Chapter 9: Tenir meme quand vous avez envie de lacher
"Emily! Guess what? Mark's just signed me on to travel with the Chilli's!" Damon came running down the hallway, saw Emily sitting at the kitchen table and kissed her. Something was wrong – she wasn't kissing him back. He felt a sense of trepidation. He pulled away and looked at his girlfriend. She was pale, too pale. Her huge brown eyes looked empty.
"Mustang?" Damon spoke softly and stroked her cheek. He hadn't seen her so dejected, well ever. Not even when she'd found out she was pregnant. "What happened?"
Emily was silent for so long that Damon wondered if he'd even heard her. Eventually she spoke. Her voice was ragged as though she'd been crying for a long time. She looked at him, with so much pain in her eyes that Damon wanted to strangle the person who had done this to her. "Marcus Macdonald has been contacting Chloe."
Damon was momentarily confused. "Isn't that the person who was so helpful to you when you were pregnant?"
Emily's eyes flew open in surprise. "Oh my God Damon. He might be. It would just be like him, the freaking scumbag." She ran to their bedroom, sat down at her desk and shoved her laptop open.
"Um Emily – I think I'm missing something here. That guy Marcus, he was really supportive. What's the big deal if he's meeting up with Chloe? I know you're not a fan of a lot of the guys who she dates but your Mum's an adult."
Emily glared at him then pointed to two photos she'd pulled up on the screen.
Damon looked and swore. One was of the Marcus they knew, the NGO rep. The other was of Chloe, and who he presumed was a baby Emily. A man was in the photo as well. He had a bit of a beard and his hair was longer but he was unmistakably the same man as in the first photo.
"Marcus Macdonald is the piece of scum who abandoned my family. Damon, he's my father. He's ignored me for sixteen years and now he he's back. And he clearly wants money. There wouldn't be any other reason."
Damon hugged Emily. He didn't know what to say. His father had passed away when he was young, and he'd do anything to see him again. He didn't really understand why Emily was so angry. Normally she was much more easy going than him.
"Em – maybe you should just meet with him. He could have his reasons."
Emily glared at him "God Damon, you can be so thick sometimes! Have you not seen how my family's struggled? How hard Mum's worked to feed us? That man paralysed my only brother and then abandoned us! My Mum was still a teenager at the time. Not all of us are spoilt little rich kids who rebel from Daddy and go to work in a pizza shop. Some of us actually have that life forced on us! Now that we actually have some money he's back. I think that's just a wee bit too convenient."
Damon glared at Emily. "Fuck you, Emily. My father is dead! It's my stepfather I ran away from. All I know is that if I ever had the chance to see my old man again I'd jump at the chance. But not you, you've got your stupid pride!" Damon stormed out of the bedroom, then the house. Slamming the door as hard as he could." He took a deep breath and marched down the street. He was going to the recording studio.
Emily watched him go. She was livid! She was mad at Damon, at herself, at Marcus, and that life was so unfair! Just as things were looking ok life had to come and screw her over. She should have known better she thought bitterly. She might be an Olympic Champion and her brother might have a varsity scholarship but families like theirs always got screwed over.
XXX
Sasha gathered six athletes before him, Payson and Darby stood on either side of them. "I've asked you elites here for a special reason." He looked at Rachel, Lauren, Kaylie, and the three new elites he'd recruited from other gyms: Nessie, Ronnie, and Tori. They were lined up in height order, standing to attention. At 7.30pm the level 10's had gone home. These were the hours that Sasha believed champions were made. This was the time where it was dark outside, where most people were at home enjoying their dinner, or relaxing in front of the TV, elite gymnasts were gearing up for another two hours of training. It was exhausting and often isolating. Despite having teammates in the gym, during these hours they were working on their own, doing routine after routine. There was none of the camaraderie that came with conditioning and cardio that could be done in a group, or going on the same apparatus as was the case when multiple levels were training together.
