Post by snmphotography on May 18, 2007 16:56:37 GMT -5
:::INTRODUCTION:::
First, hello! Second, my name is Sarah Moralez and the combination of being nervous about going back to school and the udder lack of anything to do at work has driven me to writing. I've started to write fanfics before, but maybe since I'm writing about Apolo I can make it through this one. It's untitled as of yet; if anyone thinks of anything while reading the first part I have written (though I doubt anyone could since it's mostly background info on the heroine of the story), please let me know. I don't think anything will come to mind until later so for right now I'll just write "Thalia" in the subject lines.
On that note ... let's jump right in.
:::DISCLAIMER/INFO:::
AUTHOR: Sarah Moralez
RATING: PG-13
DISCLAIMER: I do not know Apolo, I've never been to Colorado nor to the Olympic Center. This entire thing is fanfic only and meant to entertain. Some research went into the story (Google and Wikipedia are my friends) so actual places, events and any quotes/transcripts I may use are true. I also reference those things by using an *, with all references at the end of each section/chapter. Spell check is always nice so it's an easy read for you all. ENJOY!
PHOTOS: Sometimes I might use photos just for fun or because I'll be backing up a story point about the media. I'm going to be using Jessica Alba as Thalia ... one, because she's just gorgeous and two, she's got the build of a figue skater. She's just super elegant, graceful, and best of all: fun!
:::1:::
THE ARRIVAL As the taxi pulled up to the front entrance of The US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO Thalia Suarez was amazed. Seeing photos of the place online was nothing compared to witnessing it in person. She marveled at the four bronze Atlases holding the world on their backs and her excitement grew stronger. Butterflies swarmed her stomach and she felt as if all the hundreds of stain glass wings could carry her right up into the clouds and the stars that hid behind them.
The texi stopped and she jumped out to get a better look as the unentertained driver stepped around her to unload the trunk. Luckily she had a couple of friends who resided in Colorado Springs and they agreed to rent a U-Haul and bring her the furniture and other miscellaneous items when she arrived.
For the moment she had a carry-on bag, her two dogs (a bull terrier named Torro and a cairn terrier named Toto), and two suitcases. She paid the driver as she was greeted by her longtime coach, Jenna Malone. Jenna had began coaching Thalia when the figure skater was 14. At the time she'd been figure skating for only 6 years, but had gone through a list of coaches who labeled her "rebellious," "demanding," "rude," and one even called her "psychotic." It was true, Thalia could be a lot to handle, but Jenna could take it and dish it right back to her. They made a great pair and Thalia had improved greatly under her coach's influence and drive. It was Jenna who had persuaded Thalia's mother to let her leave her home in San Francisco and move into the Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. When Jenna was moved to the Colorado Springs center, Thalia followed her.
"Lia, how was the flight?" Jenna asked, giving her a hug.
"Fine. The dogs hated it. Probably their ears." Thalia answered, looking down at her two pups on leashes.
"Let's head upstairs and then we can walk them. I just got off the phone with Bradley and Sarah. They're on their way over with your stuff."
"Super duper!" Thalia cheered. The two women laughed and headed around the complex to the dorms. Not many athletes had pets, but small animals were allowed. Most people had cats. They were considered less work and less of a hassel, but Thalia was more of a dog person despite loving all animals.
They set her things down in the living room area, but decided the dogs needed to stretch their legs and probably take a restroom break as well so they headed right back downstairs to walk around for a minute.
"It's only been a week, but I missed your complaints like crazy." Jenna teased.
"I don't complain ... a lot. Anymore." Thalia argued.
"I know. But I missed you, kiddo."
"We missed you, too. Didn't we fellas? Huh? We missed Jenna, didn't we?"
Thalia scooped up Torro (the protector who was always at her feet) and held him to her chest as they walked. Seeing all of this, the mama's boy, Toto, began to whimper and jump in front of Jenna. He was only 5 months old and looked up to his older brother, mimicking everything he did.
"Awww, baby boy." Jenna said, picking up the tiny package and straching his neck and head.
Jenna's cell phone rang, displaying Bradley's number on the caller ID.
"They must be close by." she said. "I told them to call when they got in the area. Hello?"
