The Un-landed Everything

Chapter 22

I had two weeks. Two weeks to perfect everything. Two weeks to train to be champion. It sounds impossible, but I can manage.

~

                As a matter of fact, I managed.

                “I’ve never seen a better run through in all of your years of skating.” Coach Patty remarked as I skated to her after practicing my long program for the last time before the Olympics. “Great way to end your last practice, before the big O’s.”

                I started to freak out at the fact, I was leaving tomorrow. TOMORROW! I had been practicing from seven thirty, to eight o’clock. All day, and I still don’t feel ready. “Do you think I have a shot at gold?” I asked.

                “Keep your hopes up.”

                “What’s that supposed to mean.”

                “Be confident in yourself. It takes no fear.”

                “No fear,” I replied. “No fear.”

                “Now let’s see one last triple axel, and then call it a day.” Coach said grabbing my music and my water bottle.

                I stroked around the rink. Then I leaped. I felt that fabulous sensation. My bangs in my face, the air flushing my cheeks. Then it stopped. My blade skimmed the ice. I landed it once again.

~

                “Carmenn! Wake up!” My mother shouted.

                I sat up, a little drowsy.

                “Come on get ready. We have a plane to catch in three hours.” My mother said, walking out of my room.

I glance over at my clock. It’s 6:17; I had two hours, forty-three seconds, and approximately 23…24…25 seconds until I begin my journey to the Olympics. It’s finally happening.

                I trudge downstairs to breakfast. My dad is on the couch sipping coffee, and my mother eating her protein bar while reading the Target ad.  Everything seems so normal, but it’s really not.

                I walk over to the cabinet. I manage to reach my cereal; I get it down and pour it into a bowl filling it with milk, making it soggy.

                I finish eating quickly, and rush upstairs. Today’s the day. I’m so excited, but at the same time very nervous.

                I threw on an old t-shirt, and shorts since everything else is packed. I finish getting ready, and then head downstairs. My parents are outside putting their baggage in the trunk.

                I turn back, and look at the house on last time. I look upon the pale walls, covered in pictures of my youth. “Next time I see this place again, I’ll have a gold medal around my neck,” I mutter to myself, then I walk outside and close the door.