Chapter 39
All's Well
My short program performance put me in 2nd place with a total segment score of 78.50—just a few points below Nikola's. I was so happy with the outcome now that it topped my previous record, making it my personal best.
I teared up when I hugged my coaches in pure happiness. Alam namin na marami pa ang pwedeng mangyari bukas, but I have to maintain the momentum and make the best of it. Tumaas ang moral ko at mas lalong naging determinado na manalo.
If I'd considered someone as my rival, it would be none other than myself...
I wasn't able to greet my family members because we headed straight to the hotel. Pero naiparating naman nila ang sayang nararamdaman through their messages in our group chat. I was so touched 'cause I knew that I did something great to receive so much love and appreciation. All my hard work has paid off and it was just the beginning.
I couldn't sleep for some reason, so Triton asked me if I could come down for a bit to meet him. Unlike in the Olympic village, hindi gaanong istrikto rito kaya ayos lang na lumabas sa gabi basta't hindi lalayo sa hotel premises. Nag-ayos ako at dali-daling tumungo sa garden.
Si Adam ang una kong namataan kaya hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili at yumakap na sa kapatid. He groaned as he looked like a filling of a sandwich, but ended up hugging me back. Pag-angat ko ng ulo ay saka nagtama ang mga tingin namin ni Triton na nakangiting nanonood sa gilid. I smiled at him and let go of my brother who seemed to be running out of breath.
"You squeezed me too hard, Ate! I wanna go back alive..." ani Adam habang nakahawak sa kanyang leeg.
"Sobra ka naman! I used to hug you like that before. What? Am I not allowed to do that now—"
His voice went up panically as he took a step back from me. "Ate Isla naman!"
I was also shocked when I realized that he was talking with someone on the phone. He ended it quickly and I burst out laughing as I reached for him. Tumakbo siya at nagtago sa likuran ni Triton. My boyfriend towered over me and defended my brother like a traitor.
"Run, Adam!" Pagkasabi niya niyon ay bigla niya akong ikinulong sa mga bisig niya kaya nakatakas palayo si Adam.
I sneered and looked up at Triton. "Since when did you take his side!? 'Kala ko ba kakampi kita?"
"Take your time lovebirds!" My brother's devilish laugh echoed in my ears as he hid somewhere.
Natatawa akong binalingan ni Triton matapos habulin ng tingin si Adam. "Kakampi mo nga ako. Kaya lang pabor sa 'kin kasi guto kitang ma-solo..." masuyo niyang sinabi habang nakatitig sa mukha ko.
Nawala 'yung inis ko at bigla na lang napangiti ng parang sira. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin para sana hindi niya mapansin ang pamumula ng mga pisngi ko kaya lang ay huli na ang lahat. That teasing smile was plastered on his face as he pinched my nose.
"Ang l-lamig 'no? Aren't you cold?" Tanong ko sabay ngisi.
"You're giving me warmth, so no, I'm not really cold," he whispered gently while caressing my cheek.
I gave in and showed him how ecstatic I was. Kumapit ako sa mga braso niya habang nakangiti na nakalabas ang mga ngipin. But it slowly faded when I noticed that he was just staring at me. I felt conscious and thought that I had dirt on my face, so I shyly checked the corners of my eyes. Well, there was nothing in there.
I hugged his waist 'cause maybe he thought that I was just pretty. "What is it?"
"Wala, gusto lang kitang titigan..." Bumuntonghininga siya. "It took so long to see you smile like that again and I just wanted to savor it. You glow differently when you don't hold back... when you're able to do what you love. And to witness all of that makes me the happiest person right now."
Pinisil ko ang mga braso niya nang nakaramdam ng kirot sa puso ko. "Hey, don't be like this. Baka maiyak ako..."
Suminghap ako at kinagat ang ibabang labi. He held the back of my head and rested it on his chest. He gently stroked my hair using his fingers to console me.
"It wasn't my intention, but I'm here if you want to cry. Masaya lang talaga ako kasi panalangin ko 'yon, eh. I prayed that the day would come when I get to see you in the rink again... and I was heard. I'm so proud of you. It was all you, Isla. You're amazing! Right from the start, you're the best figure skater I've ever seen. And you're getting better and better every time."
"I believe you, so I'll take your word." Tiningala ko siya gamit ang nanlalabong paningin. "I honestly wouldn't have done it without you. I would've given it up if it weren't for you. And I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn't listen to you. Kung hindi mo pinalakas 'yung loob ko, kung wala 'yung words of encouragement mo, kung hindi mo sa 'kin pina-realize kung ano ang mawawala... malamang hindi na ulit ako tumapak sa rink."
