They moved into position. Frankie counted down. Charlie took a deep breath and lifted her up.
“Charlie, have you seen Frankie? I have some news to share with you!” Leslie’s voice called out, followed by the sound of glass hitting the ground and breaking. “What the Hades do you think you two are doing?”
Frankie’s body fidgeted. Charlie fought to stay calm and didn’t let the intruder’s sudden appearance affect him. Lines appeared on his face as he carefully placed her back down on the ground before snapping his head in the direction of his twin sister. His eyes flashed dangerously.
“You of all people know better than to raise your voice at me like that when we’re in the middle of a lift.” His tone was short and clipped. “You can say whatever you want after my partner is safely back on the ground. Got it?”
Frankie felt as if her limbs were lead. She was frozen in place.
“Fine.” Leslie’s face was deep red. The muscles in her neck bulged. It reminded Frankie of a hockey player itching to start a fight. “I’ll ask you two again. What do you think you’re doing?”
“What does it look like we’re doing?” He crossed his arms. “Frankie and I were right in the middle of starting a lift when youbargedin on us.”
Had neither one of them mentioned to Leslie that they’d started training together? She winced.
Leslie’s eyes suddenly narrowed. “Why?”
“Don’t be dense. We’re planning to skate together.”
“Competitively?”
“Maybe? I don’t know. We’re leaving our options open.”
“Do you know how foolish that sounds? Or the enormous risks you’re taking? What happens if you fall again?”
“I’mnotbeing foolish. Frankie and I have spent months working up to this. I’m sick and tired of being treated like I’mdamaged. What I decide to do is my decision. Not yours.”
“Charlie, why do you have to be so darn selfish?!” Leslie punched the wall. A few tears leaked down her cheeks. “Your decision affects everyone around you. Have you ever considered the physical and mental toll your accident took on me?”
Charlie stared at her blankly.
“You’re not the only Welch who was broken.” Leslie shook her head, the tears flowing like a melting ice cube. “If you want to roll the dice and skate pairs again, fine. Like you said, it’syourlife. Just don’t expect me to be there to pick up the pieces. You’re on your own.”
Frankie took a step forward. “Leslie . . .”
As if she’d forgotten Frankie had been present, Leslie snapped her head toward her and glared. “Don’t. Speak. To. Me.” She sprinted out of the room.
“She’s always been the stronger twin. The rock. Why didn’t she ever say anything to me about how affected she was by it all?” Charlie stood rooted in his spot. His eyes were wide, and his shoulders hunched. “What to do? Where do I go from here?”
Frankie fought to find her voice. “Leslie may be strong, but she’s not a robot. She’s human. Maybe she was too afraid to say anything to you.” She placed a hand under his chin and lifted it. “Whatever the reason is, she needs you right now. Go find her.”
“Frankie . . .”
“Go. I’m fine. We can touch base later. Besides, somebody needs to clean up the mess.”
Walking to the doorway, Charlie glanced at Frankie one more time, then disappeared from her sight.
She hoped Charlie and Leslie could work things out between the two of them. She swallowed hard. It was partly her fault Leslie was so upset. Charlie was skating with her to help her pass her test. She was also the one who talked him into demonstrating for his students.
* * *
Frankie:Hey. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to touch base with you before I left. It was crazy tonight without Leslie around. Half the skating school teachers didn’t know what to do, but we figured it all out eventually.
Charlie: It’s fine.
Frankie: And? Were you able to talk to Leslie?
Charlie: Sort of?
