Annika whispers, “Yeah. You’re mine and I’m yours.”
A hush falls over them then Mila grins.
“Cool.”
That’s it.
No hesitation.
No questions, yet anyway.
She squeezes Annika’s hand. “Can we spin now?”
Annika chokes out a breath that’s been trapped in her chest for years. “Yeah, whatever you want to learn. I’ll either teach you or we’ll learn together,” Annika says, steadier now.
Nadia bites back a laugh. “That was easier than expected.”
“Kids are better at change than we are.” Annika mutters.
“Always.”
They share a look. Something unspoken passes between them, hopefully it’s healing.
I chime in. “Why don’t I take Mila onto the ice and see how fast she is. I know you two have things to talk about.”
They nod and I lead Mila inside the boards. Her mother’s right. She’s fast. She grabs my hands learning to skate backwards and then her mom and sister glide toward us.
“Sis, grab my hand. We’re going to skate around then I’ll let go and spin.”
Mila’s smile lights up the whole place as she skates around with Annika and then twirls. Mila claps and cheers, “See Mama. Hockey players can still look like ballerinas.”
“Yeah sweetie, you’re graceful like a ballerina.”
I laugh. “Are you kidding? This girl is a defenseman if I’ve ever seen one. She skates fast and rugged.”
“But I want to skate like a ballerina and wear costumes that glitter and flow when I spin.”
Annika looks down at her, “You can be anything you want to be. Don’t let anyone hold you back.”
“We should do this again,” Nadia says. “Let her get to know you.”
“I’d love that. Skate and dinner.”
“Monday nights?” Nadia suggests.
“Mila, tell your sister goodbye. You have a project to finish for school.”
Mila glides over to Annika and squeezes tight.
“See you next Monday.”
Simple.
When they leave, Mila waves, jabbering to her mom how she’s basically a pro now.
Then it’s just us. Annika stands feet away with one hand over her mouth. Happy and grounded in a way I’ve only seen when she’s with my family on Margarita night.
I erase the distance between us as she watches me with caution like she doesn’t know if I’ll reach for her. If I still want her.
