Second Chance (Sweet Valley High Book 53)

by Francine Pascal

  SECOND CHANCE

  Written by

  Kate William

  Created by

  FRANCINE PASCAL

  Copyright © 2015, Francine Pascal

  SECOND CHANCE

  "Kristin?" Mr. Thompson was waiting for her in the living room. The mantel clock was just chiming the half hour: ten-thirty.

  "Dad, look, I'm so sorry—"

  "I've been worried sick," Mr. Thompson cut her off. "You promised me you'd be back in an hour, and then you show up three hours late."

  Kristin took a deep breath. "We ended up going somewhere different than—"

  "I'm disappointed in you, Kristin," Mr. Thompson interrupted again. "I didn't think I needed to say this, but maybe I do. I've watched you work for years and years for the opportunity to join the pro circuit. Now I'm seeing you throw it all away. You aren't even bothering to take care of yourself before the biggest tournament of your life. Doesn't this tournament matter to you anymore?"

  Kristin felt as if she had been slapped. She couldn't answer.

  "That's all I have to say to you. Now, I'm going to bed," Mr. Thompson said heavily. "And I suggest that you do the same."

  Kristin didn't say a word. She just stared at his back as he walked out of the room. If only she could explain that the tournament did matter to her—more than anything in the whole world—but that she also wanted to see what it felt like to be a normal teenager.

  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  One

  "Elizabeth Wakefield!" Enid cried, hurrying across the crowded lunchroom with her arms full of file folders and notebooks. Her green eyes sparkled as she plopped down in the seat across from her best friend. "I just finished talking to Mr. Collins. We're ready to start the new chapter of the Sweet Valley High Big Sister-Little Sister program!"

  Elizabeth looked eagerly at the material Enid set down on the table. They had been working closely with Roger Collins, their English teacher and faculty adviser, for the past week, trying to get the approval of the National Foundation of Big Sisters. The foundation matched up little girls who had lost their mothers with high-school girls willing to volunteer their time as "big sisters."

  "The foundation sent us a pile of information," Enid said excitedly as she riffled through the files. "They're really thrilled we're going to be starting up this new chapter. And it looks like there're lots of little girls in the area who want to take part in the program."

  Elizabeth pushed her tray aside and peered at the list Enid was examining. "Do you think we'll have enough big sisters for all these girls?"

  "I sure do," Enid said with confidence. "We've got almost enough now, and I can't imagine anyone not wanting to help out. When you read the stories about these little girls, Liz, it's just heartbreaking. Imagine if you had lost your mother at an early age." Enid shuddered at the thought before continuing. "The foundation says that for some of these girls it makes all the difference in the world having someone older who cares about them, who takes an interest in what they're doing."

  "Well, I certainly think it's a fabulous way to help," Elizabeth declared. "And you deserve all the credit, Enid. It was your idea."

  Enid blushed. She was a sweet, earnest girl who didn't find it easy to be complimented. "Oh, come on, Liz," she murmured, pretending to concentrate on the list.

  Elizabeth looked at her fondly. She couldn't imagine anyone else devoting so many hours to helping others—and looking embarrassed if someone so much as mentioned it.

  Elizabeth and Enid had been best friends for many years. And even though Elizabeth now spent a lot of time with Jeffrey French, her boyfriend, she still felt there were things only she and Enid could share. Not even Elizabeth's twin sister, Jessica, always understood her feelings. Certainly Jessica didn't see anything to like about Enid—"boring Enid," as she liked to say.

  Elizabeth and Jessica were identical twins: five feet six inches tall, with willowy figures, shoulder-length blond hair, and eyes the blue-green of the Pacific Ocean. Although they looked alike, the twins were vastly different.

  Jessica's motto was to have fun. She sought out change and excitement and loved being the center of attention. As co-captain of the cheerleading squad and a member of Pi Beta Alpha, an exclusive sorority at Sweet Valley High, Jessica was one of the most popular juniors. She loved to shop and always wore the latest fashions. Before she had met A. J. Morgan, her boyfriend, her love life had been as changeable as her wardrobe. It was hard to believe that Jessica had stayed with A.J. for a couple of months. Lately, though, Jessica and A.J. had been arguing. Maybe another change was coming.

