"Where do you think you placed?" That decisive question flew around the indoor arena in whispers as I waited with the rest of the eighth grade to hear our team placements. Everyone, myself included, was nervous. After what happened yesterday at the show, I was worried Coach Mike would assign me to the beginner team.
The announcements were set for 2:30, and it was 2:27 now. Sofia wordlessly tapped her foot beside me, just as anxious as I was. Vivian stood on my other side with Grace next to her. Coach Mike strode into the arena at precisely 2:30. The man was never late.
"Good afternoon everyone," He boomed. "I am extremely proud of all of your performances at the show yesterday. Many factors such as skill, grades, team relationships, work ethic, and attitude were taken into consideration in this decision. So, without further ado, here are your team placements."
The entire room held its breath.
"Intermediate Team One: Riley, Fiona, Pam, Hanna, Elise, Davis, Smith, and Vivian." The eight people Coach Mike sighed in relief. My stomach swirled nervously.
"Intermediate Team Two: Grace, Sofia, Bella, Taylor, Quinn, Walter, Damien, Chris, and Regina." All of my breath rushed out, and a huge grin spread over my face. Sofia and I hugged each other, and Grace slapped us both high-fives.
"This so deserves a spa night!" Sofia whispered eagerly to me. I was shocked Coach Mike hadn't stuck me on the beginner team!
Across the room, Bella and her clique smirked at Sofia and I. They hadn't needed an announcement to know they'd all made the team. Unfortunately for Sofia, Grace, and I, they were all fantastic riders. Lessons would be intense from now on.
When Coach Mike finished announcing the teams, I split up from Sofia and went to the front of the room to speak with Coach Mike. I needed to make sure he knew I was dedicated to this team.
"Coach Mike?" I asked cautiously. He turned to look at me, arms crossed.
"I want you to know I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday. I was being careless and I promise it'll never happen again." I said, my voice hovering at a smudge louder than a whisper.
"I expect it not to," Coach Mike warned me.
"It won't! And I promise I'll work really hard to prove to you that I deserve this. Whatever you want me to do, just tell me," I exhaled quickly, not meeting Coach Mike's eyes.
"Good. Then I'll see you tomorrow morning at 5 for your first lesson?" He smiled, then walked away. I grinned at his retreating back, then jogged across the soft sand to catch up with Sofia.
"Let's go have ourselves a spa night!" I cheered, linking arms with Sofia as we skipped all the way back to Rosebury. Life at Stone Creek was beginning to sort itself out.
YOU ARE READING
Stone Creek Academy: Faith
Teen FictionRegina Rowanson has trained in the equestrian art of show jumping since before she could walk. She and her horse, Sonic Seventeen, have competed in some of the country's biggest events. As one of the top juniors in the US, there's a meager few compe...
