Gladys is still in the game. She seems to be everywhere at once—like she’s disappearing and reappearing behind enemy lines to get someone out. She’s so fast, and I’m thrilled she’s on our side. I still don’t understand her story. She’s a mystery wrapped in a kind heart.
We end up winning, and Axel and his team slink to the hot chocolate stand to lick their wounds.
“Alright everyone. Gather ‘round and we’ll announce the winning team.”
Gladys comes to stand by me. “I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.” She doesn’t seem out of breath even though she just covered ten miles of ground on the field of battle.
“I’m glad.” I put an arm around her shoulders. “You know, if you want to stay at my place, the invitation is always open.”
She leans her head on my shoulder. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
The rest of our team gravitates toward us, and we huddle together. Logan stands closer to the front, shoulder to shoulder with Axel. Their rivalry is always humming under the surface.
As the scores are announced, I brace myself. If we don’t win, will Logan be mad at me? I sat out of two events after hitting my head. We lost both of them and then we just lost the snowball fight.
“The winner is Axel and the Ax-men!”
Logan pounds Axel on the back in congratulations. Axel has to take a step forward to catch himself from the force of it. He gives Logan a cheeky grin as he climbs the three steps to the announcer’s stand to accept the trophy.
“Well folks, that concludes our annual Ice Games!” the announcer’s voice booms across the rink. “Let’s hear it for all our participants, and especially for our firefighters who organized this wonderful event. Thanks to your efforts, we’ve raised a record amount for the local hospital this year.”
The crowd erupts in cheers and applause. As people begin to disperse, gathering belongings and saying goodbyes, I find myself hanging back, unsure of where I fit in this moment.
Gladys hooks her arm through mine, and I take it like a lifeline. “I’m glad you’re here,” I tell her. It’s an honest feeling and, though it makes me feel vulnerable to admit it, I’m glad I do, because her smile tells me she’s touched by my words.
Geez, how many opportunities to encourage someone have I passed up because I’m afraid they’ll reject me?
Logan, who's been shaking hands and saying goodbye to the rest of the team, joins us. “Thank you for all your help today. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
His words stir something inside me, a longing for a connection that I’ve kept buried for so long. But old habits die hard, and I feel myself starting to retreat. “Well, I’m glad I could help,” I say, taking a step back. “I should probably get going...”
“Wait,” Logan says, reaching out to stop me. “A bunch of us are heading to Violet’s Diner for hot chocolate and pie. Would you like to join us?”
I hesitate, torn between the desire to accept and the fear of letting myself be vulnerable. It was one thing to participate in the games, it’s another to have to hold conversation over pie. “I don’t know...”
“Come on,” he encourages, his green eyes inviting. “It’s been a long day. You deserve to celebrate with the rest of us.”
I look past him to where the others are gathered, laughing and chatting. Mrs. Pennington catches my eye and waves, her smile welcoming. Even Axel, the supposed rival, is there, engaged in animated conversation with Big Mike.
And suddenly, I realize how tired I am. Not just physically, but emotionally. Tired of always being on the outside, of always protecting myself from potential hurt. I’m tired of being something I’m not.
“Okay,” I hear myself say. “I’ll come.”
The smile that lights up Logan’s face is almost worth the anxiety bubbling in my stomach. As we make our way toward the group, I feel a gentle touch on my arm.
Gladys grins at me. She doesn’t say anything—just smiles—and I warm from the toes up.
I can’t help but feel like I’ve taken more than just a single step today. I’ve leaped, headfirst, into unknown territory.
“Come on. I’m starving,” says Olivia.
We head off, walking the few blocks to the diner. The sound of laughter and friendly chatter fills the street, punctuated by the soft crunch of snow beneath our feet. Christmas lights twinkle, casting a warm glow over the sidewalk.
Logan slides into step beside me, never missing a beat in his conversation with Evelyn. His presence is overwhelming, but I’m starting to think that’s just him. He can’t help himself and I wouldn’t want him to.
I like him.
It’s terrifying, but I can’t lie to myself about my own feelings.
