Chapter 2: Quality Time

Conner sat on the bleachers as he watched Hannah try her floor exercises. "Remember how we talked about this," Coach Schmidt reminded. Hannah nodded her head slowly and she took a deep breath. The song she played and she started her floor exercises. She let out a deep breath as she did several back flips and she landed just before hitting the line. She sat down on the floor, she acted as if she was going to do another back flip, but she lifted herself up onto her hands, making a handstand. She stood back up and she did several more spins, turns, and flips.

After awhile, Conner saw that the coach was starting to push Hannah a bit. Hannah was starting to get tired and her routine wasn't turning out as well as it was when she first started. Conner stood up when Hannah went to do her handstand again, but she ended up falling. Coach Schmidt walked over to check on her, Conner was already helping her up. "You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah," she replied tiredly.

"We have to get back to work," Coach Schmidt commented.

"Coach, she's exhausted, give her a break."

He helped Hannah off the mats and they walked over to the bleachers. Conner handed her a bottle of water. "You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm just tired," she replied.

Conner kissed her forehead. "Just take it easy," he murmured.

"Hannah, we start again in ten minutes," Coach Schmidt informed.

"Dude! She nearly passed out on the damn mats, how about cutting her some slack and letting her take the afternoon off?" Conner asked.

Hannah sighed and rubbed her forehead. "You know what? Don't answer that, Hannah is taking the afternoon off," Conner informed. He helped Hannah up and they left.

(Miami Park)

Conner and Hannah were walking around the park. Conner had his arm wrapped around her shoulders. "How long are you staying?" She asked.

"A few weeks," he replied.

"Oh…"

"College is waiting for me."

Hannah sighed and she lowered her head slightly. Conner kissed the top of her head. "If I could stay longer I would," he added. Hannah bit her lip. She wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his shoulder when they stopped walking.

"Sometimes I hate it here," she muttered.

He sighed and kissed the top of her head again. "I'm far away from my mom, my brothers, my sister, my friends, and you! I hate it," she told him.

"Hannah you don't want to give up gymnastics," he commented.

Hannah shook her head slightly. "No…" she answered.

"And being able to compete in the Pan-Globals has been your dream," he pointed out.

"I know."

Conner had her sit down. "Babe, the way I see it you have two choices," he commented.

"What's that?" She asked.

"You finish out your training and you fulfill your dreams once and for all. Or you can quit and come back to Reefside and miss out on the chance of a lifetime," he replied.

Hannah sighed and she pushed her hair out of her face. Conner got down on one knee in front of her and he placed his hand on her knee. "Listen to me, babe. You've got my support. Everyone's supporting you. We love you and we want you to succeed," he assured her. Hannah wiped a tear from her face and she smiled.

"When did you become so smart?" She asked.

Conner smiled and kissed the top of her hand. "Ethan's intelligence has started to rub off on me," he replied. Hannah laughed and she placed a hand on his face. "Don't give it up, Hannah. We're here for you, always," he added. She nodded her head slowly and Conner kissed her. Hannah kissed him back and wrapped her arms around his neck.

(Hannah's Room: That Night)

Hannah was getting dressed after her shower when the phone rang. She ran over and picked it up. "Hello?" She answered.

"Hey, sweetheart," a familiar voice greeted.

Hannah felt tears press against her eyes. "Hey, mom," she answered. She sat down on her bed.

"Heard Conner's down there with you," Kimberly commented.

"Yeah, he came yesterday."

"Good."

"How's everyone?"

Kimberly chuckled on her end. "Everyone's fine, sweetheart. We miss you and wish you luck," she answered. Hannah smiled and she pushed her hair out of her face. "Oh guess what," Kimberly told her.

"What?" Hannah asked.

"Your brother and sister-in-law are having another baby," she replied.

"Shut up no they're not."

"If I'm lying I'm dying sweetie."

Hannah laughed and she sighed. "When's this baby due?" She asked.

"In about six months," she replied.

Hannah smiled and she bit her lip. "He's there isn't he?" Hannah asked. Kimberly laughed.

"Yes, he's here," she replied.

Hannah heard the phone being passed over. "Hey, little sis," Hunter greeted. Hannah felt tears press against her eyes when she heard brother's voice.

"Hey, Hunter," she answered.

"How are you doing?" He asked.

"I'm good, the training's pretty tough."

"Well you just hang in there, after all the stuff we've been through, I know you can do it."

Hannah smiled and she nodded her head slowly. After talking to everyone for a little bit, she hung up just as Conner came in. "Hey, babe, ready to go?" He asked.

"Yep," she replied.

Conner smiled as he held onto her hand and they left the room.