Most Likely

By Craig Hansen

Becky Howard is a teen under pressure.

Pressure from her best friend not to breathe a word about the abuse she’s suffering by her mother.

Pressure from her sister to understand her marital difficulties.

Pressure from her boyfriend to get more physical than she’s ready for.

And pressure from the rumors about her boyfriend that are eroding her trust in him.

As she prepares for the biggest track meet of her life, Becky’s about to learn that sometimes growing up is about more than having sex, and that clinging to ideals might not be as helpful as learning to expect whatever is Most Likely.

Most Likely is approximately 63,000 words long and contains light Christian themes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Craig Hansen
• Release date: Aug 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501445453

Craig Hansen

Craig Hansen wrote his first SF published short story, "The S.S. Nova," when he was fourteen. It was published in the Minnesota Writers in the Schools COMPAS program's 1981 anthology of student writing, When It Grows Up, You Say Goodbye To It. That was when he decided to dedicate himself to writing. Hansen earned two degrees at Minnesota State University at Mankato under the mentorship of young adult novelist Terry Davis. In the years that followed, Hansen worked a variety of jobs, including five years in journalism in northwestern Wisconsin, where he earned several state awards for his writing and editing. His work has appeared in the Meadowbrook Press anthology, Girls to the Rescue, Book 1, as well as the true crime journal, Ripper Notes, in volume 28. His first novel, Most Likely, was released in May 2011. Shada, the first installment of the Ember Cole series of young adult paranormal suspense books, was published in September 2011. Under Contract followed in the spring of 2012. The Devohrah Initiative appeared in August 2013. Nice Girl Like You is his most-recent work. Hansen remains hard at work on two novel-length books. Ember continues the story of Ember Cole that began in Shada, and will be the second novel in that series. EyeCU (working title) will become his first novel-length horror tale for older readers. Hansen lives in Oregon with his wife, a dog, two cats, and his 91-year-old father, a World War II veteran. Craig's interests include the music of Johnny Cash, reading the novels of other independent authors, blogging, and the study of Messianic theology. On his website, you can sign up to receive a periodic email newsletter that will notify you when he releases new books. Web: http://www.craig-hansen.com/ Email: [e-mail] Twitter @craigahansen Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craig-Hansen-Author/136888346383154

Book preview

Dedication

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For my mother, Gertrude Lucille Hansen, who started it all by reading to me as a child. You are missed.

Chapter 1

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R unners to your marks!

At Coach Lansing’s words, Becky Howard walked to her respective lane and assumed her starting stance. She looked to her right and her heart began pounding quickly, climbing in her throat while she waited for the smoke from the starter’s pistol.

Set! the coach yelled.

Becky shook her arms out. She felt poised and patient.

When the smoke appeared, she launched herself down the track, the sound of the pistol reaching her an instant later. She started smooth and found her pace. In one of the outside lanes, Lucie Ford jack-rabbited off the gun and leapt to an early lead. Becky didn’t let it bother her. Her legs pumping, she breathed in through her nose, out through her mouth. She kept her eyes straight ahead and concentrated on maintaining her pace.

As the first lap came to a close, she pulled even with Lucie. The younger girl was huffing irregularly, her skin glistening with a fine sheen of sweat in the oppressive afternoon sun. When Lucie glanced over and saw Becky running even with her, she panicked and poured on an extra burst of speed. The effort put her three strides ahead of Becky. She stayed there throughout the second lap.

Becky picked up her pace as she pounded out the third lap and hugged the inside track as she came to the first turn. Lucie’s feet moved in a blur but as Becky pulled even with her, they fell into an identical pace. Lucie’s face strained from the effort to breathe as she huffed like a steam engine.

Her own lungs began to burn, but Becky maintained control of her breathing. She ignored her body, knowing the feeling would soon pass.

As the girls passed Coach Lansing, the gun sounded again, signaling the final lap.

Becky sped up, pulling energy from an inner reserve. Lucie found her own burst of energy and managed to stay even with Becky as they entered the first turn. Becky held the inside lane as she rounded the turn, hoping to pull ahead and finish Lucie off, but the sophomore stayed dead even.

