The Special

Chapter 15- Mady Starts Making Her Decision

The next morning it is pouring rain outside and clouds make a blanket of white in the sky.
I once heard from Peter that if it is raining or, dreary in the morning it means that something important is going to happen that day.
Here's hoping I think to myself as I pull myself out of bed to see what Rosa has set out to wear today.
Workout leggings, and a loose v-neck tee is set out with excersise socks.
I guess I'm starting my training today, I tell myself without realizing what it means.
I double back on what I had just thought.
" If I'm starting training today then......" I exclaim outloud.
" That's right you're deciding what Talent you are going to be today!" Rosa finishes for me stepping out from behind the door to my room.
"But, but, I haven't even decided yet!" I yell feeling a wave of panic crashing on my shoulders.
She smiles, "Don't worry. I have a feeling that you will know just what to pick after today."
I still feel uncertain. All of a sudden Rosa starts rustling through a bag I just noticed she had, and pulls out a piece of printer paper folded multiple times.
"This is your schedule for today." She explains, and walks over to me and looks over my shoulder.
"You will have a healthy breakfast, then from 10:45-noon you will show Robin what you got, and she will 'grade' you on your skills and strengths and all of that stuff. Then at 12:05 you will go to lunch that is 30 minutes long. Next, you will do one last 15 minute long showcase again which will be around 12:45 to 1 o'clock. While Robin talks with her manager and all the other Trainers, you can go rest or do whatever for 20 minutes. At 1:25 you are expected to be at Ballroom 3, for your results and your Talent subject. Any questions?"
I feel numb and my head is whirling with questions but I just nod.
She says something I can't comprehend at the moment and at my nod of approval leaves me to dress.
I slowly pull on the clothes and put my long hair into a neat pony at the back of my head.
"You can do this." I say to myself in the mirror, building confidence.
I head to the cafeteria and am met with Robin sitting at a table with a tray already made for me.
" Yogurt, fruit, toast with peanut butter, orange juice, and a scrambled egg just for you." Robin declares pointing to each as she says them.
I manage a small smile and individually point to each food that has dairy.
" Sorry for the inconvenience but I can't have dairy. I guess I'm just going to eat around it." I admit.
" Oh. I will take note of that. You must be nervous am I right?" Robin asks with a small timid smile.
I nod, unable to speak for a moment with peanut butter on the roof of my mouth.
"Very. What if I don't do good in either things I pick?" I reply shuddering.
She chews thoughtfully for a second.
"Well then, you take the test over again! She says enthusiastically, and I can tell that she is trying to cheer me up.
But now what she said is burned into my mind.
How? Is the only question flitting though my mind.
How am I gonna get through this?
It's too early to rack my brain on the situation, so I pivot my attention to my lumpy oatmeal.
After breakfast it's time to start my training.
I feel my hands clam up, in nervousness.
"So which do you want to do first?" Robin asks politely as we walk.
'Neither' I answer to myself in my brain.
Aloud I say " umm, I don't know. What are the options?"
She counts in her fingers, " 1) fitness room to work in your muscles before actually playing, 2) field hockey work or 3) lacrosse work."
I consider all three options.
Making up my mind, I tell her id like to start with the fitness room.
Little did I know this was the hardest choice.