As the laughter began to fade, and the music shifted to a slower, softer beat, Alex looked up at the stars scattered across the night sky. The cool breeze rustled the leaves above them, and for a moment, it felt as if the world had slowed down just for them.
“I love nights like this,” Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Everything feels perfect.”
Cass turned to him, their face illuminated by the soft glow of the lights strung overhead. “It really does. It’s like we’re in our own little world.”
“Agreed. And I’m so glad we got to celebrate together,” Mia chimed in, stretching her arms above her head. “We should make this a regular thing, you know? Celebrate every little victory, big or small.”
“That’s a great idea!” Alex replied, feeling a swell of warmth at the thought of creating more memories with them. “We should have a monthly hangout or something.”
“I’m in!” Cass exclaimed, their enthusiasm contagious. “Pizza, ice cream, and dance parties under the stars!”
Mia laughed, “Sounds like a perfect plan. But let’s make sure to include some skating time too!”
“Definitely!” Alex said, the idea igniting a spark of excitement within him. “We could even work on routines together. It would be fun to collaborate.”
“Imagine the epic pair routine we could come up with,” Cass mused, their eyes lighting up with inspiration. “We’d blow everyone away!”
“I can already picture it,” Mia added. “We’ll have to add some cool lifts and spins!”
As they brainstormed ideas, the atmosphere shifted from carefree to thoughtful. The reality of their skating journeys settled in the back of Alex’s mind—a reminder of the hard work and determination required to excel in their sport.
“Do you think we’ll be able to compete at higher levels?” Alex asked, his voice suddenly more serious. “I mean, the next competitions will be tougher, and there are so many talented skaters out there.”
Cass nodded, their expression shifting to one of determination. “We absolutely can. If we keep practicing and pushing ourselves, we’ll improve. Just think about how far we’ve come already!”
Mia chimed in, “And remember, we have each other’s backs. We’ll face those challenges as a team.”
Alex felt a surge of confidence at their words. “You’re right. Together, we can do anything.”
The trio lay back on the grass, gazing up at the stars. The cool night air was filled with the faint sounds of laughter and music from the nearby dance party, a reminder of the vibrant life that surrounded them.
As they lay in comfortable silence, Alex’s mind wandered to his own personal struggles, the doubts that occasionally clouded his thoughts. He felt a need to share more with Cass and Mia, to let them see the parts of him that he often kept hidden.
“Hey, can I ask you something?” Alex began, shifting slightly to face them.
“Of course! What’s up?” Cass replied, their expression open and encouraging.
Alex hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough, you know? Like I’ll never measure up to other skaters, especially with everything we’re aiming for.”
Mia’s brow furrowed with concern. “Alex, you have to stop comparing yourself to others. You bring something unique to the ice. It’s not about being the best; it’s about being true to yourself and growing.”
“Yeah, you’ve got to trust the process,” Cass added, their tone sincere. “Every skater has their own journey. You’re amazing as you are, and I believe in you.”
“Thanks, you guys,” Alex said, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. “It just helps to hear that from you.”
“Always here for you, buddy,” Cass said, giving Alex a light nudge.
Mia added, “And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember this night. Remember how far we’ve come together. We’ve got this.”
The moment felt heavy with unspoken understanding and support. Alex realized that he didn’t have to carry his worries alone. He had friends who were there for him, willing to share the burdens and joys of their journeys.
As the night wore on, they continued to share their thoughts and dreams, the conversation flowing easily between them. Eventually, the music from the dance party began to fade, and the park grew quieter.
“Maybe we should head back soon?” Mia suggested, glancing at her watch.
“Yeah, I guess we should,” Cass replied, standing up and brushing off their clothes. “But let’s make sure to take some more pictures before we go!”
Alex stood, his heart feeling lighter than before. As they gathered for another round of photos, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the bonds they were creating.
After a few playful poses, the three of them gathered close, Alex sandwiched between Cass and Mia, their faces beaming with happiness.
“Ready? One, two, three—cheese!” Mia shouted, and the camera clicked, capturing the moment forever.
As they made their way back through the park, Alex felt a sense of hope blossoming within him. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he wouldn’t face them alone. With Cass and Mia by his side, the future seemed bright—full of possibilities, adventures, and above all, friendship.
As they stepped out of the park, the cool night air welcomed them back to reality, but the warmth in Alex’s heart lingered. It was a night to remember—a night that solidified the unbreakable bond they had formed, one filled with laughter, dreams, and the promise of a shared journey ahead.
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...
