizza wafts to me.
I remember the money in my pocket. 13.50 dollars would be enough to but myself a pizza soda and fries. Maybe even a dessert.
I walk through the door and find myself surrounded with beautiful odors that must have come from heaven itself.
“Hi there. What can I get you?” A server asks me as I take a seat and get out my phone. I have to tell Mom where I am. “Um...a cheese pizza and a diet coke please.” I blurt out hungrily. The waiter (who is a boy) smiles at me and laughs. “Will you be having dessert?”
“Just a little.” I hold my fingers about a millimeter apart to show him. I notice his name tag fell off.
HI! I'M Peter!
I pick it up and hand it to him. “Oh thanks...” Peter takes it from me and rushes behind a counter shouting, “A cheese pizza on the double!”
I feel the heat rising to my cheeks but I quickly shove it down. Of course he didn't like me! Who was I kidding?
I look at my cell phone and begin to write to mom.
Hi Mom. @ Pizza Haven. Was starved. C U soon!
Luv Courtney
XOXOXO
I push the send button just as Peter returns with a tray full of many yummy and tasty assortments. “Sorry we took so long.” Peter apologizes setting the pizza down in front of me. “No your fine.” I assure him over looking my food. “Do you have any ice?” I asked glancing at my Diet Coke. “Oh!” Peter quickly takes the drink and runs to the kitchen screaming again. “A diet coke...and this time WITH ice!”
I giggle a little then eat my food. I blink as all the sudden Peter is by my side with a Diet Coke. “Sorry about that.” He blushes and takes off.
As I eat I notice Peter peeking over the counter looking at me. Because of this I try to eat neatly instead of my normal shoving into the mouth routine.
I slap the bill onto the table say a hasty goodbye to Peter then duck out of Pizza Haven's door.
I'm walking home full in the stomach when I notice a sign. FREE KITTENS! I feel a longing in my heart. I can't help it...I know I can not have one but I have to look!
A girl is by a box of squirming kittens. “OMGOSH!” I scream looking at a tabby with such adorable blue eyes. I knew he was for me. “Like him?” The girl laughs. “We call him Gingervine.” She picks him up and hands him to me. “I um...” I take the kitten and look at it. It purrs and climbs my back. “He likes you!” The girl giggles.
I don't know what to do! I can't HAVE him! I flip my cell open again. “Don't worry. You coming home with me.” I whisper to Gingervine.
Mom, I got a cat. It is cute! Can I keep! Sending photo! Name is Gingervine. Pleez!
Luv Courtney
XOXOXO
I send a picture and wait for a reply.
Alright Courtney but take care of it. And it IS adorable.
Love Mom.
I give a silent cheer and pick up the kitten. “Come on.” I tell it then tell the girl thank you. I smile and stroke Gingervine all the way home.
~5~
I approach the school in dread. I forgot to do my math homework...but I was busy... I stare at the blank sheet of paper in my hand. “Oh no...” I moan. “I'm dead...”
“What are you talking about?” A girl named Violet asks me. She's in my homeroom. “Oh nothing...” I lie.
“Yes you were.” She accused pointing a shaking finger at me. I duck my head a little and head for the door. Violet calls after me angrily, “You can tell me you know Courtney! You don't always have to do things by yourself!”
Oh yeah...and Violet used to be my friend, until last year. What happened was I moved and she found another friend. Violet never contacted me(even though she promised she would) and I couldn't find my cell phone which had her cell phone and home number and everything on it. Then, Violet moved here after school let out and tried to be my friend again even though she totally ditched me. I tried but Violet wasn't the same Violet anymore. All she cared about now was makeup boys and gossiping. We tried to have a sleepover at her house but she just got up WAY to early in the morning.
I glance at Mrs. Virginia. She's my Math teacher. “Mrs. V?” I finally muster as I get close to her. Mrs. Virginia glances up. “Yes Courtney? What is it?” I gulp and sputter, ' I um...I kinda...about math homework...not...finished...” Mrs. Virginia looks at me closely. “Courtney I'm sorry could you say that again?”
“I didn't um...well my math homework isn't exactly...” I look down at my feet which are shuffling like crazy. “Done.” I finish with a hint of a squeak in my voice. Mrs. Virginia smiles. “Turn it in tomorrow for half credit.” I sigh in relief and return to my seat.
