Capturing The Ice Queen's Heart

Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Divided

Everyone would've joined me in the rink if they only wore skates. The music had stopped, but I felt like my world was spinning around. My performance was rather chill than my usual routine, but I got so dizzy. Idagdag pa ang matinding pagod na para bang ang laki ng itinanda ko.

Nag-skate ako palabas at doon ay inaabangan ako ng mga magulang ko. I didn't know which way to look at 'cause all of them were calling me at the same time. May nagtatanong, may nag-c-cheer, may emotional, at may tulala sa nasaksihan. Syempre, hindi naman nila inakala na gagawin ko 'yon.

They thought I would never go back. I did, too, but I wanted to try again with a stronger heart and mind. Kaya iyon ang pinatunayan ko sa kanila—ipinakita ko na susubukan ko ulit at hindi na basta-basta susuko.

Hinawakan ako ni Mama sa braso ko at hinila para mayakap. "Anak, what you did..." Umiiyak siya kaya hindi makapagsalita. "We're so happy for you..."

Daddy was being emotional as he patted my head. He was smiling and he looked so proud of me. Pati si Adam ay sumali na rin sa yakapan at kahit hindi nagsasalita ay alam kong masaya siya para sa akin.

And in the sea of crowds, I noticed Triton clapping his hands in the far back corner while smiling at me. I wasn't good at lip reading, but I somehow understood what he just said: "That's my girl." I felt the burning tears in my eyes 'cause if it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be so brave to skate here; the damage was severe for me to even think about it. He saw right through me... he always knew what I really wanted. And with that, he encouraged me to get back on my feet and have the backbone to carry on.

Sa tabi ni Triton ay si Coach Joaquin na parang ngayon lang nag-sink in ang nangyari kaya pumapalakpak na rin. Nasa gilid nila si Coach Ara na hindi rin napigilan ang pag-iyak kaya inaalo ng kanyang asawa. My coaches... I'd ask them to join my team again because I believe that I'd be able to attain great things with their guidance.

Naging mas masaya ang party dahil nagmistulang playground ng mga bisita ang rink. They dropped their heels and leather shoes in exchange for a pair of skates. Rayiane and I have paired up to dance in the middle. Like me, she used to do ballet before so it was easy for her to exude elegance while skating.

Everyone gathered outside when it was almost midnight to watch the fireworks display. We went to a specific place, so it was really crowded. The piercing wind blew and I started to shiver. I hugged my arms as I looked around just until someone put his coat over my shoulders. That's when I knew that Triton had come to find me; the babbling voices had slowly faded as I turned my head to see his face. I was shy as I returned his smile and that proud look on his face would go on for a while.

Itinuro ko 'yung DSLR niya. "Did you take a lot of photos while I was there?"

"Not a lot..." His laugh was so dreamy. "But I was able to capture your best smile, so I hope you're okay with that..."

"Yeah, I'm fine with that..." I stifled a smile as we both looked into each other's eyes.

"I couldn't contain my happiness, Isla..." I got distracted by his tongue touching his upper teeth as he said my name. "First was when you became my crush. The second was when I was in love."

My forehead slightly furrowed—bewildered by his words. Ngumisi siya at binasa ang mga labi na parang nahihiya sa mga pinagsasabi.

"Dalawang beses pa lang akong nakaka-nood ng live performance mo, but it means so much to me. I'll strive to be there on the next ones—whether it's a competition or an ice show. Kaya palagi mong tatandaan na hinding-hindi mawawala ang suporta ko sa 'yo. I hoped and prayed for this day to come and I'm happy 'cause you're happy for being able to continue doing what you love."