When We Meet Again

Prologue

The main character speaks various languages. To separate them, the format of the words are going to change depending on the language that they are in.

In just normal format, the language is Japanese.

In Italic, the language is English.

In Bold, the language is Spanish.

In Bold and Italic, the language is Korean.

Underlined means that the language is Yoruba.

The only exception to this would be text messages, which will always be in Italics no matter what the language is.

Bright lights flood my eyes as I stare up at the board with anticipation. Fingers clench around my hand and give it a light shake. "No matter what happens, we are still proud of you." I flash her a small smile before loud cheers fill the arena to the brim.

"And she does it again! Ae-Ri Utusi takes home another gold for South Korea. She truly is their Nation's Pride. This would be her second gold medal in figure skating and fourth gold medal all together to bring home!"

The commentators' voices fade into the background as a smile splits my cheeks while I get pulled into a hug by the people on either side of me.

"We knew you could do it. I can't tell you enough of how proud we are of you. We should-"

She gets cut off by a hand being placed on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry but I'm going to have to ask you to please move into the waiting rooms. We need to start clearing everyone out."

"Of course, we don't want to hold y'all up. I'm sure you've got things that need to get done." She quickly detangles herself before standing up out of her chair with a clap of her hands.

"Okay guys, let's get a move on." I let out a low chuckle before standing up with the bear secured in my arms. I led the way back to the waiting rooms where a group of reporters were waiting.

As soon as I passed through the arch, questions were flung out. Reporters trying to talk over one of each other causing all of their words to be jumbled up together. However, one question, in particular, stuck out.

"Miss Utusi, what are your plans concerning the next Winter Olympics?"

My heart skipped a beat at the unknowingly loaded question. "I am actually going to retire from the Winter Olympic Games. This was my last one to compete in."

●●●

Meme <3

You're quitting figure skating?

Ae-Ri

Ya, Alex and I talked about it and it seemed like it was the best option

Not to mention that I'm starting to get old, I'm not sure how much longer I could continue

Meme <3

Did y'all talk about it or did he talk to you about it?

Ae-Ri

...

We talked about it

I don't understand why you and Alex can never get along

Meme <3

Ya, that sounded real convincing

You know why I don't like him

Ae-Ri

I know I know but he's not like that! I swear

I gotta go, Marisabel is wanting some attention

You should come visit sometime and visit us, I miss you

Meme <3

If you say so, just know that I'm always here for you

I should, it's almost been a year

Tell the little stink that I said hi

... I miss y'all too

A message has been deleted

"I hope he knows that I saw his message before he deleted it," I muttered looking down at my phone. A gurgle catches my attention causing my head to snap up and stare at Marisabel sitting in her high chair. "Ya your uncle Meme is silly isn't he?" She slams her hands onto the table in front of her and throws her head back as a gleeful giggle makes its way out of her throat.

A beagle head pops up from under the high chair as I scoot out my own to stand up. Wanting me to pick her up, Mari raises her arms as I come closer. Carefully I pull her out of her high chair, making sure that her legs don't get stuck inside. I put her on my hip and rock around the kitchen, waiting for the salmon to finish cooking.

The door clicks shut as two pairs of feet enter the house. Hushed giggles and clothing hitting the ground make me freeze in my spot. My feet slowly take me out of the kitchen and into the hallway as two figures step into the bedroom just shy of being fully unclothed. The dark wording on the man's shoulder stands out and causes my breath to get stuck in my throat.

Stuck for what seems like just seconds, the smell of the salmon burning fills my nose as the giggles of Mari get drowned out by the activities occurring in the bedroom just thirty feet away. Finally unstuck, I hurriedly grabbed her baby bag and my keys before booking it out of the door. The beagle stayed right at my heels the entire way to the car until I opened the door for him to get in before buckling Mari up into her car seat.

I slide into the front seat and stare into the black screen of my phone. A wet nose poking at the back of my hair snaps me out of my daze and I turn my phone on. The phone rings several times before it gets answered.

"What's up? Shouldn't you be celebrating with Alex right now?"

"Can I come stay with you for a few days?" My voice breaks at the end of my question and he pauses for a minute before replying.

"Sure."