"Hey, we're pulling up to the complex," Sarah's voice rang in over the speaker phone.
"Take the second entrance, it'll lead you around to the back parking lot so we can unload everything there. We'll meet you back there."
"Ok. Which building are we looking for?"
"Complex C."
"Ok, see you in a few."
Thalia jumped at the thought of seeing two friends she hadn't seen in months and rushed the dogs back to the dorm. They blocked them into the kitchen with the baby gate Jenna had bought the day before so they'd be out of the way not under anyone's feet as they carried in the furniture and boxes.
"I wonder how we're going to get my piano up here." Thalia said. "Maybe I should go find some male Olympians to help us out."
"We might have to. One Bradley and three girls." Jenna added.
Downstairs, Bradley and Sarah were already opening the truck in the back when Thalia and Jenna came down the stairs. Passers-by watched as one of the new arrivals jumped the last few steps and jumped into Sarah's arms for a hug.
"Oh my God, you both look so good!" Thalia said. "I've missed you guys! Thank you for watching my stuff and bringing it here."
"We missed you too lady face." Sarah said. "So are we going to get any help because I've got some impressive guns, but I don't think I can lift or push a piano up some stairs."
Sarah flexed her thin arms. They were muscled, but more toned rather than built to lift heavy objects.
"I can find some guys to help us out," Jenna said. "I'm a coach, they have to obey me."
They all laughed and got to work. It was two in the afternoon and they had a lot of work to do. They figured on setting up the furniture first, starting with the bedroom, and then carrying in the boxes.
As Bradley and Jenna reconstructed the bed, Sarah and Thalia sat on the ramp of the U-Haul to talk for a minute during Sarah's smoke break.
"Think anyone's going to tackle me for smoking?" she asked as she lit up.
"They might want to, but I doubt it." Thalia answered.
"So what's the policy on painting? That place is stark."
"I know. I need color. It's the same as any apartment complex. You have to pay the decorating fee and whenever I move out, if I don't paint everything back to white, they keep the money."
"In the meantime, you're out of some money until you decide to live off the grounds or retire."
"Basically. Oh well, though."
Sarah chuckled and took another hit. Thalia watched the end burn away a little and for a short moment she thought about giving in to her old demon and taking a hit for herself. But she fought it off. She didn't want to go back down that road.
"I swear to God, if I visit you hear often the guilt of smoking around athletes might make me quit." Sarah said, watching a couple of guys run through the parking lot.
"Guess that means you won't be around much." Thalia joked. Sarah pushed her playfully and put out her cigarette, tossing it to the ground. Thalia scooped it up and walked it over the trash can at the bottom of the stairs.
"Good semaritan Thalia," Sarah said, lifting a mirror. "Always looking out for the world."
"It's what I do," Thalia replied, lifting a box.
The two headed upstairs to find Bradley and Jenna finishing up the frame. The bed was intricate. The headboards were fashioned from two old Spanish missionary doors Thalia's grandfather found in Spain. He'd made the bed for her when she first went to Chula Vista and had had a Mexican priest bless it so that she would always find peaceful slumber and arise refreshed. Thalia considered herself incredibly lucky to have the support of her family behind her, even after all the hell she had put them through.
The group went downstairs and lifted the mattress together upstairs. After that, they got to work on bringing in the boxes. It wasn't long after getting the mattress upstairs that a couple of athletes and another coach offered help in unloading the truck. That help made the unloading process go by much quicker and accomplished two things: it got Sarah a phone number from an Olympic snowboarder, and it meant Thalia could sit down a little sooner.
After everyone left, the four friends sat down in the crowded living room. The dorm was a two bedroom, but Thalia was renting it out herself. The second bedroom was going to be the office and guest room. For now it was just the room the futon occupied. Sarah and Bradley were going to be staying the night and helping Thalia unpack the next day.
"We have to go get you some visitor passes tomorrow," Jenna said. "The office opens up around 8, and they'll need your driver's license."
She stood up slowly and said, "Well, kids, I'm off to my own dorm for a hot bath. These muscles were worked something horrible today."
"I thought you worked out everyday." Thalia remarked. Jenna flipped her off as she closed the door behind her.
