"My father said if I couldn't do it perfectly, I shouldn't do it at all. Thornhills don't show weakness. We don't fail publicly." I can still hear his voice in the hospital.Embarrassing. The Thornhill name means something, Sebastian."So I stopped trying."
She's quiet for several rotations around the rink.
"That's the saddest thing I've ever heard." She whispers.
"It's just reality."
"No. It's abuse disguised as standards." Now that was a quick reply from her.
The words hit harder than they should. No one's ever called it that before. My father's expectations are just how things are in my family. Legacy. Tradition. Excellence or nothing.
"I'm not looking for pity," I say, defensive now.
"Good. Because I'm not offering any. I'm just observing that your father sounds like an asshole."
Despite everything, I almost laugh.
"He is. Certified asshole. It's genetic, apparently."
"Apparently."
But there's less edge to her voice now. We skate in silence for a few more minutes. I'm actually getting the hang of this. Can almost keep up with her.
"Can I ask you something?" I venture.
"You're going to anyway."
"Why do you work so hard? Two jobs, perfect grades, never taking a break. You're going to burn out."
Her hand tenses in mine. For a second, I think she's going to pull away. Skate off and leave me stranded, but she doesn't.
"Because I have to," she says finally. "My mom's a single parent. My sister has medical bills. Every dollar I make, every scholarship I keep, every opportunity I earn, it matters. It's not about me. It's about them. About proving that getting out is possible."
"Getting out of what?"
"Poverty. The cycle. The idea that where you start is where you end." She looks at me then, really looks at me. "You wouldn't understand."
"Try me."
"Why? So you can mock me for it? Add it to your collection of ways to torture me?"
"No. Because I actually want to know."
The music changes. Something slow and romantic. Other couples skate closer together. Isla notices, stiffens.
"We should do another lap for photos," she says, pulling out her phone with her free hand. "Contract requirements."
"Isla—"
"Smile, Sebastian."
She holds up her phone and captures us mid-skate, her face carefully neutral, mine probably showing too much.
She posts it immediately. Caption:He can't skate. I'm basically a professional now. #ThornhillGala #DateOne #IceQueen
"Ice Queen?" I read over her shoulder.
"It's funny because it's a pun. Ice skating. Cold personality. You're supposed to laugh." She says while laughing.
