I knew Kova did better with writing it.
But he still wasn't here, which I found strange.
I quickly checked my cell phone to see if I had a text from him, but I didn't. I did have one from my dad checking on how I was doing, which I responded to, and one from Avery, which I ignored. I couldn't deal with her right now. I wasn't ready for that.
Stuffing my bag into my locker, I snuck the notebook into Kova's desk, then I made my way to the gym and started my morning conditioning for the next hour before practice began.
I couldn't stop checking the front door to see if he was about to walk in. Unease settling into my stomach, I was so anxious. Two hours passed and Kova still wasn't here. I was beginning to fear something had happened to him.
"What are you looking for?" Reagan asked, fixing her ponytail. She stomped her feet in chalk.
"What do you mean?"
"You keep looking at the front door. Are your parents coming to town since we have qualifications soon? Mine always come when there's a huge meet the week before. I hate it. It stresses me out big time, but they want to be there for me."
I regarded her, wondering why she was actually going out of her way to talk to me. "Yeah, my dad said he was going to try and come earlier. Apparently he has business in the next town over." The lie rolled off my tongue much too easily.
"That's cool. Are they going to dinner after?"
Creases formed between my eyes. I really wanted to ask her why she was talking to me.
"Dinner?"
"Yeah, there’s a big parent-coach dinner planned, but I think they're celebrating too."
I shrugged, applying chalk to my feet too. "Maybe, I have no idea."
"Well, I figured since they recently—"
"Girls! Line up on the floor!" Madeline yelled, cutting off Reagan.
Saved by the coach.
I smiled at Reagan.
We began with light tumbling passes crossed with dances skills before we started practicing our routines over and over. The week before a meet was always so hectic but exciting. At least it was for me. Lots of work and stress. Lots of energy draining workouts. Some would say it's too much training, but it was necessary.
Ten vaults including timers.
Ten beam routines.
Two full floor routines.
Five bar routines.
This was my life for the next three days and most of it fueled by adrenaline, muscle memory, and a dream. A dream that could be ripped from me if I made one mistake and hurt myself.
I performed a round-off back handspring layout when something caught my eye.
Rebounding off the floor, I glanced toward the lobby and caught sight of Kova's back just in time as he strode inside marching toward the back, presumably to his office.
I smiled inwardly. I hoped he'd read what I wrote before coming out here. Then maybe we could talk when he did another blading on my Achilles later tonight when no one was around. I also needed to ask if he had picked up Plan B for me. I really didn't want to take it, but after last night, I couldn't chance it. I made a mental note to ask my doctor for birth control when I spoke to him later. My cramping had been terrible lately, my cycles were off, and my last period was much thicker than usual, so I could always use that excuse to get on birth control.
Ten minutes later, Kova walked into the gym. Anticipation curled my belly at the sight of him. I shot a quick glance at him. He looked at me then quickly averted his gaze to the floor.
Kova pointed to one of the corners. "Get in line. You know what the week ahead looks like, ladies. I expect nothing less than perfection from you all. Winners train. I do not want to hear any complaints this week. Let us get started."
Walking briskly to the opposite corner, he dragged over a landing mat and stood a little in front of it. Clapping his hands, he signaled for us to start. Holly went first. She started running toward him, Kova bent his knees and eyed her steps, then stepped closer to her running form, gauging when she would take flight and flip. He stepped in to spot her and raised his arms in the air to help her twist. His shirt rose, showing a hint of his toned stomach as he grabbed her waist with his forearm then guided her to stop with his other arm once she executed a double twist.