the paul hamm community

And I'll Have A Side Of Fries With That!

2008-08-14T16:48:42Z

Yeah, I'm gonna say it ...

I'm not the type who tends to find pleasure in the misfortune of others, but when that whiny little Yang Tae Young was thisclose to silver and then sat on the pommel horse, I couldn't help but feel a smug sense of satisfaction. That crybaby walked away with exactly what he deserved: NOTHING!

APPRECIATE YOUR 04 BRONZE NOW, BITCH!

It's been about 10 hours since the AA competition ended, so he should be filing his protest any minute now ...

(Meow)

Hamm Fluff?

2008-08-12T03:38:38Z

So I had to completely miss MAG prelims and a small bit of tonight. Just wondering if there has been anything on the twins in the NBC coverage, and if so, could you tell me about or post it? Thanks gang.

Well... in some ways I can't say I'm not surprised

2008-08-07T15:09:35Z

NBC Olympics reports that Morgan Hamm has withdrawn from the Olympic games. I only watched a tiny bit of podium training for the guys and didn’t see any of Morgan, so I don’t know how he is actually doing. He said that his ankle will not let him perform to his full expectations at the games.

Wow, this is really upsetting, not in a sad way, in a mad way. It is a day before the games start and you decide to drop out now??? You could of decided a little earlier so one of the alternates could come in and start to practice with the team. I’m sure this has something to do with Paul dropping out also, where would he be without his brother?

Copied from http://lblgymnastics.com/ Sorry for the confusing

I'm in shock right now... This is not what we need...Hopefully Dave D will go in but OMG..

Bit of Paul News

2008-08-05T07:34:15Z

Visa sticks with plan

Waukesha gymnast Paul Hamm is not competing in the Beijing Olympics but at least one of his sponsors is not fazed by the news.

According to SportsBusiness Daily, Visa has a 30-second spot focusing on Hamm, which is set to run online and perhaps on over-the-air TV.

Hamm will not be in Beijing during the competition but is staying in the United States to prepare for a tour with other gymnasts after the Olympics.

(From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ... scroll to bottom of this link: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=779598)

BELIEVE: Chapter 7

2008-08-01T04:39:15Z

Here's Chapter 7. Sorry it took so long to post. Enjoy!

Believe

Chapter 7 – “Meet Travis and ‘The Suit’”

The Usual Disclaimer: I don’t own any of these real life people, blah, blah, blah.

Morgan opened the door to Jenna’s apartment with gusto. “Hey, rumor has it there’s a party here!” He hopped over the back of the sofa and landed on the cushions with his legs stretched out in front of him.

Paul just watched him and shook his head.

“Well, I hope you’re the life of the party or it’s going to be a rather dull evening,” Jenna called from the kitchen. “So far you’re the only ones here.”

“Hey, I’m always the life of the party!”

Paul wandered into the kitchen. “When’s your brother getting here?”

“He called an hour ago, and it sounded like he was making good time, so I’m guessing he’ll be here in about twenty minutes or so. If he doesn’t get lost, that is. The one thing that no one in my family is good with is directions.”

“How did you get Todd to give you the night off, anyway?”

“I begged and pleaded.”

“That’s all it took?”

“Not exactly. I have to baby-sit his daughter next week.”

“Fun.”

“Let’s hope so. I’m going to have to come up with some new activities. The last time I saw Mandi she was three.”

“How old is she now?”

“Eight. I don’t think Elmo is going to be very impressive anymore.”

“Probably not. You’ll just have to do all kinds of girly type stuff, that’s all.”

“Girly type stuff?”

“Sure, you know, like painting your nails, doing your hair, watching some sappy chick flick.”

“Don’t forget putting on a fashion show,” Morgan added.

Jenna looked skeptical. “Where are all these ideas suddenly coming from?”

Both of the twins faces turned red. “Umm, well, we do have an older sister, you know,” Paul said quickly.

“Yeah, I know.” Their faces were still bright red. “Something tells me there’s more to this than meets the eye, though.”

The guys exchanged a look. Eventually, Morgan said, “Betsy used to dress us up and make us be part of her fashion shows.” He cringed.

Jenna’s face lit up. “Oh, this is good! I want all the details!”

The doorbell rang.

“Saved by the bell!” Paul cried. “I’ll get it!”

“That couldn’t possibly be Travis already,” she said, following him. “He’s never on time.”

Paul opened the door, and standing on the front steps was an average height guy with messy brownish-blonde hair. He wore broken in jeans, a black leather jacket, and a faded University of Minnesota Hockey tee-shirt.

“Travis!” Jenna exclaimed. “Oh, my god, for once in your life you’re early! Come on in!” She ran to the door and gave her brother a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re finally here!” She hadn’t realized how much she had actually missed him. A moment later, though, her eyebrows narrowed. She looked out the door with pursed lips. “Where’s Eric?”

“Be patient. He’s coming. I think he wanted to take his time, you know?”

Jenna merely rolled her eyes. “Yeah, sure.”

Travis looked at the twins and frowned. He turned to his sister. “So are you going to introduce me, or what?”

“Nah. I just figured I’d let the three of you stare at each other uncomfortably until somebody leaves.”

Morgan laughed.

“She would, too!” Travis muttered.

“I know she would! That’s why I’m laughing.” He hopped off of the couch. “Morgan Hamm.” He stuck his hand out to shake Travis’ hand, then motion to his twin. “That’s my brother, Paul. It’s good to finally meet you.”

“They’re my next door neighbors,” Jenna explained.

Travis gave her an odd look.

She sighed. “Yes, they’re gymnasts. You know, the Athens Olymp… Oh, never mind. I forgot you don’t pay any attention.”

“I don’t live under a rock, sis. I’ve been to enough gymnastics competitions to know who they are. I just didn’t expect them to live next door to you.” He laughed. “It’s nice to finally meet you guys.”

“Likewise,” Paul replied.

Jenna looked at her watch. “Where in the world is Eric?” she asked anxiously.

“Ask and ye shall receive!” a voice called through the doorway. A second later a teenager with bright red hair burst in.

“My baby’s home!” Jenna yelled and dashed for the door. “You better have been good to her,” she called, shoving past him.

“Hello to you, too, cousin,” Eric said sourly into the air.

“Baby?” Morgan asked. He looked at his twin, whose expression mirrored his own confusion.

Travis laughed. “I can’t believe she didn’t tell you.”

“Tell us what?” Paul asked slowly.

He smiled. “Go see for yourselves.”

“Travis Jeremy Lansing!” a voice yelled from outside. “There are two sets and I want them both back!”

He rolled his eyes. “Guess I’ll be joining you. Darn it, I was hoping she’d forget about my set of keys.”

