Chapter 14

Pixie

Today is a light day. I teach my six thru ten year olds class in the morning. Which now includes little Jax. I am so proud of how far he has come in the short time I have been working with him. I don’t often come across natural talent but Jax has it. And I have been teaching seriously since I was sixteen. It is what I’m going to do after I retire from competing. In my world unfortunately you have a shelf life. Whether it is from injury or just getting too old. Yea, that is a thing. Most people don’t last past thirty in the skating world unless they do shows like the Icecapades. Everyone has to have something to fall back on.

I have a degree in business but I also minored in physical education. Business really isn't my thing but I figured if I got too injured to skate I would use it. But what I really enjoy is teaching these kids how to skate. I love seeing their faces light up when they master a new move. Like Jax just did when he did a sit spin after only his second day of practicing. He is excited to show Merigold. I have to give it to the kid. He is giving it his all just like he said he would. If he falls he doesn’t complain. He just gets back up and tries again.

He reminds me of me most of the time. He wants to be a skater and he is going after it. I’m proud of him as a skater and as my nephew. Even if Jax is only my nephew for a short time. Like any day now. I figure Viper will sign any day now. He will want to get on with his life. I even sent a message through Casper that if he signed soon I would renew the lease on the dispensary. I hope that will light a fire under him. I can’t get on with my life until he does.

I can’t go out and meet someone or go on a date as long as I’m still married. I just can’t. I can’t stand cheaters and even though we aren’t together if I went on a date it would still feel like cheating. To me anyway. I need those divorce papers in my hand with a judges seal on them before I can move on. But enough of my whining. I have to finish my class and then I have to head to our gym for a workout for two hours. Weights, treadmill, and wrap it up with yoga. That is my light day. Class has wrapped up and I hear Jax “ Sabine. Sabine. Can I show momma what I learned today?” I skate over and see Merigold and Axel standing by the wall. “ If your momma and daddy don’t mind. Then yes, you sure can.” I said.

Jax turns to his parents “ Please, can I? I’ll be quick.” Merigold nods and Axel says “ Sure buddy. Show us what you got.” Jax takes off towards the center of the rink. I see Axel take out his phone to record Jax. I just lean against the wall and watch. I watch Jax do a few small circles around the center of the rink before he gets into position. He starts to spin, standing first then shrinks down until he is almost a ball. He spins three times before he stands up again. When he stops he is beaming so bright I almost have to cover my eyes.

Merigold Axel, and Jace clap as Jax skates back. “ That was great, buddy. I recorded it to show dad when we get home.” Axel said. “ You did? Thank you daddy.” Jax says. “ Why don’t you get up here and get your skates off and we will go. Dad says we are doing pizza tonight.” Merigold said. The boys yell “ Yea. Pizza.” They get up on the bench and race to get their skates off. I laugh.

“ Sabine, thanks for letting me come back.” Axel said. “ Thanks for not holding a grudge. I said. “ No problem. I understand.” Axel said. I nod “ Now how about a happy subject.” I said. I handed them a piece of paper. “ I would like you to consider letting Jax come for our elite team.” I told them. “ Elite team?” Merigold asked. “ Yes. I take my most promising kids and train them harder. He will need to come three days a week instead of two. He will be training with only seven other students. If he does well he can participate in the mid competition show.” I explained.

“ You think he is that good?” Axel asked. “ I do. He has a natural talent and the drive. The paper will explain what is involved. Discuss it with Rowdy and see what you think. If you want Jax to join just bring him to the next elite practice. The times and dates are listed for you.” I say. “ We will definitely think about it. Thank you Sabine.” Merigold said. “ Just calling it as I see it. Have a good night.” I said.

With them gone the rink is empty. I don’t want to head to the gym just yet. I tap my ear piece “ Rocket, you got my music?” “ Nixon said no routine today.” she said. “ I know. And I’m not. I just want to do a short skate.” I told her. “ I’ll get something for you. Do a lap.” Rocket chirped. I slowly skate around the outside near the wall. Rocket puts on ‘ Shadows Of The Night/ Harden My Heart’ mash up from Rock Of Ages. I guess she took me seriously when I said short because the song isn’t more than two minutes if that.