Summary: Dawn finds a passion for figure skating and begins her journey toward the Nationals Championship. This is my take on the Disney movie Ice Princess (and later Ice Castles) as set in BTVS.
A/U: The start of this story is set nearly a year after the BTVS Season 7 finale, Chosen.
Disclaimer: Disney owns both Buffy and Ice Princess. Donald Wrye and Gary Waim (I assume as they are both credited for Ice Castles, both original and remake and are listed on the novelization) own Ice Castles.
Author's Note (2013): Some liberties were taken. It was stated that Buffy did skate at some point. There was mention of a Dorothy Hamill phase. It was just never mentioned from what age to what age she actually skated. So I had her skate up till she was called and had her compete in Regionals once before having to quit because she became the Slayer. Also while ages don't really mesh between Tina and Buffy I had Tina and Buffy compete against each other at said Regionals.
Author's Note (2023): Since I originally wrote this story I have gone and actually rewritten it. Originally it was 21 chapters, but I have merged chapters to make them longer as previously they were all 1 to 3k in length. Now their all around 7k in length. That is why there are reviews for chapters that go past chapter 6. Also I changed Tina and Buffy competing against each other. Now they happened to see each other's long or short programs on monitors in their respective locker rooms as they waited between sets.
Chapter 1: IP - Scholarship
December 3, 1994, Saturday
Lake Arrowhead, California
Buffy Summers stood at the edge of the ice rink, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaited her turn to compete in the figure skating regionals competition. Dressed in a shimmering costume of deep blue and silver sequins, she felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness surging through her.
The rink was alive with a symphony of soft whispers and the gentle swish of blades against the ice as other skaters glided gracefully through their routines. Buffy took a deep breath, trying to calm her jitters. She knew she had spent countless hours practicing her routine, refining each move and perfecting every spin, but the competition was fierce.
As the announcer's voice echoed through the arena, Buffy's heart skipped a beat. It was her turn. She stepped onto the ice, her skates gliding smoothly over the cold surface. The spotlight illuminated her, and for a moment, all else faded away.
The music began, a hauntingly beautiful melody that matched the elegance of her routine. Buffy started with a series of delicate spins, her body a blur of motion, her youthful determination shining through. She executed each element with precision, her jumps soaring into the air, her landings graceful and controlled.
The crowd watched in awe as Buffy's performance unfolded. She poured her heart and soul into every move, her face reflecting her passion for the sport. Her final spin left the audience breathless, and as the music swelled to a dramatic conclusion, she struck her finishing pose with confidence.
The applause erupted from the spectators, and Buffy felt a rush of pride and accomplishment. She had given it her all, leaving everything she had on the ice. As she took her bows, her eyes scanned the crowd and found her family, their faces beaming with pride and support.
February 10, 2004, Tuesday
Summers Residence, Millbrook, Connecticut
Ten years had passed since that unforgettable day on the ice rink, and the world had shifted and evolved. Buffy watched from the warmth of the cozy house; her heart filled with nostalgia as Dawn gracefully glided across the glassy pond. It was a scene that brought back cherished memories, like the pages of a well-worn book that she couldn't help but flip through from time to time.
Dawn skated with the same youthful vigor and determination that Buffy once possessed, her movements fluid and effortless. Her figure danced across the frozen surface like a delicate snowflake, a reminder of the beauty and grace that figure skating had brought into their lives.
Buffy rapped gently on the window, her breath forming a soft cloud against the glass, and held up the math book, a symbol of the responsibilities that came with growing up. She wanted to remind her sister that homework couldn't wait forever, even in the midst of such a picturesque moment.
Dawn, in the midst of her blissful skate, turned to look at her sister through the window, her cheeks rosy from the cold, her eyes shining with the same spark of determination that had once burned brightly in Buffy's own gaze. With a gesture, she indicated that she just needed five more minutes, a plea that carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words.
Buffy smiled, a mixture of understanding and nostalgia tugging at her heartstrings. She nodded her consent, allowing Dawn those precious extra moments to savor the joy of skating on a frozen pond.
February 11, 2004, Wednesday
Preston Heights High School
The next morning, the sun cast a warm and hopeful glow, and Dawn found herself immersed in her physics class, eager to absorb every ounce of knowledge it had to offer. As the bell signaled the end of the lesson, she was about to dash out the door, her mind already racing to the next adventure, when her physics teacher's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Dawn! Can I see you?" the teacher called, his tone both gentle and inquisitive, pulling her back into the classroom with a sense of curiosity and intrigue.
Puzzled but compliant, Dawn stepped back into the classroom, her heart fluttering with uncertainties. Mr. Bast gestured for her to wait, his hand raised in a calming gesture, as he retrieved a slice of bread from a neatly wrapped package on his desk. A Bunsen burner flickered to life, casting a soft, warm light across the room, as he expertly toasted the bread with the aid of lab tongs, turning the mundane act into an intriguing spectacle.
