Striving for Greatness: A Vladimir Chigvintsev Story

34

We got home with Valerie just in time to head over to the restaurant for my birthday dinner. I was so excited that she was here for my birthday that I honestly didnt care who else was joining us. I would honestly just love to sit with her and catch up all night.

The first person I did see when we walked in was Artem, it had been two weeks since the last time I saw him and I was hoping this encounter wouldn't be awkward.

"Happy Birthday, Vlad" he hugged me. Then he took a polaroid photograph out of his back pocket.

"What's this?" I asked him grabbing it out of his hand.

Before I even noticed the people in the photo my eyes darted to the date. It was today's date, 17 years ago, printed in sharpie on the bottom of the photo. I returned my gaze to see that it was my mother holding me in her arms the day I was born. Next to her kissing my little forehead was Maks. Why had Artem given this to me?

"Da.." I stopped myself from finishing the word. I chose to stop using the word Dad because of how awkward it is, but I still couldn't get myself to call this man that I respected so much, just by his first name.

"Why did you give this to me, how long have you had this?" I asked him.

"It was your mother's, and the photo has always meant something in the family. You know, they were best friends. Now, however, this photo has greater meaning for you. Especially on this day, to see how happy the people who created you were the day you were born.."

Artem and I were finally in a good place. For him to give this to me even after he had lost me as a son, it speaks so much about his character. He has a kind soul behind his tough exterior.

I hugged him again and slid the photo in my pocket. We then joined everyone else who had already went to the table so that we could have a moment.

I introduced Valerie to all of our friends from France that she hadn't met as well as Macy. They had traveled here just after she had moved away.

"Valerie, this is Julian, Benji, Penny and Macy, guys this is Valerie. And of course Alek, you know Valerie."

"We know who she is!" Julian said "you placed at Nationals and then quit, aren't you missing out on all of this? Worlds is right around the corner.."

"I envy you." Penny said, "we have been working our buts off and not all of us are going to win. Now that Vlad is out though, I'm thinking we are the the favorites to win."

"I would give anything to be back in the competition." I agreed, "sorry for letting you down Mace."

Valerie and Macy were sitting right beside one another and we're both happy to meet eachother, and of course began talking about me and my qualities as a dance partner. They both were laughing as they complained about how controlling and demanding I was.

I took a second to let my eyes scan the room. Maddox was sitting with Peta and trying to act like a grown up and she was teaching him table ettiquette. Maks and Artem were civilly discussing something, which was good. Alek and Julian were talking about something that made Alek look happy, which was also good. Alek deserves happiness. Benji had his arm around Penny but wasn't paying attention to her at all. His eyes were on Macy, watching her every move.

"Yo benj" I said aloud and he realized he had been staring.

"Yeah what's up?" He sat up in his chair. I just didn't want any confrontations at this dinner, he needs to keep his eyes on his own girl now that he's here. However, starting tomorrow he will be up close and personal with Macy. I will have to keep my eyes out for him.

"You ready for practice tomorrow, you have not yet witnessed the wrath of Maks, you think he's a soft teddy bear, which he is, but he goes psycho in the studio."

"I can attest to that!" Valerie laughed, joining our conversation.

"Hey!" Maks said, "don't scare the kid. But Benji, I do hope you are prepared."

The whole room burst out laughing. It felt good being surrounded by everyone that I care about. This has made the list of one of my best birthdays, aside from the photo in my pocket.