Pucks and Pirouettes

Chapter 31 | Calm before the storm

My uncle's eyes shot over to my face for a split second, and I could see that our faces were mirroring each other in their awe-fuelled surprise.

"Nice to meet you, Holly.", Sam finally said and extended his hand towards the blonde, who looked surprisingly calm at the situation.

"Nice to meet you, too.".

I was about to say something when the commentator cut me off, "With all scores now in, the leaderboard will be displayed in just a moment.".

"How many people qualify for the next round?", Holly asked, her attention now back on me.

"The first thirty.". My nervousness was now prevalent again, gripping my body and holding me tight.

"You'll be just fine.". Holly gently took hold of my arm, and I could feel my uncle's hand resting on my shoulder. An unexpected duo to keep me safe on my feet.

The big screen at the back of the arena suddenly lit up, displaying the leading skaters' names one after the other.

15. Becca Evans – 75 points

"You qualified!", Holly exclaimed, squeezing my arm tightly. I qualified.

I was going to nationals. I had a shot at getting a scholarship. I finally had something that would've made my parents proud.

Pairs of arms hugged me, first feminine, then masculine, and suddenly, some of the other girls from my team were there, too, waiting for their turn to congratulate me.

I could see Holly stepping to the side, and my first urge was to walk over to her, but she sent me a headshake and a smile.

I knew she didn't want anyone to notice her, but I could also tell that she was giving me a moment to shine. My chest grew warm at that realisation.

My uncle patted my shoulder once more and joined Holly, seemingly falling into conversation with her easily.

"Hey, man. That was awesome!", a voice suddenly came from behind me, and in the next moment, I was engulfed by one of Theo's teddy bear hugs.

"Thanks, T.", I laughed, turning around in his arms.

"No, seriously, B. You did amazing.", Stella chipped in, and I pulled her into mine and Theo's hug.

"Thank you guys so much for coming. Honestly, it means a lot.".

"Anytime, bro. But you can keep thanking me some more because your girl would've never made it here if it wasn't for my immaculate driving.".

"Oh, get over yourself.", I mocked his words, but my face didn't mirror them. I was truly grateful to him. I didn't think Holly would have made it if it wasn't for him, given that she would've never gotten her mom to drive her. I was already intrigued by what she had come up with to spend the day out without raising suspicion with her mother.

I looked over to where my uncle and Holly were standing and caught her eye. She sent me a shy smile before turning her attention back to Sam. I couldn't believe how well they seemed to get along. My girlfriend and my uncle. My girlfriend.

After the congratulations and well-wishes had subsided, Theo pinched my side.

"Ouch. What are you, five?".

"Something like that.", Stella took my side and earned herself another pinch from him.

"Let me decipher the Theo code. You are hungry, aren't you.".

"What, watching you skate was very hard work.".

"Sure, big boy.", I patted his arm, "To relieve you from your pain, how about the five of us go for lunch once I have changed.".