Vanilla ice

Chapter 23:

Sophia

Thank goodness the college pays for my expenses when it comes to competitions. The drive to the hotel from the airport was hectic. The airport didn't have any more cars to rent even though Alec promised that there would be one. After the incident Coach Alec promised that nothing like that would happen again and that if anyone found out that Liam was at stake.

At the hospital I made up some bullshit excuse about what happened. I fear that Spencer knows what happened though. At the hospital they asked me what happened and Spencer was right there. He looked at me like he was scared and sorry.

When arriving at the hotel they told me that I didn't have a room and they told me to come back in an hour. I went to get dinner while waiting. When I came back my room was ready. I'm super nervous for the first round of competitions. I won't be performing in the first wave tomorrow I will be the second one.

I called Spencer and Liam last night. They were at Owen's house watching "cars''. Liam's favorite movie. Liam was really quiet compared to usual. Spencer was drawing and Owen was talking to Vivian. It was weird that Vivian was at Owen's house but Spencer said it was because Liam "wanted to see aunt Vivian."

After packing my duffle bag for tomorrow I got in bed and turned on a movie. Sleep takes over me quickly.

*****

I wake up early to get to the competition. The nerves are getting to me and My hands wont stop shaking. I know I am capable of winning this but I'm overwhelmed with the stress. I start my warm up routine around the rink. The judges are talking and watching every competitor. The facility is huge, there are five rink's in the whole building but we are only allowed to use the main one. There are  massive locker rooms, medium sized restaurants, a store, and a spa.. If I win, maybe I will get a massage. I don't know yet though.

The competition is tough  this year. I see multiple skaters I recognize from previous competitions and from the online skating community. The judges are some of the most well known skaters and coaches in skating history. I'm starstruck just seeing them on the judge's podium. Thinking about being judged by them makes my stomach churn.

I talked to Liam and Spencer this morning. They had just gotten out of the shower. They wished me good luck and Owen sent me some flowers like he always does. Coach Alec hasn't talked to me which is good. Stepping onto the ice I remember my first ever competition. When I was eight at my first competition I had fallen and skated off the ice so fast. Coach Alec had spotted me run into the locker room.

That night he told me "you got this, Terror." It has followed me for my whole life.

The atmosphere is so intense in the rink that I check my phone as soon as I get off of the ice. Owen and Vivian are my best friends. I trust them but I can't help but worry. I have no notifications from either of them. That's unusual. I hope everything is ok. I cannot take anything else right now.

I look up from my phone and my chin drops in shock. They're here! I see Owen first because he's so tall. My heart explodes when I realize Spencer and Liam are trailing not far behind him. Vivian is lingering in the back.

"What are you doing here?" I run up to them and hug the boys.

"What's going on?" I am still in shock.

"Surprise!" They all say in unison.

"We wanted to support you, Sissy." Liam says.

I have tears running down my face. I am so happy. This means the world to me. Wait, how am I going to afford this? That doesn't matter right now, I can figure it out later.