The NEWBIE

Chapter 42

***42***

RAP

It's been so long since the last time I did this, I actually forgot how much I loved to ice skate. It makes me feel calm and sometimes beautiful. Everything is smooth. The way my hair flows through the wind. I just want to glide around the outdoor ice rink forever.

I did some of the few tricks I know back then and I can't believe I'm still good at this. The sound of metal against ice was unusually soothing in the ears.

My mind had everything cleared. It was just me and the ice I'm gliding on. It feels so refreshing to have the icy breeze whispering over my skin. This gives me so much confidence. I feel amazing, its unbelievable.

It's like the feeling of being thrown in the air by my co-cheerleaders but ten times better.

I don't know why but I felt like doing a full twirl before taking a couple of minutes rest.

First I did a leg wrap in midair and then did a full twirl as a final move. And then, there I was panting with a satisfied smile on my face.

"Rap, you still got it." I said to myself, smiling so widely.

And then, shortly after my short little routine, applause rang my ears.

I felt my cheeks went hot. I didn't notice the small crowd around me to be honest. Even the skaters earlier were smiling at me and then after that, they continued skating. I skated to the side, where Hiccup, Merida, and Mom were resting for a while.

"Aw, my baby. You shouldn't have dropped ice skating, you know." Mom said as she gave me an affectionate side hug.

"Thanks, Mom." I smiled. I still felt a little embarrassed.

"That was mad, Rap!" Merida grinned. I sat next to her on the bench.

"Erm, that was just a twirl. What's so great about that?" I said. I'm not trying to be humble but that littl trick was just simple. Wait 'till they see me do the actual twirl.

"Oh no, Rap. It wasn't just the twirl. Everybody watched you do the whole routine." Merida said.

I became more embarrassed. I didn't mean for anyone to watch me or something. Aw, gosh.

"What?" I almost yelled. "Did I look like I was showing off? I'm telling you, I wasn't. I just got too carried away."

"Defensive much?" Merida said. "We all know how long ye've been off the rink, it's understandable."

I turned around to look at the crowd, thinning. "But they don't."

"Trust me... You looked beautiful." Someone had said, almost in a whisper.

I turned around and saw Hiccup. He wasn't looking at me, though, but he had a shy smile on his face.

I felt my stomach turn and do a loop the loop.

***

HICCUP

Bad move, bad move. After that, I became so nervous and awkward. I just hope she didn't hear that.

You stupid idiot. Of course she heard, who wouldn't?

Yeah, stupid and idiot are the two words that can describe me best.

How could I let myself slide off like that? What the hell? How could I be so careless?

But I couldn't help it. She was amazing. She looked so stunning, only a distasteful creep wouldn't notice Rapunzel's beauty. The image of her skating was incredible, it's alarming.