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“We will win, don't worry, auntie.”

Veronica then came over and greeted my mother. I introduced her to Sidney and Jazmine, happy to finally show her some real friendships. It might sound silly, but it meant a lot to me. After Thanksgiving, I felt like a different person within my own family. It was a good thing. I felt like we had all changed a little, and we all benefited from it.

Karlee eventually called us to go to the boarding area. I had to say goodbye to Mackenzie, but before I left, I had to ask her:

“Hey, are you and Dad still thinking about getting a divorce?” It was a genuine question, considering it was the end of the year in our house.

“Not for now…”

“Have you decided to give it another chance?”

My mother sighed and placed a kiss on my forehead.

“Ken, no matter what your father and I decide to do, you will always be the priority in our lives. Don't worry.”

“Mother…”

“Kendra, go win the championship.” I didn't know if it was a request, a wish, or an order. “Let the adults figure out the rest.”

“But I'm an adult now.” I reminded her, making my mother laugh a little.

“For me, you will always be my baby.” The blue eyes filled with tears and a kiss was placed on my head. “Your father and I will do what is best. Now go, I don't want you to delay anyone and much less miss your flight.”

I gave her one last hug and hurried to the rest of the group with my heart pounding in my chest. And a feeling of slight certainty took over me, that in the end, everything would be okay, no matter the outcome.

I ended up being the last one to board, luckily Veronica had saved a seat for me next to her. I joked with her about it and her answer was spot on:

“I wouldn't be able to stay in the same room as you and far away for more than 3 hours.”

“Awn, you're the last one of the romantics, huh?!” I joked, but I pulled her in for a peck on the lips too. It was great to feel comfortable enough to kiss my girlfriend anywhere.

We both put on a Marvel movie to watch, because it was one of the good options we had. The plane took off, and at some point in the morning, I called one of the flight attendants to get something to eat and drink. Which I immediately regretted,since the woman who served me ended up being way too nice to Veronica. And it wasn't just a‘I'm doing my job and being nice to the people I serve’kind of niceness, it was more like a‘I'm flirting’kind of niceness.

When the uniformed woman was far enough, Roni turned to me.

“Hey, you don’t have to be like that…”

“Like what?”

“Moody, grumpy, and distant.” A teasing smile framed her lips. “I only have eyes for you, love.”

I wanted to keep my expression closed, but the last sentence caught me by surprise, forcing me to soften.

“We are so…”

“Cute, adorable and wonderful?!” Veronica suggested, finally making me laugh.

“Yeah, sure…”

Her fingers cupped my face and her lips placed a smacking kiss on my cheek. Then my girlfriend rested her head on my shoulder again and we continued the movie until we finally landed in Florida.

The atmosphere in Daytona was warm, and it wasn't just because of the mild, warm temperatures. The beach was beautiful and all the competitors were right by the bay, so everywhere you looked there were flyers, stuns, tumblrs andfans. Many younger people came to the competition just to see the best performers.

We went in two vans from the airport to the hotel and everything I saw along the way had the ability to enchant me. It was like a bubble, where everything was pink and I hoped that this colorful and happy layer would never leave my life again.

In the hotel lobby, Karlee gathered us together and told us to split into pairs and go to our rooms. Veronica and I didn't try to force ourselves, we knew we would be together, so we ran to get our keys. Jaz and Sid stayed together too and Troian shared the room with Sara, the girl who ended up taking Colleen's place. My cousin was there to cheer us on, to be there for the team and I loved her so much for having the strength to do all of this.

“Hey, settle in, settle your bags and things and come back here in 1 hour, we'll talk.” Karlee determined, leaving us alone for the determined time.