by Lucia Franco
I shook my head and tapped my feet in the chalk. I curled my toes under to crack them.
"Give me," Kova said.
I glanced up wide-eyed. "Give you what?"
"Your arm. Give it to me." He waved his fingers.
I gawked and moved my arm behind my back. His eyes lowered like he was aggravated.
"Give me your arm, Adrianna," he demanded. "We do not have much time."
I shot a paranoid glance over my shoulder, then raised my arm to him. Kova took it and held me with only the touch of a professional. His thumb pressed on the muscles and joints, then he applied pressure to the crease. He hit a sore spot and I clenched my eyes shut, wincing. My arm was so swollen. Kova extended my arm and made sure my elbow was locked straight.
My teeth dug into the inside of my lip.
"Breathe." He commanded. I hadn't even realized I wasn't. "Flex."
He pushed on my palm and arched my fingers back, then rotated my wrist while holding the inside of my elbow so I couldn't bend it. My fingers were a little tingly and my hand was shaking.
"Do you have extra sports tape with you? If not, I will find some," he said, and I nodded in response. "This is what we are going to do. I will tape your arm after this rotation. It will not completely erase the pain, but it should help. In the meantime, you are going to put everything you have inside of you into that second vault. Give it your all. Do you understand me? We did not make it this far only to crumble when shit gets tough. When you are done, you are going to walk off and come to me like it does not bother you." He paused, then said, "Tonight after the meet, we will do therapy on it. Your father can stand over me and watch for all I care."
I nodded again robotically.
Kova let go of my arm but he didn't move back. He propped his hands on his hips and exhaled a tight breath.
"Talk to me. You have been so quiet."
"I don't want to do anything that will provoke my dad," I said under my breath. I was embarrassed to admit it.
"Believe me, I understand your fear more than anyone, but that is going to cost you everything you have worked for. Do not do that to yourself. I am not telling you to go against your father, but right now, this is about you and no one else. You worked hard for this, Adrianna. Do not let anyone or anything take it away from you. Your father knows this, and it is why you are here. Stop overthinking and do what you were born to do. You will live with regret if you do not. You are not reigning champ on vault for nothing."
He had a point.
The warning bell sounded to let us know it was time to go.
Our eyes met. My lips parted.
I watched him exhale, and he watched me inhale.
"Make it count," he said.
Kova turned around and walked to the end of the vault to double check the springboard was in position and the height of the apparatus was correct. He stood off to the side then looked down the runway at me. He dipped his chin to let me know I was good to go. I padded some chalk onto my palms then clapped my hands together. A small cloud appeared in front of me.
I moved to stand behind the taped white line and then stepped back another foot, needing the extra momentum.
Kova was right. I needed to reset my focus. Adrenaline surged through my body as I rolled my toes under me until they cracked, a nervous habit of mine. I raised my arms to salute the judges, then zeroed in on the vault and leaned up on the tips of my toes.
I got this.
I took long strides, building up the power, and envisioned myself flipping over the vault and completing the two and a half twists cleanly.
Fingers spread wide on the floor, I turned my roundoff over, and feet slamming into the springboard, I rebounded backward and reached for the horse to block as hard as I could. Pain ripped through me, but Kova was right. I had worked too hard for it to fall apart now.
Rebounding off with as much force as I could grasp, I soared through the air as tight as I could, twisting and rotating at the same time.
Everything I'd learned from Madeline and Kova flashed through my mind.
I could hear them whispering in my ear where to open up, and I listened, hoping the blind landing was perfect.
The arena came into view as my feet met the blue landing mat. A gush of air exploded from my lungs as I raised my arms to salute the judges. No hop. No bent legs. Just a perfect, stuck landing. The crowd erupted as fans cheered on. From the corner of my eye, I could see Kova's excitement as he clapped his hands and yelled.
Heart racing, I blinked repeatedly…and smiled.
I landed and I stuck my vault!
