The run

Part 3

As I'm laying in my bed I feel something under my pillow I look under it to see a picture of my mom that I know I didn't put there.

I pick it up. I've never seen this picture before. Of my mother so young with what looks like me as a baby in her hands and my dad having his hands on her shoulder. They look so in love. What happend to them.

A knock startles me and I look up to see Matteo in the doorway. "Hey so me and the rest of our brothers are gonna go get McDonald's. Do you wanna go?" He asks with his car keys dangling in his hand looking like he's in a rush.

"No I'm alright I'm not hungry." I say even thought I am but I don't want to hang out with my brothers at all. "Whats in your hands." He asks and I show him the picture. "I don't know it was under my pillow." I say and then return it back into my gaze.

I spend the rest of my night in my room and end up falling asleep.

(In the morning)
"Wake up Ross baby." I hear my dad's soft voice call out to me as he rubs my arm. "It's noon your tryout is in 2 hours you gotta get up!"

I groan and sit up and then I go into my bathroom and shower and make sure to shave because I will be wearing shorts. After my shower I change into shorts and a t-shirt. I put on some Nike socks and my Nike air maxes and then blow dry my hair. I don't like putting heat on my hair but I don't have time. I then throw my hair up into a ponytail.

I decide it would be good if I ate so I walk down stairs and into the kitchen. Hoping Vincent wouldn't be in eye shot. "Heres a sandwich" Victor says as he hands me a turkey and cheese sandwich. I thank him and start to eat.

When I finish I go back up to my room and decide to finally unpack the rest of my stuff . After a few minutes my dad shouts for me and I come downstairs. "It's time to go!" He says with a smile and I follow him out the door.

I get in the car and we drive it's kind of an awkward silence but I like it better than talking.

We pull in and my stomach churns. I don't even remember my feet moving but somehow I'm already walking in the front door. The coaches greet me and guide me into the gym.

"Hello we are your coaches I see your names Rosie. Why don't you tell us some background on your cheer experience. I swallow the nervouse lump in my throat. "I have done competitive cheer ever since I was 6. I'm a flyer and my old team has won 4 national titles." I say and they nod impressed.

"Okay well let's get started please show us your jumps!" One of the coaches say and I do all the jumps I know.

They start writing in notebooks and my stomach drops. Then they tell me to do some tumbling. I do a round off into a backhandspring layout and stumble a little on my landing. They then teach me a cheer which they repeat once and I have To remember it and do it back.
"Brr! It's cold in here there must be some panthers in the atmosphere!" I chant as I do the dance with it.

"Very good! Well go talk and you can head back to the lobby we will let you know!" One of the lady's say and I nod and leave. After what feels like an eternity they finally come into the lobby.

"Ross we are happy to announce that you have made the team and your first practice is tomorrow!" One of the coaches say and I smile. "Thank you!" I say excitedly and they give my dad some information and we leave. I get in the car and then we start to drive home.

"Ross..." my dad says looking at the road and I look up from my phone to him and he glances at me. "Your mom's funeral is on Friday so we will leave tomorrow and stay in a hotel or if you want we can stay in your um house..." my dad says nervously and I nod my head. Am I ready to go back yet? I don't know what to do. "I don't know." I say and he nods and keeps driving. Is he mad?

"I thought the house was sold." I say trying to break the silence. "I bought it I thought mayby you would want it for when you want to go visit your old friends or when you're older." He says glancing at me and then back to the road.

"I don't think I'm ready.." I say nervously as I start to pick at my thumbs I hope he is not angry. "That's okay sweetheart." He say giving me a slight smile.

(4 hours later) I'm packing for my moms funeral and I'm so tired, mentally and physically tired. So much has happened and now I have to go back to wear I saw her being murdered not to mention my family seems fine I know Victor has to feel something. I mean my parents split up when I was 3 so Victor and Matteo had to of been atleast 10-12.  There all just acting fine.

I didn't even realize I was crying until a year drops onto the clothes I just put in my suitcase.

My door opens and it's Matteo. I quickly wipe my tears and avoid looking at him. He walks over to me and immediately wraps me in a hug. I try to not cry but I can't and I just start to sob into him. He picks me up and sits on my bed so I'm in his lap crying into his shoulder.

"It's okay Ross." He says stroking my back. I hate this. I hate him seeing me cry.

After a few more minutes I stop crying and he wipes my tears away. "Dinners ready downstairs but if you want I can't bring up some food." Matteo says and kisses my forhead. I nod and he picks me up and sets me under my covers and I turn my tv on. I miss my mom so much. I end up falling asleep before Matteo comes upstairs with my dinner.