Second Chance :: Nathan Chen

Chapter 32

Song: Remind Me to Forget by Kygo & Miguel 

Vincent's POV

"And we're now with Vincent Zhou, our Olympic gold medalist." A random, interviewer says.

I force a smile as she turns to me.

"Now Vincent, we've seen the ups and downs of your season this year, how long have you been practicing your quad axel?" She asks.

I shrug.

"Maybe for the past few months, it's a jump that I've never consistently landed, but I just thought that now was the best time to pull it," I state in my typical charming voice.

"Four years ago you were in 6th place shortly behind your teammate Nathan Chen, how does it feel this year to be on top of the podium?"

"Um it's kinda scary," I reply calmly. "It's a dream and now it's a reality, but I don't have any clue what happens after this."

The interviewer nods, smoothing down her hair.

"And do you have any clue why Nathan Chen pulled out of the Olympics?" She asks staring intently at me.

"No, I don't, but I'm sure he'll come back stronger than ever next season," I state fighting to keep my voice steady.

"Recently you've been see photographed with the 2022 U.S. Champion, Kierra Yu, is anything going on between you?"

Kierra.

"No," I say too quickly.

"Really?" The interviewer asks slyly. "We've seen her around the Olympics this year, and it's rumored that she came out to watch you."

I chew my lip anxiously, unsure of what to say.

"She did come this year," I reply. "But she came to support team U.S.A., figure skating was her life, and no one just gives up their life. Plus Karen, who's her best friend is skating this year too, she's got to come and cheer her on."

The interviewer stares at me suspiciously but I keep my eyes totally clear of all emotion.

"Okay, thank you, Vincent, we wish you nothing but the best next season!" The interviewer says as the camera swivels to her.

I let out a sigh of relief as I'm allowed to escape the mass of photographers.

All these years and I've still never gotten used to it.

But this it.

This is the end.

I lie on top of my bed silently.

A year is a long time.

It's been a year since I put my skates on.

It's been a year since I stepped out on the ice.

It's been a year since I've seen Nathan.

It's been a year since I've seen Kierra.

But I still remember every single one of our memories like it was yesterday.

The thing is I've moved on.

You can't dwell on the past forever. And I couldn't dwell on the broken relationship between me and Kierra for the rest of my life.

"Vincent?"

I look up my smile stretching across my face.

It's Celina.

My girlfriend.