Girls Only! (18 page)

After her mom left, Jenna could see the dim hall light through the crack under her bedroom door. Tempted to get up and sneak to the nursery, she lay still, thinking about the day. Her parents had arranged for her to attend the meet. She still could hardly believe it. What a surprise!

If she were to think of the key words for the day’s events, she would have to start by saying, “baby brother” and end with “just too cool.”

Only the Best

Chapter Twenty-One

Girls Only
—the club—met again on Monday afternoon. Jenna, Livvy, and Heather rehearsed their ballet routine for their Christmas show. They listened to other CDs, too, deciding on additional music.

Later, while sipping apple juice, Jenna told the girls about the incredible gymnastics meet. Then she took them into the nursery, and they each held her brother. “I got what I wanted for Christmas already,” she said, stroking Jonathan’s little fist.

“Hey, you’re right,” Livvy said, getting her face up close to the baby’s. “Not fair. Santa came early to your house.”

They laughed at that, but Jenna knew better. God had brought this baby here. And into her own heart.

Livvy handed the bundle back to Jenna. “I almost
forgot to tell you what I heard about Chris and Jamey,” she said with a strange look on her face.

“Do we
have
to talk about them at a time like this?” Jenna asked, staring down into her brother’s face.

Livvy continued. “The principal gave them a very interesting assignment.”

“For a punishment?” asked Jenna, surprised to hear it.

“They have to do a big research paper on Korea . . . all about the geography, capital, population, history. The works.”

“You’re kidding,” she said, wondering if the boys would focus in on the people and their unique looks. The way they had on her these miserable weeks.

“And get this,” Livvy said, her face glowing. “They’re talking about visiting your father’s church on Sunday.”

“Are you sure?” Jenna asked, laying the baby down in the crib.

Livvy was giggling now. “Chris says he wants to interview a Korean pastor. He thinks he’ll get extra credit for it or something.”

“Well, if he interviews my dad, he could end up talking to God, too. You know how my dad is,” Jenna said, feeling better about the whole thing.

Livvy nodded. “Sounds like the assignment might not be such a bad thing for them, after all.”

“God works things out for good,” Jenna said, remembering the Scripture.

“Yeah, in more ways than one, right?” said Livvy.

Heather was smiling, too.

Jenna and the girls tiptoed out of the nursery. She was excited about the future. Her future as a gymnast—and as a sister.

A Perfect Match

Great, big thank-yous to Justin and Heidi Koleto—brother/sister ice dancers who happen to be homeschoolers!—and their mother, Michelle, for answering so many questions about the sport.

I am also grateful to the U.S. Figure Skating Association and the helpful folks at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My appreciation for the research assistance received from the IOC (International Olympic Committee).

For readers interested in learning more about skating news, tips, and the Stars on Ice tour, check out the Kristi Yamaguchi Web site.

For

Heidi Koleto,

who ice-dances with her

brother, Justin,

and has high hopes for the

Olympics
.

A Perfect Match

Chapter One

“It seems like forever since our last club meeting,” said Heather Bock. She sat cross-legged on the floor in Jenna Song’s attic bedroom, holding the “minutes” notebook.

“I know what you’re saying,” agreed Jenna, residing president of the exclusive
Girls Only
Club. “Christmas break was just too long this year.”

Olivia Hudson—vice-president—spoke up. “Two weeks and two days, to be exact.”

Jenna snickered. “Leave it to Livvy to count the days.”

“Want the hours and minutes, too?” Livvy teased.

“No, thanks,” replied Heather, grinning at both girls.

“It’s been nearly a month since we presented the ballet show for our parents, don’t forget,” Jenna said.

Heather hadn’t forgotten the dance extravaganza. How
could she? The
Girls Only
show was one of the absolute best things all year. At least the most creative thing she’d done with her girl friends, including some awesome choreography, blocking, narration, and, of course—the music!

Every other spare minute was spent ice-dancing with her older brother and partner, Kevin. Often they practiced three to four hours a day, four days a week. And every other weekend they spent Saturdays in Colorado Springs, less than an hour away.

“So . . . are you going to tell us about
your
Christmas break, Heather?” asked Livvy. Her auburn hair was pulled back in an emerald green clip that brought out the color of her eyes.

“Kevin and I worked on our compulsory dances,” Heather explained. “Business as usual, I guess you could say.”

“You two are so-o-o
perfect
on the ice,” Livvy cooed. “I’ve watched you guys skate and, I’m not kidding, you’re really good.”

Jenna nodded, her black hair brushing her chin. “Livvy’s right. You and your brother are a total class act.”

“With synchronized steps that are absolutely super,” Livvy said, her eyes sparkling. “I don’t know how you do it.”

Heather forced a smile. “The same way Jenna does her incredible gymnastic routines.” She glanced at her
petite Korean friend, then back at Livvy. “And the way
you
show your stuff as a free skater.”

Opening her spiral notebook, Heather wrote the date in the upper right-hand corner.
Friday afternoon, January 8
. Then, in the center of the page:
Girls Only—Club Minutes
.

“Are we all set to begin?” asked Livvy, leaning her back against the side of Jenna’s bed.

“Hold on a minute,” said Jenna, wearing a curious frown. “I’m dying to know something.”

Livvy giggled. “Uh-oh, watch out.”

Heather had no idea what was going on but waited till Jenna scooted closer and began to whisper. “Do you mind if I ask you something personal?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Heather felt awkward all of a sudden. “I . . . guess not. What’s up?”

“Well, it’s like this.” Jenna looked at Livvy and hesitated, turning terribly shy.

“C’mon, spill it,” Livvy said, grinning from ear to ear, like she knew exactly what Jenna was thinking.

Jenna took a deep breath, looking right at Heather. “What’s it like working so closely . . . you know, with your brother?”