"You also have to give yourself credit. Balewala naman lahat ng 'yon kung hindi mo na talaga gusto, 'di ba? Deep inside, you didn't want to give up. You were just scared to try again. Look at you now... brave and unstoppable," he said proudly and rubbed his nose against mine.
Ngumiti ako at nanatiling naka-yakap sa kanya ng ilang minuto. When Adam came back with some snacks, we went to the benches to eat. We continue our endless bickering about his mysterious girlfriend. Nasa gitna nila ako kaya nahirapan ang mediator na si Triton.
"I thought she was your classmate?" I asked cluelessly.
Umiling 'agad si Adam. "Hindi, Ate. We're in the same batch, but I never said that she was my classmate."
"Kapitbahay n'yo?" Taas-kilay na tanong ni Triton.
Halos matawa si Adam. "No, Kuya. She's not from Tagaytay..."
"Huh? Eh, saan mo siya nakilala?" Pinanliitan ko ng mga mata ang kapatid ko. "Mamaya ma-catfish ka pa, ha!"
He clicked his tongue. "That's ridiculous, Ate! We already met. Relax, 'kay? You'll meet her someday."
"Sino nga kasi? Baka naman mas matanda sa 'yo! You're still a minor. Naku, Adam, ha!" Pinaypayan ko ang sarili ko dahil bigla akong na-stress sa naisip.
"Puso mo..." Pinaypayan din ako ni Triton gamit ang kamay. "Relax ka lang daw..."
"Fine. I won't talk about it anymore," nag-lean forward ako para kainin 'yung isinusubo niyang fries.
I glanced at my brother as I chewed the food and he just smiled at me. Triton stole a kiss on my cheek to demand my attention. Nang bumaling ako sa kanya ay mabilis niya akong pinatakan ng halik sa mga labi.
"Best-tasting fries ever..." he teased and continued to fan me.
Pabiro kong sinapak ang braso niya saka ibinaon ang aking mukha sa kanyang balikat. Pareho kaming natawa at tila nagkaroon ng sariling mundo. From there, Adam didn't seem to exist. It was just the two of us. All alone. Happy and so in love.
Maganda ang gising ko kinabukasan. No pressure. No negativity. I felt relaxed during practice earlier that day. It didn't even feel like a competition anymore; I knew I'd do my best, but whatever the outcome would be... I'd still be happy.
The free skate was a sold-out event. Everyone from the globe gathered here to support their favorite figure skater—and some of them just simply enjoyed watching figure skating. The spectators would hear 'Insel' for the first time. After all, a music genius was behind it. Imagine that? It was created for me! I was literally having cold feet right now 'cause I couldn't wait to get into the rink. I was just certain to thrill them with my routine.
I followed the path and carefully walked in my ice skates. I was still in my jacket, taking time to warm up while half of my peers were battling for the top spot. They'd call my group shortly after the break, so I was doing my damnedest to calm and prepare myself.
"Breathe, Isla. Breathe..." I repeatedly said as I stretched my legs.
Then, I saw my reflection on the glass wall. I looked different tonight, unlike yesterday when I was shining in my gold ensemble. My hair was tied up in a simple low bun and fastened with tons of hair clips. Instead of a brown smokey eyeshadow, I just went with a rather clean and soft makeup 'cause it didn't matter anyway... I could go out there with a bare face, but I had to be presentable.
My skate dress featured a nude illusion base that was embellished with shiny stone adornments, delicately ombre-dyed details of dark gray and blue, and bias-cut spaghetti straps that were twisted in skin tone color that matched my tights. Although chiffon was a bit tricky to work with, I really preferred this type of fabric to be capable of moving as lightly as possible. Above all, it felt comfortable as if I wasn't wearing anything.
I composed myself when I saw Coach Ara saunter into the room. She smiled at me as I approached her. Binilang ko sa isip ang paghinga ko ngayong naglalakad na kami papunta sa rink. The last skater just went to the kiss-and-cry booth to wait for her marks. Lumapit kami sa dasher boards at doon ay dinaluhan ni Coach Joaquin.
"Nikola got the highest score to beat. Her TSS was 158..." he reported.
Tumango ako. "Oh! That's pretty high."
I looked up at the screen right after they announced the score of the Canadian skater. Nasa ika-anim na pwesto siya ngayon gawa ng two-point deduction nang dahil sa maling landing. She cried and that was hard to watch.
Sumali ako sa pagpalakpak habang pinapagala ang tingin sa audience. I let out a sigh and waved at my family. Napangisi pa ako nang napansin ang yakap-yakap na stuffed animal ni Triton. I couldn't read what was printed on its blue dress, so I hoped to find it later.
