Grinning like an idiot, I scratch the back of my neck. “Yeah, I did, didn’t I?”
“Nice one, sis,” Jenna calls. “Now you can help me train for cheer try outs in the fall.”
She’s not asking me but telling me, which is fine. I know she’s already corralled Sloane and Becca into helpingtoo, so all it means is I’ll get to spend more time with my favourite people.
“Let’s get you some food and a chair to sit on. Your ankle needs elevating,” Mum says, taking control. I reach out and yank Sloane towards me. I don’t want to lose her in the crowd.
Mr Porter and the principal are waiting by the medical table. It’s not necessary, but Mum wants the school nurse to check over my leg. I’m already walking a lot better on it, so I know it’s nothing more than a bad sprain. Thing is, once Mum gets in Mother Hen mode, it’s pointless arguing with her.
Sitting down, I hoist my leg up and settle it on another chair. Mum has an ice pack strapped to my foot before I’ve even had time to relax.
“Eden,” Mr Porter says with way too much enthusiasm. “I think this is the defining moment in my teaching career.” He laughs.
Chuckling, I can’t help but be amused. “Technically, sir, it was Sloane who managed to get me moving,” I say, grinning.
“Tomato, tomahto. I’m still claiming it. I can see the plaque now: ‘Mr Porter, famed gym teacher who got theinfamously grouchy Eden Sawyer to run a 5k.’ They’ll hang it on my office wall.”
Laughing, I nod at him. “That’s fair. You did badger me for three years. That’s commitment.”
We laugh for a few more moments before he grows a little serious. “You could’ve told me, you know.”
I look at him in confusion.
“About your experience at school when you were young.”
Ah, so Sloane told him then.
“Don’t be mad at Ms Bishop. I think she just wanted me to understand there was more to your attitude towards gym.”
Sighing, I look at a wide-eyed Sloane. She’s biting her lip so hard, I rush to pull her down and swipe my finger across to soothe it. “Don’t do that. I’m not angry.”
She sighs in relief. Turning my attention back to Mr Porter, I admit I was wrong. “I know I should’ve said something. You’re nothing like my old teacher.”
“Well, it’s all in the past now. Although I’ll be sad to see you giving up your new appreciation of exercise next semester.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not taking the deal. I still intend to be in class, participating.”
His eyes light up and he claps. “Fantastic! I’m very proud of you, Eden.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Right, I’ll let you go. Keep icing the ankle. We’ll talk about how it happened on Monday.”
Something tells me he knows damn well what happened. I’m guessing he had a gaggle of students rushing to tell him.
Pia arrives with a recycled cardboard plate overflowing with food. Mum and Mrs Bishop have really outdone themselves.
“So, Bryce is having a party, and I really want you to go,” Pia says. She’s taken her “battle ready” stance in front of me.
“Okay. If Mum and Dad are cool with it.”
Mum sticks up her thumb. “Just be safe,” she says.
I love how deflated and confused Pia gets. She was absolutely ready for me to say no, and normally I would. But I’ve seen the benefit of taking myself out of my comfort zone. Today has been something else, and I actually want to continue celebrating with everyone.
“Is it a sleepover situation?”
“Um…yeah. Hang on, why aren’t you being all grumpy and saying no?”
