Imogen Rose - Portal

It was Thursday. Hockey tryouts. I looked at my bedside clock; there was still ten minutes before the alarm was due to go off. Ten minutes of trying to psych myself up for this day. I had done all this before, so there really was no need for all this trepidation. I was totally confident in my abilities. After all, I had played hockey for years. I was also totally sure in my ability to take on the boys and deal with whatever macho nonsense they felt they needed to throw my way. Been there, done that. The boys were going to resist, that was inevitable. They could be so babyish! After all, their egos wouldnt let them just accept a girl especially one with no track record. And a cheerleader to boot. What a hoot this was! I had never had the cheerleader label to contend with before. That added some extra juice.

There was also the complication that big bro was the team captain. And then there was Kellan. One nice big soup of reasons that meant that this was going to be a challenging day to say the least. Still, it would be worth it in the end, at least for me. Just something I had to do. Harry and Kellan would have to learn to deal with it just the same as all the other boys.

I missed my dad. He was a permanent fixture at my games. I wondered how he was doing. Had I just gone missing from his life? Was he desperately searching for me? I would have to find a way of contacting him.

I reached over and turned the alarm to the clock off seconds before the shrill noise would have filled the room. I rolled over to the side of the bed and sat up, contemplating my room. I kind of liked it being tidy. It was really handy to be able to find everything. I heard a knock at the door and Harry poked his head in.

Can I come in?

Sure, Harry. Are you ready for the tryouts? Im guessing that youre not really trying out but selecting? Whats Coach Stanislaw like?

Hes ok. He is Russian, I think. A bit hard to understand at times but he knows his stuff. And yes, I will be the team captain this year. We are going to be selecting a new assistant captain; Kellan is the favorite. What was up between the two of you yesterday?

I sighed and shrugged, not really knowing how to begin to discuss my love life with my brother, it felt wrong. I changed the subject.

Any pointers? Im still trying out, you know.

I was sort of hoping that you had reconsidered. If you are certain that you want to put yourself through this, then of course Ill support you any way I can. I wish I had known about this sooner, we couldve spent some time during summer practicing. Did you tell Kellan?

No, not yet. I dont really feel the need to.

Harry looked at me quizzically, Oh, dont you two tell each other everything? He may freak when he sees you at the tryouts without being forewarned. Do you want me to break it to him?

Harry, Im not sure how to break it to him. You know, it sounds silly any way I say it. He hasnt even seen me skate, lately anyway. It would be totally out of the blue. He would think Ive flipped. Im not sure its going to be any better coming from you. Im thinking it may be better if he just sees me skate, maybe I can convince him on ice.

Harry looked unconvinced, I think its a mistake not to tell him, but I guess well have to deal with the consequences. Did you manage to pick up a kit yesterday? Moms still here, she could show you how to put it all on.

I did. I tried it all on at the store. I am fairly certain I can manage. Besides, I havent told Mom yet.

Shrimp, youre going to start quite a circus today, he laughed. I have your forms here, all filled out. Youll need to take it to the nurse for a signature though. I enclosed your last physical, so you wont need a new one.

Thanks, Harry, you are the best. I hate filling in forms.

I know!

With that he handed me the forms and said, See you at breakfast. I put my kit in your Jeep, do you need help with yours?

No! I laughed, That would totally blow my street cred!

Cheerleading street cred? He laughed as he shut the door behind him avoiding the imaginary pom poms I threw at him.

I took a quick shower and put on my skinny jeans and Juicy top. I looked at myself in the mirror, pretty awesome. However, this Barbie look was not going to help me today. I looked so much fiercer with dark hair. I tried pulling it back. No, that didnt help either. Perhaps Eyeblack would help? It would be a source of amusement anyway. I threw some black mascara (that would have to do!) in case I decided to fierce myself up, along with the forms into my backpack, and tossed the bedspread (whatever was the point of these?) on my bed and made my way to Ellas room to get her up for breakfast.

Her door was wide open and there was no sign of her in her room so I headed down the stairs. I could hear her animated little voice from the kitchen. As I walked in, I saw that she had the rest of them totally attentive to her chatter. She was busy telling them what kind of house she thought we should buy when we moved to Hollywood. Mom was getting up as I came in.

Good morning, Arizona. I have to rush off again! I feel as though I never see you. Ill probably be late again. She took her Kelly and Ames bags, and her keys from the counter then headed for the door with a wave. Rupert followed her out to the car.

Harry slid a plate over to me: bacon, eggs and toast. Perfect.

Thanks, Harry! Youre up early this morning, Ella?

I wanted to have breakfast with Mom before she left. I had so much to tell her.

Youve certainly been a busy girl. I bet she was excited to hear all about your auditions.

Yes, she is sad that she cant come to New York with us. I told her that I would take a lot of pictures and text them to her.

Thats a great idea, I said absentmindedly, biting into my toast, wondering if Kellan would show up for breakfast. I was not in my bunny pajamas and I missed him.

Rupert returned and we finished breakfast listening to Harrys account of the meteor showers from last night.

Can I stay up for the next one, Harry? Ella begged.

Ill ask Mom. I cant see why not, said Harry leaning over to tug at her hair.

Harry got up and cleared the table, looked over at me and said, We better get going. He went over and kissed Ella and waved a goodbye at Rupert. I followed him out the door. He walked toward his bike and I looked at him fondly as he drove away. It was pretty awesome having a big brother. And he really was just perfect. I went to the garage and retrieved my kit and U+ from under the boxes and put them in my Jeep. There was no room at the back, so I threw the bag on the passenger seat.

Maria, Ali, Ariele and Simla were all waiting for me by my locker. Simla grabbed me first.

We should talk, she demanded.

Sure, Ill come and find you later. The later would have to be much later maybe even never. She looked annoyed and grumped at me, but nodded and then walked over to where Justin was waiting for her.

I looked over to Maria, Ali and Ariele. Should I keep them apart or try to include Ariele in the group? I really wanted to include her. My only fear was that she would let something slip. I looked at her and immediately felt warm as she smiled at me. Of course I needed to include her! I needed her in my life. I went up to them and turned to Maria and Ali.

This is Ariele. You know her from physics class, Maria. Our moms work together.

Ali smiled at Ariele, Youre the new girl. Welcome to Mountain View.

Ariele did her best new girl smile, Thanks.

Catch up with us at lunch, Ariele, said Ali as the bell rang and we dispersed to our classes. I walked over with Maria.

Maria, I like Ariele, she seems really cool. Can we include her in our group?

Of course we can. She does seem really nice.