Chapter Eleven

Annie

When Madi and I first started to plan this trip, I knew we'd see a lot of snow, but I never imagined it would be anything like this. I understand why so many people have to wear sunshades when they're outdoors—it's almost blinding how white it is. I bring my hand up to my brow to shield the sun and look up at the mountains. I'm in complete awe. From here, the trees look so tiny, but I know they're far from being small.

"There's the lift over there," Brent points to a building where the gondolas are making their way up the side of the mountain.

"Oh, no, I'm not going up there," I quickly admit, taking a couple steps backwards. "No way are you getting me in one of those things."

"Uh oh, someone's not scared of heights, are they?"

"Maybe," I admit without meeting his gaze.

"It takes about thirty minutes to get all the way to the top."

"Thirty minutes?" I repeat because it doesn't look like it should take that long at all. "Just exactly how far is it?"

"Two and a half miles, but yeah, it's quite a ride. If you think the view is nice here, imagine what it looks like from up there."

I notice several people walk by us carrying skis and wearing funny looking boots. Just as Brent had pointed out before, they almost look like they're wearing water repellant suits, except these are quite a bit thicker.

"Must be hard to walk in those things," I say, nodding towards the ground. "They sound funny against the sidewalk too."

I begin to shiver and I feel like my nose is close to breaking off my face. As much as I'd like to stand here and take in everything, I know it's time to head back inside.

"I'm not sure what all you brought with you, but there's several places that'll allow you to rent jumpsuits and boots. That is, if you'd like to spend more time outdoors."

Only if you'll promise to be my tour guide, I think to myself.

"I'll give it some thought. Right now, I want to find someplace warm." I blow into my gloves, but my warm breath does very little for my frozen fingers.

Brent slows to a stop in the hotel lobby and begins to fidget with the zipper on his coat. "Thank you for spending the morning with me."

I lean over and give him a hug. "And I'd like to thank you as well. You helped turn a bad situation into something enjoyable."

"I should probably see if I can keep my room for another night," he says.

"Yeah, I need to check on that too. They mentioned it wouldn't be a problem, I just needed to let them know. Hey, look over there." I chuckle and point to a man with a long white beard and grayish-white hair. "He looks like a real-life Santa."

"You know, I think that's the same gentleman that was on the bus yesterday. If it's not him, he's definitely got a twin."

I don't want him to catch us staring so I turn around and face Brent. "If you do end up staying and you need someone to keep you company, you know my room number. Call me."

I walk to the window and stare out for the longest time. There's just so much to see and take in. The parking garage sits off to the left and I'm blown away that the top level is completely filled with snow. It's crazy to think that much has fallen, preventing anyone from being able to park their cars there. Over by the stairway, someone has crunched around in the snow, leaving a set of tracks similar to that of a bird prancing around on a sandy beach. It's no wonder so many people come here.

After a nice long soak in the tub, I feel much warmer than I did earlier. There was one point, my fingers and toes were so cold, I could hardly feel them. It's mind boggling people are able to get out in this and not freeze to death.

I curl up on the sofa, while a fresh cup of coffee is brewing over on the counter. In the meantime, I send several photos to Madi, promising to take more over the coming days. "I simply can't put into words how beautiful and white everything is. Love you."

My eyes become heavy and I slip into a nap, forgetting all about the cup of coffee I just made.

Two hours later, I sit up and stretch my arms over my head. I suppose the excitement and nervousness from yesterday's events finally caught up with me. I feel quite refreshed now, not to mention a bit toasty from having the heat cranked up. In fact, it's almost stifling.

I walk over to the phone and punch in the number to connect me to Brent's room. His voice is almost groggy, as though he's been asleep too.

"Hi, I hope I didn't wake you." I pray he doesn't detect the hint of nervousness in my tone.

"Not at all. I'm kicked back, watching a little television," he says.

"You mentioned earlier about there being some retail shops close by. Could you give me an idea which way I need to go."

Brent pauses for a moment. "I could go with you," he suggests. "If you'd like some company."

It was exactly the reply I was hoping for.