Tinapik ni Coach Joaquin ang balikat ko kaya mabilis akong yumakap kay Coach Ara. Iniwan namin siya roon at naglakad pa-ikot hanggang sa pinahinto kami sa gate. I removed my jacket and handed it to Coach Joaquin. Pinunasan ko 'yung ilong ko gamit ang tissue at uminom ng kaunting tubig. Kapansin-pansin ang pagtahimik ng paligid at lahat ay nag-aabang na sa mga susunod na mangyayari. Lumapit na rin 'yung isang organizer na siyang magbibigay ng cue sa pagpasok ko sa rink.
The official photographers pointed their cameras at me. I leaned back on the boards and blew some air—collecting my thoughts now that I was about to apply everything I mastered from the months of training to the 2-minute and 40-second routine. This was the moment of truth...
Humarap sa akin si Coach Joaquin. "This is it, Isla. Don't forget what you've learned. Ngayon pa lang ay proud na proud na ako sa 'yo. Kaming lahat... You're already great at this; just be yourself and show your dauntless bravery. Have fun in there!"
I smiled and hugged him. "I will, Coach! My biggest thanks to you and Coach Ara!"
Kumalas ako at muling humarap sa rink. Saglit niyang minasahe ang mga balikat ko at tinapik ang likod ko. Binuksan ng organizer 'yung gate at tumungo ako sa harapan niyon. I could see that the ice surface was more slippery than what it looked like at the start of the competition. But I'd manage. Kaya ko 'to! Kakayanin!
"Now, we have Isla Kristen Lorenzo, a figure skater from the Philippines!" the host announced.
I held my breath when Coach Joaquin gently pushed my back. Ngiti ang iginanti ko sa palakpakan ng mga tao. We were given a few seconds of grace period, but I immediately went to the center and waited for the mark. It was so bright and quite hot because of the spotlights. The spectators were now calmed and full of anticipation. And I was feeling more eager than I ever was...
I did a pose right before the intro. When I heard Ellery's vocalizing, that was my signal to move around. The first part of Insel was calm and chill—a beautiful melody that was accompanied by instruments such as piano, guitar, and flute. It almost sounded as if the goddess sang it—taking me into the deep part of the forest to play with the animals and dance under the sun.
With my facial expression lit up and graceful moves, I danced just like that. And even after aiming for the triple axel, it felt like I landed smoothly on the crisp, dried surface of the ground. I continued to maneuver my feet and vaulted for the triple lutz; again, the landing was flawless.
If I only didn't know how the song would build up, I'd think it was a mashup given that the pace was going faster and the soothing tune was gone. The triple salchow was properly executed and Elle's hitting high notes and my launching high in the air happened at the same time. I had a few seconds to compose myself before I started doing the change foot combination spin—working on four revolutions without losing my balance and speed.
When the violin came, it didn't take long to let my feet do some work. I always aim for Level 4, which is the highest level of difficulty in the technical elements. And so, I began the step sequence with the clockwise rocker (RFO-Rocker) followed by RBO (cross-roll). Then, I attempted difficult steps and turns for the LBO clockwise Choctaw to RFI clockwise counter to RBI counter. Grinding the left and right blades simultaneously and moving my right toe inside edge, I bent my upper body backward and brought it straight again for the LFI counter-clockwise, RFI counter-clockwise choctaw, LBO cross-roll, RBO counter-clockwise loop. I turned my whole body twice and changed the edge from inside to outside to showcase the LFO-RFI combination. I hopped once to LFI and quickly threw my right toe up before the counter-clockwise bracket and crossover.
Skating backward while I was still on the crossover, I quickly applied the RBI; I stabbed the ice with my left toe and hopped using the right and back to my left foot again. Now that I was facing forward, I did a clockwise bracket to change the edge and proceeded with the clockwise loop—turning twice around for the rocker while the left foot was dominant. I slid my right foot and turned three times in a counter-clockwise direction and looped my right leg to twizzle twice in the opposite direction. Swaying my arms gently, I carried out the mohawk, crossover, loop, crossover in advance to the counter-clockwise rocker, counter, mohawk, crossover, and rocker. I hopped with my left foot and skimmed my right foot for a single bracket before the two counter-clockwise twizzle. I changed the edge again while nearing the end to do the loop and Choctaw as neatly as I could. As I did some spirals, I inserted the loop to finish the footwork.
I was halfway there and even though it may look simple, it was already exhausting to the point that I had to let the air out through my mouth. Of course, I'd feel drained after that. I had to maintain my speed with a clear rhythm with the sequence without making a single mistake or else, I'd receive a Level 3 instead of Level 4.
