"People are going to criticize you this week and say mean things. They don't know you, fortunately I do. You deserve to place; you deserve so many things in this world Kmetko."

"Thanks Sasha. You'll always be there right?"

"You know it. I have some strong feelings for you. I'll never leave you."

"You are amazing, in case you don't already know… I definitely return those feelings."

Hearing this, Sasha quickly looked around and pecked her on the cheek.

Unfortunately for them, Kelly Parker had been standing on the other side of the locker room door. She had heard everything, knew all about their feelings for one another; the only question she had to ask herself was when she should ruin their careers.

Knowing that she truly needed to focus, Kelly decided to wait until right after Nationals. Besides, she thought, Emily Kmetko will never place.

A couple hours later

The arena was deadly quiet as Payson Keeler was wheeled away on an emergency gurney. The girl who everyone thought would place first had fallen on her spine, leaving everyone questioning if she would ever make it back out to the mats.

The Rock team sat silently on their team bench, feeling sorrow for their good friend and teammate. Sasha, as sad as he was, knew that he had to prep the girls to go up and perform again in order to place high in the rankings like they deserved.

"Girls, Payson would've wanted you to go out there and do you routines to the best of your ability. You all have the skills and talent to make the National team, all you have to do is go out there and prove it to the judges."

All of the girls silently nodded, still upset about what had just happened.

"I am so proud of you girls, I want you to know that. So proud."

Looking up, Emily smiled.

"We know Sasha, thank you for being an amazing coach. C'mon girls, lets do this for Pay!"

Medal Ceremony

No one expected Kaylie Cruz to rise up and knock Kellie Parker out of her almost- guaranteed win for first place, but she did.

Of course, as expected, Lauren placed high in the rankings.

Soon, everyone waited to hear if Emily, the girl who came out of nowhere into the world of gymnastics, would make the final spot on the National team.

"I want you to know, whatever happens, I will always be there for you Emily. I am in love with you." Sasha whispered into Emily's ear.

Shocked, Emily didn't even have team to formulate a reply before hearing her name called.

Pushed by Summer, she walked up, dazed, to accept her place on the platform with the other girls of the new National team.

Looking around at all of the people in the arena, Emily was beaming, and Sasha couldn't have been more proud.

1 hour later

Finally after an hour of doing straight interviews, Emily was able to look around for Sasha. After what he whispered to her, she knew she was in love with him as well. She couldn't wait to tell him.

Spotting him, Emily started to head in his direction, only to be stopped by none other than Kellie Parker.

"Just to let you know Emily, I think it is against the rules to date your coach."

Looking up with wide eyes, Emily watched Kellie strut away back towards the reporters wanting to take pictures.

Realizing that she would have to end her relationship with Sasha due to the fact that Kellie could and probably would turn them in if it continued, Emily immediately became overwhelmed with sadness and let the tears fall freely.

Sasha had patiently waited for the girls to have time to do plenty of interviews, but he was ready for them to stop, particularly Emily, so that he could congratulate them. Looking around, Sasha was able to finally spot Emily through the crowds of people, and was shocked to see her breaking down before his eyes.

Walking briskly, as to not gain any attention to himself, he headed in her direction to find out what the problem was.

Looking up from trying to dry her eyes, Emily spotted Sasha advancing towards her and knew that Kellie would be watching her every move. Not wanting to have to end their relationship right then, Emily quickly turned and hurried out of the main door to the arena. As soon as she was out of the double doors, she resorted to a sprint back towards the direction of her hotel.

After seeing Emily avoid him, Sasha knew the reason for her crying must be something serious, so he knew he had to follow her to make sure she was alright and solve her problems.

After making it out of the double doors, Sasha looked around frantically for her, but couldn't see her. As he was about to have to give up and return inside to ask Chloe, she caught a glimpse of her Rock tracksuit. Focusing, he noticed she was running away from him, so he decided to sprint after her.

10 minutes later

Emily never slowed down or took the time to realize that Sasha was running behind her.

Reaching the hotel, Emily began to slow her sprint down to a brisk jog, and hurried to catch the closing elevator.

Noticing that she must have taken the elevator, Sasha made a quick decision to take the stairs in order to intercept her.

As he reached the floor, he noticed that it looked like Emily was just about to enter her room.

"Emily! Stop!"

Shocked and startled, Emily turned around to face Sasha.

"Emily, why in God's name did you sprint from the arena back here. Why are you upset?"

Emily looked at him, the man she loved, and realized how difficult it would be to tell him.

"We can't date anymore, I'm sorry."

Quickly turning around, Emily swiped her key and hurried into her room, making sure to securely shut the door behind her.

Shocked beyond belief, Sasha just stood there, realizing the girl he was madly in love with, the girl he had mustered up the courage to tell about his feelings had just basically dumped him.