She’s improving, Becky thought. As they entered the far stretch, matching each other stride for stride, Becky held her pace. She reserved her final effort for the finishing turn. When Lucie cried out, No, no, no, each time she exhaled, Becky knew she had won.

The final turn rose to meet them and she poured everything she had into the last push. She pulled ahead. As the sound of the team’s cheers reached her ears, Lucie faded back and out of Becky’s peripheral vision. When she reached the finish line, she led by two full strides. She slowed down and began walking off the run. She turned around to look for Lucie. The sophomore seemed ready to collapse. Becky walked up and embraced her despite the blistering temperature.

Good run, she whispered to her.

Lucie wheezed, but managed a reply. You ran like it was the state meet, not just a regular practice heat.

You have to, Becky replied.

Don’t sit down, Coach Lansing reminded the two girls as she approached them. She patted each of them on the shoulder. Walk it off.

They nodded and made their way to the inside field, where they began walking slow circles. Becky felt like the heat emanated off her body instead of beating down on her from the sun. Her uniform clung to her, soaked with sweat, and her legs felt as though they might turn to liquid if she stopped walking.

You’re really good, Lucie said.

She thought she detected a note of despair in the other girl’s voice.

So are you, she replied. You’ve improved a lot. You had me going until that final turn.

Story of my life, Lucie said, and attempted a smile.

Don’t think of it that way, she said. You just need to nail down a couple more fundamentals. Get your breathing under control for the whole run and you’ll make a lot of folks lose sleep.

You think so? Lucie asked.

Becky smiled. Maybe even me.

In my dreams. Lucie wiped her forehead with the back of one arm. It’s so hot.

Let’s grab some Gatorade.

They walked to the center of the inner field where a huge orange cooler sat on a bench next to an open bag of Styrofoam cups. Becky let Lucie pour one for herself first, then poured her own.

Take it slow, she said. She grabbed Lucie’s arm as the other girl gulped her drink down. You’ll make yourself sick.

Tastes too good to go slow, Lucie gasped.

The starter’s gun cracked behind them, signaling the start of another heat, and they both startled in spite of themselves.

Where’s your buddy, Tammy Jo? Lucie asked as they each poured another cup of Gatorade. She glanced around the field. We’re just a week out from regionals. She’s almost guaranteed gold for us in the high hurdles.

Becky shrugged. I didn’t see her at lunch today.

She wouldn’t skip before regionals, would she?

Not if she had a choice, she thought to herself, but to Lucie she merely shrugged. Tammy Jo skipped school more often than she should, but Becky still worried when it happened. She decided to call her friend after practice.

So are you ready for the prom? Lucie asked.

Pretty much, she replied. I still need to buy my prom dress.

Lucie looked at her, eyes wide. You don’t have your prom dress? The dance is only a month away!

I’ll be picking it out tonight, Becky said. I’ve narrowed it down to a couple choices.

I would just go insane if I hadn’t picked out my dress yet, Lucie said. If I were going to the prom, that is.

Becky was looking forward to the dance, but for the moment the regional meet weighed more heavily on her mind. She’d begin preparing for the prom once the track season wound down.

Beyond the track area, a group of boys practiced the field events. Scott Layman, a junior, stepped into a netted area and began warming up for a discus throw.

There’s your boyfriend, right? she said. She pointed at Scott

That’s him, Lucie replied. She grew silent for a moment, watching him warm up. He spun around and around before he let the discus fly as easily as a Frisbee. It landed two feet short of the best mark on the field, and as Scott trudged off, another boy rotated in.

Lucie sighed. He hasn’t asked me to the prom yet. I’m going crazy. I’m beginning to wonder if he’s going to ask me at all.

I saw him at the mall last Saturday, Becky said hesitantly. Hanging with Lynn Klien.

The freshman? I don’t worry about her. Scott and her are, like, next door neighbors, Lucie said.

Becky decided not to press the point.

Talk to him if you’re that worried, she suggested. Maybe it just slipped his mind.