I go to Pizza Haven after gymnastics. I need to get my homework done and I am starving. Besides... would it hurt to see Peter again?
“Hi!” Peter greets me with a smile as I come in. He is putting on a apron. “Do you come here to work after school everyday?” I ask him. He nods. “What's your name?” Peter says handing me the menu. “Courtney.” I reply pulling my binder out my back pack. I glance at the menu then push it away. “Same as last time.” I tell him as he scribbles on a notepad. Peter nods and disappears behind the counter.
I smile and pull out my textbooks. I'm on problem four when peter comes back with a diet coke and cheese pizza. “Could I get a box?” I might need one the pizza's are so big!
Peter brushes past the table knocking my binder off. “Sorry!” he cries and turns to pick it up. I notice the flier about the contest fell out and is on the floor. Peter sees it too.
“A contest?Are you good?” Peter asks reviewing the form.
I shake my head. “Not really. I shouldn't even be in gymnastics.”
Peter shakes his head. “I bet your great! Tell you what, after I'm done working I'll come to your house and help you. My sister takes gymnastics.” I cock my head. “Really? What is her name?”
“Brittany.” was the reply. It didn't really shock me. Brittany and Peter were nice. I nod my agreement and turn back to my books.
It was 6:43 when Peter appeared in my backyard with a piece of cardboard with a little white line on it.
“Stand on this.” he instructed. I did. “Cartwheel.” was the next command. My legs grew weak. “I can't ...” I complained in a feeble voice. Peter pointed at my legs. I sighed and did a cartwheel which ended as a mess on the ground. Peter smiled but I saw a bit of disappointment in his eyes.
Peter cartwheeled to me. “Put your legs apart.” I did so. Peter smiled. “Good know put your hands up.” I put my hands up slowly. “Now try to stay straight and focus on the line in front of you.” I fell sideways my hands connecting with cardboard then standing tall at the other end.
Peter trained with me till I mastered a round-off a cart-wheel and a forward roll. We even worked on a forward hand spring! I can almost land it...
Peter left at 9:53 and I went to bed. In a week and two days is the contest.
~5~
I am on the mat. My confidence is starting to shrivel as I see how many people are attending the contest. Today is the day. I hope this wasn't all for nothing, Peter.
“Ashley James Vontreves!” The judge calls.
Ashley walks up all cool like. I see the drops of sweat forming in a line along her brow though as she gives a shaky smile to the judge.
All the sudden Ashley is running fast along the beam then she flips herself forward and tops it off with a smooth roundoff in the back.
I find myself feeling weighed down. Then I see Peter. “What are you doing here?” I ask running to him. Duh! Of course I knew what he was doing here!
Peter smiles sheepishly. “I couldn't let you do it by yourself. Someone had to be here for you.”
“My mom is here.”
“Yeah...so should I just go watch?” Peters smile disappears and he looks dead serious. I shrug. “Okay. Fine by me.”
The judges raise their scores for Ashley. A ten eight and ten. Dang it! Ashley has a score of twenty-eight points.
I looked at the crowd anxiously searching for Brittany. She wasn't here. Instead I saw Mom waving and smiling. She had a camera. FLASH! It went off. And I had been looking worried and annoyed in the picture!
I turn to mom and wave then head back to the gymnasts.
I watch one of the other teams come up. There is this girl-about my age. She looks really scared. I mean she is chewing on her pony tail as if it's her life she handling here.
I'm about to walk over and say hello. Here is a girl who might be nice to me for a change! (Besides Brittany of course.)
“Anita Kelly.” one of the coaches call.
“Hi I'm Courtney and-”l begin talking the nervous girl. “Sorry I'd like to get to know you but I gotta run!” The girl ducks her head as if in apology and heads toward the the beam in the center of the building.
I suddenly want to watch the competition. What's her name Angie? No. Wait, Anita!
The girl back handsprings onto the beam. I can't help it- my jaw drops hard to the cold tiled floor. Everyone is on the edge of their seats. Who is this mysterious girl-and how did she get so good? Okay maybe everyone is just me.
My eyes grow bigger as Anita does a shaky and half good forward walkover. Still, it is impressive. This time the audience gasps in amazement. Anita smiles and turns cartwheels for awhile before making a totally awesome dismount.
I can't help but think as I go to congratulate Anita. Grab her up before Ashley can. Be her friend first.