"I'm tired, too." Sarah said.
"I'm gonna jump in the shower." Thalia added. "I'll try not to use up all the hot water."
She grabbed some towels out of a box labeled "towels" and disappeared behind a door. Sarah watched as Bradley relentlessly set up the TV and DVD player, determined not to be without entertainment for the night. Toto curled up in Sarah's thin lap while Torro occupied the chair Thalia had been sitting in.
The following morning, the group woke up and headed to the visitors office to get passes for the two. They got them so they'd expire the next day in case the two friends weren't actually gone by nightfall as they originally planned.
At breakfast, Jenna informed Thalia that the center's head physical therapist wanted to give her a check up.
"No," Thalia protested. It was known far and wide that Thalia hated doctors of any kind and often skipped physicals.
"You have to do it," Jenna argued. "Every new resident needs a clean bill of health when they move in to a new complex."
"Just have them transfer the last check up here."
"That was two years ago."
"Oh," Thalia mumbled, calculating in her head to see if that time frame was correct. Since she couldn't remember the last time she was in a doctor's office she assumed it was right.
"Well," she said. "I'm busy today. I can't."
"I already made the appointment for you. Sarah and Bradley can handle opening boxes for an hour. Or they can get off the complex for that time."
"Or visit a certain cute snowboarder," Sarah said. Thalia playfully rolled her eyes.
"Ok," she said. "I give. But I'll be kicking and screaming all the way there."
"Is there ever going to be a time when you don't draw attention to yourself?" Jenna asked.
"You think I draw attention to myself? Often?"
"Yeah, I do."
Thalia looked a little defiant and all three friends knew she was cooking something up instantly. Thalia cleared her throat and she stepped onto her chair in the busy cafeteria she called out, "Excuse me! Excuse me everyone! I need to have some attention thrown my way for a minute."
Curious and amused, all eyes landed on her and all conversation ceased.
"Thank you," Thalia said. "Hi there! My name is Thalia Suarez, I just moved here yesterday and I'm a figure skater. I have not been to an Olympics yet because my body hates me and decides to keep on injuring itself. I'm sure many of you know what that's like."
Some laughter from the audience.
"This ... is my coach, Jenna Malone. You may have heard of her. She's known sometimes as the 'Lion Tamer.' Anyway, she seems to think that I thrive off of attention. Now, I have no idea where she gets these crazy thoughts, but I just wanted to know something. Do any of you think I'm seeking out attention? If so, please, let Jenna know and preferrably have some video evidence of some kind to pove it to me as well. Thank you. Enjoy your breakfast."
Everyone cheered, some whistled; Thalia bowed and then jumped off her chair. She grimaced a little when she landed and shook her knee out before sitting down. It did not go unnoticed by Jenna who gave her a disapproving look.
"That is seeking out attention, just for future reference." Thalia said, popping a grape into her mouth.
Later that day, Thalia was walking across the complex to the physical therapy center when someone running by slowed to a stop and began stretching his calf muscles against a building. She recognized him as the world-famous shorttrack speedskater, Apolo Anton Ohno, but she only glanced his direction long enough to see he was eyeing her as she passed. She'd only taken a few steps past him when he made the bold move of catching up to her.
"Hi," he said with a big friendly smile on his face. She smiled back a little timidly and replied slowly, "Hi."
"I'm Apolo."
"I know."
She set her eyes back to what was ahead of her, but he was still looking at her and breathing heavily from what she assumed was a long run.
"Am I going to have to bribe you for your name or something?" he asked. She chuckled despite herself and stopped walking.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm Thalia Suar..."
"Suarez. I know." Apolo interrupted. Her mouth gaped ever so slightly as he continued, "I saw your little performance in the cafeteria this morning."
"Ah, I see."
She resumed walking and he stayed right beside her.
"Headed for your physical?" he asked.
"Uh-huh,"
"Not excited?"
"Uh-uh,"
"Do you ever use real words when answering questions?"
She paused and then, "Uh-huh."
He laughed softly and backed off saying, "I'll be seeing you, Thalia."
He sprinted away in the direction they'd just come from and she resisted looking over her shoulder for too long. She bit her lip, shook her head, and squealed to herself as she continued walking.
