The Sky’s the Limit: My Journey with Maryellen

I can’t keep pretending to Maryellen that I’m someone I’m not, so I tell her I have to go home. We might not be moving here after all, and I might never see her again. Her face falls. We’re already such good friends. I promise I’ll always remember her and ask her to say goodbye to her family.

Suddenly, Maryellen’s face brightens. We should promise to think of each other whenever we’re scared, like when she has to speak in front of a group, or I face something as big as the ocean. I smile and promise, then we say goodbye and I go outside.

I wait until Maryellen can’t see me, then change back into my ski uniform in the trailer, leaving Carolyn’s dress draped over a seat. I hesitate over the stopwatch button, then make myself press it.

In a swoosh, I’m back on the ski race awards platform with Mom’s arm around me. My teammates are frowning at me like I’m a cheater and a liar. Then I understand what Maryellen meant: it’s scary to speak your mind in front of people. Thinking of her steadies me, and I find the courage to tell everyone to stop and listen. I did not cheat. I only made an honest mistake.

Later, home from the mountain, I lie on my bed looking at the glow-in-the-dark stars when Emma comes in. We start talking at the same time, which usually makes us smile, but not today, we’re too tense. I tell her to go first.

Emma apologizes. She saw me take the shortcut but shouldn’t have assumed I cheated on purpose. She should’ve known it was an honest mistake, and asks if I forgive her. I say I do, and she sighs with relief, afraid I’d never speak to her again. I think about telling her I want to quit the ski team, but for now I just grin and say she should watch out. I plan to speak up more from now on.