Chapter VI

Psymon walked quietly down the hallway; snowboard in one hand and a child in the other. He was on his way to drop off Heavyn at the nursery. Usually he would ask Rahzell to watch her but he was announcing today. He felt more excited about the race today then yesterday. He didn't have to avoid Zoe on the slopes now but he still had to look out for the Beast from the Far East, Hiro. Apparently he was in Psymons heat today. But in a way, the whole blood thirst angle to their fighting made things more interesting and gave Psymon a reason to hit harder.

Psymon turned right and walked to the end of the hall where there stood a single door leading outside to the center courtyard. Cutting through the courtyard saved him some time to the nursery rather than walking around. He got to the end and pushed open the door. He thought no one else would be out this way but unfortunately he had walked in on two other boarders who were busy getting very personal with each other.

"Oh my God," Psymon said frozen in place.

J.P. pulled away from his lover and gasped in fear having been caught.

Brodi turned around on the bench, "Psymon?"

"Sorry dude," Psymon said and rushed back inside.

Psymon stood beside the wall trying to process what just happened. Did he really just see Brodi hooking up with another man? J.P. none the less. Psymon didn't know either one was gay and didn't mind, but felt a little left out that Brodi had hidden such a great secret from him. Psymon wondered who else may have known about this. Maybe Hilda was still good friends with J.P.

Brodi had not come in after Psymon so he fled down the hall to drop off Heavyn and get to the race.


Hilda saw Psymon walking up to starting area where everyone was warming up. She reached down to her right foot stretching her leg. "Hey what's up?" he asked looking behind him.

She stood to her full height, "I'm over here."

"Whatever, you still talk to J.P.?"

It was a little odd he would ask that, "Why?"

"I was just wondering, you know… if maybe he mentioned anything…. odd?"

"What?"

"J.P.'s gay right?"

"What?" she asked again totally perplexed.

"Is he?"

"He's never mentioned it to me; not like it matters anyway."

Psymon sat back on the bench. He figured J.P. and Brodi probably didn't tell anybody they were gay so Psymon decided to keep his mouth shut. Hopefully after the race he could get ahold of Brodi to sit down and talk to him.

His attention was soon grabbed by none other, Rahzell.

Rahzell walked into the center of the boarders and shouted over the cheering audience, "Psymon, Hiro! You two a suspended from this event. So pack up and leave!"

"What?" Both men shouted.

Psymon walked up to Rahzell with a scowl on his face, "What the fuck man? Why am I suspended?"

Rahzell crossed his arms, "Because Psymon; you don't 'spank' someone's face with a snowboard and get a slap on the wrist."

"First of all, six stitches in my face isn't a slap on the wrist and second, don't put your air quotes in my face!"

"Out of my way," Hiro said pushing Psymon aside, "How am I supposed to earn money and place in the ranks if I can't even compete?"

Psymon had to laugh, "There's no way you're that stupid."

Rahzell held up his hand to stop Psymon from throwing up more insults, "Psymon, please. Hiro, you'll place in the next event. We still have two more events until we move on to our next destination."

Hiro growled taking his leave. Psymon watched him grab his board and stomp off. Rahzell then told Psymon once more to get lost.


The racers lined up for the first heat. From left to right dawned Seeiah, Marisol, Zoe, Mac, Luther, and Hilda. Mac and Luther were last minute replacements for Psymon and Hiro. As Rahzell hyped up the crowd the boarders had their last insult.

Marisol turned to Zoe, "A little hung over? I saw you staggering around last night."

"Get bent you silicone stuffed pig."

Hilda just tried her best to ignore the banter of the others and concentrated on the lights. She was in the heat of the moment, her adrenaline rising, and her heart completely in the game.

The lights finally flashed green and the gates flew open. Out soared the six boarders onto the fresh powder and surprisingly no one was instantly knocked down. They pushed onward over the first drop, all earning points for outstanding air and tricks. Seeiah's landing was not properly thought out and she took a spill. Marisol not really caring about her as much as people liked to think pushed forward passing her fallen comrade then Luther. He tried to push her but instead threw himself off balance then fell.

