Capturing The Ice Queen's Heart

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Rendezvous

After that meaningful night with Triton, I decided to start again and go back to the basics. And with the basics, I meant training like a novice because my skills had become so rusty compared to when I was at the senior level a year and a half ago.

Of course, I was motivated but it wasn't that easy especially since I couldn't rely on muscle memory. I had to do it discreetly because I wanted to feel myself first—more like evaluating the situation before going all out. I thought the hardest part was splitting my time between training and going to school; it reminded me of the reason why I was homeschooled in the first place. Kaya naman habang wala pang gabay ng mga coach, nag-focus muna ako sa proper diet at pagpapalakas ng stamina ko.

"Oh, you went to the gym again?" bungad ni Rayiane pagbalik ko sa unit.

Ibinaba ko 'yung duffel bag sa gilid ng countertop at kumuha ng tubig. Tinanguan ko siya, medyo nahahapo pa. Nag-la-light workout naman ako pagkatapos kong tumigil sa pag-skate, but I was doing it differently now.

Dala ang basong may tubig, tinabihan ko siya sa sofa. Two hours na ang lumipas mula no'ng umalis ako at hanggang ngayon ay hindi niya pa nasisimulan ang parte niya sa research nila. 'Tulad ni Triton ay graduating na rin siya kaya mas focused na sa pag-aaral at bihira na lang kung gumala.

She sighed and pushed the MacBook away from her. "I'll just continue that later! Ka-stress talaga! And after this, I have to work in our bank. I won't be going to school anymore and you'll see me in corporate attire na!"

I chuckled and patted her back. "Ang bilis nga ng panahon, eh. Are you still going to live here kahit may work ka na?"

"Yes! Dito pa rin ako kasi nag-aaral ka pa, 'no? The only thing that can separate us from each other is marriage!" nginisian niya ako at kahit labag sa kalooban ay ipinagpatuloy na ang ginagawa.

I smiled and sat on the carpeted floor like her. Isinandal ko ang ulo ko sa kanang balikat niya at binasa 'yung scratch papers. I decided to help her so that we could have an early dinner.

'Tulad ng nakasanayan ko bago matulog, I practiced my jumps and spins off-ice. I attempted a double flip and instantly regretted it. I lost my balance and my left knee hit the edge of the bed—making me scream soundlessly.

"Aww! That freaking hurts!" reklamo ko habang nakasalampak at hawak ang nasaktang tuhod.

That was one of the consequences of quitting the sport and although I already saw it coming, I couldn't believe how my body got so weak that I didn't have the energy to get up.

"I'm not there yet. I still have a long way to become that version of myself..." Bulong ko at pinilit na tumayo.

I took the notebook and pen to record my failed attempt. I would always jot down everything that had happened every single day starting from my meal plan, the intensive workout with my trainer, and my off-ice training at night. Lahat ng achievement, improvement, at shortcomings ko ay nakasulat doon para may basehan kapag dumating 'yung araw na muli akong tatapak sa rink.

"Don't you feel hot, Isla? If I could wear a swimsuit here, I would! Ang OA ng weather!" ani Rayiane nang tingnan ulit ang suot kong sweatshirt at jeans.

Sobrang init nga at gusto ko na lang yakapin 'yung aircon pagdating sa room. But I had to cover my skin as I didn't want them to see all the bruises on my body—lalo na sa mga binti ko.

Nag-palusot ako. "I know! Kaya nga ganito ang suot ko para hindi masunog ang balat ko. See you na lang sa condo mamaya. Please take care," bumeso ako sa kanya at lumiko na sa kanang hallway.