Capturing The Ice Queen's Heart

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Last Minute

"Coach, what didn't you like about my short program? Was it the music? Artistry? Or the technicalities?"

We stopped my training and went upstairs to talk. Coach Ara was the one who approved it even after my former head coach had left. And, I didn't have any problems with it at all. So I'm really confused right now. This is a serious matter and I'm freaking out!

"Artistry-wise, choreography, and emotional interpretation—wala akong negatibong masasabi, Isla. Graceful kang sumayaw, magaan kang tingnan, at bawat pagkumpas ng kamay mo ay nasa lugar. I also liked your step sequence; the turns and steps were so complex and you executed it with total commitment. You made it look like dancing on ice was so easy..."

Nagkatinginan kami ng katabi kong si Coach Ara. It feels like he spilled the good news first and then there's the... bad news.

"Kaya lang, nakulangan ako pagdating sa technicalities. Alam mo kung bakit? Dahil hinayaan mong makita ko na nasasaktan ka. You were holding back," my eyes widened after hearing that.

I swallowed hard to restrain myself from saying anything. I couldn't believe that he caught that.

"Isla..." tawag sa akin ni Coach Ara, bakas ang pag-aalala sa kanyang mukha.

"Your jumps are inconsistent and your landings are unstable; what they lack is power. Kaya minsan kapag pa-landing ka na, mapapaisip 'yung mga nanonood kung babagsak ka ba o manginginig lang ang mga tuhod 'tapos okay na parang walang nangyari. Alam mo na isang pagkakamali lang, kayang-kayang bawiin 'yon ng mga kalaban mo sa mas mataas na scores gawa ng perpektong routine nila. You have to control your skates, pero natatakot ka na mapuruhan 'yung paa mo na kagagaling lang sa injury. Tama ba?"

Nakayuko, suminghap ako at kinurot ang mga daliri ko. "I know, Coach. But I couldn't help it. This is my only chance, yet I don't wanna risk it..."

"But you don't have to land quads para lang masabi na ikaw ang best figure skater sa buong mundo. The judges are looking for someone excellent in showcasing both artistry and skills—dahil iyon ang figure skating. Combine a ballerina and sports, that's figure skating. Pero dahil nga pinipigilan mo ang sarili mo, naapektuhan ang skills mo. Kapag nagkulang ka sa kahit alin diyan sa dalawang 'yan, asahan mo nang mababa ang placement mo."

I closed my eyes and shed a tear. Hinawakan ni Coach Ara ang kanang kamay ko, but I feel so awful right now. Nothing can comfort me; not my parents or my favorite Portuguese egg tarts.

"Tatanungin ulit kita..." Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Coach Joaquin. "Does your short and freestyle programs deserve a gold medal?"

"No..." I admitted painfully.

He exhaled heavily. "You know your body the best. So, is your condition will hinder you from getting the silver medal?"

"Yes," pinunasan ko ang pisngi ko nang tumulo ang panibagong luha doon.

"Then, will you be able to step on the lowest podium?" marahan, ngunit seryoso niyang tayong.

I nodded, composing myself. "I'll try, Coach."

"Then we'll work hard to earn that bronze medal..." Niyakap ako ni Coach Ara na minsan lang magpakita ng affection dahil madalas seryoso. "I'm sorry I didn't notice. It was my fault, Isla. Handa akong salohin lahat ng responsibilidad—"

Umiling ako. "It's alright, Coach. You were distracted. I'm sorry, too, I became so wary and it almost cost me months of tears, sweat, and effort. I almost blew it up!"