Relieved that nothing seemed amiss, Dawn couldn't help but feel drawn into the unusual scenario. "Is there a problem, Mr. Bast?" she inquired, her eyes fixed on the bread's slow transformation, a symbol of change and transformation itself.
Mr. Bast turned to her with a reassuring smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Nothing's wrong," he replied warmly. "I was just curious if you've begun weighing your college options."
Dawn's heart skipped a beat at the mention of college, her dreams and aspirations suddenly colliding with the stark reality of her situation. "My options," she echoed, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "They're going to be, ah, pretty much dictated by the price tag," she explained, a touch of resignation in her tone.
She couldn't help but recall the difficult circumstances she and Buffy had faced after their mother's passing, the medical bills that had devoured their hopes of a secure future, and the crater that had swallowed Sunnydale, leaving them with little more than the ashes of their past. The insurance money from their old house had barely been enough to secure the roof over their heads, let alone fund her college education.
As the tantalizing aroma of toasting bread filled the air, Mr. Bast nodded thoughtfully, the flickering flames of the Bunsen burner mirroring the flicker of hope that danced in Dawn's eyes. "Heard of the Helen Stoller Physics Scholarship?" he inquired, his voice gentle yet brimming with possibility, like a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty.
Dawn shook her head slightly, revealing that her research had been more focused on colleges and scholarships related to her true passion – ancient languages and mythology. Physics, though she excelled in it, had not been her primary pursuit for a scholarship, and the mention of this new opportunity sent ripples of both excitement and trepidation through her.
"It's given to a student from this part of the state that shows the most promise in physics," Mr. Bast explained, his words carrying the weight of potential that Dawn had yet to fully grasp. He continued tending to the bread, as if imparting wisdom through the toasting process, turning something as simple as making toast into a metaphor for life's transformative moments.
In that moment, Dawn's mind raced like a whirlwind. Memories of her friend Ann, who was brilliant in physics, flashed before her, and doubt began to creep in, wondering if she could compete with such exceptional peers. Her heart pounded, torn between hope and insecurity, like a bird trying to decide whether to soar or stay grounded. "Wouldn't that be Ann or...?"
"I'm talking about you," Mr. Bast said, his voice carrying a mix of earnestness and enthusiasm, like a beacon of belief in her potential. "You have a calling, Dawn."
Dawn's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected revelation. A calling? The concept stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her, leaving her torn between curiosity and uncertainty. The weight of responsibility that came with the term made her hesitate, as memories of the Slayer, the Chosen One, being referred to as Buffy's calling flashed through her mind.
"I, do?" Dawn questioned, her voice laced with both intrigue and trepidation. The concept of having a calling, especially in the field of physics, felt both unexpected and daunting. "What is it?"
"Physics!" Mr. Bast exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with infectious enthusiasm, as if he had discovered a precious gem hidden in the depths of the universe. He gestured animatedly with his tongs, as if trying to paint a picture of the potential before her, as though the universe itself were waiting for her to uncover its secrets.
Amidst the swirling emotions within her, the enticing smell of toasting bread reached her nostrils, reminding her of her hunger. "Toast?" he offered; the gesture simple yet thoughtful, like a warm welcome into a world of new possibilities.
"Uh ... Sure," Dawn replied, her stomach betraying her with an audible growl, as if urging her to accept the generous offer. The slice of warm toast held the promise of comfort, just as Mr. Bast's words held the promise of a path yet unexplored.
As Mr. Bast returned to his desk and opened a drawer, Dawn's curiosity deepened. The anticipation built within her as he produced a jar of strawberry jam, a sweet accompaniment to the warmth of the toast. He continued to speak, and his words struck a chord in her heart. "You're very lucky," he said, his tone filled with wisdom. "Most people search their whole lives for their calling."
"But how do you know if something's your calling?" Dawn asked, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, like a star trying to find its place in the vast night sky.
"When your brilliant teacher tells you so," he replied, a touch of warmth in his eyes as he handed Dawn the toast, now adorned with sweet strawberry jam. The gesture felt like a comforting pat on the back, acknowledging her achievements and the potential he saw within her. "And of course, your eleven straight A pluses on exams is a hint," he added, a hint of playful pride in his tone, as though he had uncovered a rare gem in his classroom.
"Wow... I have a calling," Dawn said, her heart fluttering with a mix of amazement and bewilderment. Though she couldn't deny the evidence of her academic prowess, she just happened to disagree on what her calling was. The concept of finding her true purpose was a journey that now lay before her, a puzzle waiting to be solved.
"Indeed, you do," Mr. Bast affirmed, his expression full of encouragement and belief in her potential, like a guiding star lighting her path. "To compete for the scholarship – which you can use to attend whatever college or university you choose – you will need a letter from me for the scholarship and think of a special physics project over the summer."