First, hello! Second, my name is Sarah Moralez and the combination of being nervous about going back to school and the udder lack of anything to do at work has driven me to writing. I've started to write fanfics before, but maybe since I'm writing about Apolo I can make it through this one. It's untitled as of yet; if anyone thinks of anything while reading the first part I have written (though I doubt anyone could since it's mostly background info on the heroine of the story), please let me know. I don't think anything will come to mind until later so for right now I'll just write "Thalia" in the subject lines.
On that note ... let's jump right in.
:::DISCLAIMER/INFO:::
AUTHOR: Sarah Moralez
RATING: PG-13
DISCLAIMER: I do not know Apolo, I've never been to Colorado nor to the Olympic Center. This entire thing is fanfic only and meant to entertain. Some research went into the story (Google and Wikipedia are my friends) so actual places, events and any quotes/transcripts I may use are true. I also reference those things by using an *, with all references at the end of each section/chapter. Spell check is always nice so it's an easy read for you all. ENJOY!
PHOTOS: Sometimes I might use photos just for fun or because I'll be backing up a story point about the media. I'm going to be using Jessica Alba as Thalia ... one, because she's just gorgeous and two, she's got the build of a figue skater. She's just super elegant, graceful, and best of all: fun!
:::1:::
THE ARRIVAL As the taxi pulled up to the front entrance of The US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO Thalia Suarez was amazed. Seeing photos of the place online was nothing compared to witnessing it in person. She marveled at the four bronze Atlases holding the world on their backs and her excitement grew stronger. Butterflies swarmed her stomach and she felt as if all the hundreds of stain glass wings could carry her right up into the clouds and the stars that hid behind them.
The texi stopped and she jumped out to get a better look as the unentertained driver stepped around her to unload the trunk. Luckily she had a couple of friends who resided in Colorado Springs and they agreed to rent a U-Haul and bring her the furniture and other miscellaneous items when she arrived.
For the moment she had a carry-on bag, her two dogs (a bull terrier named Torro and a cairn terrier named Toto), and two suitcases. She paid the driver as she was greeted by her longtime coach, Jenna Malone. Jenna had began coaching Thalia when the figure skater was 14. At the time she'd been figure skating for only 6 years, but had gone through a list of coaches who labeled her "rebellious," "demanding," "rude," and one even called her "psychotic." It was true, Thalia could be a lot to handle, but Jenna could take it and dish it right back to her. They made a great pair and Thalia had improved greatly under her coach's influence and drive. It was Jenna who had persuaded Thalia's mother to let her leave her home in San Francisco and move into the Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. When Jenna was moved to the Colorado Springs center, Thalia followed her.
"Lia, how was the flight?" Jenna asked, giving her a hug.
"Fine. The dogs hated it. Probably their ears." Thalia answered, looking down at her two pups on leashes.
"Let's head upstairs and then we can walk them. I just got off the phone with Bradley and Sarah. They're on their way over with your stuff."
"Super duper!" Thalia cheered. The two women laughed and headed around the complex to the dorms. Not many athletes had pets, but small animals were allowed. Most people had cats. They were considered less work and less of a hassel, but Thalia was more of a dog person despite loving all animals.
They set her things down in the living room area, but decided the dogs needed to stretch their legs and probably take a restroom break as well so they headed right back downstairs to walk around for a minute.
"It's only been a week, but I missed your complaints like crazy." Jenna teased.
"I don't complain ... a lot. Anymore." Thalia argued.
"I know. But I missed you, kiddo."
"We missed you, too. Didn't we fellas? Huh? We missed Jenna, didn't we?"
Thalia scooped up Torro (the protector who was always at her feet) and held him to her chest as they walked. Seeing all of this, the mama's boy, Toto, began to whimper and jump in front of Jenna. He was only 5 months old and looked up to his older brother, mimicking everything he did.
"Awww, baby boy." Jenna said, picking up the tiny package and straching his neck and head.
Jenna's cell phone rang, displaying Bradley's number on the caller ID.
"They must be close by." she said. "I told them to call when they got in the area. Hello?"
"Hey, we're pulling up to the complex," Sarah's voice rang in over the speaker phone.