“Keys?” Morgan asked.

Travis nodded. “Come on. We’d better get the ogling over with now.”

The twins followed Travis outside, but then stopped abruptly and stared in disbelief at the site in front of them. Standing in front of them was Jenna, virtually laying on top of the hood of a car.

“Ya gonna kiss it, or what?” Travis called.

“I was thinkin’ ‘bout it,” she called back.

“I’ve never seen a woman be so obsessed over a car,” he remarked to the twins. He laughed. “Guess I can’t blame her, though. It is a pretty sweet ride.”

Morgan studied the scene. “Is that a Charger?” he asked in surprise.

“Yep. You into cars?”

“No, not really. A friend of mine is, though. Isn’t that an SRT8?”

“It’s a Super Bee, actually,” Eric replied. “So sweet.”

“Jenna refused to get anything less,” Travis said. “I think she said something to the effect of ‘what’s the point of getting a Charger with a V-6?’

“Hey! If I’m gonna have a muscle car, I want a car with actual muscle,” Jenna said, walking up to them. “425 horse or 178? You do the math. Besides, the color is so cute!”

Paul chuckled. “Now that’s the kind of comment I would have expected from you.”

She got a gleam in her eyes. “Hey. You guys wanna go for a ride?” She raised her eyebrows.

Eric threw his arms up in the air. “Uh, yeah!”

She nodded toward the car. “Hop in.”

“I call shotgun!” Travis yelled.

“D’oh!” Eric cried. They both dashed for the car.

“How much did you pay for that thing?” Paul asked, following at a leisurely pace.

She gave him a wry grin. “You don’t wanna know.”

“Any car that costs that much can’t be worth it.”

Eric frowned and shook his head. “Dude, are you kidding? This car is amazing. If I had Jen’s money I’d so totally buy it, too.”

Jenna rolled her eyes at her cousin as she hopped in the driver’s seat. “Eric, if you didn’t spend every penny you make you’d be able to afford something better than that 1989 Ford piece of junk you have now.”

“Actually, Jenna, I have a better idea. Why don’t you buy me one for a graduation present?”

She turned around and stared at him. “What? Do you think I’m loaded or something?”

“Well aren’t you?” Eric asked innocently.

She heaved a sigh. “Don’t go there. And, by the way, that is the last time I ever lose a bet to you. Paul, normally I’d agree with you when it comes to cars… but then I saw this one. I took it for one test drive and totally fell in love.”

Morgan scooted into the backseat next to Eric and sprawled. He let out a contented sigh. “Jenna, you are totally going to have to let me borrow this thing some time.”

Jenna saw the look on his face in the rearview and pursed her lips. “Huh-uh. I am not lending it to you just for that.”

“Why not?”

“For what?” Paul asked at the same time. He shoved his brother over to make room.

She turned around to look at Morgan. “Because it’s one of the same reasons my brother always wants it.”

“So?”

She raised her eyebrows. “So I told him to go buy a Buick or a VW bus.”

Morgan burst out laughing, and Paul just looked confused.

“What kind of car does your boyfriend have?” Morgan asked.

“An Audi TT.”

“Toy car,” Eric muttered.

“Yep. That’s why we always take my car.” She grinned.

Morgan looked around the car, cringed, and said sourly, “I withdraw my request.”

Travis made a face. “Why did you have to bring that up? This car is never going to be the same to me again.”

Jenna glanced at her brother. “Hey, I didn’t bring it up. And, anyway, you of all people should have figured out it a long time ago.”

“Will somebody please tell me what the hell this conversation is about?” Paul demanded.

She looked back at Morgan. “Do me a favor and explain things to him when he grows up and finally gets a girlfriend? Oh, wait a minute, that’s right. He’s got one already. This must mean I need to have to have a conversation with Stephanie, huh? Oh, wait, maybe I should let her be the one to borrow it!” She could hardly get the words out before bursting out giggling, and Morgan was practically rolling onto the floor with laughter.

“All right, all right. Very funny.” Paul crossed his arms in front of his chest and sat back in his seat, pouting.

“You know, there are some things you just would rather not think about your baby sister knowing about.” Travis scrunched up his nose at Jenna. “I think this definitely qualifies as one of them.”

“Knowing about or doing?” she asked sweetly.

His face paled. “Both! Geez, Jen!”

“Oh, come on, Trav! Lighten up! Don’t forget, I did share an apartment with you. Besides, you know Jason enough to know better than that. Yeah, like he would ever be the one to not drive.”

“Hmm, yeah. Mister perfectly pressed pants control freak would never think of getting it on in the backseat of a car. His shirt might get wrinkled.”

“Be nice,” she scolded. She turned her attention back to the twins. “It’s also got heated seats, which is just heavenly on an aching back. I’ve been grateful for it every day this week after leaving the gym.”

Paul’s face lit up. “So did I hear right that there’s an extra set of keys to this thing?”

Twenty minutes later Jenna pulled the car back into the driveway.

“Please, Jenna! Please,” Eric cried. “Just buy me a car!”

“No!”

“I’ll love you forever,” he said hopefully. “You’ll be my favorite cousin.”

“You already should and I already am,” Jenna retorted.

“Oh, come on! I’ll do anything. I’ll be your personal slave!”

“Well, then you can start by carrying in furniture.”

“Awesome!” Eric bolted out of the car.

“Hey, Jen,” Morgan piped up as they got out. “You want us to start hauling stuff in, too?”

“Sure, that’d be great, thanks.”

“I’ll be right there,” Travis said to him. “Just give me a minute to talk with Jen.”

Jenna stared at him. She was amazed at how courteous her brother was being.

“Take your time,” Morgan called, as they walked in the front door.

The moment they got inside Jenna dragged Travis into the kitchen. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?” she hissed.

“What?”

“Since when are you ever nice to my friends?”

“Since I need to make sure somebody’s taking care of my baby sister. That reminds me.” He grabbed a banana off of the counter and peeled it. “I talked to your friend John,” he said casually.

“What? You called John?” Her eyebrows narrowed. “Why?”

“He was in town, thought I’d say hey.”

"Yeah, right.” Jenna put her hands on her hips and waited.

He shrugged. “So I wanted to make sure you’d be okay here, all right? I figured he could probably tell me.” He shoved half of the banana in his mouth at one time.

“What did he say?” she asked cautiously.

Travis swallowed. “He said that you were a big girl and to stop worrying.”

She smiled. “There, you see?”

“And then he told me he understood, since he was an older brother, too and that if anyone took advantage of you he’d be the first one to pound ‘em.” He put a hand on his sister’s shoulder. “I was a little worried, but he said that Blaine guy you talk to all the time is all right despite the reputation.”

