As they reached the park’s central fountain, the sound of trickling water mixed with their laughter, creating a serene backdrop for their evening. The area was dimly lit, with soft lights twinkling in the trees, and Alex felt as if they had stepped into a fairytale.
“Let’s make a wish,” Cass suggested, their eyes sparkling mischievously. “You know, for our future skating adventures!”
“Good idea!” Mia replied, clasping her hands together. “On the count of three!”
Alex couldn’t help but smile at the infectious enthusiasm radiating from his friends. He closed his eyes, a wish forming in his heart as they counted down.
“One… two… three!”
He opened his eyes, glancing at the fountain as they all threw their hands into the air. “I wish for more amazing competitions together!” Cass shouted, laughter dancing in their voice.
“And I wish for us to inspire other skaters to follow their dreams!” Mia declared, her face aglow with excitement.
Alex took a moment before sharing his wish. “I wish for our friendship to grow even stronger,” he said softly, looking at Cass and Mia. “And for us to always support each other, no matter what.”
The sincerity of his words hung in the air for a moment, and he felt a rush of warmth as Cass nodded, a smile spreading across their face. “That’s the best wish ever.”
They stood by the fountain for a while longer, talking and joking, letting the night unfold around them. But as the laughter faded, a quiet moment settled in, and Alex felt a twinge of vulnerability creeping back.
Cass seemed to sense it. “Hey, you okay?” they asked, their tone shifting from playful to concerned.
“Yeah, just… thinking,” Alex replied, staring into the bubbling water. “About everything that’s happened this past year. The ups and downs. It’s been a lot.”
“Same here,” Cass said, stepping a little closer. “But look at us now. We’re winning competitions, having fun, and we’ve built something amazing together.”
“True,” Alex acknowledged, though his heart still carried the weight of past struggles. “I just don’t want to let anyone down, you know? Especially you.”
“You’re not going to let anyone down,” Cass reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “We’re a team, and I believe in you. And besides, if anyone tries to bring you down, they’ll have to deal with me.”
Alex chuckled softly, appreciating the fierceness in Cass’s voice. “I know you’d protect me, but it’s not just that. I’m scared of failing again.”
“Failure is part of the journey,” Cass said, their voice steady and warm. “We’re going to have setbacks, but we’ll learn from them. And we’ll do it together.”
His heart swelled at Cass’s words, the reassurance washing over him like a gentle tide. “Thanks, Cass. You always know what to say.”
“Just speaking the truth,” Cass said, flashing a confident grin. “We’re going to continue pushing each other, right? That’s what friends do.”
“Definitely,” Alex agreed, feeling more at ease. “We’re in this together.”
As they walked away from the fountain, the air around them seemed to buzz with possibilities. They continued to discuss their plans for the blog, how they could showcase their routines, share their journeys, and connect with other skaters. Each idea sparked new excitement within them, igniting their passion for skating and friendship.
Suddenly, Mia stopped in her tracks. “Wait, do you hear that?”
The sound of music drifted through the park, lively and upbeat. “It sounds like there’s a dance party happening nearby!” she exclaimed, her eyes brightening.
Cass grinned, glancing at Alex. “What do you think? Should we join in?”
“Absolutely!” Alex replied, feeling a wave of spontaneity wash over him. “Let’s go!”
They followed the sound of the music, laughter, and cheers leading them through the park. As they approached a small clearing, they discovered a group of teenagers dancing under the stars, lights strung between the trees creating a whimsical atmosphere.
Without hesitation, Mia jumped into the crowd, pulling Cass and Alex along with her. The infectious energy of the music took over, and soon they were all dancing, moving to the rhythm and laughing as they let loose.
Alex felt the weight of his worries lift with each beat, his body swaying in sync with Cass and Mia. It was a beautiful release, a moment of pure joy that reminded him of the freedom he felt when skating.
“See? This is what life is about!” Cass shouted over the music, spinning around with a bright smile.
“Agreed!” Alex laughed, feeling completely alive in that moment.
As the night wore on, they danced until their feet ached, losing themselves in the music and the magic of friendship. The worries of the world faded away, leaving only laughter, joy, and the unbreakable bond they were building together.
Eventually, they collapsed onto a patch of grass, breathless and giggling. “That was amazing!” Mia exclaimed, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
“Best spontaneous dance party ever!” Cass added, still catching their breath.
As they lay there under the stars, Alex felt a sense of peace settle over him. Surrounded by friends who understood him, he realized that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them head-on. Together, they could conquer anything.
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...
