Chapter 2
Allie loved the scenery in Athens. Greece was
beautiful. It reminded her much of Rome, or at least where she had visited in
Rome.
She sat on the bus, riding to the Olympic Village. She had
sat close to the front, not paying attention to any of the swimmers who walked
past. Jules had taken a seat with some of the other coaches who were there,
talking over different things with them. Allie just immediately started staring
out the window, losing herself in the scenery.
"Looks like you and I have something in common." She heard a
voice say, feeling the seat move a little as the body sat down.
"And what is that Phelps?" Allie asked, not turning from the
window.
"We're some of the most celebrated athletes here." Michael
Phelps said.
"I just don't have a contract with any company if I win eight
gold medals." Allie replied, turning to look at Michael.
"You could." Michael said.
"No one wants me as their public face. Someone like me
doesn't sell bathing suits or underwear. I'm not their type." Allie replied.
"What makes you think that?" Michael asked.
"I'm way too hard on myself. I could have had more medals if
I didn't beat myself up over every little mistake." Allie said.
"Then stop. Understand that you're going to make mistakes.
Let what the judges say be the final say, not you." Michael said.
"Sometimes, they're the harsher critic." Allie said.
"But not the harshest?" Michael asked.
"Some people's parents push them into things, instead of
letting ourselves choose what you want to do." Allie said.
"And what do you want to do?" Michael asked.
"Be 21." Allie replied.