Dismount (Off Balance 5)

"No wonder they're friends," Hayden said. "I can't believe you're leaving for Trials tomorrow. I'm going to be watching and rooting for you, you know."

A sad smile formed on my lips. Tomorrow I'd be on a plane headed to California for a two-day competition that ended with the Olympic team selections on the final night. The upcoming meet would be the most taxing one in several ways but also a learning experience too.

"It's surreal, isn't it? This is what so many of us dream about, and I'm actually doing it," I said. "Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve it."

"Only the stubborn survives."

I shrugged one shoulder. "I guess."

"How are you feeling otherwise?" he asked, gesturing to my arm. My fingers were a tad swollen and my arm wavered between light tingles and itching numbness.

Shaking my head, I grimaced. "Honestly, it hurts so bad that I just want to cut it off." I joked, and he laughed. "The last five days have tested me in every way possible. I'm kind of nervous about this weekend."

"I think you're going to surprise yourself and shock the gym world. You may be older than most of the girls, but they don't have the same passion. It's clear watching you compete. Your dedication shows. I'm placing bets on you. You're sturdy out there, someone they can rely on."

I gave him a friendly bump with my shoulder. "Thanks. How much am I worth?"

He laughed and I found a real smile tugging on my lips.

"Make sure you take a moment to yourself this weekend and realize how far you've come. Soak it up. Think about what you had to do to get where you are, because you may not think you deserve it, but you do. This could be your only time at the Olympic Trials. Enjoy it while you can."

"You're going to make a great father one day, Hayden."

Hayden let out a loud chuckle as Holly stepped out of the locker room. She was wearing a pair of khaki shorts and a crimson shirt with a white A on it and the words "Roll Tide." She finally heard back from Alabama. While she hadn’t received a scholarship like she’d hoped for, Holly had been picked to be on their gymnastics team.

Hayden was headed to Michigan State, and Reagan had been accepted to the University of Louisiana on a partial scholarship.

"What's so funny?" Holly asked as she joined us in the hall.

"Hayden was giving me fatherly advice. Very inspiring."

She sighed like she was relieved his advice wasn't for her. What he said was thoughtful, and I actually planned to do exactly what he suggested. Hayden didn't know this would be my only chance at the Olympics, but he was right. I needed to take in the moment because it would all be over before I could blink.

That was going to be my new motto: it's all going to be over soon.

"Better you than me," Holly said, taking me away from my depressing thoughts.

"Someone has to watch out for you," he said to his sister. She rolled her eyes.

"I can't wait to go to college."

"Why? It's not like I can't text or call you," he said.

"You're so annoying. You're going to make an annoying husband one day."

Hayden looked at me with faux shock written on his face. "See what I have to deal with?"

"Go away, Hayden. Let me talk to Adrianna."

"Don’t leave before I say goodbye to you," Hayden said. I nodded, and he headed into the locker room.

Holly waited until her brother was gone before turning to me. "I wish we could've had more time together before you had to leave. When you get back, I'll be gone."

I pursed my lips together and pouted. "Me too. Time always feels like it's moving slow but it's actually flying by. Maybe we can visit each other during the summer."

She frowned. "Where will you be?"

Inhaling a deep breath, I exhaled and my shoulders fell. "I haven't decided yet."