Legend of the Edge

Chapter 11

“Beep! Beep! Beep!” My alarm screams even louder than it did yesterday. Of course, I know that today is the tryout. I rapidly pace around my room, searching in the depths of my closet to find my lucky skating outfit. Let’s see, a black Nike tank top and some black pants that have Swarovski crystals embroidered on the sides of them. I pull my hair into a sophisticated bun and apply a little bit of makeup. I don’t want to look fake for Tatiana, but I want to embrace more elegance. I eat my breakfast, brush my teeth, and meet my mom at her van with my skating bag. When I arrived at the rink, my mother gave me her motherly advice and a kiss on my cheek; and I ran inside. My heart is pounding vigorously, as I know that today is the day I would show Tatiana my determination of becoming an Olympic figure skater just like she was. I truly know that I was born with a gift for figure skating. Or at least my mother tells me that. My mother tells me that when she would watch the Olympic figure skating events with me in her lap, I would be enthralled with the exhilarating jumps and spectacular spins. I was astounded by figure skating. I would imitate the skaters’ programs, jumping around the house and spinning in circles until I was dizzy. When I was 11 months old, my mother tied skates on my feet and put me on the frozen pond in our backyard. I loved it so much that I would ask her to do it again and again. Eventually, she signed me up for a learn-to-skate class, and I progressed so fast in the first year of figure skating. Afterwards, she booked a private lesson with my current coach and I officially decided that I wanted to dedicate my life to figure skating. Today, I would express my love for figure skating through my programs. I would give it my all, and reach into my heart for strength, grace, beauty, passion, and emotion. I have what it takes to be a champion. I could do this.
“Don’t freak yourself out, Ella,” I assure myself. As I warm up my muscles, keeping the nervousness out of my head, I hear someone call my name. I turn around, and it is Adam. He’s wearing a crisp white shirt and jet black pants. He extends his arms, pulling me in for a comforting hug.
“You can do this, Ella. Just believe in yourself. You’re one of the best skaters at this rink. Actually, take that back, you are the best skater of the rink. You are the one and only Ella Harper, and you know how to show people that. Go get ‘em, golden girl,” he says to me.
“Thank you so much, Adam. That really means a lot to me,” I smile at him.
“Number 27, Ella Harper,” the announcer calls.
I skate onto the ice with my head held at its highest, my arms fully extended, and my legs completely stretched. I am ready. The soft, quaint melody of Swan Lake in the beginning becomes a remarkable story by the end of the program. Throughout my program, people are cheering and shouting my name. My jumps are explosive, bursting like cannons with full force today. My spins have a lot of speed, and my footwork is precise. My emotion is enough to make Adam cry, the parents of skaters cry, and you wouldn’t believe who else.
Tatiana.
Yes, her. After the music fades out, there is silence. Suddenly, there is an uproar of applause and happy screaming. There are sobs of joy and cameras snapping photos. It feels incredible. Tatiana calls me over, eager to give out her critiques.
“That was delightful. A skater who not only skates with strength, elegance, grace, and speed; a skater who skates with a story. There was so much emotion and artistry in your program that I started to cry. It brought me back to my Olympic days, remembering the times of victory and the times of loss. You truly have a passion for this sport. Never ever lose it. Fabulous job,” Tatiana wipes her eyes and smiles at me.
“Thank you.” I exit the ice and give everyone a huge grin.
“I’m so proud of you, honey,” my mother says in between sobs.
“That was beautiful. You're forever daddy’s little angel,” my dad hugs me tightly.
“I knew you could do it, golden girl. I love you so much,” Adam kisses me on my cheek; and this time, my parents are actually okay with it.
“Thank you all. I couldn’t do this without your support,” I thank them.
“Shall we celebrate?” My dad asks, looking very excited.
“Not yet. I don’t know if I got accepted or not yet. Maybe after I find out.”
“Well, whether if you got in or not, we still should. That was the best we’ve ever seen you skate,” my parents agreed with each other.
“Let’s go then!” I exclaim. “Can we take Adam too?”
“Of course,” my parents say in unison.