Capturing The Ice Queen's Heart

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Show Me Those Pictures

From Vancouver, we flew to the Philippines. Returning to my home country with a silver medal and a fractured ankle was bittersweet for me. My injury would keep me off of the ice for one month and I might not be able to represent my country in the Winter Olympics next year.

That's the most painful experience of being an athlete... I could never turn back time and avoid the collision. I shouldn't ignore the fact that I could lose my chance to become the first Southeast Asian to win the gold medal in the most awaited event for every athlete around the world.

And if they wouldn't allow me, I have to wait for another four years and compete in different figure skating competitions for me to be able to qualify for the Olympics.

Four long years. I'd be 22 by then. Female figure skaters know what's up to compete at that age and past puberty. And of course, I trusted myself as the only reason why we wanted to join the Olympics was to bag that gold. Pero sa kalagayan ko ngayon, mas higit kong itinturing na karangalan ang mapasali roon. My body wasn't feeling it and I just hope that I could perform well—even with the possibility of not being able to stand on the podium.

"Your Uncle Sean prepared your favorite dessert, anak. We should go to their house first—"

Umiling ako at malungkot na nginitian si Mama. "I'm feeling under the weather right now, 'Ma. I want to take a rest."

Nagkatinginan sila ni Daddy at hindi na umimik pa. Back in Casa Lorenzo, an exclusive village located in Tagaytay, we drove passed through La Peonia Street where Uncle Sean and Aunt Harmony reside. Kung hindi sa ibang bansa, karamihan sa mga kamag-anak namin ay dito nakatira. Kung hindi sa aviation industry, kilala ang pamilya ng father's side ko sa real estate business. Isa ang Casa Lorenzo sa mga pag-aari nila.

Leaning against the window, I sighed and closed my eyes. Tinted ang aming sinasakyan, pero alam ng mga taong nadadaanan namin kung sinu-sino ang nakasakay.

Pagdating sa bahay ay naging abala 'agad si Daddy sa tawag ng grandparents ko. Pumunta siya sa kwarto ko dahil kanina pa raw nila ako gustong makausap.

"What do you want, apo? Bag? Ice skates? Phone? Makeup? Just tell me and I'll buy them for you!" I could feel the frustration in Lola Anastasia's voice, my grandmother from my father's side.

"I don't need those things, 'La. What I need is a peaceful environment for my fast recovery. Kaya nga po umuwi muna ako dito sa Tagaytay..." I responded as I hugged my favorite bolster.

She groaned and I smiled a little when I heard my grandfather's voice in the background—telling her to stop being so stubborn and just let me take a rest.

"Fine! We'll book a flight to the Philippines tomorrow and we'll visit you there, apo. Please, pass the phone to your dad. I have something to tell him."

"Here, Dad..." I raised my arm and handed it over to him.

My father, Azure Lorenzo, threw a serious glance at me and headed toward my balcony. Umikot ako sa kabilang side ng kama at pinagmasdan ang likod ni Daddy. Based on his body language, I think he's arguing with my grandmother. Well, 'lagi naman, eh.

I, then, looked at the door when I heard that the doorknob is being twisted. Mama's peeking through the crevice before she opened the door widely to let herself and my younger brother in.

Adam greeted me with a warm smile, showing me his two missing upper teeth when he was normally too shy to do so. I realized that he just wanted to cheer me up.