Emma's Gymnastics Story

What is UP WITH YOU!?!

Ever since Loren asked about the play date, I've been thinking about it all again and couldn't wait anymore. It was just about time to ask Mom!

Today was a Saturday morning and I had no gymnastics, but I did have dance later but when I say later, I mean later. I had a dance competition and our completions are at night—opposite of gymnastics. I like the contrast!

But today I wanted to do something just before the competition and I felt like a play date with Loren was just right!

My mom was cooking in the kitchen. She was cooking my favorite food for breakfast! Eggs and toast! She also seemed like she was in a good mood today, so she might let me have a play date.

In the kitchen on a stool, I started the conversation. We just talked about you know, the dance competition tonight, and stuff like that! Then I changed the topic finally. Ugh, it was hard though because she is so interested in my competitions!

"Can Loren and me and have a play date, Mommy?" I asked politely. "Pleaseeeeee!"

She tapped the frying pan with a spoon and then turned around at me. "Oh my god, Emma! You know how busy we will be today? We have to get ready for your dance completion!"

I sulked and said,"Mommy! I know that! But it doesn't need to be long!"

She rolled her eyes and said,"Honey, you know when it's the right time, you're gonna cry for her not to leave. Another day, 'kay, sweetheart?"

"Mommy! What other day?" I cried. "There's church tomorrow and I just want it super soon!"

"I understand, Emma, but I don't think you understand me." she replied, popping bread into the toaster. "You know very well how long it takes to eat ready, plus you have to go to the studio to try on the costume first. Today's busier and crazier than you think. Another day, Emma."

I whined and said,"You don't get it and you don't even want to get me, Mommy!"

She frowned and I stormed upstairs. She definitely thinks my play dates are longer than they really will be. We usually like to play with toys during play dates, but this time I just really wanted to talk to her!

I needed to convince her more... I just needed to think of something good. Oh. Perfect! If she just understood what I was just thinking about how short it will be and that all I have to do is talk, there is no doubts that she won't let me have this play date.

I went back to the kitchen at the nick of time because it was exactly breakfast time! I set the utensils and placemats, then sat at my usual seat the dining table.

Haley and Josiah were already sitting down as Dad came into the kitchen from watching TV and then after Mom gave us drinks, she sat down. I bit into my toast with butter and cinnamon and then took a bite of my yummy scrambled eggs! I gulped down a few sips of my orange juice, silently screaming my hate of the silence.

"Josiah, your scrambled eggs are definitely not as good as Mom's!" I said, grinning at him and breaking the dreadful silence, which only included the clangs and clashes of utensils and the sounds of eating before that.

Josiah looked around and said,"Hm. Reminds me when you threw them out... don't you remember that good ole time that you made your trouble into mine?"

I swallowed a lump in my throat and saw my dad and mom with a concerned look on their faces. It took over the neutrality of their expressions.

"Emma!" Mom exclaimed surprised. "Why would you waste good food that he made for you?"

I sighed and said,"Again! You don't understand, Mommy. You weren't there to hear the mean stuff he was saying to me!"

Josiah spit out his drink, laughed and said,"She started it, Mom."

"Leave the table right now," Dad said, showing how disgusted he was. "You have no manners or rights to be spitting out your drink. Never come to this table again unless you've learned all your manners."

I smirked at Josiah as he annoyedly stormed upstairs. Haley hid her laughs and smiles underneath her hands covering her mouths. I giggled, I just couldn't control myself.

"So, Mommy," I said, looking back at her. "About the play date, you know, it just chatting for a short time. Just an hour!"

Mom and dad exchanged surprised and confused glances at each other.

"What seven year old little girl doesn't want to play with their Barbie dolls on 'play date'? How mature!" I heard her murmur to Dad.

Haley looked at me and switched her eyes back to Mom and exclaimed,"I still play Barbie dolls in my play dates, Mom!"

Mom chuckled and said,"Yes, I know. But your little sister, Emma, is very mature! Wow! I'm just... proud."

Dad grinned and said,"This is how I want my daughter to be, instead of playing with Barbie dolls all the time, Hay!"

She laughed and said,"Boring!"

I looked at Mom and asked,"Sooo, can I have that play date with Loren, or what?"

Mom smiled and said,"Of course! If you want it longer than an hour, you're not having anymore play dates, though."

I sighed and said,"Well that means I'll just have something better—sleepovers!"

We all laughed and later the table was cleared at Loren was at the door with her mom. Mom was downstairs talking to her mom while we ran upstairs to my room to talk...maybe okay with Barbie dolls, too...

"Why did my mom say it can only be an hour?" said Loren, brushing her Barbie's tangly hair.

"Well...I have a dance completion tonight, so we will have to like uh..prepare, so, it can't be that long." I piped.

"Oooohh!" she exclaimed. "I wanna do dance! But my mom says it's too much for me if I do, you know gym and dance."

I nodded and said,"I have the best mom ever! She lets me do anything! I'm gonna be homeschooled because public school, plus gym and dance is a lot. I agree with her!"

"Uhhhh....homeschool? You won't have fun then!" she said, putting her nose in the air. "And you will only meet people in gymnastics and dance! No fun!"

I just realized that. But then I decided school at home would be fun and let the positive and bright side take over me.

"I don't care!" I exclaimed, crossing my arms. "It's not really safe, anyway."

Loren raised an eyebrow and looked at me and said,"Gymnastics is much less safe!"

"Why do you worry so much about the decisions I make?" I asked, annoyed of her.