Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

Cold Begginging. 10

As twilight settled over the park, the ice began to glimmer under the fading light. Cass continued to practice their routine, effortlessly gliding and spinning, while Alex and Logan cheered from the sidelines. The air was filled with laughter and the occasional clap of encouragement, but beneath the jovial surface, Alex felt a swell of something deeper—a growing connection to Cass that made his heart race.

Logan, ever the instigator, leaned over to Alex. “You know, I can totally see you and Cass together. You guys have some serious chemistry on the ice.”

Alex’s cheeks flushed at the thought. “What? No way! We’re just friends,” he insisted, though a part of him felt the flutter of possibility. Cass was different; their passion and determination drew him in like a magnet.

“Just friends? Come on! Did you see how they looked at you when you jumped?” Logan grinned, nudging Alex with his elbow. “You two are practically a couple already!”

“Shut up,” Alex muttered, trying to mask his flustered embarrassment with humor. “They’re just being supportive. Plus, they probably see me as some kind of project.”

“Whatever you say, dude,” Logan teased, but his smile showed he wasn’t entirely convinced.

Before Alex could respond, Cass skated over, breathless and glowing with enthusiasm. “Did you see that last spin? I think I almost nailed it!”

“You definitely nailed it!” Logan replied, pumping his fist in the air. “Seriously, you’re going to crush it at the competition!”

Cass laughed, shaking their head. “I just hope I can keep it together when it counts. It’s nerve-wracking performing in front of a crowd.”

“You’ll do great. Just remember what we talked about—focus on the joy of it!” Alex said, trying to sound reassuring.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Cass nodded, their expression shifting as they glanced away, momentarily lost in thought. “But you know, there’s always that fear in the back of my mind—what if I mess up? What if I disappoint everyone?”

Alex’s heart ached at the vulnerability in Cass’s eyes. It was a feeling he understood all too well—the constant pressure to succeed and fear of falling short. “Hey, you won’t disappoint anyone. We’re all rooting for you, and it’s okay to stumble. It’s part of growing. Just remember to have fun.”

“Thanks, Alex. That really means a lot,” Cass said softly, their gaze meeting his. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

As they exchanged smiles, the world around them faded into the background. Alex felt a connection—a thread of understanding that wrapped around them, pulling them closer. In that moment, the fear of judgment and disappointment melted away, leaving just the two of them and the warmth of their budding friendship.

“So, what’s next on the agenda?” Cass asked, breaking the tension with a grin. “More skating, or do you guys want to do something else?”

“I could use a break,” Alex admitted, glancing at Logan. “How about we grab some food? I’m starving!”

“Food sounds perfect!” Logan exclaimed, clearly excited at the idea. “There’s that new burger place down the street. I heard they have amazing milkshakes!”

“Count me in,” Cass said, gliding over to the edge of the rink to take off their skates. “I’ll need a milkshake to cool down after all this!”

As they packed up their things and headed toward the exit, the warmth of camaraderie enveloped them. They chatted animatedly, sharing stories and teasing each other, creating a comfortable rhythm that felt familiar yet exhilarating.

Arriving at the burger joint, they found a booth near the back, and after placing their orders, they settled in, anticipation hanging in the air. Cass leaned back in their seat, looking content. “So, Alex, tell us more about your hockey team! Are you guys going to have a good season?”

“Yeah, I think so. We’ve been working hard, and we have a great group of guys,” Alex said, enthusiasm creeping into his voice. “And with Logan as our unofficial cheerleader, how could we fail?”

“Hey, I bring the energy! That counts for something!” Logan shot back, feigning offense.

Cass laughed, and Alex couldn’t help but join in, the sound of their laughter warming him from the inside. “Honestly, I can’t wait to see you guys play. Hockey games are so intense, and the atmosphere is incredible!”

“Yeah, you should come to one!” Alex said, feeling bold. “I’d love to have you guys in the stands cheering for me. It’s a lot of fun, especially when the crowd gets into it.”

“I’ll definitely be there! It’ll be like a mini pep rally!” Cass said, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Just promise me you won’t wear anything embarrassing,” Logan joked, causing Cass to roll their eyes dramatically.

“Like what? A giant foam finger? Because I’m totally doing that,” Cass shot back, grinning.

As their food arrived, Alex felt a surge of gratitude wash over him. They were having fun, just three friends enjoying each other’s company, and it felt good—really good.

“Okay, we need to make a pact,” Logan said, suddenly serious, his gaze flicking between Alex and Cass. “We need to support each other this year. No matter what happens—competitions, games, or even just bad days—we’ve got each other’s backs.”

“I like that idea,” Cass agreed, nodding fervently. “We’re a team now, right?”

“Definitely,” Alex said, his heart swelling with warmth.

They raised their milkshakes in unison, a makeshift toast to their friendship and the promise of support. As they clinked their glasses together, Alex couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something special.

The chatter around them faded as he took a sip, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of belonging wash over him. The worries of the past and the uncertainties of the future melted away, leaving only the joy of the moment.

As the three friends laughed and shared stories over burgers and fries, Alex felt a newfound sense of hope. Together, they were not just skating through life—they were diving in headfirst, ready to embrace every challenge and triumph along the way. And with Cass by his side, he felt like he could conquer anything.