He snapped himself from his daydreaming. "Haruko Ueda has been injured. Consequently there is now a vacancy in the American Cup lineup." He saw the girls looking at each other excitedly, except for Kaylie and Lauren. The two veterans were too professional to show excitement. He continued "the selection for the final spot is going to be determined at a training camp where the NGO has invited gymnasts from a selection of gyms across the country. The selection is going to be tough. And to make things even harder the NGO has informed me that only two gymnasts from the Rock may attend." He saw Lauren frown and open her mouth. He held up his hand, silently asking for silence. "I know that the rule seems arbitrary and unfair. I informed them that there are more than two of you who deserve to attend this camp. However those are the rules that have been given and so we must abide by them. I will not tolerate any complaining. Am I clear?" He saw each of the girls nod. He then turned to Payson.
"Now, we were thinking of the best way to select you. Each of you is of the highest calibre. And we could justify taking any combination. Between the three of us we couldn't come to a consensus. We thought some of you would benefit from the experience. Nessie and Rachel you haven't had any international experience. But Kaylie and Lauren have both worked hard to come back. And Tori and Ronnie, we want to show off how far you've come at your brief time at the Rock. So we decided to have a competition."
The girls grinned at each other.
Payson smiled "I thought you'd be pleased. You've got a week to prepare and we thought we'd invite some press. And let the juniors watch you. You've all done really well this season so far and it will be good publicity for the Rock, for yourselves and it always inspires the juniors."
Kaylie pulled the girls in. She was the unofficial Rock team captain. One that she'd grown into comfortably, and Sasha was proud of her for it. Lauren was a bit too intimidating, and he didn't want to put any extra pressure on her. Kaylie on the other hand was naturally nurturing and the fact that she had two Olympic medals and was dating another Olympic Champion didn't hurt. "Let's get a Rock on before we go back to training, girls. I know we're going to compete against each other over the next week but we are first and foremost a team. Someone very wise taught me that." Kaylie smiled at Payson. "One, two, three ROCKON" they yelled.
XXX
Damon hadn't come home. It had been four days. She'd texted him and he'd replied saying that he was fine and just needed some time to cool off. To be honest Emily wasn't phased. She didn't expect Damon to understand what she was going through but she expected him to try. She'd been so fed up with him lately, with his recording and strutting around. She wasn't being fair but she wasn't in the mood to be. There was a knock on the door. Hopefully Emily stood up and answered it.
"Hi Emily" Robin said quietly "may I come in?"
Emily opened the door wider and let him through.
"Missed you at running the past couple of days."
Emily shrugged "I was busy."
The tall man looked around the kitchen which was a tip. "Clearly."
"Cup of tea?"
Robin nodded. "Emily, what's going on?"
Emily, wasn't a sharer by nature, in fact she thought the less anyone said was good. She used to berate her mother about telling her friends about even how she'd placed in a gymnastics competition. But something told her that she could trust Robin. His big blue/grey eyes looked concerned at hers. And she told him everything. Tears started flowing again. Tears that she had never really cried. She'd always been protecting Brian and Chloe, ever since the separation. Suddenly she was that four year old girl crying watching her father leave, promising to be home soon. Then she was the six year old realising that he wasn't going to come back. It was aged six that Emily had learned she couldn't rely on anyone else, that Chloe wasn't strong, Daddy wasn't coming home, so Emily had to be strong.
When Emily finally finished crying she realised that Robin had his arm around her and that she was resting her head on his shoulder. "What do I do?" Her voice was raspy.
"I think you need to go back to Boulder, Emily. Even if you don't want to see your Dad, Brian is there. He rang you. The two of you need each other right now."
Emily nodded "I think you're right." She hugged her newest friend tightly. "Thank you so much." She said softly.
XXX
Payson came home after training feeling invigorated. She loved seeing the spark in her athletes' eyes when she mentioned the competition. She was beginning to love coaching, which she found surprising. But it wasn't the trap she thought it would be. But she loved others reaching their potential. She put her keys on the key rack and whipped her coat off.
"Hey Becca" she called out to her younger sister who was doing her homework at the kitchen breakfast bar. She smiled. Ever since becoming good friends with Brian Kmetko her little sister was much more diligent. They were good for each other.
"Hey Pay. How was the gym?"
"Great." Payson said genuinely "what have you been up to?"
Becca paused.
"Becca, what is it?"
"Nothing much. Just, just that Brian came over today."
