Page 4 of Ice Me Baby

“You’re going with the NHL, too, right?”

She hums. “That’s the plan.”

“Well, don’t leave a girl in suspense! Where are you going?”

She smirks as she says, “I got an offer with Tampa, too.”

I laugh as I slap her arm. “You wanted me to choose Tampa, too, so we could get a place together.”

She shrugs. “Can’t blame a girl for trying. But I’ll make sure to bug you when our boys meet on the ice.” She holds out a fist for me to bump.

Bumping mine to hers, I say, “See you on the ice, then.”

Looking out over the sea of students, I meet my classmates’ eyes and finish my speech. “So get out there and do your best. Congratulations graduating class of 2025!”

Everyone erupts from their seats and throws their cap in the air. I can’t stop smiling as I make my way down the steps and off the stage, being careful of my ankle. While working, I always wear a brace, but otherwise, I leave my ankle free and clear. My physical therapist says I don’t need the brace anymore, but I want to avoid any more accidents.

In the years following that awful day, I slowly regained strength in my ankle, and I’ve since been able to get back out on the ice. I’ve been teaching the kids here in town how toskate, and each of them begged their parents to come to my graduation.

One of the little girls I taught for the last three years races up to me. Wrapping me in a hug, she squeals, “You did it!”

I smile and pat her back. “Yes, I did, Suzzy. Thank you so much for the hug.” Looking around, I find several more of my students. One of the few boys shuffles forward, holding out a card he had hidden behind his back. “What do you have there, JJ?”

His smile is adorable, his front teeth missing, as he says, “We got you a card, Miss Liz.”

Taking the card from the little boy, I say, “Thank you!” When I read it, I have to take a deep breath. It’s a handmade card that reads, “We will miss you.” I look at each of the kids. “I’ll miss you all too.”

Suzzy jumps up and down as she cries, “Open it!”

Biting my lip, I nod. When I flip it open, I see that each of the kids drew something small and signed it. My eyes burn as my gaze meets each child before shifting to their parents. They all look at me with teary smiles of their own.

“We appreciate everything you have done,” one of the parents says.

I shake my head. “It was my absolute pleasure.”

Another parent speaks up. “We know they didn’t pay you much to teach the lessons, but we really do appreciate everything you did for our kids.”

“We made a call to the rink in Seattle and the surrounding areas,” Suzzy’s mother says. “We told them you would be an incredible asset, and that they should reach out to you. I’m sure you’ll be busy with the new job but still.”

“No. I really appreciate the thought. Thank you.” A hand squeezes my shoulder softly. I look over to find my dad standing there with a smile.

“We need to get going, kiddo.”

“Right!” I nod and look back at the kids. “Alright, everyone! Remember everything I taught you, and make sure you get up, no matter how many times you fall.”

All the kids yell a chorus of, “Yes, Miss Liz!”

I hold my arms out. “Okay everyone! Group hug!”

The kids squeal as they all squeeze in close. I make sure to pat each kid on the head, so they know how much I care. It’s my mother who eventually says, “So sorry to ruin the group hug, but Miss Liz has a schedule to keep if she wants to get to work on time.”

As much as I hate leaving these kids, there is a new life waiting for me. “Okay, kiddos, disperse!” I call with a laugh. They all squeal and rush back to their parents. My dad pats me on the back as I slowly turn toward the parking lot.

“You did good, Liz.”

“Thanks, da.”

He kisses the top of my head. “Let’s get you settled in Seattle. It’s going to be nice to have you home.”

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