Chapter 12
AN: Normally, I have really short chapters, but this one is kinda long! Yay! Also, if you've been reading my other SSX story, "Final Race" I posted the 2nd part! Yay! It's called "Icy Paradise". Nosymp's Angel, Sara, Starlight, everyone else! You guys are the greatest reviewers a writer could have!
I slid into the tunnel quickly and tried to calm myself down.
There was still hope. The worst part of this race was not knowing whether or not I was ahead of if Moby was ahead.
Suddenly, my M-comm beeped.
I didn't dare to even glance at it. Racing requires full attention, nothing less. This is why I need my music. I didn't want to hear some snide remarks or the cheering of a crowd. They make me nervous...
I emerged out of the tunnel soon enough and caught my breath. The view was amazing. I was literally flying...
It was incredible...this feeling you get when you're soaring through the air. My stomach churned in excitement. My heart pounded in nervousness. I'd gotten more air before, but for some reason, it was like everything in that moment in time was forgotten. I felt...free.
Suddenly, I felt my board hit the ground. I didn't know what just happened, but I was positive nothing of the sort would ever happen again.
The amount of time that had passed seemed to rise, as well as my nervousness. The tunnel seemed to have been a very useful shortcut, but I also feared that it might've led me off the track. I imagined Moby sitting at the finish line twiddling his thumbs and waiting for me.
No.
That can't happen. I was gonna win this godforsaken race. This is the only race that I need to win right and I-
"AARGH!" I screamed in pain as the weight on my leg increased. Shit...that can't mean anything good! I tried to shift my weight on my other leg, but I couldn't. It was impossible to snowboard with this goddamn leg!
I ignored my pain and pushed forward. Everything was bare and quiet. Suddenly, I could see Moby up ahead.
"Moby Jones! I'll get you!" I shouted.
Moby did a double take over his shoulder. "Well, c'mon then, Yuri! I thought you were supposed to be an okay racer!"
Okay, if this is how he wanted to play, then we'll play that way!
"The finish line is just ahead, you little bugger! Let's see whatcha got!"
I gasped. No! He was right! You could practically see the finish line! I leaned forward and tucked my hands behind me. This is it! Despite the throbbing sensation in my leg, I pushed myself forward, determined to catch Moby.
I couldn't pass him....
I couldn't pass him!!!!
We coasted over the finish line, Moby inches ahead of me. I could've reached forward and touched him...I could've pushed him down...but I didn't....
I had lost.
I collapsed on the snow and felt like crying. I had failed Griff, but more importantly, it felt like I had failed Eric...Roy...and my brother, Ryan.
I could feel Moby's eyes on me.
"Yuri?" he whispered, cautiously approaching me after he took off his board. He touched my shoulder gently, "You okay, kid?"
"No..." I sobbed, "Griff hates me..."
"What happened?"
"Griff...after he got all mad at me, he broke everything in my room. Including my picture of my cousins and my brother," I cried, "and I miss them so much! That picture is all that I have that reminds me of them! You have no idea how close we all are...." I sniffed, wiping my face with the back of my hand.
Moby heaved a sigh and sat down on the snow next to me, "Look, if it means that much to you, I'll apologize to Griff, alright? Does that make it any better?"
I shook my head, "Ryan, Eric and Roy..."
"Those your cousins and brother?"
I nodded.
"Let's just get back to the lodge," Moby offered, "I'll make you some chocolate and we can talk about this later, okay?"
***
Moby opened the lodge door and led my inside. He draped a hand over my shoulder and whispered another "Sorry,"
I looked up to see Kaori standing there with a cup of coffee. "Yuri?" she let out a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness...Mac, Nate and Ellie were going to go look for you!"
"Nate?" I asked.
"Over here, kid!" Nate waved at me and grinned. He had all his snowboard gear and was sitting with Mac on the sofa.
Mac snorted, "Well, we should thank Elise for taking forever to get ready. If Nate and I were lookin' for you, then we woulda been outta here hours ago!"