Slipped his mind? Lucie said, shocked. Something as important as the prom slipped his mind? No way.

He’s a guy, Becky said. It’s possible.

Lucie laughed. Thanks, Becky, she said. I needed that. Too bad Scott isn’t more like Tom. You’re lucky. What a hunk.

Tom Shooter and Becky had dated since almost the beginning of the school year, ever since her parents had given her permission to date. She wished he were on the track team, instead of swimming at the Y, so she could sit and watch him practice between her own heats, like Lucie.

Tom’s not bad, she agreed.

Not bad? Lucie teased. Only not bad?

Like Bill Cosby once said, God created everything and he called it ‘good.’ Just good. Think about it like that, and ‘not bad’ is…

Not bad? Lucie finished.

They giggled and watched the boy’s team practice while they continued to cool down from their run. Practice lasted another half hour and Becky ran two more short heats to pace and push underclassmen before Coach Lansing finally called it a day. As the team made their way off the field and toward the showers, the coach made her way toward Becky and fell in step beside her.

Do you know where Tammy Jo is? Lansing asked.

No, Becky replied. Not for sure.

Are you going to see her tonight?

Becky shrugged. I plan on calling her. Why?

Give her a message from me. She can’t miss any more practices. Regionals are Saturday. If she doesn’t practice, she doesn’t run.

If I get hold of her, I’ll tell her, Becky promised.

Coach Lansing frowned. Make sure you do.

Chapter 2

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After Becky finished showering, she changed back into her street clothes and headed for the student parking lot. Tom stood waiting for her, leaning against the hood of her decade-old, blue Chevy Lumina as she approached. His own black Honda Civic was parked next to it. He was dressed simply in black khakis and a powder blue Hope High School t-shirt, darkened in spots where it clung to his chest. Even as simply as he was dressed, the sight of him revved Becky’s engines. Still, part of her wished he wasn’t waiting for her. She wanted to drive home, call Tammy Jo and find out what was going on, and if Tom turned on the charm enough, Becky knew she’d get swept up into whatever he had planned.

Hey there, she said, smiling.

Tom stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. She let him hug her for a moment, breathing in the smell of his skin. When she detected the hint of chlorine, she gently pushed him back. It’s too hot, she said. No time to shower at the Y after your swim?

I wanted to be here on time to meet you. Want to come over to my place for supper tonight?

Mmmm, Becky hedged, considering. Tom’s mother cooked like a talented contestant on The Next Iron Chef. I’d love to, but I have plans.

Fine, Tom said. Although he was still smiling, there was a note of disappointment in his voice. She hated when he acted like that.

Stop pouting, she said. She reached out and poked him in the ribs to ease the sting out of her words. I need to check in on Tammy Jo.

Need help?

Becky shook her head. No. She’ll be more open if it’s just the two of us.

She joined him, leaning against the hood of her car. The metal hood burned the backs of her thighs and she was glad she was wearing jeans instead of shorts. Despite the heat, she leaned toward Tom and rested the side of her head briefly on his shoulder.

Have you been waiting long? she asked.

Not really, he said. After the Y, I picked up a new sheaf of paper at Wal-Mart. I’ve only been here for a couple minutes.

How’s the writing coming? Tom wrote short stories all the time and had been talking about a novel he was planning for several weeks now.

Okay, he answered. He fell silent for a moment, then asked, So how’d practice go?

I ran a heat against Lucie today, Becky said. She really pushed me.

She’s only a sophomore, isn’t she? Tom asked.

She nodded. She’s improving. She may give me trouble next year.

I don’t think you have anything to worry about, he said. You’re terrific and you’re going all the way to state this year and next.

I wish I felt so confident about it, she said. Meg Swanson’s going to be hard to beat.

Maybe so, he allowed. But you want to know what I think? I think over in Spooner, Meg Swanson is standing in the parking lot with her boyfriend, complaining about how Becky Howard is going to be tough to beat.

Becky’s heart melted a little then and she leaned over and allowed him to kiss her. His lips were dry and she realized she’d taken him by surprise for a change. The moment sent chills down her spine and she shivered. He drew back and said, Orange rosemary chicken. Stuffed red peppers.