The weight of responsibility settled on Dawn's shoulders as she considered the challenge ahead. A mix of excitement and nerves filled her, realizing that the future she had hoped for might be within reach. "What kind of physics project?" she inquired, eager to embark on this unique journey, her curiosity a beacon guiding her way.
"It should be something unusual but personal," Mr. Bast explained, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, like a mentor imparting valuable knowledge. "Let them know you a little. The student with the project that is considered the best will win the scholarship."
"I will think about it, Mr. Bast, and let you know soon," Dawn promised, her voice tinged with determination. With the taste of the Bunsen burner toast mingling with the sweetness of the jam on her tongue, she hurried out of the classroom, her mind already buzzing with ideas.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Lunch was nearly over by the time Dawn reached the cafeteria. Her friend Ann was just finishing her meal and getting ready to leave as Dawn arrived. Seeing Dawn, Ann waved and quickly made her way over. "Why did you miss lunch?" she asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Dawn shared with Ann what Mr. Bast had revealed about the Helen Stoller scholarship, and how he believed that physics was her calling. "He said physics was my calling and he'll write me a letter of recommendation," Dawn added, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, wondering how her friend would react to this unexpected turn of events.
Ann smiled; her expression filled with genuine happiness. "QED."
Dawn frowned, her brow furrowing as she tried to make sense of Ann's response. "How is this 'quite easily demonstrated'? You're as good in physics as I am."
Ann shook her head, a hint of admiration in her gaze. "Not even close," she disagreed. "I grind, you glide."
Dawn understood what Ann meant. In the time they had gotten to know each other, she had come to realize that the subjects and topics she found relatively easy often required much more effort and dedication on Ann's part to achieve the same level of understanding and success.
Ann suddenly stopped short and gripped Dawn's wrist, her eyes widening with excitement. Following the direction of her gaze, Dawn spotted Kyle Dayton, a hockey-playing senior-class heartthrob, coming toward them. They both stood there, frozen in place, probably looking like two awestruck fools, as he walked right past them without even noticing.
Ann kept her eyes on him until he turned the hallway corner. "One day that guy will wake up and realize he needs a math tutor," she said dreamily, her voice filled with a hint of playful longing. "And that tutor will be me."
With Kyle Dayton out of sight, Ann's mind unclouded, and they were able to focus on the scholarship discussion once more. They continued talking as they turned the corner of the hallway. "I don't really know if I want to go into physics. Sure, I may be good at it. But I want to go to college for Ancient Languages and Mythology, not physics."
Ann didn't comment, and Dawn, looking up, realized that her friend was distracted by something in front of them. A small crowd of what she might call the "popular kids" or what her sister used to call Cordelia's followers, the "Cordettes," had gathered together. Blond, gorgeous Gen Harwood, the queen bee of the group, was handing out small envelopes, presumably invitations, to the cheerleaders, football players, and other "cool" kids in her clique of friends.
In the next minute, something truly bizarre and unexpected happened. Gen looked in Dawn's direction and smiled. She started towards Dawn and Ann, extending an invitation out to Dawn.
"Hi, you're Dawn, right?" she asked, still smiling. Dawn nodded, totally stunned as she accepted the invitation. "This is an invite to my boyfriend's party," Gen explained, her voice friendly and welcoming.
"Wow," Dawn murmured, her mind spinning with surprise at the unexpected turn of events.
"You're in chem lab with Aaron Hennings, aren't you?" Gen inquired, her voice friendly and casual. "Can you give that to him?"
Dawn accepted the envelope, still somewhat dazed by the encounter. "Sure," she managed to reply, though her thoughts were racing.
Gen breezed off down the hallway, leaving Dawn holding the invitation that wasn't meant for her. Ann couldn't help but comment on the situation. "That was way inconsiderate."
Dawn nodded in agreement, a mixture of bewilderment and annoyance settling in. "Yeah, I know," she said, her voice reflecting her frustration at being used as a messenger in such a thoughtless manner.
Summers Residence
That evening, as Dawn prepared dinner, she decided to share the news of the Helen Stoller Scholarship with Buffy, who was outside the kitchen window watering some plants. Buffy's presence brought a sense of comfort and familiarity to their new life.
"So, Mr. Bast found a physics scholarship he thinks you should apply for, huh?" Buffy said, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern.
Dawn nodded as she stirred a pot on the stove. "Yeah, but I don't want to go to college to study physics. I want to go to college to study ancient languages and mythology."
Buffy turned toward the window and nodded; her expression thoughtful. "I know, Dawn," she said gently. "But we're not rolling in dough here. The insurance money from the destruction of the house back in Sunnydale barely covered this place. It's going to be hard trying to put you through college without one. If you can get in with a physics scholarship, you could always double major. That way you get the degree you want, and you please the folks funding your education."
