Breaking the Ice

15| A Tense Encounter

Andrea

The aroma of fried rice and eggs wafted into my room, gently pulling me from sleep. Saturday morning—a rare, cherished break from the relentless cycle of skating, school, and the constant hum of pressure. I stretched lazily, letting the peaceful quiet settle over me as the early light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow that promised a day of relaxation.

I reached for my phone and put on some music, hoping the familiar rhythms would help ease my mind and start the day on a calm note. Letting the soft beats flow through the room, I moved through my usual morning routine at an unhurried pace: washing my face, brushing my teeth, and following my skincare regimen. The steady rhythm of the music made everything feel lighter like I could finally let go, if only for a while.

Once my skin was fresh and glowing, I added a light touch of mascara to bring out my eyes and a bit of lip balm for the right hint of color. Then, I pulled on my favorite cozy sky-blue sweater, the word Denver stamped across the chest in a bold, white collegiate font. Paired with soft black leggings, it was the perfect outfit to start a day without deadlines or routines. To complete the look, I slipped on my well-worn white sneakers—comfortable, reliable, and just the thing for a day of wandering with no strict plans.

Wrapped in comfort and a sense of freedom, I felt ready to enjoy this break from everything. Just as I reached for my phone to head out, it buzzed on the nightstand, lighting up with a message from Aiden.

Aiden: Hey Drea. I decided to give you Saturday off because you earned it. I thought this would ease your mind about you know...everything.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I typed back a quick response.

Andrea: Thanks Aiden. :)

It was strange to think he'd been on my mind even before seeing that text, but maybe it was inevitable after the kiss. I tried to push the thought aside as I made my way into the dining room, where Mom had laid out a breakfast spread that looked straight out of a memory. The table was filled with steaming bowls of fluffy garlic rice, perfectly fried eggs with crispy edges, and a plate piled high with golden-brown longganisa—her homemade Filipino sausage, sweet and garlicky, with a slight char that filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma.

The sight and smell wrapped around me like a familiar embrace, the comforting scent a warm departure from the quick granola bars or hurried toast I usually grabbed on my way to the rink. There was something deeply nostalgic in the meal, the kind of food I'd grown up with, each bite a reminder of Saturday mornings spent here, laughing and talking with Mom before the days grew so packed and scheduled. The longganisa gleamed in its caramelized glaze, its sweetness balanced by the bite of vinegar on the side—an essential pairing.

Mom looked up, a soft smile brightening her face as she saw me enter. The warmth of the food and her presence grounded me, a steady anchor on a day where, for once, there was no rush, no time clock to beat, just a slow and delicious morning waiting for us to savor.

Mom was already sitting down, sipping her tea with a content smile. "Good morning, anak," she greeted me, setting down her mug. "I didn't think I'd get to see you this relaxed on a Saturday."

I poured myself some tea, savoring the break from my usual rush. "Aiden gave me the day off."

Mom's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and relief. "That's wonderful! You've been working so hard, and I'm glad we can have this time together."

I took a sip of tea, feeling the warmth spread through me. "Yeah, I needed it. Skating has been... everything lately. I can't even remember the last time I had a full Saturday off."