Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

Cold begginging .8

The sun broke through the clouds the next morning, casting a warm glow over Alex’s bedroom. As he opened his eyes, the faint sound of laughter drifted up from the living room, mingling with the rich aroma of pancakes. The scent of home made him smile, a welcome contrast to the turmoil of the previous day.

He threw off his blankets and padded into the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face to shake off the remnants of sleep. Today was a new day, and as much as he wanted to retreat into the comfort of his worries, he needed to face whatever came his way.

After a quick shower and a hasty breakfast of pancakes and syrup—his mom’s specialty—he grabbed his backpack and headed out the door. The cool morning air felt invigorating as he made his way to school, but the familiar tightness in his chest returned when he thought about the day ahead.

As he approached the school, he spotted a group of students clustered outside, their voices blending into a chorus of laughter and excitement. They were buzzing about the pep rally later that afternoon, their enthusiasm palpable. Alex hesitated, a sudden wave of anxiety crashing over him. What if I don’t fit in? What if they’re all just pretending to care?

“Hey! Alex!” The voice broke through his thoughts, and he turned to see Cass striding toward him, their figure unmistakable against the backdrop of the school.

They looked effortlessly cool, as always, in a fitted hoodie and jeans, a skateboard tucked under one arm. Their hair was tousled, and a wide grin spread across their face. “What’s up?”

Alex felt a mix of emotions flood him—nervousness, excitement, and something deeper he couldn’t quite name. “Not much. Just heading to class,” he replied, forcing a smile.

“Same here. But I was thinking about the pep rally later,” Cass said, casually leaning against a nearby wall. “You’re going to come, right? I mean, you can’t miss it. It’s going to be epic!”

“Uh, yeah, I guess,” Alex said, shrugging, trying to sound indifferent. But inside, his heart raced. The thought of being in the spotlight, even for a moment, made him feel anxious and exposed.

“Come on, it’ll be fun! We’ve got games, food, and of course, a chance to embarrass Coach Harris,” Cass teased, their eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I’ll consider it,” Alex replied, his stomach twisting at the thought of potentially embarrassing himself.

“Consider it? You know what that means, right? It means you’re already half-in!” Cass chuckled, and there was a warmth in their voice that made Alex feel lighter, even amidst his swirling thoughts.

“Maybe,” he said, biting his lip to suppress a grin. Cass’s infectious energy was hard to resist.

“Good! Just don’t be a stranger, okay? We need all the support we can get for the team,” Cass said, their smile wide. “And you know I’ll be watching your game later, right?”

“Yeah, I know,” Alex replied, the weight of their gaze making his heart race. “Thanks for that.”

Cass raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. “You’ve got this, Alex. Just be yourself out there, and everything will fall into place.”

“Easier said than done,” he muttered, feeling a rush of vulnerability. But Cass just laughed, their presence grounding him in the moment.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of the school day, they exchanged quick goodbyes, and Alex walked away feeling a strange mix of hope and dread.

The morning classes dragged on, his mind drifting between thoughts of the pep rally and the upcoming game. Each time the clock ticked closer to the end of the school day, he felt his anxiety creeping back in. What if he failed to live up to everyone’s expectations? What if Cass was right there, watching him and judging every move he made?

Finally, the bell rang, and students flooded the hallways, rushing toward the gymnasium for the pep rally. Alex lingered near the entrance, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. The noise was overwhelming—the cheers, the laughter, the upbeat music blaring from the speakers.

“Come on, Rivera! Let’s go!” Logan’s voice cut through the chaos, and Alex turned to see his friend waving him over with a grin plastered on his face.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to join the group, allowing himself to be swept into the energetic crowd. The gym was decorated with bright banners, and students were already gathering in front of the stage, their excitement palpable.

As Alex made his way through the throng, he caught sight of Erin waving at him from the sidelines. She looked supportive, giving him a thumbs-up as she pointed toward the front where the team was gathering.

“See? Not so bad!” Logan yelled over the music, nudging him in the ribs. “Let’s get you front and center!”

Alex felt a flutter of nerves but couldn’t help but smile. Being surrounded by his friends, the shared energy of the moment—it was hard to deny that it felt good to be a part of something bigger.

When they finally reached the front, Alex’s gaze drifted to the stage. Coach Harris stood there, a smile plastered across his face as he addressed the crowd. “Alright, everyone! Let’s get hyped for Cedar Heights! We’ve got a great team this year, and I know they’re ready to show everyone what we’re made of!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Alex felt a rush of adrenaline. The team gathered around the coach, high-fiving each other and soaking in the energy of their peers. The camaraderie was infectious, and for a moment, all his worries seemed to fade away.

As the rally continued, games and contests unfolded, and the atmosphere grew even more electric. Laughter and cheers filled the air, and Alex found himself swept up in it. With each passing moment, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter, and the knot in his stomach began to unravel.

Just when he thought he might actually enjoy himself, Cass stepped onto the stage, striking a dramatic pose as the crowd erupted into cheers once more. “Are you ready to see what we can do?” they shouted, and the energy in the room surged.

Alex’s heart raced. There was something about Cass—an unexplainable magnetism that drew him in. As they spoke, their passion was evident, and it ignited a spark within him. In that moment, he felt the pull between them deepen, a connection that transcended the chaos of the crowd.

As the pep rally reached its climax, Alex cheered along with everyone else, feeling a rush of excitement and belonging. Maybe he could find a way to balance the pressure and enjoy the ride. Maybe today could be a turning point—a chance to embrace who he was, on and off the ice.

With Cass shining brightly on stage, a new resolve began to bloom within him. He would give it his all, not just for the team but for himself. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, he’d face them head-on, starting right here, right now.