Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

The Icy Divide. 57

The walk back to the car was filled with light banter and laughter, the kind that made the journey feel shorter than it really was. As they strolled through the dimly lit streets, Alex couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie blooming between them—an unspoken understanding that they were all in this together.

“Okay, but I have to ask,” Mia said, her curiosity piqued. “What do you think our first blog post should be about?”

“Definitely our journey to this competition!” Cass said, their voice bubbling with excitement. “We could share our training routines, the ups and downs, and how we finally nailed our performances.”

“I like that,” Alex replied, his mind racing with ideas. “But I think we should also include some personal stories. Like, what skating means to us and how we’ve grown through it.”

“That’s a great angle,” Mia agreed. “It would make it more relatable to other skaters who might be feeling the same pressures we do.”

As they approached the car, Cass reached for the door handle but paused, glancing back at Alex. “You know, Alex, it really is impressive how much you’ve improved. You’ve come so far from where you were at the start of the season.”

Alex felt warmth creep into his cheeks, flattered yet slightly embarrassed. “Thanks, Cass. I’ve had a lot of support from both of you. I couldn’t have done it without you guys pushing me.”

“Well, we’re all in this together,” Mia reiterated, her voice full of encouragement. “And I think that’s what makes us stronger. Each of us brings something unique to the table.”

As they piled into the car, Alex felt a surge of appreciation for his friends. They were more than just teammates; they were a support system. The drive back was filled with a mix of chatter about their blog ideas and plans for future competitions. Each discussion brought new energy and excitement, and Alex felt grateful to be part of such a dynamic team.

Once they arrived at home, Alex gathered his things and headed inside, his mind still buzzing with the night’s events. The stars outside twinkled through the window, a reminder of the magic of the evening. He felt a deep sense of belonging, a feeling he hadn’t always had.

As he settled into bed, thoughts of the upcoming competitions and their new blog filled his mind. He closed his eyes, picturing the three of them on the ice, sharing their dreams with the world. It was a vision that made him smile as he drifted off to sleep.

The next day brought with it the kind of energy that made Alex bounce out of bed. He showered, got dressed, and headed downstairs to find his mom in the kitchen, brewing coffee and preparing breakfast.

“Morning, sweetheart! How was last night?” she asked, glancing up with a warm smile.

“Awesome! We won our competition and had a dance party in the park,” Alex replied, his excitement spilling over. “And we’re starting a blog about our skating journey!”

His mom raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “That sounds amazing! You should definitely document your experiences. It’s a great way to inspire others and reflect on your growth.”

“I think so too,” Alex said, grabbing a piece of toast. “I’m just really excited about where we’re headed. It feels like we’re building something special.”

“Just remember, it’s okay to be proud of your accomplishments, but don’t forget to enjoy the process as well,” she advised, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I will, Mom,” Alex promised, feeling grateful for her support.

After breakfast, he grabbed his gear and headed out to meet Cass and Mia at the rink for a practice session. The weather was crisp, a hint of winter lingering in the air, but Alex welcomed it as he arrived. The rink was alive with activity, skaters gliding across the ice, each lost in their own rhythm.

As he entered, he spotted Cass already on the ice, practicing their spins with grace and precision. Alex felt a rush of admiration watching them; they made it look so effortless.

Mia joined him a moment later, and together they watched Cass with awe. “Look at them go!” Mia exclaimed. “It’s like they’re dancing with the ice.”

“Right? They’ve improved so much,” Alex agreed, feeling proud to have such a talented partner.

When Cass finally finished their routine, they skated over to Alex and Mia, breathing heavily but grinning from ear to ear. “Hey, you two! Ready for some practice?”

“Definitely! I can’t wait to see what we can come up with for our routines,” Alex said, feeling a surge of enthusiasm.

They spent the next few hours practicing together, the air filled with laughter and occasional playful teasing. Cass and Alex worked on their lifts while Mia captured everything on her phone, planning to post snippets for their blog.

“Alright, let’s try that lift again,” Cass said, positioning themselves carefully on the ice.

Alex nodded, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. “You got it. Just remember to hold tight!”

With a deep breath, Cass launched into the lift, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. The world around them faded away as they soared through the air, the thrill of skating enveloping them like a warm hug.

But as they came down, Cass stumbled slightly, catching themselves just in time. “Whoa! That was close!”

“Are you okay?” Alex asked, concern flashing across his face.

“Yeah, just need to get my balance right,” Cass replied, brushing it off with a laugh. “Let’s try again.”

As they continued practicing, the tension in the air shifted, and they found themselves getting into a rhythm. They worked tirelessly, refining their moves and incorporating feedback from each other, the connection between them deepening with every turn and lift.

Eventually, Mia clapped her hands, calling for a break. “Okay, you two! You’re making me tired just watching! Let’s take a breather and review some footage from earlier.”

They gathered on the sidelines, the rink buzzing with energy around them as they watched the video Mia had captured. The footage revealed their progress, showcasing their potential and areas for improvement.

“Wow, look at how well you both executed that lift!” Mia pointed out, pausing the video at the perfect moment. “It looks incredible!”

Alex beamed at the praise, feeling his confidence swell. “Thanks! I think we’re really getting the hang of it.”

Cass nodded, a serious look on their face. “But we can always improve. I think we need to work on our synchronization during the spins.”

“Agreed,” Alex said, eager to fine-tune their performance. “Let’s take what we’ve learned and apply it.”

With renewed energy, they dove back onto the ice, determined to make the most of their practice session. The determination in Cass’s eyes ignited a fire within Alex, reminding him that they were more than just friends—they were a team.

As they skated, the hours flew by, and with every jump, spin, and lift, they became more in sync. The bond between them solidified further, becoming a foundation for their future success.

By the end of the session, they were breathless but exhilarated, filled with the promise of what lay ahead. As they took off their skates, Alex felt a deep sense of gratitude wash over him.

“Today was amazing,” he said, looking at both of his friends. “I can’t wait for what’s next!”

Mia smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “And don’t forget about the blog! We have so much to share!”

“Let’s get to work on that,” Cass agreed, their enthusiasm infectious. “Together, we’ll make something incredible.”

As they headed out of the rink, the cold air greeted them like an old friend, filled with possibilities. Alex felt ready for whatever came next, supported by the strength of his friendships and the shared journey they were all embarking on together.