Read Online Breaking the Ice by Gail Nall - Free Book Online

mush?
    â€œIt’s not an easy program,” Greg says. “It’s challenging,but I know you can do it. Let’s show those judges you deserve a second chance.”
    I nod. But inside, I’m completely freaking out.
    We spend the rest of the lesson nailing down the program in pieces. By the end, I have it memorized, even though I don’t know whether I can actually do the whole thing. And do it with what Greg calls “personality.”
    When the lesson is finally over, Greg talks to Mom about my program. I cross my fingers and hope she’ll insist on Swan Lake . And what Mom wants, she always gets. Maybe Greg will let me add a spread eagle to it.
    â€œA tango! How daring. I love it,” she says when Greg tells her. “And you think it’ll be ready by Regionals?”
    What? No! No, no, no, no, no.
    Mom and Greg keep talking around me.
    â€œIf Kaitlin works at it,” Greg says. “She’s an extremely talented skater, but the judges will never see that unless she really engages them. She needs to come out of her shell.”
    I bite my lip to keep all the nos from falling out. I’m standing right here, and he’s talking about me like I’m invisible.
    â€œI’m thinking we’ll have to add some ice dance lessons too. We’re going to turn you into a skater the judges can’t possiblylook away from.” Greg squeezes my shoulder as he heads back to the ice.
    They won’t be able to look away from me because I’ll be the only girl who can’t get through her program. This is what I get for joining the Fall Down Club.
    I have to say something. I can’t let my dream die without a fight.
    I look from Mom to Greg, who’s almost to the rink doors. I have a better chance with him than with her. “I just have to ask Greg something,” I say to Mom before I run after Greg.
    â€œWait!” I stumble over my blade guards into the doors.
    â€œKaitlin? You okay?” Greg grabs my arm, and I manage not to fall in an ungraceful heap on the floor.
    â€œSorry, I’m fine. I just . . .” How am I going to say this without completely offending him? “I’m not sure about the new music. I mean, it’s really fun and intense and I like it, but I don’t know if it’s me. I don’t know if I can skate it the way you think I can.”
    I cross my fingers behind my back and hope he doesn’t dump me the way Hildy did. He smiles just a little as we step out of the way to let Svetlana and the crazy ice dance team move through the doors. Smiling can’t be bad, right? Maybe he agrees with me.
    â€œDo you trust me?” he asks.
    â€œUm . . . yes.” At least, that sounds like a question I should say yes to. I barely even know him, but I don’t think he’d want to sabotage my skating career. He wouldn’t be much of a coach if he did that.
    â€œThen trust me on this. You need fiery music. And believe me, you can skate it—but only if you let yourself.”
    â€œBut that’s it. I don’t think I can. My style is softer, lighter. Not . . . fiery.”
    â€œThen who was that girl who told the judges exactly how she felt at Praterville?”
    â€œ That was an accident,” I say.
    â€œKnocking all the medals off the table was an accident. You speaking your mind wasn’t. You’ve got a bold, fiery side that’s just dying to come out.”
    For the nine hundredth time, I wish I could take back what happened at that competition.
    Greg crosses his arms. “Okay. So here’s the deal, and I’m not being mean. I’m being honest. If you want to be a champion, go to Nationals, maybe even the Olympics one day, you need to embrace that person you don’t think you are. Or, you can do the same old thing, get the same old scores, and be happy with being mediocre. I’ll coach you either way, but it’s your decision.”
    I blink at him. “You