"I heard that, you little twerp!" Elise muttered, emerging from the back rooms. "Yuri! You okay, kid?"
Moby nodded for me, "Get her some hot chocolate, Elise."
Elise nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.
"Did...Griff come back yet?" I asked quietly.
Kaori nodded gravely. "He came back and Zoe yelled at him. He got all upset and ran off again with Zoe on his tail,"
"Yeah," Nate said, "I tried gettin' the little booger to stay, but he refused,"
"Hey, Yuri," Mac grinned, "Why don't you look in your room, eh? We got you a surprise,"
Kaori giggled.
I gave a questioning look to Nate, but he only shrugged.
"C'mon, mate," Moby said, leading me to the back rooms.
Kaori followed me close behind. "Go to your bedroom!"
I gripped the doorknob, only after I looked at Mac, Nate, Kaori, Moby, and Elise. They were all grinning!
I opened the door slowly, and gasped.
"Kaori! It's beautiful!!"
Kaori giggled, "Honto ni? You really think so?"
I nodded, "It's gorgeous!"
"Domo arigato!" she bowed, her cheeks bright red.
I hugged her, "You're my best friend, Kaori! You've all been so nice to me!"
Elise smiled, "Glad you like it, Yuri. We all worked on it. It was hell trying to get all of that into there."
Mac nodded, "Yeah, especially all those godforsaken stuffed panda bears!"
Kaori playfully slapped his shoulder.
I no longer had Griff for a roommate. Kaori was my new roommate! All of my stuff Griff had trashed was all put back together neatly, and Kaori's twin bed was near mine. Both of our beds were baby blue with pale pink pillows, and they were buried with stuffed chibi pandas! I loved it! Those must've been Kaori's sheets and animals!
"But..." I started, "Where's Griff staying?"
"With me," Nate said before adding hastily, "Unfortunately."
We all laughed. Elise handed me my mug of hot chocolate and we all sat in Kaori's and my new bedroom, talking about random stuff.
I really loved the SSX stars. They were the best friends I could have.
***
I was turning eight years old that day. It was December 18, my birthday. Eight years old. A giant step for a seven year old.
Roy was spending the night at our house for my birthday. Eric lived with us, so it was all three of us in the living room, playing some of the new video games I had gotten last night during the party. My dad was still asleep. He must've been exhausted because he had been busy cleaning up last night's pizza party from my birthday celebration.
Ryan was letting me win at the video game, I knew it.
"Just because it's my birthday!" I whined, "You're gonna let me win?"
Ryan snorted, "You wish,"
Eric was laughing at us.
Roy sighed, "When're we gonna go snowboarding?"
Eric and Ryan glared at Roy. I didn't know why, but they did. I was in for a treat that day.
"So, eight years old today, my little princess?" My father walked in, ruffling my hair. I couldn't pry my eyes off the television screen; I was so absorbed into the game.
"Yeah," I mumbled.
"Yep, Yuri can barely contain her excitement," Ryan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I nodded, "Uh-huh. Really excited."
"Hey, Yuri, we're going snowboarding today," Roy stated.
Eric glared at him. "Shut up, Roy, you wanna ruin it?"
Ryan groaned, "I think you just did, Eric!"
Dad rolled his eyes as he pulled his jacket on.
"I won!" I exclaimed, doing my happy dance. I didn't hear anything the boys had said.
Dad picked up the car keys and grinned mischievously, "Ready?"
"Huh?"
"C'mon, Yuri!"
"Yeah!"
"Let's go! I'm ready!"
"Where're we going? What's going on?" I said, a little startled, "I didn't know we were going anywhere. Where're we going?"
"It's a surprise!" Ryan grinned as he took my hand and led me in the garage. Ryan picked up his snowboard. Eric and Roy did the same as they all piled into the van. I was already sitting in the front seat, a little annoyed. They always liked to tease me. I didn't have a snowboard at the time, and I was always forced to watch them snowboard. I never complained. It was fun to watch them snowboard. My dad always told me that snowboarding is for boys, and that I couldn't handle it. I was just a little girl. Roy always teased me about that, but I always told him to shut it. I always liked to watch them snowboard, since this was before the SSX league even started.
