ONLY HOPE
By: wave-rider42192
Pairings: Bah/Emma Lynne
OC/Kim
Rammer/Gabi
Mac /Christine
AN: You'll see the majority of these characters later. This is my first story on so pretty, pretty, please NO FLAMES. I am open to constructive criticism. BTW: The title is from "A Walk to Remember" soundtrack. Love this song! Also, if this doesn't make any sense, just hit the purplish button at the bottom. Thanks. Enjoy (I hope…)!
Chapter 1: The Change
My life has always been focused on skating. It's been my outlet for frustration, happiness, and my place for relaxation. I never bothered with love because skating was always my first love.
But it all changed when I fractured my ankle.
I was twenty-two years old and I was going to be on the 1980 Olympic Team. It was a simple practice when my world turned upside down. It was an easy jump, too. A double Salchow with a double toe loop. I landed wrong and the crack resounded through the arena. I was off the team, but you couldn't keep me down. As soon as I got the okay from the doctor, I was back on the ice, skating my heart out. It was at one practice session that my whole life changed.
It was late July, 1979. I was at the local skating arena practicing hard as usual while my friends watched and offered their support. Gabi and Kim, my best friends and roommates, were in the stands entertaining Michaela, Kim's five-year-old. During my double flip, I heard a man's voice saying, "Come on gentlemen, on the ice. Let's go,"
I stopped short and looked towards the benches for the hockey teams. That's where the voice became a body and face who didn't look too happy. He said, "Excuse me Miss, but this ice is reserved for our practice. Would you mind getting off?"
I stood there, taken back by this man's bluntness and controlling demeanor. I skated closer to him and stared him straight in the face (I wouldn't let some stupid hockey team come in the way of my Olympic dream, no matter how little effect it may have had). "I'm sorry, sir, but I didn't see anything saying this rink was reserved. I'm finishing up my practice if you wouldn't mind waiting ten minutes," I heard my determined voice echoing in the vast arena. He opened his mouth to retort but a man all suited up to play hockey interrupted him. "Let her finish up Coach, we need time to warm up anyways."
I glanced up at the speaker's face. He was fairly tall with a scruffy face and sapphire eyes. He smiled at me briefly before directing his gaze back to his coach. The stony faced man in front of me nodded his head and turned back towards the group of players behind him, "Alright gentlemen, take a seat and start stretching," I murmured a small thank you and turned back to center ice.
I got in my starting position and looked up to Gabi. She nodded and hit the play button on our small radio. The sound of Aerosmith's Dream On filled the arena. I started skating around the rink, building speed and dancing out the music. My first jump came and I nailed in flawlessly. I continued skating around until the song stopped and I was striking a pose in center ice.
I heard applause and cheering as the music died out and turned around to see the entire hockey team standing and clapping. I blushed lightly and bowed gracefully. I skated around slowly to calm my racing heart. Performing always got my blood pumping, even when it was for a small audience. When my heart finally slowed back to normal pace, I headed towards the bench where I left my bag and water bottle. I opened the gate to find a small five year old grasping onto my legs.
"That was gweat, Emmy. You was weally good," Michaela said. I looked down at my goddaughter and cracked a big smile. I tousled her blonde hair and said, "Alright Mischa, let's go get your mom." I sat down on the bench and started unlacing my skates. I looked up to see the hockey team get on the ice and start skating around the ice under the direction of their dictator coach. The player who suggested they wait for me to finish skated by me and smiled. I smiled back and put on my street shoes. I turned to go back to the stands when the harsh voice of the coach came to my ears.
"Miss, could I talk to you for a moment?" I turned toward him, confused, and I walked out on the ice. He looked as if he were contemplating something when I got to him. I looked to him and he began to explain himself.
"My name's Herb Brooks and I'm the coach for the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. I was wondering if you would be interested in working with the team as a trainer. You seem very dedicated to what you do, we could use someone with your determination and talent on our staff." I looked at him and crossed my arms. "Well, you're right; I'm very dedicated to my skating. I'm trying to get a second chance for the Olympic Skating Team. I'm very busy with practices and such, so I might not have enough time to dedicate to your team. And shouldn't you know more about me before you hire me out of the blue?"
He looked a little taken back by my forwardness but recovered quickly. "Yes, but from what I've seen here, you are more than qualified for this position. It's basically just warming the players up and teaching them new drills, pushing them to do their best. I'll be willing to give you $5 for every hour you work," he stopped when he noticed my unimpressed look, "And you can have all the ice time you want before and after practice to work on your figure skating." I contemplated his offer in my head. You do need some money, and you'd be getting free ice time. But this guy doesn't even know who I am. And I don't think I'll get along too well with a bunch of hockey players. But if the Olympic Committee saw me after a practice or something, they could talk to the people in charge of the Skating Team! I think you've got a deal Mr. Brooks.
When I had made my decision I looked Mr. Brooks right in the eye and said, "I'll have to think it over, but I'll come back here tomorrow with my answer, deal? Oh, and by the way, my name is Emma Lynne Calhoun." I smiled and walked back to my side of the rink and up to my roommates. Gabi was the first to speak, "What was that all about?" I sighed. "I think I've got a job."
Kim and Gabi's eyes widened. "I thought you were spending the rest of this year trying to get back on the team," Kim said shocked. I looked at her and I came up with a new idea. Kim was a photographer. She also had a bunch of movie equipment back at the apartment. Maybe Coach Brooks would want someone to record the practices. I smiled inwardly and picked up the radio and questioned, "We ready to leave?"
So, there it is. I'll try to update when I can. Thank you so much for reading. It means a lot.
wave-rider42192