Dawn sighed, feeling the weight of the choices before her. "I guess … I have to figure out what he wants from me then. I mean, what is a personal science project? Isn't the nature of science supposed to be completely unbiased and factual? Now he wants the inner me, too?"
Buffy shrugged, her eyes filled with understanding. "You would have to ask Willow. Why don't you call her after dinner and ask?"
As Dawn continued with her meal preparations, she couldn't help but ponder the question that had been on her mind. "Buffy, do you regret moving here away from Willow, Xander, and Giles?" It was a question born out of concern for her sister's well-being and the sacrifices she had made for their family.
As they continued their conversation, Dawn's recent achievements in figure skating became the topic of discussion. Buffy couldn't help but admire her sister's progress. "Talking about what we've got going here, you've gotten good at skating. Probably as good as your old sister used to be."
Dawn laughed, a warm and infectious sound that filled the kitchen with a sense of joy. "Who knows, maybe even better. I did have a wonderful teacher after all."
"I wish I could afford for you to take private lessons. I've taught you pretty much about all I can," Buffy said, her voice tinged with a touch of regret. She wanted the best for Dawn, and sometimes, financial limitations weighed heavily on her mind.
Dawn's heart swelled with gratitude as she looked at her sister. Buffy had sacrificed so much for their family, taking on the role of protector and provider. She knew that Buffy had dreams and desires of her own, but she had put them aside to ensure their safety and well-being.
"Thank you, Buffy," Dawn said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "For everything. For being there for me, for teaching me, for giving me a chance to pursue my dreams, even when it hasn't been easy for you."
Later that evening, after dinner, Dawn picked up the phone and dialed Willow's number. "Hey, Willow, it's Dawn. You got a couple of minutes?"
"Sure, Dawnie, what's up?" Willow's voice came through the phone, warm and welcoming.
Dawn glanced over at Buffy for a moment before she continued, "I need some help. My science teacher wants me to apply for a physics scholarship. Buffy thinks it would be a good idea since she may not be able to cover the cost of college tuition herself, and there really isn't a scholarship for ancient languages and mythology."
"Yeah, Dawn, you're babbling, you know?" Willow teased gently.
Dawn laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Sorry. Anyways, my teacher wants me to do a personal science project. What is a personal science project? Isn't the nature of science supposed to be completely unbiased and factual? Now he wants the inner me, too?"
Willow's voice carried reassurance as she replied, "Dawn, sweetie, you'll know your topic when it comes to you. Take me, for example. I went to UC Sunnydale on a scholarship. I applied for one in Computer Science because that was something, I was good at, and it interested me. I was able to weave myself into the project by showing what I could do. What are you good at, Dawn?"
Dawn smiled, her sister's words echoing in her mind. "Skating. Buffy thinks I'm as good as her now."
Willow's response was filled with encouragement. "Well, there you go, Dawn. Do something on skating. But make it personal to you. Find a way to put yourself into the experiment."
Dawn nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thanks, Willow."
"No problem, Dawn. Give Buffy my love, and talk to you later," Willow said.
Dawn laughed softly. "Will do. Talk to you later." She hung up the phone and sat down next to Buffy. "Willow said to do something on skating. And to find a way to put myself into the experiment."
Buffy smiled warmly at Dawn. "That sounds like a good idea, Dawn."
Dawn's face lit up with a grin. "Oh, and Willow said for me to give you her love."
Buffy chuckled, touched by the gesture. "Next time I talk to her; I'll be sure to thank her and send some love back." The bond between their little makeshift family remained strong, even as they faced new challenges and pursued their individual dreams.
February 13, 2004, Friday
Summers Residence
The scholarship project continued to weigh on Dawn's mind two days later when she settled down to watch the National Figure Skating Championships on TV that night. Ann had joined her to watch the competition, providing some much-needed distraction.
However, it didn't take long for Dawn to become completely absorbed in the excitement of the competition. One of her favorite skaters had just launched a spectacular triple jump, and the tension in the room was palpable as everyone held their breath.
Dawn stood up anxiously, her heart racing as she watched the skater soar through the air. But her hopes were dashed as the skater failed to land the jump and ended up sliding along the ice on her butt. "Oh!" Dawn shouted in disappointment, her enthusiasm deflating like a punctured balloon.
"She had it locked up," Dawn exclaimed, flopping back onto the couch, feeling the skater's disappointment as if it were her own.
Buffy, who had been doing dishes in the kitchen, turned to look at Dawn. "Miss a jump, Dawnie?" she asked, a knowing smile on her face.
Dawn nodded; her eyes still glued to the TV screen. "Yeah."
Despite the disappointment of the fall, Dawn continued to watch with admiration as the skater displayed remarkable resilience. The skater got right back up and continued her routine as if the fall hadn't happened. "Look at that recovery," Dawn pointed out, her voice filled with admiration. "Amazing. She'll still place."
"Ann, would you like some ice cream?" Buffy asked, her voice filled with warmth and hospitality.