"Take the second entrance, it'll lead you around to the back parking lot so we can unload everything there. We'll meet you back there."
"Ok. Which building are we looking for?"
"Complex C."
"Ok, see you in a few."
Thalia jumped at the thought of seeing two friends she hadn't seen in months and rushed the dogs back to the dorm. They blocked them into the kitchen with the baby gate Jenna had bought the day before so they'd be out of the way not under anyone's feet as they carried in the furniture and boxes.
"I wonder how we're going to get my piano up here." Thalia said. "Maybe I should go find some male Olympians to help us out."
"We might have to. One Bradley and three girls." Jenna added.
Downstairs, Bradley and Sarah were already opening the truck in the back when Thalia and Jenna came down the stairs. Passers-by watched as one of the new arrivals jumped the last few steps and jumped into Sarah's arms for a hug.
"Oh my God, you both look so good!" Thalia said. "I've missed you guys! Thank you for watching my stuff and bringing it here."
"We missed you too lady face." Sarah said. "So are we going to get any help because I've got some impressive guns, but I don't think I can lift or push a piano up some stairs."
Sarah flexed her thin arms. They were muscled, but more toned rather than built to lift heavy objects.
"I can find some guys to help us out," Jenna said. "I'm a coach, they have to obey me."
They all laughed and got to work. It was two in the afternoon and they had a lot of work to do. They figured on setting up the furniture first, starting with the bedroom, and then carrying in the boxes.
As Bradley and Jenna reconstructed the bed, Sarah and Thalia sat on the ramp of the U-Haul to talk for a minute during Sarah's smoke break.
"Think anyone's going to tackle me for smoking?" she asked as she lit up.
"They might want to, but I doubt it." Thalia answered.
"So what's the policy on painting? That place is stark."
"I know. I need color. It's the same as any apartment complex. You have to pay the decorating fee and whenever I move out, if I don't paint everything back to white, they keep the money."
"In the meantime, you're out of some money until you decide to live off the grounds or retire."
"Basically. Oh well, though."
Sarah chuckled and took another hit. Thalia watched the end burn away a little and for a short moment she thought about giving in to her old demon and taking a hit for herself. But she fought it off. She didn't want to go back down that road.
"I swear to God, if I visit you hear often the guilt of smoking around athletes might make me quit." Sarah said, watching a couple of guys run through the parking lot.
"Guess that means you won't be around much." Thalia joked. Sarah pushed her playfully and put out her cigarette, tossing it to the ground. Thalia scooped it up and walked it over the trash can at the bottom of the stairs.
"Good semaritan Thalia," Sarah said, lifting a mirror. "Always looking out for the world."
"It's what I do," Thalia replied, lifting a box.
The two headed upstairs to find Bradley and Jenna finishing up the frame. The bed was intricate. The headboards were fashioned from two old Spanish missionary doors Thalia's grandfather found in Spain. He'd made the bed for her when she first went to Chula Vista and had had a Mexican priest bless it so that she would always find peaceful slumber and arise refreshed. Thalia considered herself incredibly lucky to have the support of her family behind her, even after all the hell she had put them through.
The group went downstairs and lifted the mattress together upstairs. After that, they got to work on bringing in the boxes. It wasn't long after getting the mattress upstairs that a couple of athletes and another coach offered help in unloading the truck. That help made the unloading process go by much quicker and accomplished two things: it got Sarah a phone number from an Olympic snowboarder, and it meant Thalia could sit down a little sooner.
After everyone left, the four friends sat down in the crowded living room. The dorm was a two bedroom, but Thalia was renting it out herself. The second bedroom was going to be the office and guest room. For now it was just the room the futon occupied. Sarah and Bradley were going to be staying the night and helping Thalia unpack the next day.
"We have to go get you some visitor passes tomorrow," Jenna said. "The office opens up around 8, and they'll need your driver's license."
She stood up slowly and said, "Well, kids, I'm off to my own dorm for a hot bath. These muscles were worked something horrible today."
"I thought you worked out everyday." Thalia remarked. Jenna flipped her off as she closed the door behind her.
"I'm tired, too." Sarah said.