“WOW!” I whisper in the girls ear. Okay a very loud yell that echoed across the room. Anita smiles sheepishly. “My mom was in the Olympics.” My smile fades. Anita looks at my face then starts to cry.
“I know-it's stupid right? My mom's trained me my whole life for this...” Anita's face crumples and I can see I hurt her feelings.
“Don't you like doing gymnastics?” I ask her trying not to be to terribly nosy.
“Yeah.”She sniffles. “Just not when my mom is always like 'your going to win or else!'”
My own smile dissolves. “Yeah...to tell the truth my Mom is like that too.”
Anita manages to give a weak grin. “Looks like we are just right for each other than!” I hug her and it seems like we are both best friends already. I imagine myself at her house..bathing in the sun and laughing...being a NORMAL girl. Unless I am totally flattering myself and I am only a nice girl trying to edge to close to her!
Anita doesn't argue and just smiles. “I guess so!” I can't help but ask-”So where do you live?” Anita grins, “You'll have to follow me after the competition won't you?” I smile back. "Why not?" Anita laughs and grabs a sticky note from her mom's purse. She writes down her cell number. "Let's text and see if it works." She urges. I shrug and pull out my phone.
To: AnitaBallet145
From: GymnastPrincess?
Subject: Does it work?
*GymnastPrincess?* Is it working/
*AnitaBallet145* Ya~ :)
*GymnastPrincess?* Can i ask u a Q?
*AnitaBallet145* OK sure
*GymnastPrincess?* Why is AnitaBallet ur name? i though u luv gymnastics?
*AnitaBallet145* I like ballet more. I can do the trickiest things :)
I luv it so much but my mother...
*GymnastPrincess?* Oh. I get it
*AnitaBallet145* I think you just got called up on the intercom
*GymnastPrincess?* Ahh! gtg. brb-if i live thru this
*AnitaBallet145* Go get 'em
I clap my phone shut and throw it into my chair while also trying to rip off my jacket at the same time. Anita being a true friend pulls my hair into a pony tail then pushes me over to the beams. I can see Ashley smirking at me. I see Peter waving. Britt looking so proud-of me! My Mom's 'kill them honey!' face. Anita's happy smile about finding a new friend. I realize there are more people who love me then hate me. (I hope but let's not think about that right now.) I adjust my leotard and step up waving.
Apparently the judges aren't acting friendly. The stare at me blank faces and not a hint of a smile. Okay. I tell myself. Let's give them something to smile about. I cartwheel to the beam. Not that impressive to everyone else but to me it is a good start to a perfect performance. Brushing a strand of hair out of my eyes I smile then do a forward handspring onto the beam. I can see the audience clapping. But that isn't what matters to me. I glance around. My mom is grinning like mad and shouting, "That's my daughter! That's my girl!" I blush just a little and begin to backflip along the beam. I am still amazed as I do it. In the end I do an ariel and the crowd is in chaos. I do a pretty sweet dismount and I can't believe I did it. The judges hold up their scores. 10, 10, and a 9.5! 29.5 is my total score! I automatically KNOW I just won the competition.
Ashley is glaring at me. As soon as I enter back into the audience she grabs my arm and takes me into a bathroom stall. Pinning my arms behind my back she hisses at me. "How did you do that?" I try to answer but she slaps her hand over my mouth. "Not a word out of you." Her voice is shaky and unconfident something I had never heard from her. Then it's weird but she tells me this, "My house tomorrow ok? I'll text ya the details." She holds up my phone which should have been sitting in my chair. Weird. Ashley taps in her number then asks me to text her.
To: Ashley#1
From: GymnastPrincess?
Subject: 2morrow
*GymnastPrincess?* Look i gtg. Ill be over 2morrow OK/
*Ashley#1* I'll txt u 2nite. Can we have more company over @ the same
time???
*GymnastPrincess?* OK sure...???
I am still awestruck that Ashley asked me to come over. Maybe I am having a bit of good luck! I get back over to the stands and start to talk with Britt. "You did AWESOME!" She sequels and hugs me. "You'll do great I know it." I give her a thumbs up. Britt laughs. "Yeah? Well you just won the competition. You get to compete against the Stingers next week! Your so lucky!: My mouth drops open. "WHAT?" Britt looks at me for a second. "The STINGERS?" Britt starts to fill me in on who they are.
