Over the next few months the Coaching pair had many successes. Each competition brought new challenges for them as a unit and as individuals. The media always stepped up a gear for Payson at the events and she despised every minute of it. She wanted the focus to be on the gymnasts. Her poor sister was constantly being compared with. When she won it was because 'her sister had coached her' and when she lost it, it was 'her sister would have nailed it' it didn't really bother Becca but it grated on Payson. The other girls also had their fair share of 'Paysonisms' as they called it. When they won they would be asked how the 'Keeler' influence had made them win. If they added a new trick it was compared to one of Payson routines and they always reminded the audience of the high scores she had achieved doing similar moves. She was slowly losing it with all the 'Paysonisms'.

"I can't stand this, if they say one more thing to Becca I swear I will flip out and gouge someones eyes out"."Calm down Arnie, you knew this was going to be difficult" Sasha whispered.

"its worse now, I got the 6th I honestly thought it would have died down by now"

"No chance, but it has done wonders for the club. We now have the top 5 gymnasts in the country thanks to our strong partnership" Sasha added patting her on her bottom.

"Maybe, but we still have to deal with that" Payson said pointing out to the hustle of media that were just outside the Hotels main reception, "I hate it, why do they even care, you said that gymnastics was only ever highlighted once every four years! Its been almost 7 months and I am still in a different magazine every week".

"YOUR Payson Keeler, Americas answer to wonder woman!" Sasha responded with a laugh

"Not even remotely funny, I want them to go away NOW... You said if I ignored them and done absolutely nothing to give them a story they would go away". "I thought they would have gone by now, but hey their not doing too much harm"

"Seriously Sasha I am going to lose it with them, and You. You are meant to be on my side remember. The sooner their gone, the sooner we can come clean and live normally". She looked up for him to respond, but she interrupted before he could respond "And don't say soon, or all in good time".

"We will know when the times right"

"Yeah, but defiantly by the next Olympics" Payson responded half smiling.

They were back in London, they had flown over to attend the Laureus world sports awards. Both Payson and Sasha usually hated such events, but the American Women's Gymnastic team were up for an award, Laureus world team of the year. Plus all the rebels would be there and Payson was desperate to catch up with them all and Sasha was really excited to go back to London. They had all been assigned to the same hotel, therefore having them all arrive together would not have aired suspicion amongst the press. As far as everyone else was concerned Payson was rooming with Kayleigh and Sasha with Austin. Emily had brought Damon as her date, he was now a small time music writer who the press where not really aware of. Lauren, however brought her current fling, the newest sensation to hit the American basketball scene, everyone wanted to see them together, so for once the press were laying off of Payson and she loved it. She had never been more grateful for Lauren to be one of her best friends.

The gang arrived on the red carpet looking very glamorous, they were each asked for small interviews before entering and all obliged. The press were going wild for Lauren and her Basketball lover so the other quickly went through their interviews and slipped inside.

The Four were legally allowed to drink alcohol, being in London meant the age was 18. The girls had a champagne or two and were enjoying the pr-party atmosphere. The tips group wrere then ushered into the seated area. They settled into the extravagantly decorated 02 arena, host to the event, and where they girls had performed their final gymnastics routines just 7 months ago. They all had place-mats and were told under no circumstances were they to change seats, luckily Sasha was seated just behind Payson and Kayleigh next to Austin, Emily and Lauren weren't so happy they were sat next to each others dates!

The VT's were played before each award and they were eagerly awaiting their category, when shock took over her. Payson had been nominated for Laureus world comeback of the year award. She had no ideas that she had been nominated. The others on the table were obviously aware as they were not shocked at all. They returned her shocked expression with happy smiles of joy.

As the lights drew down, creating the tense atmosphere before the winner was announced, Payson could feel the camera to her left. She closed her eyes to try to calm herself but was completely over took with emotion when they announced her as the winner. The whole place were on their feet as a VT of her fall and pictures of her recovery were put together, then come the amazing footage of her Olympic routines, they had her stand '6' time for gold and she was totally numb when short interviews of those she loved were played. They all talked about her fight, her determination and mostly her courage. They talked about her personally and professionally. It was not until this moment that she realized what she had achieved. She re-lived her accident in that split second, she chocked at the painful recovery she tried to mask, and tears where freely falling when she finally realized she had achieved everything she wanted in her Professional career, she could finally relax and appreciate that the hard work was done. No one can ever change the fact that she is the Olympic champion in every Gymnastic event and she had achieved her dream.

