Page 102 of Side By Side

“Chandler, what are you even doing here? If Belle left, fine. But why did you?”

“Because Belle needed help, Cat. Her dad is injured, and she needed help. Besides, we were just about to train, which is what you should want.”

“Not with her. Not anymore.”

“You agreed–”

“Initially, yes. But it was supposed to be temporary. You were either going to skate on your own, or I was going to find you the right partner to fill in for Walker. That’s Justin. You might think he’s weird or young, but he’s your best chance at making the team. I’ve already called him, by the way. He’s still interested. So, let’s go home, get him there, and go back to work already so Mom will get off my ass.”

Chandler looked over at Belle, who looked back at her, seemingly expecting Chandler to do something, and then looked away.

“Cat, go home,” Chandler said.

“Yes, let’s go home.”

“No, you go home. I’m telling you to leave. I’m staying.”

“Chandler, Mom–”

“Tell Mom that I fired you,” she interrupted.

“You did what?!”

“You’re fired, Cat. I’m done. If you want to coach figure skating, find someone else to yell at all the time. Tell Mom, since she only seems to want to talk to you about my career, that you’re no longer a part of it. I’m staying here. I’ll figure out what’s next for me, but not today. Today is the last day you’re going to be my coach. If you want to be my sister at some point in the future, though, we can talk about that.”

“Mom and Dad aren’t going to like this, Chandler.”

“I don’t care. I’m tired.” She skated to the edge of the ice. “I am tired of being yelled at, told what I can eat and can’t, how many hours I have to work out, when I have to wake up and go to sleep, and that I can’t go out and have friends or have a relationship because Mom wants her daughter to win the gold medal she never did. I’ve done everything she’s ever asked of me, and it’s made me miserable, so I’m done. If she wants to kick me out of the house, fine. I have my own money. I’ll find a place to live. If she wants to take away the rink, fine. I’ll find somewhere else to skate. But I’m not going back with you right now. I’m staying. And you’re fired.”

“You know what, Chandler? Fucking fine. You never had the talent, anyway. It’s why you have to work so hard. It’s why people have to tell you what to eat, when to–”

“No, I’m done hearing you yell at me and tell me how I’m not good enough. Get out.” She pointed to the front door.

“She told you to leave,” Belle said and joined Chandler at the edge of the ice. “It’s my place. I’m not asking again.”

“Whatever. This is the end of your career, Chandler.”

“Then, it is. But, at least, it’ll finally be up to me.”

Catalina turned on her heels and stormed out of the building, letting the door slam behind her as she left.

“What do you need?” Belle asked softly.

“What did you think I was going to do before?”

“What do you mean?”

“When she told me to go home; what did you expect me to do?”

“Go with her.”

Chandler turned to her and said, “Did you want me to go with her?”

“What? No, Chandler. Not just because she’s maybe a psychopath, or, at least, has some serious unresolved issues, either.”

“Then, why?”

“You just got here. I don’t want you to go.”