Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

The Icy Devide . 46

The following week arrived with a palpable tension in the air, as if the universe itself was holding its breath. Alex and Cass met daily at the rink, but each session felt charged with unspoken words and lingering doubts. As the competition drew closer, they worked tirelessly, trying to meld their distinct styles into a cohesive routine. Yet, something simmered beneath the surface, an undercurrent of anxiety that neither dared to acknowledge.

On this particular afternoon, the rink buzzed with energy, a stark contrast to the heaviness resting on Alex's shoulders. He and Cass had just finished a particularly grueling practice, and while Cass seemed invigorated, Alex was overwhelmed.

“Let’s take a break,” Cass suggested, gliding to the edge of the rink. “I need some water.”

“Good idea,” Alex replied, rubbing the back of his neck. He followed Cass off the ice, their skates scraping against the surface as they stepped into the changing area. The coolness of the air met them, a welcome relief from the exertion.

Cass filled a water bottle and offered it to Alex, their expression bright. “You’re really getting better, you know. I’m so proud of us.”

“Yeah, but I feel like I’m holding us back,” Alex admitted, taking a sip and letting the cool liquid wash over his anxiety. “I just don’t think I’m good enough.”

“Don’t say that! You’re a natural. You just need to trust yourself more,” Cass replied, their voice steady, but Alex noticed a hint of concern in their eyes.

“I don’t know… What if I fall flat? What if my parents are disappointed again?” The words tumbled out before Alex could stop them, the familiar worry creeping back in.

Cass took a step closer, their gaze unwavering. “You need to stop worrying about what they think. This is your passion, Alex. You can’t let their expectations drown out your voice.”

“I know, but it’s not that simple. They’ve always wanted me to succeed in hockey, and now…” Alex hesitated, his heart racing as he felt the weight of their dreams pressing against his chest. “What if I disappoint them?”

“They’ll see how much you love this, especially once you show them what you can do,” Cass said firmly. “And if they can’t accept that, then that’s their problem, not yours.”

A silence fell between them, thick with unspoken fears. Alex watched as Cass took a deep breath, their resolve unwavering. “Let’s make a pact,” they continued. “No matter what happens at the competition, we promise to support each other, no matter what.”

“I can do that,” Alex replied, though uncertainty lingered in his heart.

As they finished their break, Cass gave him a warm smile, the kind that melted away some of his tension. “Alright, let’s hit the ice again. We can’t let fear get in the way of our dreams, right?”

“Right,” he echoed, feeling a flicker of determination spark within him.

They stepped back onto the ice, and for a moment, Alex felt the doubts slip away. He focused on the rhythm of their movements, the way Cass glided effortlessly, each turn and leap fluid and graceful.

But just as they began to work on a new segment of their routine, the sound of clashing blades interrupted their focus. A group of older skaters entered the rink, their laughter echoing against the walls. Among them was Kelly, a girl from Alex’s school who was known for her sharp tongue and competitive spirit.

“Look who’s practicing! The hockey kid and the figure skater,” Kelly called out, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Is this some kind of joke?”

“Yeah, what are you trying to prove?” one of her friends chimed in, laughter following.

Alex felt his face flush with embarrassment, and Cass’s expression hardened. “We’re working on something for the competition,” Cass said, their voice steady, but Alex could hear the edge of annoyance.

Kelly smirked. “You really think you can win? You two are a total mismatch. Hockey and figure skating? That’s just ridiculous.”

Alex clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “We’re just trying to have fun. You should try it sometime instead of just criticizing,” he shot back, feeling the heat of anger rise within him.

“Oh, please. You’d be better off sticking to hockey,” Kelly replied, rolling her eyes. “No one takes you seriously.”

“Enough, Kelly,” Cass said, stepping forward. “This is our passion, and we’re not going to let you ruin it.”

Kelly crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Whatever. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you both end up embarrassing yourselves.”

As the group skated away, Alex felt a wave of frustration crash over him. “Why do people have to be like that?” he muttered, shaking his head.

Cass placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t let her get to you. You know what you’re capable of, and that’s all that matters.”

“Yeah, but it still stings,” Alex admitted, his heart racing. “I just wanted to prove that I could do this.”

“You will. Just focus on your passion. That’s what’s important,” Cass said, giving him an encouraging smile.

Taking a deep breath, Alex nodded, but the sting of Kelly’s words lingered in the back of his mind. They resumed their practice, trying to shake off the negativity, but Alex found it harder to concentrate. Each turn felt weighed down by doubt, and he couldn’t help but wonder if maybe Kelly was right.

As they finished their session for the day, Cass noticed Alex’s distracted expression. “Hey, are you alright? You seem a little off.”

“Just thinking about what she said,” Alex replied, frustration clear in his voice. “What if I can’t do this? What if I don’t have what it takes?”

Cass stepped closer, their eyes searching his. “You can’t let her words define you. You have to believe in yourself, Alex. Remember our pact? No matter what, we’ll support each other.”

“Right,” he murmured, forcing a smile as they left the rink. “Thanks, Cass. I just… I want to do this for us.”

“Then let’s keep practicing and show everyone what we’re made of,” Cass said, their enthusiasm infectious.

With renewed determination, Alex nodded. “Let’s do it.”

As they walked out of the rink, the sun setting in the distance, Alex felt the weight of the world lift slightly from his shoulders. He still had doubts, but with Cass by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they would carve their own path—on the ice and in their hearts.