TRAPPED

30

Adrien

CELINE'S COACH: [link]

     I abandon the work on my desk and open it, finding the words BRITISH JUNIOR FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS at the top.

     I scroll down, eyebrows raising a bit in surprise when I see my daughters picture after a minute. She's smiling, a hand on her hip in her clothes that she wears when she goes to her ice rink. One of her skates is in front of the other, and she looks so worry free that it makes my heart crack.

     I read the words beneath her picture.

     Next up for the most anticipated returns that I think we're all expecting for the British Junior Figure Skating Championships this year is last years runner up: Celine Monet. She has lots of accomplishments under her belt, like being the youngest girl to land a double axel in competition at the age of twelve during her "Move Your Body" program, which sent everyone in the stands into cheers.

Ever since Celine got runner up in the previous British Junior Championships (when she landed her double axel) her fan base was furious. So it's safe to say that they're excited to see what Celine brings to the table this year. We all are.

I click on the link of her program, and it comes up on YouTube. It has two million views and six hundred thousand likes. Pride swirls within me as I click the play button.

The video starts. Celine is in the centre of the ice rink, dressed in black glittery shorts and a hot pink top. Cheers loudly erupt, and then music starts to play. Celine moves out of her starting position and starts to do her routine as low voices play over the loud speaker in the ice rink.

"This skater is only twelve years old and already she's made figure skating history with her talents. Her jumps are high, and she rotates incredibly fast. She's definitely a fan favourite."

     As the beat to the song drops, she pushes herself up into the air and spins twice before making a clean landing. Clapping echoes in the audience, the loud sound almost covering the music.

     "That's what I mean! Have you ever seen a twelve year old do a double axel in competition? Well, now you have!"

     After another minute, Celine finishes her routine and cheers erupt again. She skates off the ice, and when one of the cameras go closer to her face my heart melts. She's smiling—but I suppose beaming would be a more fitting word. She looks so happy that it makes my heart burst. Her cheeks are slightly tinged with red as she lifts her hand in a wave, then steps off the ice. The video ends there.

     I read the message her coach sent after it.

CELINE'S COACH: There's a spot open for her this year if she wants it. It's in a couple weeks so we'll have to do a lot of training, but I think she can do it. It's up to you and her though.

I frown a little. What if she's not well enough to do it in a few weeks? Her surgery is tomorrow, but it isn't guaranteed that it'll work, no matter how much I hope it will.

     The door opens and Celine walks in. She glances at me, then to the side, then back at me again.

     "Hi, sweetheart." I say, "you okay?"