The Un-landed Everything

Chapter 7

The drive to Regional’s was short. This year it took place in Boston, only an hour away from where we live. I sat in the backseat alone, and I listened to my playlist while reading. Everyone asks me how I read while listening to music, honestly it’s not that hard. You just do it.

                I decided not to mention the fact; I overheard that conversation last night, to my parents. I was just going to keep that to myself.  I had noticed my grades were slightly dropping, but I never really paid attention to them, because of all my training. Maybe my grades were dropping because of my training. But there is NO possible way I am quitting skating. NO WAY! I was going to manage both school and skating.

~

                We arrived at the rink just in time. I met Kasey and Rowan at the front entrance with their parents. Kasey looked terrified, but Rowan as usual looked fearless.

                “We should head to the locker room,” Rowan said the minute I walked up to her.

                “Nice to see you too Rowan.” I said sarcastically.

                “Oh, sorry. But you know how I am with time.” She said motioning towards the front entrance.

                “Yeah, okay we will head back there, just let me tell my parents.

                “I should do that too,” Kasey muttered walking away.

                So, I asked my parents and they didn’t mind so I headed back to the locker rooms with Kasey, and Rowan.

                The truth was, I was nervous. Nervousness for me is rare. Then again this was Regional’s. Here, I could qualify for National’s, which could get me on the Olympic team, which would pursue my dream. So basically, I had to win.

~

                When Coach Jennifer came back to the locker room to inform us we were on in five, Kasey looked like she was going to vomit. Rowan and I exchanged a confused glance. Kasey had never been this nervous before. What was wrong?

                “Um, Kasey? Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she muttered wiping away a tear.

“No, you aren’t fine. You’re crying.” I said raising my voice a little, starting to get angry.

“Just I’m….nervous. Yeah, I’m nervous. That’s all.” She replied, wiping away one last tear.

“It’s ShowTime girls!” Coach Jennifer said excitedly as she barged into the room.

We all stood up, and left the locker room. As we strutted onto the ice, the crowd roared. I smiled my big show girl smile and waved at the crowd. I love the attention, it feels so…amazing.