Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

Fractures Beneath The Ice. 38

The night wore on, the skate park buzzing with energy. Music pulsed from a nearby speaker, and the sound of laughter echoed as skaters continued to show off their skills. Alex felt invigorated, his earlier anxiety washed away by the thrill of skating alongside his friends.

"Alright, next up is Cass!" Leo announced, clapping his hands together. "Let's see what you've got!"

Cass stood at the edge of the half-pipe, a confident smile on their face. They glanced back at Alex, who gave them a thumbs-up, silently cheering them on. With a deep breath, Cass pushed off, gliding smoothly into the ramp.

As they soared into the air, time seemed to stand still. Cass twisted and turned, executing a series of flips and spins that made Alex's heart race. The crowd erupted into cheers as they landed flawlessly, the joy radiating from them like sunshine.

"Did you see that?!" Leo shouted, his excitement contagious. "That was incredible!"

Cass beamed, catching their breath as they skated back over. "Thanks! I think I'm finally starting to get my tricks down."

"You've always had it in you," Alex said, feeling genuine pride for their accomplishment. "You were born to skate."

Cass blushed slightly, their eyes sparkling with delight. "And you're getting there, too. I saw you get some air earlier!"

"Only a little," Alex said, shrugging off the compliment, but feeling a warmth spread through him. "I still feel like I'm trying to figure this out."

"Just keep pushing yourself. You're stronger than you think," Cass replied, their voice encouraging.

Before Alex could respond, Leo interrupted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "How about a little friendly competition? Whoever can land the best trick gets bragging rights for a week!"

"Count me in!" Cass exclaimed, their competitive spirit ignited. "I'll take that challenge!"

"Alright, I'm game!" Alex added, feeling the thrill of competition surge through him. "But no easy tricks, okay? Let's make it interesting!"

As they gathered at the base of the ramp, the energy was electric. The group cheered each participant, creating an atmosphere of support and camaraderie. They took turns showcasing their skills, each trying to outdo the last.

Leo went first, attempting an impressive trick that ended in a spectacular wipeout, prompting a chorus of laughter and cheers. Next up was Cass, who pulled off another stunning move, earning loud applause from everyone.

When it was Alex's turn, he felt the familiar surge of nerves. "Okay, here goes nothing," he muttered to himself, watching the others with a mix of determination and anxiety.

He climbed the ramp once more, adrenaline coursing through him as he prepared to try something new-a jump he had been working on. He took a deep breath and pushed off, the world blurring around him as he hit the ramp.

This time, he felt the air beneath him lift, a sense of freedom washing over him as he reached for the sky. But just as he began to descend, he lost his balance. He could feel himself tipping, his heart racing in panic.

With a thud, he hit the ground again, rolling slightly to soften the impact. The laughter around him rang out once more, but it was light-hearted, filled with encouragement rather than mockery.

"Nice try, Alex! You almost had it!" Leo called out, offering a hand to help him up.

"Yeah, I just need to work on my landing!" Alex said, brushing the dirt off his clothes.

Cass skated over, concern etched on their face. "Are you okay? That looked like a tough fall."

"I'm fine," Alex assured them, but the sting of defeat lingered. "I just... wish I could nail a trick like you."

"You will, trust me," Cass said, their eyes bright with belief. "Just keep at it. It takes time, and you're already making progress."

"Thanks," he replied, feeling a rush of gratitude. Their faith in him made him want to try harder, to not give up.

The competition continued, and as each skater took their turn, the atmosphere remained buoyant. But even as the laughter and cheers surrounded him, Alex couldn't shake the lingering sense of pressure that loomed in the back of his mind.

He watched Cass skate, their body moving with grace and confidence, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and frustration. They made it look so easy, while he felt like he was constantly struggling to keep up.

After several more rounds, Cass came up to him, a thoughtful expression crossing their face. "Hey, do you want to talk about what's going on in your head?"

Alex hesitated, the words caught in his throat. He wanted to share, to be honest, but a part of him feared burdening Cass with his struggles. "I don't know, it's just... everything feels overwhelming. School, hockey, expectations. I feel like I'm being pulled in so many directions."

"I get that," Cass said softly, their gaze unwavering. "But you don't have to do it all at once. Just take it one step at a time. We can figure it out together."

Alex looked at them, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks, Cass. It really means a lot to me that you're willing to listen."

"Always," they replied, their voice steady. "You don't have to put on a brave face all the time. It's okay to be vulnerable with me."

As they spoke, the noise around them faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble. The connection felt strong, and he could sense that Cass genuinely cared.

"I'll try to open up more," Alex promised, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "I really do appreciate you being here for me."

Cass smiled, their expression warm and sincere. "Just remember, it's okay to lean on me. That's what friends are for."

Just then, Leo skated over, interrupting their moment. "Hey, lovebirds! Are we gonna continue this competition or what?"

Alex laughed, the lightness returning to his chest. "Let's do it! I'm ready for another round!"

The banter continued, and as the night wore on, Alex felt the weight on his shoulders lift. For the first time in a long while, he was surrounded by people who understood him, who accepted him for who he was. And with that sense of belonging came a newfound determination to face the challenges ahead-both on the ice and off.