Triple Axel
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. That includes any and all products, places, and people mentioned by name. No disrespect meant to anyone or anything mentioned.
Author's Note: Watching the Olympics always makes me happy, emotional, inspired, etc… As I was watching the Opening Ceremonies it was like lightning struck. The complete story just popped in my head like a photograph: characters, personalities, plot, dialogue- beginning to end. I have never had such a completely detailed story pop into my head like that, it was amazing! Immediately, I started writing during every spare minute I had (and several times I should have been working or sleeping). I've been trying to post this for a week so it would be relevant.
MORE IMPORTANT Disclaimer: I have used my Poetic License Wand VERY FREELY AND OFTEN in this story, especially in regard to time lines, details of specific sports, competitions, procedures, rules, event outcomes, etc...I admit to totally making up stuff for the sake of the story. I have also zapped some real-life athletes with the old P.L. Wand. I may have eliminated certain athletes; they just don't exist in this universe (sorry, Johnny Weir!). PLEASE, just go with it!
I DO NOT NOW NOR HAVE I EVER CLAIM(ED) TO BE AN EXPERT ABOUT ANY OF THE SPORTS OR COMPETITIONS MENTIONED IN THIS STORY. Any inaccuracies are attributed to poetic license.
Please suspend disbelief to enjoy it fully. It is FICTION, after all.
WARNINGS: ALTERNATE UNIVERSE. Also, this will probably get EXTREMELY CHEESY AND FLUFFY. I just couldn't help myself. (The gorgeous roses I got for Valentine's Day that are sitting in front of me and still looking fresh may have contributed to the super fluffy cheese factor.) Don't hold this against me. =D
I do hope you enjoy.
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Chapter One:
Visualizing the Dream
"Pull over, please!" Melissa called. "Right here!" The taxi swerved to the curb and came to a stop. Melissa rolled down her window and stared at the giant billboard. 'Faces to Watch in 2010' it read. A slideshow of smiling faces flashed below the banner.
Melissa watched the slowly changing pictures with curiosity then let out a small gasp. "Whoa, who's that?" she whispered to herself. An attractive young man with a slightly crooked half-smile, full lips and intense blue eyes stared out from the huge sign.
"Excuse me, miss, but if we don't get going you're going to miss your flight," the driver said from the front seat. "Miss?"
"Um, yeah, go ahead...sorry," she said. Melissa turned in her seat and continued watching the billboard as the taxi pulled back out into traffic. She caught another glimpse of the face before the sign was out of sight. She slowly turned back around in her seat.
"They have those signs all over. I've seen them on the side of buses, too," the cabbie said. "Don't know who they are or why we're supposed to watch them next year, though," he added. "Do you?"
"Uh…no," Melissa replied.
The driver was watching her in the rear view mirror. "You know, you kinda look like that one picture."
Melissa met his eyes in the mirror. "Me?" She laughed. "I don't think so." The cabbie gave her one last look and shrugged.
Melissa started paying attention to her surroundings, looking for more of the signs. She was disappointed as she arrived at the airport. After she checked her bag and finished with the security line she proceeded to the gate. There, along the concourse, were dozens of pictures of the smiling faces, each with the same caption. She hurried past, looking at each one and was finally rewarded just before she reached her gate.
Melissa studied the poster closely, searching the bottom for any indication of a name. There was none. She studied the face again and found herself thinking how much she'd like to taste that full bottom lip. Get a grip, Mel. It's just a picture for goodness sake! She was shaken out of her reverie by a strident voice.
"There you are! Hurry up, they're boarding already! What took you so long? Come on, I want you to get settled and take a nap. We go straight to practice as soon as we arrive in Los Angeles."
"Sorry," Melissa said softly as she pulled out her ticket and followed the loud voice to the gate. She tuned out the rest of the lecture, it was always the same.
- - - - -
"Dudes! Check it out!" Ian said as he tossed an open magazine in front of the guys gathered around the giant TV. They paused their video game to look.
"No way!" Eric said, pulling the magazine closer. The top of the page had the caption, 'Faces to Watch in 2010'. Below that, among all the smiling faces, were several of the guys in the room. "Hey! Where's my picture?" he whined.
"Guess we're not supposed to watch you in 2010," Ian said.
"Very funny. I have a better chance than you!" Eric retorted.
"Sure you do," Ian said sarcastically. "Keep turning doofus, there are tons more."
"Oh." Eric thumbed through the next several pages scanning all the faces. "There are some real hotties in here," he stated. "Ah, here I am. The only face worth watching next year. And the most handsome, too."
"Tcha, right!" someone scoffed as a pillow smacked Eric in the back of the head.
