Deviating from the original plot

Chapter six

Rosalie, already gliding effortlessly onto the ice, waved her over. "You'll get used to it! Just take it slow."

Meanwhile, Edmund had helped Clara into her skates and lifted her onto the ice. The little girl wobbled but held onto his hands tightly. "See? I'm not scared!" she declared proudly.

Edmund smirked. "We will see."

She released Cedric's arm and took a tentative step forward, her skates scraping against the ice as she tried to move. But it wasn't long until her feet slid out from under her, and she landed on ice with a soft thud.

There was a beat of silence before her cousins burst into laughter. "That didn't take long!"

Victoria groaned, more out of embarrassment than pain. "I hate this already."

Rosalie skated over, offering her hand with an amused smile. "Come on, up you go. You'll get the hang of it."

Still grumbling, Victoria took her cousin's hand and slowly got back on her feet.

Victoria wobbled but managed to stay upright this time, gripping Rosalie's hands tightly.

"There you go," Rosalie encouraged. "Now, just try to push off a little, like this." She demonstrated a smooth glide, making it look effortless.

Victoria swallowed and hesitantly mimicked her cousin's movements. Her skates scraped awkwardly against the ice.

"You're doing it!" Rosalie beamed.

"I am?" Victoria risked a glance at her feet—only to immediately regret it. Her balance shifted, and before she could stop it, she tipped forward.

This time, Cedric caught her arm before she could hit the ice. "Alright, cousin, let's not collect too many bruises today."

"Too late," Victoria muttered, straightening up again.

Nearby, Clara was holding onto Edmund's hands as he guided her carefully across the ice. "Look! I'm skating!" she giggled.

Edmund chuckled. "No, really, though."

Clara pouted. "I am skating!"

Cedric leaned toward Victoria with a teasing grin. "Even Clara's ahead of you."

Victoria frowned. "I hope you fall."

Cedric, completely unfazed, skated backward effortlessly. "Not happening."

Rosalie shook her head, laughing. "Ignore him. Just focus on moving one foot at a time."

Victoria exhaled and tried again, this time managing a few shaky glides without immediately falling. She wasn't graceful, but she was skating. Sort of.

After a few more minutes, Rosalie cheered. "You're getting better!"

Victoria said, "I think 'less terrible' is a more accurate description."

Cedric skated past, grinning. "You might have a point."

Just then, Edmund attempted a playful spin while still holding onto Clara. The little girl squealed as she wobbled, and in a flurry of movement, they both lost their balance.

With a dramatic thud, Edmund landed flat on his back, with Clara plopping onto his stomach. For a moment, there was silence. Then Clara burst into giggles.

"I win!" she declared triumphantly.

Rosalie doubled over laughing. "Oh, that was spectacular!"

Edmund groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "I think I hit my head a bit hard."