Shooting Star

Chapter 3

I rolled over and slapped my hand onto my alarm. I rubbed at my eyes and glanced at the clock: 4:30.

I tossed the covers off and dashed into the bathroom. As usual, I could tell by glancing in the mirror that my blonde hair was a mess, I had circles under my eyes due to lack of sleep (I'd gone to bed at 1:30 yesterday because I was up late finishing homework because I had the tournament this weekend), and my eyes were red. What a perfect way to start the day.

I turned the tap on and started washing my face.

3 HOURS LATER...

I closed my eyes, trying to get some rest as we drove up to Ottawa, where the Ontario AAA U20 Girls' Tournament was being held.

"How are you doing, sweetheart?" Mom asked from the driver's seat.

"I'm tired," I shrugged, my eyes still closed.

Mom reached over and patted my knee. "Sweetie, if you want to give up a few of your dance classes, I'm sure you'd be allowed to. If it would help you be less tired and exert less of your energy."

"Mom, I can handle this," I opened my eyes to look at her. "I've done this for 8 years, I’m a pro."

"Bree, you're in grade 9," Mom sighed. "Your teachers won't be as understanding if you skip classes, or always arrive late, or don't do your homework."

"I know," I mumbled.

"And you're in a higher level for hockey and dance too," Mom looked worried. "You'll be pushed to extreme limits, and I don't want to see you break."

I laughed. "I won't," I smiled. "That you can count on."

"I hope so," Mom smiled back. "I may have three children, but you're my only daughter."

"Thanks," I said. I had two brothers, Jake and Adrian. Jake was a year older than I was, and Adrian was 12.

"Are A & J coming?" I asked, my eyes fluttering shut.

"Adrian is," Mom replied. "Jake has a big project coming up that he had to stay behind to do. Your father will be driving Adrian up later today."

"Cool," I said, relaxing. My brothers and I were really close. Like, we fought, but not often, and we always looked out for each other. Well, Adrian and I did more than Jake and I did. Although we were closer in age, Jake was always hanging out with his friends more than his family. I figured it was normal when you got older.

"Hon," Mom patted my knee again. "I know this is your first U20 tourney. You're going to encounter girls you've never played against before."

"So?" I asked suspiciously.

"I'm just saying," Mom said. "that if you get crushed by a team the first thing, don't let it discourage you. You're a remarkable player for your age, especially playing up a level. It’s quite impressive. You also have a ton of skill that shows on the ice. So just remember if you lose you'll just get right back up, am I right?"

Mom had a point; this was going to be a lot different than what I'd experienced in the past. "Yeah," I nodded.

“And once teams see how good you are, you’re going to be a main target for them. You need to be careful on the ice because I don’t want to see you get hurt,” Mom added.

“I understand.” And I really did. I was a huge advantage for the Admirals, and teams would be doing anything to take me out.

"That's my girl." Mom focused back on the road. "I'll let you sleep now, Bree."

Except that I couldn't. My phone buzzed, signalling a text. I groaned and slid the phone out. I squinted at the message.

kyliemorris - where r u, breeze?

breemiller - ON MY WAYYYY hbu?

kyliemorris - girrll, we're all waiting on u. we got here yesterday nite after practice.

I stared at the text. "What?"

"What is it, Bree?" Mom asked.

"All my teammates are there," I said, my voice shaking. "They left for Ottawa after practice yesterday."

"But honey, you know you couldn't have done it," Mom replied. "You had dance!"

I bit my lip and texted back:

breemiller - sorry, i had dance last nite.

kyliemorris - ik. coach hiller said as long as ur there by 10 @ the rink, ur good.

I asked, "When are we gonna get there?"

"Maybe in two hours," Mom replied.

I glanced at the car clock. It was 7:35. I texted Kylie: breemiller - b there in approx. 2 hrs.

kyliemorris - sweet! cu then~

breemiller - bye.

I locked my phone and slid it back into my pocket. I took out the tournament schedule:

2012 U20 AAA Girls' Tournament 0ttawa - Carlton Admirals Schedule

Saturday September 28th - Round Robin Group A (Home – Away)

11:00 - Harlberry Varsity vs. Carlton Admirals

1:00 - Carlton Admirals vs. Redford Aubergines

4:00 - Bellford Wolfbats vs. Carlton Admirals

7:00 - Carlton Admirals vs. Everglade Stingers

I yawned just looking at it. The round-robin would last all day, starting from 11 and ending at around 9, depending on if our last game went into OT or SO (overtime or shootout).

I folded it up and stuffed it back into my sweater. Then I closed my eyes and tried to get some rest. There was still a long way to go until we got to the arena.