1"I'll go grab the skates," Thomas said, before walking off.
"But he doesn't know what size I am," Sarah complained.
"I told him earlier," Alicia said. "He really likes you. I'm glad that you guys get along. Because if you didn't approve of him, then I might have second thoughts."
'Why me?' she thought. 'Why do I have to have the kind, trusting cousin? Maybe she knows and is doing this on purpose . . . No, you're just paranoid. Besides, there's nothing to know, its not like we kissed or anything.'
"Here you go," Thom said, returning with four pairs of skates.
Once they were ready, they began to walk towards the barrier that separated them from the ice. Sarah was a little unstable, not used to the feeling of wearing, or walking, with skates on.
She felt a pair of strong arms catch her just as she started to fall. Looking up at her saviour, she couldn't help but smile when she saw those blue eyes staring back at her. "Thanks Tom. Unlike my supposed friends, you made a successful effort to save me from falling on my buttocks."
"Anytime," he said, straightening her out before walking over to Alicia.
'God is he sexy,' she thought, watching him move. 'Alicia doesn't know how lucky she is. I would die for a guy like that. A guy to love me and hug me and respect me. . . And catch me when I'm about to fall.'
"Earth to Sarah," Ellie said, waving a hand in front of her friend's face. "Lost in thought?"
"Very lost. I just can't seem to shake them. Anyways, that doesn't matter. So, are you going to help me out with the skating or what?"
"I don't know. I always liked seeing you fall flat on your ass."
"Oh gee, thanks. I'm glad I have friends like you," Sarah teased as the two started over to the ice. Sarah carefully placed one foot on the frozen water and casually moved it around, trying to get a feel of what it was like.
With Ellie supporting her on one side, and Jenn on the other, Sarah slowly made her way onto the ice. She was unbalanced when she took her first few steps, but after a quick demonstration from Jenn, she was ready to skate on her own.
Freeing herself from the steady embrace of her friends, she carefully began to slide on the ice, clumsily at first, but got more graceful as she got more used to it.
"You're doing it!" Ellie yelled, clapping.
"I'm skating!" Sarah yelled back, a little shocked. 'Wow, this is easier than I thought,' she said, creating a small circle. She attempted to spin ever so gently, when her thoughts were proved wrong. The ice was cold and she could feel it freezing her butt as she sat on the ice, dumbfounded. Her friends were quickly in front of her, helping her to her feet.
"Ouch," she said, rubbing her butt.
"So graceful," Jenn teased.
"What happened?" Alicia asked, stopping suddenly, creating snow (?).
"I just had a little accident."
"Are you alright?" Thomas asked, suddenly appearing out of nowhere.
"I'm fine. Not like it hasn't happened before. But I think I'm going to take a break."
"Do you want me to go with you?" Jenn offered.
"Um, that's okay. Thanks though," Sarah said before stumbling over to the gate to solid ground. She stepped onto the hard concrete and walked over towards the softer carpet to remove the skates.
Once the skates were off, she slipped on her sneakers and walked over to the counter. She handed the older man behind the counter the skates before heading over to get a drink.
She was standing in line when she felt someone standing next to her. Looking up, she saw that it was only Thomas. 'Why can't he stay with his girlfriend for just two minutes?' she thought, trying to act like she didn't see him.
"Thought you might need some company."
"Thanks. But I'm fine, really. You should get back with Alicia," Sarah said.
"She was the one who told me to come check on you. So I doubt she'd want me back anytime soon."
"Can I get a can of coke, please?" Sarah asked, leaning on the counter. "I'm sure she'd rather you be with her than me." She started to walk back to where she was sitting before and Thomas had to jog to catch up.
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips.
"Now why would you think that?"
"A vibe."
"I'm starting to think you've been stalking me. You know my 'faces' and now you know my 'vibes'. That's a little freaky," Sarah said, opening her pop. She took a sip and looked over to Thomas.
"Maybe you're just readable."
"I'd believe that, but I know its not true," she said. "I'm not going to freak you out anymore though. I guess I just have to face the fact that some people can see me."
"Hey guys," Alicia said, walking over to the two. "You coming back out on the ice? You're not going to let one small fall get you down."
"Nope. You guys go ahead."
"Where are your skates?" Thomas asked.
"Um . . . I kind of took them back. But I will go get them. Promise. You two love birds run along," she said, standing. She watched as Thomas opened the small gate for Alicia and she stepped out onto the ice. He came out behind her and the two began to skate hand in hand. 'Damnit. Why her boyfriend? Why not some random cute guy that likes me? This will not end well.'