Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

The Icy Divide. 47

The next few days flew by in a flurry of activity. Alex and Cass pushed themselves harder than ever, refining their routine and blending their two worlds into one cohesive performance. With each practice, the connection between them deepened, both on and off the ice.

One Friday afternoon, they decided to take a break and grab some hot chocolate at the nearby café after practice. The cozy warmth of the shop was a welcome contrast to the chill of the rink, and as they settled into a corner booth, steam rising from their mugs, Alex felt a sense of comfort wash over him.

"Okay, so let's go over our routine one more time," Cass said, setting down their cup and pulling out a notebook. "We need to make sure we hit all the key points before the competition."

"Right," Alex replied, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. "But maybe we can add that jump you did last time? It would look great with my hockey stop."

"Great idea! We can transition into it seamlessly," Cass replied, excitement dancing in their eyes.

But as they discussed the details, a shadow fell over their table. Alex looked up to see Kelly standing there, her arms crossed, flanked by a couple of her friends.

"Mind if we join? We're interested in seeing how you plan to embarrass yourselves at the competition," Kelly sneered.

"Not really," Cass replied, their voice firm. "We're just trying to enjoy our practice, if you can call it that."

"Aw, don't be like that," Kelly said, feigning innocence. "I just want to help you prepare for your inevitable failure. You know, a little friendly advice."

"Why are you even here? Don't you have something better to do?" Alex shot back, the heat of frustration rising in his chest again.

Kelly laughed, a sharp sound that cut through the warmth of the café. "Look, if you two are going to flop, I might as well enjoy the show, right? You're just a hockey player trying to play dress-up, and Cass is... well, you know."

Before Alex could respond, Cass stood up, their chair scraping against the floor. "We're not going to let you belittle us. You can keep your negativity to yourself, Kelly. We're proud of what we're doing."

A tense silence fell over the table. Alex's heart raced as he saw the surprise on Kelly's face, followed by a glimmer of amusement.

"Okay, then," Kelly said, a sly smile creeping onto her lips. "If you really think you can pull this off, I guess I'll be here to witness the crash."

With a triumphant smirk, Kelly turned to leave, her friends trailing behind her, shooting glances of mock sympathy at Alex and Cass.

As the door swung shut behind them, Alex exhaled, the tension in his shoulders finally loosening. "Thanks for standing up for us," he said, meeting Cass's gaze.

"I can't let her get away with that. You're my partner, and I believe in you," Cass replied, their voice warm and unwavering.

"You're right. I just wish I could brush it off like you do," Alex admitted, his fingers tracing the rim of his mug. "I don't want to feel like I have to prove something to everyone."

Cass leaned forward, their expression earnest. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone but yourself. Remember, this is about doing what you love. Just focus on us and our routine."

"I will," Alex promised, feeling the fire of determination rekindle within him. They resumed their planning, sketching out transitions and elements for their performance, laughter and camaraderie restoring their spirits.

After finishing their drinks, they decided to head back to the rink for one more practice. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the parking lot, and as they laced up their skates, Alex felt a renewed sense of purpose.

On the ice, the world faded away as they moved together, every turn and leap synchronizing like a well-rehearsed dance. Their hearts raced, and for the first time in a long while, Alex felt the thrill of the performance coursing through him.

As they wrapped up for the night, Cass skated over to Alex, a mischievous glint in their eye. "Let's try that jump again. I know you can do it!"

Alex nodded, a surge of adrenaline fueling him. "Okay, let's go for it!"

They skated hard, pushing the limits of their abilities, the energy between them palpable. Alex focused solely on Cass's movements, their rhythm guiding him as they flowed seamlessly from one move to the next.

"Now!" Cass shouted as they approached the jump. Alex leaped, feeling weightless as he soared through the air, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. He landed with a grace he hadn't thought possible, gliding across the ice as Cass beamed at him.

"That was incredible!" Cass exclaimed, their face lighting up with genuine joy. "I told you that you could do it!"

Alex couldn't contain his smile, the thrill of success washing over him. "Thanks! I couldn't have done it without you."

As they slowed to a stop, breathing heavily and laughing, Alex realized something vital: Cass wasn't just his partner on the ice; they were a source of strength that helped him navigate the uncertainties of his life.

"You know," Cass said, their tone turning more serious, "this is just the beginning for us. We're going to show everyone what we're made of at the competition."

"Yeah, we are," Alex replied, feeling a renewed sense of confidence swelling in his chest. "Together."

As they left the rink that night, the stars twinkling overhead, Alex felt a spark of hope igniting within him. With Cass by his side, he believed they could conquer anything. The icy divide between their worlds was beginning to thaw, and together, they were creating something beautiful-on the ice and in their hearts.