Just like everybody else . . .

Quiet, determined Kristin Thompson knows exactly what she wants from life. Since she was little, she has had one goal - to become a world-class tennis player. Now all she has to do is win one more tournament and she'll qualify to turn professional.
Then handsome Bruce Patman invites her out and sweeps her off her feet. But there's not enough room in Kristin's life for a boyfriend and professional tennis. She begins to wonder if a romance with Bruce will make her happier that winning the tournament ever could. Will Kristin give up the dream of a lifetime to live like an ordinary teenager?

"Kristin?" Mr. Thompson was waiting for her in the living room. The mantel clock was just chiming the half hour: ten-thirty.
"Dad, look, I'm so sorry-"
"I've been worried sick," Mr. Thompson cut her off. "You promices you'd be back in an hour, and then you show up three hours late."
Kristin took a deep breath. "We ended up going somewhere different than-"
"I'm disppointed in you Kristin," Mr. Thompson interrupted again. "I didn't think I needed to say this, but maybe I do. I've watched you work for years and years for the opportunity to join the pro circuit. Now I'm seeing you throw it all away. You aren't even bothering to take care of yourself before the biggest tournament of your life. Doesn't this tournament matter to you anymore?"
Kristin felt as if she had been slapped. She couldn't answer.
"That's all I have to say to you. Now, I'm going to bed," Mr. Thompson said. "And I suggest that you do the same."
Kristin didn't say a word. She just stared at his back as he walked out of the room. If only she could explain that the tournament did matter to her - more than anything in the world - but that she also wanted to see what it felt like to be a normal teenager.

Will Jessica get to be queen of the Citizen's Day Ball? Two-Boy Weekend