Becky growled, hunger catching up with her. It had been a long practice in the intense heat.

No fair, she protested.

Tomato pie. Raspberry yogurt pops, he continued.

I can’t, she said. Other plans.

Tom clutched his heart as though he’d been stabbed and staggered backward. Okay, he said. Fine. Whatever you say. I’ll just find something else to do.

Becky laughed. She stood and leaned toward him to give him another kiss, this one brief. Check with Larry. I bet he’s free.

Homemade barbecue-flavored potato chips. Tom’s eyes glinted with sexy mischief.

Meanie, said Becky. Tammy Jo, remember? I really need to get going.

I’ll call you later tonight, he said.

Okay. Love you.

Later, he replied. Tom ducked into his Civic and drove off, kicking up a cloud of dust and gravel as he left. Becky watched him go, then climbed into her Lumina and drove home, her stomach growling all the way.

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When Becky arrived home, stillness encompassed the house, making it clear no one else was there. On the dining room table, she found a letter addressed to her from her sister, Geena, and calling Tammy Jo slipped her mind. Becky picked the letter up. The Phoenix, Arizona postmark always looked foreign to her. It was hard to believe her sister now lived so far away.

Geena had moved away to attend the University of Minnesota when Becky was in eighth grade. A year later, Geena had become engaged to a young man she’d met at the university, Peter Malkowitz. After they married, Geena and Peter had moved to Arizona, where he had a job with IBM waiting for him.

For the past couple years, Geena had written to Becky at least once a month, and sent her emails weekly and text messages almost daily. Becky missed her sister, and in all of Geena’s communications, Geena had confessed the feeling was mutual. She wished Geena could be with her tonight, when she went to pick out her prom dress.

Becky enjoyed shopping, but it always reminded her of her sister. Geena excelled at shopping for clothes, and served as her mentor. She had created three rules of dress shopping.

First, Geena told her in a dramatic voice, never trust the advice of a salesperson, no matter how well they treat you. A salesperson will say you look great in a burlap bag if it costs a lot.

Becky would nod in agreement each time Geena gave the speech on dress buying. She had enjoyed these times with her sister, and counted them among the few moments they shared when Geena treated her as an equal.

Second, Geena would always say, never be fooled by a huge price tag. Just because a dress costs a fortune doesn’t guarantee it will look good on you. Remember my purple dress? I look great in that dress, don’t I?

Becky agreed. Of all the dresses her sister owned, the purple one was Becky’s favorite. Some nights she’d lie awake wishing the dress belonged to her, and for a figure to fill it out. Becky considered her sister attractive, but when Geena wore the purple dress she transformed into a knockout.

I bought that dress for sixty-nine dollars in JC Penny, Geena had boasted. I’d spotted other dresses priced two, three, even four times as much. None of them complimented me like the purple dress.

She would continue with the speech. The third rule was the most important and whenever she reached it, Geena’s voice dropped. In a solemn tone, she told Becky, "Sometimes, it’s okay to break the rules. Dress shopping should be fun, not a chore. Remember, it’s supposed to make you happy. Not your boyfriend, not the salesperson, not Mom and Dad, and not even me. Just you. So learn to listen to your heart, and learn when to trust it."

The advice had served Becky well. In the last three years, she hadn’t purchased a dress she didn’t love. The only difference now was shopping for them without Geena.

A month before her wedding, Geena had taken Becky dress shopping one final time. Becky’s maid of honor dress had already been chosen and Geena made it clear this spree was for a dress Becky wanted for fun, a gift from one sister to another. Due to the wedding plans, they only had one day free to shop. Instead of messing around in Hope, they went straight to the Mall of America in Bloomington, their favorite retail location. They looked at all sorts of dresses that Saturday afternoon. Geena kept telling Becky price was not a question, but as the day slipped away, Becky still hadn’t found a dress she loved.

I don’t believe there’s not at least one dress you really want, Geena said as they sat in the food court on the third floor, munching on tacos and gorditas.

