Unseen

Chapter Six: Ready or Not

Ready or Not

"Kayla?" Preston began as I looked over to him.

We were laid out on a blanket a few yards away from his house. The stars were unusually bright and Preston wanted to stargaze after our picnic date. It was cute and he was being spontaneous. In the three months we'd been dating, my feelings for him became stronger. I liked him a lot and I appreciated his friendship.

The guy I once cussed out everyday became the one I hugged and kissed everyday. We'd stepped into our relationship quite smoothly. His mom freaked out while our school acted as if it was the latest Hollywood hook up. Despite both end of dramatic spectrums, Preston assured me that what was between he and I remained that way. It made me feel better. He was good at that.

"Yeah?" I replied as he looked at me as well.

"I think I love you," he whispered as I smiled.

"Really?"

"Yes, I love you. You don't have to say it back, but I love you. I like the fact you are helping me with my dad coming back in my life. I like that you comfort me and I do the same for you. You're pretty awesome," he smirked.

"I'm pretty awesome," I giggled. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

"I think one time I said you were my best friend and you told me the same thing. That was my favorite part of us."

"What's wrong, Pres? You're acting like we're breaking up or something," I frowned as he sat up. I lifted my head as well, moving closer to him.

"We're not breaking up, are you kidding? That would ruin me," he smiled softly, knowing it would relieve me.

"So what's up? You're scaring me."

"I got a call yesterday from the Olympic training team. It's late, but they're adding me to the roster for next year. I'm nervous. I haven't even told my mom yet. I wanted to tell you first to get your opinion," he sighed as he reached for my hand.

"Wow, honey, that's... that's amazing! That's your biggest dream. Why do you seem sad about it?"

"Because if I say yes, I'd have to drop high school and go to online school. I'd have to move to Arizona to train until the Olympics. I'd have to leave you, my mom, my sister, my friends, everyone. I'd have to emancipate myself because my birthday isn't until June. There are a lot of downs," he groaned, shaking his head. I looked down at our hands and thought for a moment, attempting to form my next reply.

"Well, if you don't, what happens?"

"I'll take my scholarship at Georgetown and major in sports marketing and journalism, graduate, and hopefully become a swim commentator," he answered as I nodded. "I'll travel up to Yale often and we'll still be together."

"What do you want to do? What do you feel?"

"I feel like the Olympics is my one shot. If I don't take it now, I'll have to wait another four years, and by then, I might be out of shape. I'd be the youngest competitor this year and that's another big opportunity," he answered as I moved closer, laying my head on his shoulder.