A BRIEF HISTORY ON THE SINGERS TAUGHT BY BRITTANY GLENWOOD
The Stingers are a super mean team that are even worse then Ashley. They will destroy whoever is in their path. They are one of the best teams and crave good gymnasts just so they can crush their spirits. No team has ever gotten past them.
Right now my spirits are sinking-fast and hard. "Did you have to say that?" I ask Britt.
"BRITTANY GLENWOOD YOU'RE UP!" The intercom announces.
Britt shrugs at me. "Gotta go." I hug her fast and tell her she'll do super good and I really mean it. Britt taught me a lot of what I know. But my thoughts are on the Stingers. My heart beats faster. Oh no....
~6~
Mom comes up to me at the end of the competition. "I knew you were good but all this time when I asked you to do a round off for me..." Mom looks mad for a second but she changes faces and it is a picture of pride. "Wow. To think-I basically taught you all that!" Mom claps her hands. Whatever. I roll my eyes jokingly. Mom offers to take me out for a treat somewhere and I nod okay.
As we open the door of Little Town's ButterRolls I see all the desserts lining the counters. The wallpaper even smells like pastries and dough. I breathe in and exhale slowly. This used to be my favorite restraunt and Mom thinks it still is. Actually after I met Peter I have been spending more time at Pizza Haven. But this would be my 2cnd choice. Besides Peter isn't working there today so everything is good. Mom and I sit down in a booth and we glance at the menu for a second like we always used to do. "The Usual!" We both say at the same time pushing the menus away. I laugh just like we used to do.
After Dad left for the Military we had stopped coming here. I think mom was afraid of the memories we had here. Tears spring to my eyes as I think about Dad but I push them down. No. Today is a happy day. Still I can see Dad waving and smiling climbing into the car that would take him away from us. It felt very Disney Channel watching him leave us and he gave me something to cling to. No not a locket but it was a Travel Brochure to the White House. I don't know why he gave it to me. This issue shouldn't even be out yet. I have an exclusive Brochure for May 21st and right now it is December, no even close to May yet. The only other person who knows about it probably forgot about it.
Little Town's ButterRoll's was Dad's fave restraunt to eat at. He loved to pretend he was eating the walls and he and I would do Napkin Wars. You have to fold your Napkin into a shape and if they don't guess what it is on the first try you have to do something to them. Dad always made his shapes IMPOSSIBLE to guess and I always lost! For some reason he just decided that every time I lost he would pinch my nose a little.
"Honey, ready to order?" Mom leans across the table and twirls my hair a little. "Um...yeah." I look up and there is a Waitress ready to take our order. "The Usual please." The Waitress smiles and nods. "Good to have you two back again. How is your Dad doing?" I can never remember the waitress's name but I just nod and say, "Pretty good. He wants to come home for Christmas but we aren't for sure yet. The odds are against us but we keep praying." Oops. Did I just say too much already? Mom asks for her Usual too and she starts to talk to me about how much she was afraid to come back here. I admit I wasn't really listening because Mom had told me this in the living room yesterday. About how she was just so scared for dad that she blocked everyone else out and pushed me too hard except how that was a good thing..yada yada. I can't help it. It is like Mom memorized this speech for me.
I start thinking about when Dad told me he was going to leave...I was only 6.
"Hey my Sweet Little Pumpkin Flake With Granola on Top." Dad comes up into my room. "Hi Daddy!" I pipe up. I move my dolls around the Tea Table. "Want to come help? Ella needs more tea and Francis wants a wardrobe change." I pout. " I can't do that all by myself!" Daddy sits down beside me an takes Francis. "Okay honey. First I gotta tell you something." "NO!" I shout. "I'm doing Francis. You do Ella OK?" Daddy laughs and smiles. "Ok sugar. Let me speak first." At first I am intent on trying to get Francis into a cute yellow sundress but something in Daddy's voice makes me look up. Daddy ruffles my hair and draws me close to him. I feel a little weird but I don't squirm. "I am going to go over seas. To the military." Dad tells me while setting me on his lap. "Why?" I squeak. I don't want him to go. Daddy shakes his head. "I want to fight for our country. I want this country to stay free. You want that don't you honey?" I look at him seriously in the eye and say, " If I am free because your fighting do my dollies stay free?" Dad chuckles a bit and nods yes. Suddenly I feel very alone. "Daddy?" I ask.
