Strawberry | Hockey Rivalry 1 [Completed]

Four | Valerie

I grumbled as Roland listed off some of the things I needed to work on. I have my competition this weekend, and my routine is perfect. It's not what I'm competing with at the Olympics and everyone knows that. "We leave for the competition in Boston on Friday. Then Saturday you'll have time to adjust and practice your routine. Sunday morning is the competition and we fly back Sunday night." Sherry stated looking between Roland and I. Roxanne was beside me, trying to figure out the camera I got to film myself with. I got a new one and it's helping her stay out of this conversation.

"I think it's something to do with your triple in the corner. Maybe we could crescendo it." Roxanne stopped tinkering with the camera and looked up to Roland squinting. You do not mess with this powerhouse. Roxanne used to be a figure skater herself. She competed for Canada in four Olympics. After her fourth Olympic, during a world championship, her ACL tore. She tried to get back to the ice too soon after and ended up falling in practice and shattering her ankle bone. She hasn't competed since. Instead she found skaters like me and molded them into her version of an Olympian.

"Mhm. Roland don't you come in here and judge this one. This is a national competition. The world will get a TASTE. A TASTE." She paused and stared down Roland. "A taste of what she will do in the Olympics. I don't want anyone to know what type of routine or tricks she'll have. It's going to be outstanding."

Roland stared at Roxanne then looked over to me. "Can we get a clip of you for the Team USA media pages? Do a spin or something and then I'll leave you to it." I looked down at what I was wearing and sighed. It's an old high school shirt and a pair of army green leggings. Nothing spectacular. I nodded and he got Sherry to pull out her phone. I feel bad for Sherry. While she works to help me make it to specific events on time, she has to cater to Roland when he's here. Roland employs her to me. "After the competition in Boston, we head to England in November for nationals. Then the Olympics are being held in Paris, so in February we will go there."

I looked to Roxanne who blew out a breath knowing that the one in November is going to make it difficult for us to really perfect the one for the Olympics. Usually other countries don't have their skaters doing all these competitions right before the big show. They usually send the back ups that hold place if the front runners get injured or an emergency happens. I did a lap around the rink and made my way back to where Sherry and Roland stood with their phones. I did a Beillman spin. When I stopped Roland frowned at me.

"Take your hair down and let it flow. When you're done spinning, skate up past us." I looked to Roxanne who rolled her eyes and Mitchell was on the side writing some things down, so he wasn't paying attention. I pulled my hair out of my bun and let my hair fall on my shoulders. Roland nodded and looked me over. "Do you have something underneath the shirt? Can we tuck it under or take it off?" I blinked in confusion and Sherry's phone slipped down in concern. "Let's go we don't have all day here."

I have on my Nike Sports Bra that I created so I took off my shirt and gave it to Mitchell. When he saw what was going on he swore out. "This is wrong on so many levels, Val."

I did the same spin and when I was done I skated toward Sherry and gave a wink. "Good. Great content."

"Ay, shortay!" I looked over from the ice to see Gordie skating on. I raised an eyebrow as he made his way over to me. I set my water bottle down and let him engulf me into a hug. Gordie is a big buffoon of a man. He's almost 6'6'' and as a hockey defenseman he's built tough.

"Hi Gordie." He kissed the side of my head and I rolled my eyes. "How long will you be in town for?"

"Just the weekend, I need dad and mom to sign some stuff and get my papers all set for traveling. I'm pretty sure I made the team."