Start of a new fic Really hope you all enjoy! Disclaimer: All views are my own and SOME characters and Characterizations. No likey no ready!
It was a cold morning in the middle of October. I checked my watch, 6:30 am, I often wondered why on earth I was up at such ridiculous hours however what can I say- I love my job.
From one cold place to another. I walked into the ice rink clutching my skates and trying to hold in a yawn. Goodness knows why Jayne and Chris would even think of scheduling lessons this early in the morning!
I sat down on the rink-side benches; there was no sign of Jayne or for that matter Chris. Slowly I began to lace my skates realising it was going to be one long day. Jayne and Chris had managed to book out the rink to allow us to practice for the next Dancing On Ice show, then I had coaching with my students, followed by Skate UK courses. Once I had fully put on my skates I went and sat in my office and waited. Luckily this was my normal rink where I coach meaning the day was slightly less rushed than it could of been. I dropped my skate bag and guards next to me on the sofa and waited.
30 minutes later I heard the sound of a door closing and footsteps. I stood up exited my office and locked the door.
“Hiya Kaz.” Chris said smiling
“Hey, you ok?” I responded smiling back
“Yeah thanks, sorry I’m late.” He said gesturing towards the door.”Bad traffic.”
“No problem.” I said.
He sat down on the benches and put on his skates ready. There was no point in waiting for Jayne. She is late for everything; and believe me, as her best friend I should know... We both got on the ice and began a simple warm up and sure enough half way through it Jayne showed up.
“Sorry.” She shouted apologetically as she took her guards off and joined us on the ice.
Me and Chris just smiled at each other, this was just normal routine really. Finally we began the work we had set. It was mainly choreography and planning but by the end of it we were all shattered. I said goodbye to Jayne and Chris and had a 10 minute break before my private coaching lessons began. For the second time today I retreated to my office and waited.
I’d coached for almost all of my life really. After I had stopped competing with Nicky it was the first thing I turned to. I knew from when I was only 9 years old that being a figure skating coach was what I wanted to do. And here I am, still coaching 21 years from when I first had that dream. Dancing On Ice then also became a part of my life and now I juggle both events full time.
I checked the clock and it was time for my coaching to commence. Once I summoned up the energy to get up I left my office and waited by the side of the rink for my first pupil. It wasn't a great start to the day. She was late. One thing I couldn't stand with my pupils is when they are late, not only does it waste their lesson, it mucks up my schedule.
"Hi Kazza." I turned around to see Jake, one of my fellow coaches, at the other side of the rink.
"Hi Jake." I said
"Let me guess... Late pupil? Jake said grinning, he knew me too well.
"Yeah." I said laughing
4 hours later I had finished coaching for the day and was moving onto the Skate UK courses. I was so proud of all my students today in the private lessons, they all did so well.
After a 5 minute break for a much needed coffee I was straight back on the ice ready for the Skate UK classes. It was the start of a new set of 6 week courses meaning it was absolutely carnage for us coaches. Often we didn't have a clue what we were doing let alone where the skaters were supposed to be. I got on the ice and began the session. Suddenly I looked up and smiled. I had just noticed Chris was sitting up in the viewing area watching me... Anybody who knew me should know I have always had a little...lets say...thing for Chris and Jayne had always insisted that the feelings mutual... Anyway back to the skating. I skated forward to join the skaters and I was so distracted by Chris I hit my toe pick and nearly fell flat on my face. I cursed under my breath before attempting to compose myself and beginning the lesson.
The pupils were looking at me like petrified rabbits, half of them were clinging onto the side or each other. I suppose me nearly falling flat on my face wasn't that reassuring for them. I joined them by the side and began talking to them about the basics of skating and how to begin. The group mainly consisted of 7-8 year olds meaning the explaining part was more difficult than it sounds. The boys were more than willing to give it a go but the youngest of the girls was terrified. I bent down to her level and held her hand as we completed the first length. When the skate finished and we all were off the ice she came over to me and gave me a hug. That's what I really love about my job; how rewarding it is.
Disclaimer: All views are my own and SOME characters and Characterizations. No likey no ready!
After I spoke to the children’s parents and informed them how they were all doing I went to find Chris. He was upstairs in the viewing area apparently waiting for me. I walked up the stairs and found him
“Hi Chris.” I said smiling
“Hi Kaz.” He said returning the smile.