“He is. What else did John say?”

“He said that those guys next door would look out for you, make sure you’re okay.” He glanced out through the living room windows and nodded to himself. “I think he’s right. They seem like good guys.”

“They are.”

“Then I guess instead of calling twice a day now I only have to call every other day,” he said smiling, and tussled her hair. “Don’t tell anyone,” he whispered loudly, “but I think I actually missed having you around.” He was smiling, but Jenna noticed his face slowly became serious. “Look, I know you never said anything about it, but…”

“But what?”

“Todd’s here in Columbus. Marcie’s here. You’ve been talking a lot with that Blaine guy, and it seems like you’ve gotten chummy awfully quick with the Hamms.”

“So?” she asked anxiously.

“You know what I’m getting at, sis. You’re considering doing some serious gymnastics again, don’t you?” Travis caught the look that flashed across her face. “Wait a minute. You’re not thinking the Beijing Olympics, are you?” He briefly looked down and saw her red, cracked palms. His eyes slowly met hers. “Damn it, Jen! Why didn’t you tell me?”

She looked down at her feet. “It was hard enough leaving as it was. I was afraid you’d try to talk me out of it.”

“I wish you would have told me. I would have felt a lot better about the whole thing if I knew you wanted to move here to get back into training.”

“You would have?”

“Yeah. At least now I know it wasn’t all just because of some guy you think you’re in love with.” Travis ignored the look she gave him. “Besides, I always liked Todd. You were never quite the same after the two of you split ways, and it seemed like you kind of lost something when you stopped competing.”

“Oh.” How was she supposed to respond to that?

In typical male fashion, Travis was already moving along to another topic. He eyed the refrigerator. “What else you got for food around here?”

“Marcie’s bringing pizza in a little while. You’ll also be happy to know I made a special trip to the store just for you. There’s beer in there.” She grinned. “Pabst Blue Ribbon. In the cans! I left them in the trunk of Eric’s piece of junk car. Oh, you don’t mind if they’re a little warm, do you?”

He stared at her for a moment. “You do realize that if all of that is true, then the USA is going to miss out on a couple of gold medals, right? Because I will be forced to kill you, you know.”

She laughed. “I’ll take that as a backhanded compliment. Don’t worry, Trav. I would never do that to you. You did make sure that I have decent taste in beer, remember? I got you something you’d like.”

“Aw, you do love me, don’t ya?”

“Yeah. Guess I’m just a sucker.”

Travis pulled open the door to the fridge with gusto. “Holy, cow, girl! How much beer did you buy?”

“Too much, I think. It was ten o’clock in the morning, too. The guy at the checkout counter must have thought I was a total lush.”

Travis wasn’t even listening. “Hey, it’s even the good stuff!”

“What good stuff?” Morgan asked, setting a box down.

“Beer!” Travis said gleefully. He held up two bottles. “Want one?”

“Yeah!”

Travis lightly tossed him the second bottle.

Jenna plunked down on a chair. “Oh, great, now nothing’s going to get done around here.”

“Hey, if I was told correctly,” Morgan protested, “my invitation was simply to come hang out, not to do any actual work. So in reality, you’re already ahead.” He gestured to the box he brought in with his bottle, and promptly proceeded to remove the cap. He took a long swig. “Yup, that was worth all the effort.” He eyed the trash bin several feet away and played with his bottle cap. “Three pointer,” he said, and tossed it in easily.

“And it’s GOOD!” Travis yelled.

“Score!” Morgan cried at the same time, and punched his fist in the air. He noticed his brother walking back in. “Oh, no wait. You’ll have to excuse me, I did that wrong. I’m sorry.” He watched Paul put his boxes on the floor before setting his beer on the counter. “Correct me if I’m mistaken, but I think it goes something like this.” He hopped slightly, bent his knees as he landed, and slowly punched both fists into the air with a grin.

Travis nearly choked on his beer, and Jenna started ooting with laughter. “Oh, my gosh, that is hilarious! It was just like him!”

“Very funny,” his brother said, smacking him in the shoulder.

“Yup, I’ll say. It was funny the first time, and it’s still funny two years later.”

Eric poked his nose in the door. “Hey, did somebody around here order pizza? ‘Cause if not, then I just picked up some strange woman off the street. I hope that’s okay, since I asked to spend the night at her place. She’s not much of a looker, though.”

“Outta my way, you dork! These boxes are hot.”

Eric grunted as a small figure hidden by a stack of pizza boxes punched him in the stomach with one hand.

“Don’t forget, I can still beat you up,” the voice said. “I don’t care if you’re bigger than me now. If you don’t think I’m much of a looker then at least I can be mean. Oh, um…” The boxes started to slide. “Hang on... Uh, can I get a little help here? Please? Please?”

“Whoa,” Paul said, diving for the boxes as they fell. “I got it—oof!” He landed on his stomach, but caught the pizzas.

“Way to take one for the team, bro!” Morgan cheered.

“Great distance, but a little sloppy on the execution there, Hamm,” Jenna said. “I give it a 9.4.”

“Oh, come on, that was worth at least a 9.6,” Paul retorted, still on the floor. “I’d definitely say an extra two tenths in difficulty.” He heard a giggle and almost did a double take. Standing in front of him was a petite young woman with fiery red hair that seemed to match her attitude. He felt her gaze on him and looked up into one of the most piercing sets of green eyes he’d ever seen. What struck him even more than that, though, was that she bore a surprising—if not uncanny—resemblance to Jenna.

Jenna hurried over to take the pizzas from him. “Thanks for getting these, Marcie. I appreciate it. Oh, and if you didn’t know already, your hero of the night here is Mr. Paul Hamm, Olympic gold medalist and pizza rescuer extraodinaire.”

“Oh, I figured that out already, considering you did say they lived next door and all.” Marcie raised her eyebrows at Jenna and twirled a lock of hair around one finger.

“Oh. That’s right.” Jenna’s face turned pink. “Forgot about that conversation already,” she said, embarrassed. “Well, anyway, Morgan, Paul, this is my cousin Marcie.”

“And my wonderful sister who’s going to buy me a car since my cousin refuses to,” Eric piped up.

“Enough about the car, Eric!” Jenna turned back to the twins. “I did tell you she’s on the OSU gymnastics team, right?”

Paul smiled at Marcie. “Yup. I think I’ve seen a few of your practices.”

Marcie’s face turned as pink as her cousin’s, making the smattering of freckles across her nose stand out prominently. “Oh, dear. I’m dreadfully sorry for that. I’m not exactly at Jenna’s level, that’s for sure.”

“Ha,” Jenna remarked. “You haven’t seen my practices lately.”