Heather couldn’t help herself. She had to laugh. “What do you mean?” she ribbed her friend. But she knew what Jenna was getting at. She was pretty sure, anyway.

“It’s just that Kevin’s so cute.” Instantly, Jenna’s olive skin darkened. Livvy, too, looked a bit sunburned.

“So is it safe to say that
both
of you have a huge crush on my brother?” Heather looked first at Jenna, then at Livvy.

“Well, he
is
drop-dead gorgeous,” Jenna admitted.

Livvy wasn’t quite as bold. “Yeah, he’s real . . . uh, fine.”

Sighing, Heather understood. Kevin was as handsome as the girls said. Even better, he was a positively awesome Christian—eager to follow God.

“Okay, now back to the question,” Jenna insisted.

Heather chuckled. “Do you wanna know what it’s
really
like ice dancing with Kevin?” she repeated.

Livvy and Jenna nodded their heads, eyes wide with anticipation.

“Well, to begin with, my brother’s very careful with me on the ice. We practice the hardest moves very slowly at first. He’d feel horrible if he ever dropped me.”

Livvy gasped. “Oh yeah . . . I forgot about the lifts and stuff.”

“Accidents happen if you’re not careful,” Heather explained. “I’ve seen lots of skaters land on their heads and have to get tons of stitches. Even miss a whole season for injuries.”

“So it’s a dangerous sport?” Jenna said.

“It’s like gymnastics or any other sport, I guess. You
just have to be careful. But when I’m on the ice, I like to think more about having fun . . . and working hard toward our next medal,” Heather said.

She thought back to a practice last week. Kevin and their coach had “walked” her through some new and difficult moves. Because Kevin was taller—and almost two years older—Heather felt completely safe on the ice with her brother. And he never was bossy or pretended to know more because he was older. Never.

“Kevin and I have been skating together since I was five and he was seven,” she told the girls.

“Wow, that long?” Livvy said.

Heather nodded. “I can hardly remember
not
skating with a partner. I guess you could say my brother and I are like two bicycle wheels—where one goes, the other follows.”

“I’d be more than happy to be a bike wheel for Kevin Bock,” cooed Jenna, her deep brown eyes staring off into space.

Picking up her pen, Heather ignored Jenna’s comment and began writing in the club notebook. “So, have we discussed my brother adequately?”

Livvy was giggling, but Jenna pushed her face into the “minutes” notebook. “Hey, what’re you writing?” Jenna asked, looking completely aghast.

Playfully, Heather jostled Jenna away and began to read the entry. “ ‘The very first order of business on Friday,
January eighth, was a discussion about Kevin Bock, the secretary/treasurer’s thirteen-year-old brother.’ ”

Jenna and Livvy screeched in unison.

“No . . . no! You can’t put
that
in the club notes,” Jenna said, eyes wide.

“And why not?” Heather replied, stifling a laugh.

“Because it’s just so . . . uncool,” answered Jenna.

“Besides, what if an outsider reads the notes?” said Livvy. “What then?”

“Or what if
Kevin
reads them?” Jenna asked, covering her mouth with her hand. “That would be the uncoolest thing!”

Smiling at both of them, Heather closed the notebook. “Okay, then, maybe we should say the talk about my brother was simply off the record.”

Jenna and Livvy leaned back against the bed, their eyes rolling around in their heads. Heather knew she’d closed the door on the Kevin thing.

For today, at least.

They went on to discuss other things, but not a word about boys. Instead, they talked about what to do to raise money for their next show—and when it should be. “How about a Spring Dance Festival?” Livvy suggested.

“We could invite Kevin to perform,” Jenna piped up, eyes sincere.

Heather shook her head. “Our club is for girls only, in case you forgot.”

“Oh . . . for a second, I guess I did.” Jenna’s face did the weird greenish purple thing again.

“Actually, I could ice dance alone,” said Heather. “Just this once.” She was surprised how easily she could say those words
—dance alone—even
though it would seem very strange to perform her fancy footwork and moves without her partner. She was thrilled to offer a solo dance because deep inside she had a secret longing. And tonight, she planned to talk to Kevin about it.

If she had enough courage, that is.

A Perfect Match

Chapter Two

Where’s Kevin hiding out?
Heather wondered.

She scraped the supper dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher. Quickly, she wiped the table clean and shook the place mat over the sink. Then she hurried upstairs to look for her older brother.

Stopping in the hallway outside his bedroom door, she could see Kevin sitting at his desk. Probably doing homework. When he was off the ice, he usually had his nose in a book.

“Knock, knock,” Heather said softly.

“Door’s open,” Kevin said without turning around.

She smiled. “You probably knew I was standing out here, right?”

“Before you ever said a word.” He turned and grinned.
“That’s what happens when you skate, breathe, and think like your little sister for six years.”

She smiled. “Doing geometry?”

“Always.”

“Just wondered if you want to take a walk,” she said, hoping she could keep up her nerve.

“Now?”

“Sure, why not?” She hoped he wouldn’t refuse.

Closing his math book, he got up. “It’s dark out . . . and snowy. You sure about this?”

“We could walk down to the Oo-La-La Café and get some ice cream,” she suggested. “I’m buying.”

Kevin’s face broke into a wide smile. “Well, if that’s the case, we’re outta here. Let’s see . . . I’ll have a double banana split with extra ice cream and triple—”

“Hey, slow down. Who said anything about pigging out?”

“Aw, c’mon.” He pretended to sulk, playing along.

“You know what Coach says about eating bad stuff,” she reminded him. “Ice cream once in a while, and then only in moderation.”

“Hey, it’s one thing to get lectured from Coach, but do I have to hear this from my skating
partner
, too?” From his emphasis of the word
partner
, she wondered if he suspected something.