As the song progressed, I executed the triple flip and double toe-loop followed by a three-revolution flying sit spin. It was the climax where Elle was singing her emotions as if she was mad at the whole world. The tranquil place that I thought of settling in from the start was now filled with big rocks and an empty sky. I was also getting mad as I pulled off the triple flip and triple toe-loop—jumping high to beat another record. And as if it couldn't get any harder, I swore to accomplish the triple axel-triple toe loop- double toe loop, which all had stable and faultless landings.
If I was able to show my intense emotions through those jumps, hindi natapos ang pagwawala ko sa choreo sequence. I skated from barrier to barrier to utilize the rink as I should. My whole body was involved in moving for a longer time and just posed dramatically as the tempo turned slower. I started to calm down and inserted jumps in between—following Elle's humming like she was tired of crying.
Just like this song, my life before was almost painted perfectly. I was doing fine... I had everything I wanted. They called me the 'Ice Queen', put me on a pedestal, and held me in high esteem. It never crossed my mind that I would slip so badly—that getting up was more difficult than mastering a jump. And it did take a lot of time to heal... Let bygones be bygones. When my wounds turned to scars and my tears ran dry, I figured out that I still wanted to be the person I used to be. Figure skating was a need and I couldn't live without it.
The physically exhausting elements were coming to a close. I unveiled the magical Ina Bauer move—my signature element that embodies grace and flexibility. Next was the forward spirals where I glided with one free leg while my arms were wide open. I took my time as a way to idle a little. When I reached the final corner, I positioned my whole body for the spread eagle as an entrance to the triple loop—the final jump. I skated my way in the middle and held up to four revolutions of the flying change foot combination spin.
I inhaled sharply and raised my head slowly. My eyes were blurry, but I could still see how the spectators stood up to give me a big hand. Pinakawalan ko ang hininga ko at doon ay napangiti ng husto sa tuwa. A lot of them threw a single stem of rose and stuffed animals in the rink. The sweepers immediately joined me to collect them and I spotted the one from Triton. Umikot-ikot ako ng bahagya at dinampot 'yung stuffed animal bago kumaway sa mga madla.
I hugged the little white bear and waved one last time before I exited. Even after I stepped out of the rink, they didn't stop clapping. I got my guards and put them on. My peers came to surround me and my coaches couldn't take a step closer. I was catching my breath and could barely hear what they were saying. Everyone was smiling... rejoicing over my performance. And beyond everything, I was happy.
Binuhat ako ng tuwang-tuwa na si Coach Joaquin. "Our girl just made history tonight! Sobrang galing mo! You executed it perfectly! You did not over-rotate! Your jumps were huge! Your landings were clean! You're a master of both art and athleticism! We were speechless!"
Nasundan iyon ng yakap galing kay Coach Ara. "I thought my eyes would pop out the moment we saw the height and distance measurements of your jumps, especially the 3A. That was nearly 29 inches! You were almost 3 feet suspended in the air!"
I didn't even know that. I just knew that I didn't make a mistake. I was satisfied for delivering such a clean routine and that was the result of my perseverance and commitment towards my goals. Iyon naman ang importante dahil makikita iyon sa kung paano ako gumalaw sa loob ng rink nang walang bahid ng takot o kaba.
Lumabas ako sa sports complex kasunod ang aking mga coach. Hindi ko binitiwan ang stuffed animal na galing kay Triton kahit sa interview bago matapos ang competition. Napalingon ako sa kaliwa at lakad-takbo na lumapit sa pamilya ko. Naroon ang lahat—matiyagang naghintay sa gitna ng mahinang pagbuhos ng ulan.
My parents embraced me in a flash. I felt delighted just like them, but I suddenly broke down. Itinago ko ang sarili sa mga bisig nina Daddy at Mama. Nanahimik ang lahat at nangibabaw ang impit kong pag-iyak.
"Bakit, anak?" Pati si Mama ay nahawa na rin.
Kumalas ako sa kanila at ibinaba ang zipper ng jacket para ipakita 'yung medal. I scored 163 for the free skate; it wasn't just a personal best, it was the highest point given to clinch the gold medal and secured the top spot on the podium.
Mas lalong bumuhos ang mga luha ko. "I just couldn't believe it... Akala ko w-wala na pong pag-asa. Inayawan ko na, pero nandito ako at mag-uuwi ng gintong medalya..."
