Chapter 8 

  A couple of days passed where there was no more trouble. Amy’s ankle healed and she was back at practicing. All the skaters were getting better and the competition was growing nearer. 

 We were at the rink once more. Amy had perfected her routine and was practicing for Denaé and me to watch and give suggestions. I knew nothing whatsoever about skating so all I could say was ‘good job’ and ‘maybe don’t act so nervous.’ 

 “I can't help it.” Amy sighed, sliding to a stop. “I am nervous.” She rubbed her paws together. “What if something horrible happens on the big day?” She whispered. I felt remorseful. “Hey.” I replied stepping over to her and putting a paw on her back. “We will make sure everything goes just fine on your big day.” I promised. She looked up with a tense smile. “Thanks Isis.” She rested her head on my shoulder and I rested my head on hers. 

 “I'm going to keep practicing!” Amy decided, looking quickly up at me. With that she jumped quickly up and skated away. 

 Denaé and I sat in the cold for a little while as we continued watching the amethyst vixen dance on the ice. Finally after the chill drove us mad, we hopped out onto the ice and began trying to copy Amy’s moves and failing miserably. Amy slid gracefully before leaping from the crystalized pond, spinning in the air, and landing perfectly without a single stumble. 

 I slid somewhat sort of gracefully before slipping across the crystalized pond, falling onto my face and sliding a few more yards across the frosted ice on my belly. 

 Denaé rushed over to me bursting out in uncontrollable laughter. “Isis!” She called, mid hoot. “Are you alright?” I awkwardly stood up, slipping on my paws. “Yes!” I called back, joining the giggles. 

 Coach Bridget suddenly blew her whistle. “It is getting pretty chilly and you all are doing great. Let’s take a quick hot chocolate break and keep practicing.” The skaters slid over to their coach. Denaé and I followed, in for the sugar. 

 I untied my skates and placed them near the fire to dry off and warm up a bit. Then I hopped onto the bench and snuggled up in my coat. Denaé sat down beside me, perched perfectly on the bench with catlike excellence. 

 The tall dear began to pour freshly boiled water into little cups filled with hot chocolate powder. She handed one to each of us, also passing us a coffee stir stick. 

 “Ahhh…” She sighed, sitting down. “There is only one more week until Christmas Break!” She stirred her drink. “That also means there is one more week until the competition so you all need to step your game up.” She looked up with stern but friendly eyes. 

 We warmed up by the fire and finished our sweet drinks. I sighed. It was already time to hit the ice again. 

 I stood up and went to pick up my skates. Amy’s and Denaé’s were leaning on mine, so I moved theirs gently out of the way. I began putting my skates on, Denaé copying. I looked up to ask Amy if she was going to keep skating, and saw her on the other side of the fire picking up skates.

 “Amy?” I called. She looked up. “Your skates are over here.” I pointed to them. She furrowed her brow and looked down at the ones she was holding. “But these ones look-.” She was interrupted by an ill-humored voice. “WHAT are you doing?” Evica snapped. Amy jumped back, startled, and knocked her hot chocolate over. 

 “Those are my skates, lady.” She hissed, towering over the alarmed fox. “W-what?” Amy quivered. I held up her skates. “You two have the same.” I observed. 

 “ICK!” Evica reeled, twisting up her face. “I can't even shop at Kazu anymore! What else are you dimwits going to ruin for me?” 

 Amy stepped back from Evica. “I- I’m sorry.” She walked over to me and gently took her skates with shaking paws. 

 “HMPH!” Evica roared. “You better be.” With that, she raised her stupid muzzle to the sky and strode off like she was some sort of stupid princess. 

 Amy watched her go, her eyes beginning to water. As soon as the arctic wolf was far enough away, she slid down to the ground, put her paws to her eyes, and began to sob. Her body shook as tears streamed down her nose and paws. 

 “Aww.” My heart broke within me. I slid down beside her and gave her a squeeze. 

 “Oh don’t cry!” Denaé cried. I gently lifted Amy’s paws from her eyes and wiped the tears away. “It’s alright.” I whispered. She looked down. “I am so sorry I am such a baby.” She sniffed, turning away. I cuddled her close. 

 “Don’t be! She is obviously just jealous that you are way better than her.” I smiled, a twinkle in my eyes. Amy sniffed again, looking at me. “You really think?” She asked. I nodded vigorously. “Of course. You have seen her skate! She looks like a drowned seagull trying to walk across the ice!” This caused Amy to laugh. Yes! 

 “Thanks.” She snuffled, drying her eyes with a dainty, lacy handkerchief she pulled from her pocket. “I think I am better now.” With that, she tied her ice-skates and walked back out to the rest of the competitors. 

 “Poor girl.” Denaé tisked, her amber eyes sad. I nodded grimly, bending down to pick up the knocked over cup. I stood straight, watching her drift and glide with passion. 

 “I know Amy has it in her to win,” I said. “All she has to do is stay strong.”

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 Writing this made me feel super bad for Amy. :( Casella got so mean so quickly! Is she really angry or is she trying to mask her guilt…

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