In A Jam

by Megan Sparks

  “Really?” Lexie sounded like she couldn’t believe her ears.

  Annie nodded. After all that had happened recently, Annie knew that you really couldn’t predict the future. A year ago she wouldn’t have believed that her parents would be divorcing, she’d be living in America and crazy about a sport played on roller skates. But she did know one thing for certain: she was going to do everything she could to make sure Lexie stayed in her life for a very long time. “Absolutely. You’re the best friend in the whole world and we’ve got years of fun ahead of us.”

  “Here’s to the future us!” Lexie said, raising an empty mug in a mock toast.

  “To the future us!” Annie cried out happily. The future was fun to think about, but the present was pretty great too. “And to us right here, right now.”

  “You’re right,” said Lexie with a big grin. “We do make a pretty awesome team.”

  All about Roller Derby

  RULES OF THE GAME

  A roller derby game is called a bout. A bout usually lasts sixty minutes and is divided into two-minute jams. During a jam, each of the two teams have five players on the track, all skating in the same direction. The blockers and pivots form a tight pack. The two jammers start behind them and race to break through the pack. The first jammer through the pack is designated the lead jammer. However, no points can be scored until the jammer passes the pack for a second time. The jammer then scores a point for every opponent that she overtakes, provided she passes the player in bounds and without penalties. Both jammers may score points for the duration of the two-minute jam or until the lead jammer calls off the jam. A jammer typically scores four points every time she makes it through the pack. If she overtakes the other jammer she scores a fifth point, and this is known as a Grand Slam. The team with the most points at the end of the bout wins.

  SKATER POSITIONS

  Jammer

  The jammer wears a helmet cover with a star and is the only player who can score points. To score points, a jammer must break through the pack once and sprint around the track. A jammer scores a point for every opponent she passes on her subsequent passes through the pack.

  Lead Jammer

  The lead jammer is the first jammer to break through the pack and pass all the opposing blockers and pivot. The lead jammer may choose, at a strategic time, to call off the jam to prevent the opposing jammer from scoring. She does this by putting her hands on her hips.

  Pivot

  The pivot acts as a pacesetter for the team and is designated by a striped helmet. The pivot calls out plays and provides guidance for the rest of the team. The pivot typically stays in front of the blockers.

  Blocker

  Each team has three blockers on the track. The blockers play both offensive and defensive roles. They help their jammer get through the pack, while trying to prevent the opposing jammer from getting through.

  PENALTIES

  There are many rules in the sport of roller derby, enforced by referees and non-skating officials (NSOs). If a skater commits a major penalty, she is sent to the penalty box, also known as the sin bin, for sixty seconds. If a jammer is sent to the penalty box, the opposing team’s jammer scores a point for the missing player if she passes through the pack. If both jammers are sent to the penalty box, the first jammer is released as soon as the second jammer reaches the box.

  Offences resulting in a major penalty include:

  Tripping an opposing player

  Back blocking

  Using elbows to the chest or face

  Swearing at another skater or referee

  Blocking twenty feet ahead or behind the pack

  Deliberately falling in front of another player

  Grabbing, pulling or pushing an opposing player

  HISTORY OF ROLLER DERBY

  Roller derby was first played in the 1930s and quickly evolved into a popular spectator sport, thanks to staged crashes and collisions. By 1940 it was watched by about five million spectators, but by the 1970s the sport had faded into obscurity. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, a roller derby revival began in Austin, Texas and soon spread to many other cities and countries.

  Modern roller derby has focused on athleticism rather than showmanship. It is the fastest-growing sport in America, and is under consideration to become an Olympic sport at the 2020 games!

  Read on...

  ...for a sneak peek at the next Roller Girls book.

  Boot Camp Blues

  To Annie, Liberty Heights seemed to be melting into a huge grey puddle.

  Everything that had been so lovely about the Illinois winter – those crisp blue skies and the blankets of pure white snow – was now morphing into a slushy, drab mess. Even walking home from high school along the pleasant Main Street felt dreary and bone-chilling.

  “Ugh,” Annie muttered, stepping over an icy patch. “How long until spring?”

  Her best friend, Lexie, laughed. “Forever. Or at least that’s how it always feels at this time of the year.”

  Annie felt a twinge of homesickness. That didn’t happen much any more. After living there for five months, she thought of Liberty Heights as home now, but this bleak day had her longing for the early spring warmth of London, where she’d grown up. Hyde Park was probably already carpeted in daffodils. She pictured her mum in the tiny garden of their flat in Kensington, coaxing the newborn crocuses out of the earth.

  OK, so Mum had never been much of a crocus coaxer (she was a workaholic lawyer – far too busy for hobbies like gardening) but it was still a nice image.

  They covered their heads with their hands as they passed under a jagged row of icicles that dripped from a roof edge. “February can be a real drag,” said Lexie.

  “Yeah,” Annie grumbled, taking in the paper hearts that decorated the windows of the Main Street shops. “For lots of reasons.”

