Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

Fractures Beneath The Ice. 44

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter and creativity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the skate park transformed into a scene alive with vibrant colors from the LED lights strung along the ramps. Skaters continued to weave in and out, their movements fluid, yet there was a stark contrast between their carefree demeanor and the lingering weight Alex felt within him.

“Okay, how about we try that jump again?” Cass suggested, standing at the edge of the half-pipe, their excitement infectious. “You can do it! Just focus on your landing.”

“Alright, but if I wipe out again, you have to promise not to laugh too hard,” Alex teased, trying to mask his anxiety with humor. He positioned himself at the top of the half-pipe, the world around him fading away as he concentrated on the task at hand.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed off, feeling the wind rush past him as he ascended the ramp. The adrenaline surged through his veins as he soared into the air, twisting and flipping, his heart pounding in rhythm with the skate wheels on the pavement below. Time slowed for a moment, and he felt invincible, free from the confines of expectations.

Then he landed—one foot slightly off balance—and he felt the board slide beneath him. He stumbled, but instead of crashing, he regained control and rolled away smoothly, a grin breaking across his face.

“Yes! Did you see that? I almost fell, but I saved it!” Alex shouted, turning to Cass, who was clapping enthusiastically.

“That was incredible! You’ve really got it down!” Cass’s face beamed with pride, and Alex felt a rush of validation. It was moments like this that made all the pressure from his parents feel a little more bearable.

Just then, a group of skaters skated over, recognizing Alex’s trick. “Dude, that was sick! You almost bit it, but you nailed the recovery!” one of them called out, giving him a fist bump as they passed.

“Thanks!” Alex replied, feeling the adrenaline still pulsing through him. “We’re working on some new stuff for a routine.”

“Oh, nice! You two should totally enter the local competition next month. I hear it’s going to be huge!” another skater added, nodding toward Cass.

Alex’s heart raced at the mention of the competition. The idea of showcasing their routine in front of others both thrilled and terrified him. “We’re thinking about it,” he said, his voice wavering slightly. “But it’s kind of a big deal.”

“C’mon, man! You’ll crush it! Just go out there and have fun. That’s what it’s all about,” the skater said, giving him a reassuring smile before skating off with his friends.

Cass turned to Alex, their eyes sparkling. “See? Everyone thinks we can do this! We just have to believe in ourselves.”

“Yeah, but what if we mess up? What if my parents are there and see me fail?” Alex’s heart sank at the thought. The fear of disappointing them loomed large, clouding his excitement.

Cass stepped closer, their expression turning serious. “Alex, you have to remember that this is about you and me, not them. They’re not the ones out there skating and putting in the effort. We’re doing this for ourselves, not to please anyone else.”

“I know you’re right,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s just hard to shake off that feeling. I’ve always wanted to make them proud, but now I’m just… scared.”

Cass placed a hand on his shoulder, their touch steadying him. “You’re not alone in this. I feel scared too, but together we can support each other. That’s what makes us a team, right?”

He nodded, feeling a swell of gratitude for Cass’s unwavering support. “You’re right. We can do this together.”

“Exactly! Let’s keep working on our routine, and when it’s time for the competition, we’ll show everyone what we can really do,” Cass said, grinning wide.

With renewed determination, Alex pushed his worries aside, focusing instead on the rhythm of their movements. They spent the next hour refining their tricks, laughing as they stumbled through missteps and cheering each other on through every small victory.

As night fully enveloped the skate park, the stars began to twinkle overhead. The music from nearby speakers pulsed through the air, creating a backdrop for their impromptu practice. The world around them faded as they fell into a groove, the connection between them deepening with every trick attempted and every laugh shared.

“Okay, last trick for the night!” Cass called out, their eyes shining with excitement. “Let’s end with a bang!”

“Alright, I’m going to try that double spin!” Alex announced, determination flooding through him.

Cass nodded, stepping back to give him space. “You’ve got this! Just remember what we practiced!”

With a deep breath, Alex positioned himself, visualizing the move in his mind. The world around him faded as he pushed off and soared up the half-pipe. He spun, feeling the exhilaration of the wind rushing past him. He landed smoothly, and for a moment, he felt like he was flying.

“YES!” Cass shouted, their voice ringing with excitement. “You nailed it! That was amazing!”

Alex laughed, the weight of his worries lifting like the stars beginning to shine above them. In that moment, he realized he wasn’t just skating for his parents’ approval or anyone else’s expectations—he was skating for himself. And alongside Cass, he felt unstoppable.

As they gathered their things, the bond they shared felt more profound than ever. They walked side by side toward the exit of the skate park, laughter echoing in the night air.

“Same time tomorrow?” Cass asked, nudging Alex playfully.

“Definitely,” he replied, the promise of more adventures ahead filling him with hope.

With each step, the shadows of doubt began to fade, replaced by the bright light of friendship and the thrill of new possibilities. Together, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—on and off the ice.