Becky shrugged. I don’t know. We’ve seen a lot of dresses, but.... This is all going so fast.

Geena nodded, pursed her lips and stared at her gordita for a long moment.

All right, she said. Magic time. I’m your fairy godsister and I can grant you one wish. Imagine a dress. One dress you want more than any other in the whole world. Just picture it in your mind.

Becky laughed. Are you serious?

Do it.

Closing her eyes, she did. The dress that came to mind didn’t surprise her, but she felt ashamed for even thinking of it. Her cheeks grew warm.

You’ve got it, Geena said triumphantly. I know you do. Now tell me.

Becky said nothing and Geena reached across the table and put a hand on her arm, concerned.

It’s all right, Becky. Just tell me. Whatever it is, it’s yours.

She sighed. The purple dress. Your purple dress.

I still know you. It had been a strange statement at the time, but Becky later came to believe Geena had been talking to herself at that moment.

Then Geena had caught Becky’s eyes and said, It’s yours. I’ve known you wanted it for a long time.

A month later Geena married Peter and they had moved. The purple dress had stayed behind, hanging in a protective plastic bag in Becky’s closet.

Smiling at the memory, Becky turned the letter over and tore it open. A paragraph on the first page caught her eye.

I should have finished my degree before marrying Peter, Geena wrote. "I’ve been able to take a couple night classes per semester out here in Phoenix, but now with the baby due in a month, I won’t be able to keep that up. At the pace I was going, I would

Reviews for Most Likely

[madamediotte · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A truly moving story that easily kept me engaged. Becky's difficult life situations and how she reacted to them were believable and intriguing. The way Becky questioned her faith, those she loves, and herself made her feel like a well-rounded character. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

[stormyjmarie_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this book because it starts right off with the story and not a lot of description and keeps on going. It shows how a girl had everyday situations that sometimes weren't all smooth. Girls tend to be more of an emotional creature and this book helps to show how the storms of life comes about and how this teen handled them. The book covers teen pressures, dealing with friendships issues, abuse of friends, keeping secrets, rumors, and family problems. Oh, it even covered the expectation of a friend dying. In life everything comes down to making a CHOICE. It also helps those who are always helping others to realize it is okay to take a few moments out to recoop. I especially liked the fact that this teenager was a Christian and the author was able to bring in her concerns about does she follow her beliefs or go with the crowd."Most Likely" by Criag HansenAfter reading this book, I am going to check to see whatelse this author has written. Keep them coming. Good job!

[cmbohn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Becky Howard would like to focus on nothing but her upcoming track meet and prepare for state competition. But her friend's in trouble - her abusive mom is out of control - and her boyfriend is unhappy - he wants more intimacy. Becky is caught between wanting to protect her friend and keep her promises, Tammy winds up in the hospital fighting for her life. Suddenly, running is not as important as it used to be.I enjoyed this book, but it felt incomplete to me. Everything just sort of ends, with Becky not sure what's going to be next for her. Maybe this is part of a series, but still, it needed a stronger resolution. I'm not sure that I would read more by this author, but I felt that for Christian teen fiction, it was pretty good. So I gave it 3 stars.

[saritad_39 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Most Likely" is a novel about a high school marathon runner faces a plethora of big issues. Hansen discussed peer pressure, premarital sex, abuse, friendship and struggling with Christian Faith in a touching and respectful manner. I've read some Christian Fiction that focused too much on the "gory" details and not as much on the emotional and moral issues that lie behind it. The characters were well developed and very relate able. Despite the fact that this book addresses some mature themes, I would definitely give it to a teen to help them gain some perspective on Christian living and making hard choices.

[saffron12_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book(epub) through LibraryThing, and I just finished reading it. I could not put the book down. . . I really wondered how the story would turn out. Overall I liked it, and yes, it has a "light" Christian theme, which was handled well and fairly realistically with Becky's doubts. I thought some of the writing was a little stilted at times and other times flowed well. Particularly at the beginning, one of the teens said that he went to buy sheaf of paper. I wonder how realistic that is? I personally would have never said such a thing as a teen. I would have said "pack of paper" instead. The conclusion of the book felt very rushed suddenly, and rather left me hanging in a way.