Stepping off the floor and down the steps, I wasn't even thinking when I ran into Kova's arms. It was so automatic and what we'd always done—what so many coaches and gymnasts do. He picked me up and squeezed me to him. Feeling how proud he was of me made me feel so damn good. That told me I'd done my job correctly.
"Magnificent!" he said in my ear, then put me down. Kova high-fived me. My heart bloomed with happiness. "There is the focus you need. That was flawless and what everyone knows you are capable of."
All I could do was smile at him. "Thank you," I said, keeping my voice low, only for him.
"Boy, you had me worried there for a second, Adrianna." Madeline approached us, her eyes twinkling. "That first vault was so unlike you, but this one had your name written all over it. Good job."
I grinned at her. "Thank you," I said when the crowd erupted again.
The three of us turned around to glance up at the scoreboard knowing that was the reason for the cheering. My score had been posted and there was only a third of a tenth deduction.
My eyes widened in shock at the nearly perfect. Madeline tugged me into a quick hug, said a few things to Kova, then walked away. I felt like she was always on the run going somewhere.
Without a worry of who was watching us, Kova stared down at me with a tenderness that synced my heart with his. There was so much love and pride in his eyes that I could hardly handle it. Words weren't always needed to show someone that you cared for them. Sometimes just a look said enough.
One side of his mouth lifted into a crooked smile. My cheeks blushed and I glanced down.
"Come. Let us wrap your arm. It is not going to bring a miracle to you, but it will help a little bit."
"I'll take anything at this point."
"I will work it out with each rotation as much as I can, but expect some pain."
I followed Kova to the seating area where he conditioned my arm, then applied the stretchy sports tape. My fingers weren't as numb, and I was glad about that since I had bars next. I had read online numbness was a cause of nerve damage associated with dislocations. I hoped that wasn't the case, and that this stinging ache that never seemed to go away was because I hadn’t allowed myself enough time to heal properly and nothing more.
"Prepare to rotate. I will be back shortly."
Seventeen
"Get the white tape."
I dropped my bag and rummaged through it. I handed the tape to Kova. He began wrapping my wrists for added support and laced some of my fingers with tape too. He applied another layer of tape to my injured arm, saying it may help with the straining. Once he was finished, I took over and slipped on my wristbands and grips then buckled them. Flexing my fingers, I shook my hands out.
"Good?" Kova asked, and I nodded. "Go chalk up."
I turned around and walked over to the stand holding the bowl of chalk and submerged my hands in it. I powdered my inner thighs and then the tops of my legs. Bars was another specialty of mine and one that I usually medaled in. I was confident, but still I visualized my routine and focused solely on that. I sprayed water on my palms, then glanced over at Kova who was spraying the bars with water and then rubbing them down with chalk for me. It provided an added grip. It wasn't something we did often but given how the inside of my elbow was stinging, Kova wasn't going to take a chance.
I walked over to him and eyed the high bar where he applied the chalk.
"Do you
want me to spot you?"
"Yes."
"Strong core and stay tight," he said. "Drive your heels way down on the first tap and then drive them again just before the release." I nodded furiously, adrenaline spiking my pulse. I was getting excited to perform. "Hollow through the swing." He instructed by imitating what I needed to do and pointing to his chest. "Just a little longer, then drive to initiate the rotation."
"Got it."
"Straight lines. Stick your handstands. This is your event, Ria. Do not let anyone take it from you. Own it."
Kova clapped my back and then moved to stand parallel to the uneven bars. Piling on a bit more chalk, I blew on my palms and a cloud of white dust appeared before me. I stepped in front of the low bar with my foot pointed in front of me and shook my fingers out. I met Kova’s eyes to center my balance, and I inhaled, pulling the air deep into my stomach, then exhaled.
The bell sounded. He dipped his chin.
It was go time.
Mounting the low bar, I did a kip cast to a handstand and let muscle memory take over. I performed my heart out, free flowing from bar to bar in my own element, making sure I stuck my handstands and I had clean lines. As I geared up to release to the low bar, Kova stepped into the side and put his arm out to spot me.