"Resume play!" someone yelled. "I'm about to make the most handsome face to not watch in 2010 my bitch!"
Laughter and more insults rang out as the game resumed. The magazine was passed around then discarded on the kitchen counter.
Jackson was in the kitchen, cleaning up. He dried his hands then took a seat at the breakfast bar, pulling the magazine toward him. He read the article and looked carefully at the accompanying pictures. He recognized several of his friends and acquaintances. There was that pretty blue-eyed blonde he'd met a few times. She was the only one sitting in profile with her head cocked at a saucy angle, huge smile on her face, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Jackson chuckled to himself as he continued scanning the faces. A pair of big brown eyes and a sweet smile suddenly caught his eye. Whoa, who's that? he wondered. There were no names under the pictures. He stared at it for a while and imagined running his fingers through her dark, silky-looking hair and kissing those full lips. The raucous noise from the next room reached a new level bringing him out of his daydream. Eric had obviously lost. It's just a picture, dude, he thought as he snapped it shut then joined his friends.
- - - - -
Melissa had been up since four a.m. She had done an hour of weight training and cardio, an hour of Pilates, an hour of yoga and then six hours of practice with only a short lunch break.
She was tired and beginning to get a headache. She skated to the wall, pulled a tissue from the box and blew her nose for the umpteenth time that day. I'm so sick of this constant runny nose, she thought.
"Are you getting sick?"
"No. It's just the usual from the cold. I'm fine."
"Well, after practice you will go straight to a hot shower and take plenty of vitamin C. We can't have you looking like Rudolph for your official pictures tomorrow. Now, get back out there and show me that triple Axel again."
Melissa tossed the tissue in the trash and skated to the far end of the rink. She started a series of steps across the ice, building her speed. She took off and landed a perfect triple.
"Good! Again!"
Melissa did several more, but the landings became more and more wobbly until she totally blew it and went flailing across the ice, barely able to stay on her feet.
"What the hell was that? You had it, why are you getting worse and worse? How do you expect to win if you can't do that jump?!"
Melissa was skating in ever widening circles, hands on hips, eyes on the ground, trying to calm her breathing and think about anything other than the increasing pain in her head. Her coach was still ranting about the failed jump. Melissa skated to a stop in front of her. "Sorry, I'll try again."
"Don't just try, do!"
Melissa made a wide loop and picked up her routine at the same place, picking up speed. She focused and launched herself into the air, spinning one and a half…two and a half… Melissa knew from her takeoff that the jump was doomed. She was off balance and as she came down from her third revolution, she was overextended. She tried to hold onto it, but couldn't and fell onto her backside. She spun around a few times before coming to a stop and just sat there with her head down, legs sticking out straight in front of her. She was vaguely aware of her coach yelling, it seemed so far away. Her head was throbbing.
A gentle touch on her shoulder caused her to lift her head slowly.
"Are you alright?" a kindly voice asked. It was Captain Robert 'Bob ' Russell, the retired Navy pilot who owned the rink. He looked her in the eyes. "Headache again?" Melissa nodded. "Just sit here, I'll get you something."
Melissa could hear her coach's yelling getting nearer.
"Will you answer me! Are you hurt?! God, Melissa, I swear!"
"Stop your racket!" Bob chastised her. "I told you not to turn on all these lights, she has a headache again and your screaming isn't helping the situation. Shut up and go sit down, Daley!"
Daley snapped her mouth shut and stalked back across the ice. Bob could see her jaw muscle clenching. He handed Melissa some aspirin and Gatorade.
"Maybe I should just replace these old lights," he muttered.
"Don't you dare," Melissa said softly. "Don't change a thing." She sipped more of her drink. "And don't be so hard on her. We haven't been here in a while, she just forgot."
"Well, she shouldn't be screaming at you like that. It's not right. She's worse than any CPO I ever had in the service."
"She's under a lot of pressure."
"Her? You're the one on the ice. When was the last time she did a triple Axel? Or a double? Hell, even a single for that matter? I'd like to see her try."
"Daley has a lot of responsibilities."
"Yeah? Well her first priority should be to make sure you're okay."
Melissa finished her drink and Bob helped her stand and walk to his private office. He unlaced her skates and pulled them off so she could lay down on the leather sofa. He brought her a cold compress for her forehead and covered her with a blanket then left her alone in the darkened, silent room. Melissa sighed happily at the peace and quiet.
Two hours later she opened her eyes and sat up. Her headache was gone. She picked up her skates and went back out to the rink. Daley was sitting in the stands talking loudly on her cell. When she saw Melissa, she hung up.
