My Fiction Fix #01

Writing Idea #77: Gymnastics

Prologue:

Competitive gymnastics and a slow burn romance is a twisted drama on its own. Aileen Laurence — the women's gold medalist and national champion was forced to move from her prized Laurence Sports Institute to help Henderson Gym become the best gymnasts in the world. With more issues than Aileen would care to admit, it wasn't their expertise she needed, it was their hearts.

Sawyer Macintosh, however, was one obstacle, and one she couldn't ignore.

CHAPTER 1:

I didn't like the look of the Henderson Banner in New York's most prized gym and America's elite gymnasts who would have gotten the silver in the National Championships six months ago. Had it not been for the fact I won the National Champ with a gold medal to speak for myself and my talents. This entire gym hated the name Aileen Laurence from that moment onwards. I used to be a part of Laurence Institution. A school and a gym in and of itself. If it weren't for my entire life falling apart, and my gym, my friends, my supporters gone in a flash of nothing.

The silver medalist coach here was once a close friend of my father's before he and Mom disappeared, on the run, like fugitives in the night.

"I heard that bitch from Laurence Institution is coming here next week. Julia talked to the men's teams as well, everyone's going to give her hell when she arrives. Spread the news, okay." A girl barely older than fourteen spread that news and gossip like wildfire in this parking lot.

I clenched my jaw and glanced to the side where I saw the one and only moron that got himself a gold medal, Sawyer Macintosh. His six foot five form shined like a new Penny with his olive skin and gym gear glistening in the sunlight. Ebony black hair and silver eyes penetrated the gym before he and five other men walked in like they owned the place. Their parents all followed like rich influencers, sponsors and laughable fashion stars all hoping that their kids will make them more money with this intense sport.

Gymnastics wasn't just about flipping around on a beam or on the floor, or the vault or uneven bars. It was about discipline, skill and maintenance, along with teamwork and respect that respect wasn't set for me here. I tensed when a knock echoed on my tinted window and standing there in a black v-neck and tracksuit pants was the coach of this club. Coach Salinger Torson.

He stepped back when the sleekness of my black Aston Martin opened up and I stepped out, "Good morning, Coach Torson." I said to him, reluctance and anticipation covered my pores.

He arched a brow at me, muscles in his pale arm flexed as he shook my hand. His dark-blonde hair was gelled back and his brown eyes held a welcoming but stoic position, "Aileen Laurence, I'm happy you made it. I didn't expect you until next week."

"I wanted to get a feel for the gym and your teams here." I told him, sighing as I locked my car. He nodded down to me before leading me inside. My black and red branded gym gear stood out like a sore thumb to the pale blues, oranges, yellows and browns. The men all wore grey, brown or white. Which looked strange. Coach Torson was eyed with anticipation when he walked in, but when I moved in behind him...that brought out so many scowls that it wasn't even a joke to think people would welcome me here.

That was when I saw Julia Samson, the red head, brown eyed gymnast known for being the most skilled on the beam. However she didn't even medal in our last championship. The girl flicked out an ankle and has been recuperating ever since. But standing next to her with her bony arms folded was Eurielle Smith, the artist of the floor. She medalled with bronze while it was Julia who medalled on her vault. A silver. Grand for her.

Gracie Bloom stepped up behind them from where the uneven bars were situated, "Alright, everyone, gather around! I have an announcement, standing next to me is a girl you all know and have competed against before, Aileen Laurence. When I told you all a month ago that she would be joining this gym to challenge us, I wasn't lying. She will be your team captain from now on. As a gold medalist herself, she will bring some competition to us all and she'll make the men work for it too, she knows a thing or two about the men's championships as well. I want you all to survey her for today. She will silently critique both men and women, no matter your status. This will help bring in team meets from across the country and the world." Coach Torson clapped my entry, but his team and his head staff were hesitant. Slowly, condescending claps followed, yet he paid no attention to those claps.