"Yeah?"
"What if you don't come back."
"I will."
"How can you be so sure?" My voice goes shrill. "How do you know all that?"
Dad just nods and I just try to trust him. "Daddy-take Francis will you? Take her with you?" Dad picks up the doll and tucks it safely into his pocket. He hands me the White House Brochure. "Don't tell your mom you have this. When the day comes she'll understand." I am only 6 so I don't really understand what the brochure is for. I place it on my desk and ask Daddy to keep playing with me. He did dolls with me the entire night and in the morning he left...
I just stopped remembering right as mom finished her story. "And so I put all my faith in you." Mom wipes her eyes with the back of her hand and she takes mine. "Don't forget that I love you okay?" I nod. As I sink back into my side of the booth I feel the cushy red velvet underneath me. So soft and leathery yet not to much and not to little. What am I even talking about? I snap back to the present.
The waitress is coming back with our drinks. Mine is Sweet Tea because it always calms me. Mom has some kind of coffee I think. I sip and sip some more with steam rising up into my face from the cup. Mom leans over to me. Okay mom too close! I want to scream but I stay put and listen as best I can. "So a little bird whispered into my ear that one of my daughters is going against the Stingers soon." Mom grins. I giggle nervously and offer a small, "I guess so." Mom frowns. "You guess so? I already confirmed you would do it you know." My feet start twitching as if they want to run out of the room. Why does mom always do that? How come she never asks me? I am so angry I spill my Sweet Tea all over the table. But now I have an excuse to get away so that I can go find the napkin holder. There should have been one at our table. "I need a napkin..." I tell mom and race to the farthest table away from her. Tears come again and I wipe them away with my sleeve. I pluck a couple napkins out of the bin feeling there soft yet sturdy texture. I return to mom and she looks at me quizzically. "There was a napkin holder at the table next to us?" She says this more of a question and my fingers are going mad fidgeting. "Um...well I-" I begin and then the food comes. "Food!" Mom cuts in grabbing the tray from the waitress before she even is done setting it down. That's it. The Waitress is named Diana. I knew it! Diana looks startled but she put up with our family for a long time so she has the decency too just nod and go back into the kitchen. I hear her complaining to the manager though. Huh, typical.
I look at all the tasty assortments in front of me. Mom and I eat so fast even the Flash would lose this race. When mom and I are content we both dig around in our wallets to pay. "No honey." Mom insists. "This was YOUR treat." I frown. "Next time you'll pay for it." Mom adds jokingly. I laugh a little and shove my wallet back into my pocket. Mom leaves a generous tip for Diana (even though she is such a whiner. I betcha if mom heard what she was saying Diana wouldn't get a single penny.) and that girl wasn''t even thankful. She just acted like she wanted us out of Little Town's ButterRolls PRONTO. Fine by me. We are done here. Mom says we can both go home and watch gymnastics on T.V. Sounds okay to me I guess. I just better remind mom I have homework...later.
At home I am comfortably wedged in between mom, Gingervine and a stack of books which I brought down so I could study for a big test. I guess not because I am hooked to the T.V now. (Way to go mom.)
"Whoa! Look at the double round off! She tops it off with a triple backflip and skims the beam with a smooth splits ending." The T.V announcer shouts. Mom and I are cheering. "OMGOSH did you see that mom? Her legs were like totally straight and she still did the pencil dive!" I shriek. Mom is clapping. "I know! I saw it too! That girl is amazing. What's her name?" I glance to the corner of the T.V. Um...Delancey from the-" My eyes widen. This is SO bad. "From where?" Mom asks. I can barely make out the words. "The Stingers." Mom looks frozen. "What?" She looks at me and then puts a tough act on. "Ha! Well you could do SO much better than THAT." I shake me head. "I don't think so." Mom puts her hands on her hips. "You can if I say you can got it?" I nod but now I am wondering if I DO win will mom be proud of me for that or if I win she'll just love what I am accomplishing? If I lose will I still be special to her (which I think there is a 100% chance I will lose next week.) or will I just be her failed daughter.
