Page 13 of Ski You Later
There’s no movement in the house as I look through the window, so I decide to take in the surrounding area. The whole neighbourhood has a peaceful and quiet energy, with a light dusting of snow making it look even more cute. The trees caked in fluffy snow makes me smile and I watch as the birds jump from branch to branch.
We had a huge dumping of snow over the weekend, and I’m surprised to see the shovelled walkway of the Huxley house. I quickly text Aurora that we need to shovel our drive, as well as deal with the wicked patch of black ice at the bottom of our stairs.
Just as I add melting salt to our grocery list, the sound of steps approaching the door catches my attention.
A rustling of locks turning causes my back to straighten, and I grip my banana loaf against my chest. The door cracks open a sliver, and all I can see is an eye peeking out.
“Who are you,” a deep voice questions from the other side of the door.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I think I have the wrong house.” Giving them a smile and a wave as I turn to leave their property.
“Wait, what kind of loaf is that?” The voice asks, curiosity lacing his tone as he keeps the door open a crack.
“Banana,” I say warily. The strange person quickly closes the door to take off the deadbolt.
A very dishevelled Landon opens the door, his blonde hair sticking up in all directions as he focuses on the loaf in my hands.
“Landon, why didn’t you open the door for me?” I wouldn’t say that Landon and I are the best of friends, but I thought he knew who I was.
“Come in,” he says as he completely ignores my question, and walks into his house.
I quickly shuffle in behind, removing my platform boots and giant white jacket at the door. Strolling down their long hallway, I enter into a house that closely resembles mine. But, where my home is filled with soft light and decorations, theirs is starkly plain.
Sports gear is lying on every surface, from skis to race suits, all of it’s laid out against their walls and chairs. Their kitchen is significantly bigger than ours, with protein powder bottles and snacks littering the entire space. Lastly, their living room houses multiple leather couches that are dispersed around the television set.
As I survey the space, I almost miss the fact that Xander’s lying on the floor. Then before I can blink, Landon slides down to lie next to him.
“Hi Rhodes! Give us a minute, would yeah?” Xander waves at me from the floor and then stares intently at the ceiling.
The guys are wearing matching outfits, both fitted in fuzzy blue hoodies that reaches to their calves.
“Ready!” Landon yells.
“3.”
“2.”
“1.”
“GO!” They shout in unison as they both throw a handful of gummies into the air. Candy flies in every direction as each boy keeps their mouth wide open.
Xander looks exactly like Roman as he lies on the floor, but as I look closer, it’s easier to see the differences to his brother. Where Roman’s features are on the harsher side, Xander’s are very soft, and all mesh well with each other. He also shares the same deep brown eyes as Roman, but then lacks the natural curls of his hair.
Saying that, as they lie on the floor next to each other, the contrast between these two is as stark as ever. Landon’s skin is several shades darker than his brothers but lacks any of that in his hair. That almost black quality to Roman and Xander’s hair makes Landon’s look even more blonde.
“How many did you catch?” Landon asks Xander with his mouth full, so I can only assume he caught some.
“Your aim sucks, so I couldn’t catch any!” Xander yells at him, punching Landon’s arm.
“You didn’t catch any because you suck at this game,” Landon retorts.
I can tell they’re going to start fighting, so I quickly remind them that I’m still here. “Hey, sorry to interrupt.”
Their gazes both whip towards me, surprise flaring in their eyes. “I was just wondering if Roman’s home?” I ask and smile sweetly. I hope they give me an answer quick because they’re being really weird, and I have better things to do today.
“Oh shit, sorry Rhodes.” Xander jumps up and then extends a hand for Landon. “I have some terrible news for you; Roman’s not here.”
I can’t help but frown at this; I really wanted to get this over with fast. I planned to bring him this apology loaf, tell him I’m sorry, and promptly leaving.