"Feeling better?" she asked in a much softer voice. Melissa nodded. "Look…I'm sorry. I did forget about the lights. Next time, remind me. And, tell me when you're not feeling well. You could get hurt and then where would we be?"
"Sorry, it just came on so suddenly." Wait, why am I apologizing?
"That's enough for today, get your gear. We'll go have an early dinner in the room then bed. You have a big day tomorrow, but I still want you in the gym at four for a few hours."
"But, I really wanted to see Taylor. It's been five months."
"Melissa, you have to stay focused. Taylor is not conducive to being focused. And, you just had an episode."
"Please. Just a few hours tonight. I'll hit the gym in the morning, I promise! And it wasn't an episode, the headache was from the lights, nothing else." She used her best puppy dog look. "Please!"
The older woman stared at Melissa for a few seconds then shook her head in defeat. "Oh, alright. But, I want you in bed at nine o'clock, sharp. No arguments."
"Nine, sharp. No arguments. I promise. And, thank you."
Melissa threw her gear in her bag and ran back to the office.
"Thanks for everything, Cap. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, hugging him.
"Take care of yourself, little one," he said, kissing her forehead. "And don't let that coach of yours run you into the ground. Take some time to have fun."
"I will and I am. I'm meeting Taylor for a few hours tonight," she said with a smile.
"Give that little spitfire my best and tell her to drop by once in a while."
"I will!" she called as she headed toward the door. Melissa climbed into the waiting car for the short ride to their hotel. As soon as she was alone in her room she called Taylor to finalize their plans then she took a shower. She dressed casually in jeans and a dark blue shirt then rushed down to the lobby to meet her friend.
Taylor ran across the lobby with a shriek as soon as Melissa stepped off the elevator and gave her a bone crushing hug before pulling her by the hand toward the front doors and her waiting SUV. "God, it's good to see you! I was afraid she'd keep you locked away in your tower until February!"
"She's not that bad."
"Yes, she is," Taylor said, completely serious. "Now, get in the back," she commanded. "I brought you a change of clothes more suitable for our evening, makeup and some other goodies."
Melissa climbed in the backseat and the little red Escape pulled out into traffic. She opened the duffel on the seat next to her and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh, thank you, Taylor!" she exclaimed as she pulled out a box of medicine. She opened it and punched two of the pills out then swallowed them with the water Taylor handed to her.
"I still don't understand why she won't let you take something when your nose runs. That's just…weird. And gross."
"She doesn't want any drugs in my body."
"But, it's your body and it's medicine, not drugs."
Melissa decided to change the subject so she started changing her clothes. "So, what are our plans exactly?"
"Dinner first, then…you'll see."
Melissa waited until Taylor stopped at a red light before climbing into the front seat and buckling in. She pulled down the visor mirror and put on a little makeup then shook her hair loose from its clip. "Better?" she asked.
Taylor looked over and said, "Much. I still wish you'd wear heels though. Your legs would look great in stilettos."
"They hurt my feet. I'll stick to my flats, thanks."
"If you let me buy you some really good shoes they wouldn't hurt," she said.
"I'm not letting you drop five hundred dollars on a pair of shoes that I won't wear more than once every few months, if that."
"Try more like eight hundred," Taylor said with a grin. Melissa rolled her eyes.
"Here we are," Taylor announced as she pulled to a stop.
Melissa looked out. "Here?"
"Yup! Come on." Taylor climbed out and flipped her keys to the valet. She had a brief word with him then started up the sidewalk. Melissa followed her.
"If Daley catches me here…"
"Oh, please. We're having dinner, for goodness sake!" The door was opened for them and Taylor greeted the maitre d' with a kiss. He personally led them to one of the best tables. They chatted and celebrity watched over salad and salmon.
After dinner they climbed back in Taylor's Escape and drove around L.A. Suddenly, Taylor screamed, "Oh my god! Look at me!" A bus had pulled up next to them and under the now familiar banner of 'Faces to Watch in 2010' was a huge picture of Taylor.
"That's a really great picture of you, Tay."
"I know!" The picture captured her confident smile and the sparkle of mischief in her big baby blues. "I have got to get a picture of this. Quick, my phone!" she said holding out her hand. Melissa grabbed it from the console and placed it in Taylor's outstretched hand. Taylor was still fiddling with it when the bus began to pull away. Taylor punched the gas pedal to keep alongside it. "Take the wheel, Melissa!"
Melissa barely had time to grab it before Taylor was hanging out her window, iPhone aimed at the bus. She gave her truck more gas to stay side by side.
Melissa was wide-eyed, steering down the street. "Brakes, Taylor! Car!" she screamed. Taylor glanced forward and stomped on the brake pedal. The truck screeched to a sudden stop throwing them both forward against their seatbelts.
