Tera Childs - Oh. My. Gods.

Tera Lynn Childs

For Mom and Dad, because they got it right on the first try

THANK YOU...

...Sarah Shumway, goddess of editing, for helping forge my story into something worthy of the Dutton nameand for understandingor at least not fightingmy excessive use of em dashes.

...Jenny Bent, goddess of agenting, for being my perfect agent, keeping the faith, and having my back every step along the sometimes rocky way, and for telling me to call more often.

...Sharie Kohler, goddess of critique partnering, for saving me more times and in more ways than I can count, and for inspiring me to be a better writer in every way.

...Shane Bolks, goddess of mentoring, for answering my endless stream of questions, and for listening to all my wild ideas with admirable patience and a straight face.

...The Buzz Girls, goddesses of booksboysbuzz.com, for being the best cheering section a girl could want, and for sharing their innermost selves without hesitation or reservation.

...Don and Jane Childs, god and goddess of parenting, for supporting me unconditionally no matter how many times I say, Heres my new plan, and for insisting that its because they love me and not because Im their only child.

I love you, too.

WHEN IM RUNNING I can almost feel my dad at my side.

Hes been gone for nearly six years, but every time I lace up and slap sole to pavement I feel like hes right there. I can feel him talking about my inner strength and how I will be a world-class athlete when I grow up. Thats part of why I love running-why Im running right now, pushing myself a little harder than usual to win this race.

This isnt just any race-its the final race of the USC cross-country summer camp. Every winner of this race for the last seven years has wound up with a full scholarship offer. Since USC is the only college Ive ever considered attending, I plan on winning this race.

With the nearest runner almost fifty yards back, Im not worried.

The finish line comes into sight. Dozens of people are waiting-coaches and trainers from the camp, campers who competed in the shorter races, parents, and friends. As I get closer I see Nola and Cesca-my two best friends-cheering like crazy. Theyve never missed one of my races.

Im closing in on thirty yards.

Twenty yards.

Victory is guaranteed. I pull up a little bit, not really slowing down but relaxing enough to let my body begin its recovery.

Thats when I see Mom.

Shes standing with Nola and Cesca, smiling like Ive never seen her smile-at least not in the last six years.

Why is she here?

Its not that Mom doesnt come to my races, but she wasnt supposed to be at this race. Shes supposed to be in Greece, getting to know Dads extended family at a gigantic family reunion while Im at cross-country camp. Trust me, the choice between running eight hours a day and spending a week with creepy cousin Bemus was not a hard decision. Meeting him once was more than enough.

I wonder why shes home two days early.

Then, suddenly, Im across the finish line and everyone surrounds me, cheering and congratulating me. Nola and Cesca push through the crowd and pull me into a group hug.

You are such a superstar, Cesca shouts.

Everyone is so loud I barely hear her.

Is there anything you cant do? Nola asks. You just beat the best in the country.

You are the best in the country! Cesca adds.

I just smile. Could a girl ask for better best friends?

The next runner crosses the finish line, and some of the crowd goes to congratulate her. Now that Im not fully surrounded I see Coach Jack waiting to talk to me. Since hes my ticket to USC I pull out of our group hug.

Hey, Coach, I say, my breathing starting to return to normal.

Congratulations, Phoebe, he says in his gruff tone. Ive never seen anyone win so decisively. Or so easily.

He shakes his head, like he cant quite figure out how I did it.

Thanks.

My cheeks blush. Sure, Ive been told my whole life that I have a special talent for running-from my dad, my mom, my friends-but it feels a lot more real coming from the head coach of the USC cross-country team. Theres a rumor that hes going to coach the next Olympic team.

Im putting you at the top of the list for next year, he says.

If you keep up with your classes and continue to perform well in races, the scholarship is yours.

Wow, I- I shake my head, beyond excited to be within reach of everything Ive ever wanted. Thanks, Coach. I wont let you down.

Then hes gone, off to talk to the other racers who are now piling across the finish line. Turning, I look for Mom. Shes right behind me, still smiling, and I dive into her arms.

Mom, I cry as she pulls me into a hug. I thought you werent coming back until Tuesday.

She squeezes me tight. We decided to come back early.

We? I ask, leaning back to look at her.

Mom blushes-actually blushes, with pink cheeks and everything-and releases me. She reaches out her hand to the side, like shes grabbing for something.

I stare blankly as another, clearly male, hand meets hers.

Phoebe, she says, her voice full of girlish excitement, theres someone I want you to meet.

My heart plummets. I suddenly have a very bad feeling about what shes going to say. All the signs are there: blushes, smiles, and a male hand. But still, I shouldnt jump to conclusions. I mean, Moms just not the type to date. Shes Mom.

She spends her Friday nights either watching movies with me or poring over client files from her therapy practice. All she cares about are me and her work. In that order. She doesnt have time for guys.

The guy connected to the male hand steps to Moms side.

This is Damian.

Hes not a bad looking guy, if you like the older type with dark hair thats salt-and-peppering at the temples. His skin is tan, making his smile much brighter in contrast. In fact, he looks like a nice guy. So really, I would probably like him if not for the fact that hes glued to my moms side.

He and I are Mom giggles-actually giggles! Were going to be married.

What? I demand.

A pleasure to meet you, Phoebe, Damian says with a subtle accent, releasing Moms hand and reaching out to shake mine.

I stare at his hand.

This cant be happening. I mean, I want to see Mom happy and all, but how can she go off to Greece and come back six days later with a fiance? How mature is that? Youre what? I repeat.

When he sees Im not about to shake hands, Damian puts his arm around Moms shoulder. She practically melts into his side.

Were getting married, she says again, bubbling over with excitement. The wedding will be in Greece in December, but were having a civil ceremony at City Hall next weekend so Aunt Megan and Yia Yia Minta can be there.

Next weekend? I am so shocked I almost dont realize the bigger implication. Wait. How can you get married out of the country in December? Ill be in school.

Mom slips her arm around Damians waist, like she needs to get even closer to him. Next shell be sliding her hand into the back pocket of his pants. No girl should have to watch her mother revert to teenage behavior.

Thats the most exciting part, Mom says, her voice edging on near-hysteria with excitement. I know instantly that Im not going to like what she says. Were moving to Greece.

Be reasonable, Phoebola, Mom says-like using my nickname will make me suddenly okay with all of this. This isnt the end of the world.

Isnt it? I ask, shoving the contents of my dresser drawer into my duffel bag.