Chapter 5: Anew

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Tessa

She was born in London, Canada, and couldn't remember her life without Scott. Growing up in southwestern Ontario meant living in a close community, where most people knew one another. When she was 6, she had once scribbled in her diary about wanting to skate with Danny Moir, Scott's older brother. While she knew she made the right decision working with Scott instead, she knew it would be a constant effort. There were days where it had been much harder.

...

1998

"Tessa, I have an idea. There's a special project I want you to work on."

Carol Moir stood next to her nephew, Scott, who she had been coaching at the Ilderton Arena.

"You and Scott skate so wonderfully. I want you to try and see if you would make good partners, okay? Does that sound like a good idea?"

Tessa paused for a moment, "I guess so. We can try."

Carol watched them on the rink, pondering if Scott would be too harsh on the girl. Tessa giggled as Scott tried to take her hand and lead her across the ice, as they talked about chocolate. 

"Do you like the creamy ones? With the soft middle?" Tessa asked.

"Only if it's caramel. I like Dairy Queen chocolate bars."

"Me too, especially the milk chocolate."

"Imagine if you had a house made out of chocolate. You would never have to go to the store to buy more chocolate."

"That would be cool, but what if it got dirty?"

"Ewww!" They shrieked.

After 30 minutes, they returned to Carol, "So, how was it?"

Tessa looked at Scott, "It was okay. Until Scott tripped me."

Carol frowned at Scott, "Is this true, Scott?"

Scott brushed through his hair, "I didn't trip Tessa."

"But you almost did!"

"It was an accident. Sorry."

Carol shook her head. This was going to some work, but maybe Tessa could teach her nephew some patience. And they did skate nicely together.

...

2018

"Mum, Persephone wants Scott and I to announce that we're married."

"Why that's wonderful, sweetheart! Why do you sound upset?"

"I'm worried that something might go wrong."

"Honey, you and Scott have known each other for over 20 years. I wouldn't worry about you two."

"It's not easy, mum. Remember in 2008, when Scott-"

"You don't need to remind me, sweetheart. I know the surgery was hard on you, but look at where you are now. Five Olympic medals. With the love of your life-"

"What if it's not enough? What if people stop investing in our story?"

"Tessa, no one would be upset if they found out about you and Scott. You two are the fairy tale, you give people hope. We need that."

"But it's not a fairy tale, we spent all this time and still-"

"Go on, honey."

"I don't know. Nothing happened recently, but it just feels like too much pressure. And I don't know if I can handle that. Something's about to happen, I can feel it."

"Tessa, you push your body every day on the ice. You're tired and you need to rest. You need to talk to Scott about how you're feeling. He always knows how to calm you down. No staying up tonight, okay?"

"I'll try." Tessa said, meekly. "I love you, mum."

"I love you too, sweetheart. Take care of yourself, okay?"

"Okay, bye!"

As she hung up the call, she noticed a text message from Scott.

Where are you? SOS.

---

Any ideas about what happened in 2008? Would you like to see more of young Tessa and Scott? Please let me know what you think so far, and as always, thank you for reading!

Twitter: twitter.com/CelestialHolmes  



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