"I'm gonna jump in the shower." Thalia added. "I'll try not to use up all the hot water."
She grabbed some towels out of a box labeled "towels" and disappeared behind a door. Sarah watched as Bradley relentlessly set up the TV and DVD player, determined not to be without entertainment for the night. Toto curled up in Sarah's thin lap while Torro occupied the chair Thalia had been sitting in.
The following morning, the group woke up and headed to the visitors office to get passes for the two. They got them so they'd expire the next day in case the two friends weren't actually gone by nightfall as they originally planned.
At breakfast, Jenna informed Thalia that the center's head physical therapist wanted to give her a check up.
"No," Thalia protested. It was known far and wide that Thalia hated doctors of any kind and often skipped physicals.
"You have to do it," Jenna argued. "Every new resident needs a clean bill of health when they move in to a new complex."
"Just have them transfer the last check up here."
"That was two years ago."
"Oh," Thalia mumbled, calculating in her head to see if that time frame was correct. Since she couldn't remember the last time she was in a doctor's office she assumed it was right.
"Well," she said. "I'm busy today. I can't."
"I already made the appointment for you. Sarah and Bradley can handle opening boxes for an hour. Or they can get off the complex for that time."
"Or visit a certain cute snowboarder," Sarah said. Thalia playfully rolled her eyes.
"Ok," she said. "I give. But I'll be kicking and screaming all the way there."
"Is there ever going to be a time when you don't draw attention to yourself?" Jenna asked.
"You think I draw attention to myself? Often?"
"Yeah, I do."
Thalia looked a little defiant and all three friends knew she was cooking something up instantly. Thalia cleared her throat and she stepped onto her chair in the busy cafeteria she called out, "Excuse me! Excuse me everyone! I need to have some attention thrown my way for a minute."
Curious and amused, all eyes landed on her and all conversation ceased.
"Thank you," Thalia said. "Hi there! My name is Thalia Suarez, I just moved here yesterday and I'm a figure skater. I have not been to an Olympics yet because my body hates me and decides to keep on injuring itself. I'm sure many of you know what that's like."
Some laughter from the audience.
"This ... is my coach, Jenna Malone. You may have heard of her. She's known sometimes as the 'Lion Tamer.' Anyway, she seems to think that I thrive off of attention. Now, I have no idea where she gets these crazy thoughts, but I just wanted to know something. Do any of you think I'm seeking out attention? If so, please, let Jenna know and preferrably have some video evidence of some kind to pove it to me as well. Thank you. Enjoy your breakfast."
Everyone cheered, some whistled; Thalia bowed and then jumped off her chair. She grimaced a little when she landed and shook her knee out before sitting down. It did not go unnoticed by Jenna who gave her a disapproving look.
"That is seeking out attention, just for future reference." Thalia said, popping a grape into her mouth.
Later that day, Thalia was walking across the complex to the physical therapy center when someone running by slowed to a stop and began stretching his calf muscles against a building. She recognized him as the world-famous shorttrack speedskater, Apolo Anton Ohno, but she only glanced his direction long enough to see he was eyeing her as she passed. She'd only taken a few steps past him when he made the bold move of catching up to her.
"Hi," he said with a big friendly smile on his face. She smiled back a little timidly and replied slowly, "Hi."
"I'm Apolo."
"I know."
She set her eyes back to what was ahead of her, but he was still looking at her and breathing heavily from what she assumed was a long run.
"Am I going to have to bribe you for your name or something?" he asked. She chuckled despite herself and stopped walking.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm Thalia Suar..."
"Suarez. I know." Apolo interrupted. Her mouth gaped ever so slightly as he continued, "I saw your little performance in the cafeteria this morning."
"Ah, I see."
She resumed walking and he stayed right beside her.
"Headed for your physical?" he asked.
"Uh-huh,"
"Not excited?"
"Uh-uh,"
"Do you ever use real words when answering questions?"
She paused and then, "Uh-huh."
He laughed softly and backed off saying, "I'll be seeing you, Thalia."
He sprinted away in the direction they'd just come from and she resisted looking over her shoulder for too long. She bit her lip, shook her head, and squealed to herself as she continued walking.
I'm intrigued...going to go read some more!
