Shooting Star

Chapter 19

Why does life seem so much better when I don't have to deal with both hockey AND dance?

Even though I've quit the team, I'm still at the same school and I'm still not dancing lyrical and MT anymore. For those of you who don't know what MT is, it's musical theatre.

But I've gotten to bed a lot earlier because I was able to finish my homework during the hours I'd usually have hockey practice and when I would get home from dance, I'd eat a light meal, shower, and get to bed, at a record-setting 10:00. Wow, right?

Competitions have been better for me now that my sleep hours have gotten better. I placed 1st overall in all my solos, and all of my group dances. The duets and trios were a little harder, but we usually came 1st or 2nd overall for them. I even won Top Intermediate Soloist at the last competition, which was amazing.

But every time I watch a hockey game on TV or go watch Jake practice, I feel a tinge of regret that I've been feeling since I stormed out on the team at the last tournament. Which they lost, by the way. They lost all three preliminary games and didn't even make the playoff cut.

And I can't go to school now without hiding my face because I quit.

Surprisingly, Tanner and Mason have been by my side throughout the whole thing. They were really sympathetic when I told them why I'd had to quit, and they both thought Kylie and Alyssa were being ridiculous.

But was I ready to give up the sport entirely? I wasn't sure. But if I didn't re-join the team soon, I was SO not getting the NCAA scholarship that I wanted.

For the first time in my life, though, I actually feel in control of my life, and what decisions I make. I don't have to worry so much about getting homework done, I haven't been late to school once this month, and I don't have dark circles or bags under my eyes like I used to.

Of course, Mom and Dad were not too happy with me quitting the team. But they accepted it.

Jake? Oh, don't even get me started on him. When I stormed out of the locker room and back to my hotel room, where my family was, they were shocked to see me. When I told them the truth, Jake swore at me and said that no matter how bad the situation got that I should never EVER give up hockey. I told him to flip off and he did. He's not talking to me either. Mainly because him and Riley are still dating, and Riley and Kylie (they rhyme, huh) are really good friends.

Adrian was the only one sticking by my side. For a 14-year old, he was awesome.

Oh yeah, I'm 15 now, same age as Jake. And I will be for another six months, ha ha.

I just don't understand why Kylie and Alyssa would do stuff like that. I mean, they're the ones that are suffering now.

My phone buzzed. I saw it was from Ruby:

Hey grl! Where have u been? Practice is awful w/o u here... Please come back!

I sighed and typed back:

Sorry.... Idk when imma comin back. Sorry tho that things aren't going too well. C if u can get K and A to apologize, then I'll think about it. XOXO Bree.

I felt bad for Ruby, she was the only one still on my side. But I was sure of my decision. Besides, I could always change schools and join their hockey program.

But Ruby was graduating this year. If I didn't play hockey until next year, she would be gone.

I'd also gotten a ton of frantic e-mails from Coach Hiller. For example...

To: breemiller@hotmail.com

From: janet.hiller@admirals.ca