Old Story, New Twist by Rachel Wise

Author:Rachel Wise
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon Spotlight

During practice, I was distracted. Even as I did my routine, I kept craning my neck to see if I could spy Michael through the doorway, in the other gym. It was a little dangerous. Finally, Hailey said, “Do I have to shut this door to get you to focus?”

“No, no, sorry. I’m focused,” I said. And I did try harder for a little while.

But as I was spinning around on the bars, I spied someone new out of the corner of my eye, standing in the doorway. I was moving so fast, I couldn’t stop to see who it was, but I hoped it was Michael, of course.

I worked my hardest on the rest of the routine, did a really daring dismount, and stuck the finish like I was at the Olympic trials. I was so proud. Only when I heard clapping did I turn around to the doorway, a look of fake surprise on my face, with a smile.

Only it wasn’t Michael.

It was Jenna Palmer.

“Great job, Sam!” she called.

“Hey, Jenna!” I hid my disappointment and crossed the room for a quick chat.

Hailey was staring at Jenna like she had three heads, probably jealous and territorial.

“Jenna, this is my friend Hailey Jones. Hailey, Jenna Palmer.”

“Best friend,” corrected Hailey.

Sighing, I rolled my eyes. Journalist Publicly Announces “Best” Friend.

“Nice to meet you,” said Jenna. She was much nicer and more polite than Hailey.

“Are you here to practice for tryouts?” I asked. Might as well cut to the chase.

“Me? Oh no.” Jenna blushed. “I’m just here to find out when they are. I thought I might come watch.” She blushed even harder.

“You should try out!” I said, hoping to encourage her. Darn, I wish that Know-It-All letter could come out sooner. There just wouldn’t be any time between the next issue of the paper and the start of tryouts.

“No, no,” said Jenna, backing away with her palms in the air, as if trying to ward me off.

Just then Kristen Durkin came in with her little gym bag. She said a friendly hello to everyone and went to stretch on the exercise mat.

“She’s on the team,” I whispered, gesturing to Kristen. “And she’s really nice. Come on! It’ll be fun!”

“Really, I’m just an enthusiastic fan, not a participant. I promise. Anyway, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later! Nice to meet you!” she said to Hailey.

“Yeah,” said Hailey grumpily.

After Jenna was out of earshot, I lit into Hailey. “What is wrong with you? Why were you so rude to her?”

“I wasn’t rude! I just don’t have the same desire that you have to go around inviting everyone to everything. If she tries out, it’s one more person you are competing against for a spot on the team.”

I folded my arms and narrowed my eyes at Hailey. “I hardly think asking one person to try out is a big deal.”

“I’m just glad you didn’t offer me to train her,” said Hailey. “I thought that was coming next.”

I smacked my forehead with my hand.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.