Gripping the bar tightly, chalk dust floated in my face as I came down swinging into another kip, then to a free hip circle before I let go and twisted backward to reach for the high bar. I moved quietly, flowing freely into a handstand. I stuck it, then fell backwards, rotating with only one arm—my bad one—and held on for dear life as I swung around the bar to stick my handstand. This was a skill worth more points than most and it had to be executed perfectly to get the value for difficulty, otherwise it would be all for nothing. My fingers gripped the bar while I gritted my teeth from the strain in my ligaments.
Kova took another step closer to spot me as I completed a pirouette. I rotated my hands once more before I fell forward, tapping into a giant, then tapping again like Kova said to, and reached for my release.
I whipped my hips for momentum to take flight and flew backwards in a pike position, reaching for the bar. My heart stopped for a split second as my toes glided past the bar and I came down. Kova made a fist and pumped it in excitement, then moved out of the way and back to the waiting area so I could complete my routine. I had two more releases that took my breath away before I was circling the high bar to complete two giants. I'd worked on this dismount long and hard with Kova to know when I had to release.
Coming down on the second rotation, I waited until my toes were parallel with the bar and I released my hold. The bar ricocheted violently behind me as I twisted two times with a straight body to complete a double twisting double layout. This dismount was one of the hardest dismounts to complete. It required a straight body going against pressure, and I'd worked endlessly with him to perfect it.
Spotting for the ground, my arms came out in front of me. Feet together, I landed on the mat with only the tiniest hop. Before I could raise my arms, I heard Kova yell his excitement, followed by Madeline shouting. I smiled from ear to ear as I saluted the judges, then I ran off the podium to my coaches. I hugged both and waited with them for my score to post.
I went into this routine with a different mindset than I had vault. I let myself go, living in the moment and loving the sport that had captivated my heart from a young age. I didn't hold back. I didn't worry. I just let my body feel.
I knew it had a lot to do with Kova. It was always him. He sensed my reluctance, my fears, my worries. I had to wonder how I would do without him by my side. I'd like to think I'd perform the same, but honestly, I wasn't sure.
I pulled my buckles back and slipped my grips off.
"How's your arm?" Madeline asked.
"Killing me," I said, panting. "It was the reverse grip and the back giant that did it. I thought I was going to end up tearing my shoulder all the way down. I'm going to need to ice it tonight to compete tomorrow."
"I'll make sure you have everything you need when you go into physical therapy."
Luckily, I had brought a small bottle of Motrin with me. I planned to pop six pills the moment I got back to my hotel room. I couldn't tell anyone, though. I'd probably get yelled at, but this was one of those desperate moments that required it.
I exhaled a heavy breath. I had no idea how the hell I even got through that routine.
"Thanks, Madeline," I said when the crowd erupted.
We glanced at the black screen high above us and looked for my name. With only a few deductions, I was still in second place with a large margin separating me from third. I couldn't believe it. I stared, afraid it would all go away if I blinked. Falling on that first vault was going to cost me today, but I knew in my gut going forward I'd excel from here on out. That was what I hoped anyway.
"Fantastic," Madeline said, smiling. "Keep it up."
She pulled her notebook from under her arm and strode away, writing in it as she did. Probably making a note of the items I'd need for therapy.
"How do you feel?" Kova asked. His hands were clasped behind his back.
I peered up at him and lifted one corner of my mouth into a smile. "Aside from my dangling dead limb, I feel good. Really good, actually. More confident than before."
"Good. I am glad. You should be happy while you are here. You earned it. Pack up and let us move onto beam."
Kova turned to leave, but I called his name.
"Wait."
Anxiety swirled in my blood. I should've waited, but I had to say something. It was stupid to feel this way when I'd been alone with Kova before, but I was too nervous to ask him to meet me tonight. We hadn't had a chance to talk and I really wanted to. We needed to.
