First Time On Ice

Skaters pass each other, deftly swinging past the slower ones, as they go round and round the massive skating rink. With a roof overhead, they do not fear having to stop for any abrupt blizzard.

To the right side of the rink, not even two feet from the entrance onto the rink, a young man is holding on tightly to the rail. His raven hair is standing up a bit, attesting to all the times he pushed his hand through, during the day, out of sheer frustration. His icy eyes flash annoyed as he slowly tries to move himself forwards.

With a disgusted grunt, Adam looks down at his skates. Oh yeah, let’s try a new sport this winter...

Why on earth did he decide to take up a winter sport this year? It was the stupidest thing he’s ever done. And of all the sports...Ice skating...Yes, because that was a terrific idea!

Ugh...Why couldn’t I just leave the sports for summer or something. He pushes himself forward, but has to reach out and grasp the railing again.

Oh no, we don’t. There will be no falling on our-

Somebody whizzes past him, momentarily making him lose his balance. He tumbles to the ground, sitting down on the cold.

“I’m so sorry!” A young woman calls out, but when he looks up, he doesn’t notice the culprit.

Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Stupid woman. A chuckling person glides up to him from behind.

“You do like sitting around, don’t you?” The male voice says amused. Adam peeks over his shoulders and then groans wholeheartedly.

“You have got to be kidding me, man. What are you doing here?” He asks. Henry chuckles again and then skates around Adam, stopping in front of him, and bending down on his knees.

“Participating in my all-time favourite winter sport.” He says, not even trying to hide his wide smile.

“Don’t lie, man. I didn’t even know you can skate.”

“You’re right. I couldn’t skate, not until last week, that is.” Henry rises up again and then offers his hand. “But, I’m a sucker for my lil’ sis, bud.”

“Your little sister?” He asks and takes the offered help. “Which one?” He grabs on to the rail, and clings to it tightly, before facing his friend.

“My baby sister. Oh, right, you’ve never met her.” Henry points to the other side of the rink. “The daredevil over there. She looks a lot like me; well, you know, all my sisters and I share some similar features.”

Adam turns and looks, noticing the ten-year old girl whizzing around people, before moving to the middle of the rink. Her black pigtails fly behind her, and he is positive that her green eyes are sparkling now, just like her brother’s eyes would sparkle when he’s busy setting a new speed record on his motorcycle.

“She’s good.” He remarks and then faces his friend, trying to pull himself up to his full height.

“Hey, she’s got five years of practice. Of course, she’s good.” Henry chuckles and then waves to his sister as she zooms past them. “She’s damn good.” He says, staring at his sister, the pride lighting up his face. “Damn good.” He whispers.

“You’re a good brother, Henry.” Adam admits softly, regaining his friend’s attention. “A good brother. And friend. I don’t know how you keep your wits among six sisters. Willing to support their dreams, their hobbies, and to support them in the trying times. Your parents would be proud of you.”

“Thanks...” He gulps and blinks his eyes, before turning to watch his sister again. “Thanks, man...”

“So...about that being a good friend part...” Adam continues.

“Yes?”

“Uh...Want to join me for the game tonight? I can order some pizza. I mean, if you don’t have anything else on your plate.” Henry chuckles and faces his friend again.

“And here I thought you were going to ask me to help you out with ice skating.”

“You help me with skating? Nah, I’ll get it.”

“Alrighty then!” He bursts out laughing and then winks to his sister. “Nina, we have to go now! Ilena will never forgive us if we don’t make it to her recitation.”

“You leaving already?”

“Yep. But, I like the pizza and game night idea. Consider me in. Ilena can keep the house standing tonight. Game starts at six, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Great. I’ll be there at six.”

“Not coming earlier?”

“Nope.” He faces his struggling friend again. “Janine’s game lasts until five thirty. You’re welcome to join us.” He then teases.

“Um...”

“Look at you. I can barely mention my sis, and you are turning as red as a tomato. When are you going to ask her out on a date?”

“Never.” He breathes out, and looks ceilingward. “You are imagining things.”

“If you say so.” Henry chuckles and then skates past his friend. “Later, man.”

Adam takes a deep breath and then twists his neck around.

“Hey, Henry! When you learned to skate...uh, did you fall a lot?”

“Yup.” He chuckles and turns back to face his friend, his green eyes glistening with great amusement.

“Not afraid of people laughing at you, huh?”

“Adam...my sisters laugh at me all the time; if I’m clowning around or being dead serious; if I’m succeeding or failing. I have learned a valuable lesson over my lifetime, and I honestly am not afraid to fall anymore.”

“What’s the lesson?”

“It’s always worth falling.” He answers, the smile still lingering around his lips. “From all my silly failures, I have made quite a few people laugh, or just smile. And I like that. In the end, I also end up laughing at myself. Which is...well, really worth all the pain.” He grins and quickly looks over his shoulder, satisfied to see his sister already sitting down to remove her skates.

“I see...You are different, aren’t you; wanting to see people laugh and smile...” Adam answers and slowly tries to turn himself fully in his friend’s direction.

“My advice to you: Don’t be so tight. Fall. Get up. Try again. And...well, ask for some help.” He bursts out laughing as his friend rolls his eyes. “That’s what I did, man. And look at me.” He skates backwards slightly. “I’m a master on ice...well,” he grins, “almost. Ciao, amigo!”

“Hi, you need help?” He looks up into the brown eyes of the young teenage girl. Her black hair is cut into a bob and softly frames her face as she giggles down at him.

“Uh...I just fell.” He mumbles and pulls himself up.

“Maybe I can help you?” She murmurs softly. “If you want,” she adds.

"...okay...” He smiles weakly. “But...ah, nevermind...I would appreciate some help. I’ve got a best friend to beat at being master on the ice.”

“Consider me your mentor then.”

“And consider me your most attentive student...I’m Adam. What’s your name?”

* * * * * * * * * *

Prompt: You have decided that this year you’re going to take up a winter sport. Now that winter is here, you…