Ako na matagal huminto. Ako na ngayon pa lang ulit sumubok. Ako na napag-iwanan ng panahon ang nakakuha ng ginto... Kaya ako umiiyak kasi sa dami ng nangyari at pinagdaanan ko, ito ang naging kapalit ng mga paghihirap ko. It was the greatest reward I could ever give myself. It was my sweetest revenge. It felt so right.
"Now they wouldn't dare say anything 'cause everyone saw how remarkable you were. You deserved the gold, anak. More than anyone, you truly deserve it. And we couldn't be more proud and happy for you," Daddy said with misty eyes.
"Hindi ko po magagawa ito ng wala ang tulong at suporta n'yo. Maraming salamat po..." my gaze regarded everyone, not just my parents.
I wiped my tears and smiled at them sincerely. They congratulated me again and couldn't wait to get their hands on my gold medal, so I let them have it for a while.
"Ang galing-galing ng apo ko! I cried while watching her! And Elle did a good job with the Insel!" Puri ni Lola Melanie.
"We're very proud of our daughter, Tita! First time naming narinig 'yon kanina, eh. She'd been keeping it from us since our trip to Spain," sabi naman ni Tita Harmony.
Tito Marcus agreed. "Kanino pa ba magmamana si Elle? Maybe she could visit us in Germany next year, Harise? Para sana sa voice lessons ng mga anak kong frustrated singers..."
Binalot kami ng tawanan at habang abala pa sila sa kung anu-ano ay mabilis kong nilapitan si Triton na kasalukuyang naka-salang sa interview ng mga pinsan ko. He stood up and I knew what I had to do... Napangiti ako at tinanggap ang mahigpit niyang yakap. Pinatakan niya ng halik ang kanang sentido ko at mas lalo pa akong ikinulong sa kanyang mga bisig.
"Congratulations, mahal ko..." he whispered huskily, and that was the sweetest compliment I've heard today.
"Thank you so much, love! Pati na sa teddy bear!" Itinaas ko iyon para ipakita sa kanya.
He glanced at it and smiled cheekily. My initials were embroidered on the pastel blue dress, but instead of my surname...
"Hmm, 'V' as in Viglianco?" I tried to tease him, pero ako itong masyadong affected.
He nodded and pinched my cheek. "Ano pa nga ba? Hindi naman pwedeng Isla Vorenzo kasi pina-sadya ko 'yan..."
"Vo—What did you just say!?" I crossed my arms as I warned him jokingly. "Isusumbong kita kay Daddy!"
He barked a laugh and hugged me tightly; my arms loosened so he could do it freely. "Isla Kristen Viglianco nga kasi... Happy?"
Tumango lang ako at kinurot-kurot ang tagiliran niya dahil baka magkabuhol-buhol lang ang dila ko kapag nagtangkang magsalita. Typical Triton. It was his naughty side that really got me to shut my mouth.
Dinungaw niya ako. "Nananakit ka kapag kinikilig. What should I do to make you behave? Hmm?"
"We can't kiss here..." bulong ko sabay baling sa parents ko.
"Ah! So you want a kiss—"
Tinakpan ko 'yung bibig niya. "Shh! Baka marinig nila! Nahihiya ako!"
"Nakita naman nila no'ng hinalikan mo 'ko no'ng New Year—"
Namilog ang mga mata ko at mas lalong idiniin ang kamay para manahimik na siya. Ibinaba niya ang kamay ko at pinagsalikop ang mga daliri namin habang nakangiti sa akin. Umirap ako at tinusok ang tungki ng ilong niya.
"I'll stop teasing you now, but..." malambing niyang sinabi sabay yuko para mahalikan ang noo ko.
Halos mapatalon ako hindi dahil doon kung hindi sa biglaang pagyakap ni Adam sa tagiliran ko. Gumaya ang mga nakababata kong pinsan kaya halos hindi na ako makahinga sa pinaggagawa nila. But it warmed my heart, so I just let them be. Triton and I stared into each other's eyes and smiled.
I ran my gaze over the people behind, then to the children, and back to my Triton. Mahal na mahal ko ang mga taong ito at masaya ako para sa tagumpay naming lahat...
Pagbalik sa hotel ay nakatanggap ako ng video call mula kina Rayiane at Michio. My best friends jumped for joy when I won. Hearing their squeals and non-stop animated talks, I could only imagine how much they cheered for me. Sinubukan ko ring mag-reply sa messages ng classmates ko sa La Salle at ibang kakilala bago tuluyang hinila ng antok.
My team and I took a flight back home and I didn't know what to expect at the airport. May trauma pa rin ako sa nangyari noon at kung maaari lang na 'wag i-anunsyo ang pagbalik ko ay gagawin ko. But the people have been made aware of my return. It was just my wishful thinking that no egg would fly over my face.
