The Un-landed Everything

Chapter 25

                My mind doesn’t usually mention Nana’s death, but of course the greatest day of my life; the thought pops into my mind.  She would have been so proud of me. She would have got front row seats. She would of cheered the loudest. She would have understood my nerves, and hugged me tight. Sadly right now, I couldn’t worry about her, Rowan, or anyone else. Just me.

                My parents went and got their seats, while I met up with coach.              

I found her back in the locker room.

“Hello my Olympian,” Coach smiled when I walked in. “How are you feeling?”

“Like a nervous wreck.” I replied. The truth is, I felt pressured. I didn’t feel ready. I was scared. No, scared isn’t the right word…petrified.

“Just relax, you’ve got this.”

“What if I don’t? What if I make a fool of myself in front of the whole WORLD?”

“Carmenn, don’t think like that.” Coach remained calm.

“I HAVE TO! SO MANY THINGS COULD GO WRONG! I CAN’T TAKE IT!” I sat next to her and buried my face in her jacket.  She smelled like fresh strawberries, just blossoming in a field.

We sat there in silence. Until she spoke, “you don’t have to win. You already know you are one of the best. Period.”

“But—“

“No buts.” Coach stopped me. “Now quit sulking, and show the world the real Carmenn DiGiovanninninni!”

“Too many ‘nni’s’.” I smiled at coach’s error; even she couldn’t get my last name.

“Darn it, I thought I had it.”

I laughed.

~

“After Rowan there’s Marcela Cyanosis from China performs then you.” Coach whispered to me.

“Thanks for the not at all nerve wracking reminder,” I whispered back sarcastically.

“You’re welcome,” she replied rolling her eyes. “Watch its Rowan’s turn.”

“Rowan Jordan representing the U.S.A.” Boomed the announcer.

Rowan immediately raised her chin, smiled and glided onto the ice.

“GO ROWAN!” I shouted, clapping wildly.

She continued to smile, while waiting for her music to start.

I admire her confidence so much, she looks so determined. It’s amazing.

Her music then echoed through the speakers surrounding the arena, and she began.

I sat cracking my knuckled throughout her whole performance. I was so scared for her. 

Although there ended up being nothing to worry about. She skated a beautiful program, nailing her triple Lutz triple toe combination.

One more skater and than me.

“Marcela Cyanosis representing China,” remarked the announcer.

I paced the floor nervously.

“I’m guess shouldn’t tell you what’s happening on the ice right now?” Asked coach with a tinge of sarcasm.

“Please don’t.” I muttered.

I paced the floor nervously for what seemed like forever, until finally I was on.

I decided to plug my ears when the loud speaker boomed out Marcela’s scores, I couldn’t’ take any more pressure.

“Carmenn DiGiovanninni representing the U.S.A,”

I winced at the mis-pronounciacion of my last name. 

I glided on the ice smiling and waving at the crowd. I stepped into my beginning position then closed my eyes as I waited for my music.

The music suddenly starts pulling my out of my trans. I quickly step into my speedy footwork sequence, feeling the music as I skate. I keep smiling at the crowd expressionless. My mind is thoughtless, but my feet and arms are in full speed motion. I nail jump after jump. Soaring through the air, the wind rushing against my face, my bitter cheeks flushing as I skated my way up the scoreboard.

Finally I stopped and so did the music.

I looked around at the world around me. All sorts of goodies littering the ice, and all the smiles covering faces.

I couldn’t of been happier.