"Nice, it's cool that the two of you are friends."
"Yeah it is. Payson?"
Payson sensed the tone in Becca's voice. It was the tone she used when she was coming to Payson for advice. The younger Keeler had used it less and less over the years. But it was definitely there. Payson took the stool next to her sister. "What's up Becca?"
"Has Emily ever mentioned her Dad to you?"
Payson thought for a moment. "You know, no she never has. Not even when Kaylie was having all that drama with Steve. The closest I've heard her talk is telling Lauren that they each only had one parent and that they needed to appreciate the one they each had. But it was definitely a no-go zone. You know how Emily is, Becca. She's super private. Why do you ask?"
Becca put down her pencil, then picked it up with both hands and started turning it slowly. "Brian said that Chloe has been meeting up with their Dad over the past few weeks. He told Emily a couple of days ago and she's stopped replying. Brian's worried about her Pay."
Payson seldom swore. But she let out a string of expletives. "Becca – tell Mum that I'm going out. I might not be back tonight."
"Can I come?"
"No Becca. Go talk to Brian if you have to but you know Em, she's super private."
Becca nodded, trying not to feel left out. It was hard sometimes when your only sister had a group of friends who she was really close to. Becca wasn't jealous, she was happy that Payson had such a close group of friends. Sometimes she wished that Payson would hang out with her as well though. Becca bit her lip, she wasn't going to feel sorry for herself! "Yeah, sure Pay. Good luck."
Payson hugged her sister tightly. "I love you Becca." She kissed her little sister on the cheek before picking up her keys. Payson couldn't imagine what Emily was going through. Emily was the most forgiving person Pay had ever met. She was level headed and steady, except where her dad was concerned. Whenever he was brought up Emily changed the subject abruptly. Payson had never felt so grateful towards Mark as she did now. He was the best father a girl could hope for. Payson drove past the playground of Taft Elementary School, she was unsurprised to see a lone figure lounging on the swings. She quietly shut of the engine and walked over to the swings. She pulled the packet of tissues she had in her pocket all the time now. It was a tip Darby had given her when she started coaching.
She walked quietly over to the swings. It broke her heart to see her best friend crying quietly, and alone. But that was Emily's style: she felt it was rude to force her emotions onto other people. Payson sat on the swing seat next to Emily.
Her best friend looked at her, and Payson's heart broke. Emily's eyes were puffy and bloodshot. Payson quietly slipped her hand into Emily's. "God Payson I'm pathetic. I've come through so much and now I can't even handle this stupid good for nothing piece of crap. I don't even know why I'm upset. He's not even worth my time."
Payson had a thousand things she could say. That Emily should give him a shot, that she didn't have to see him if she didn't want to, ask what Brian and Chloe's reactions were but instead she just walked over to Emily and hugged her tightly.
"I'm here for you. Whatever you decide to do. I'm here."
Emily cried on Payson's shoulder. Chloe had always told her that she should learn to lean on others and Emily had always scorned that suggestion, but now Emily realised that sometimes her mother was right.
XXX
Becca had tried to call Brian, but he wasn't answering. Apparently he wasn't the only Kmetko in the family who bottled up his emotions. 'Whatever', Becca thought. She had homework to do anyway. It was so nice having the evenings off and not needing to go to gym. She wanted to get into a good school, and get a good scholarship. She wanted to put herself through college because she didn't want Payson to pay for her. She opened her trig book and started on the problems. Maths had always been her favourite subject. You didn't have to think, you could just apply the stuff you learned in class. After an hour or so she finished all her homework. Then she moved onto English. They were doing King Lear which was the worst play ever, in Becca's opinion. But at least if she got her essay done now she'd have the weekend free. Finally she'd finished it. She picked up her geography book and realised that it was 7.30pm and that she was quite hungry. Normally Kim had dinner on the table by 6.30 on the dot. She took her role as a mother very seriously and even when Payson was training late she still somehow managed to get her dinner on the table.
Becca went downstairs. Kim wasn't in the kitchen, that was odd. Maybe she'd got caught up at the Rock. But she hadn't rung and asked Becca to fend for herself. "Ma?" she called out "where are you?" There was no response. Becca reached for her phone to text her Mum. Then she saw that the hallway light was on. That was weird. She went towards the front door.
