After the Fall

PROLOGUE

"In first place and the gold medalist in the senior ladies' division here at regionals...April Caldwell!"

Cheers erupted around the stadium, and April stepped up onto the podium with her usual poised smile, bowing her head to receive her medal. As they handed her a large bouquet of fragrant red lilies and she felt the weight of the medal around her neck, every ounce of her body wanted to jump up and down, screaming that she'd done it. Instead, she locked eyes with her coach, taking a deep breath.

Poise.

Focus.

Elegance.

She lifted her chin higher and raised a hand high in the air, waving at the audience. The scent of perfume mixed with sweat, the flashes of cameras, the buzz of applause and cheers. This was the reason she woke up in the morning. She let her smile reach her eyes, this time.

"This concludes the medal ceremony for the New England Regional Singles! Skaters, you may now exit the podium. Thank you to all competitors, coaches, and spectators for joining us today."

April skated to the edge of the rink with a grin, meeting her coach at the barrier. Coach Eleanor gave her two air kisses, and April studied her face for signs that she was proud of her.

"That was well-deserved, April," she said.

"Thank you, Coach. I couldn't have done it without you."

"Modesty is good in a young lady," Eleanor said, leaning in slightly with a rare smirk, "as long as inwardly, you're not so modest."

April grinned, smirking. "Eleanor! It's not like you to make jokes."

"Well, it's a special occasion," Eleanor said, resetting her face to its usual blank expression. "Oh, careful. Your mother's coming."

April's grin fell, and she pushed her chin higher in the air, fixing an indignant expression on her face.

"Well done, sweetie!" Michael approached his daughter, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"Thanks, Dad," April smiled warmly, leaning in to hug her father.

"Yes, well done," Mary smiled, although April could always tell when her mother was being false. "Hello, Eleanor."

"Bonjour," she replied dryly. "Your daughter did quite well. Onto the next, yes?"

April nodded eagerly. "Sectionals," she said, nodding at her coach with a grin. "I've got my work cut out for me."

"Or you could accept the win and take a step back from figure skating," Mary suggested, clutching her purse tightly, "focus on your studies."

"Let's not put a damper on the day, Mary," Michael said diplomatically.

"I just think she'd be happier, Michael," she snapped. "She's working herself to the bone for a short-lived and poorly paid career!"

"The pay and longevity are irrelevant," April told her. "I was born to do this. There's really nothing more to it than that. I would like your support, but I don't need it." She paused, taking a deep breath and regaining composure. "Thank you for coming, Dad. I'll see you soon. Mom, I suggest you don't attend sectionals."

"April!" Mary snapped, but it was too late. She had turned on her heel, with Eleanor close by her side.

She was ready to bask in the glory of her win, and she wasn't going to let anyone get in the way of that. She had more than earned it.