Phoenix ("Behind the Mask" Sequel)

Part 5 - Revealing Your True Face

Hello again, guys! First of all, SOOOOOOOOOORRY for my absence! There's too much going on in here, believe me... But here it is, another chapter... Hope you like it! Feedback is appreciated, as always ;)

PS: I reuploaded the chapter because I put the wrong title in the previous version, sorry for that :(

I push my luggage, and put my sunglasses on, even if it is already dark outside, trying to hide my face from people. Thankfully, there is no press waiting for me on the airport. But my phone can't stop ringing - and I won't pick it up. At all.

I just arrived from Salt Lake City, where I competed at the U. S. Classic. I went there all alone. Officially, Brian Orser is still my coach, but I didn't tell him I was joining this competition. I did all the paperwork by myself, and skated to the same programs from last season, since I didn't finish my new free skate with David Wilson before I left Toronto. I would keep my short program for this season anyway.

I didn't tell Patrick as well. Or Yuzu. Or anybody. I didn't want any pressure, and I didn't want people to think that I am totally back on track after this. I went to Salt Lake just to know how it would feel to be on the ice again. I want to take my time for recovering, little by little. This was a small step on this journey.

Since I'm not practicing properly, I didn't went well. I placed fifth, due to some failed jumps. But I'm proud of myself, considering the circumstances.

Now I have to prepare myself for the worse. How Patrick will react.

This trip was also refreshing for me on this point. It made me rethink about what I am doing here, with him. And I can't deny to myself anymore, I don't love Patrick - never did, never will. The reason why I'm with him is convenience... Maybe, while I'm with him, I'll be away from Yuzu, and he will forget me. For good. Then, I'll be able to go on with my life...

...will I?

I get into the cab, million thoughts rushing on my mind. And, once I get into my apartment, they all come into reality.

Chan is comfortably seated on my couch, and I feel his gaze following me as I walk the room.

"Don't you think you owe me some explanation, Ana?" his voice was calm and resolute.

"Honestly, I don't," I faced him for the first time.

"So, that's it? You travel alone, don't tell me where you're going, and then you join a competition without asking me for permission?" his voice raised in anger, and he got up. "What the hell were you thinking, Ana?"

"What the hell are you thinking, Patrick," I turned to him. "You're not my father. You can't tell me what to do. You can suggest me or something, but I don't have to obey you!"

"So, that's it? You're going to live your life like I didn't existed?" it was clear that Patrick was out of line. I never saw him so infuriated in my life.

"You know what? Maybe I should!" I rose my voice as well. The reasons that made me come to this man seem to be more and more distant from me. To be with him just to keep another guy away from me? What's the point of this?

Patrick gave me a little smirk and tilted his head, like studying my face.

"You can't be serious, right?" he finally asked. "You wouldn't let me. No other guy would care for you like I do, Ana."

"Oh, really? So that's how you care for me?" I folded my arms. "You say you want to help me to get better, that you want to give me some space, but all you to is to suffocate me, making me go to the therapist you chose, making me move to the city you live, and bringing me to do whatever you want. But not because you care for me, Chan. It's because you want me to be around you."