A/N Let me know how the chapter was? I would love some feedback.
As promised, Lance had called the following day and I had given him my answer. That yes, I would love to join his team in Toronto. Which meant through the week, dad had made the arrangements necessary with the money and had booked my tickets. Now today, in exactly three hours and fourteen minutes, I'll be high in the sky on my way to my future.
Wandering my eyes over my room, I tried to think if I had packed everything that I needed. Even with the money I now have, I couldn't afford to be buying things just because I had forgotten to bring it with me. If I didn't already know before, I do now – City areas are expensive, and I still have to pay for the apartment I had rented not far away "Honey?" called dad from the hallway.
"Yeah, I'm in my room" I called back as I nodded my head to myself. Looking down at my suitcase, I zipped the bag closed before doing the same with my duffel. With only a limited amount of room, I had only packed the essentials, a few casual clothes and all of my gymnastics outfits and equipment.
Turning as the door to my room creaked open, I placed my bag on the floor and pulled the handle up. Hooking my duffel bag on top, I looked over to see dad leaning against the door frame; a sad sort of look on his face. I hope he wasn't having second thoughts.
"What's wrong? You look down" I said while glancing him over again. Standing dressed in his janitor uniform, dad shook his head before pointing his thumb behind him.
"No, not at all. Just letting you know Emily's here" making an 'o' shape with my mouth, I nodded my head. After explaining everything to Emily the previous day, she had gladly accepted to take me to airport since dad couldn't. Standing in the small room, the moment somehow felt awkward. Maybe it was the fact that I'll be leaving for seven months – by myself.
"Well, I've got everything packed. Ready to go" I said trying to sound chipper. Grabbing the handle of my bag, I followed dad as he led us to the front door. Peeking out the door, Emily waved through the windscreen of her car. Smiling, I gave a quick, short wave back. Looking back at dad, I glanced around the kitchen and the small view of the lounge room. I wanted to get one last look at everything, and I couldn't help the flutter in my stomach as I did "I'm going to miss you dad" I muttered quietly, my eyes stinging from the emotions I'm feeling.
"I'm going to miss you to Lina…my little girl" opening my arms, I enveloped my dad in a tight and loving hug "….don't' forget. Be yourself. Pour your heart into it. I'll know you'll do great honey" he mumbled into the top of my head with a kiss.
Smiling into his green uniform, I said "I'll call you when I get there"
"And every second day" he added "like we promised" nodding my head, I smiled with a sniffle. Letting him go, I took a deep breath in before making my way out of the house and towards Emily. Following close behind, dad helped me with my bags and placed them into the trunk of the car. Opening the door for me, I hoped in before he closed it. Winding down the window, dad bent down for one last good-bye "have a safe flight. And I'll see you in seven months" he said with a smile.
"Seven months" hearing the car start, Emily asked if I was ready "…Yeah…I'm ready" reversing from the driveway, Emily pulled up into the street before starting down the road. It marked the beginning of a very long journey.
After crying hugs and never ending good-byes from Emily, I had made my way onto the plane and now I was closer than ever before. Feeling my head loll to the side a loud ding had rung out into the crowded aircraft "Attention all passengers. Please put on your seat belts and prepare for landing. Thank you"
Rubbing my eyes, I shifted to stretch my toes and arms before buckling myself in as instructed. Turning my head to glance out the window with awe, I couldn't not stare at the view outside. Even though I had been on a plane before, it always amazed me when I was this high up. How the clouds looked so thick from below but so thin when up close. Looking past the wing of the plan and down towards the city below, I watched as a sea of cars and buildings crowded the large space. It was extravagant – nothing like my little hometown.
Taking a few gulps of my water to pop my ears, I felt the plane shake with mild turbulence as we began to decent toward the tarmac. Waiting a few minutes, I collected my handbag into my lap as the plane came to a standstill. Hearing the ding, the pilots voice echoed out again "Thank you for flying Southwest and have a good day" un-clicking the buckle of my seat belt, I got up in the flurry of passengers as they grabbed their belongings and filed out the small plane.
Eventually squeezing my way out, I quickly walked down the route to get inside the airport. Once inside, I navigated my way through the sea of people in order to get to the luggage area. Standing at the rotating conveyor belt, I watched as several bags passed me by before finding my own.
Picking it up, I made my way out of the mass building to flag down a taxi at the rank. Finding one with little to no problem, I put my luggage in the trunk and slid into the back. Pulling out a piece of paper from my back pocket, I read the address I had written down "two thirty-four Roland Avenue please" nodding his head, the man started the timer before zooming off into the chaotic traffic.
Twisting and turning through traffic lights and rows of vehicles, we had ended up just outside the heart of the city. Peeking out of the window, I glanced at the several tall building; some of them made from almost pure glass and others designed in rather odd ways. Driving down another street with a few palm trees between both sides of the street, the taxi driver turned into a large carpark where an even larger building stood. This is it, the gymnasium. Turning in his seat, the man looked me up and down "Alright kid, that'll be forty-two dollars and nineteen cents" handing him the money, I told him to keep the few cents change.
