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IRL!
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↳ ❝ARE YOU ALWAYS THIS FLIRTY?❞

As the days unfolded, Lovette readied herself on her journey to reconnect with figure skating, guided by the strategies Dr. Florence had designed. Each stage of the process was carefully planned to support Lovette's healing and gradual reentry into the skating world.

Stepping into the skating rink with Dr. Florence by her side, Lovette couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. The memories of her parents' tragic car crash surged to the forefront of her mind, causing her heart to seize with anxiety. Despite the passage of time, the familiar surroundings of the rink seemed to transport her back to that fateful day.

As they settled into the stands, their attention focused on the ice rink below, Lovette felt trepidation creep up her spine. The sound of blades gliding across the ice and the distant echoes of laughter filled the air, creating a serene backdrop for their conversation.

While watching the skaters gracefully glide and twirl on the ice, Lovette's gaze fixated on a young girl attempting a difficult trick. Her heart ached with a deep longing to be in that girl's place, but her anxiety held her back. Sensing Lovette's internal struggle, Dr. Florence sought to gently rekindle her interest in figure skating.

"What did she do wrong?" Dr. Florence asks, hoping that Lovette's expertise and passion for the sport would resurface, coaxing her to analyze the now-fallen skater's performance.

Lovette's eyes sparkled with a mixture of nostalgia and a hint of her former expertise as she carefully observed the skater's technique. Her voice trembled slightly as she shared her analysis, revealing a depth of knowledge and understanding. "She had a strong takeoff, but her rotation is off. The landing requires a clean, tight rotation, but she opened up too early, causing her to lose balance."

Dr. Florence nodded, acknowledging Lovette's keen observation. "Very well explained, Lovette. Your knowledge and understanding of the sport are still very much intact."

In that moment, as Lovette watched the skaters in action and analyzed their movements, a glimmer of her old self began to reemerge. However, the question lingered in her mind, uncertain of how this distant engagement with the sport would lead to desensitization.

Sensing her apprehension, Dr. Florence offered an explanation, seeking to provide clarity. "The more you engage with the sport, even from a distance, the more you gradually become comfortable with the idea of actively participating in figure skating again. It's a step-by-step process of reacquainting yourself with the joy, freedom, and confidence skating brings."

Dr. Florence then suggests a guided visualization exercise, encouraging Lovette to envision herself skating once more, to remember the exhilaration and sense of liberation it used to bring her. Lovette hesitated, the weight of her anxiety evident on her face, before closing her eyes and allowing the vivid mental imagery to envelop her.

In her mind's eye, Lovette pictured herself gliding across the ice, effortlessly executing intricate routines with grace and precision. However, the idyllic scene was soon tainted by the haunting memory of discovering her father's lifeless body. Gasping, Lovette's eyes snapped open, her expression contorted into a frown of distress.

"I can't do this," she bitterly declared, her voice trembling with vulnerability and self-doubt.

Gently, Dr. Florence interjected, her voice filled with compassion. "You need to give yourself grace, Lovette. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but it's crucial to show yourself compassion throughout this process of healing. We'll take it at your pace, one step at a time."

Lovette let out a weary sigh, her mind grappling with Dr. Florence's words of encouragement. Determined to try again, she closed her eyes once more, immersing herself in a vivid visualization of figure skating. As the mental image unfolded, she consciously separated the traumatic accident from the joy and exhilaration of being on the ice.

In this new visualization, Lovette gracefully moved across the pristine ice, her body fluid and precise in its movements. With each step, she consciously detached the memories of her parents' passing, allowing herself to fully embrace the essence of figure skating—the freedom, the artistry, and the joy it once brought her.

Amidst this newfound mental clarity, Dr. Florence posed a question that caught Lovette off guard, gently guiding her toward introspection. "What's your favourite memory of skating?" she inquired, her genuine curiosity evident in her tone.

The question stirred something deep within Lovette, evoking longing. "When I landed my Quad axel for the first time. My coach was really proud of me. I never got to use it in competition. The accident happened before I could."

As Lovette spoke, her voice carried a bittersweet tone, the weight of unfulfilled dreams and unfinished goals evident in her words. The memory of her triumphant achievement—landing the elusive Quad Axel—mingled with the haunting reminder of the accident that shattered her aspirations.

