The Ice King Ballerina

Higher Stakes

SUNSHINE APARTMENTS

Elena and Leah arrived home at dusk. Elena couldn't help but tell Leah about her latest little encounter with Ace, but what Leah didn't understand was why Elena kept running into him when she never did.

"I'm telling you, Leah, he was right there and he called me a stalker!" Elena said, trying to make Leah believe her.

"Elena, sweetie, as much as I want to believe you, I don't understand it either," Leah said, which immediately annoyed Elena. "When we came out of the studio, there was no trace of Ace being anywhere around!"

"So you're calling me a liar?" Elena fixed her eyes on Leah. "Because I said the NHL superstar stood right in front of me and you didn't see him?"

Leah tried to avoid making eye contact. "It just doesn't make any sense to me," she replied.

"Fine. Think whatever you want, I don't care!" Elena snapped. Annoyed, she stormed into the bedroom they shared and slammed the door shut behind her.

"Hey, come on, Elena, don't be like this!" Leah followed her, banging on the door, but Elena wouldn't open it. "Okay, I believe you! Would you please open the door now?"

Leah continued knocking, but the door stayed locked. "Elena! Elena!"

NEW YORK HOCKEY STADIUM

Practice Time

The Wolves players glided across the ice, tackling and passing as they trained hard for their next game.

Ace arrived after the session had already started. He spotted his father sitting in the audience seats, watching them practice, but Ace refused to go over and negotiate with him. His teammates noticed the older man's imposing presence too, though they tried not to let it distract them. Still, they were curious. Ace quickly changed into his practice gear and joined the team on the ice.

"Dude," Jake said, skating up to Ace as they tackled each other during a drill. "Why is your dad at practice?"

"I have no idea, and it's kind of freaking me out, man," Ace responded.

"Me too. And dude, look at the way he's observing us. Doesn't he think that you and I can handle things, or what?"

"I guess that's exactly what he's thinking," Ace muttered. "He never appreciates us for anything."

Right then, Coach Jim blew his whistle loudly after catching them talking during the drill.

"Less talking, more tackling, Carter and Thornton!" Coach Jim barked. Hearing the whistle, the two boys immediately cut the chatter and focused on the play.

A few minutes later, the team went on a brief break. While Coach Jim went up to the stands to meet with Ace's father, his daughter, Zoey, entered the arena.

"Yo, she's here," Kenny whispered, tapping Billy on the shoulder and signaling toward Zoey. Billy turned his head and saw her walking in.

"You should go talk to her," Billy urged.

"What? Are you crazy?" Kenny replied, his voice dropping. "She'll definitely ignore me, and then the other guys will laugh."

"Do you like her or not?" Billy asked.

Kenny took another look at Zoey Reynolds. As Coach Jim's only daughter, she was free-spirited and always made everyone feel comfortable around her. To Kenny, she was simply a beautiful girl with an incredible smile.

"Man, she's beautiful... look at that smile," Kenny murmured, completely lost in a stare. Billy chuckled and tapped his shoulder to snap him out of it.

"Then you should go say hi. And maybe invite her to dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in Times Square. I'm sure she wouldn't say no to you," Billy suggested.

"You think so?" Kenny asked, feeling a bit shy.

"I don't think so, I know so," Billy replied.

Just then, Max walked up to the pair. "Hey guys, what are you talking about?"

"Kenny here is too shy to walk up to Coach's daughter and ask her out!" Billy joked, laughing. Max found it funny and joined in.

"Are you serious? Dude, you shouldn't be scared to walk up to a girl. She'll think you're a loser!" Max said, wrapping an arm around Kenny's neck.

"I'm not shy," Kenny insisted. "I'm just scared that she might say no."

"You don't know that yet. Come on, bro... go and show that girl who the NHL defenseman of the Wolves is." Max immediately pushed Kenny forward toward Zoey. He and Billy stood back to watch him approach her.

As they watched Kenny walk away, Liam joined them. "Hi guys, what's going on?" he asked, looking directly at Max before turning to Billy.

"Kenny is about to talk to Zoey, you should see it," Max answered, keeping his eyes locked on Liam with a small smile that hinted at a little crush of his own.

They all looked forward, watching Kenny build up the courage to make his move. With sweating hands, legs trembling invisibly, and a racing heart, Kenny tried to look completely casual and friendly as he stopped in front of her.

"Hi, Zoey!" he greeted her with a smile.

"Hey, Kenny, right?" she responded, offering a warm, beautiful smile.

"Yes, I'm Kenny," he answered.

