Chapter 4. Say Please

Jennifer’s POV

The day flew by, and it seemed like Bob couldn’t take his eyes off me. What’s his deal? Not that I care. If I catch him staring at me one more time, I’ll definitely give him a piece of my mind.

I arrived at Mrs. Mendez’s office and knocked on the door, waiting for her response.

“Come in,” she called out, and I entered.

“What’s up, Coach?” I greeted her.

Coach Mendez is always cool with me. I sometimes use her real name, just like I do with my friends. She acts like a teenager, and that’s why I love her.

“Sup, girl! Sit down, and let’s talk,” she said, pointing to the empty chair in front of her.

I sat down and waited for Mrs. Mendez to start the conversation.

“So, you have an idea about Nationals,” she said, and I nodded.

“As you know, Nationals are held every year, and you already know that the United States can participate,” she explained.

“Okay, let’s skip the basics since you already know them. The reason why I invited you here is to ask if you have something in mind for the competition?” she asked, and I nodded again.

“Yep, Coach, I do. I’ve been practicing all summer, and I feel like I’ve never done better,” I explained.

“That’s great! Since it’s your first competition, I want you to practice twice as hard as before. Let’s aim for the win; let the tables turn. Now, the burning question. Can you win?” She took a deep breath. “There are three trophies in total. For me, the third and second are nothing special. I want you to win the grand prize, the first trophy. That trophy will make you feel like the best archer in the United States. We haven’t won that trophy in the last five years because our previous archer… how do I say this… wasn’t very talented,” she said while scratching her neck and her right hand.

“Sure, Coach! I’ll do my best and give everything I can to make sure we bring home that first trophy,” I assured her, wanting to ease her worries.

“Of course, you will, Jennifer! You’re talented, so I believe you’ll bring a trophy to our school,” she said, showing her confidence.

We continued discussing what I would do and what would happen on the big day. We talked for a few more minutes when my phone started ringing. It was my mom reminding me to pick up some groceries after school.

I said goodbye to Mrs. Mendez and left her office. As I walked through the hallway, thoughts about Nationals flooded my mind. How does Mrs. Mendez see me as talented? Winning that trophy for our school would be amazing, but her expectations put pressure on me. If I don’t succeed, I’ll disappoint Mrs. Mendez and the entire school. It’s a lot of pressure to handle on my own.

Leaving the school, I heard familiar voices coming from somewhere. I noticed the four guys, but I paid them no attention and continued walking toward my bike.

When I reached my bike, I took off my helmet and prepared to leave. While organizing my belongings, I caught a glimpse of the four familiar faces staring at me. I looked back at them with a blank expression, rolled my eyes, and put on my helmet.

I started the engine, rode off the school property, and made my way to the store.

As I walked towards the store, I checked the grocery list my mom had given me. I had already found most of the items, but I noticed that the snacks she wanted were placed high up on the shelf. I sighed and mentally facepalmed myself. How was I going to reach them? I’m too short.

Lost in thought, I finally had an idea. I stretched my arm as far as I could, attempting to reach the can. I struggled to reach the third shelf out of five, even standing on my tiptoes. Frustrated, I gave up and stepped back down.

“Come on, seriously? Why do they put everything so high up? Don’t they know there are short people in this world?” I muttered to myself.

Startled, I saw a large arm reach up and grab the can I wanted. I quickly turned around to see who it was and found Bob standing there, smiling at me. I rolled my eyes, stepped off my toes, and leaned against the shelf. I looked up at him.

“Can I please have that?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“You mean this can?” he replied, shaking the can with a smirk.

“Maybe the fucking teddy bear behind you? Of course, that can! Dumbass,” I retorted.

He took a step closer, now inches away from my face. I contemplated whether to push him away or not. He leaned in, smirking, and whispered, “Say please.”

“Nope!” I responded, punching him in the stomach. He doubled over, and I quickly grabbed the can from his hand. I walked away, glancing back to see him slowly standing up, anger in his eyes.

I hurried to the register, paid for everything, and left the store. Rushing to my bike, I put on my helmet. From the corner of my eye, I could see Bob leaving the shop, clearly agitated. He was searching for me, so I saluted him and sped away as fast as I could once he noticed me.

***

Mom came to mind as I was thinking. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think of her or cry for her because I miss her so much. Since that night, a lot has changed in my life, and I now have to make my own decisions – decisions that help me become a better version of myself.

The funeral was the most difficult aspect. It took all of me not to yell during her funeral. I wanted to rush up to her coffin and yell at her to stay with me. Yet I was aware that was not possible.