Skates & Cleats

8

The final weeks of eighth grade flew by, and with every passing day, Taylor could feel the anticipation of summer and the impending start of high school looming over her. Travis, too, was preparing for freshman year back in Ohio. Though the distance had been difficult, they had managed to stay close, constantly texting and calling each other whenever they could. With each text, they grew more excited for what was ahead—high school, more competitions for Taylor, and another football season for Travis.

It was late May, and the weather in Pennsylvania was starting to warm up. Taylor sat in her bedroom, staring out the window at the blossoming trees in her backyard. She had her textbooks scattered around her bed, but her mind wasn't on school. It was on what would happen after school ended—on summer, on Travis, on skating, and the endless possibilities that high school would bring.

Her phone buzzed next to her, and she grabbed it, already knowing it was a message from Travis.

Travis: Almost done with 8th grade! How's it feel??

Taylor: Kinda crazy. I can't believe we're about to be high schoolers. Freshman year... wow.

Travis: I know, right? You nervous?

Taylor: A little. It feels like such a big deal, but at the same time, I'm excited. What about you?

Travis: Nah, I'm not nervous. It's just football, right? Plus, we've been through so much already. High school's just the next step.

Taylor smiled at his response. He always made everything seem so easy and manageable, especially when her mind was racing with what-ifs. The thought of high school felt monumental, like the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

But there was something else on her mind—something she hadn't yet told Travis. She had been asked to join a more advanced figure skating team, one that would take her training to the next level. It was a big commitment, though, and it would mean even less time to travel to see him, especially with their separate high school schedules.

Her fingers hovered over her phone keyboard as she debated whether to bring it up.

Taylor: There's something I need to tell you...

Before she could type anything more, there was a knock on her door.

"Taylor?" her mom's voice called through the door. "Dinner's ready."

Taylor shoved her phone into her pocket and grabbed her books. "Coming!" she called back, trying to shake the nerves that were creeping up on her.

At the dinner table, her parents and Austin were chatting away about their day. Her dad asked about the end-of-year exams, while Austin rambled about some new video game he was obsessed with.

"So, Taylor," her dad began, turning his attention toward her. "Any thoughts on how you're going to balance high school with your skating? We know this new team is a big opportunity."

Taylor sighed, setting down her fork. "I'm not sure. It's going to be a lot. I'll have more schoolwork, more practices, and competitions... But I really want to do it."

Her mom gave her an encouraging smile. "We believe in you. You've always been great at managing everything. But don't forget to have fun, too. High school is an exciting time."

Taylor nodded, trying to absorb their support, but her thoughts were still on how everything would change soon. Would she still have time for everything—especially Travis?

After dinner, she went back to her room and flopped onto her bed. The text from Travis was still open on her phone.

Travis: What's up? You okay?