Dad started the van and slowly pulled out of the garage, out of the driveway, and soon enough, we were at the snowboarding gear shop.
"What're we doing here?" I asked, hopping out of the van.
"You'll see!" Ryan winked.
"Huh?"
I was completely baffled. Roy rolled his eyes, "You're a little slow, aren't you Yuri?"
"What?"
This only caused Roy to laugh. "Yep, slow. Make that VERY slow."
I pouted, "Dad!"
"C'mon, guys, you've been arguing all night cause of those video games. Can't you give it a rest?"
I shut my mouth and only followed the boys into the shop. My dad handed Mr. Ty a check.
Mr. Ty. His real name was Tyler Richardson, but we always called him Mr. Ty. "Hey, girl," Mr. Ty smiled at me, "Aren't you excited? You're gettin' your first snowboard!"
My eyes grew in admiration as Mr. Ty went into the back room and pulled out the most beautiful snowboard I had ever seen. It looked a little rough around the edges, but I didn't mind. It was a used board, but it didn't matter to me. It was baby blue, with pale green stripes running through it. On the bottom, it had a chibi panda character on it. It was gorgeous.
Roy grinned wickedly, "So? Get it now?"
I squealed in utter delight as Mr. Ty handed it to me. "Happy birthday, kid,"
"Thank you! Oh, thank you!"
And there you have it. My first snowboard.
Ever since then, my brother and my cousins and I have been the best friends in the world. We were the inseparable team. The Fantastic Four. They were so important to me.
I smiled as I recalled those memories. I missed them so much. I'd never been away from them for so long. And just imagine...my first broadcasted race was next week, against Nate, Allegra, Kaori, Viggo, and Griff.
Griff.
I didn't know if I hated Griff still, or if he was my friend. Trust me, it takes a lot to get me mad.
AN: Normally, I have really short chapters, but this one is kinda long! Yay! Also, if you've been reading my other SSX story, "Final Race" I posted the 2nd part! Yay! It's called "Icy Paradise". Nosymp's Angel, Sara, Starlight, everyone else! You guys are the greatest reviewers a writer could have!
I slid into the tunnel quickly and tried to calm myself down.
There was still hope. The worst part of this race was not knowing whether or not I was ahead of if Moby was ahead.
Suddenly, my M-comm beeped.
I didn't dare to even glance at it. Racing requires full attention, nothing less. This is why I need my music. I didn't want to hear some snide remarks or the cheering of a crowd. They make me nervous...
I emerged out of the tunnel soon enough and caught my breath. The view was amazing. I was literally flying...
It was incredible...this feeling you get when you're soaring through the air. My stomach churned in excitement. My heart pounded in nervousness. I'd gotten more air before, but for some reason, it was like everything in that moment in time was forgotten. I felt...free.
Suddenly, I felt my board hit the ground. I didn't know what just happened, but I was positive nothing of the sort would ever happen again.
The amount of time that had passed seemed to rise, as well as my nervousness. The tunnel seemed to have been a very useful shortcut, but I also feared that it might've led me off the track. I imagined Moby sitting at the finish line twiddling his thumbs and waiting for me.
No.
That can't happen. I was gonna win this godforsaken race. This is the only race that I need to win right and I-
"AARGH!" I screamed in pain as the weight on my leg increased. Shit...that can't mean anything good! I tried to shift my weight on my other leg, but I couldn't. It was impossible to snowboard with this goddamn leg!
I ignored my pain and pushed forward. Everything was bare and quiet. Suddenly, I could see Moby up ahead.
"Moby Jones! I'll get you!" I shouted.
Moby did a double take over his shoulder. "Well, c'mon then, Yuri! I thought you were supposed to be an okay racer!"
Okay, if this is how he wanted to play, then we'll play that way!