Ann's smile was appreciative. "If you don't mind, Ms. Summers."
"I don't mind," Buffy replied as she moved to the fridge. "And, Ann, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Buffy? Ms. Summers makes me feel old, and I am not that much older than you and Dawn. Dawnie, you want some ice cream?"
Dawn simply nodded, still engrossed in the TV show as Buffy fixed three bowls of ice cream. She carried them to Dawn and Ann and settled down next to her sister.
As they enjoyed their ice cream, an idea began to take shape in Dawn's mind as she continued to watch the figure skating competition. "You know what?" Dawn said, her eyes still fixed on the TV set. "I bet there's an exact aerodynamic formula for that jump."
Buffy looked over at Dawn, her smile filled with encouragement. "Now you just need to figure out how to put yourself into the experiment."
Dawn nodded, a sense of purpose growing within her. Buffy's words echoed in her mind as she contemplated the possibilities, determined to find a way to merge her passion for figure skating with the demands of her scholarship project.
February 14, 2004, Saturday
Harwood Rink
Once Dawn had her project idea in mind, she couldn't wait to get started. The closest skating arena was the Harwood Rink, so on the following Saturday morning, Buffy drove her there. Dawn's heart thumped nervously with anticipation as they entered the rink and walked down a hallway adorned with photos of skaters who had graced the ice over the years. Dawn adjusted the strap of her daypack, which held their mom's camcorder, ready to capture her project in action. Buffy carried a large bag filled with various items, including her old skates and paperwork that might come in handy during their visit.
They entered through a doorway that led to the top level of bleachers, gazing down at the dimly lit rink below. Initially, it appeared empty, and the front door hadn't been locked, which was somewhat surprising.
Then, all of a sudden, bright fluorescent lights flickered to life, illuminating the ice like a glistening diamond. The sounds of music followed suit as three female figure skaters, dressed in elegant practice outfits, glided gracefully onto the ice.
Buffy turned to Dawn. "Why don't you get set up?" she suggested. "I'll try to find the coach and make sure everything is okay."
Dawn nodded, her heart racing as she positioned herself behind the boards, as close to the ice as she could get without stepping onto it. She set up the camcorder, her excitement building as she prepared to film the practice session.
As she began to record, Dawn recognized the three girls on the ice from school. While she didn't know them personally, she knew their names—Tiffany Kwong, Nikki Sellman, and Gen Harwood. The thrill of capturing their figure skating moves on film filled her with a sense of purpose.
Dawn was fully engrossed in recording Nikki's impressive triple toe loop when her camera was suddenly jerked away from her. Startled, she turned to find a blonde woman in her thirties standing in front of her, her face red with anger, clutching the camcorder in one hand.
"What do you think you're doing!" the woman demanded angrily. "Why are you filming my skaters?"
Dawn was taken aback by the woman's fury and stammered out her explanation. "It's, ah… my… my physics project," she managed to say.
Just then, Buffy, having spotted the commotion, hurried over to her sister and the irate woman. "Excuse me, are you the coach?" Buffy inquired, trying to defuse the tense situation.
The woman turned to look at Buffy with a stern expression. "Yes, and you are?"
"Buffy Summers, and this is my sister, Dawn," Buffy replied evenly. "And you are?"
"Tina Harwood, this is my rink," Tina answered, her tone still brimming with frustration. She shifted her gaze from Dawn to Buffy. "And now maybe you can answer my questions? Why is she filming my skaters?"
Buffy maintained her composure and offered an explanation. "It's for a physics scholarship," she said, hoping to diffuse the tension.
Tina seemed uninterested in the scholarship explanation as she turned her attention back to Dawn. "You were scoping her triple loop. Why?"
Buffy's frown deepened, and she spoke firmly, coming to her sister's defense. "Look, lady. You don't talk to her like she's some criminal. I was trying to find you to make sure it was alright. This is indeed for a physics scholarship. Unlike you, I can't afford to send Dawn to college. That means she needs a scholarship."
Tina appeared to consider Buffy's words for a moment, and then she called out to a young guy who was repairing one of the bleacher seats. "Teddy! Come down here!"
Teddy, a burly figure with a massive wrench in hand, made his way toward them, his expression curious. Tina instructed him firmly, "Keep her here," motioning toward Dawn. "I'm going to talk to Ms. Summers alone for a moment."
Tina and Buffy then ascended the stairs and entered Tina's office. Once inside, Tina got straight to the point. "I'm not going to call the cops. The rink is closed from six in the morning until ten for private practice. The girls down there are training for the Regional Championships."
Buffy nodded in understanding. "I get it. When I was 14, I actually trained for the Regionals myself. You're worried that another coach could film your skaters and then use that information to improve their own."
Tina's expression softened slightly. "You got it. So, you skated?"
Buffy nodded with a nostalgic smile. "Ten years ago."
