Chapter 78: Glory Days

Sandra Willis, the television ice dance expert (and former dancer herself) later said it was perhaps the most delightful interview she had ever conducted.

"It is only your second Worlds," she began, "and you win a bronze medal, the first medal by an American Ice Dance team in almost twenty years. How does it feel?"

"I think I'm still in shock," Warren laughed.

"After all we've been through this year, it's a miracle," Sophia said. They were sitting on a bench in the kiss and cry for the interview, arms wrapped around one another, with Sharon next to them.

"Yes, it has been a difficult couple of months for you, especially you, Warren. How are you?"

"Well, physically, I'm a little under the weather," he chuckled. "My ribs are sore. But who cares at this point? Other than physically? I'm getting there. The support we've gotten, both in the skating world and back at Wisconsin, has been a big help. Thanks, folks, you know who you are."

"Not to mention the crowds here. What a trip!" Sophia smiled.

"Absolutely," Warren agreed. "Anyone who was here in San Jose but taped the broadcast for later viewing, this is for you. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts."

"Did the crowd make a difference in your skating?" Sandra asked.

"Oh, you bet it did!" Sophia said. "When we took the ice for the free dance, and they went nuts, I turned to Warren and said, 'Let's give these people a medal.' I don't think we win anything without the crowd frenzy."

"Warren, there have been reports that you almost quit skating after what happened," Sandra said.

"True. I had trouble getting back on the ice. Let's face it, I got beat up because I'm a skater. But what happened here made it all worth it, it really did. And I don't mean winning a medal, either."

"You guys will go into an Olympic year as the reigning world bronze medallists. Have you thought of that?" Sandra asked.

"NO!" Warren laughed.

"We just want to go. Luckily, we and Steve and Sharon nailed down that third spot, so it'll be easier," said Sophia.

"Yeah, and hopefully our friends Evan and Shawna will be there, too," Warren added.

"Thank you both, and congratulations." Sandra ended the interview.

They watched the rest of the World Championships. Unfortunately, their friends didn't do very well. Jack Garrison fell to fourth place, behind two young Russians in first and third and Canadian veteran Mickey Kivyanich in second. The ladies' battle between Liz Cushman and Christine Arsenault was pre-empted by Olga Privolchina, from Russia. Liz was second and Christine third. Andrea and Brett had hoped to move into the medals in pairs, but finished fifth. Again, Russians won--in this case, Natalya Zhalenya and Igor Stanskiy won their third straight world title, but were pushed by a new Canadian pair, Jennie Sellers and Denis Poulin.

Warren and Sophia actually thought Sellers and Poulin should have won. "Russians get overmarked in this sport, in every discipline, it drives me nuts," Warren said. Sellers and Poulin had previously competed with other partners, and had some success, but it didn't really come together until they joined up with each other. This was only their second season together. Warren and Sophia took to them immediately. They were great to watch.

Sophia thought she spotted something about them, and, when she was introduced to Jennie Sellers at the competitors' party, she asked her. "Are you guys together off the ice."

"Why, yes," Jennie said, "but not too many people know that. How did you?"

"I watched you skate," Sophia smiled. "You reminded me of us, Warren and me."

"Ah," Jennie smiled.

As an added bonus, they got to do the exhibition, so they got to skate "Kiss Me Baby" again, in front of a still-rapturous crowd.

Back on campus, they found themselves more recognized than before. Warren was a little wary at first, but eventually loosened up. The four goons who beat him were in jail, the trial would probably start sometime in the fall. The list of charges was enormous.

A couple of days after they had come back, they were studying together in Warren's room.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Elise has a new girlfriend. Her name is Donna. I think it's serious."

"What about Alexa?"

"I don't know. Elise didn't talk about that."

"I haven't seen Alexa since I've been back, come to think of it. I wonder how she took this."