“She’s right,” Paul agreed. “You do seriously need help, Jenna.”

“Hey!” she cried, and punched him in the arm. “You’re not supposed to agree!”

He rubbed his arm. “I stand corrected. I think you just gave me a bruise,” he said and stuck out his lower lip.

“Baby.”

“Drama queen.”

“Ho, boy. Here we go again,” Morgan sighed. “If you guys keep this up again all night I’m likely to finish off one of those cases of beer by myself.”

“Me, too,” Travis remarked.

“And me,” Eric added.

Five heads jerked to look at him. They all stared at him.

“Or… not?” he asked, cringing.

“I am not contributing to the delinquency of a minor,” Jenna announced, “especially when that minor already happens to be slightly delinquent.”

“Hey! I resemble that.”

“Get through high school and we’ll talk,” Travis said in a loud whisper.

“Travis!” Jenna cried.

“I’m kidding!” he replied and threw up his hands. “The media would have an absolute field day if they found out about that one.”

Paul gave his brother a look. “Media? What’s he do?”

Morgan gave him a look back. “No clue.”

“You don’t think I’m that dumb, do you?” Travis finished.

Jenna cocked her head to the side, pondering the question. “Well…”

“Oh, come on! You know that all of the guys on the team would beat me for it, anyway.”

A slow smile spread across Jenna’s face. “They would if I asked them to.”

Marcie giggled, and Travis shook his head with a grimace. “That reminds me,” he said. “Sheppard sends his love.”

Jenna gave a theatrical sigh. “And how is dear James?”

“Oh, just dandy. Said to tell you he’ll drop everything at a moment’s notice if you’ll marry him.”

Marcie giggled again. “I’ll drop everything for just a date with him!” The girls’ eyes met. “Or with Sydney Crosby!” they said at the same time and giggled.

Travis and Eric both rolled their eyes.

Jenna glanced over at the Hamms. “Sorry, guys. I forgot to mention I’m not the only athlete in the family. Travis plays pro hockey for the Wild.”

Paul raised his eyebrows. “Local boy makes good, huh?”

Travis shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah, guess so. I s’pose I’m pretty lucky. Played all four years for the U of M and then got drafted by the Wild. It’s pretty rare to get to be at home the whole time.”

“It never happens,” Eric remarked.

There was a knock on the door. The entire Ohio State men’s gymnastics team arrived en masse. “Hey, where’s the food?” a voice called.

“Work first, then food!” Marcie shouted.

In a flash, every one of them had dashed outside and was carrying something inside. Within a half an hour every box had been brought in and nearly all of the furniture was in place.

Morgan plopped down onto the loveseat next to Jenna. In one hand he had a fresh bottle of beer, and in the other he held a slice of pizza. He eyed it hungrily for a moment and then started to chow down.

“Typical guy,” Jenna remarked absentmindedly.

“What? Why?” he asked.

“Downing a piece of pizza in all of about three bites. It’s a typical guy thing.” Jenna kept moving the shade to glance out the window.

“Are you waiting for someone?”

“The boyfriend,” Marcie said knowingly to him. She sat opposite them on the sofa.

“Finally! He’s here!” Jenna cried. She jumped off of the loveseat and ran towards the door.

Her brother made a face. “Aw, no. Is that The Suit?”

Jenna gave him a pained look. “Travis! Knock it off! For the millionth time, his name is Jason. Please, for once be nice, will you?” She waited a moment, her face pleading with him, before dashing out the front door.

Paul turned to him quizzically. “The Suit?”

“Yeah,” Travis replied with distaste. “Even when he’s not wearing one he thinks he’s gotta act like one.” He looked to make sure Jenna was still outside. “One of these days I swear I’m gonna deck him. Just ‘cause he looks like he deserves it,” he said, laughing.

Paul chuckled. He wasn’t sure what, but there was something about Travis that made him instantly likeable. “Must run in the family,” he thought.

“Jen keeps telling me to be nice, but I just don’t get what she sees in the guy. I don’t care if he’s a lawyer. Personally, I’d say she’s had a whole string of loser boyfriends.” He rolled his eyes. “Then again, I don’t know if I like any guy who’s after my baby sister.”

“Older, younger… it doesn’t matter,” Paul said, smiling. “Morgan and I threatened to take out our older sister’s husband when they were first dating if he even looked at us wrong.”

Travis nodded smugly. “See? You get it. Why doesn’t Jenna? I keep telling her it’s a brother’s responsibility, but she just tells me to back off. Yeah, like she knows. She thinks she’s all grown up.”

“She is twenty-five,” Paul pointed out.

Travis took a swig of beer. “Don’t mean a thing.”

Paul was about to reply when a blushing Jenna walked back in. Standing next to her was a man in his late twenties with beach blonde hair and All-American good looks. His arm was loosely wrapped around Jenna’s waist, but his pale blue eyes were scanning the room. His focus rested on Paul and their eyes briefly met. Paul frowned. He had no clue why, but he found himself agreeing with Travis about “the Suit.” Just like Jenna’s brother, he had a sudden urge to just punch the guy. It surprised him. Things rarely riled him up. The fact that he had no idea where the feeling came from or why it was even there to begin with was rather disconcerting. He had never even met Jason before, but he still suddenly felt rather uneasy.

On the other hand, Jenna couldn’t have looked happier. She was practically glowing. Every so often she would gaze up wistfully at Jason. It was as if the rest of the world didn’t even exist.

“Oh, come on, Hamm,” Paul thought. “If Jenna adores him so much he can’t be that bad.”

“Why, Jason Cavendesh!” Marcie exclaimed. She ran over to give him a hug. “You finally made it!”

“Hey, there, Marcie. How’s it going?”

“Great, now that we got all of Jen’s stuff moved in.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I was stuck handling something with a client. Believe me, I would much rather have been here with my cutie.” Jason smiled gave Jenna a squeeze around waist.

“Cutie?” Paul wondered. “Oh, please. I’ve heard Jenna called a lot of things, but never Cutie.”

She gave Jason an adoring look.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. She actually seems to like it.”

“Jay, I’m so glad you’re here. Oh, I can introduce you to some more of my friends now! Come on,” Jenna said, grabbing his hand. She took two steps forward, but Jason was distracted and didn’t move. She winced as his firm grip inadvertently yanked her back. “Ouch!” Jenna gasped. “Watch the hands, hon.”

“Aw, I’m sorry, Jen.” Jason’s brow furrowed and he briefly took one of her hands in his to look at it. He studied the rough callouses and cracks with a frown. “That doesn’t look too good.”

“Can’t be helped, Jay. It’s the life of a gymnast.”

“Really? This is normal?” Jason looked shocked.

