Chapter 4
Allie avoided the cafeteria early in the
morning. She could have sworn she heard people moving around, which meant the
cafeteria would probably be full of swimmers trying to get the most food in
their bodies that they could.
So, Allie wandered around the rooms. There was peace and
quiet. She had time to wake up fully before she would head over to train.
"Hey!" She heard a voice say. Aaron must have had the same
idea as her.
"Looks like you were right. We will see each other again."
Allie said, turning to face him. He was dressed already for the day and had a
book in hand.
"I was about to go read on the balcony. Care to join me?"
Aaron asked.
"I left Shel in my room." Allie said.
"Shel?" Aaron asked, an eyebrow raised.
"Shel Silverstein." Allie replied.
"Ah, a poet. Pretty much made for little children though."
Aaron replied.
"But, if I'm still being treated like a child, why not read
like one?" Allie asked, as she started walking. Aaron started walking with her.
"I'm sure your coach doesn't treat you like a child." Aaron
said.
"Julia? She treats me like the 20 year old I am. My parents
treat me like their little gymnastic puppet." Allie said
"So the stories and articles are true." Aaron replied.
"Sadly." Allie said. "Sometimes, I hate being a media pawn."
"And other days?" Aaron asked.
"I try not to think about it on those days. The meets where
my parents hired reporters because someone I was competing against was getting
more publicity. Training me from the moment I could walk, but always saying that
I chose to be a gymnast." Allie said, as she stuffed her hands into her hoodie
pockets and stared at the ground.
"Then why stick with it?" Aaron asked.
"Because I do love the sport." Allie said, as they reached
the door to the balcony.
Aaron took a hold of the door handle, but faced Allie. "Why?"
Aaron asked. "Why do you really stick with it?" He asked.
"Because it's all I've ever known." Allie said.
She looked up from the ground, watching her answer weigh in
Aaron's head. Then, she turned and continued her wanderings.