KevEdd - Thawed

Chapter 17

NAZZ

The stands filled with students from Peach Creek and a few wanderers that have found their ways to the event.

Nazz sat on a bench close to the rink. She skates were tied tightly, but she couldn't help but to retie them to make sure nothing would cause them to come off. The second she fumbled with the laces, Kevin's hand reached out to hold hers. Nazz looked up from the skates and took a deep breath. "You've got this." Nazz only smiled, finding comfort in having a friend like Kevin there to support her.

"Kevin is correct, Nazz. Based on my analysis, you seem to be the most balanced students in the entire school. You'll do phenomenal work." Double D smiled brightly.

She chuckled. "Thanks, Double D."

"Alright. Alright. That's enough chit-chat." Sarah broke the group apart and rubbed Sarah's shoulders as if they were two bags of meat she was trying to tenderize. "You gotta stay loose. No getting distracted. Got it?"

Noticing a wince coming from Nazz, Kevin turned to Sarah, "We should probably let her get our seats."

Sarah grunted and gave one last squeeze. "Yeah. I guess. Good luck, snow queen." When Sarah walked away, Nazz mouthed the words thank you to Kevin with a smirk on her face. Kevin smirked back, mouthing the words you're welcome before taking off behind Sarah with Edd by his side. With everyone gone, the nerves returned. Nazz bit at her lip to keep her from trying to fix her laces.

Right before she was about to break, "Good luck out there." Nazz turned on the bench to find Cody standing there in front of her. A smile lit up on her face. She smiled back. "Wow. I don't think I've ever seen someone so excited to race."

Feeling her cheeks redden, Nazz pursed her lips and looked down in embarrassment. "That's me. Always up for a challenge."

Cody smirked. "I like that."

"If you like that then you should see me at a dance competition."

"I plan on it." Nazz glanced up with a questioning look. "What? You didn't think I'd cut you off after we go home, did you?"

Nazz laughed a little, not really sure what it was that she expected. What she was hoping for was far off from what she was expecting. "I guess I'll have to text you the dates I perform."

"I'd really like that." Cody smiled. Nazz smiled back. Blushing, Cody scratched at the back of his neck. "Would it be too cheesy of me to give you a hug for good luck?" Nazz giggled and stood on her skates. She wobbled at first but held her ground after she was standing. Cody's look of embarrassment turned to a look of excitement as he watched Nazz approach him. The two embarrassed one another in a hug that seemed somewhat more intimate than friendss "Good luck out there, Nazz." Cody smiled before letting go. "You're gonna do great."

Before Nazz could say anything in return, Cody turned away and walked off towards the stands. The nervous chill was replaced by a rush of warmth and excitement. It was on. "Would all races please report to the starting line?"

Hearing the lineup call, Nazz rushed out to the ice, taking her spot on the rink. It was weird seeing so many of her classmates going up against her. They all looked ready, but how many of them were actually good. Before the race had begun, a few rules and guidelines were addressed to assure the safety and sportsmanship would be enforced. It wasn't too important. Nazz knew the rules and was doing it for the fun of skating.