"Cool, good to see you. And nice practice, by the way."

"Yeah, thank you. So, I was thinking... would you be free on Friday night?" Kenny asked.

"Friday night... uhm, yeah. What's up?"

"Maybe we could hang out together? Probably go to the movies."

"Sure, I would love that, Kenny," Zoey replied easily.

Kenny's eyes widened slightly, genuinely surprised that she had accepted without any conditions or hesitation. "Really?"

"Yes, Kenny. Friday night it is."

"It's a date then!" Kenny smiled.

She nodded back. "It's a date! I'll see you then. I've gotta head home now. Bye, Kenny!"

"Bye, Zoey!" Kenny called out as she picked up her purse and left the arena. Kenny walked back to his friends feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

"So? Did she say yes?" Billy asked curiously.

"Of course she said yes, look how hard he's smiling!" Max pointed out.

"That's right, Max, she did!" Kenny beamed.

"Yo bro, you did it!" Billy shook hands with him. "I told you that you'd pull it off, but you didn't believe me."

"I was just doubting my instinct," Kenny admitted.

"You lie, you were scared, man. I saw it," Max cut in, teasing him.

"Dude! I wasn't scared!"

"Yes, you were... admit it!" Max laughed, and the group joined in.

Meanwhile, Coach Jim stepped over to have a quick conversation with Ace's father, Mr. Carter himself.

"Mr. Carter, it's so nice to have you here at practice with us. It's a pleasure," Coach Jim said, approaching formally to shake his hand.

"Thank you, Coach," Mr. Carter responded, taking his seat after the brief handshake.

"So, what brings you down to the stadium? I mean, you don't usually stop by unless it's a game night or there's an emergency," Coach Jim asked, sitting down next to him as the boys took their break.

"Ace did," Mr. Carter said flatly.

"Ace? Ah, I know he's been acting tough lately, but trust me, I have this under control. I have him under my control."

"You have Ace under your control, yet he's skipping his therapy sessions, he's not responding to any of my texts, and he won't even look my way," Mr. Carter countered, his expression stone-cold and serious.

"I know, Mr. Carter. Ace has gone through a lot. And as for the sessions, I already advised him to go back, which he did."

"I have invested a lot in this team, Reynolds," Mr. Carter said with a stern voice. "And I can't see my son falling apart because of one stupid game in the past. He's being so distracted. I have no idea what is building up inside him, but I can't let it ruin my investment. You better work on him. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Mr. Carter," Coach Jim responded.

"Good."

With that, Mr. Carter stood up and left the training center. Ace watched his father walk away, heavily wondering what had been said to his coach. He immediately skated over to Coach Jim, with Jake trailing right behind him.

"Coach? What did he want?" Ace asked.

"Nothing serious, Ace. He just wants to see you put more effort into the game," Coach Jim responded.

"Of course he wants more effort," Ace replied disappointedly. "All the effort I've put in before, he'll never see it."

Coach Jim noticed the deep frustration on his captain's face. He patted him firmly on the shoulder. "There are people who see your effort, Ace. Now, get back to practice."

The coach blew his whistle, and the players quickly skated back into position to resume training.

NEW YORK BALLET STUDIO

The Next Day

It was another big day for Elena. This wasn't just a regular practice day; it was the day applications opened for the dream role in the biggest showcase in New York.

Some called it the Swan Lake dance, some called it the Swan Dance , and others called it *A Graceful Evening for the Swan*. But Elena always called it *The Swan Dream*.

Whoever landed the lead role of the Swan was instantly viewed as more than just a student; they were practically guaranteed to be recruited by elite, high-profile theaters to begin their professional careers. That was Elena's ultimate dream. She had worked incredibly hard for this exact day. She was ready to audition not to impress the judges, but to express her art.

The girls gathered around as Madame Estelle entered the room with her usual cold demeanor. She pulled out a fresh poster and passed it around for everyone to inspect.

"It is the season for the biggest dance again," Madame Estelle addressed the room. "There are several roles to play in this production, but remember, only the best of the best will be picked for the role of the Swan herself."

The girls went through the poster, murmuring excitedly among themselves as they admired the different parts and thought about their choices.

"I am definitely gonna get the role of the Swan," Shelby spoke up loudly, completely full of herself. "I mean, I'm better than all of you and typically beautiful... so, there's a clear chance."

The other girls looked away and remained completely silent. Shelby always viewed herself as superior.

"Of course, Shelby," Zara chimed in, continuing to praise her nonstop. "You're the most talented, hardworking, and beautiful ballet dancer in New York. You'll definitely get it!"