"Oh My Gods" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tera Lynn Childs)

tion storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast.

The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

CIP Data is available.

Published in the United States by Dutton ChildrenтАЩs Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group

345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

www.penguin.com/youngreaders

Designed by Irene Vandervoort

ISBN: 1-4362-0983 8

-



For Mom and Dad, because they got it right on the first try



C H A P T E R 1

WHEN IтАЩM RUNNING I can almost feel my dad at my side.

HeтАЩs been gone for nearly six years, but every time I lace up and slap sole to pavement I feel like heтАЩs right there. I can feel him talking about my inner strength and how I will be a world-class athlete when I grow up. ThatтАЩs part of why I love runningтАФwhy IтАЩm running right now, pushing myself a little harder than usual to win this race.

This isnтАЩt just any raceтАФitтАЩs the final race of the USC cross-country summer camp. Every winner of this race for the last seven years has wound up with a full scholarship offer. Since USC is the only college IтАЩve ever considered attending, I plan on winning this race.

With the nearest runner almost fifty yards back, IтАЩm not worried.

The finish line comes into sight. Dozens of people are waitingтАФcoaches and trainers from the camp, campers who competed in the shorter races, parents, and friends. As I get closer I see Nola and CescaтАФmy two best friendsтАФcheering like crazy. TheyтАЩve never missed one of my races.

IтАЩm closing in on thirty yards.

Twenty yards.



Victory is guaranteed. I pull up a little bit, not really slowing down but relaxing enough to let my body begin its recovery.

ThatтАЩs when I see Mom.

SheтАЩs standing with Nola and Cesca, smiling like IтАЩve never seen her smileтАФat least not in the last six years.

Why is she here?