Becca screamed. Kim was lying there, face down and unconscious. Becca hadn't even heard her come home. She took a deep breath. She couldn't panic. There was no one else here. She walked over to her mother. A search for the pulse told her that she was breathing, at least that was something. She put her mother gently into the recovery position and dialled 9-1-1. Biting back tears she described the situation to the call worker.
XXX
The competition was this morning. Lauren had never been so nervous. It wasn't a big competition at all. Just a gym meet. But it was officially her comeback. And since Kaylie was competing and Payson was going to be on the floor coaching, the press was going to be there in droves, of that Lauren was sure. She pulled out her blue and orange leo. It had been a while since she'd worn it but it was one of her favourites. It was bold and brash and on anyone else it would look awful. But she rocked it. She put on her makeup and then went to see her Dad.
Steve couldn't help himself, a tear escaped down his cheek. Lauren looked happy. And she looked so much like her mother. He wrapped her in a big hug. "Lauren I want you to go out there and enjoy yourself. I'm proud of you no matter what happens."
Lauren grinned. All her years doing gymnastics all she'd ever wanted was a parent who supported no matter whether she won or lost. And finally, finally Steve was doing just that.
Kaylie knew she would be wearing pink today. It was her colour. She put on the magenta leo and did her makeup. She and Lauren had decided they would wear the same hair style – a high ponytail with a crown plait to show solidarity. But they didn't want to wear the exact same leos because it would look too much like they were trying to form a clique. She went downstairs to see Ronnie, Leo, and Austin waiting for her. She grinned. She loved having Leo back in Boulder, even if it was a bit awkward that he was dating Lauren. But they seemed really good for each other. Apparently opposites did attract in this circumstance.
Austin kissed Kaylie. "You look stunning." Kaylie smiled back at him.
"I see you've dressed yourself up for the press." Kaylie quipped.
"Well I do have an image to protect and I can't disappoint my fans."
"I'm your biggest fan and you'll never disappoint me." Kaylie said, slipping her hands into his. Austin's heart skipped a thousand beats.
"Ahem!" Leo cleared his throat loudly "although I've tolerated the two of you dating can you please not make me try to throw up, it's not even breakfast time yet!"
Ronnie smiled "let them play Leo. But we do have to go."
"Great, I'll bring round the Audi." Leo said.
"Uh, wait" Ronnie said awkwardly "I think we'd best take the Toyota."
"Why?" Leo was confused. Normally his mother was insistent on impressing the other Rock families.
"Um the Audi's at the panelbeaters, it needs a couple of touch ups before it gets its warrant." Ronnie said vaguely, and Leo knew she was lying. He held his tongue though. Kaylie didn't need any more pressure on her than she already had. She had a tempestuous relationship with the press, and on top of that this little meet was technically her comeback from the Olympics.
XXX
"Sasha, go! I mean it!" Payson practically shoved her boyfriend out of the ward.
"I need to be here with you!" Sasha pleaded. Kim looked so pale lying on the bed. She'd woken up but they were still doing tests. He couldn't believe that after all they'd been going through, this family had to deal with this.
"Bollucks! The last time I checked Sasha you were a coach not a doctor. You arranged this meet especially for your gymnasts to get some competition experience."
"Payson don't be stupid! This is more important!"
"Don't you care about Lauren or Kaylie? What about Rachel? Tori? Ronnie? Nessie?"
"Of course I care. How dare you accuse me of that?"
"Then go and be with them. You're their coach. That's where you need to be."
Sasha nodded and kissed Payson. "Fine. But if anything changes-"
"You'll be the first to know, now scram!"
Payson watched Sasha go with tears in her eyes. She went and held her mother's hand. Becca put her arm around Payson. And Mark put an arm around each girl's shoulder. They had spent so much time in hospitals with Payson and now it seemed they were going to have to do it again. The doctors were being very vague about this, which in Payson's experience, meant that it was normally never good news."
A/N so this was a bit of a filler chapter. Sorry to leave you on the edge! What is wrong with Kim, do you guys think? Also who will qualify to the selection camp for the American cup? Please let me know what you thought