  Elizabeth, on the other hand, was more serious and industrious. Her dream was to be a writer, and she worked hard at writing for The Oracle, the school's newspaper. Mr. Collins, who supervised the paper's staff, knew how dedicated Elizabeth was. He had been only too eager to help Elizabeth and Enid when they explained that they wanted to start a Big Sister chapter at Sweet Valley High.

  "Do you think Jessica will want to be a big sister?" Enid asked, startling Elizabeth from her thoughts. "We have a girl here who sounds like the perfect match." She giggled. "Her hobbies are shopping, reading fashion magazines, and boys. When she grows up, she either wants to be a game show hostess or the President."

  Elizabeth started to laugh. "You're making that up," she cried, snatching the application form out of Enid's hand. But Enid was telling the truth. Little Allison Post sounded like a real handful. "Maybe Jessica will do it," Elizabeth said thoughtfully.

  "Do what?" a deep voice inquired.

  Enid and Elizabeth spun around just as Jeffrey slid his tray next to Elizabeth's and squeezed her shoulder affectionately. "Can I join you, or are you having a power lunch here?" Jeffrey asked with a smile.

  "We're just looking through the names of little girls the Big Sister program sent us," Elizabeth explained.

  Jeffrey looked over her shoulder with interest. "Looks like they sent you quite a few," he said. "How many volunteers have you signed up so far?"

  Enid shuffled through some papers. "Actually, we're doing all right," Enid said. "We've signed up nine big sisters, and the chapter has sent us eleven names. Maybe we really should try to draft your sister," she added to Elizabeth.

  Jeffrey grinned. "Jessica? You mean the same Jessica I just overheard telling A.J. that she wants to spend every spare minute perfecting her tan?"

  "I'm sure Jessica will be happy to help out," Elizabeth said half-convincingly. The twins had different personalities and interests, but they loved each other deeply and usually stood up for each other.

  "Speaking of the devil," Jeffrey said as Jessica came racing into the cafeteria, her blond hair flying.

  "Lizzie," Jessica gasped, hurrying over to the table, "can I have the keys to the Fiat? I have cheerleading practice after school, and then I have so many errands to run."

  Elizabeth laughed. The twins shared a red Fiat Spider that used to belong to their mother, but sometimes share didn't seem like the right word. "How am I going to get home if I give you the keys?" Elizabeth asked sensibly.

  Jeffrey patted her on the arm. "I'll bail you out," he promised.

  Jessica flashed him a grateful smile. "Thanks," she said, scooping up the keys her sister dangled in front of her.

  "Wait a sec, Jess. These
come with strings attached," Elizabeth warned. "Enid and I have a favor to ask you."

  "That's right, Jess," Enid chimed in. "We've found a little girl in the Big Sister-Little Sister program who we think is just perfect for you. Will you sign up to be her big sister?"

  Jessica narrowed her eyes. "Isn't it going to take up a lot of time? I'm incredibly busy for the next few weeks. There's cheerleading, and Pi Beta Alpha, and A.J.—and besides, I want to spend a lot of time on the beach." She frowned as she examined her arms. "Bruce Patman's parents are having one of their enormous parties at the end of the month, and I've got to work on my tan."

  Elizabeth groaned. Bruce Patman, the wealthiest boy in the whole school, was as conceited as he was good-looking. The prospect of a party at his parents' country club seemed like a slim excuse for not participating in the Big Sister program. "We're not asking for a huge time commitment. You'd only have to get together with your little sister once a week," Elizabeth said. "Just let us read you a little bit about this girl." She gave Enid a wink as she read Allison's application form out loud.

  "She sounds like fun," Jessica admitted. "OK," she added, relenting. "I'll do it. As long as you think it won't take up all my beach time." She pulled the application form over to study it herself. "Allison sounds like a good kid. A.J. and I could probably take her to the beach with us."

