Page 5 of Once Upon A Snowfall
It’s hard to see the driver from where I’m sitting but talk about a nice person. I wish there was some way to properly thank him, but how does one go about doing so without looking even more ridiculous? It’s not like I can buy him a coffee or a hot chocolate, considering how he came to my rescue in this brutally cold weather, but the poor guy must really think I’m a klutz.
I shift in my seat and pull the blanket he brought me up to my chin. I knew I should’ve listened to everyone back home when they advised me to dress in layers. I can already tell that I didn’t come close to packing enough warm clothes. I guess I’ll figure something out once I reach the place the bus is going.
I stare out the window in awe. I’ve never seen so much white fluff in all my life.
I pull out my phone and snap a couple pictures to send to Madi. I’m still sad she’s not here.
“Look at all this snow.” I include in the text to her. “It’s whiter than your beach sand.”
A few seconds later, she sends a reply. “Stop! It’s gorgeous!”
The bus finally begins to move and I grab onto the armrest as it winds its way through a couple sharp turns. In some places, the snow and frozen slush is pushed off the side of the road and in massive heaps higher than the bus. Its dirty brown and looks as though it’s been thru several rounds of thawing and refreezing. I don’t know how often they have to tend to the roads, but I wouldn’t want to be out in it if I didn’t have to.
As we get further and further away from the city, the bus begins to slow, to the point where it’s hardly creeping along. I begin to wonder if we’re going to make it, considering how much snow is coming down now. If it gets too bad, won’t he pull over?
We’re down to two lanes now and I can’t help feeling we’re the only vehicle out here. I feel my breath hitch in my throat with each curve we take. Deep gorges on one side of the road one minute, followed by mountains so high I’m unable to see where they disappear into the clouds. Madi would be in awe as much as I am right now.
My phone chirps an hour later with a message from her.
“Not sure if you’ve made it to Tahoe yet, but I managed to get a rental booked. Unfortunately, it’s won’t be available for pick up until tomorrow. And even then, it’s questionable if the roads will be in any kind of shape for driving. From what I’m being told, it’s even worse there than the airport. ”
My stomach begins to knot the more I read of her text. I knew this wasn’t going to go as planned. That something like this was going to come up.
“I went ahead and booked you a room at the hotel. I know, don’t be mad at me, but I’m worried about you being there by yourself. The hotel did say you could extend your stay if you need to but I’m hoping you’ll be able to get to the cabin with no issues. Annie, I feel terrible, but I had no way of knowing things were going to turn out this way. From what I can see online, the hotel seems to be really nice and there’s quite a few places where you can get yourself something to eat. Order room service, if you’d like. I’m taking care of it for you, just make sure to have it charged to the room. I love you, sis. Let me know when you make it there.”
I look up and blink the moisture from my eyes. My sister really is the best and I owe her for looking out for me.
Chapter Six
Brent
We’re only a few miles away from Tahoe and my fingers ache from clenching the steering wheel so tightly. This has probably been some of the worst conditions I’ve ever driven in. If I had to do it all over again, I’d stay put in Reno. There were parts of the road I couldn’t tell which lane I was even in.
The bus is unusually quiet and I wonder if everyone is on pins and needles just like me.
I let out a sigh of relief as soon as I spot the sign for the casino up ahead. I look down at the time on the dash—exactly two hours and twenty-three minutes since I drove away from the airport. Unbelievable!
I pull thru the back entrance and up beside the bus Uncle Barry was driving earlier. I’m sure he’s been worried sick. He rushes out to the sidewalk as soon as he sees us, a thick scarf draped around his neck and his heavy coat fastened tightly around him. A representative from the casino walks up beside him, a clipboard pressed against her chest. She steps inside once I’m parked and runs through a couple of announcements for all the guests. I join my uncle and we begin to pull the luggage fromunderneath the bus. I don’t think it’s fully hit me just how bad the conditions were.
We’re here now and that’s what matters. Safe.
I recognize the suitcase with the red and green ribbon tied to the handle and pull it out before my uncle has a chance to grab it first. When I turn around, I spot its owner standing on the edge of the sidewalk. I wheel it over to her, leaving the handle in the upright position.
“I think this belongs to you.” I pull one of my gloves off to undo my jacket. As crazy as it sounds, I’ve actually worked up a sweat unloading all the luggage.
“Why, thank you very much.” She hesitates for a moment, as though she has something more she’d like to say.
I sort of feel the same way. Why? I’m not sure, because other than knowing she was supposed to meet her sister, I really don’t know the first thing about her. Rather than stand here looking awkward, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “I hope you enjoy your stay here.”
“By the way, I’m Annie,” she says and extends her hand.
“Annie, it’s nice to officially meet you.” I take her hand in mind and give it a gentle shake.
“And you are?”
This time, it’s my turn to feel embarrassed. “Brent. Brent Holcomb. May I ask how you’re feeling? I know the bus ride wasn’t exactly the smoothest.”
“Eh, I’m a little stiff, but I’ll live.”