[janarose1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Most Likely" tackles the difficult questions of abuse, teen sex and maintaining faith throughout difficult periods of life. Becky Howard has trained all year for a track meet, one that she desperately wants to win. On top of the pressures of being an athlete, Becky is struggling with whether to tell an adult about the abuse her best friend is suffering. When she does tell, she discovers that it is much too late. While visiting her friend in the hospital, Becky is dealing with pressures to have sex and her sister's marital problems. I thought the book dealt with these difficult topics in an important way. It showed Becky's internal struggles as she attempted to work through her problems and handle all of the situations around her. Although sometimes she failed, I felt that this mirrored the realities of life. Overall, I enjoyed the author's writing style and the characters dialogue. The Christian themes were not overpowering, which will allow a greater number of teenagers to enjoy the book.

[megan9celtic_girl · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

'Most Likely' deals with the issues of abuse, infidelity, and waning faith. It deals with the issues well. This book was an easy one to read and I was able to read 'Most Likely' in one sitting.Becky Howard is a track athlete and has a good chance of making it to state. She has been dating Tom, who is a swimmer, for almost a year, but she has loved him for much longer than that. The problem is that Tom doesn't share her beliefs, though she has tried, and failed, to convert him."You thought you could convert him." Becky nodded. Her face flushed. "Only instead of you moving him closer to God, dating him has been moving you away from God." Geena, Becky's sister, lives in Arizona and is having marital problems. Geena is pregnant and close to her due date, when she leaves her husband. She comes home to her parents and sister, who are very surprised at her sudden departure from her husband. "If I'd chosen my husband as carefully as I choose my dresses," Geena had written, "I think I might have been a lot better off."There were some very shocking and unexpected things that happened in this book, which I thought made it all the more enjoyable, but I won't say what they are because if you choose to read this book it would spoil the story.There were a couple of times that the characters swore, and a quite a few times that they took the names of Jesus and God in vain. For a book that was catergorized as a Christian book, I find this unacceptable. 'Most Likely' is a book that I will most likely (LOL) not read again - I just had to say that because of the title. Seriously, had it not been for the disrespectful use of God's name, I probably would have recommended it - as the rest of the story is great. But, I can't. I also feel that this book should not be classified as a Christian fiction novel - because true Christians wouldn't use the names of God in that way.*** I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

[skstiles612 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I guess I will address the style of writing first. It was so smooth and fluid that I believe even reluctant readers or those with reading difficulties will be able to pick up this book , read and enjoy it. I don’t know if it was just his style of writing or because I am a teacher that I was able to slip into the story and identify with these teens. Either way he is an author to watch out for.As a teacher I see the pressures teens are under every day. No matter what your religious beliefs, teens all face the same pressures. They must deal with friendships, and decisions about their behavior in all situations. Most teens see themselves as invincible. The bad things won’t happen to them. I became a Christian as a child of eight years old. I can tell you that I faced the same pressures as my friends who were not Christians. Craig Hansen has crafted a realistic story that shows just some of the pressures your typical teen may face. He then throws in the pressure of abuse, keeping secrets, family problems and the emotions of dealing with all of these issues. I had difficulty stopping for anything while reading this book. I look forward to it coming out in physical form so that I can add it to my shelves at school. Although many people who read this might not think it is a book that should be placed in middle schools because of the topic of sexual pressure, I disagree. In the last three years I’ve known at least four middle school students who made bad choices and got pregnant. A book like this lets the reader know that the feelings are normal but that everything in life comes down to choices. The way the main character handled all of the situations she was faced with, made it extremely believable. It did not portray her as this super human teen able to conquer any problem thrown at her. It showed the emotional roller-coaster she was on. I not only look forward to reading more by this author, I plan on telling everyone I know about his work. I really enjoyed the light Christian theme. So many times our teens feel like they are in the world alone faced with decisions they don’t want to make. Christian or not this book fills that gap. Anytime a book can bring out the emotions this book brought out in me, it goes high on my list.