  Elizabeth wrote her sister's name down next to Allison's with a big flourish. "Thanks, Jess," she said with a big smile as her twin ran off. "You see?" she added to Enid and Jeffrey, who were both laughing. "I told you she'd do it."

  "Poor Allison Post," Enid said mirthfully, opening up the next file folder. "She's not going to know what hit her when she meets your sister."

  For the next half hour the three of them worked their way through the list of applicants. They paired Jade Wu up with a girl who wanted to be a dancer, they found someone for Lynne Henry, Maria Santelli, Olivia Davidson, DeeDee Gordon, Cara Walker, and Caroline Pearce, and, of course, Elizabeth and Enid each selected a girl to sponsor.

  "How are we doing?" Elizabeth asked when the list of potential sponsors was depleted.

  Enid frowned. "We have one girl left, nine-year-old Emily Brown. Her mother was killed last year in a car crash. Her third-grade teacher describes her schoolwork as uneven. She goes on to say, 'Emily needs special attention. She has had a very hard time adjusting to life without her mother. Her biggest interest is tennis. She practices frequently and talks about it constantly. This is a girl who would greatly benefit from the program.' "

  "That's really sad," Jeffrey said compassionately.

  Elizabeth was frowning. "Who'd be good for her?" she mused. "Do we know anyone who's really into tennis?"

  "Bruce Patman," Enid said with a giggle. Bruce, who was one of the best players at Sweet Valley High, loved to brag about his game.

  Jeffrey looked thoughtfully at Elizabeth. "What about Kristin Thompson?" he said slowly.

  Elizabeth's eyes brightened. "Jeffrey, what a wonderful idea!" she exclaimed.

  "Wait a minute," Enid objected. "You two can't honestly think Kristin's going to participate in the Big Sister program. She never even takes a break from practicing tennis!"

  All three were quiet for a minute, thinking it over.

  Elizabeth barely knew Kristin. Very few people were close to Kristin because she was so dedicated to tennis that she didn't have time for anything—or anyone—else. But people who knew her were aware that Kristin was already a high-caliber tennis player who wanted to be on the pro circuit.

  "Kristin's in my math class," Enid volunteered. "I've talked to her a couple of times—you know, about assignments and stuff. She's probably a very nice person, but there's an aloof quality about her. She seems so bent on succeeding that she refuses to be friendly. I think if she had friends it would mean too much time away from tennis."

  "I don't think she's unfriendly," Elizabeth objected. "I've seen Kristin practicing out on the courts, and I know she's super-determined. Jeffrey, remember when we invited her to the beach recently on that incredibly hot day? She was really nice, but she wouldn't come because she had a tennis lesson. Kristin's whole life is tennis. That's why she doesn't have time for a lot of other things. But I still think it's worth a try."

  "That may be true," Enid said. "I just didn't want to put her on the spot by asking her to do something she might not be able to do."

  "Well, it can't hurt, can it?" Elizabeth asked reasonably. "The very worst that can happen is Kristin will say she's too busy. Then we can find someone else." She glanced down at Emily Brown's application. "I just can't imagine a better match, though. Kristin could probably do this little girl a world of good."

  Enid laughed. "You know what I love about you, Elizabeth Wakefield? You always manage to make things seem perfectly simple." Enid's eyes twinkled. "And you're right. Why not ask Kristin? It's not like we're going to force her or anything. And who knows? Maybe this is exactly the sort of thing Kristin would love to do."

  Jeffrey nodded. "Being under intense pressure all the time must be hard. I bet Kristin would love a chance to do something completely different for a change."

  "That settles it!" Elizabeth cried. "I'm going to find Kristin after school today and see if she wants to be Emily Brown's big sister!"

  Two

  Kristin Thompson was sitting alone in the library, frowning at the blank notebook in front of her. She glanced at her watch anxiously. At twenty-five minutes past twelve, lunch hour was almost half over, and she still hadn't begun her English paper, "The American Dream," and how it was reflected in the novels they had read that term, was the subject of the essay. It wasn't due for a little over two weeks, but Kristin knew the essay was going to take a lot of work, and with her tennis schedule, she wouldn't have enough time to devote to the paper unless she started early.

