Contents
One | Anastasia
Overview
Anastasia endures a brutal practice with Coach Aubrey Brady, still failing to land her quad Lutz and hiding how far behind she is. At home, roommate tensions flare before easing. Anastasia maintains control through planning while embracing a no-strings arrangement with Ryan, choosing privacy over a team party.
The chapter establishes Anastasia’s discipline, pressure to perform, and the dynamics with partner Aaron and best friend Sabrina, setting stakes around her Lutz and Olympic ambitions.
Summary
At morning practice, Anastasia trains with partner Aaron under Coach Aubrey Brady’s relentless criticism. Hungover and on edge, Anastasia fails to land the quad Lutz, a jump she pushed to include. Brady warns it may be cut, raising stakes for their long program and Olympic aspirations.
After practice, Anastasia and Aaron banter about their coach and his expensive car from his unfaithful father. Anastasia reaffirms her strict planning habits and her casual, mutually respectful relationship with Ryan, UCMH’s basketball captain.
Back home, Sabrina vents about losing a lead role to the aloof but talented Olivia Abbott. The roommates bicker, then settle as Anastasia retreats to avoid the fallout. Their living situation and family backgrounds underscore clashing temperaments—Aaron’s moodiness, Sabrina’s dramatics, and Anastasia’s need for control.
Ryan proposes a party at his place, but Anastasia invites him over instead since her roommates plan to attend the party. Sabrina wrangles access to Ryan’s private-bathroom dorm room for later, joking crudely, which Anastasia apologizes for while Ryan takes it in stride.
In Anastasia’s room, flirtation escalates, contrasting her tightly scheduled life with a space where she relaxes. The chapter ends on intimate, playful notes, cementing her emotional balance between intense athletic pressure and a low-drama personal arrangement.
Who Appears
- Anastasia "Stassie" AllenPairs figure skater at UCMH; struggles with quad Lutz; disciplined, controlling; casually seeing Ryan.
- Aaron CarlisleAnastasia’s skating partner and roommate; supportive in public, blunt in private; volatile moods.
- Coach Aubrey BradyDemanding coach; pressures Anastasia to land the quad Lutz or cut it from the program.
- Sabrina AllaliAnastasia’s best friend and roommate; upset about losing a lead role; brash, funny, supportive.
- Ryan RothwellUCMH basketball captain; Anastasia’s no-strings partner; considerate, brings snacks, prefers privacy.
- Olivia AbbottTalented, aloof performing arts student; discussed as Sabrina’s rival for lead roles.