AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Maybe it was a sign that I couldn’t find the notebook. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.
“Okay, Alli. Whatever you want.”
Alli – Saturday
I figure it’s best to rip the bandage off. I’ll talk first to April and then announce it to the others.
Deep breath. Ugh. Contrary to what Terence might think, I don’t like ending things. I don’t like quitting.
It just feels like if I don’t end it before things get serious then… Then…
Then what?
Darn it, Terence is right.
I’m running away before I risk expectations put on me.
I don’t want to quit roller derby. I love the idea of slamming into other girls with wheels strapped to my feet. I love the comradery, the laughter, the team.
But there’s Kasia.
Kasia, who has enchanted Terence. Kasia, who he could talk to so easily, sharing his dreams and fears on their very first date, when I’ve had to tease information out of him. Especially, when it’s something new, and he doesn’t feel a hundred percent sure of himself.
Meanwhile, I live in a permanent condition of beginner.
“Alli, hey!” Kasia strides over. “It’s nice to see you out of the bush.”
Her dig is fair. “Hi, Kasia. Sorry about last night. I was a bit confused.”
“You confused the shrub with the sidewalk?” She winks. There’s no malice, no jealousy in it at all.
I shrug. “You know how it is.”
She looks up at the clock, but I know what time it is. “You’d better get changed, we’ve got a big practice tonight, and I know that April has lots of ideas for you. I hope you’ve got your knee pads in that tiny bag of yours. Where’s your helmet?”
I guess I’ll start with Kasia. “I think it’s best if I leave the team.”
“WHAT?” Kasia grabs her hair. “No way! Not possible! April! Erica! Marge! Get in here and talk some sense into this girl!”
A group of derby girls runs in and piles on top of us.
“You’ve got to stay!”
“Why on earth would you want to leave?”
“You can’t leave, Alli. You were just starting to skate properly.”
“Ha! Thanks.” I wasn’t expecting this kind of reaction. I thought they might nod their heads and then get on with things. I feel rather pleased, I have to say. “I have some stuff going on, but I’ll reconsider. Though I didn’t bring my skates with me–”
“Here’s a loaner pair!” Kasia whips them out of nowhere and nearly clocks me in the head with them. “Will you stay?”
How can I say no?
“I think I will.”
Cheers break out in the change room, and the girls pour out onto the rink.
Kasia hangs back with me. “You’ve got some stuff going on, huh?”