Zoe rode up beside Mac who was in second. Mac tried to reach out and push her but Zoe's quick maneuvering let her quickly drop back and around the other side to push Mac over. He face planted into the snow, "Damn woman! Watch yourself!"

Zoe was coming up on Hilda who was currently stomping the competition. Hilda kept her full attention on the icy path ahead. Hilda was fast but Zoe was faster. Racing was Zoe's forte and knowing Zoe was in better spirits today only gave the punk boarder strength in this event.

"Hey Hilda!" Zoe called out, "One Two Finish!"

And she was gone. Hilda had to admit, she looked a lot happier. She then realized another person was right up on her.

Seeiah called out, "You think your gunna win? Well think ag- AHHH!"

Hilda didn't let her even finish her sentence as she shoved Seeiah harder then she probably should've and kept on her way.


The race soon after ended with Zoe in first, Hilda in second, and; to no one's surprise, Mac in third. Marisol came in fourth followed by Luther and Seeiah.

Marisol angrily stomped her way to Mac, "You little cheater!"

"Excuse me? Who you think you screamin at yo?"

"You tripped me back there! That is illegal play!" She shouted. Rahzell was already on his way down and within seconds stepped between them.

"Marisol," Rahzell said his hands up in some kind of defense, "We went over the tapes and that trip was totally legal."

"This is bullshit!" she yelled. Seeiah was already by her side. The bald woman lead her friend away.

The rest of the riders walked backstage after handing out the medals.

Mac asked Hilda, "Yo, did you notice Marisol's been a total bitch since day one here?"

"She's been a bitch since day one of Tricky."


Zoe had stole away as soon as they handed her the gold medal. She wasn't surprised she won but had to admit Hilda had become tough competition; she woman had learn a few new tricks over the years. Her thoughts were disturbed by hands on her shoulders. She turned slowly in a romantic way.

"Hey stranger," she said.

Moby laughed, "Congratulations."

Zoe smiled then leaned into his kiss. She knew doing this behind Hiro's back was wrong but she felt a little false justification for all of the heartbreak and emotional punishment he's put her through in the past ten years.

"May I escort you out to dinner later tonight?"

Zoe felt so young again, "Of course. But I need to check on Kendall and change clothes," she smelled herself, "Maybe a shower too."

They laughed together at her quirkiness.

"Ok love, text me when you're ready. I should be done with my heat by then."


They parted and Zoe headed back to her room. She knew Hiro would be there and bitch up a storm about how he was suspended. But she didn't care. She was too happy to care. She opened the door to her room and sure enough Hiro was on her case.

"What took so long getting back?"

Zoe totally ignored his question and spoke to Kendall, "Guess what? I won first place!"

The happiness must have been contagious because Kendall's face lit up, "Really? That's awesome!"

Zoe pulled her medal out of the duffle bag and showed it to her daughter. She put it around Kendall's neck. The young girl touch the gold and saw her reflection within it. She was totally mesmerized. Zoe kissed her forehead and stood up.

"Hiro I'm going out to celebrate ok? I'll be back later," Zoe didn't bother waiting for a reply as she waltz into the bathroom shutting the door and turning the shower on.

Hiro could only stand alone and gawk. What the hell just happened and who was this chipper woman?


Psymon sat in his room on the couch watching the second heat race that was about to begin. Elise was in it. She was the fastest but he definitely liked the way she moved, the way she almost brought life to the audience.

"Dad," he heard as his daughter dropped several crayons into his lap. He tried buying her dolls and other toys little girls would find appealing but the girl loved colors. He picked up the blue crayon and was about to join Heavyn in coloring when knock on the door sounded.

He opened the door to Brodi.

"May I come in?" he asked.

Psymon let him. Brodi sat down on the couch and Heavyn was instantly on him.

"Hi! Look Brodi, green," she pointed out on the piece of paper she scribbled on.

