Film of Love

Vingt-Trois

Tristan and I were on time along with my auntie and cousin, we able to get seats in the first row because of Tristan. Athletes from different nations are on the inside and this time a group of children in their blue dress is having a wonderful performance to introduce the sport. Paris is the one holding the event so the music to the outfits is inspired by the high fashion of the city.

After the opening, all of the activity of the day has ended, Ice skating for singles just begin. I don’t know if making Dem the first one to perform will be that great but I have faith in her. Don’t ask me how did I get that but it’s pretty obvious how.

This will be a Short program, it will take about 2 minutes and 40 seconds each athlete will be given that amount of time—equally. This program will be senior female first and followed by the male. For female seniors this program must have the 7 elements—those are one double or triple axel, triple jump, a jump combination. The jump combination will have at least one of the following—a double jump, triple jumps or two triple jumps, and then one flying spin, layback or sideways spin, sit or camel spin without changing foot, and last another combination but this time it can be the two—one change of foot spin or step sequence on the entire ice surface. If Dem chooses the hardest elements and executes them beautifully, there is a high chance of getting a high score from the judges.

“Our opening skater for tonight! A representative of France,” the announcer announced. “Dem Linton!” the crowd cheered as the name was said after our country’s name. I am nervous as hell for her, I can also feel my aunt’s and cousin’s but I know in my heart she will do good this year.

I felt like I am her mother watching her daughter in person skating for the Olympics representing us. I felt bad for her, I know that she wants this for a long time, and was given to her when she finally decided to let go of this career she loves. She once shared that she is getting tired of having no chances and I know it is because of me. I can’t do anything at all as I am not the one in charge to decide who will participate in a competition.

Some of us wear blue, some wear white and red. We are given some balloons of the same color as our flag and also we can’t forget the cheering squad. Dem entered the rink, covered with a black padded jacket as the room is a bit cooler.

She is massaging her thighs and legs while skating around the rink. I am not that surprised as the music starts to play, it is from a movie frozen and it was an instrumental version. Some say it is childish to play music in competition but that’s only voices that should never bother to hear. The song holds meaning to her, and even then without the words that can be heard the lyrics have been tattooed in heart and mind.

I was anticipating something like different, classical masterpieces but she chose a unique one I’d say. She is in a new form, a different Dem I don’t see always and I’m here living for it.

“Oh! She is starting!” Cosette said.

“I know!” her mom replied. They were beside me at the right while Tristan is on my left. Tristan must be pretty busy as he is on his phone not even paying attention to Dem but I rather not bother him anymore—it looks like it is serious on how his face expresses it.

“Omg! This will be my first time to see an ice skater up close and in person!”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah! We are just watching it from our televisions!” my aunt sadly said. “we can’t afford tickets and we can’t fly to another country to watch it.”

“Well, as long as you’re here enjoy this moment while it lasts!”

“I’ll be supporting her from now on!” my cousin added. “I am not familiar with her though, but whatever!”

Oh, right! I don’t have a chance to officially and formally introduce them to each other and also they don’t know that it is indeed Dem’s first on an international basis, but maybe later I can.

We are all mesmerized by how Dem moves on top of the ice. I am much more surprised that we are not sharing rinks with the Ice hockey teams as usual. I wonder what changed. They have more budget I guess so.

I return to my attention, we all exclaimed as she is a bit unbalanced as she landed on the ice after she attempted executing triple axel but it’s just a little bit unnoticed errors if you’re not that a figure skater fanatic or expert because on how smooth Dem did it, or I’m just doubling eyes and it’s part of the choreography. She also has excellent transitions and she did a great job putting the hard elements right on every climax of the song—as it gives off a strong impression to the judges.

I am guessing right now that she will be advancing on the finals right now. 2 minutes is a very short time for a very noble and beautifully played performance. She deserved a whole round of applause as we are doing it right now.

“Wow!” Cosette yelled enthusiastically and my right ears if go deaf if she will continue it plus the roaring sound of the crown, hyping Dem up. I am happy that they cheered Dem even though she is a newcomer on this kind of stage. Well, who wouldn’t cheer for that appetizer performed by one and only Dem!

She coming to the world and the world must not sleep in her talents and this is always what I say to my coach but sadly the authorities can’t hear or they just playing deaf, but whatever it is I am grateful that Dem is patient enough to go all the struggles just to play here. I will never leave this place without hearing the loudest cheer—louder than mine.

After minutes of watching some other players for the short program, the free skate or what they call the long program is starting momentarily. For the free skate, senior female skaters must execute up to 7 jump elements, one of which includes the axel jump; up to three spins, a spin combination—a spin with one position, a flying spin with flying entrance, a step sequence, and one choreographic sequence. This time it’s not only focusing on how you execute the elements but need to have emotions within it. You need to dance to the rhythm of the music and you’ll be guided by it. Dem is good at expressing emotions as she now herself than I am.

“This is pretty nervous!” I said. “I’m not joking!”

“Same with me!”

“They said that this will be the finale, and I am nervous and anxious too,” said Cosette while she is fanning her face even though its cold.

I deep breath to ease my tensions. This will be the last and I hope Dem will nail it, no matter what!

In the short program, Dem scores an 89.7 which takes 1st place until now but the free skate will determine the winner for this sport event. The cameras are ready to film, and the Dem is ready in her gorgeous magical dress in black with red shining pendants. It’s so good on her, though. The music starts and gives a sexy temptation vibe to it but something in there makes it unique. A magical and elegant mood in a sexy tone.

She first takes off and slides around the rink, choreographic sequences to step sequence to spin combination, and so on. So far, she taking it lightly and I can see that she is enjoying her performance and the tension is a bit lesser. I can feel it because we are soulmates.

The free skate lasted for 4 minutes this time and I want to say that as I was watching the big screen, I saw a story in her eyes and her face, a narration in her dance, and the jumps are just part of the bonus chapters for the viewer.

I didn’t know that tears starts to drop out in my eyes as she executed the performance so perfectly. I want to do is to go to the sidelines and give her a tight hug and say that she did a great, perfect job on that.

The total score given to her is 187.12 that is all combined from the short program, technical elements used, and presentation which gives her the first rank. After all the competitors received their scores, we just stand up, hugged each other, cried on each other’s shoulders because France will be getting gold because of Dem. I am crying out of happiness that Dem will never be forgotten and never be called a nobody.

All the three players who took the 1st,2nd, and 3rd places went on the podium to receive their medals and bouquet.

The day lasts for a while but the event will last a hundred times. So many people lived their ordinary lives and were forgotten by the time after they died, the same goes for us. We are just ordinary people but we chose a sport and be a representative. For them, she never felt like a representative for a country these past few years and in the line of being forgotten and I am glad that this time she can make such a history for herself, and I am proud that she is my best friend.