Chapter 16
Allie had a countdown going for Tuesday. She
started with just days, and when Monday rolled around, it was down to hours. She
was anxious to see Aaron, so anxious that Jules retired after practice to the
coach's quarters instead and walking and talking with Allie about her routines.
Tuesday night found Allie out on the balcony. Aaron had
arrived home, but Allie had been at practice. Allie had been spending a lot of
time at practice, trying to keep her mind of things.
Now, she had finished all the practicing she had wanted to
do, or at least all the practicing she could handle for one day. All the other
gymnasts had started arriving, so she was trying not to look mean or anything
else to them. Team USA had always been her second family. Many of these girls
were new from the team in 2000. She didn't want to scare them just yet.
Allie felt a presence, feeling that someone else had just
come out on the balcony. She slowly turned around, scared but at the same time
wondering who it was.
And when she saw who it was, her mouth dropped open. "Aaron!"
she said, her smile growing bigger than her face would allow. Aaron smiled back,
the size of his smile rivaling hers.
"I figured you'd be here. All the other gymnasts are
arriving, so I guessed that you would want some alone time." Aaron said, walking
over to where Allie was leaning against the balcony wall.
The lights of the Olympic village were lit, making the place
seem so serene. Everything seemed so peaceful and easy. It seemed so beautiful.
"Opening ceremonies are tomorrow." Aaron said, as Allie
turned to look at him.
"Surprised the Olympics are starting up again?" Allie asked
with a shy smile on her face.
"I'm not sure. I think part of me is surprised, since it
doesn't feel like it's been four years since Sydney. But, at the same time, I'm
so surprised about how excited I am to be here. And, not just excited about my
events, but about you and yours. Somehow, the Opening Ceremonies tomorrow means
everything's beginning. It's time for everything to start." Aaron explained.
"I'm actually excited." Allie said. "My practice today was
awesome. I did better than you would have expected for someone who missed her
boyfriend."
"That's the first time you've called me your boyfriend."
Aaron said, smiling at her.
"And how do you like it?" Allie asked, smiling back at him.
"I love it." Aaron said, leaning over and kissing her softly.
"If you're going to kiss me like that every time I call you
my boyfriend, I won't mind calling you that more." Allie said once they pulled
away.
Aaron smiled, as Allie continued to smile at him. She leaned
into him, as he wrapped an arm around her. He placed a soft kiss on her
forehead.
"March by me in the ceremonies?" Allie asked, looking up at
him.
"I'd love to." Aaron said, smiling at her.