"The finish line is just ahead, you little bugger! Let's see whatcha got!"
I gasped. No! He was right! You could practically see the finish line! I leaned forward and tucked my hands behind me. This is it! Despite the throbbing sensation in my leg, I pushed myself forward, determined to catch Moby.
I couldn't pass him....
I couldn't pass him!!!!
We coasted over the finish line, Moby inches ahead of me. I could've reached forward and touched him...I could've pushed him down...but I didn't....
I had lost.
I collapsed on the snow and felt like crying. I had failed Griff, but more importantly, it felt like I had failed Eric...Roy...and my brother, Ryan.
I could feel Moby's eyes on me.
"Yuri?" he whispered, cautiously approaching me after he took off his board. He touched my shoulder gently, "You okay, kid?"
"No..." I sobbed, "Griff hates me..."
"What happened?"
"Griff...after he got all mad at me, he broke everything in my room. Including my picture of my cousins and my brother," I cried, "and I miss them so much! That picture is all that I have that reminds me of them! You have no idea how close we all are...." I sniffed, wiping my face with the back of my hand.
Moby heaved a sigh and sat down on the snow next to me, "Look, if it means that much to you, I'll apologize to Griff, alright? Does that make it any better?"
I shook my head, "Ryan, Eric and Roy..."
"Those your cousins and brother?"
I nodded.
"Let's just get back to the lodge," Moby offered, "I'll make you some chocolate and we can talk about this later, okay?"
***
Moby opened the lodge door and led my inside. He draped a hand over my shoulder and whispered another "Sorry,"
I looked up to see Kaori standing there with a cup of coffee. "Yuri?" she let out a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness...Mac, Nate and Ellie were going to go look for you!"
"Nate?" I asked.
"Over here, kid!" Nate waved at me and grinned. He had all his snowboard gear and was sitting with Mac on the sofa.
Mac snorted, "Well, we should thank Elise for taking forever to get ready. If Nate and I were lookin' for you, then we woulda been outta here hours ago!"
"I heard that, you little twerp!" Elise muttered, emerging from the back rooms. "Yuri! You okay, kid?"
Moby nodded for me, "Get her some hot chocolate, Elise."
Elise nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.
"Did...Griff come back yet?" I asked quietly.
Kaori nodded gravely. "He came back and Zoe yelled at him. He got all upset and ran off again with Zoe on his tail,"
"Yeah," Nate said, "I tried gettin' the little booger to stay, but he refused,"
"Hey, Yuri," Mac grinned, "Why don't you look in your room, eh? We got you a surprise,"
Kaori giggled.
I gave a questioning look to Nate, but he only shrugged.
"C'mon, mate," Moby said, leading me to the back rooms.
Kaori followed me close behind. "Go to your bedroom!"
I gripped the doorknob, only after I looked at Mac, Nate, Kaori, Moby, and Elise. They were all grinning!
I opened the door slowly, and gasped.
"Kaori! It's beautiful!!"
Kaori giggled, "Honto ni? You really think so?"
I nodded, "It's gorgeous!"
"Domo arigato!" she bowed, her cheeks bright red.
I hugged her, "You're my best friend, Kaori! You've all been so nice to me!"
Elise smiled, "Glad you like it, Yuri. We all worked on it. It was hell trying to get all of that into there."
Mac nodded, "Yeah, especially all those godforsaken stuffed panda bears!"
Kaori playfully slapped his shoulder.
I no longer had Griff for a roommate. Kaori was my new roommate! All of my stuff Griff had trashed was all put back together neatly, and Kaori's twin bed was near mine. Both of our beds were baby blue with pale pink pillows, and they were buried with stuffed chibi pandas! I loved it! Those must've been Kaori's sheets and animals!
"But..." I started, "Where's Griff staying?"
"With me," Nate said before adding hastily, "Unfortunately."
We all laughed. Elise handed me my mug of hot chocolate and we all sat in Kaori's and my new bedroom, talking about random stuff.
I really loved the SSX stars. They were the best friends I could have.