“’Fraid so, buddy,” Morgan remarked, approaching them. Paul had followed his brother to introduce himself, so when Morgan held out his calloused hands Paul did the same.

“Oh, Jay, these are my next door neighbors, Morgan and Paul Hamm. They’re gymnasts, too. I’ve known them for a long time. So, anyway, you see? Rough hands are normal, no big deal.”

“Sure, but they’re guys. Can’t you put on some lotion or something, Cutie?”

Marcie held up her own calloused hands. “Sorry, Jason. It doesn’t matter. Rough hands just go with the sport. It’s actually a good thing.”

“You’re not serious.”

“Sure, I am! It’s the easiest way to tell how serious a gymnast is about training.” A flying bottle caught her notice. “Hey, I said no more beer throwing!” Another bottle sailed over their heads, and this time Marcie and Morgan dashed to opposite sides of the room to stop the impromptu game of catch.

“Tough callouses mean you don’t get rips,” Paul added.

“Rips?” Jason asked, looking confused.

“He doesn’t know this stuff?” Paul thought. “They’ve been dating for, like, three years. It’s not like she never went into the gym. How could he not know what rips are?”

“Oh, hon, I’m sorry,” Jenna said apologetically. “I forget sometimes you don’t know all of this. Rips are when you tear the skin off your palms from working on bars too much. Usually what happens to me is I get a blister and it rubs so much it tears it right open. It’s pretty painful when it happens. My hands should look a little better in a couple of weeks when my callouses toughen up again… hopefully.”

Paul cocked his head to the side. He looked over at Jenna and raised his eyebrows. “Wait a minute.” He reached over and grabbed one of her hands. He studied it for a moment before letting go. “Yep, thought so,” he finally said. “Your wrists look way too good to not be doing something. You do use lotion or something, don’t you, Jen?”

He noticed her cheeks turn pink. “I just, um, found some special ointment with vitamin E and aloe that seems to work for healing the cracks and stuff.” She looked up at Jason hopefully.

Jason didn’t seem to notice. Paul couldn’t quite read the expression on his face, but he could tell that Jenna’s boyfriend wasn’t happy. Instead of focusing on her, Jason’s pale blue eyes were carefully watching him. Paul returned the steely gaze that was looking at him. He didn’t buy into intimidation. He had never been one to back down, and after the Athens Olympics he learned to do it even less. He trusted his gut instead.

He noticed Jenna glancing furtively between them. She wanted them to be friends, he knew. Paul shifted his gaze to her and smiled. “So, I’m guessing you’re pretty happy to have Jason so close by now, huh?”

The grateful look she gave him turned into a wide smile. “You have no idea.” She looked up at Jason. “You hungry?”

“I’m starving. I skipped lunch this afternoon.”

“Marcie brought pizza.”

Jason’s eyes finally lit up. “Thank goodness. I’m so hungry I could fall over!”

“Come to think of it,” Jenna said, “I could go for another slice. Oh, and there’s beer in the fridge.”

"Well, why didn’t you say so before?” Jason flashed her a thousand watt smile and followed her into the kitchen.

Seeing them wander into the kitchen, Paul couldn't help thinking that there was a lot more to Jason Cavendesh than met the eye. Why, though, or what it could be he had no idea. He knew there had to be something more to him for Jenna to love him as much as she did, but Paul didn't think that was what seemed to be missing. watched her for Jenna for a moment, though, and had to smile at how happy she seemed. Paul made up his mind right then and there to do his best to get to know Jason… if nothing else than for Jenna’s sake.

Inside Gymnastics Article

2008-07-29T17:32:16Z

Once again, give them a day and IG will provide a well-written article.

Hamm Resigns from U.S. Team

July 28, 2008

Paul Hamm, the reigning Olympic champ, officially bowed out of his third Olympic Games today, a little more than eight weeks after breaking his hand at the 2008 U.S. National Championships. Hamm, the first and only American male to win world and/or Olympic all-around gold, just couldn’t quite make it back to Olympic form following the hand injury and subsequent surgery on May 27—Hamm called this past week in the gym “disastrous”—and decided to cede his position for the good of the team.

“I made the decision yesterday,” a somber Hamm told the media early this afternoon. “I was giving myself the chance to see how this past week went, to see if I could turn a corner at any point, but that just never happened. I feel like I’m worse off than I was the previous week. If you would ever see me before any competition and how my preparation was, and then compare that to the way I am right now, it’s almost laughable, the difference. When you go into the Olympic Games you’re supposed to be in the best shape of your life, not the worst shape of your life.

“I discussed things first of all with [my twin brother] Morgan, and my parents,” Hamm explained of how he came to the difficult decision to withdraw. “I discussed things with [my coach] Miles (Avery). After that, I discussed things with [Men’s Program Senior Director] Dennis McIntyre. We discussed the possibility of being ready to do a few events and I gave it some time to think about and I still came to the same conclusion: that it was best for the team for me to step down.

“There are three alternates that are tremendous athletes, in the best shape of their lives, and they can easily replace me,” Hamm concluded. “I wanted to give myself as much time as possible to see if I could get prepared, [but] I didn’t want to push the decision any longer than hopping on the plane over to Beijing and not allowing one of those alternates to train with the team. I think [it would be] detrimental for the team spirit for this to happen over in Beijing.”

Hamm took part in a 10-day training camp earlier this month with the rest of the U.S. Olympic Team in Colorado Springs, Colo. and proved his readiness to the Olympic selection committee on July 19. The next day, Hamm started having pain in his left shoulder and was diagnosed with the rotator cuff strain. According to Hamm, things went downhill from there.

“Right after the competition in Colorado, I noticed that my rotator cuff was getting a little bit beat up and strained,” Hamm explained. “ Then when I went back home—in my plan I was going to have continue to keep pushing that entire week, where maybe some of the other athletes took some down time. I immediately jumped back into doing routines the second day I got back home. When I started doing my rings strength, I strained my shoulder even worse and was unable to do any of the rings strength parts I was able to do previously. Nothing was going the way I planned and I was taking a big step backward.

“My shoulder was definitely hindering me on certain events and, just my hand, in general, has not quite gotten to the point where I feel comfortable doing all of my skills on all the events,” Hamm added. “I was leaving out skills on every event because of my hand. … There came a point in the gym when I just threw my arms in the air and just knew this wasn’t working. It was a really tough decision for me to make. It’s pretty deflating.”

“It’s not fair to him, it’s not fair to the country. It’s not fair to this Olympic team,” Avery said of his athlete’s resignation. “It was a really tough decision, but it was the correct decision. I saw the effort that he gave to get back and get on this team and go out there and compete. I saw that, the day-to-day grind, his hand hurting, and him getting through it all anyway. I know he did everything he possibly could to get there in Beijing. There’s regret he didn’t finish it, but not that he didn’t do everything he could.