"In California, right?" Tina asked, her memory taking her back. About ten years ago, when she was 25, she had been living in California. She remembered the 1994 Regional competition. She had been in the adult level competition but had seen some of the junior level competition between her long and short programs and had even caught a glimpse of Buffy's long program on TV.
Tina and Buffy walked out of the office, each with their respective missions. Tina approached the rink, while Buffy made her way over to Dawn, determination in her eyes.
"Need to talk to the parents," Buffy said to Dawn, her voice a mix of caution and assurance.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
As the practice session came to an end, two parents, Tiffany's dad and Nikki's mom, had come in, their eyes fixed suspiciously on Dawn. The atmosphere was tense, and Dawn knew she needed to explain her presence and her project.
Taking a deep breath, Dawn attempted to tell them what she wanted to do for her physics project. "I am applying for a physics scholarship for college. I want to film the skaters and see if a unified theory emerges. I'll enter the data into my Willow program and—"
"What program?" Nikki's mom interrupted; her voice sharp with curiosity.
"A high-level software for creating and editing three-dimensional graphics and animation created by a friend of my sister's named Willow Rosenberg, and named after her," Dawn explained patiently. "With this, I can study things like the inference angle of the blade entering a jump and its effects on velocity and height—"
"No," Nikki's mom broke in again, her tone unyielding. "The only authorized film footage of Nikki appears on her Web site. I charge people ten-ninety-five a month to watch her lutz. We got ten thousand hits last month."
"And ninety-eight hundred of them were you," Tiffany's dad chimed in with a playful grin. Nikki's mom, however, responded with a withering glare.
"None of this footage will ever be seen outside the scholarship committee," Dawn assured them, her voice carrying a sincere tone. She handed over the letter from her teacher explaining the assignment, her driver's license, and the letters of reference from her babysitting experiences back in Sunnydale.
Nikki's mom, though still skeptical, nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible. We'll have the Team Nikki legal team check this out." With that, she turned and left, leaving Dawn with a glimmer of hope.
Tiffany's dad, however, issued a stern warning. "No talking to my daughter," he cautioned firmly. "She's training. No distractions."
"Not a word. No," Dawn promised, her determination unwavering.
Buffy approached Dawn, her smile filled with pride. "You did well, Dawnie," she said, patting her sister's shoulder.
Gen had skated up and come off the ice, her demeanor less guarded. "Look, I don't care if you're here. If you post me on the school Web site falling on my butt, you better transfer to another school," Gen quipped, her sense of humor breaking through the tension.
February 15, 2004, Sunday
Harwood Rink
The next morning, Buffy drove Dawn to the rink super early once again. Dawn's enthusiasm was palpable as she began filming Tiffany doing an amazing spiral sequence. Gen spun so fast that she became a blur of movement, and Nikki's jumps were nothing short of awe-inspiring.
At one point, Dawn became so engrossed in what she was doing that she inadvertently stepped out onto the ice to get a better shot. Immediately, a stern voice shouted at her. "Hey! No street shoes on the ice!"
Dawn looked over at Buffy, who hadn't noticed her sister's momentary lapse. "Sorry," Buffy said, her voice filled with understanding. "I should have said something. But it's a good thing I came prepared." She reached into the bag and pulled out her old pair of skates.
Dawn's face lit up with a grateful smile as she quickly laced up the skates and returned to the ice with the camcorder in hand. It turned out to be a fortunate turn of events because Dawn found that she could capture the film footage she needed more effectively when she was closer to the action. She skated around the girls and in between them, filming from every angle.
Teddy, who had been observing the scene, came up beside Buffy. "She's a natural," he remarked with a nod of approval.
Buffy nodded in agreement, a mixture of pride and concern in her eyes. "I know, I just wish I could afford to pay for her to take some lessons. I've taught her everything I know, which is all a decade old."
April 10, 2004, Saturday
Harwood Rink
Dawn was diligently filming Gen in the middle of a graceful spin, she suddenly became distracted and lost her balance, tumbling unceremoniously onto the ice. Dawn's heart sank, fearing that she'd be blamed for the disruption.
However, to her surprise, it was Tina who shouted up at a guy standing in the bleachers. "Brian! She's training! You know the rules!" Her tone was stern, but it wasn't directed at Dawn.
Looking up at him, Dawn recognized Gen's boyfriend. Brian held up something in a wrapper. "I brought her a burger, Mrs. H," he explained.
"Gen can't eat that," Tina replied, her concern for her skater's diet evident.
Gen, undeterred, got up and skated over to Tina. "Come on, I'm burning tons of calories."
Tina remained firm. "Not enough."
With a hopeful expression, Gen bargained, "A half-hour?"
"Not if you want to win," Tina refused again, her commitment to Gen's training unwavering.
Brian, undeterred by the exchange, called out, "Hey, Mrs. Harwood, you should coach our basketball team. We could use a kick in the butt."