I bit my lip, and his eyes fell to my mouth. "Do you think we can talk tonight?"
Kova drew his lower lip between his teeth. "Come on. Let us go."
A blush crept into my cheeks. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest just asking that simple question.
The balance beam had passed much quicker for some reason, thank God, and now I was on my last event—floor. Fortunately, I was still in second place after beam. I'd only had a few wobbles, but nothing to knock me down to third place.
Madeline was rubbing my arms, warming me up. She bent over so she was eye level with me and took my hands in hers, shaking my arms out.
"I want you to go out there and have fun, you hear me? Smile and show this arena who you are and that you're a force to be reckoned with."
My cheeks flushed. Sometimes I was shy. "I'll try."
"No, you will do it."
I giggled. "All right." I was high on life right now and really, really happy. I felt like I was bursting with sunshine, something I hadn't felt in a while
She let go of my hands and said, "You're up! Knock 'em dead."
I saluted the judges, then walked up the steps and onto the blue carpeted spring floor. This was a favorite event of mine. My classical routine had a lot of spunk and charm woven through it that had been choreographed specifically to fit my personality and aptitude. It was a lot of fun to perform, a total crowd pleaser where fans of the sport clapped their hands and joined in.
Right before I stepped into position and took my stance, I glanced over my shoulder and searched for my good luck charm.
He was already looking at me.
That was all I needed.
Eighteen
"So," Avery said, drawing out the word, "how’d you do today? Tell me everything!"
I chuckled at her excitement.
"I need to know if my bestie is going to the Olympics so I can tell everyone at school tomorrow. Then I'm gonna book my ticket so I can watch you in person."
I smiled, my heart beating with so much love for my friend. "It was unreal, Ave! The crowd was so loud the entire time, and there was this big extravagant opening to introduce the gymnasts today. The lights were turned down low while this video montage played above. Each one of u
s walked onto the floor one by one waving to the people while these huge smoke bombs in red, white, and blue erupted behind us. The announcer said which state we were from and the gym name. We were given matching USA sweat suits too. I can't wait to get a free minute to watch the replay." I hadn't realized how cool the introductions were until I told Avery. Funny how it was a blur until now. "As for the team, I'll know tomorrow. I have one more day of competition, and that’s when the team is picked."
"Shit." She groaned. "I must've gotten the days mixed up. I thought it was today. Anyway, that sounds so damn cool. I wish I was there to see it. I'll have to check before I go to school when it'll be on television so I can record it. Make sure you tell me ASAP after tomorrow. Do you think you'll make it? I think you will."
That was the million-dollar question.
"I think I have a good chance, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up even though I'm dying to make it." I chuckled. "I may have placed at Worlds and other major comps, but you just never know. There are so many amazingly talented girls here too. My coaches think I have a chance."
"You mean Madeline?"
I perked up. "Oh, my God. I didn't get a chance to tell you. Kova is here."
"Shut the fuck up!" Avery gasped.
"No, I know. I couldn't believe it myself when he showed up at the airport."
"No shit. Did your dad flip?"
"No. I'm not sure of the details just yet, but my dad knew Kova was coming. He just didn't tell me. Can you believe it? Kova just showed up at the terminal and sat across from me."
"How did he look?"
"Like a wreck, honestly. Horrible. He looked like he hadn't slept in days."
"He probably hadn’t."
I told Avery about Kova and how it'd been preparing for the meet without him. I told her I felt as bad as he looked. She made a comment, concerned about how much time I spent thinking about him. I reminded her a gymnast needed her coach. The coach was the only person who understood an athlete's mind and where it goes during competition.
I didn't deny my attachment, I loved him, but I hoped she didn't confuse it for anything more than what it was. When the coach becomes all you know for nearly fifty hours a week times three hundred and sixty-five days a year, a connection is formed that's nearly impossible to break. He knows me better than anyone in the world.
