Chapter 8
Kelly spent the rest of the week working at the gym and she actually found that she enjoyed it and Sasha had complimented her abilities, she knew she didn't have Payson's gift but she was good, and she didn't really have anything to go back to in New York, maybe if Sasha would have her she could do this, she like Payson had retired because her ankle had started to be a real problem and cortisone could only do so much, she had her Worlds title and while she hadn't made it to the Olympics she was oddly enough not that bitter she'd done well for herself but now she'd discovered the meaning of team and of friends, and she liked it.
She decided to broach the topic with Payson first because Payson had always been the Sasha whisperer.
"Hey Payson, look I was just thinking, I don't really have anything to in New York and after this week of coaching I've kind of grown to enjoy it and I was wondering if maybe you and Sasha would have me at the Rock?" she asks.
Payson looks at her, "seriously?" she asks.
"Yeah" replies Kelly.
"That would be amazing, we'd love to have you Kelly, you're a great coach and Sasha actually said if you were up for it that he'd have you" smiles Payson.
"Really?" asks Kelly.
"Really" replies Payson.
"Then I'd love to" smiles Kelly as she hugs Payson.
"You can stay with me until you get your own place, but I'm sure you'll manage that before Rigo comes back" laughs Payson.
"Definitely" nods Kelly.
The next day they walk into the gym and head straight for the office where Sasha was sat.
"So you know how you said you thought Kelly was a great coach and how if she was up for it you'd be happy to keep her around, well she agrees" smiles Payson.
"You do?" he asks looking at Kelly.
"It's because of the Rock and you that I found what I needed, I found friends and a team, and I like coaching" smiles Kelly.
"Well we're happy to have you" smiles Sasha as she stands up and hugs Kelly.
"This is great Kelly" smiles Payson.
"I'll start looking for a place tomorrow, like I said I want to be out by the time Rigo gets home" winks Kelly.
"Well you've got another two weeks so don't worry too much Kelly" teases Payson.
They head onto the floor to set things up and Sasha watches them, when Kelly Parker had first walked into this gym behind Marty never in a million years had he pictured this situation, and he sees the smile on Payson's face, she had her friend right there with her, and he had a new coach who could also still do most of the tricks, this kept up he'd have his entire elite team back as coaches, god that was a scary thought.
At lunch Sasha announces that Kelly's joining them and everyone cheers, having another legend under this roof meant he had two excellent role models and people who could talk to and relate to the other elite, they knew better than any the hardships the gymnastics world throws at you.
He was reading a letter from the NGO when a thought crossed his mind, Payson was an excellent coach, she could work with the elite and she did it very well, they respected her and she knew the dangers better than anyone, maybe not this year but eventually he could see her becoming the National and maybe even the Worlds coach someday, hell maybe even the Olympic coach she was definitely qualified enough, but as she was still new to this side of gymnastics she'd need a bit more practice, which was convenient because the meet with Denver was coming up, he hoped it wouldn't bother Kelly to much, but if he was right about Payson and he usually was then she would make an excellent coach when dealing in competition.
He felt Kelly would probably be a bit to aggressive and send the other teams and coaches running for cover, he couldn't wait to see Marty's face when he saw Sasha had nabbed the two best gymnast in the country for his coaches.
As the meet got closer and the team was announced people got nervous but Payson and Kelly were both there to calm them down, help them and assure them.
They practiced routines until they were absolutely perfect.
The night before the meet Sasha heard music so he walked out of his office to see something he hadn't in awhile.
Payson was on the bars, going through one of her routines and she looked happy and relaxed.
He looked over and saw Kelly on the floor and she too looked relaxed and happy as she went through an old routine of hers, but she was clearly being careful of her ankle.
He just stood there watching them and after about ten minutes they swapped and this time Payson's music came on, as she moved to the floor and into her start position in the centre.
It was the routine she'd performed in front of the NGO that had gotten them to accept her and he bet they were now very glad that they did.
His eyes flick briefly to Kelly who is working through her bars, but his eyes drift back to Payson of their own accord as she dances around the mat with more grace than should be possible, he remembered how she'd fought the idea at first, and how angry and upset she'd gotten over ad over again, but now it was perfectly natural to her and she'd come to love it.
As Payson's routine finished Kelly also came off the bars.
"And what are you two doing?" he asks as he walks down.
"Well we were thinking about the meet tomorrow and it kind of made us nostalgic" says Kelly walking over to Payson.
"You know I never saw this coming three years ago, did you?" asks Payson looking at Kelly.
"What that we'd be best buds and living together and me working as a coach at the rock, hell no" smiles Kelly.
"I don't think anyone predicted this, but I have to admit it'll be good to see Marty's face tomorrow" chuckles Sasha.
"It'll feel weird" admits Kelly.
"I know it was your club, your entitled to feel weird Kelly, don't worry" assures Payson squeezing her friends arm.
"Well since I need not only my gymnasts but my coaches why don't you both go home and get some sleep" suggests Sasha.
"That does sound good, but since we're not your gymnasts anymore you can't technically tell us what to do" says Kelly.
"No see now I'm your boss which means that I can still boss you around Kelly, so go home and get some sleep" he says.
"Yes sir" salutes Kelly.
"Night Sasha, see you tomorrow" smiles Payson as they walk out.
A/N So here we go things are going to get interesting with Kelly around, give me feedback, nothing makes me as happy as seeing reviews, good or bad :)