Tina's temper flared. "If you don't leave this instant, that's exactly what you'll get!" she shouted back at him, her focus firmly on her skater's practice.
Brian complied and left the rink, leaving Gen to resume her training under her mother's watchful eye.
Tina didn't seem concerned about her daughter's potential anger. "I do not want him coming here during practice, do you hear me?" she told Gen with a firm tone.
"But I never get to see him!" Gen argued, her frustration evident. "Every other girl I know..."
"You're not like the other girls, Gennifer," Tina insisted. "Winners make sacrifices."
Gen, feeling the pressure, retorted, "Maybe they just cheat."
Tina's sharp gaze shifted as she noticed that Dawn had the camera pointed at her and Gen. "Turn that off!" she commanded, her authority firm.
Dawn blanched at the rebuke, quickly complying. "Sorry," she mumbled, realizing she had unintentionally captured a moment of tension between mother and daughter.
May 7, 2004, Friday
Summers Home
Dawn spent hours feeding images into her computer program and meticulously studying them. With her knowledge of physics, she had done her best to apply formulas to the skaters' movements. She worked diligently on her project, creating graphs, including complex formulas, and digital images to support her findings. However, when the time came to hand it over to Ann for review, she couldn't shake her nervousness.
That evening, Buffy and Dawn invited Ann over for dinner. While they enjoyed their meal, Ann carefully read through Dawn's project report. Dawn couldn't help but be anxious as she watched Ann's reactions. "The conclusion is too simplistic, isn't it?" she asked anxiously. "The kinetic energy in a jump equals half the skater's mass times velocity squared minus–"
Buffy shook her head, cutting Dawn off with a bemused smile. "If that is simple, then it's over my head, Dawn."
Ann joined in the lighthearted moment, smiling warmly. "I have to agree with your sister. I don't know if it's simplistic or not. I could barely understand it!"
Dawn looked at Ann, puzzled by her response. Then, an uneasy expression came into Ann's eyes. Dawn had come to know Ann quite well over the months since she and Buffy had moved to Millbrook, and she sensed that Ann was about to deliver some constructive criticism. "I don't know if they'll care," Ann began cautiously, "but it's just a little bit… dry."
Dawn knew Ann was right, even though she didn't want to hear it. "A little dry," she repeated Ann's words. "Mr. Bast said to make it personal. How do I do that?"
Ann shrugged, offering her perspective. "I don't know. Put more of 'you' in it."
Buffy chimed in, remembering Willow's advice. "Remember what Willow said. Put yourself into the experiment."
Dawn pondered the suggestion to infuse more of herself into her project. She was already on the ice, right there with the skaters. If there was any more of her in the project, she'd have to actually perform the moves herself.
Then, a sudden realization struck her, and her eyes widened with excitement. That was it! She'd do the moves herself! "Buffy, how much does a skating lesson cost?" she asked, her voice filled with determination.
Buffy let out a thoughtful sigh. "Several hundred, at least. It's been several years since I skated, remember. And with inflation, it will likely cost more today than it did when I skated. I'll drive you by the rink, and you can ask Mrs. Harwood. But if you want to take lessons, I can only pay a small portion, maybe a hundred or two. You're going to have to get a part-time job for the rest."
Dawn's excitement didn't waver. She was determined to make her project personal and unique, and she was willing to put in the effort, both on the ice and off, to achieve it.
May 8, 2004, Saturday
Harwood Rink
The next morning, Buffy drove Dawn to the rink, determined to help her pursue her new plan for the project. They caught up with Tina in the rink's parking lot. Buffy had just barely parked when Dawn, brimming with eagerness, jumped out of the car and approached Tina.
"Excuse me, Tina..." Dawn began, her voice filled with determination.
Tina turned and looked at Dawn, her expression curious.
"Is there any way I could take a few lessons?" Dawn asked, her words laced with hope and a burning desire to immerse herself in skating. "I think I might be able to write a little better about some of these principles if I'm the one actually applying them, so if there's any way-"
Tina interrupted Dawn, her response direct and to the point. "Fine," she said, cutting to the chase. "We're starting a novice-level class for the summer session. That's three afternoons a week, eight hundred dollars."
Dawn's eyes widened at the cost, and she looked back at Buffy, who was waiting in the car, her concern evident. "Eight hundred dollars!" Buffy sighed as she heard the figure.
Dawn turned back to Tina, her determination undeterred. "Well, I don't need a whole session. It would be really cool if I could, like, work on my form for a single loop and maybe a lutz."
Tina couldn't help but be amused by Dawn's request. "It doesn't work like that," she explained with a chuckle. "You can't just order one from Column A and one from Column B." She continued walking to her car, and Dawn followed, still hopeful.
"You're not a bad skater," Tina remarked, her tone softening. "Let me know if you change your mind."
