Chapter 1

Kelsey woke late Saturday morning exhausted from having won her state’s National Gymnastics Championship.  She should have been excited to have won, but she felt guilty.  The week before she left for the championship, she got into a huge fight with her boyfriend, Carlson, Atkinson, who asked her not to go to the championship. 

Kelsey reflected the argument:

“Please, Kelsey, don’t go to state championship.” Carlson pleaded.  “I don’t want you to go.”

“Carlson, it’s only for two weeks.”

“You know I can’t be without you, Kelsey?”

“I’ve worked hard for this championship.” Kelsey reminded him.

“But babe, I don’t want you to go.” Carlson demanded.  “And if you go, it’s over.”

“You’re trying to guilt me into not going.” Kelsey said harshly.

“I mean it, Kelsey.  If you go to the state championship, it’s over.”

“Fine!” Kelsey cried out.  “I’m going and that’s that!”

“Well, looks like you made your choice!” Carlson yelled back, not looking back as he ran into Kelsey’s rival, Samantha Reiser, who’s always had her eye on Carlson. 

“Samantha, please get out of my way!” Carlson shouted at her.  “I’m in no mood to talk!”

As Samantha watched Carlson storm off in a huff, she thought to herself, “Don’t worry Carlson!  Samantha will make it all better.”

 

Kelsey came back to the present and couldn’t believe Carlson had broke it off with her because she went to the state gymnastic championship.  She didn’t understand Carlson’s anger.  Didn’t he understand how hard she had worked for this moment?  How was she the selfish one?

Kelsey forced herself to get up and get dressed in her gymnast bodysuit and leg warmers, pulled her long blonde hair into a braid that hung down her back and went downstairs to pick up her gym bag.

“Kelsey dear, I have your breakfast on the table.” Kelsey’s mother told her.

Kelsey looked at the cold scrambled eggs, cold toast with butter and jam and hot chocolate that has become cold.

“Uh, thanks mom, but I think I’ll pass.” Kelsey said as she was about to head out the door for the gym.  “I have a heavy workout today.”

“Sit down and eat, young lady.” Kelsey’s mother demanded.  “You can’t work out on an empty stomach.”

“But mom, it’s cold.”

“Well, it’s not my fault you woke up late.”

“Fine.” Kelsey said a she ate the scrambled eggs, toast and hot chocolate.

“Thank you mom.” Kelsey said as she kissed her mother on the cheek before heading out.

“Be back at 3 pm, Kelsey.” Kelsey’s mother reminded her.  “Your sister’s birthday party is this afternoon and I want you there.”

“Yes, mom.” Kelsey said as she headed to her Jeep Wrangler her parents had gotten for her as a present when she got her driver’s license.

As Kelsey pulled out of the driveway, Carlson was heading down the road to speak with Kelsey.  He had thought about things and realized that Kelsey was right and he was being selfish.  He just hoped Kelsey would give him the chance to explain himself.