The Host, Kevin Spacey invited her up on stage, she physically could not move. The others stood around her pulling her up. She finally come back down to earth and embraced her friends looking back at Sasha and said "its the right time now", he simply responded "if your sure". With that she took two big leaps up into his arms, his hands around her waist holding her slightly off the floor and her hand in his hair. She planted a long meaningful kiss on his lips and they both smiled into each other when they were done. There was no mistaking 'THAT KISS' it was defiantly something that was shared between lovers not colleagues. After Sasha had released her from the reveling embrace, she could not remember walking up on stage, she was simply there waiting in-front of Kevin Spacey to be handed her award and smiling like a Cheshire cat!

"Thank you," she chocked

"There are really no words to describe this, I just seen my career, my life actually, flash before me on that VT. The accident defined me. I was devistated, it took my spot as national champion and I really thought I was done. But looking back, if it wasn't for that accident(She said pointing up to the massive screen that had a picture of the fall) I don't think I would be standing her as 6 time gold medalist (tears flowing freely). There were so many people who built me back up, Dr Clister, after so many doctors told me I was a lost cause she used a trial pocedure on me and I am eternally grateful to her. My team mates for getting me through even the toughest and scariest parts of training (she smiles over at Emily) My parents and sister for crying with me, teaching me that their's life outside of sport, I'm still not 100% on that one yet!" she giggled

she steadies herself with a calming breath and looked right down at Sasha before continuing

"But mostly to the man that never gave up on me, he knew that I would be back, never for a second believing that I couldn't win in London and live out my biggest dream. He built me into the gymnast you seen at the Olympics, and guided me into the coach I am today. He WAS MY coach...until he turned into my confident, and more recently my Colleague... and finally my best friend. Thank you Sasha... I owe ALL of this to you" She smiled and the crowed once again stood to applause the great Payson Keeler.

She stepped off the stage and back into the arms of her lover. She was well aware of the cameras present, but didn't care in the slightest. Kaylie and Austin smiled on at the couple, while Emily and Lauren, finally realizing that the pair were actually together, stood mouths open in complete shock.

Lauren steps in "NO freaking way, you two, as in.. Payson I'm so good Keeler and our coach"

"He's NOT our Coach" Kaylie laughs.

"duh, he used to be. OMG were you to getting it off when he WAS our coach – how did I not see this" Lauren rants mainly to herself.

"Okay listen guys, I'm only going to say this once" Payson looked at Emily and Lauren, both girls eyes popping as they want her to spit it out "Okay, NO Sasha and I were NOT dating or anything else whilst we were training... like ever"

the girls both nod and plead her to continue, "So that's all you need to know".

"AH AH, no way Keeler. You do not get out of this one. I mean I want to know everything, times, dates, who kissed who, everything", Lauren protests.

Payson rolled her eyes at Kaylie, Lauren sensing that she knew, "YOU KNEW, OH" before looking back at Payson "Okay maybe I would have blabbed, but man I need to know more".

Payson told Lauren the press friendly version, she loved Lauren but she also knew Lauren too well to let her know everything. She told her that it was early days but they knew it was the real thing. She kissed him first and they had started becoming closer as they have been working together so much. Yes her parents know, and yes they are happy about it. She also told them that they had been intimate, although she left out the date, she lead Lauren to believe that it was very recent and that they were only just acquainting themselves with that part of their relationship.

"I would really appreciate you supporting me on this LO, you too Emily". The girls both nodded

"Perfect" Emily said "It is so obvious, I cant believe we missed this. You and Sasha are actually perfect together, no other man would ever be good enough. He is exactly the guy – or man, you need to be with".

"Thanks, I think" Payson said "and you LO" looking at Lauren

"Well he is seriously hot for an older guy AND your... what 35 anyways so I guess its okay - if he makes you happy".

Payson smiles at Lauren's words before Laughing "He is seriously hot isn't he, I cant keep my hands off him". The three girls fall over laughing, they have never heard Keeler speak like this before – it must be the Champagne!

The gang realize the are going to be mobbed by the press so decide to slip out early and miss the press. No flashy after parties just the 8 of them at a small wine bar situated in a quiet side street. The group danced the night away and Payson loved the new openness in her and Sasha's relationship. They returned to the hotel in the early hours and were not looking forward to tomorrows press ambush.