Breaking All The Ice

Bad Habits 👎

*Amelia*

"Why do you think I'm here? I'm about to finish up my drills if you'd like to join me. In fact, I could give you a few pointers to help you improve and get a better outcome at the competition this year."

I gotta give myself a pat on the back for the straight face I was keeping up.

I knew insinuating that I was better than her would set her off.

I just didn't think she'd be mad enough, or dumb enough for that matter, to actually take the bait.

She was fuming and couldn't wait to put me in my place, apparently.

"For your information, you've been disqualified from the competition so I won't need to worry about training harder this time around just to beat you."

She spoke through gritted teeth. Her hands were in balls at her sides.

That wasn't enough for me. I needed her to say the words I already knew to be true. I needed to push her just a little more.

So I gave her my most innocently confused face as I continued to taunt her.

"Gosh Stacy, I never knew you trained hard just to keep up with me. It always looked like you just did this for fun or as a hobby when you were out there on the ice. I really gotta step my game up now."

If looks could kill I'd probably be cremated by the fire in her eyes.

I used to admire that fire. It used to be present during the times she felt the need to protect the ones she loved.

Now, it's filled with hatred and envy. Neither of those emotions used to belong to my best friend.

It almost fuels my own anger knowing that she didn't use to be like this. She was tough but she was never a b***h.

I watched her closely as I spoke again,

"You've always had a wild imagination but I never pegged you to be a liar. It is pretty desperate if you ask me.

"Anyways, Stacy, I would keep chit-chating with you, but I really do need to practice."

For good measure, I shook my head and I turned my back to her as if I felt sorry for her. That should do.

Sure enough.

"If you don't believe me, believe this!" she yelled.

Checkmate.

I turned around and watched as she angrily scrolled through her phone in search of her "proof".

After a good minute or so, a smile of triumph reached her lips.

I glided to the opening of the rink that meets the carpet and stepped onto the carpet where she was standing.

I folded my arms and rolled my eyes in annoyance. She was such a drama queen.

"Here, loser."

She thrust her phone in my face so that I could read the tiny print of the email she just pulled up.

Her mistake.

I quickly snatched the phone and stepped backward back onto the ice rink, knowing she wouldn't follow without her

skates on.

"Hey! Get back here and give me my phone back now! How dare you!"

she screeched just like I assumed a banshee would.

I expertly began to glide backward as I read the email while ignoring her loud protest and insults.

"U.S Figure Skating Board of Directors

November 2, 2022

Dear Stacy Simmons,

We hope this letter finds you in good spirits. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Figure Skating Competition, we are writing to formally notify you regarding the recent incident involving Amelia Lockwood and the findings following our investigation.

After a thorough review of the video evidence and the accounts provided, the Board has made the decision to disqualify Amelia Lockwood from the competition with immediate effect due to her engaging in bullying and physical misconduct. We want to assure you that this decision was made in accordance with our commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

We are pleased to confirm that your request for anonymity has been fully honored. We understand how important this is for your peace of mind, and as such, we ask that you do not disclose the details of the incident or the Board’s decision to anyone. This confidentiality is crucial as it may impact the ongoing proceedings related to the open case against Ms. Lockwood.

While we have resolved to disqualify Ms. Lockwood, it is important to note that she has the right to appeal this decision. Please be advised that, due to your choice to remain anonymous, you will not receive notifications regarding the date and time of this appeal process. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate the legal protocols involved in this matter.

We deeply value your courage in bringing this situation to light and in seeking a resolution that contributes to the integrity and safety of our competition community. Should you have any further questions or require additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued commitment to promoting a positive and safe environment in the sport of figure skating."

It took everything in me not to react. She didn't deserve my tears.

I'll admit this was a new low even for Stacy and it hurt like hell to know she hated me enough to go to such extreme lengths just to hurt me.

I won't give her the satisfaction she craves from waiting to see me fail.

I smile to myself as an idea pops into my head.

I spin around so that I'm no longer facing Stacy and discretely reach into my legging pocket to retrieve my phone and snap a few photos.

Obviously, Spacey was too excited about my downfall to pay attention to the small details.

Either that or she just didn't care for them.

I go to my camera and switch it to video before hitting record and sliding my phone back into my pocket.

I turned to skate back over to where Stacy was still fuming. I was pretending to still read the email as I came to a stop in front of her.

"Give me that, you b***h!"

She snatched her phone from my hand as I reached out to give it back.

"I don't get it, Stacy. Why are you showing me this email from the board? How do I even know that it's real?"

I'm gonna need an award for the acting I'm doing right now.

"Oh, it's real alright. And I showed it to you, so I won't waste your time coming here and taking up the space I need to practice. You should be getting a call or a letter from the board very soon."

I wanted to wipe that stupid smirk off of her face but I had to play my cards right and keep my cool. All in due time.

"I don't have time for this Stacy."

As I moved to turn around, I was stopped by a hand gripping my arm. This is gonna be fun.

"What the hell, Stacy, let me go!"

I may have yelled a little dramatically for the recording.

"I said leave my ice rink now, Rudolph, or I'll make you."

She couldn't buss a grape in a fruit fight but I've had enough for one day. My patience quota has been overfilled.

Besides, I had everything I needed for now.

"You know what? I'll leave. I don't need you trying to bully me around. I'm done here anyway."

I jerked my arm away from her and marched towards the locker room with a huge smile on my face as soon as my back was to her.

"You better leave if you know what's good for you bitch."

She could call me whatever she wanted.

Little does she know, I'll be the one who gets the last laugh.