[18+]
College student Hadley Bell is eager to return home for the holidays, but there's a problem. Her ex-no. 44 Nick Baker, Professional Snocross Racer and member of the Bell Race Team, still resides under her parent's roof.
Tensions run high, and...
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Family photography wasn't my area of expertise. Normally, I'd be on the court snapping shots of the college sports teams for the school paper or on a snocross track catching riders rip around every berm, but I agreed to a quick twenty-minute session for my roommate Janelle's older sister before I caught my flight back home. To the very destination, I'd run from and had been avoiding for the last six months.
A sharp gust of wind tangled through my hair, blowing shards of ice crystals in my face as I lowered my camera and took in the scene.
The far-off mountains created the perfect backdrop behind the three-person family, the frozen river cutting through the city pure magic, but it was a little cold for the rosy-cheeked two-year-old standing before the outdoor rink in his adorable hockey skates. "How do you feel about a few photos by the tree?" I asked Jessica, hoping she wouldn't object as I pointed toward a beautifully decorated spruce.
She twisted her body, revealing the ever-growing bump beneath her red peacoat—their second, soon-to-be-born baby. "Are you sure you have time?" she replied, squinting green eyes against the wind.
Technically no, I was due to catch my flight, and I promised The Gateway–the school paper–that I'd take a few shots of the hockey team before I took off, but–"I'm sure. Dallas isn't here yet." He was late again. And totally screwed up my plans of telling him about the ex back home. The ex that still lived in my parents' guest house and would likely be there when Dallas and I arrived.
My stomach squirmed, though I must have hidden my annoyance well because Jessica arched a mischievous brow at the mention of my boyfriend's name. "Alright then."
She turned, ushering her frozen husband to the ice path wending through the trees.
I hurried behind, nearly falling face-first into the snow on my way over—my frozen legs giving way and my ankle-high boots collecting snow, but I'd do anything for a good shot, even if it meant freezing my ass off.
The little family set themselves up before the tree, completely unaware of the anxious thoughts bombarding my consciousness.
I didn't exactly leave home on good terms—my parents were fine with the move and wholly supportive, but everyone else...
I swallowed hard, not wanting to dwell on the argument that occurred between Baker and I before I left or the things that were said. I hadn't been home in months because of it, and I might have come up with another excuse as to why I couldn't fly back for the holidays, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't lonesome.
My back pocket vibrated, and I quickly took out my phone, noting the alarm.
Where the hell was Dallas? I jabbed my thumbs against the screen–my camera hanging from the strap around my neck. Maybe it wasn't my family I was worried about confronting. Maybe it was the one I was texting and the fears I'd gathered around bringing him home to meet them. To meet him.
