Chapter 3
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch. We ran through the snow, bounding about and flicking up the frosty, white flakes. We soon arrived at a big, beautiful pond that I honestly never noticed before. It was completely frozen over, it is surface shiny and blue like a rink of crystal sapphires.
To the side of the rink was a little group of animals. We decided to head over to where they were was the best idea. We walked over and were greeted by a warm smile and a happy wave.
“Hello!” A tall, skinny deer exclaimed. “I am the skating coach, Coach Bridget.” She informed us, tilting her head and lifting a clipboard. “Are you all signed for tryouts?” The deer asked.
“Just I am, Miss,” Amy replied, smiling sweetly back. Bridget nodded firmly. “Awesome. I will take attendance in just a moment.” The cheery dear smiled.
Amy turned to look at me and we walked over to the other skaters. There was a black fox with a white stomach and a long purple French braid. She had dark eyes, a deep indigo violet. One of the other girls was a pink and white red panda, Casella, who was Anastasia’s friend. Anastasia was the cousin of Mrs Harris who tried to close down Silver Moon Academy. Casella has her flaws, but don’t we all? And the last girl…
“UGHHH… you guys are trying out?” Evica groaned, looking down at Amy. “Don’t I ever get a break?” She tossed her head. After a second she turned back, returning with a dark smirk. “This is going to be way easy.” I sighed and shook my head.
“Evica, Evica, Evica.” I tisked. “Can I sense doubt in your voice? Are you feeling nervous about losing now that you know Amy is going to be a part of the competition?” I asked, mock sorry on my face. Evica whipped around to glare at me. “I am not worried, Isis.” She spat my name as if the very mentioning of it was utterly repulsive. “It shall be a beautiful miracle if she doesn’t fall flat on her face the second she gets on the ice.” The arctic wolf pursed her lips and made a sarcastic face at me.
The sharp clacking of Coach Bridget clapping brought us back to focus. “Alright, ladies. I am going to do a quick attendance!” She informed us, picking up her check board and pen.
“First here is Amethyst Christallyte?” Bridget called with a questioning voice, her soft blue gaze sweeping over us. I felt Amy stiffen beside me at the use of her full name. “Amy.” She corrected, her voice slightly chillier than normal. “Just Amy.” Coach Bridget quickly checked Amy’s name off and nodded, her head tilted apologetically. “Alright sweetie. Just Amy it is.” The coach signed everyone in and put down her clipboard.
“Now.” She beamed, clasping her hooves together. “Now that I have all of you signed up, let us begin tryouts! Get your skates on and let’s warm up a bit on the ice.” We all fit our skates on, pulling the laces up and tying them in neat bows.
Denaé and I were skating on the ice with the rest of the animals, but we were off to the side doing our own thing. We both didn’t like the pressure of competition, but Amy enjoyed the attention and also loved skating.
A little while after the tryouts, Bridget exclaimed that everyone passed, despite Evica’s complaints about the way Amy didn’t twirl just as perfectly as she did.
The skaters began choosing routines for the competition and finding matching music. Then for the rest of the practice, they continued learning their dances.
I slid gracefully across the ice, turning my paws ever so slightly and gliding in a new direction. A gentle breeze lazily pawed at my fur as I slid along the ice. I was so excited about the Jamaalidays, not only because then I wouldn’t have to be doing school, but because I would get to see Astron again. Plus the whole time of year was always so exciting. I haven’t seen Astron in months, and couldn’t wait for him to come back to Jamaa.
I turned sharply, sliding into a tight spin. I twirled for a second before slamming my other paw down and sliding out in the other direction.
Shortly later, the practice was done and we were all chilled to the bone and tired. Some say skating is just “sliding,” but it is very tiring and takes a lot of effort! Obviously whoever said that has never gone skating before.
We all took our skates off, wiping the blades clean of the melted ice, before swinging them over our shoulders and heading back to the school.
We entered the tingly warmth of the heated building and instantly went to the cafeteria for another warm beverage. I decided to treat myself to a hot chocolate, which I rarely did before we all walked to the lounge to chat and drink our brews.
There was a warm, crackling fire that radiated satisfying heat. It spat occasionally, sending little sparks into the chimney and waves of heat toward us.
Slowly, because of the heat from the hot chocolate and the blissful warmth of the fire, we grew sleepy.
I was yawning constantly, as Amy chattered on about her skating. I could tell Denaé was also drifting off because she kept saying “oh really?” in the middle of Amy’s sentences.
The three of us soon decided we would best be heading to bed, and walked back to our dorms where we changed into cozy pajamas, slippers, and housecoats before brushing our teeth and fur and sliding into our soft, warm, cozy blankets.
I shifted under my comfy covers, a smile on my face. No matter how far away my family was, or how many miles I was from my house, my true home was where my friends were and they were something I would never give up for the world.
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I agree with Isis. Friends are amazing! I hope you are all doing well this lovely time of year! See you next week!
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*Reminder that this series is written by NOP62. All credits go to them. Cutey just uploads this. Jam On!