Capturing The Ice Queen's Heart

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Le mieux de monde

We completed the first practice session. Tumungo kami sa locker room as we needed to clear the rink for resurfacing. Napansin ko sa labas sina Coach Ara at Coach Joaquin kaya inubos ko 'yung tubig at nagpaalam na kay Michio.

"Are you gonna watch the men's short program tomorrow, Isla?" she inquired.

I nodded and smiled at her. "I wouldn't miss it, Mi-chan. There's a lot to look forward to. Let's watch it together!"

"Sure! Just give me a call, okay? See you tomorrow!"

Tumango ulit ako bago pumihit paalis. Nadaanan ko si Nikola at kitang-kita ko ang masamang titig niya sa akin. She was caressing her right elbow—noticeably in pain. I looked the other way as I joined my coaches outside.

Nagpaalam kami sa pamilya't mga kaibigan ko sa pamamagitan ng pagkaway. Tumungo kami sa parking area, pero hindi makalapit sa bus dahil sa mga gustong magpa-picture. They were my peers, a bit younger than me. May nag-aabang din na spectators sa ibang skaters kaya lang ay nananatili sila sa barricades gawa ng tight security.

Tahimik kaming pumasok sa bus. We'd have to wait for the others because they were still taking a group photo. Ikakabit ko na sana ang earpods at susubukang umidlip nang nagsalita si Coach Ara.

"Isla, I saw what you did there..."

Napatingin ako sa kanya. "Yes, I did that on purpose, Coach. She just slammed in the board; what happened to me last season was worse than that. She kept on distracting me and she got on my nerves—the reason why I acted out. But wasn't it just common sense to avert myself from colliding with her?"

I talked so fast and didn't even blink. Hindi siya nakasagot. What's the point of denying that? The last time wasn't an accident, but what's her motive now? Gano'n pa rin. She wants me out!

Suminghap ang nakikinig na si Coach Joaquin. "We're not blaming nor tolerating you, Isla. I even thought it was a good move coming from your part. But remember that you're an athlete. Be a good sport and string out your patience... even if she doesn't deserve it."

"I know, but she's too much. I can't be nice to her. Ibinabalik ko lang po 'yung energy na ibinibigay niya sa 'kin..." sagot ko habang nakanguso.

Pumalatak ng mahina si Coach Ara at bumuntonghininga. "Just be careful, Isla. Ayaw na nating maulit 'yung nangyari noon. Not here... not now. Iwasan mo lang siya hangga't maaari. You may think that you taught her a lesson, but it could also backfire. Don't do something stupid. Is that clear?"

"I won't do it again..." I said sincerely while looking at them. "But I won't turn a blind eye either. I won't simply tolerate it."

That day, I noticed that Nikola was cautious and seemed to have an allergic reaction to me. Ilang beses ko siyang nakasalubong sa Dining Hall at nakasabay sa pagtakbo sa track—ni hindi man lang ako tiningnan.

At 2:30 pm, we went to the practice rink just near the village and other sports venues to continue our training; she kept her distance and didn't bother me, which was a good thing 'cause I didn't want to deal with her crazy antics anymore. Sana lang ay magpatuloy iyon hanggang sa matapos ang competition.

I strictly followed my training schedule the next day. Napansin ko na halos lahat kami ay excited matapos ang practice bilang paghahanda sa magaganap na competition. The first team event featuring three disciplines, including the men's short program, will take place the day before the Opening Ceremony. We were able to secure our tickets—thanks to the organizers. Hindi namin pwedeng palagpasin iyon.