Aaron Verlice, the charismatic and talented quarterback of the university's football team, has always been known for his precision on the field and his charm off it. But few people know about his secret passion - art. Aaron's sketches and paintings...
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I stood in the locker room, the air around me cold and still. The only sound was the beating of my heart, loud and fast with anticipation. I took several deep breaths, trying to calm myself, but my mind was spinning with thoughts and worries. Today was the day of the ice skating competition, and my time was almost up. What if I messed up? What if the other competitors were better than me? I shook my head, trying to push away the negative thoughts. No, I had to be strong. I had to be ready for this.
I glanced at the clock on the wall, watching the seconds tick by. My time was quickly approaching. I could hear the murmur of voices in the hallway outside the locker room, the cheers and applause from the audience warming my heart and yet filling me with a sense of dread. My hands were shaking slightly, and I felt a flutter in my stomach. 'Calm down, Elena. You've practiced for this. You're ready.'
I have to bring home a medal or trophy at least for my university. I have to beat the other competitors, especially those from Greenville University and Oaks Hills University. I can't lose to them, especially those two, Anna Dyer and Kimberly Cooper. I need to show them that I'm the top ice skater here, the better one. I have to be perfect today, no mistakes. I have to win.
My thoughts raced, alternating between confidence and doubt. Deep down inside, however, I knew that I had put in all the hard work and practice. I had to believe in myself, even if my mind was clouded with anxiety. I could do this. I was better than them. I was the best. I will win today.
I glanced down at my phone as it vibrated with a text notification. It was from Blair, saying that she was in the audience seating with Aaron and a few football players. A small smile tugged at my lips. It was nice to know that they were there to support me.
Knowing that they were watching, cheering me on, made me feel a little more confident. I knew they believed in me, that they had faith in my skills. I was determined to make them proud and bring home a win for my university. I can do this. I'm the best. The ice is my stage, and I will shine like a star.
The locker room door opened, and a voice called out. "Elena Elsher, you're up next!"
The sound of clapping and cheers could be heard in the background. I took another deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, the anticipation building inside me. This is it. It's time to go.
I opened my eyes and stood up, feeling the adrenaline surging through my body. This was it, the moment I had been waiting for. The moment I had trained and practiced for. I could hear the claps and cheers from the audience outside, the sound both exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and tried to push away the last of my doubts. No turning back now.
I handed my phone over to my coach as we walked together towards the ice rink. We stopped outside the barrier, and my coach stood there, giving me a final encouraging pat on the back. I was on my own now.
