𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒: 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊 | 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬

[ 021 ]

'Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.'
- J. K. Rowling

"Are you ready?" Charles asked, sitting next to her in the car and who had just parked his Ferrari in the parking lot.

She took a deep breath and did some deep contemplation. She wanted this. She wanted to take the first step. Even if it was difficult and she couldn't sleep all night because of it.

"Yes," she said uncertainly, "What's supposed to happen?"

"Right. You're just here for an interview and a hot lap with me." He smiled.

He was right. Nothing would happen.

Two weeks ago, she had already been asked if she would be willing to do an interview on inline skates as the Monegasque world champion in figure skating. The Monegasque sports commission had arranged an ISU reporter who would work together for this event. After all, her title was something special for Monaco.

Even Formula One had asked if she would do a hot lap with her own brother as world champion. After all, she was now a top athlete with more victories in her future.

Even though she had actually decided that she would not attend any events or do any interviews for the time being, she had agreed. But only on the condition that no questions would be asked about her abuse or her withdrawal from the sport. Her brother Lorenzo, who continued to work as her manager, made sure that this was the case.

And now Media Thursday had arrived. And she was nervous about going in front of the camera again for the first time after her tragedy. But she knew it would help her to come out of it. Her psychologist, with whom she still had regular appointments, had also been more than enthusiastic about it. So she knew it was the right decision.

"Okay. Then I'm ready." She smiled and got out of the car at the same time as her brother.

***

They quickly made their way through the first crowd. The fans in Monaco were something completely different to those in other countries. The streets were overcrowded and they could barely make it to the paddock.

She then met Lorenzo in one of the media rooms, and he showed her where she could get ready. She had quickly put on a pair of black leggings, her team shirt and the team jacket. They showed which country she was competing for. She had also laced up her Edea inline skates and was just waiting for the reporter. She had already styled her hair in a half-up style.

While she was waiting, she checked her cell phone again and immediately smiled when she saw that she had received a message from Lando. They had written a lot since their first date. Even if it was just a good morning and a good night. And every time, her lips drew into a smile and her heart jumped when she read his name on the display.

Even now, it was only a small but meaningful message.

Enjoy your interview and the hot lap with Charles. Tell him not to make the track dirty for us. Lando :)

She had answered him when the reporter arrived shortly before half past ten. He had also put on inline skates, but they were much cheaper than hers. They had introduced themselves and then gone out onto the track.

The interview lasted about thirty minutes and she had to say that she really enjoyed it. She had fun answering the questions and also showing off the tricks she could do on inline skates. A lot of the questions were about the World Championships, but also a lot were something like: What is your favorite jump? What is the element you can do best? What is an element that you do in your routine but don't actually like? And with these questions, she usually showed off her skills on the inline skates. They had been on the start and finish line, as it was the best part of the track for inline skaters.