"Isla, this way... Nagpadala ng bodyguards ang parents mo bukod sa airport security na sasalubong sa atin," wika ni Coach Ara pagkatapos naming kuhanin ang mga bagahe.
Nang na-meet namin ang security, yumuko ako at tahimik silang sinundan. Tinabihan ako ni Coach Joaquin na tila pinoprotektahan. But to my surprise, binulabog kami ng sigawan ng mga tao bago pa kami makalabas sa arrival area. There were no boos or insults; they were calling out to me in such a cheerful manner that made me lift my head.
Lights flashed on our faces. Banners and signboards were everywhere. People were applauding and chanting my name. This was the exact opposite of what happened before... Nawala ang uneasiness na nararamdaman ko at ibinalik ang ngiti ng mga tao nang walang pag-aalinlangan.
I waved and smiled. Paulit-ulit kong ginawa iyon hanggang sa nakasakay kami sa SUV. Nagkatinginan kami ni Coach Ara at parehong nginitian ang isa't isa. Alam niya kung ano ang tumatakbo sa isipan ko at gano'n din ako sa kanya.
From having a bad reputation, I became the most celebrated athlete in the country right now. Seeing those people clamp together to welcome me for returning home in triumph took me back to the old times. I would never forget, but I could forgive. I would always choose to be kind...
I was assigned to the Skate America for the Grand Prix—making it my fourth time to join the event. But while I was honing my skills, hindi ko rin kinalimutang asikasuhin ang pag-aaral ko. Bukod doon ay kabi-kabila ang invitation para sa interviews at TV guesting simula noong umuwi ako.
Insel became a hit. Reports were stating that the public rinks were jam-packed these days. Nakarating din sa akin ang balita na nauuso ang 'Isla Lorenzo' haircut sa mga salon; pati ang style ko sa pananamit na kahit hindi naman ako ang nagsimula niyon ay ginagaya ng mga tao. I didn't believe it at first until I saw the tags whereas they took a photo or video of themselves modeling the clothes similar to what I usually wear—all under the collection called 'Wear It Like Isla'.
"Isla, Isla, pwede magpa-picture?"
"Oh my gosh! It's really her!"
Nagulat ako nang biglang sumulpot ang grupo ng mga estudyante sa gilid ko. It was Saturday. Triton and I went to a mall in Makati para sana manood ng sine. Pero bigla kaming dinumog habang bumibili ng popcorn kaya nagkaroon ng commotion at kinailangan kaming daluhan ng mga security guard.
I greeted them with a smile. "Sure! But is it okay kung dito tayo sa tabi para hindi natin maabala 'yung ibang bibili ng snacks?"
I was followed by an entourage of more or less fifty people. Hindi ako pinabayaan ni Triton at siya pa nga ang nag-presinta na kukuha ng picture. Nadagdagan ang mga gustong magpa-autograph at sa totoo lang ay medyo nahihilo na ako sa dami ng mga nakapaligid sa akin ngayon. The movie will start in ten minutes, but it seems like we won't be able to watch it anymore.
Napansin ko rin na pagkatapos sa akin ng ibang girls, pa-simple silang lalapit kay Triton para kuhaan ang boyfriend ko ng picture. I pouted a bit to hide my smile. He was so striking that even the elderly willingly posed beside him.
"Thank you, everyone! It's nice meeting you!" I said after an hour.
Bumaling ako kay Triton at pareho na lang kaming napangisi. He held my hand firmly as we carefully walked away from the crowd. My right hand was sore and I was feeling a bit hungry. 'Yung popcorn namin ay ipinakain ko na lang sa bata para tumigil sa pagwawala.
"Punta tayo sa 'min ipagluluto kita..." Triton murmured as if he could read my mind.
"Okay!" I beamed excitedly. "That sounded like music to my ears! Gusto ko ng adobo, ha."
He just grinned at me, but I knew he would. Minsan naiisip ko na lang na sobrang spoiled ko na dahil palagi niya akong pinagbibigyan, but he said he didn't think that way. Gano'n lang talaga siya magmahal.
Yumakap ako sa baywang niya at siya naman ay umakbay sa akin kahit nabigla. Bumaba ang nagungusap niyang mga mata sa mukha ko na tila nanghihingi ng sagot. Hindi ako ganito ka-clingy in public, but I couldn't help it. I had to because that's what I really felt.
"Nothing. I just love you so much," mabagal at malinaw kong sinabi para marinig niya ng maayos.
