When a princess waits

Chapter 12-A choice to make

Sofia's POV-Once we got to the stables, we saw Sir Gillium sitting in his office with the door wide open, looking deep in thought.--He looked up as he saw us.--Ah!--Just the people I wanted to see! He said, getting up.--You two, are amazing racers...but Hugo, I DON'T see why your still not gonna tryout!--Your brother is okay now!--What's stopping you? He said.--Competing...isn't ME anymore! Hugo frowned.--Isn't you?--You were THE derby champ until you quit!--No one could beat you! He said, gesturing to the MANY trophies, medals, ribbons, and all the photos taken, after Hugo won a race.--Besides, with you, AND Sofia on the team...no rival will beat us again! Sir Gillium said.--

Hugo looked at him, shaking his head.--I'm sorry.--My racing days are over! He said.--Sir Gillium sighed, Your choice! He said, before walking back into the office.--He shut the door this time.--Why won't you tryout? I asked.--He shot me a blunt look, Ugh.--You too? He sighed, starting to walk toward the course.--I'm just curious! I said, grabbing his hand.--He turned.--What? I asked.--He frowned.--Really.--I just...don't like racing anymore!--Compettiton.....I take it too far!--What do you mean? I asked.--....When I was on the team....I was never friends with any of my teamates.--I was always so focused on being the best!--It was so much...pressure.--And it was only ME!--Sir Gillium didn't expect any higher from the others...just me!--I started thinking failure was unexeptable...which made me...just an overall JERK to everyone!--And...when Axel got into that coma, I couldn't handle it, I quit!--Because...he was always the one to calm me down after a stressful day! He grimaced.--

Maybe...part of you...is afraid as well. I said, taking his hand.--Of what? He asked.--That....the same thing will happen to you!--But you can still try!--You just have to be careful! I said.--.....He locked his gaze with mine.--YOUR gonna make a great racer.--YOU can handle it.....I can't! He said, shaking his head.--....I squeezed his hand.--Y-Your choice! I said.--Come on! He grinned.--

Hugo's POV-I was tacking up Electra when the stall door opened.--I turned to see Sir Gillium.--Ugh!---You don't give up do you? I sighed.--I'm just trying to get you to put your stubborness away for a SECOND!--And if you "hate" racing so much, why do you do it with Sofia? He asked.--Its FUN with HER, you have any idea how much PRESSURE I was under, on the team! I exclaimed, getting angry.--If your too much of a coward--NO!--STOP!--STOP using my own ego against me, I'm DONE!!! I yelled, slamming the stall closed.--Funny, I always thought you were more open minded then this! He shook his head, but stayed where he was, staring at me, as If I'd turn around, and by some miracle, say yes.

I stayed quiet.--After a couple minutes, I turned but he wasn't there anymore.--I practiced with Sofia for a bit, but my mind was mostly thinking about Sir Gillium.--When would he stop asking, and listen to me!--After a bit, it got dark.--We put the horses back in their stalls.--

I'll see you tommorow at school! I said, giving her a kiss on her cheek.--She smiled at me, and waved as I got in the coach.--Soon, my eyes started getting heavy.--

I heard the crowd chanting my name, but all I could think about was passing the rider beside me.--I passed him, as we flew down the bell, the finish line was a couple seconds away.--Everyone screamed in unision, as I flew over the finish line.--Huzzah!--Huzzah!--For royal prep, for the red and green, and blue!--We're all for one!--And one for all!--At RPA you'll hear our royal call!--HUZZAH!!--HUGO!!!--HUGO!!!--HUGO!!!--

Hugo?--HUGO?--I felt someones hand gripping my shoulder, before opening my eyes.--I looked to see Axel in front of me.--I glanced out the window.--It was pitch black outside.--He shook his head.--Mom and Dad are worried SICK! He frowned.--Do you...think I should...rejoin...derby? I asked.--YEAH.--Your really good!--I frowned--But....I thought you were done with derby! He said, furrowing his eyebrows, as he sat down next to me.--I AM.--But Sir Gillium begs to differ! I exclaimed, burying my face in my knees.--So do I. He mumbled.--AXEL!!! I exclaimed, smacking him on his shoulder.--Its true! He laughed.--I KNOW you don't wanna hear this, but maybe joining the derby team won't be a BAD thing!--And if Sofia makes it, along with YOU, don't you think that'd be fun? He said.--Yup, that makes perfect sense!...--WHICH is how I know its gonna turn out badly! I rolled my eyes.--Whatever.--Just come inside, before Dad calls the police! He said.--I laughed, as he pulled me out the coach.--

Though I didn't agree with Axel, I DID miss these talks.--I never thought I'd see him again, after that day!