Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

The Icy Divide. 52

The morning of the competition dawned crisp and bright, the sun filtering through Alex’s curtains like a spotlight on the day ahead. He tossed and turned, a bundle of nerves and excitement, his heart racing as he recalled the night’s conversation with Cass. It had felt so perfect, so full of promise, and now the reality of competing was settling in.

After a restless night, he finally rolled out of bed, determined to face the day. As he moved through his morning routine, Alex’s mind buzzed with a mix of thoughts—about the routine, about his family’s expectations, and most importantly, about Cass.

“Hey, you ready?” Alex’s mom called from the kitchen, her voice cutting through his thoughts.

“Yeah, just about!” he shouted back, trying to put on a brave face.

When he joined her, he found a plate of pancakes waiting for him. “You need to fuel up for today. Big day ahead!” she said, her smile warm and encouraging.

“Thanks, Mom,” Alex replied, feeling the weight of her gaze. She had always believed in him, even when he struggled with his identity and insecurities. But this time felt different. This time, he felt he had something more to prove—not just to his family but to himself.

“Are you nervous?” she asked, pouring a glass of orange juice.

“A little,” he admitted, picking at his food. “But mostly excited. Cass and I have been working really hard.”

“Just remember to have fun,” she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “That’s what matters most, right?”

“Right,” Alex agreed, though doubt still lingered in the back of his mind.

After breakfast, he hurried to gather his things, making sure he had everything he needed—skates, costume, and the lucky charm Cass had given him the week before. It was a small trinket, but it had quickly become his touchstone, reminding him of their bond and the trust they shared.

Arriving at the rink, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The space was filled with the sounds of skates gliding, laughter, and occasional shouts of encouragement. Alex could feel the tension in the air, but as he looked around, he also felt a sense of camaraderie among the other competitors. They were all there for the same reason—to share their passion for skating.

“Alex! Over here!” Cass waved from across the rink, their figure clad in a vibrant costume that sparkled under the overhead lights. They radiated confidence, and Alex felt his heart skip a beat.

“You look amazing!” he called out, making his way over.

“Thanks! So do you!” Cass said, giving him a quick once-over. “I love your outfit. The colors really pop!”

“Just trying to keep up with you,” Alex replied, a grin spreading across his face.

As they began their warm-up, Alex noticed the growing crowd and the hum of anticipation. Coaches shouted last-minute instructions, and parents and friends filled the stands, their cheers echoing around the rink. He could feel the pressure building inside him.

“Let’s do a few practice runs,” Cass suggested, breaking the tension as they stretched together. “We can’t go in cold.”

“Good idea,” Alex agreed, grateful for Cass’s unwavering positivity.

They moved to their designated area, and as the music began to play, Alex felt himself sink into the familiar rhythm. Each note was like a lifeline, anchoring him amid the chaos. They skated through their routine, each movement a testament to their hard work and dedication.

“Perfect!” Cass exclaimed as they finished, breathless but exhilarated. “I think we’re ready.”

“Yeah, we definitely are,” Alex replied, confidence swelling inside him.

“Remember what we talked about last night. Just focus on us and our routine. Don’t let anything else get in your head,” Cass reminded him, their eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made his heart race.

“Right,” he whispered, feeling the weight of their shared promise.

As they waited for their turn, the anticipation grew, and Alex watched the other competitors perform. Each skater had their unique style, their own story to tell on the ice, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for them all.

Then, it was time for their performance. Cass squeezed his hand as they waited in the wings. “You got this. We’ve got this,” they whispered, their voice steady.

Taking a deep breath, Alex nodded, pushing his nerves aside. The announcer’s voice boomed through the rink, calling their names, and suddenly, the world fell away.

As they stepped onto the ice, the bright lights washed over them, and the audience erupted in applause. The rush of adrenaline was intoxicating, and Alex felt a surge of energy coursing through him.

They took their positions, and as the music began to play, he lost himself in the rhythm. Each move felt effortless, each leap a testament to their hard work. The crowd faded, and all that existed was the ice beneath them and the connection they shared.

In that moment, everything clicked—the joy, the passion, the love that had brought them together. They skated as one, and as they approached the twist, Alex felt a rush of confidence.

“Together,” he whispered, locking eyes with Cass.

“Always,” Cass replied, a determined smile on their face.

They executed the twist flawlessly, the world around them disappearing as they flew through the air, suspended in their own perfect bubble.

As they landed, the applause echoed through the rink, but Alex was lost in the moment, exhilarated and alive. They finished the routine with a flourish, and as they skated to a stop, he could feel the weight of their accomplishment settle around them like a warm blanket.

The audience erupted in cheers, and Alex’s heart soared. They had done it—they had faced their fears and performed together, side by side.

Breathless and filled with joy, they held each other’s gaze, the connection between them stronger than ever. In that moment, he knew they had crossed a threshold—not just in skating, but in their relationship. Whatever happened next, they were ready to face it together.