"Are you sure you want to do this Angela? This has to be your decision to leave the tennis academy." Dianne said. She had both hands on the steering while and glanced next to her at her middle child. Angela nodded.

"It's what I want mom. I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had with Coach Lou at the tennis academy, but it was too much pressure and I'm ready to lie a normal teenage life." Dianne nodded.

"I've said that for a year, but I'm glad you are making your own choices. I can't make them forever." Angela nodded.

"I know." They remained quiet the rest of the ride to La Jolla. When they got to the school, Angela and Dianne headed right into Couch Lou's office. He was sitting at his desk reviewing tapes for new players. "Hey Coach Lou." He looked up at her.

"Angela, Mrs. Doolan."

"Hi Lou."

"What are you doing here? I thought you didn't want to compete in tennis anymore."

"I'm here to get my stuff. I left a few things the last time I was here."

"Go get it." Coach Lou tilted his head towards the door after a long pause. Angela walked out of the room and he sat on the edge of the desk. "What a waste of talent."

"She can still play Lou, just not in the intensity the academy had on her."

"You have to have pressure and intensity Doolan. There will be pressure on her for the rest of her life." Dianne nodded.

"She's only 16 years old. She has her whole life to have this kind of stress and figure it out. Angela's not an adult and shouldn't have those kinds of pressures."

"You baby her Doolan. I've known that since I first met you. She could have used her talent, but she's screwing up her life."

"Don't ever say that again Lou. She's choosing to be a normal person with goals and aspirations outside of tennis. She's a brilliant young woman and she'll do great things with her life." Angela walked into the room. She had a tennis racket in her hand and a gym bag on her arm.

"Hey mom. I'm ready," she paused as she turned, "bye Coach Lou." Lou walked over to her.

"Angela, you can't leave. You'll waste your potential. I won't let you leave without trying to get you to reconsider wasting your talent."

"I can still play, I just don't have to be here at the academy."

"This is a waste of your life. You won't be gone a week before you aren't playing tennis anymore."

"Good bye Lou." Dianne wrapped a protective arm around Angela. There was nothing wrong with her daughter wanting to be normal.