“I feel honored that he chose to come here and train at Ohio State,” Avery added of his star pupil. “It is a real honor to work with an athlete that is that good. To work with him daily and see how he internalizes what you say and how he puts that in his gymnastics. I hope that helps every athlete I work with, to get a little Paul Hamm into every athlete I coach from here on out.”

Hamm’s replacement will be named “as expeditiously as possible,” according to USA Gymnastics (USAG) president Steve Penny. The choice is between Sasha Artemev, Raj Bhavsar and David Durante, all of whom are already scheduled to travel to China, and the decision will be made by the men’s selection committee (National Team Coordinator Ron Brant, McIntyre, Athlete Representative Jay Thornton, Coaches’ Representative Bill Foster and MPC member Stacy Maloney), who are meeting now to discuss their options.

Avery, who was named the team’s assistant coach in Colorado, told Inside Gymnastics he plans to give up that position so that another athlete’s personal coach can be on the floor during the team competition.

“My opinion is, and always has been, that the personal coaches should be with their athletes, on the floor,” Avery stated. “We should cover as any routines as possible, with the personal coach that goes out there. I still believe that, and if that’s not me, I will certainly look at that.

“This isn’t USA Gymnastics saying this, this is me,” Avery added. “We’ll see after they pick the alternate [that will replace Paul.] If they pick Durante, then I think Vitaly (Marinitch) should be the assistant coach, because he’ll have two athletes. Anyone that has two, three athletes on the team, they should be the coach. It’s very simple.”

The U.S. men’s team is set to leave for Beijing on Wednesday from San Francisco. The group will gather in California tonight and tomorrow for U.S. Olympic processing, prior to their departure to China.

Hamm’s twin, Morgan, who is also coached by Avery, is still also slightly questionable for the Games. Though he’s been cleared by the U.S. Olympic Committee and USAG following a positive drug test in late May (Morgan failed to get a therapeutic use exemption for a cortisone-like shot in his ankle), the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has yet to weigh in on Hamm’s status and retains the right to question his Olympic participation. Penny told the press he expects to “hear formally” from the FIG, which met over the weekend to discuss Morgan’s situation, tomorrow.

“I don’t have any real concerns,” Penny said. “I think we’ve done a great job explaining things this past weekend. [USAG vice president] Ron Galimore was there to represent us, along with two representatives from USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) and the feedback they’ve brought back is somewhat reassuring. We’re very hopeful we’ll just be able to continue on and that Morgan will remain a member of our team.”

“All of this has been a strain on Morgan,” Avery confirmed. “I’m waiting on the time we can just focus on training. I’m anxious to get to Beijing with Morgan, to get in the confines of the Village, and just move forward with training. It was a struggle to get him here today and do everything he needed to do, but he did it.”

“I think Morgan is going to be fine,” his coach added confidently. “There’s nothing easy about it—all that is going on his life—and he and Paul did do this comeback together, to make it to another Olympics together. That’s why they started this. Right now, I think he’s ready to get to Beijing and train with the team. That will help Morgan because, you know, [the team] is like a family and everyone supports him.”

For Paul, his dreams of a comeback dashed, the disappointment was evident as he maturely made his announcement to the media.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into this comeback and I’ve done everything I could to get ready in time for Beijing,” an emotional Hamm stated. “For my comeback to be successful I needed to make continuous progress and have no setbacks. I was pushing my body to the max leading up to the training camp and while I was there I was somehow able to perform skills in the competition that I had not done since my recent surgery. Unfortunately, the week after camp has been a disaster. I have not been able to do a single full routine since I competed at the national championships back in May. There are only five days of training left before the podium training in Beijing and I can see now there’s no way I could be ready.

“From the beginning my attempt at a comeback has been a long shot,” Hamm went on. “The time frame I was given has been extremely short. … I did everything I possibly could and there just wasn’t enough time. Had I had another month I think I would have been able to get the job done. … This has been the hardest decision that I’ve ever had to make. I have too much respect for the Olympics [and] my team to continue on when I know the best thing for everyone is for me to step aside. I want to thank my family, my friends, my fans, for all their support, but the success of the U.S. team is most important.

“It’ll be tough [but] I’ll be cheering on the team and watching Morgan,” Hamm said of his plans for the Games. “I’ll try and enjoy it from a spectator’s standpoint this time around. There’s a chance I’ll end up going to China, but I’m just not sure. I’ll figure that out in the coming days.”

Though it is not the way he wanted to go out, Hamm, the single most successful male gymnast in U.S. history, is satisfied with his legacy.

“Well, of course, now is a difficult moment for me but the truth of the matter is that I’ve had a wonderful career and the success I’ve had in the sport has been more than I’ve ever dreamed of,” Hamm said. “I’m more than happy with the way things have turned out.

“As far as continuing,” he added resolutely, “I’ve made the decision previous to everything that has gone on in recent weeks to retire and that’s what I plan to do. I’m going to take some down time right now. After everything winds down, after the [post-]Olympic tour is over, I’m going to apply to grad school and get my M.B.A.

“I can’t say how, but I still want to be involved in gymnastics,” Hamm concluded. “Gymnastics has been a part of my life since I was seven years old and I can’t imagine it not being a part of my life going forward.”

The telephone conference

2008-07-29T17:08:47Z

Here's a link to a recording of Paul's telephone conference:
(It's partway down the page on the left side.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/sports/olympics/29hamm.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=paul%20hamm&st=cse&oref=slogin
Poor guy. He just sounds so tired, almost like he was reading what he was going to say right off the page.

Paul is Alive...

2008-07-29T15:30:28Z

Man oh man, as if it wasn't hard enough hearing and reading about Paul not going to the Olympics, the media just makes it so sad and makes it sound like as if he dropped dead!

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=102128&topicId=117940046&docId=l:828888849&isRss=true

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=102128&topicId=117940046&docId=l:828888850&isRss=true

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=102128&topicId=117940046&docId=l:828888851&isRss=true

Press Praise

2008-07-29T15:05:43Z

Hat's off to The Christian Science Monitor - well-said.
(http://features.csmonitor.com/olympics08/2008/07/29/praise-that-paul-hamm-deserves/)

Praise that Paul Hamm deserves
Mark Sappenfield | 07.29.08

Today, gymnast Paul Hamm is being lauded for his unselfishness. What a difference an Olympiad makes.

Yesterday, Paul Hamm announced his withdrawal from the American gymnastics team, acknowledging that his attempt to recover from the broken hand he suffered in May had failed.