"The Stingers are a super mean team that are even worse then Ashley. They will destroy whoever is in their path. They are one of the best teams and crave good gymnasts just so they can crush their spirits. No team has ever gotten past them." Britt's voice echoes in my ears. No team has ever gotten past them. Me winning takes me team to the Stingers but...I don't think that was a good idea. And they are worse than Ashley? Is that even possible??? I do recall Ashley asking me over. Maybe if Ashley is nice then that mean the Stingers are nice too? And Delancey I hope. My attention goes back to the T.V. Another girl is up. Blaire Walkers. I watch her closely. Her whole routine just leaves my 'talents' in the dust. We are go going to get killed next week. So much for the competition today then. :(
I retire to my room and decide to hit the books. Seriously if I fail Math mom won't be so happy with me. She'd probably not let me compete next week! Wait a second. I bet I could just fail that test on purpose and then-and evil thought occurs to me. Bingo. Well guess I can get a lot of sleep then tonight, Much more peaceful than I had imagined for tonight. :D
~7~
I fail my test as planned. I am grinning so wide I think my lips are going to break. Too bad. I can't help it! I just get my chap stick out and apply it. Oh today is a good day! I sing to myself. Mrs. K is a really fast grader so she has our tests back in a jiffy. I look at my test score. Hurrah! A red F is planted right there on the front. I hug it close feeling so proud of myself. Mrs. K comes over and takes me into the hall. "Courtney I don't think you want this score to go into your grade. I am going to ask you to retake the test. Which ever score is higher I will average them and that will be your grade." She looks at me expectantly. I am still smiling. I want to tell her that I failed on purpose but I am interrupted by a wave of giggles-coming from me! "L-O-L!" I crack up. Mrs. K is twisting her locks of her in concern. "You'll take it tomorrow. I hope you study well tonight." With that she ushers me back into the classroom with me still laughing and everyone is staring at me but seriously? I don't care! "L-O-L!" I keep saying and Mrs. K asks me to sit in the hall. "L-O-L!" I call to any one who happens to pass by me. I am having so much fun being the weird kid! :D
After school I am sitting in front of mom who is staring at my F. I am almost giddy as she sighs. I had run inside like I used to on school days and mom would grab me and pull me back to hug me. I left my backpack open so that the test could fall out-and she would pick it up for me. Hee hee... Mom shakes her head and I can tell she is weighing her options. "Courtney, what do you think would be a fair punishment?" Mom finally asks. I pretend to think by dramatically tapping my chin. (This always reminds me of Winnie the Pooh! :D ) "How about I fold the clothes tonight for laundry?" I say. I know this is a weak punishment and that mom will not go for it. Exactly why I chose it. My mother is frowning. "You never fold the clothes well and actually honey for failing every question on your test...the punishment you chose is not that," Mom sighs here, "appropriate." I shrug. "So you pick mom. If you don't like MY ideas then why bother asking?" (Wow I feel like the Trouble Daughter!) Mom sits me in a chair and inspects me closely trying to think. I personally think it is hilarious! She gets a notepad and has me place my hand on the Holy Bible. Mom takes things so seriously. "Promise to tell the truth and nothing but the truth!" Mom orders. "Okay?" I ask her but she doesn't think it IS a question.
THE QUESTIONS I GOT ASKED & THE ANSWERS I MADE> M=MOM TALKING C=ME TALKING
1. What is your favorite thing to do?
C= Well I guess it would be-
M=I betcha it is gymnastics. Got it
C= Actually it is-
M= Next Question!!!
2. Did you study for that test last night?
C=Well...actually I planned to fail-
M= No you did not study for it. next question
3. What grade will you get when you retake the test?
C= Well if I study a bit I suppose a B-
M= You will get an A when you retake it!
4. Is there anything bothering you to get this grade?
C= I think it might be about dad and the Stingers and most importantly gymnastics-
M= Nothing bothering you just that you NEED to concentrate
5. Is there a punishment that you really don't want?
C= To not be able to compete against the Stingers
M= I'll think of something else then
C= No! I meant I WOULD prefer that punishment
M=To severe for something like an F
C= Really? /:(
M= Last question soon dear
6. Is it a grudge against me/
C= Never!
M= Then WHO?
C= Is that a different questions or the same?
M= *rolls eyes* Just answer it.
C= Yes I guess so.
M= Who?
C=To remain unsaid
M= You put your hand on the bible!
c= Are we done? 'Cause I am out of here.
