Page 99 of Released from the Sin Bin

“He said to put on the skates and try it out, but to go easy.” She says exactly what the doctor reiterated to me, because he told her it was ok a week ago. “It’s one date. One night and we’ll get drinks, food, and then go home.”

“And you’ll be there too?” What kind of date is this? I wouldn’t say no to a threesome, if that’s what she really wants.

“It’s a double date!” She grins.

“With who?” I shout without meaning to. I pick her foot up and finish tying her laces to distract myself.

“Jocelyn’s cousin. I met him before, but I was dating Vic.” She explains. “And now that I’m single—”

“So, your plan is to fuck this guy too.” I tighten the laces up, pulling extra hard.

“No. Hey.” She stops me with her hand over mine. “My plan is to go on a date. It’s just a date. And it’s a double date so we’ll have fun and talk. That’s it. Why are you so mad?”

“I’m not.” I lie. “I don’t trust some random cousin here for a visit. That doesn’t sound long term to me.”

“And that’s why you should come.” She grins, knowing she has me.

I can’t let her go on this date alone. Going is the only way to make sure nothing happens.

“Fine. I’ll go.” I give in. “Ready?” I pat her skates and push her legs off me before I stand to help her up.

Willa takes a deep breath with her doe eyes looking up at me. She’s scared. That’s what’s holding her back, but I don’t know what she could be frightened of.

“It hasn’t been that long. It’s like riding a bike. You never forget,” I assure her, and hold my hands out. Positioning myself between her and the door to get on the ice, I help her up.

She laughs nervously as she stands, wobbly at first, but I hold her steady.

“Nice and easy.” I step back onto the ice and help her over the short ledge.

She slowly steps out to follow me, but doesn’t move her feet. Moving her along with me, I guide her to the center.

“Ok, you can move your feet now.” They stay straight. “Do you want me to let go first?” She doesn’t respond. “Willa?”

Her chest heaves as she looks down at her skates.

“Willa?”

Her face snaps up with tears clouding her eyes.

“Get them off,” she whispers.

“What’s wrong?” I stop gliding back.

“Get them off,” she screeches. “Get them off! It hurts.” Buckets of tears slide down her face, and I don’t hesitate to pick her up.

“It hurts,” she cries as I carry her back to the bench. “It hurts. They’re breaking. It’s broken. It’s broken.” She panics as I set her down.

“Ok, hold on.” I try to calm her down as I untie the laces and carefully slip the skates off.

“It hurts. They’re broken.” She sobs on the bench, but I can’t see anything wrong.

Acting fast, I kick my skates off and pick her up into my arms.

I race her through the hallway around the arena while she keeps crying against my shoulder.

The long halls lead to the medical facility. Past the old gym and through the second rink. Willa clings onto me as we pass by some coaches and trainers for the figure skaters in a blur.

It’d be faster to go outside and around, but I didn’t take the time to get our shoes on.

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