Since Valda had last been here, she'd taken the time to do her own research on how to play hockey. She memorized the terms of movies and different positions. While she was in Canada, she made a special effort to learn how to maneuver quickly on the ice. She was so proud of her new knowledge and capabilities. Valda was nowhere near the title of an all-star hockey player, but she was ready to impress Anders with her new knowledge.
There had been talk earlier in the day of him going out on the ice to practice. Valda certainly couldn't imagine how effective it was to practice by himself so she had purposely invited herself to join him-without him knowing of course. Her presence was just going to be another surprise. This time she had dressed appropriately and had her own pair of skates, figure skating skates, but a pair of her own nonetheless. She'd even bought a second-hand hockey stick. She made it a point to be out there before Anders.
Getting on the ice had been a little bit of a wobbly start, but she regained her balance quickly and moved about until she found her rhythm. Valda moved across the ice with a small rock. She practiced pushing it back and forth until she got to the end. The prospect of gaining momentum and swinging her arms to make a shot into the goal was a little intimidating. She wasn't comfortable enough yet to get to that point. Not yet.
When the younger Lidstrom appeared in the corner of her eye, she stopped her practice to wave at him and made her way over to the edge. "Hey, Anders. I had to get some gear when I took your brother to Canada." It had been almost impossible to get him to talk for more than a few minutes. The two barely exchanged words between each other but she still wanted to befriend him and reach out to him. "I hope you don't mind me being here. I've been wanting to practice for awhile now and remembered that you were the best. I thought I could learn from the best." She flashed him a smile as she skated backwards back towards the center of the skating rink.
@Anders Lidström