“So, what owes me this pleasure?” I asked.
“Just wondering if you would like a hand clearing up?” Chris said gesturing towards the rink that was full of abandoned equipment.
You see these were the pleasures of being head coach. You were expected to get everything out and then pack it all away, normally singlehandedly.
“Yes thanks, that’d be great.” I said happily.
We walked down the stairs and Chris put on his skates before beginning the task of clearing away. Chris certainly made the task more enjoyable, I kept bursting into uncontrollable fits of laughter (each one nearly sending me off balance) by Chris. We were having such a good time... I skated over to the final cone and picked it up before Chris joined me.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a long time...” Chris said looking into my eyes.
“Hmm.” I said smiling.
“I love you Karen. I always have and always will.”
“I love you too.” I said as I felt my face turning a deep shade of crimson.
I don’t know how but it just sort of happened. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. It was such a magical moment that I knew I would never forget...Ever...
The next day I woke up in my office at the rink with Chris. His arms were wrapped around me and I was lying close to him. I remembered last night and smiled. For once I had experienced what true love feels like.
“Morning beautiful.” Chris said sitting up and kissing my forehead
“Morning.” I said leaning into him
Suddenly I remembered it was a weekday and that I had to coach again this morning. I rushed around my office trying to find clean clothes and my coach’s jacket before reluctantly having to kiss goodbye to my Prince Charming and start work.
As I walked out Jake was there grinning smugly.
“I saw you all loved up last night.” He said smiling
“Oh good morning to you too.” I said with a laugh
“Karen and Chris eh?” Jake said still smiling.
“Oh shut up you!”I said swatting at him with my Skate UK grade indicators sheet
“I’m happy for you Kaz.” He said sincerely.
“Thanks.” I said smiling
Our conversation ended when Jakes first student arrived for their lesson.
I felt throughout the whole day I didn’t stop smiling once. Everybody had cottoned on that something was going on but Jake hadn’t breathed one word. I left the ice with all of the other coaches and waited off the rink with everyone else for Chris. A few minutes later he showed up, the whole rink went silent (and believe me that alone takes some doing.) Jake grinned at me while the other coaches just looked confused.
“Let’s give them something to look at eh darling?” Chris whispered cheekily.
I wrapped my arms around my neck and kissed him passionately. I could see my fellow colleges watching and Jake was positively wetting himself with laughter. After a minute we broke apart and Chris took hold of my hand.
My closest friends Samantha and Ella smiled at me, they knew about my feelings for Chris.
Considering my hectic schedule I had been staying at my office at the rink. Chris being such a gentleman had offered to stay with me and I gladly accepted.
The next day I had another early start but Chris had to go home while I coached. I got on the ice and began. Me and the other coaches began choreographing a routine for the upcoming Christmas Show. Myself and Sam had to try out a spin where we were very close together with one leg out to the side as far as it would go. As we began the spin it looked like everything would go fine. But disaster struck. Our spins were to close together and Sam’s blade hit me in the stomach. Sam screamed. I fell to the ice.
She crouched down beside me and everyone else rushed over.
“Karen, I’m so sorry.” Sam said
“Let’s try and get you on your feet doll.” Jake said reassuringly.
“No, no it’s too serious wait!” Sam said as a tear rolled down her cheek.
I moved my hand and placed it against the cut. My first thought was it was deep. When I pulled my hand away it was covered in blood and part of the ice was also stained blood red.
All of the coaches now were sat around me. A few minutes later Jake had convinced Sam, Ella and everyone else that it was best to get me off the ice. Jake helped me onto my feet and managed to get me off the ice and to the first aider. 30 minutes later I was in agony however completely bandaged up and glad it was nothing more serious. I decided to take a break in my office for a while until the pain went slightly.
Chris was on his way over (Jake rang him on my phone to tell him what had happened.) The pain was incredible. I lay down on the sofa and winced every time I moved. Suddenly the door opened and Chris walked in and hugged me.
“God Karen, I was so scared, are you alright?” He said.
“Yeah I’m not bad just a bit sore and bandaged.” I replied kissing him on the cheek.
More? Hope you enjoyed. Karen WILL get better soon :) xxxx
Disclaimer: All views are my own and SOME characters and Characterizations. No likey no ready!