Taylor was giggling with excitement as she checked the pictures she'd taken. "Got it! This is so awesome! How many people get their picture on the side of a bus?"
Melissa was breathing heavily, her eyes fixed on the back of the car just inches in front of them. "Taylor! What is wrong with you? We could've been hurt. Or killed! For a stupid picture."
"Oh, Melissa, relax! We're fine. Nothing happened."
Melissa turned her back on her friend and stared out the passenger window. Tears were forming in her eyes.
"Look, I'm sorry, Melissa. I really am. I just got so excited. I mean, I look so good larger than life. Come on, aren't you excited? I've seen your picture all over, too."
Melissa took a deep breath and turned to Taylor. "I'm not like you, Taylor. I don't like all this attention, you know that. Suppose we'd had an accident. I'd never be allowed to see you again. Ever. And if I got hurt, she'd never forgive either of us. And besides, my dream would be...over." Melissa sighed loudly and continued, "I love you, Taylor, but I really wish you'd use your head sometimes."
Taylor's forehead was suddenly furrowed by an uncharacteristic frown. She said, "I love you, too, Melissa. And I'd never do anything to hurt you or our friendship. You're right, I was stupid, I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry." Taylor bit her lip. She was deciding how much to say. She finally opened her mouth and said, "Forgive me, Melissa, I have to say this. You're almost nineteen years old. I know how much Daley's done for you and what she means to you, but…you're an adult now. She can't tell you what to do anymore. You can make your own decisions."
Melissa sighed. "I know, but it's not that easy. She's all I had after mom died. And I'm all she has. I can't just…kick her to the curb."
"I'm not suggesting you do. I'm just saying you should try asserting yourself more. You have the right to have a say in your own life."
"That's easier said than done with her."
"I know. I'll shut up now. I'm sorry I brought it up. And I'm sorry I was so stupid and reckless. I didn't mean to scare you." Taylor plastered a big smile on her face and said, "Now, dry your eyes and fix your makeup, we're hitting the town and having fun!"
Melissa smiled at her friend's enthusiasm as she wiped her eyes and checked her makeup. She was glad to drop a very sore subject for now. "We can't hit the town. I have to be in my room by nine or she really will lock me up in a tower until February."
"I know a place where there's some early action and don't worry, Cinderella. I'll have you home before you turn into a pumpkin."
They ended up at an all ages club where a local band was playing an early show. Melissa forgot everything and lost herself in the music. She relaxed and laughed as she watched Taylor dance and flirt with several different guys.
At eight-thirty, Taylor said goodnight to all of her admirers and led Melissa to her truck. They chatted as she drove back to the hotel. Taylor filled her in on her training and competition schedule to see if they could fit in another visit before the holidays.
"And you're coming to the X Games in January, right?"
"I want to, but…"
"Melissa, you have to. You're like my sister, I need you there. I'm coming to nationals for you, fair is fair. Can't you put your foot down with her this once? Please?" she whined.
"Okay, but you have to let me do it my own way. You can't mention it at all to her."
"Yay! And no worries, I don't plan to be around her at all if I can help it. Now, you better change your clothes, we're almost there."
Melissa crawled into the backseat and changed back into her own clothes. She put the medicine in her purse just as they pulled up to the hotel. They said their goodbyes and Taylor promised to pick her up in the morning.
Melissa was already in bed and feigning sleep when Daley came into her room at nine. After she tiptoed out Melissa opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. Her mind was racing about tomorrow. She'd get to see several friends that she hadn't seen in quite some time, as well as meet a lot of other people. Shy by nature, that many new people made her very anxious, but she was looking forward to the experience at the same time. It was a huge honor after all.
There was also a particular guy with a slightly crooked smile, luscious lips and intense eyes that she was excited, yet nervous, to see and hopefully, meet. Yeah, right, Melissa. What would you say to him? You'll be too scared to even open your mouth. She rolled over on her side with a sigh and soon fell into a deep sleep thanks to another dose of cold medicine.
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A/N: Thank you so much for reading! A review would be a wonderful way to let me know what you thought of it, but I'd never hold chapters for ransom. As soon as I get them typed, I post them. The only things slowing me down are: 1) a full time career (that totally sucks) and a second job on the weekends, 2) time to type, and 3) my obsessive editing.
PLEASE REMEMBER: DO NOT flood me with criticisms about details of specific sports, competitions, athletes, rules, team limits, team selection procedures or time lines. I know I changed or made up a lot of it; it's FICTION and I needed it to fit my story. (I know when the competitions are held that help determine who's on the national and other teams, but it didn't all fit with my story so I changed/ignored it.)