The night air was crisp as they walked toward the parking lot, a soft wind rustling the leaves of nearby trees. The skate park, once bustling with life, now lay quiet under the glow of the streetlights. Alex could still hear the echoes of laughter in his mind, the thrill of the evening wrapping around him like a warm blanket.
“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Cass asked, glancing sideways at Alex with a playful smile. “More epic skating, or are we going to give our bodies a break after that last wipeout?”
“Definitely more skating,” Alex said with a grin. “I need to redeem myself after that disaster. Besides, I’m really starting to enjoy it.”
“I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!” Cass replied, their excitement palpable. “Maybe I can help you work on your tricks. I mean, if you can keep up with me.”
“Oh, is that a challenge?” Alex shot back, trying to keep his tone light. “Bring it on!”
As they reached the parking lot, the sound of their friends' banter faded into the background. Leo was already pulling out his phone, likely texting everyone about the night’s adventures. Alex felt a wave of warmth wash over him as he watched the scene unfold—everyone was so vibrant, so full of life, and he was grateful to be a part of it.
“So, um…” Cass began, their tone shifting to something more serious as they leaned against the car. “You said you wanted to open up more. Is there anything specific on your mind?”
The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Alex hesitated, the words swirling around in his head. He wanted to share his struggles, but fear of burdening Cass loomed over him like a dark cloud. He took a deep breath, searching for the right words.
“It’s just… everything feels overwhelming sometimes. School, hockey, family expectations. I feel like I’m trying to balance so much, and I worry about letting everyone down if I can’t keep it all together,” he admitted, his voice quieter than before.
Cass’s expression softened, their concern evident. “I get that. It can be really hard to juggle everything. But you’re not alone, okay? You’ve got people who care about you.”
“Yeah, but sometimes it feels like I’m just pretending to be okay when I’m really not,” he confessed, the vulnerability making him feel exposed. “I want to be strong for everyone, but it’s exhausting.”
“Alex,” Cass said gently, stepping closer. “You don’t have to pretend around me. I know what it’s like to feel that pressure. We all have our struggles, and it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.”
His heart swelled at their words, the sincerity in Cass’s voice cutting through the fog of doubt and anxiety. “Thanks, Cass. I guess I just need to remember that.”
“Anytime. And if you ever need to vent or talk it out, I’m here. We can tackle it together,” Cass said, their smile reassuring.
As they stood there, Alex felt a shift within him—a sense of acceptance and warmth that made the heaviness in his chest feel a little lighter. “You really mean that, don’t you?” he asked, searching Cass’s eyes for confirmation.
“Of course I do,” they replied, unwavering. “You’re my friend, and I care about you. I want to see you succeed, not just on the ice, but in everything you do.”
The sincerity in Cass’s voice sent a jolt of emotion through him. In that moment, he realized how much he valued their friendship, how deeply he felt connected to them. “I appreciate you, you know? You always know how to help me see things differently.”
“I’m just being honest,” Cass replied, their cheeks slightly flushed. “You deserve to feel supported.”
Before he could respond, Leo approached, his phone buzzing with notifications. “Hey, guys! We’re thinking of heading to the diner for some food. Who’s in?”
“Count me in!” Cass exclaimed, clapping their hands together. “I could go for some fries!”
Alex nodded, a smile spreading across his face. “Sure, I’m down for that too!”
As they climbed into Leo’s car, the excitement in the air was palpable. Laughter filled the vehicle as they joked and teased each other, the heaviness from earlier fading into the background.
The diner came into view, its neon lights flickering invitingly. As they walked inside, the warm air greeted them, mingling with the smell of fries and burgers wafting from the kitchen.
The group found a booth and settled in, Alex feeling a sense of belonging as they shared stories and joked over milkshakes and burgers. For the first time in a while, he felt free—free to laugh, to enjoy the moment, and to embrace the support of his friends.
“So, what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?” Leo asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned forward in his seat.
“Oh, I’ve got a good one!” Cass said, grinning widely. “Last summer, I tried to do a backflip off the diving board at the pool.”
“No way! Did you land it?” Leo asked, his voice filled with excitement.
“Not even close!” Cass laughed, shaking their head. “I flopped right into the water, and everyone started cheering like I’d done it on purpose. It was hilarious!”
The table erupted in laughter, and Alex felt the warmth of their camaraderie wrap around him like a soft blanket. These moments—the laughter, the connection, the feeling of being surrounded by people who truly cared—reminded him of why he fought to navigate his own struggles.
As they continued to share stories and laughter, Alex caught Cass’s gaze across the table. There was a spark in their eyes, an understanding that seemed to transcend words. In that moment, he realized that their bond was something special, something worth nurturing.
Maybe he didn’t have to face everything alone. Maybe, with Cass by his side, he could tackle the challenges ahead. And for the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope that maybe—just maybe—things could get better.
YOU ARE READING
Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)
General FictionAlex Rivera, a 15-year-old trans boy, pours his heart into hockey, using the ice to escape the constant pressure of proving himself-both to his team and to the world. For him, the rink is a battleground where he fights to be seen as strong, capable...