The next day I was in agony. Glad that I had cancelled all of my lessons; I just lay there in bed, not wanting to move. I felt annoyed that I was letting an injury stop me however skating with it was just not an option. I must have fallen back asleep because the next thing I knew Chris was home.
“How you feeling doll?” He said as I opened my eyes.
“Sore.” I said with a week smile. “I’m working tomorrow though.”
“Are you sure Kaz?” Chris asked worriedly.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” I said kissing his cheek.
“Okay darling, but I’m coming with you.” He said putting his arms around me. The next day I was at the rink for 9:00am. I knew this skate would be interesting. As it still hurt to bend down Chris tied both of our skates.
“It’s like being a little girl again.” I said with a laugh as he began lacing the other skate.
He laughed before saying “Anything for my princess.”
Once our skates were on we both got on the ice. Chris wanted me to take it easy; but let’s face it ‘taking it easy’ is just not in my vocabulary range. After I’d warmed up I went straight into my first lesson. Footwork, spins and jumps. Great. I knew I would feel it afterwards. The pain was terrible but I put a brave face on it. After an hour of jumping and spinning, I skated over to Chris clutching the side of my stomach where the cut was. He put his arms around me.
-- Edited by Karens Angels on Tuesday 7th of January 2014 04:21:23 PM
Disclaimer: All views are my own and SOME characters and Characterizations. No likey no ready!
“Karen I’m really worried about you.” Chris said holding me close.
“I’ll be fine, I’ve had worse.” I said.
After I’d finished all of my lessons I went back home with Chris to relax. The next day I woke up and the pain was still there. As it was a Saturday we had training for the upcoming Dancing On Ice show. Myself and Chris both woke up early ready for the training. We both got changed and rushed off to the studios. It was an important practice today as it was nearly time for the show to air. We arrived at the studio and walked in hand in hand.
“You look gorgeous today darling.” Chris said kissing me passionately
“You don’t look too bad yourself Mr.” I said kissing him back.
As we entered the studio we went straight to rink side to lace our skates and begin the session. Chris laced mine for me again, but he wasn’t sure I should be skating.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked. “You were in a lot of pain after yesterday.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I said with a smile.
“Promise me this, if it hurts today, tell me, and we’re going straight to the medics.” He said holding my hand.
“Okay, deal.” I responded.
When I had actually obtained the injury I had insisted that everything was ok and didn’t get it checked out by the Hospital, stupid of me I know. As the days went by I was beginning to think that something may actually be wrong. It was extremely painful and hurt to breathe in, but I was too afraid to admit it. My thoughts were interrupted as the celebrities, professionals and Jayne arrived. 10 minutes later we had all got on the ice and began teaching them.
Virtually as soon as I began the teaching the pain in my stomach increased. I had managed to cover the fact that it hurt to breathe, but I was seriously struggling. Chris must have noticed as he came skating over to me, by this time I was doubled over in pain.
“Kaz, we need to get this checked out honey.” Chris said putting his arms around me.
I nodded in response. Chris signalled to Jayne as we both went off to the medical room. Chris held my hand during the examination and they decided that I needed an X-Ray to determine what the problem was. I sat and waited for the results with Chris. Sarah, one of the Dancing On Ice medics, informed me that I had fractured 2 ribs. Great. Chris gently hugged me being careful of my painful side and took the ice pack of Sarah. As we arrived back at the side of the rink Jayne came off to see how it went.
“You ok?” She asked sitting next to me and Chris.
“2 fractured ribs.” I said with a sigh.
“Aw Kaz, no way!” She said. “Stay with Karen this afternoon.” Jayne said turning to Chris.
“I will.” He replied kissing me on the forehead.
We took seats rink side and Chris carefully put his arms around me. I snuggled into him and he held the ice pack on my stomach where the cut and two fractured ribs were located.
“I love you.” I said
“I love you too princess.” He replied.
For the rest of the morning we watched the preparation for the show. Each contestant was looking extremely strong and all of the choreography was coming together. There were some extremely beautiful routines and the celebrities were practicing more than you could imagine. They all stopped for lunch at about 12 and everybody came over to make sure I was alright. Jayne called everybody to start back working at 12:30 and the message got round that they wouldn’t be finishing until at least 8.
