Meant For You

twelve.

Nola Scott

Getting back on track has been rough, but after two weeks, I think I'm finally starting to do it. I'm not being too hard on myself and only doing things that I want to do. One of the things I've been wanting to do more than usual is get back on the ice. Competitions are coming up soon and I've been focusing on perfecting my routine nonstop.

My jumps are a lot higher. My technique is cleaner and my dancing is sharp. Being proud of myself is pushing it but I am liking where I'm at. It's been a while since I've felt whole and I think it's slowly happening again. I try not to think about it too much just because I don't want to jinx anything but I'm getting back to who I want to be and it's exciting.

After my third solo practice this week at Blazing Ice, I wipe some sweat beads off my forehead. The rink opens in fifteen and I'm making my way out before practices start. Slipping off my skates, I put the cover over the blades, placing them in my backpack.

"Nola! How was your practice, honey?" Claire shouts as she walks over to me from her office. "Great, Claire. Thank you again for letting me use the rink this week. I hope I'm not asking for too much," I say. She shakes her head and sits down next to me. "Nonsense, darling. My ice is your ice." She smiles sweetly at me and I return it, picking my stuff off the ground. "Thank you," I say again.

"Before you go, I had a question I wanted to ask you. Now, this is absolutely no pressure, I promise my ice will still be your ice even if you decline my offer," Claire starts, catching my attention. We both stand up from the bench and I sling my backpack over my shoulder. "What is it?" I question.

"My husband and I are having a small, two-day clinic for boys and girls ages 5-12 who want to learn how to ice skate. We were wondering if you could be one of the instructors? I already asked my nephew to be the other but we'd really appreciate having both a male and female instructor. John and I thought you'd be the perfect person to ask. Again, if you're too busy, I know competition season is looming, it's perfectly fine!" Claire explains.

Although I heard her thoroughly, one specific detail caught my attention. "Your nephew...Miles?" I ask. Curiosity infiltrates my mind. Claire's smile grows. "Yes! You remember him, don't you?" Oh, I remember him alright. "I do! He's going to be the other instructor?" I ask. She nods. "Luckily, we caught him at a good time. He won't have another game for a couple of days so he's going to help us out."

Interesting.

"I'd love to, Claire. Count me in." I give her a firm nod. Her face lights up and she smiles, pulling me in for a hug. "Thank you so much, Nola!" I giggle, rubbing her back. "Of course. I've always wanted to instruct a class and it'd look good on my resume for the Honors program!" We both pull away from the hug and Claire rubs my arm. "The classes are Wednesday and Thursday from 9-12. I know that's the day after tomorrow but do you think it'll work well with your schedule?"

I nod. "It's winter break so I'm free almost all the time. I'll be here," I assure. "Amazing! Thank you again, honey. I'll see you on Wednesday then? Tell your momma and daddy hi for me, will you? It's been a while," Claire says. "Of course. I'll see you then!" Claire and I say our goodbyes and I'm out of Blazing Ice as people start filing in. Hopping inside my Rover, I decide to go back to Los Angeles instead of over to Oak Hill like I originally planned.

That week I spent there at the beginning of break was enough and my parents haven't nagged me enough to come back yet. Opening Instagram, I scroll for a little bit catching up on commenting on some friends' posts. It's been a while since I've opened the app just because I've been limiting my screen time. Pressing my notifications, my stomach backflips at an unexpected sight.

milesdempsey started following you.

When I stupidly decided to follow him about a week ago, I didn't think he would see my request let alone follow me back. I don't know why I even followed him in the first place. That night after Frankie's event, I went home and thought about the way our conversation went. It was calm, mutual, and nothing like our other interactions.