At Luxford Academy, the elite boarding school for the ultra-rich, Adriana and Nicholas have been bitter rivals since childhood. Forced to live in the same dorm, their once-friendly pranks have escalated into daily clashes-sharp insults, constant bic...
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The announcement of my placement is met with applause, and despite the tight knot of disappointment in my chest, I manage to force a smile as I wave to the crowd. I can hear snippets of the commentators discussing the results as I exit the ice, but the words don't fully register until I'm back in the locker room, stripped of my skates and still catching my breath.
2nd place again no biggie!
"You did great out there," Coach says, clapping me on the shoulder as I try to calm my racing heart. Her smile is encouraging, though her eyes still hold a hint of frustration. "Second place is nothing to sneeze at, especially in this competition."
"Thanks, Coach," I reply, trying to sound more upbeat than I feel. "I guess I'll just have to bring it for the finals."
The locker room buzzes with activity as the other skaters congratulate me. The press starts to filter in, cameras flashing and microphones being thrust into my face.
"Adriana, how do you feel about coming in second place in such a competitive field?" a reporter asks, the question both straightforward and loaded.
"It's not what I hoped for, but it's still a strong showing," I say, trying to sound positive. "I'm proud of making it to the finals, and I'll be ready to give it my all."
Another reporter chimes in, "Coming in second in back-to-back competitions is rare. What do you think contributed to that consistency?"
I glance around, feeling the weight of their expectations. "Consistency is important, but I also know there's always room for improvement. I've got a lot to work on before the finals, and that's where my focus will be."
With the interviews done, I finally make my way out of the arena and back to my dorm. The quiet of my room is a stark contrast to the chaos I just left behind. I sit on my bed and reach for the lighter on my nightstand, flicking it on and watching the flame dance.
Just then, my phone buzzes. I pick it up to find a text from my mom.
Madre🤰🩷: We saw your performance. You were amazing, even if it wasn't first place. We're so proud of you. Remember, it's not the end of the world. You're going to do great in the finals!
I smile faintly at her words and type back quickly.
Me: Thanks, Mom. I'm okay. Just need to process this. Love you.🩷
I set the phone down and reach for the lighter again, my fingers brushing the flame just enough to feel the heat without getting burned. The distraction helps, but it doesn't take away the sting of disappointment.
Another buzz interrupts the silence—it's a message from the group chat with my friends.
Sigma's👑💗
Dirty mind🍒:Hey, we saw the results! Second place isn't bad at all. You're going to crush it in the finals!
Drama freak🤍:Seriously, you were incredible out there. Don't let this get you down. You've got this!
