Break the Ice

Chapter Three

   
T A R Y N       

I didn't land a single jump. Nope,  not one. I would set myself up for the jump but once my skate picked the ice, my body would go stiff with panic.

I'd make it barely five inches in the air before popping my jump.

With each failed jump, my confidence began to deplete and by the time the session was over my 'you got this' persona was well gone. I left the rink with bruised knees and a sour attitude.

I felt like a flightless bird.

I had these wings that were meant to stretch out and soar over the skies. But despite having them, I can't seem to get myself off the ground. Like there's shackle on my ankles that forbid me to ever fly again.

I am a waste of wings.

Meanwhile my sister was a sponge, soaking up new skills and executing them at a faster rate than I ever could. Izzie would surpass me just as expected. That doesn't mean the reality of it doesn't sting knowing that my little sister is moving up the scale while I'm seated at rock bottom.

It didn't matter though because being bitter towards an eleven year old won't help me get over my own fears. Plus I would never stoop to that level. The other downside is that it would tear my sister and I's relationship apart.

As I sat in my car trying to dissect my own thoughts, I almost didn't notice not only my sister approaching but also Alia. They both plopped down into my car with mischievous smiles on their faces. 

I eye them with suspicion, "Alright tweedle dee and tweedle dum, what are you two up to?"

Alia and Izzie shared a look, the latter covering her mouth to contain the giggles. I feel my lip twitch in annoyance, I don't like whatever they're blaming already. Thankfully Izzie can't keep a secret for her life and bursts at the seams with one mere look.

"Alia is taking us to a hockey game!"

My immediate reaction is to scrunch my nose and furrow my eyebrows.

"A hockey game?" I utter in confusion.

"Yeah, my dad's the assistant coach and got extra tickets for tonight's game."

"A hockey game on a Monday night?"

"Tar, we live in Colorado," Alia tilts her head with raised eyebrows. "Hockey is an everyday thing."

"Okay you got me there."

"So can we go?" Izzie chimes in, already preparing her puppy eyes. My first instinct is to say no because I'd prefer not to be watching hockey game, but I could tell they both wanted to go and I knew I had no other plans. I ultimately caved and told them we could go.

Alia smiles when I accept and Izzie squeals like the little girl she is. Even I can't help the small smile making its way onto my lips.

_____

The next thing I know is I'm following behind Alia to our seats with a semi pout on my face. I looked down at my clothes that Alia had forced me into.

"It is essential to show our support," She had justified herself while stuffing a red jersey into my hands and shoving me toward the bathroom. I would have been much happier being in my desired clothing such as sweats and a snuggly sweatshirt instead of this itchy jersey.

I sighed as I gazed down below, the shimmering icy surface gleamed under the stadium lights. It was similar to the one that I desperately wished I was freely skating on.

The atmosphere was cold and prickly, making a shiver run down my spine. Even though both sports revolved around ice skating, hockey and figure skating both held their own reputations.