"When does the class start?" Dawn asked, her mind already racing, trying to figure out how she could gather the money in time.
"In two weeks. I expect your payment for the class no later than the day before," Tina replied, setting a clear deadline.
Dawn nodded in acknowledgment. "Thanks." She turned and walked back to Buffy's car, her thoughts focused on the challenge ahead. She knew she had to find a part-time job quickly to make this opportunity possible.
Inside the car, Dawn turned to her sister with a hint of worry. "Know anyone who's hiring?"
Buffy smiled reassuringly and got out of the car, approaching Tina, who had reached the door. "Mrs. Harwood, a moment, please?"
Tina turned to Buffy with curiosity. "Ah, Ms. Summers. How can I help you?"
"To be able to afford your classes, Dawn will have to work a part-time job. Do you have an opening, maybe in the concession stand?" Buffy inquired. "She works for you, and you can take the cost of the class out of her pay."
Tina considered the proposal for a moment. "That might work. And if she doesn't have the full eight hundred by the time class starts, she keeps working until it is paid off."
Buffy smiled in gratitude. "Thank you." She turned and got back in her car, ready to deliver the news to Dawn. "All taken care of, Dawnie. You will work in the concession stand for Mrs. Harwood. She will deduct the cost of the class from your wages. If it's not paid off by the start of class, you'll continue to work until it is paid off."
Dawn's face lit up with relief and gratitude as she hugged her sister tightly. "Thanks, Buffy." With the financial obstacle now addressed, she felt a renewed sense of excitement and determination to embark on her skating lessons and enhance her project.
May 15, 2004, Saturday
Harwood Rink
It was Dawn's first day working behind the counter of the concession stand at the rink, and Tina was there to show her the ropes. Tina wanted to emphasize the importance of this opportunity, saying, "Your sister went to great lengths to make sure you could take that class, Dawn. So, I expect only the best from you."
Dawn nodded earnestly, determined to meet Tina's expectations. "Of course, Mrs. Harwood."
Tina continued with some additional information, "You can keep your tips if you have any. If you want to use them to pay for the class, that is up to you. But they will be yours to keep."
Dawn acknowledged the arrangement with a simple, "That's fine."
With the instructions given, Tina turned and left the concession stand, leaving Dawn to open the windows and begin her first day on the job, motivated by the prospect of funding her skating lessons and making her physics project more personal and meaningful.
Gen, Nikki, and Tiffany approached the concession stand, and Gen couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing here?"
Dawn explained with a hint of excitement, "Um… working, for my science project."
Gen raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Aren't you going a little overboard with this project?" she inquired.
Dawn, still committed to her endeavor, replied, "Well… I'm completely committed to it, just like you guys are committed to your skating."
Nikki, focused on her hunger, disregarded the conversation about the project. "I'm starving. BLT here, hold the B, heavy on the L."
Tiffany, speaking softly, gave Dawn her specific order, "Beef patty, no bun, squish it till it's dry."
Gen, with her own dietary preferences, ordered, "Salad for me. Just put in iceberg lettuce, half a cup of garbanzo beans, and a lemon wedge. Since it's Saturday, I'll splurge and say add a quarter cup of cheese to the salad."
As Dawn prepared their orders, Nikki couldn't resist teasing Gen about her love for cheese. "Ooh cheese," she playfully remarked, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Dawn listened to their conversation while assembling the food, feeling like an unnoticed presence behind the counter. Gen's worried expression caught her attention as she mentioned her skating troubles. "I don't know what's wrong. I'm popping my lutz," Gen confided, her concern evident.
Nikki, always the one to inject humor into the situation, couldn't resist making a joke. "It's all that cheese you've been eating," she quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
Tiffany's solemn response, however, painted a different picture. "My father noticed I gained," she said sadly, her voice filled with disappointment and frustration. "He says I'm not serious enough. I've got to focus more."
Nikki's incredulous reaction added a touch of disbelief to the conversation, "He noticed a quarter pound?" She couldn't quite grasp the severity of Tiffany's situation.
Tiffany nodded, her expression revealing her inner turmoil. "He says I'm not serious enough. I've got to focus more. I heard Zoey Bloch's been sticking a quad."
Gen chimed in with some skepticism, clearly not a fan of Zoey's antics, "That's a rumor, and she probably started it herself."
Nikki, feeling the weight of the figure skating world's drama, complained, "It's kind of early in the season for stupid head games."
Gen added another layer to the intrigue surrounding Zoey, "Not for Zoey. She stole Chantal DeGroat's skates at the regionals."
Nikki, eager for gossip, leaned in further, "Re-ally? I heard it was her mother who did it."
Dawn, their silent observer, finally delivered their orders with a sense of apprehension. They took their food without a word of thanks, leaving her feeling somewhat invisible. Gen, the only one who addressed her, did so with a complaint about the cheese, picking most of it out of the bowl.
