It was late at night when both Austin and I arrived at home. Mum and dad were already in bed, or at least we thought so. Austin held me tightly from my hand as I was on the verge of falling to the floor and sleep there. It was such a night. Austin took me to this awesome movie and then we ended up having dinner out. We stayed out at the meadow were we stared at the stars, while we talked about everything, but the air made the best of me. I was too sleepy to do anything.
'Austin, you know? If you weren't my brother, I would have dated you.' I said as he laughed it off.
'Yeah, maybe in another life… But I'm glad I'm your brother kiddo.' He smiled as he helped me in bed.
'You know, I still can't date you even if we were in another life!' I said back.
'Because of gymnastics?'
'Um… no…. it's just… I'm with Isaac.'
'You what?' Austin asked me in disbelief.
'I'm dating Isaac Austin.'
'Are you insane? Do you know what danger are you risking? Do you want Sasha to discover this relationship?'
'We've been on for almost a year and a half Austin. Nobody knows... except you now.'
'Why haven't you told me earlier?' Austin asked a bit hurt.
'I don't know… I was afraid… but I know you understand me, and I thought I should tell you.' I said again as I stood to a seating position.
Austin smiled. 'Thanks for trusting me, but you could have told me earlier!' He replied as he moved a lock of hair to my ears. 'Now rest, we have plenty of time to talk tomorrow. Ok?'
'Good night Austin… I love you.'
'I love you too little tuc.'
The following morning, both Austin and I went for the usual run. We used to make small races, and of course, usually Austin won. Guess it is normal. He's a 20 year old man. He has all the strength he needs. We had arrived at the park when I had to stop.
'Austin stop stop… I have a cramp in my leg.' I said as I limbed towards the benches.
'Are you ok little tuc?'
'Yes Austin, it's just a cramp.' I playfully punched him back, while my phone beeped. I opened it and smiled and the text I received.
'Is it from Isaac?'
'Yes Austin… He is so sweet.' I told him while I replied back.
'When did you two become a thing?'
'I don't know. It kind off happened.'
'I'm not telling you to leave him, but you should pay attention. I don't want you to lose everything over a boy. You'll have plenty of time to date after nationals.'
'I know Austin.' I replied back as I got up from the bench. 'Race you to home?' I continued as took the hurdle for the run.
'Oh you're so on little tuc.'
'Do you want me to spot you Kaylie?'
'Yeah. I'd like to land this for once.' Kaylie replied. 'Listen… I have been invited to a party tonight… Do you want to come?'
'What party?' Payson added
'Yeah… What if Sasha finds out?' Emily continued.
'He won't… Listen, this is a Kegger Party… So no one will find out… Are you in or not guys?' Kaylie asked excitedly. 'Lauren isn't going to be there. We can have a night without any drama!'
We all smiled at that. A night without Lauren's antics. A night without any of Lauren's tedious comments. A night just for us.
'I'm in...' All three of us replied.
'What is going on ladies?' Sasha retorted.
'Nothing Sasha.' Kaylie replied quickly. 'Tina was going to spot me on bars.'
'And you ladies?' Sasha motioned to Payson and Emily.
'Um… We're... going on floor.' They agreed together.
'Off you go then…'
As we arrived home, another argument was at its rise between my parents. Austin went on as if nothing happened. I on the other hand went straight to my room. I studied a bit till the time for the party arrived. However, nothing ever happens without Austin noticing.
'You were awfully secretive today?' Austin stated from the door.
'Geez… you scared me…' I answered immediately. 'and who are you referring to as secretive?'
'You, Kaylie, Payson, Emily…' Austin said as he moved to my bed and made himself comfortable.
'Um… It's nothing…' I replied as I went back to my work.
'You have quite an outfit prepared…' Austin noticed. 'You know you can tell me anything right?'
'Yes Austin.' I replied as I moved into my room closet and changed quickly, while he eyed me suspiciously. 'Ok, fine, I'll tell you… Only if you promise not to say anything.'
'Martina, I'm not promising you anything.'
It was one of the things I hated from Austin. He was always too protective when coming to me. I was like a porcelain doll for him. Yes, I am his baby sister, but that doesn't mean he has to treat me like one.
'Martina, tell me or you have to tell dad.'
'Ok, ok, fine, I'll tell you.' I finally said as I gave up and stood up on my feet. 'So, what do you think about this look for a kegger party?'
'A kegger party?' Austin asked
'Yes… Kaylie brought the idea, and we're going… without Lauren… a night with no drama!'
'Tina, do you know what happens in a kegger party?'
'It seems that you know Austin…' I answered back as I received another text.
'Hey, do you want to meet tonight? I can't wait to touch your lips and wow you!' – Isaac.
'Is that Isaac?'
'Yeah…' I answered back. 'He wants to meet.'
'Dad all over me, I can't get out of the house. …. Sorry… …..' – Tina
'And?'
'I want to go to the party.'
'Tina… A lot happens in those types of parties…' Austin said in concern. 'Drinking, Date rape drugs, sex… I don't want anything to happen to my little tuc.'
'Don't worry Austin, I'll keep my own cup and I won't drink… I promise.' I said again as I put my phone in my small purse. 'Just cover for me… ok?'
'Ok, but if anything happens, I want you to call me… ok?'
'Ok Austin…' I replied as my phone beeped again. 'Kaylie's here… Got to go…'
Austin was right. At this party all there was, was drinking, and cute boys. At first all of us felt out of place. It was our first time going to a party… until a guy came forward to talk to us.
'Hello cuties… What can I get you?' He asked us as he eyed us.
'Um… what's on the menu?' Payson asked.
'Well, beer for sure is on the house…'
'We'll take four please.' Kaylie replied while she eyed me and pulled me to the side. 'You see, we just needed to give this party some time.'
'Here you go ladies.' He said as he handed us the beers. 'I'm Jason and that's my buddy Alex.'
'Hey…' I said back, as I took a sip from the beer. My first reaction on taking it was quite sour. I hoped nobody noticed but the opposite just happened.
'If you don't like that I can get you some liquor.' Alex said.
'Um… no thanks… for now… I'll stick to beer… Maybe later…'
All of us continued to mingle with the guys there. I never noticed how a onetime beer became 4. I felt light headed, and for sure tipsy. The liquor Alex brought me didn't help either. I was feeling weaker each second that passed.
'So… what do you do?' Alex asked as he handed me my second liquor.
'Well, I'm a student… and a full time gymnast.'
'So you are one of those elastic girls that flip through the air?' Alex asked.
'Sort of… yes…'
'Come on show us something…'
'What?'
'Show us of something… even just a simple handstand…'
'Ok, a handstand…'
'But on this basket.'
'What?'
'Yes…' Alex said, as he moved to get all the guys… 'GUYS MARTINA TUCKER IS DOING A HANDSTAND ON THE ICE BASKET.
'MARTINA MARTINA MARTINA…'
I simply went to it. I could feel everyone looking at me and staring at me. I could feel all those eyes, but for once I felt proud. I felt free. Guess alcohol was taking its toll on me.
All of a sudden I hear someone out of tune with the others and go down from my handstand. I turn and find…