  "Many of the novels we've read reflect the theme of the American dream," Kristin wrote. A minute later she sighed heavily, balled up the piece of paper, and threw it in the trash can next to her.

  The library door opened, and Shelley Novak, a junior on the basketball team, came in, her arms full of books. When the door opened, Kristin could hear the sound of laughter and people talking in the hallway. Kristin suddenly wished she had friends with whom she could enjoy a few laughs. She couldn't remember the last time she had spent an idle lunch hour talking with her classmates.

  But time was too valuable. Kristin always ate quickly, then hurried to the library to work. If she spent lunch hour socializing, it would mean an hour lost in practice after school.

  And Kristin knew she couldn't stray from her rigorous schedule if she was going to make it as a pro. She was up every morning at six to jog and lift weights or run sprints. And then the minute school got out she sped back on her bike to the tennis club her father owned to practice with Dorrie Graham, her private coach, until dinner. Usually Dorrie joined Kristin and her father for dinner, either at the club or at the Thompsons' home. Kristin didn't even get around to starting her homework until eight-thirty or nine, and she had to be in bed by ten-thirty at the latest. Not exactly a schedule that left a lot of time for having fun.

  Shelley came over to Kristin's table to look something up in the unabridged dictionary. "Looks like we're the only two in here," she said, smiling at Kristin. "Do you have a lot of extra homework to catch up on, too?"

  "I'm trying to get a head start on an English composition I was assigned this morning," Kristin said, looking ruefully down at her blank notebook. At this rate "The American Dream" wouldn't be finished for about a year!

  Shelley found the definition she was looking for in the dictionary and made a note of it. She regarded Kristin with interest. "You're Kristin Thompson, right? The tennis champ?"

  Kristin blushed a little. "That's me," she said simply.

  "I'm Shelley. Shelley Novak. I'm on the girls' basketball team. I'm a sports fanatic, and I'm always reading about you in the sports pages."

  Kristin nodded, feeling sh
y. She never knew exactly what to say when her classmates commented on her celebrity status. "There's been a lot of coverage now that the Avery Cup tournament is coming up," she said.

  Shelley looked intrigued. "I guess that's an important tournament for you."

  "It's a very important tournament to me," Kristin said, taking a deep breath. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her just from talking about the Avery Cup. "There's an all-star team run by a coach named Nick Wylie that gets handpicked from this tournament. If I qualify and win, I'll be on Wylie's team. That'll mean traveling around the world and competing on the pro circuit." Her eyes shone. "It's what I've been working for my whole life."

  Shelley looked at her with admiration. "Boy, I hope you win," she said. "Do you feel like you're under a lot of pressure?"

  "Well, sort of," Kristin admitted, feeling shy again. "Only I guess that's the way it always is with a serious sport. It must be the same with basketball," she added.

  "Well, it's a little different, because I don't want to be a pro basketball player." Shelley shook her head. "I don't think I could handle all the pressure. But I really admire you, Kristin. I'll be rooting for you to win the tournament."

  "Thanks," Kristin said, looking down at her notebook. She had always said that tennis was her whole life, but she couldn't pretend that she never had any regrets. Sometimes she felt she would give anything in the world not to be under so much pressure, to be like everybody else.

  Elizabeth hurried across the front lawn of Sweet Valley High after school that afternoon. She had spotted Kristin Thompson unlocking her royal-blue ten-speed bicycle.

  "Kristin!" she called.

  The girl looked up in surprise. Elizabeth had forgotten how pretty Kristin was, with her short auburn hair and wide-set hazel eyes. She was dressed in gray sweatpants and a white T-shirt that showed off her deep tan.

  "Can I talk to you for a sec?" Elizabeth asked, giving her a friendly smile.

  Kristin smiled back. "Oh, hi, Liz. I haven't seen you in a couple of weeks." She glanced at her watch. "I've only got a minute. I have to meet my coach at practice in about fifteen minutes."