Hopping out of the taxi and grabbing my luggage, I watched as the man drove off into the distance. Breathing in the city air, I couldn't help but flinch at the chemical and gas smell that burned my nostrils. It was disgusting. Holding up a hand to my forehead, I tried to block out the blaring sun as it beamed down. It almost felt hotter here than in Kentucky. Everything in fact felt so foreign. It was more like I was in a different country than a different state.
Deciding not to waste any more time, I adjusted my handbag and continued to pull my bag along the bumpy concrete path. Looking at the fancy, frosted front door that read 'L.T Elite Academy of Gymnastics' I pushed on the thick metal door handle. Walking on in, the cool breeze of air-con brushed past my skin and the scent of chalk and new equipment made me relax. This is somewhat familiar I thought to myself, but the interior was not at all like Coaches gym in town.
Standing in only the reception area, the marbled floor and fresh, clean environment made this place look unbelievably professional. If it wasn't for the name of the building, I would have thought I was in the wrong place. Walking over to the mahogany desk, a thin blonde sat behind it dressed in form fitting black dress; her hair in a bun "Hi" I said trying to catch her attention as she looked busy at her computer.
Stopping to look up with her green eyes, she instantly smiled wide "Welcome. You must be Amelia" nodding my head shyly, I tugged at the sleeve of my black camisole "Mister Tucker is just through there" she said pointing to the metal red double door down the end of the hallway. That must be entrance to the actual gymnasium.
Thanking her, I quickly walked through to the end of the hallway before pushing on in. Taking a quick glance around, the enormous room was set out spaciously with new looking equipment and the theme was obviously blue, white and red.
Directing my attention to the middle, Lance stood with his back to me. His white sneakered feet apart and dressed in his USA outfit "Glad you could make it" he said none too enthusiastically as he turned around "welcome to Toronto" giving me a wide smile, it had vanished as soon as it had happened and I was left startled with the odd change of expressions. Pointing his finger toward another room he ordered "go get changed and come back here. Two minutes" he said while pointing his finger to the floor below him.
Nodding my head instantly, I grabbed the grey duffel bag that had all my gym clothes in before rushing off to the other room. Slipping into my usual training clothes, I rushed over to Lance as he stood in the exact same spot that I had left him in; only his arms were now crossed over his chest.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, he had taken a step back and pointed to the position he was once standing in "Right here" he said.
Taking the few steps, I stood where he wanted me too; my arms down by my sides. Watching his steel blues eyes roam over my body, he began circling me like prey. Not saying a word. His gaze never leaving. After doing a slow one hundred and eighty, he stood back in front of me "…Why are you here?" he asked while looking into my eyes.
Furrowing my brow, I didn't know how to answer "Because you asked me"
Shaking his head, he replied sternly "Wrong. Guess again"
"Because…I impressed you" I said. Although it came out more as a question.
"Correct" he said enthusiastically "because you impressed me. And although you impressed me, that doesn't mean you're going to make it to the Olympics. Understand?" nodding my head, I looked down. That was blunt.
"Good…while we're on the topic, let me set out a few ground rules" looking up, I felt uncomfortable with his change of tone. He wasn't at all likes he was at the gym; smiles and professionalism. Instead now, he seemed demanding, strict and I'd even say arrogant "rule number one. You call me either Coach, or Coach Tucker. Not Lance, not Tucker, not Tucky. I'm here to train you. Not be your friend. Got it?"
"Yes Coach" I replied using one of his preferred names.
"Good" he said before continuing "rule number two. Never be late. If there's one thing I hate, it's people who don't turn up when they're supposed to…" nodding my head, I realised that was what Coach had meant a few days ago "…Thirdly, if you think you know better than me, than think again or get out. I don't have time to deal with a smart mouth bitch. However, judging by the looks of you I don't think that'll be a problem. Am I right?"
"No Coach" I answered, another lump forming in my throat.
"Good. I'm glad you're catching on so quickly…now" he said with a sigh. It almost sounded as if he were board or exhausted "I don't know what your old Coach was like and I really don't give a shit, but this" he said gesturing to my busty chest "needs to be dealt with. I can't have your tits bouncing around everywhere, it's distracting. Secondly…as of now you're going on a diet"
Gaping at the man and his rude tone and comment, I couldn't help the flush of anger. I know he's a gold medallist and my Coach, but there's no reason to be this rude. Opening my mouth, I went to tell him off "I don't-"
Holding up his hand, he interrupted me "What did I just say not a minute ago?" remembering his 'rules', I sighed with a slight sneer on my face. Biting my tongue, I closed my mouth to keep myself from ripping into my new Coach "I'm training professional athletes. If you want to be on this team you need to push your mind and your body, and that's not going to happen with a gut. Remember…you do gymnastics, not competitive eating" tasting blood, I scrunched my fists tight and felt the dig of my nails in my skin. If it wasn't for the fact this was all riding on my career and the fact I was using my dad's retirement money, I most likely would have punched him in the face. He is definitely not the person I thought he was. But if this works out, I'll be rewarded with the weight of victory hanging from my neck in seven months – Gold.