I knew there was one more question. I just didn't know what it was. I took off up my stairs and to my bedroom. I quickly locked it and pushed my dresser infront of it. I don't knowwhy I did it. Those questions came to close to home. Mom was so close to finding everything out. I couldn't lie though. An image of the bible appeared in my mind. Can a bible look angry? Mine certaintly did and I really really didn't want God to be mad at me. I have SO messed up my life. What is wrong with me? Failing a test on purpose? I just hope it doesn't go into my permanent record. OMGOSH that would be SO awful. My cellphone beeps jolting me awake. Did I fall asleep? Huh. I look at the test. It is from Ashley.
From:Ashely#1
To: GymanstPrincess?
Subject: Where r u @?
*Ashley#1* Hey where r u? I thought u were coming over 2day
*GymanstPrincess?* oh rite srry. i 4got. idk if i can
*Ashley#1* why not? something wrong
*GymanstPrincess?* My mom is uber mad @ me rite now
*Ashley#1* lol isnt that surprising. jk. ill pick u up rite now. wats ur ad
*GymanstPrincess?* look i cant. i think im grounded
*Ashely#1* wat cud u do that was so bad?
*GymanstPrincess?* uh i was born? jk kinda
*Ashley#1* JTM. if u dont know wat that means it is Just Tell Me
*GymanstPrincess?* i failed a math test. big fat F
*Ashley#1* ur mom freaked 4 that? it happens 2 every1
*GymanstPrincess?* it does?
*Ashely#1* ya totally normal. look ill pick up take u home for a few hours & bring u back b4 ur mom know ur gone
*GymanstPrincess?* ud do that 4 mi?
*Ashley#1* Totally. wats ur address grl
I type in my address for Ashely and quickly make a sign on my door.
NO TRESPASSING> PPL SLEEPING. COME BACK IN THE MORNING!
IF U COME IN...WELL JUST DON'T! /:(
I tape it to my door. Mom know not to invade privacy. She'll what until morning. I open my window and tap my foot on the tree. My great grandparents planted this tree which is why I love it so much. I stroke it and start to talk to it.
"Hey I need to climb down you. Is that OK with you?" I ask. The tree makes a creak which I assume means yes. I give it one final pat then feed Gingervine some food so that she won't whine while I am gone. If she does start then mom might come into my room to feed her! I hoist myself over the windowsill and suddenly my body is plunging. My fingers grope the edge of the roof and I am dangling in mid air. My heart is pounding so much and I hear Ashley's car driving up. She sees me and laughs as she comes over to me. "Here stand on my shoulders and grip the tree." She instructs me. I do that but my feet slip off of Ashley's shoulder and I hit the ground hard. I slowly move my muscles. I wiggle my hands, arms and feet. Good nothing broken. Imagine if mom found me and Ashley by the tree and me with a couple broken bones? I force the image out of my mind. Don't think like that. I tell myself. It didn't happen. Ashley helps me off the ground and we hop into her car. Her mom is at the wheel. "That's quite a fall you took Ashley's Little Friend. Think you'll be okay hon? Let me ask your mom if I can get her cell number-I'll be right back." Ashley's mom chatters. Her mom is slim and tall with a great taste for fashion. Her shirt is cut low which my mom would totally disapprove of. Don't let me get started on that amount of makeup she uses!
"Uh mom I already have Cassie's mom's number!" Ashley shoos her mom back into her seat. Her mom nods okay and guns the engine. We drive off and Ashley is busy telling me the latest gossip. "So I heard that Lisa heard, that I la heard, the her cousin heard, that her niece heard, that her uncle heard that Dream in Pink is going out of business!" Ashley talks about fashion designers and models and makeup the whole way to her house. I get bored so I recommend that we play a game. She nods. "Truth or Dare." I am not supposed to play this game but I nod again. "Okay." Ashley announces that she'll go first. I adjust my seatbelt and stare out the window for a second. The world is going by so fast!
Ashley is all business. "Truth or Dare?" She asks me. "Truth." I reply not ready for a dare. Ashley thinks on this for a second. "Do you want to be my friend?" I am unprepared for this question. It makes no sense since she doesn't even like me-right? "I guess so." Is my answer. I shrug a little and then jump up a little on the seat. " Okay your turn. Truth or dare?" Ashley doesn't flinch. "Dare." My mind reels. I can't think of any good dares! Ashley raises her hand and it hits the ceiling. "Ouch!" She cries taking it back. "Yeah?" I nod at her.
"I have a suggestion."
"What is it?"
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