Perfectly Imperfect

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

            Mom,

I hate to do this but it’s something I need to do for myself. I can’t live here anymore under a microscope. I know I’m different from other people and that my ‘ability’ is strange but for once I want to be normal again. I want to fulfill my life as a teenager and just live freely. I want to make mistakes, get drunk and most of all not be perfect. But I can’t do that in your house where everything has to be perfect. I need to learn on my own.

Before you call social services, I have my estrangement papers and considering I already graduated high school and college, they have granted me permission.

 I’ve decided to move to Los Angeles, California. I’ll be attending college under an alias so that I can completely start over. I’ll also be training with Coach Leanne Bricks on campus. I’ve picked up gymnastics. It’s the only sport I can’t completely grasp the concept of, the only sport I’m not perfect at and you know, that’s why I love it. I can feel what it’s like to be normal.

Mom, I want you to know that I love you and I hope one day you understand my decision.

Love Always,

Your perfect daughter.

. . .

2 years later

Perfection.

It’s what I strive for; that’s what everyone strives for. It’s the most sought out thing that every person wants.  The absolute reason we try so hard every day. The problem? Most people are seeking what is already there. 

Perfection.

 . . .

“Again.”

“What do you mean, again?” I asked, gasping for air.

            “I mean do your routine again. The last one wasn’t perfect and we all know how you like perfection,” my coach replied.

Ugh, that woman will drive me over the freaking edge. I climbed back up on the balance beam starting my routine over. As I went through my poses and turns, I concentrated on making every little detail perfect. Ha, funny I know. The only girl who is perfect, Straight A’s and all, can’t even make a measly beam routine perfect. As I took a breath before my tumbling series my coach called out, “Nice and easy, don’t overdo it.”

I took her advice envisioning the perfect round-off layout step out and I did it. Thunk. I landed perfectly.

“Good job, Bri. I knew you could do it. Practice is over, go home.”

As I grabbed my bag and headed to the locker room one of my teammates came over to me.

“Bri! We’re going for drinks tonight,” exclaimed Leah.

“I can’t. I have videos to do tonight.”

“Please, please, please.”

“No. I’m watching with Ryder tonight. Maybe another night.”

“Fine.” I watched as she walked away upset. Leah was my roommate for the past year but I never really hung out with her. Most of my friends were guys. They didn’t judge me on what I did, where I went or what I wore. I could completely be myself and let loose. Not to mention all of them knew my secret. I could trust them.

I walked in the shower and started singing along to the radio. Washing off all the chalk, dirt and sweat from practice, I began to worry about the upcoming school year. I wasn’t looking forward to this year. I have all the basic classes because I haven’t chosen a major. There was no need, I had already graduated from college before.