Crushed and Created

And Austin Tucker takes the gold!

I was only eight when my brother Austin took the gold at only thirteen years. Everybody was proud of him. I remember, I was the first one jumping onto my brother exactly as he got down from the podium. I was the happiest girl ever when I saw my brother success in his dreams! I remember till this very day. He was always training at 'The Rock Mountain Centre' and who could ever know what he would become! For sure I knew. I always believed in him. He was always focused. Yes, rules aren't his favourite, and although he doesn't always follow them, he always knew what he wanted from life itself.

Unlike me, or else I thought so… until…

'AUSTIIINNN!'

'Hey little Tuc!'

'YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT!'

'Yes I know sis, and that's all because of you baby girl. You've always believed in me.'

'Mum and dad are waiting outside to congratulate you and they have a surprise for you!'

'Wow, calm down Martina!'

'I can't! My brother just won!'

'Come on; let's get you to meet my friends.'

It wasn't long till I got to meet his friends. They all were nice, especially Max, Austin's best man, chaperon, friend and a surrogate brother. They always did everything together, no matter if it was training, hanging out, talking about girls (of course… guys…). I must admit, Max was my first crush.

Then there was Carter, the playboy of the gym along with Nicki, Robert, and Isaac. They all were good, however some better than others. Sasha Belov, the most famous coach from Romania, also came to greet me, as the little sister of his Gold Champion gymnast. I can see what Austin meant by 'Sasha being the most understanding and helpful coach', although I get it that he teased a lot as well. However it wasn't long till we headed out for Austin's big surprise.

'There you are! Oh my! You were amazing Austin! I love you so very much!'

'Thanks mum, I had fun out there.'

'Yes, I've seen that son; now let's go, because Martina is dying to give you your present.'

'Thanks for believing in me dad.'

'I always believe in you Austin, no matter what.'

Exactly as we arrived home, I went to my parents' room to get the envelope that was waiting for Austin. I don't know how I managed to go down the flight of stairs.

'Daddy, daddy, I got it!'

'That's my girl… Austin can you come in the kitchen please?'

'Yeah dad…'

'This is from the all of us, I hope you like it.'

Austin simply opened the envelope slowly, until his face literally lit up at the sight in his hands.

'Are these really tickets for the hockey team in a VIP seat?'

'Yes, and you have two so you can invite someone.'

'Yeah… Dad, are you busy? Do you want to come? I have an extra ticket!'

'Um… Yeah, I'm totally free! It's been a bit since we had some father son time, and you missy, it's time for bed.'

'But daddy! Please I want to stay up with Austin. Please, just for tonight?'

Both Austin and my parents exchanged looks until Austin smiled.

'If it's ok with Austin you can.'

'Of course it is! She's my baby sister.'

Austin was always so protective and loving. He's the best brother I could have ever asked for. We ended up crashing in his room watching a movie, until I slept beside him. I could feel him carrying me to my bed but I was too lazy to simply get up and thank him. But at least, it was Saturday to come and both of us could have a late morning, and I had to prove something to Austin as he was there for the weekend with no training.

'Rise and shine lazy bone.'

'ugh… mum! Please can I stay for five more minutes?'

'No baby, not today, we're going out tonight and you have to study and finish your work.'

'Ok… ohh and is Austin back from his morning run?'

'Yes, why dear?'

'I need to talk to him, but don't tell him, I want to talk to him.'

'Ok Martina, but don't take long, breakfast is ready and you know your brother. It's like I never feed him.'

'Ok, coming…'

After I got dressed, and put my hair up in a ponytail, I went down at the table to join the family for breakfast. It had been a bit since Austin was there with us, and I was enjoying every moment of it. We kept bugging each other playfully and both our parents loved the communication. After we both helped in the dishes I thought that it was the best time to talk to Austin.

'Austin, do you have a minute please?'

'I always have time for you little tuc.'

'Don't call me that! I'm a grown up now! But anyways… um… can I meet you in the gym basement in like 5 minutes?'

'Yeah… sure… Why?' He looked at me suspiciously, while crossing his arms.

'You'll know soon. Very soon. I just need a minute.' I said with a huge smile.

I flew the flight of stairs and put on the only leotard that I had found on sale for only 20 dollars at a yard sale. Guess it is true 'a man's junk is another man's treasure'. I never had told anyone about it, so I guess it was time to leak something to my brother.

'Close your eyes Austin'

'Oh come on would you just tell me!'

'Ok open.'

'Erm… What am I supposed to see?'

'What am I wearing Austin?'

'A leotard… so?'

'Austin, I admire what you do, and I want to follow in your footsteps. I want to make mum and dad proud like you do and most of all, I love the sports, and I can prove it to you. I've been seeing you train here and followed your instructions.'

I went to the corner of the room, and concentrated on the one spot Austin always concentrated on. I took a run and did a full round-off, backhandspring, back tuck to a front carthwheel a back-walk-over to a front walk-over.

'Wow, where did you pull that off?' He asked me obviously surprised.

'I told you Austin, I love this sport, I love gymnastics, and I want to train. I've seen you do these more than ones, and I want to do this so very much. Please, can you tell mum and dad?'

'If you do what you did just now… YES…'

'THANK YOU AUSTIN! YOU ARE THE BEST.'

'Let me tell you what, I'll go tell mum and dad now, and if they agree I'll take you myself to Sasha, and he'll see at what level you are. Do you agree?'

'Yes, come on let's go!'

Austin went to talk to my parents about the idea, and although they did not agree with this decision, Austin told them what I can do. They also were impressed, and it was that day that changed my whole life. Yes, of course, some ground rules and conditions had to be made. Unlike Austin, I couldn't be home schooled, so I had to train 8 hours a day at the gym, on top of having to go to school.

By time I was getting used to it. Waking up at 4am while mum drives us both to the gym, where I did my morning workout. Austin was there too, only to watch me and spot me at times, while Sasha did his coaching to me and my other teammates that had to do the same thing, only they had private schooling, except Emily. We were almost in the same class, except for Biology and Chemistry.

The workout only lasted till 7am as in an hour; I had to prepare for school, and at 1pm had to be back at the gym for the evening workout which lasted till 7pm. I was always exhausted, but always managed to juggle with school, gymnastics, and family time.

Austin always helped around, even if I was finding anything difficult. After the gym, especially when I was sore from all the training, he came with the ice packs and helped me out, while I studied and did everything. He was always there for me.

Although I was managing and improved my technique over time, there was always competition, even though I was in my own team. Lauren for instance was the queen of the beam, and she always does flawless routine. Yes, she is tedious and bitchy, but what can I say? She is a spoiled teenager and her father simply gives her anything she wants.

Then there's Payson, who although she is uptight, I love her leadership and determination. She is an amazing athlete and always strives for perfection. I never believed that someone could be as determined as her. She always pushed us to the limit, and so does Sasha, but he is the head coach so it is expected from him.

Kaylie and Emily and are the most down to earth people I've met. Emily, although with all her problems both financially and living, she always made it through. Kaylie on the other hand, has anything she always wants. Just like Lauren, with the difference, that Kaylie doesn't flaunter it to your face. She's loyal and helpful, and if there's anything that one can't do, she is there to help on the spot. She is my best friend. We are like sisters.