Alexander lay his coat on the grass verge by the frozen lake, and he and Alice sat down together. He passed Alice her skates and laced up his own, and noticed Alice was struggling with hers. He knelt in front of her to help and she giggled.

"Isn't it a little early for all that? We've only just met!"

Alexander looked puzzled for a moment, then carried on lacing up her skates.

"I'm afraid you've lost me there, Alice."

She laughed again. "I meant it's a little early for you to be getting down on one knee for me. Nevermind"

She looked down at her hands. "I'm sorry I can't do this for myself. I feel so silly, but my hands are so cold I can barely feel them."

Alexander looked up, then kissed her cheek and helped her up. He stepped onto the ice first, carefully avoiding the other families skating around them and held Alice's hand as she stepped carefully onto the lake. She took a few wobbly steps, slipped, and fell giggling into Alexander's arms

"I don't think I shall be too successful at this." She laughed.

"Don't worry. You just have to get used to this. Don't try to walk, try to slide. Watch."

He pushed off confidently from the side of the lake and floated over the ice, spinning gracefully as he reached the other side of the lake, then skated slowly back to where Alice was stood.

She clapped enthusiastically as he reached her.
"Bravo!" she cheered, embracing him as he reached her, "You skate beautifully! I wish that I could learn, but I doubt I have the grace; or the patience for it. I shall try, however, for your sake."

Alexander took her hand, skating backward as he watched Alice's feet, directing her, guiding her steps. The skated for hours, and Alexander remarked on how fast Alice was learning.

"My, Alice, you're a natural! I thought you said you hadn't the grace?"

"Well, maybe I was mistaken."

"Or just too modest. I'll have you a race."

"What?"

"From here to the other side of the lake, and back again. On three, one…two…" He set off, "Three!"

"You cheat! Get back here!" shouted Alice as she skated after him furiously.

As she reached the other side of the lake, Alexander was already almost back to their starting point.

"Look out!" she cried.

Alexander glanced around, caught his skates together and sprawled head first onto the ice. Alice flew gracefully past him and stopped at the side of the lake with a neat pirouette.

"Two can play at that game." She smiled as Alexander pulled himself up.
When they both tired of skating and grew hungry, Alexander walked Alice to her door, pausing before he left to ask her a question.

"Alice? I was wondering…would you like to come skating with me again?"

Alice smiled.

"Alexander, I would love to. Although, I did find these clothes rather cumbersome. Maybe next time we could find somewhere a little more private so that I could wear something more…comfortable?"

"Well, I wondered if…would you like to come with me tomorrow night? I mean late at night. That way there would be no-one around. I could teach you properly that way. I know it might be awkward but…I'll meet you at the lake at ten o'clock.

Alice leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"Of course. I'll be there."