The Un-landed Everything

Chapter 16

It was Sunday, my mom had to work, my dad was out of town, I was home alone, and it was snowing. First snow day of winter! Today was going to be fun. I woke up and made myself hot cocoa, my mother would be so mad, but she isn’t here. I raided the cabinets in search of a good breakfast. I found stale bagels, but that’s it. I texted my mother about the whole no-breakfast situation, then curled up on the couch.

                I swear I can’t stay still. After less than a minute, I needed food. I was starving, so I did what my conscious told me. Go get donuts.

The walk to Dunkin Donuts was short, only two blocks. Of course, it felt long since it was 23 degrees Fahrenheit, according to my weather app. A good life lesson, don’t go to Dunkin Donuts on a Sunday morning. You may think everyone is at church. Nope. They are at Dunkin Donuts, well that is in Boston at least.  

Finally it was my turn at the register. “Hi, welcome to Dunkin Donuts. What can I get you today?” asked the smiley cashier, keeping her eyes on the register.

“Hi, um may I have a decaf latte, a plain bagel, not toasted, no cream cheese, and a chocolate glazed donut?” I asked, digging through my pockets for money.

                “Anything else for you today?” the sales lady asked looking up from the register. Then her eyes got wide. “No way! Your Carmenn DiGiovanninnni!”

                She pronounced my last name right! “Yes, I am,” I smiled.

                “I’m a huge fan. Of figure skating and you!”

~

                I was trudging back home, when I came across Skyline park. Every winter the park association freezes the Big Lake, and lets the public skate. Today the rink was empty. I had to skate, so I sprinted back home for my skates.

                I rushed into the house, and up to my room. I grabbed my paisley bag, my phone, and I pulled on some tights, and sweats. I quickly tied my hair up in a knot, and then rushed back to the park.

                I rarely skate outside. Especially not when it’s snowing.

                I took a few warm-up laps around the lake, and then took off with a few spins. I started with my scratch spin, which I zipped into. I made sure to press my hands, which I was constantly told when I first started this spin. I suddenly pulled my hands to my heart, speeding the spin up. Then I checked out, flawlessly.

                After a few more scratch spins, I went into the technical stuff. Camel spin, camel spin, sit spin, sit spin, broken leg, broken leg, haircutter, haircutter, and to top it off with my favorite…the layback spin. I’m known for my flawless laybacks, and my broken leg spins. I’m not really a spinner, but I do advance at those spins. I did a few layback, broken leg combinations, and then I started to realize I was gathering a crowd. People were staring. They were watching. Looking. Admiring.

                After a few more people gathered, I decided I should do my long program. With my triple axel.

                I love when people watch me for fun, but at competitions it’s different. I have not only admirers, but judges. Here on the pond, this is fun. Pure entertainment.

                I began my long program with lots of ‘ohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from the crowd, then ‘wows’ from the kids. Everyone clapped when I landed my triple toe, triple Lutz combination. I also got more applause from my twizzles, and double loops. I became nearer and nearer in my program to my triple axel. I was nervous, I didn’t want to embarrass myself. But then I reminded my nerves, this wasn’t a competition, and I calmed down.  

                Finally I stepped out of my layback spin, then stroked right into my axel. I soared into the air, squeezing my fists to my chest, my heart racing, the cool air brushing my face gently. I heard the crowd gasp. I had landed it! In public, in front of total strangers! My heart skipped a few beats, as I finished my program.

                As I stepped into my last pose, everyone cheered. A few picked flowers were actually tossed onto the ice, like at a competition. I curtsied, and waved as the crowd began to clear out.

~

                “Hey mom,” I managed stuffing my face with popcorn, as I watched Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire for the third time that day.

                “Hey honey. Can you turn off the movie?” My mom asked, as she set down her coat.

                “Who died today?” I asked, since my mother was giving me that face of depression.

                “No one,” she said. “Your teachers emailed, they want to hold a conference.”

                Uh oh. I knew my grades had been dropping, but not this bad. “Why?” I asked even though I already knew.      

                “You have two F’s, three D’s, and a C.”