  Not long ago, she’d been dating Tyler Erickson, the captain of the soccer team and the coolest boy in school. At first, she’d thought he was perfect, but as their relationship went on, she came to realize that other than gorgeous green eyes, a hot body, and a killer smile, Tyler had little to offer. He hadn’t been supportive – not when it really mattered – and the relationship had ended badly. Annie was pretty much over Tyler, but now that the whole world seemed obsessed with Cupid, she couldn’t help wishing she had a valentine. Someone to send her flowers or share a romantic dinner with...

  No! Annie shook her head. She refused to let the fact that Valentine’s Day was coming up get her down. Grim weather and romantic greetings card occasions aside, Annie really loved living here in Liberty Heights.

  It had been almost six months since her parents’ separation, the event that had prompted Annie’s dad to return to his hometown in America. He’d decided to open a British-style tea room in Liberty Heights. Some people were surprised that Annie chose to go with her father instead of staying in London with her mother. It wasn’t that Annie didn’t love her mum; she’d always been proud of Philippa’s work ethic and her success as a lawyer. It was just that Dad had always been the stay-at-home parent – the one who drove Annie to gymnastics, cooked dinner, and put the cold compresses on her forehead when she had a fever. So it just seemed natural to go with him and support him as he pursued his dream. The first weeks had been difficult, and she still missed her mum, but for the most part, Annie didn’t regret moving at all.

  She’d made a brilliant best friend in Lexie, who was funny, artistic, and totally unconventional. Dad’s café, Rosie Lee’s, was thriving, and Annie was really getting the hang of being an American teenager. Not a typical one, though ... not by a long shot.

  Because Annie was a roller girl! She’d discovered her local roller derby team early on and hadn’t looked back. When she was playing derby she felt like she was right where she belonged. So what if some kids at school thought roller derby wasn’t a real sport, and considered the people who played it freaks? Annie loved it and that was all that mattered.

  The gir
ls had reached Rosie Lee’s now. Even from the pavement Annie could smell the delicious aromas of pies baking and coffee brewing. But today, Annie would have preferred staying outside in the freezing gloom.

  “Oh, c’mon,” Lexie said, reading Annie’s mind as she pulled open the door. “It’ll be fun.”

  “That’s easy for you to say,” Annie said. “You’ll be the one behind the camera!”

  “And you’ll be the pretty face in the newspaper ad,” Lexie reminded her. “Just pretend it’s a professional photo shoot and that you’re a famous supermodel.”

  Annie’s dad was planning to run a Valentine’s-Day-themed advertisement in the Liberty Heights Gazette and he’d asked Annie and Lexie to help him out. Annie would be featured in the ad, and Lexie, with her artistic eye, would photograph it.

  Together, Lexie and Dad had put together an idea for the advert, including some elaborate costuming, designed and sewn by Lexie. Unfortunately, they’d kept it all a secret from Annie. They’d called it a “surprise” but Annie was wary. Knowing Dad and Lexie, this was going to be something crazy and over the top, and they’d probably decided that keeping the details from her would be the only way to get Annie to do it.

  “I had my mom drop off the costumes this morning,” Lexie explained, nudging Annie through the door.

  “Sometimes having a super-creative best friend has its drawbacks,” Annie said. “Just tell me this ... is it worse than the Queen Elizabeth outfit Dad made me wear at the grand opening of Rosie Lee’s?”

  “Oh, it’s way better!” Lexie said, giggling.

  Somehow, that did little to reassure Annie. Lexie went over to the coat pegs and removed an oversized garment bag, but before she could unveil Annie’s costume, Dad came bustling out of the kitchen. He was dressed up like ... the jack in a deck of playing cards?

  “Oh, no!” Annie covered her eyes with her hands. “Please tell me this isn’t happening.”

  “He’s the Knave of Hearts!” Lexie announced proudly. “You know, from Alice in Wonderland.”

  “Hearts,” Dad repeated, pointing to the giant red felt heart sewn onto the front of his white satin tunic. “For Valentine’s Day. Get it?”

  “Yes, Dad. I get it.” Annie sighed, eyeing his outfit. He wore a ridiculous blond pageboy wig, with a floppy red satin hat perched on top. The white tunic flowed down to – oh, no! – a pair of pantaloons and glittery tights! On his feet were red felt slippers with pointy toes that curled up.

  Annie had the fleeting thought that she might be able to borrow those tights to wear to a derby bout. Then it hit her. “Woah. If you’re the Knave of Hearts, then I’m going to be—”

  “Ta da!” cried Lexie, tugging the bag off the hanger to reveal the costume.

  Annie actually gasped.

  “Your gown, Your Majesty,” said Dad, sweeping into a low bow. “A dress fit for the Queen of Hearts.”

  Lexie was beaming as she held up her handiwork. Annie had to admit it was fabulous, with its black sequined bodice, dotted with glittery hearts. The puffed sleeves were red and white striped and the red satin skirt billowed out like a huge bell. A red velvet cape trimmed with faux fur and a jewelled crown finished off the ensemble.