Dr. Florence listened attentively, her eyes filled with empathy. She recognized the complex emotions entwined within Lovette's response, understanding the significance of that unfulfilled moment. It represented not only Lovette's talent and dedication but also the dreams that were abruptly cut short.

The healing journey that lay ahead was as much about rebuilding her physical skills as it was about navigating the intricate dance between her love for the sport and the painful memories it held. Lovette's connection to figure skating remained strong, but the road to reclaiming her place on the ice was still veiled in shadows.

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Chris's heart had taken an unexpected turn, entangling itself in a web of emotions he hadn't experienced in a long time. He had developed feelings for Lovette, ones that surpassed mere attraction. There wasn't a defining moment that triggered this epiphany; it was more of a gradual realization that unfolded within him.

However, beneath the surface of his burgeoning affection, Chris couldn't escape the lingering shadow of his commitment issues. It was an internal battle he grappled with, a persistent fear that threatened to sabotage any chance of a meaningful connection. He had grown accustomed to a relatively relaxed and independent lifestyle, unencumbered by the complications of deep emotional entanglements.

The thought of commitment, of opening himself up to the vulnerabilities and complexities of a romantic relationship, sent shivers down Chris's spine. He feared the loss of his freedom, the potential for heartbreak, and the responsibility that came with intertwining his life with another's. It was an internal struggle that gnawed at him, threatening to unravel the fragile bond he had developed with Lovette. She had become a symbol of possibility and vulnerability, a potential for a depth of connection he had long suppressed. And that's what scared him the most.

Their interactions became infused with a subtle flirtatiousness, a dance of playful banter and stolen glances that leaves Chris both exhilarated and apprehensive. Lovette's wit and charm drew him in, making it increasingly challenging for him to maintain his emotional guard. But with each moment of closeness, he couldn't shake the fear that his commitment issues would ultimately derail any chance of a deeper, lasting relationship.

"What's your favourite movie?"Lovette's voice broke Chris's train of thought as they sat in the McDonald's parking lot, their conversation accompanied by the soft glow of the car's interior.

His gaze fell on Lovette, momentarily taken aback by her beauty in the gentle lighting. Chris quickly scanned her face, a subtle blush creeping onto his cheeks, before redirecting his attention to his fries. "I like Jordan Peele movies. I loved Us," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. He dared to meet her eyes again, "What about you, Lovie?"

"All-time favourite? It's a tie between Shrek 2 and Princess and the Frog," Lovette responded, her voice resonating with warmth and nostalgia. She reached into the McDonald's bag, ready to hand Chris his chicken nuggets, when a familiar melody filled the car. The sweet sounds of Lucky Daye, one of her favourite artists, serenaded them from the car speakers.

A surprised smile danced across Lovette's lips as she turned her gaze toward Chris. "You put it in your playlist?" she asked, her voice laced with incredulity and a hint of delight.

Chris tried to maintain a nonchalant demeanour, his heart fluttering at the realization that he had caught Lovette's attention. "I take your suggestions seriously. Besides," he continued, his fingers gently grazing hers as he took the package from her hand, "it's a good song."

As Lovette settled back into her car seat, a wave of astonishment washed over her. She marvelled at the thought that Chris had not only remembered her offhanded mention of Lucky Daye but had also taken the time to include the artist in his curated playlist. It was a small gesture, yet it spoke volumes about his attentiveness.

In that moment, Lovette couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Chris's actions than met the eye. Did his thoughtful inclusion of her favourite artist signify a deeper level of interest? Or was it simply a coincidence? The ambiguity of the situation left her both intrigued and cautious, stirring a mix of anticipation and hesitance within her heart. She was unsure if  Chris's flirtatious nature was genuine, or if it was merely a mask for deeper emotions. She mustered the courage to voice her thoughts.

Lovette turned to Chris, her lips curving into a gentle smile. With a playful tone, she posed the question that had been lingering in her mind.

"Are you always this flirty?" Her eyes searched his face, hoping to catch a glimpse of his true intentions beneath the playful facade.

The question hung in the air, mingling with the melody of the song that continued to fill the car. Lovette awaited Chris's response, her heart beating a little faster.

A warm smile played at the corners of Chris's lips, his eyes meeting hers with a soft gaze. "Just with you, Lovie."

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

hi everyone!!

once again i feel like ending chapters is the hardest part sometimes lmao

until next time <3!