"Yes I see. Smart girl; she remembered my favorite color."

Psymon sat on the floor with his daughter, "You wanna talk?"

"Yea about earlier."

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."

Brodi looked relived. He smiled, "I appreciate it friend."

Psymon had to question, "How long have you known your… you know…"

"Gay?"

Psymon shook his head.

"Since I was about 18 I discovered my true feelings and attractions. Me and J.P. have been hiding in secrecy since we met in Tricky."

Psymon was flabbergasted, "You and J.P. have been in a relationship for ten years?"

"Yes. I didn't think anyone would catch us outside. I thought we were careful, obviously not careful enough."

Heavyn dropped more crayons into her dads lap. He began coloring in the shapes in the coloring book as Heavyn 'helped' him.

Psymon still felt a little offended, "Why haven't you told me? I thought we were friends?"

"Well honestly, ten years ago you were a heavy drinker and getting more involved with the drugs and I didn't think you would keep my secret."

Psymon hated being reminded of his intoxicated past but knew it was a problem.

"You shouldn't hide yourself. Neither should J.P.. You shouldn't care what other people think. I'm still your friend, why won't you tell anyone?"

Brodi paused, looking out the sliding glass door for a second, "I guess we're afraid. Besides I think it's too late to come out now," he turned back, "I'm 39 now. It's just better this way."

"I think your wrong but… your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you."

Heavyn tugged on Psymon shirt, "Gol-fish pleese?"

Psymon stood up to grab her snack, "Hey Brodi, want anything?"

"No, I need to get going actually. I'll see you tomorrow."

Psymon joked, "Tell J.P. I said hi."


Elise, Eddie, and Moby all stood at the podium and were handed their medal. Moby received gold, Elise silver, and Eddie happily taking bronze. After a heart felt cheer and applause from the audience the walked off stage to the back area.

"Hey Elise, congrats," Eddie said.

"Thanks, you too. You did great."

"Hey did you wanna hang out for a little while?" He sounded hopeful.

"Oh, well… I was gunna go to Psymon's room. Would you wanna come with me?"

Was she serious?

"Nah," he said, "Maybe next time. Give me a call tomorrow or something."

"Ok, see ya later," she said walking away.


Moby waiting in the lobby for Zoe. He soon saw her step out of the elevator in tight jeans and ripped army t-shirt under a black leather jacket. He admired her looks; he always has. And that one kiss is what finally drove her into his arms.

"Hello love; you look great."

She smiled, "You too. Where are we going?"

"Well Kaori said there's a nice hibachi restaurant around here."

They flagged down a cab and hopped inside. Zoe loved the feeling of him holding her hand. Upon arriving they got out and he paid the driver. Hiro would have told Zoe to cough over the $20 and pay for dinner on top of that.

They were seated at a grill and were served drinks. Zoe looked at her martini and thought of Psymon. She almost refused it but changed her mind. She was celebrating not trying to blackout of life of Hiro.

Moby sparked a conversation, "Where did you tell Hiro you were going?"

"I just told him I was going out."

"So Zoe, you do plan on leaving Hiro… right?"

Even though they only shared that one kiss, she felt like they had been together for so long; always in one another's thoughts. They always flirted with each other back then. But that one kiss spoke much louder than any actual words. They understood what they were right now without actually saying anything.

"Yes… I just don't know how."

He put an arm around her shoulders, "Don't worry we'll figure it out."

They enjoyed the rest of their meal in peace as the chef cooked their food in front of them. She enjoyed the tricks the chef did like making the onion smoke and forming the rice into a heart.

Moby paid the bill and they walked toward the door. Apparently somebody ratted them out as paparazzi swarmed the outside parking lot. Soon they were caught in a sea of flashing lights and shouts of questions. Zoe covered her face with her purse and held onto Moby. He finally made it to the cab he had called for ten minutes prior.

They got into the vehicle safely. Zoe put her purse in her lap and sighed, "Great."