And in rare cases like this, Triton Viglianco blushed like a teenager. His cheeks turned red and his dimples appeared. I knew what his response would be—that he loves me more than I could ever imagine. But I just wanted him to know that. I wanted to remind him every chance I got. I wanted him to feel that he was valued and loved beyond measure and we would stick together no matter what... forever.
We flew to Texas on the third week of October. Skate America was dominated by the American figure skaters and they've been taking the sport by storm for years. Si Paula Briny ang una kong nakita sa practice at hindi ko alam kung ano ang ire-react ko. We weren't exactly on good terms, but she wasn't as mean as Nikola.
Inayos ko 'yung gloves ko bago nilibot 'yung rink. I was counting the beat in my mind when she jabbed her toe-pick in front of me. Bigla akong nairita kasi maaring mauwi iyon sa aksidente kung hindi lang ako 'agad umiwas.
"What's your problem?" I asked her with annoyance.
Pati siya ay nabigla rin. "I'm sorry, Isla! I didn't do it on purpose. I didn't mean to scare you..."
Kumalma ako dahil ayaw ko ng gulo. "You could've hurt someone. Be careful..."
Tumalikod ako at mabagal na nag-skate. Nakita ko sa gilid ng mga mata ko na humabol si Paula at ngayo'y sinasabayan ako. I could feel that she wanted to talk about something, but I kept quiet.
"I-I apologize..." her voice was loud and clear.
Alam ko kung para saan iyon. I poked the ice using the toe-pick and faced her properly. Halatang kinakabahan siya at hindi makatingin ng maayos. I sighed to ease the tension.
Her misty eyes met mine. "I was mean to you. There's no excuse for my rude behavior and I regret it... I couldn't bring myself to apologize because of my pride, but I regret everything I said. I could never turn back time, but I want you to know that I really feel bad. I'm humbling myself to ask for forgiveness..."
I was lost for words. No one ever said sorry to me. No one took responsibility. They just simply moved on. And here she was... admitting her mistakes and asking for forgiveness. Millions of people and Paula Briny was the only person who apologized. It was heart-wrenching and I wouldn't ignore that.
I blinked twice for my eyes were burning. "I accept your apology, Paula. I really appreciate it. You know, you're the only one who took accountability and I respect you for that..."
She smiled sadly. "I'm sorry it took so long. After the allegations cleared up, I didn't know how to face you... what to say to you. As far as the beauty of figure skating goes, I showed you the ugly side of me. What we have here is sisterhood and we should be there for each other. But I was a total bitch and I'm ashamed of myself. I reflected on my mistakes and learned the hard way, Isla."
"I'm okay now, Paula. It's in the past and we have no power to undo anything, but we can do better so it won't happen again," mahinahon kong sinabi at ngumiti.
I was glad to hear those words from Paula Briny. And after that, I realized that I didn't have to get everyone's apology, I only needed one. I may have waited for that moment to be truly free from the pain.
My name was the last one they called. I glided forward and headed to the podium. Paula extended her hand before I could climb up to my spot. I shook it firmly as she gave her warmest congratulations to me. Nagpasalamat ako at binati rin sila. Then, I took my place gleefully to have yet received another gold medal.
"Coach, we still have a full day to roam around here, right?" I asked Coach Ara after the exhibition gala.
Inilabas niya ang kanyang phone upang i-check ang schedule. "Yep, I planned our itinerary... What places would you like to visit tomorrow?"
Sinulyapan ko si Coach Joaquin pagkapasok namin sa sasakyan. "Is it, uh, possible... Can we go to Arkansas?"
Mabilis akong nilingon ni Coach Joaquin at ibinuka ang bibig para sa sasabihin, ngunit nag-alangan siya at itinikom ulit iyon. Unaware of the situation, Coach Ara gave us a blank stare.
"I want to visit Triton's mom. I know it's a short notice, but we're already here. Pwede n'yo po ba akong samahan bukas? Gusto ko pong puntahan si Tita Allison..." paki-usap ko sa dalawa.
Coach Ara nodded slowly. "Walang problema sa 'kin, Isla. We can book a flight now kung okay kay Coach Joaquin." She poked his back. "Ano, Coach? Sama ka?"
"Syempre, sasama ako..." He cleared his throat as he glanced at me. "I'll come, Isla. Matagal ko nang hindi nadadalaw si Allison..."
We sacrificed our remaining energy that night for the sudden trip to Arkansas. Mabuti na lang at nakahanap ng accommodation si Coach Ara malapit sa bahay ng grandparents ni Triton. Kaya naman pagka-galing namin sa airport, tumuloy kami roon at pare-pareho kaming bumagsak sa kapaguran.
