Just Another Nerd With a Secret. (on hold)

Chapter 14

The day of the competition came too quickly. I soon found myself sitting in the back of our car scanning the crowd eagerly awaiting the competitors. I zipped up my jacket and sighed.

Plastering on a fake smile I braced myself for the attention of the crowds and exited the car.

As people rushed around me I simply smiled and continued walking, not stopping to take pictures or answer questions like I would normally do.

I kept my gaze locked firmly on the door, fearful that if it drifted I would see Derrick.

Once I entered the gym it was no less hectic. The stadium was huge and packed full of fans.

My mom pecked my cheek and hugged me one last time, giving a pep talk that I couldn't understand. I was to caught up with scanning the giant stands. Nerves were quickly seeping in as I observed the rambunctious crowd.

I nodded and smiled at my mom, even though I had no clue what she said and she left to get her seat.

I found my coach and dropped my bag on the bench.

I was warming up with some easy tumbling passes, but stumbled slightly from watching the other girls warm up

Jake instantly noticed the nerves.

"Stop!" he called to me

I walked over to him with my head hung low.

"I know it's been a long time since you have had this much pressure on you, but you need to get your head in the game (A/N What Team??? ......... no ......... ok .......... sorry...) Remember all those times we spent together at the gym, when we would stay for hours on end trying to perfect your routines.  You are one of the hardest working gymnasts I know, and I know you can do this, you can make your dreams come true! Just treat it like it's just you and me in the gym."

I nodded feeling the impact of his words and finished warming up.

Before long the competition was under way and I was on rotation for beam.

Taking a deep breath I saluted the judges and began with my unique mount. Letting the familiar motions take over my body I lost myself in the motions, forgetting about my insecurities.

After dismounting I ran over and hugged Jake while we waited for my results. I could never do any of this without him.

The day flew by and soon I had finished all my routines.

I sat on the bench waiting for the scores to be calculated.

Glancing around the crowd, one group of girls caught my eye. Looking closer I noticed they had posters with my name on them. I smiled and decided I would talk to them while I waited.

When I got a few steps away from them I froze.

Sitting right in front of me was my old team, Bree right in front.

Tears sprung to my eyes as I looked again to make sure they were truly there.

As I stepped forward to talk to them the announcer called for all competitors to line up.

I smiled apologetically to them before running to line up.

Throughout the whole ceremony I kept glancing back at them to insure they were there.

I smiled as I stood on the second place platform. I had not done my best due to nerves but I still qualified to compete in the Olympics and that is all that mattered.

After packing up I turned towards the group of girls who had supported me through my 'high school years'

Tears welled up in my eyes as I saw their supportive posters.

I had ditched them without even saying goodbye and they came to my competition.

I smiled and hugged Jake, assuring him that I would be fine.

"See you tomorrow!" he called over his shoulder.

"Bright and early!" I called

Then I walked over to my old team, readying myself for the emotional onslaught that was about to happen.