  “It’s amazing,” said Annie, trying to sound enthusiastic. She knew Lexie must have spent hours designing and sewing this masterpiece. But wearing it in the newspaper for all to see? That was a terrifying proposition. Since splitting up with Tyler, Annie had been trying to keep a low profile. And this was definitely not the dress to do it in.

  “Righty-o, ladies,” said Dad, putting on his ridiculous cockney accent as he placed a plate of freshly baked goodies on a table. “Take a moment to sample me luverly wares. Then we’ll knuckle down.” He turned to smile at Lexie. “A cup of coffee for our stylist-slash-photographer?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Can I have a cup of tea?” asked Annie, sinking into a chair.

  “What else is new?” Lexie giggled. “I guess you can take the girl out of England, but you can’t take England out of the girl.”

  Annie gave her friend a small smile and reached for one of the treats. Dad had baked heart-shaped tarts filled with tangy berry jam. One bite went a long way towards taking her mind off her newspaper appearance. “These are delicious, Dad.”

  “They really are, Mr Turner,” Lexie agreed, tasting one.

  “Save some for the shoot,” said Dad, returning with the hot drinks. “And the customers!” The girls took a moment to enjoy their snack as a handful of customers came and went. Dad told each of them to keep an eye out for his advert in the weekend Gazette; he promised there would be a coupon for Valentine’s treats.

  Wonderful, thought Annie, imagining people gawking at her in the Queen of Hearts costume. And the worst part was that on Valentine’s Day, she wasn’t going to be the queen of anyone’s heart.

  * * *

  Several minutes later, she was dressed in the red and black gown, which reached the floor even though Annie was five foot eleven and a half. She’d pulled her long, brown hair into a loose bun and Lexie had done her eyes in sparkly silver shadow. Annie had coloured her lips with dark red lipstick to create a haughty pout. All in all, she was happy to see she looked more glamorous than ridiculous.

  Lexie posed them with a giant tray of tarts, ordering Dad to pretend to steal them, and telling Annie to give him her best “Off with your head!” look. Things got silly, with Dad stuffing three whole tarts into his mouth at once, and Annie posing dramatically with her hand pressed to her forehead as if it was all just too much to bear.

  Lexie snapped shot after shot, laughing the whole time.

  “If you two ever get tired of running a café,” she said finally, “you’ve both got a real future in theatre.”

  Laughing, Annie removed her crown and checked the teapot-shaped clock on the wall.

  “I’ve got to go,” she said. “Derby practice. Dad, can I have a lift?”

  “Anything for the Queen of Hearts,” said Dad.

  For a brief moment, Annie thought her dad was planning to drive her to the roller rink in his costume. And since there was always a fifty-fifty chance of their ailing truck breaking down, she panicked. She could only imagine what people would think if they saw the Knave of Hearts walking to the nearest petrol station.

  Luckily, when she came out of the toilets dressed for derby, she saw that Dad had also changed back into his normal clothes.

  Dad locked up, and they headed out to the truck.

  “Lexie, can I drop you off on the way?” Dad offered, turning the key. The old pickup started with a horrible screeching sound.

  “No thanks,” said Lexie, grimacing at the noise. “I think I’ve got a better chance of making it home on foot.”

  Dad laughed and nodded. “I really need to get it into the garage to see about the fan belt. But I’ve been sort of pressed for time.”

  And money, Annie added silently, slipping into the passenger seat. Even though Rosie Lee’s was doing a steady trade, the cost of starting it up had been high. Annie and her dad were far from destitute, but it was going to be a while before they could breathe easily when it came to unexpected spending.

  “Thanks for all your help,” she called out of the window to Lexie.

  Then she covered her ears as Dad put the truck into drive.

  Read Boot Camp Blues to find out what Annie does next!

  Other titles from the Roller Girls series – Falling Hard

  After Annie Turner’s parents split up, she thought moving to the USA with her dad would be an exciting new start. But she’s struggling to fit in. For a start, the most popular girl at school hates her! Things finally begin to look up when Annie discovers the wild sport of roller derby and a whole underground scene she’d never even known existed. And then there’s Tyler, a green-eyed football player who literally makes Annie want to drool in public...

  Is Annie tough enough to make it as a roller girl?

  Hell’s Belles


  Annie Turner’s roller derby team, the Liberty Belles, is finally on a winning streak. Full of confidence, the girls plan a Halloween bout with the High Rollers, their tough and cheeky arch-rivals. There’ll be costumes, gruesome make-up and plenty of trash talk to look forward to. But when Annie’s crush asks her to a Halloween dance on the same night, she finds herself torn between her girls and her man.

  Will Annie’s first American Halloween turn out to be more ‘trick’ than ‘treat’?

  Boot Camp Blues

  Annie Turner is single again and it really kind of sucks. It doesn’t help that her ex is now going out with a cheerleader! But she’s also confused by her new feelings for skater boy Jesse. They’re just friends ... aren’t they? Meanwhile, Annie and her roller girls are each desperate to make the cut for an all-star team. Tensions run high as the teammates compete against each other for roller glory.

  Will the stars in Annie’s eyes get in the way of her friendships?

  Curious Fox

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