***
I was turning eight years old that day. It was December 18, my birthday. Eight years old. A giant step for a seven year old.
Roy was spending the night at our house for my birthday. Eric lived with us, so it was all three of us in the living room, playing some of the new video games I had gotten last night during the party. My dad was still asleep. He must've been exhausted because he had been busy cleaning up last night's pizza party from my birthday celebration.
Ryan was letting me win at the video game, I knew it.
"Just because it's my birthday!" I whined, "You're gonna let me win?"
Ryan snorted, "You wish,"
Eric was laughing at us.
Roy sighed, "When're we gonna go snowboarding?"
Eric and Ryan glared at Roy. I didn't know why, but they did. I was in for a treat that day.
"So, eight years old today, my little princess?" My father walked in, ruffling my hair. I couldn't pry my eyes off the television screen; I was so absorbed into the game.
"Yeah," I mumbled.
"Yep, Yuri can barely contain her excitement," Ryan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I nodded, "Uh-huh. Really excited."
"Hey, Yuri, we're going snowboarding today," Roy stated.
Eric glared at him. "Shut up, Roy, you wanna ruin it?"
Ryan groaned, "I think you just did, Eric!"
Dad rolled his eyes as he pulled his jacket on.
"I won!" I exclaimed, doing my happy dance. I didn't hear anything the boys had said.
Dad picked up the car keys and grinned mischievously, "Ready?"
"Huh?"
"C'mon, Yuri!"
"Yeah!"
"Let's go! I'm ready!"
"Where're we going? What's going on?" I said, a little startled, "I didn't know we were going anywhere. Where're we going?"
"It's a surprise!" Ryan grinned as he took my hand and led me in the garage. Ryan picked up his snowboard. Eric and Roy did the same as they all piled into the van. I was already sitting in the front seat, a little annoyed. They always liked to tease me. I didn't have a snowboard at the time, and I was always forced to watch them snowboard. I never complained. It was fun to watch them snowboard. My dad always told me that snowboarding is for boys, and that I couldn't handle it. I was just a little girl. Roy always teased me about that, but I always told him to shut it. I always liked to watch them snowboard, since this was before the SSX league even started.
Dad started the van and slowly pulled out of the garage, out of the driveway, and soon enough, we were at the snowboarding gear shop.
"What're we doing here?" I asked, hopping out of the van.
"You'll see!" Ryan winked.
"Huh?"
I was completely baffled. Roy rolled his eyes, "You're a little slow, aren't you Yuri?"
"What?"
This only caused Roy to laugh. "Yep, slow. Make that VERY slow."
I pouted, "Dad!"
"C'mon, guys, you've been arguing all night cause of those video games. Can't you give it a rest?"
I shut my mouth and only followed the boys into the shop. My dad handed Mr. Ty a check.
Mr. Ty. His real name was Tyler Richardson, but we always called him Mr. Ty. "Hey, girl," Mr. Ty smiled at me, "Aren't you excited? You're gettin' your first snowboard!"
My eyes grew in admiration as Mr. Ty went into the back room and pulled out the most beautiful snowboard I had ever seen. It looked a little rough around the edges, but I didn't mind. It was a used board, but it didn't matter to me. It was baby blue, with pale green stripes running through it. On the bottom, it had a chibi panda character on it. It was gorgeous.
Roy grinned wickedly, "So? Get it now?"
I squealed in utter delight as Mr. Ty handed it to me. "Happy birthday, kid,"
"Thank you! Oh, thank you!"
And there you have it. My first snowboard.
Ever since then, my brother and my cousins and I have been the best friends in the world. We were the inseparable team. The Fantastic Four. They were so important to me.
I smiled as I recalled those memories. I missed them so much. I'd never been away from them for so long. And just imagine...my first broadcasted race was next week, against Nate, Allegra, Kaori, Viggo, and Griff.
Griff.
I didn't know if I hated Griff still, or if he was my friend. Trust me, it takes a lot to get me mad.