Four years ago, Paul Hamm refused to return the gold medal he had won in gymnastics’ most prestigious event – the all-around – despite the fact that he had won it due a judging error.

In truth, nothing has changed. The champion once branded selfish by some is the same man who now is putting the welfare of the team above his own.

I cannot claim to have great insight into Paul Hamm’s soul. I have only talked to him at a handful of press events, and never one-on-one. But what struck me was that he was always refreshingly frank.

In Athens, he had done nothing wrong, yet he was being asked to pay the penalty for someone else’s mistake. Sporting events often turn on a mistake, usually by the athlete, but sometimes also by those officiating. To publicly implore him to return the medal, as some officials did, was underhanded.

The rules were clear. The medal was his.

This, too, is clear. He cannot compete in Beijing. So rather than holding out in the hope that another few days might improve his condition, he has withdrawn.

Two different decisions, but the same man in each.

***

Another nice one: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/072908dnspohairopoulos.35be73c.html

Strange Ironies & Shakespearean Drama

2008-07-29T03:35:18Z

Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course.
-- Henry VI, Part IV

I've had a crazy day and am just now hearing about Paul's withdrawal and Raj's ascension. I'm shocked at my own reaction -- so discombobulated ...

Maybe it's because I'm a writer, but the one thing I comprehend clearly in the initial shock of this announcement is what strange ironies suddenly present themselves. Who on Earth would have bet money at any point in the last four years that it would be Morgan and not Paul in Beijing? Morgan, not Paul, who competes on his third Olympics team? Morgan, not Paul, with the best chance of medalling in 08? Morgan, not Paul, with the potential to be in the limelight and perhaps bathe in glory? I've always had a special soft spot for Morgan and think he's been sorely underrated, but I'm not sure this is quite the way he (or anybody else) envisioned his day in the sun.

As the news starts to sink in ... I'm reluctant to admit it, but for me, Paul's withdrawal is depressing. Not just because of what it does to the USA's medal chances, but because I've been a loyal fan. He never gave any indication that he was anything less than confident -- even talked smack toward Yang Wei last week -- and I can't help but think it might be less depressing if fans like myself had been a little more prepared for the possibility that we'd never see him compete again. All we've heard is, "I'll be ready, I'll be ready," and so we kept investing ourselves and salivating in anticipation of the competition ahead. Then the rotator cuff bombshell along with the withdrawal announcement ... WTF?

I'm not faulting Paul. He can't tell us what he doesn't know, and this rotator cuff thing apparently just happened in the last week or so. I guess I'm just blindsided at being blindsided. I think Paul's actually proving (again) what a class act he is by making the most excruciating and most honorable decision. I just wish it wasn't knocking the wind out of me.

I'm really sad that I won't get to see the Hamm twins compete in one more Olympics. I'm less sad about what all this means for the USA's medalling chances. Unquestionably, they are significantly diminished. As the reality of a team without Paul starts to sink in, I have a profound sense of an amazing chapter coming to an end and an unknown chapter beginning. It will be a joy to watch Raj. I can't imagine an athlete who will compete with a clearer sense of destiny and redemption than he will. And I believe Morgan will compete in a way that brings him the credit he's so long deserved. It also will be fun to watch the stars of Horton, Hagerty, Spring and Tan ascend as they launch into new levels of stardom. I'll love every minute of watching them compete. But I'll still miss Paul.

I can't believe I'm being such a drama queen over this. On the other hand, another irony: who ever dreamed that the off-stage drama surrounding a team of grown men would be so downright Shakespearean?

Your tale, sir, would cure deafness.
-- The Tempest

Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.
-- King Lear

If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches, and poor men's cottage princes' palaces.
-– Merchant of Venice

Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?
-- Henry IV, Part 2

Screw your courage to the sticking-place.
-- MacBeth

I don't know if I'm ever going to fully accept that Paul isn't on this team. Screw what's official. In my mind, I see this team as six competiting athletes, two alternates, and one inspiring spirit watching from afar.

Raj Bhavsar

2008-07-28T21:27:05Z

Raj Bhavsar has just been announced as being placed on the team as Paul Hamm's replacement!

http://usa-gymnastics.org/Story.aspx?tabid=321&ArticleID=2307

Very sad!!

2008-07-28T16:20:23Z

http://usa-gymnastics.org/Story.aspx?tabid=321&ArticleID=2305

The end for the beginning...

2008-07-26T04:18:41Z

I finally got some serious writing done, and here's the end to the beginning part, and next will be the start into the true living and training with Paul and Morgan.

The next day in the gym, I didn’t really bother with routines as much as Miles and I concentrated on cleaning up on some of my skills. As Paul and Morgan just studied the new pointing system and values, Miles and I talked about more advanced tricks that I was capable of learning and incorporating into my routines.

When the guys and I were back at the apartment for dinner, I thought I would treat them to one of my specialties from home.

When we returned to the gym, Miles and I attempted two new skills on uneven bars. I seemed to have gotten them, but I’ll have to wait and see if I remember how to do them tomorrow.

As we returned home for the night, Megan stopped by after class, and Paul was on the phone with Stephanie. I sat and talked with Megan for a bit, and soon after Paul hung up and went to Stephanie’s apartment. I went into my room and let Morgan and Megan get some time to there selves.

I was still up when Paul returned home. Paul and I talked for a little bit and then we headed off to bed. We got up early the next morning and headed into the gym just like the other days.

“So, how was Stephanie last night?” Morgan asked Paul as they warmed up.

“She’s good, a bit needy but good.”

“Needy in what since?”

“I got some serious-” Paul said and then stopped when I joined them.

“You got some serious what, Paul?” I asked joining them in their warm up routine.

“Uh, I got some serious cherry pie from Stephanie last night.” Paul said making up an excuse to me, and Morgan just shook his head.

“Okay, sure then. So, will I get to meet Stephanie before I leave?” I asked getting up.

“Uh, maybe. We’ll see how it works out.”

After an hour of practice, David, Sean, and Justin joined us for one last time before they left back to their own gyms and coaches. I didn’t get to spend much time with the guys, as I planned before they left. But Miles took me aside and we worked on some more skills.

When the guys left, I got to say good bye then went back to Miles in complete isolation from everyone.

“So why did you make up that story when Erin joined us?” Morgan asked as they worked up some strength on pommel horse.

“I don’t know.” Paul responded confused.

“You like her, and you didn’t want her to know you’re having sex. Even though it’s with your girlfriend, who you won’t let Erin meet for some reason.”

“I don’t like Erin. I mean she’s a cool girl, but I’m not into her like that.” Paul said trying to defend himself.

“You so like her and everyone can tell Paul! Just admit it.” Morgan said teasing his little brother.

