Chapter 4: Zoe’s Surrender

Fourth place! Dawn is delighted with my performance. Given the quality of the competition against me, I feel that I did well. But not well enough to qualify for the Nationals. My fanciful dream of entering the Olympics is effectively crushed. By the time the following Olympics comes around, I’ll be twenty-seven, and my age will working against me. Competitive ice skating is a sport for teenagers and early twentysomethings.

Dawn has been my manager and trainer for the last four years. Unfortunately, my failure to reach the Nationals means her contract is at an end. Up until now, her salary has been paid by my wealthy parents, who have otherwise disowned me. My steadfast refusal to train to be a lawyer, like my brother and sister before me, has made me the black sheep of the family. Now I must either comply with my parents’ wishes, or make my own way in life. I can’t afford to cover Dawn’s salary, so this must be farewell.

“I hear that there’s a temporary role in the Stables,” says Dawn as we share a farewell meal at a local restaurant.

Heather Hopkins Ice Show is a small operation of six ice skaters providing a travelling ice dancing show. It’s nicknamed the Stables because their performance always begins with the six dancers dressed as pony-girls entering the rink pulling Heather Hopkins on a sleigh. When I first heard about her show, I thought it was some raunchy adults-only performance, but I’m told that the show and the dancers’ attire is family-friendly.

Although I gave Dawn a non-committal reply to her suggestion, I decide to make further enquiries. A job with the show will at least mean I can keep skating, and hopefully provide enough to live on until something better turns up. I’m determined not to give in to my parents’ demands.

“The job is for four months while Clara is on maternity leave,” says Ms. Hopkins when she interviews me and decides to offer me the job. “We are about to leave on a tour of the south as soon a we can, so I’ll need an answer from you by tomorrow.”

“I’ll accept the job,” I say impulsively, not wanting to let the opportunity pass.

“Excellent! Meet us at the local ice-rink at 5am for practise. We can set off after breakfast.”

“What about my belongings?” I ask.

“Put them in storage. You only need to bring your toiletries and skates. Everything else will be provided. We are a small operation, so we don’t have room for lots of unnecessary baggage.”

I ask my flatmate Sue to attend to my belongings, and I give her permission to sub-let my room for the duration of my absence. It feels strange leaving on a long journey with so few possessions, but it only adds to a sense of adventure.

I arrive at the rink a few minutes before 5am. Ms. Hopkins and her other five skaters are already there. We have the place to ourselves. I’m introduced to Faye, Bronwyn, Charlie, Meredith and Vicky. They seem friendly enough. They are all about my age and are dressed in identical skating outfits.