Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

Fractures Beneath The Ice . 36

The atmosphere between them shifted, a tentative warmth blossoming as Cass squeezed Alex's arm gently before stepping back. They still wore that slight frown of concern, but there was also a hint of hope in their eyes.

“Good,” Cass said, a small smile breaking through. “I really mean it. I want to be there for you, Alex.”

Alex nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude mixed with vulnerability. “Thanks, Cass. I appreciate it. It’s just… hard sometimes.”

“Hey, I get it. We all have our struggles,” they replied, tucking a stray hair behind their ear. “But if you ever need an escape, you know where to find me.”

“I do,” Alex replied, a smile creeping onto his face. “And I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

Suddenly, the moment was interrupted by the sound of laughter and chatter from a group of skaters arriving at the park. Alex recognized Leo’s voice, and as he turned, he saw his friend approach, skateboard in hand, flanked by a couple of their teammates.

“Hey, Alex! Cass!” Leo called out, grinning widely as he skated up to them. “What’s up? I didn’t know you two were hanging out!”

“Just talking,” Cass replied, glancing at Alex with a knowing smile.

“Yeah, just… you know, working on our ‘relationship skills,’” Alex added, a hint of teasing in his tone to deflect his own embarrassment.

Leo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Oh? Care to share? I could use some pointers myself,” he joked, nudging Alex playfully.

Cass laughed, the sound light and free, and it made Alex feel a little lighter, too. “Nothing you need to worry about, Leo. Just a bit of communication,” they said, keeping it vague.

“Communication, huh?” Leo said, nodding sagely. “I should probably take notes then.”

Their teammates joined in the banter, and Alex felt a sense of ease wash over him. The weight on his chest was still there, but it was manageable for the moment, as he enjoyed being surrounded by friends.

“Hey, we’re about to hit the ramps! You joining us, or are you two too busy with your heart-to-heart?” Leo teased, winking at Cass.

“I could use a break from all the serious stuff,” Alex admitted. “Let’s go!”

Cass grinned, their eyes sparkling with excitement. “Count me in! I could use a good distraction too.”

They moved toward the half-pipe, the group following suit. As they got settled, Cass pulled out their board, strapping on their protective gear with practiced ease.

Alex watched for a moment, captivated by how they glided across the park. There was an effortless grace to the way Cass maneuvered their board, and Alex felt a swell of admiration. Just like on the ice, they had a way of making it look so easy.

“Ready to show us what you’ve got, Cass?” Leo challenged, leaning against the side of the ramp.

“Always!” Cass called back, determination in their voice. They launched off the edge of the ramp, soaring into the air before landing flawlessly.

The cheers from the group filled the air, and Alex couldn’t help but join in, clapping for Cass as they stepped off the board with a triumphant grin. It felt good to see them so happy, so alive in the moment.

“Your turn, Alex! Show us what that hockey practice has taught you!” Leo shouted, encouraging him.

Alex hesitated, his heart racing at the thought of trying the half-pipe. He had never skated on a skateboard before, and the idea of taking a leap like Cass did was intimidating. But the supportive atmosphere around him was infectious, and he didn’t want to hold back.

“Alright, here goes nothing,” he said, taking a deep breath. He picked up Cass’s skateboard, feeling the weight of it beneath his feet.

He climbed up the ramp, his pulse quickening with every step. As he stood at the top, looking down, doubt crept in. What was he thinking?

“Just go for it! You’ve got this!” Cass encouraged from the side, their voice cutting through the haze of uncertainty.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed off, feeling the rush of wind as he sped down the ramp. For a moment, he felt weightless, exhilaration coursing through him. But as he hit the flat, his balance wavered.

“Whoa!” he yelled, trying to keep his footing, but it was too late. The board slipped from beneath him, and he crashed down onto the pavement with a loud thud.

Laughter erupted around him, but it wasn’t mocking—there was an undercurrent of camaraderie in their voices.

“Alex! Are you okay?” Cass rushed to his side, concern etched on their face.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Alex said, brushing himself off as he lay there, slightly dazed. “Just a little embarrassed.”

“Embarrassed? You should be proud!” Leo chimed in, still chuckling. “That was a solid attempt for your first go!”

“Seriously, not bad for a hockey player,” another teammate added, offering Alex a hand up.

As Alex stood, he felt a wave of warmth wash over him. The laughter, the camaraderie—it was all so different from the weight of pressure he felt earlier. In that moment, surrounded by friends, he realized that maybe things didn’t have to be so heavy all the time.

“Thanks, guys,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “I’ll take that as a win.”

Cass clapped him on the shoulder, their eyes shining. “Next time, you’ll stick the landing. Just remember, it’s all about practice.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just wait until I hit the ice again,” Alex joked, feeling lighter than he had all week.

As the group continued to mess around on the ramps, Alex found himself laughing more and worrying less. It was a welcomed reprieve, and as he watched Cass skate and cheer him on, he felt a warmth in his chest—a promise of better days ahead.