“I don’t like her! Now can we get over this topic?” Paul basically yelled at Morgan.

“Whatever you say.” Morgan played it off coolly.

The guys got over the topic and went back to practice. Miles had to take a phone call, and left me to struggle with a new skill on beam. I tried it once with out him and missed my landing and just stayed laying on the floor.

We returned to the apartment, I grabbed my laptop and sat in the living room. Paul was on the phone and soon joined me.

“Well, you’ll get to meet Steph tonight. She’s coming over to cook us dinner, says we need a different food variety every once and a while.” Paul said sitting in the chair.

“Oh, okay cool.” I said plainly.

“What’s the matter? You were very into meeting Stephanie, and now you don’t care.”

“Huh, oh no. Problems at home. She’s making dinner you said? That’s cool, can’t wait Paul!” I said looking up at him.

I went back to messaging some of my friends on facebook. About a half hour later, Stephanie came and shortly after Megan came too.

“Erin, this is my girlfriend Stephanie. Steph, this is our new roommate, Erin.” Paul said introducing us, and Stephanie just stared at me sternly.

“Hi there. It’s nice to finally get the chance to meet you!” I said pleasantly, and extended my arm to her but she never shook my hand.

After that Paul and Stephanie went into the kitchen.

“Why can’t you be nice? I don’t see why you can’t get to know her first before you make accusations and decisions about her.” Paul said as they started to get food out.

“Because she’s a girl living with you and Morgan! When you told me I couldn’t move in with you because of reasons, but she’s aloud to live with you?!”

“Steph, she has no other place to live, there’s no place available and Nick asked if she could room with us since he wanted her on the team. We weren’t just going to leave her hanging.” When Paul told her that, she just rolled her eyes.

Megan and I were sitting in the living room talking.

When dinner came around, it was awkward. Stephanie had Paul in an isolated conversation. I didn’t say much, nor did Megan. Morgan and Paul talked for a bit at some points, but then Stephanie would take him back into the conversation and Morgan would start talking with Megan. When dinner was over, I helped Paul clear the table since Stephanie wouldn’t bother.

“So, you coming to practice again tonight?” Paul asked scrapping some food in the garbage.

“Um, no I’m going to stay here and spend some time with Megan.” I told him cleaning some plates in the sink.

“Okay, I’ll just tell Miles you’re feeling sick if he asks tonight.” Paul told me.

“Thank, well I think Stephanie wants you.” I said looking up over at the door, and then Paul went over to her.

A few minutes later, Paul came back into the kitchen.

“Well, it looks like we’re headed off to the gym.”

“Okay, well have fun.”

“See ya kiddo!” Paul said putting his arm around my shoulder and giving me a tight squeeze. Paul and Morgan headed out the door and went off to night practice.

“So, if dinner wasn’t awkward enough!” I said to Megan joining her in the living room.

“It was, wasn’t it? I knew she’d have a reaction to you, but not like that.”

“A reaction to me?” I asked confused.

“I knew she was going to have a problem, one that Paul wouldn’t let her move in, and two you’re a female roommate. Yeah, I thought she was going to talk to you before she judged you. That’s what she normally does, but hey I don’t really talk to her anymore.”

“Wow, well don’t I cause an issue here then.” I said and Megan nodded her head. Megan and I sat there talking the rest of the night and getting to know each other much better.

The boys came home and Paul took me aside.

“Hey kiddo, I’m sorry about earlier. I knew that something was going to happen between you and Steph, I just didn’t know she was going to be completely rude to you like that.”

“It’s okay, Megan told me the reasons behind it. I understand, I really do.” I told him and smiled.

“Well, if you ever feel awkward about anything, you can talk to me about it.”

“Thanks!” I said.

Morgan and Megan were outside talking and I just decided to go to bed early.

The next morning, we went to the gym as routine took us. I spent a little longer time in the locker room before I headed out to the gym for my work out. Miles was talking with Paul and Morgan over at the pommel horses, so I just went straight to floor and started stretching and warming up.

“So missy, where were you last night? I saw Paul and Morgan, but no Erin.” Miles said squatting down next to me.

“I just didn’t feel like coming. I needed a break for the night, does that really get me in a lot of trouble?” I asked sincerely looking up at him.

“Not for you, it doesn’t!” Miles said and then rubbed my head.

“So, what are you thinking for today?” I asked standing up.

“Well for right now, you need to go do bar warm-up’s, you haven’t bothered even doing those since you’ve been here.”

“There’s a reason I haven’t been!”

“And that reason would be?”

“I don’t want to intimidate the boys! Because we all know these warm-up’s are meant to show off the women’s strength, and well that’s just not fair to our strong, buff men, now is it?!” I said smiling at Miles.

“Get going!” Miles said hitting me lower behind with rolled up papers. “You’re in training, you have no choice on your warm-ups!”

When Miles hit me, I started to run over to the bars and turned and stared at him on my way to the bars. When I got to the bars, I jumped up to the higher bar and started off with simple pull-ups. I then progressed to grip rolls, and after that I progressed into hanging sit-ups.

“Damn, that’s hot!” Blaine said looking my way when he caught up with Paul and Morgan, causing them to look my way during my warm-ups.

“Paul’s happy!” Morgan said laughing.

“I am not!” Paul said sternly.

“Oh poor, poor Romeo. We all know you love her!” Blaine told him grabbing some chalk. Paul just rolled his eyes at them, and just didn’t bother to say a thing when he knew that they would eventually stop if he didn’t respond to their childish non-sense.

When I was done with my warm-ups for Miles sakes, he decided we would work on more skills on uneven bars. After uneven bars, we moved onto beam, and worked on the same new skill that I’ve been trying to master.

“Hey guys, I got to run. I got to get home to get ready in time for the football game tonight!” I told the guys after noon.

“So, you’re leaving?” Paul asked.

“Sadly, yes.”

“So we’re not going to see you until you come back and officially move in with us?” Morgan said hopping off the high bar.

“Well, not exactly. I mean you guys have every possible way of getting in reach of me, so we’ll talk and hang out a lot I bet.” I said folding my jacket and putting it in my gym bag.

“That sounds like a plan to me!” Blaine added in out of no where.

“Okay then Blaine! It was nice meeting you though! I can’t wait to keep training with you when I come back!” I said giving him a hug.

“I can’t wait either kiddo!” He said in response.

“Well, I got to go guys!”

“Okay, well knowing Paul, we’ll be talking to shortly and hanging out sooner than we know it!” Morgan said and I couldn’t help but laugh. Morgan gave me a hug, and Paul gave me one after.

I headed out to my car, and drove back home to Pittsburgh. I got ready for the football game that night, and met up with the band at the stadium that night.