Twenty-Five | Anastasia

Nate stalls in the locker room over revealing leggings, prompting teasing from Anastasia and a firm directive from Coach Brady to change. Brady pointedly warns Anastasia to avoid distractions, then orders them onto the ice, emphasizing grace and obedience to her instructions.

During warm-up laps, Nate struggles to move gracefully, but with repeated attempts he adjusts his pace to match Anastasia’s. In center ice, Anastasia begins teaching basic jumps and terminology so Nate won’t impede her elements. Nate’s confidence wobbles as he admits gaps in figure-skating knowledge, and Anastasia drills toe versus edge jumps, demonstrating a single toe loop.

When Nate asks about her previous fall, Anastasia explains her attempt at a quad Lutz, Brady’s decision to remove it as too risky, and her own stubborn drive not to hold a partner back as she once felt with a past relationship. Their rapport deepens, even as Brady keeps them focused and critiques Nate’s hockey habits on the ice.

After practice, Nate jokes through his soreness and new-skate struggles while driving Anastasia home. Buoyed by the session, Anastasia still dreads facing Aaron and decides to address concerns about her calorie intake and meal variety.

At the apartment, Aaron ignores her until she asks about the plan; he responds with hostility, accusing her of relying on Nate and hurling demeaning insults. Shaken and hurt, Anastasia ends the confrontation as Aaron slams his door. She calls Nate and asks him to pick her up.