Maaga kaming gumising kinabukasan. Sumandal ako sa balikat ni Coach Ara at pumikit kasi antok na antok pa ako. On the other hand, she focuses on her breakfast. Si Coach Joaquin naman ay hindi pa tapos maligo.
"I wonder if we'll also visit Ali's parents..." napa-dilat ako sa sinabi ni Coach Ara.
"Hindi na po siguro. Si Triton lang po ang kinakausap nila, eh," I replied gloomily.
"So, they never reconcile. That's sad, Isla. Wala naman masamang ginawa si Joaquin. If I may say it, he was a victim..." parang nawalan ng gana kumain si Coach Ara.
"Last year lang po nakipag-ayos si Triton sa grandparents niya dahil na rin kay Coach Joaquin. It's really unfortunate, pero mas mahalaga po ang inner peace kaya hindi na rin nag-reach out si Coach."
Umayos kami sa pagkaka-upo nang narinig ang papalapit na mga yapak ni Coach Joaquin. Giving Coach Ara a sidelong glance, I grabbed the bread and ate quietly. She almost choked on her coffee while acting as though she didn't talk behind his back.
Malapit lang ang resting place ni Tita Allison kaya mabilis kaming nakarating doon. Inilapag namin ni Coach Joaquin 'yung mga bulaklak sa puntod samantalang sinindihan naman ni Coach Ara 'yung kandila.
"Alli, this is Isla. Meet our son's girlfriend. She's also a figure skater. Don't worry, pasadong-pasado. You would've loved her, too," ani Coach Joaquin sabay baling sa akin ng nakangiti.
He let me talk to her at kulang ang isang araw sa dami ng gusto kong i-kwento. Nagulantang pa si Triton dahil puntod ng mommy niya ang nabungaran pagkasagot ng video call. I knew how much he missed her... how much he'd been longing to visit, so I made this happen. Masaya ang puso ko kasi kahit dito man lang ay makita ni Triton ang mommy niya. Sana next time, kasama na siya rito.
Binalingan ko ang tahimik na si Coach Joaquin. "I never said this before, pero salamat po sa pagpapalaki ng maayos kay Triton. Hindi ko po ma-imagine kung gaano ka-hirap maging single parent kaya sobrang saludo po ako sa 'yo, Coach. Triton wouldn't be the man he is now without you."
"O, bakit ka nagpapa-iyak?" Tumawa siya at marahang tinapik ang likod ko. "Sa totoo lang, hindi naging madali ang buhay namin simula no'ng nawala si Ali. Kahit lalaki ang anak namin, iba pa rin 'pag may nanay na gagabay. Isa pa, nuknukan ng kulit si Triton. I thought he would never be tamed. Pero mas lamang naman 'yung saya na kasama ko siya sa paglaki niya. Kahit ngayong puma-pag-ibig na..."
Hindi ako naka-sagot. I felt my face heated up as I replayed that last sentence on my head. Iba pala sa pakiramdam kapag tungkol sa ganito ang pinag-uusapan namin at hindi ang figure skating.
"You should call me 'tito' by now, pero alam kong mas kumportable ka sa coach." He flashed a bright smile. "Salamat sa pagmamahal mo sa anak ko, Isla. Siguradong happy at grateful din si Ali lalo na sa ginawa mo ngayon."
May oras pa naman bago ang flight namin kaya isinama muna ako ni Coach Ara sa sasakyan para bigyan ng privacy si Coach Joaquin. We listened to some music and watched him through the window.
Her eyes twinkled. "You finally met Joaquin's greatest love..."
"Opo, Coach. Sa kabila ng nangyari, si Tita Allison pa rin talaga hanggang ngayon. That's rare and I admire him for that," tugon ko at ibinaling ang tingin sa ibang bagay.
Tumango siya. "When you meet the one, no matter what happens, the love will never be lost. Mananatiling buo kahit pa magmahal ng tahimik at malayo..."
I peeked at the window and caught Coach Joaquin wiping his tears. I felt a pang in my chest when I thought of what Coach Ara said. Nalungkot din ako nang naalala ang sitwasyon nina Coach Joaquin noon. I forgot that Triton wasn't the only one who felt the longing; his father was pining away for love.
Natauhan ako nang nag-ring ang phone ni Coach Ara. "A friend from ISU is calling. Excuse me, Isla. I have to take this."
Isinandal ko ang ulo ko sa bintana at hinayaan siyang makipag-usap. Pero nawala ang antok ko nang mahimigan ang pagka-alarma sa boses niya.
I looked at her right after she ended the call. "What is it, Coach?"
She gaped at me. "It's not confirmed yet, but Nikola might have to give up her medal from the Autumn Classic due to her involvement in a doping scandal..."