Fire on Ice

Part 2

Once I reach my apartment, I fish my keys from my bag and stumble in, utterly tired from my day. My apartment is basically a room with walls separating each part. It was the cheapest one in the building and it shows. The toilet only fully flushes after the lever is held for at least 30 seconds and the gas stove has started more fires than I can count. But, after finding out about my mom's cancer diagnosis when I was 18, there was no way I could pay for dorm housing at college so this was the only option. I take a quick shower to ease my sore muscles, and snuggle into bed when my phone rings. The screen flashes with "Mom" on it and I worry; Mom never calls this late unless something is wrong.

"Mom? Are you okay?"

She giggles, "Yes honey, I'm fine. I just wanted to see how your day went."

"But why are you up so late? The doctor said that you need to get as much rest as possible."

"Oh hush, I'll do what I want, and I feel completely fine. Now tell me how your day was." She puts on her faux-stern voice and even though it doesn't scare me at all, I know she isn't up for arguing so I give in.

"It was good, I went by the rink today."

"Oh really? How did it go?"

"Fine I guess. Coach wants me to partner up with this guy, Nikolas. He says we would have great chemistry, but the guy is a total asshole. He didn't even consider being partners with me. I mean c'mon! We've never even met and he already hates me."

"Maybe he's going through something." I sigh at my mother's never ending optimism that she applies to every aspect of life, even her cancer.

"I guess. But Coach gave me a temporary partner for the NIDC until Nikolas dislodges the stick from up his ass."

My mom chuckles, "I'm sure you'll do great no matter who you're partnered with. How many more months till the competition?"

"7. But that is barely enough time to get acquainted with a whole new person and learn their skating style. People spend a year just getting used to a new partner."

"Nora, I did not raise a quitter. You and I both know you are going to kick butt at this competition." I laugh at her juvenile term and yawn.

"Okay okay, but I'm going to go to bed now. I love you mom."

"Love you too sweetie."

The next morning I wake up to my alarm blaring. Why did I set it so loud? I groan and reach over to snooze it. My shift at the café starts at 8 but I get up at 6 since the bus ride is almost 45 minutes. Once I get there the café is already super busy with corporate people heading to their jobs. After about 30 minutes it dies down and I head back to the kitchen to refill all the food in the front. When I come back Nikolas is waiting at the counter once again. I grumble in annoyance before I keep walking.

"Hi, what can I get you?"

"Same thing as yesterday." He grunts.

Even though I remember what he ordered I decide to mess with him a little, "Oh and what was that?"

He looks at me as if I am responsible for every inconvenience in his life before spitting back, "Coffee, black"

I roll my eyes and go to make the coffee. Since it is once again just the two of us, curiosity gets the best of me and I ask, "Why don't you want to be partners with me?"

I turn around to find a startled look on his face, "What?"

"Why is it such a problem if we are partners for the NIDC? You won't even give me a chance." I hate how whiny my voice sounds but I can't help it.

"I don't need a partner, I am good enough without one."

"You really want to compete in the NIDC solo roster? The only skaters that even think about competing there have already been to the Olympics. Multiple times."

He scoffs as if that is the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard, even though it is one hundred percent true, "I know that. But right now I am in peak physical condition and I don't need anyone dragging me down and holding me back." My face heats up at the insult. Who does this guy think he is?

"Fine. Have it your way." Luckily the coffee is done brewing and I slam is cup somewhat aggressively on the counter, but if he does notice he doesn't say anything, instead choosing, "I would say don't take it personally, but I'd be lying."

After my shift is over I am still fuming over Nikolas, and Coach can tell right away when I walk into the gym.

"Whoa, Nora what's wrong?"

"What's wrong is that Nikolas is a jackass. What have you told him about me?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"What I mean is why does Nikolas think I would hold him back if we were partners? What did you say to make him think that?"

Coach looks genuinely confused before something clicks and the guilt starts to appear on his face, "Ohh Nora, I'm so sorry. I told him that you hadn't properly trained in two years. That's probably why he thinks you'll hold him back."

"Are you kidding me? Why would you tell him something like that?"

"I don't know! I didn't say anything about your mother, I just said that you might be a little rusty."

Coach looks genuinely guilty and I instantly feel bad for snapping at the only father figure I have in my life, "It's fine. I'm partnered with Sebastian anyway so it doesn't even matter."

"Yeah you're right. And I am sorry."

"I know, it's okay, really." I walk off to the locker rooms to get changed. 

Author's Note: Next chapter is up! Remember to vote and comment!