[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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The trip wasn't as bad as I thought. Thanks to the courtesy of our neighbours and the snowcat Baker took out this morning, the trail was relatively smooth, and I didn't have to hold on to him for dear life.
I sat comfortably as Baker glided through shafts of warm afternoon light. Along open trails deliciously carved through dense forests of cedar and spruce.
I loved it here—in the cold, untouched wild that was my home.
While I liked the steady bustle of the city and the convenience it provided, I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the forest.
I willed my body to be still as I lifted my camera—taking video after video of the trail, of Baker in his helmet, and Austin and Wolf in the back.
Baker had been kind enough to stop for a shrieking Austin who threatened his very life if he didn't stop, letting the entire forest know he desperately needed to pee. I laughed, appreciating the time I'd been granted to dig out my camera.
I forgot how therapeutic it was just to shoot. To not have to worry about angles, lighting, and perfect shots. It was nice to just be still among the sky-scraping trees and jagged mountain peaks.
Baker sat, pointing to a trail that led to a short, albeit steep hill with the most incredible ledge that overlooked the lake. "Do you want to stop?"
I only had a few seconds to make my decision and glanced behind. "What about the sleigh?" I reverted, yelling over the wind and the machine.
For a moment, he was quiet—contemplating. "We can come back," he answered, twisting as much as he could to address me. "After we unload the cargo."
I laughed and would have given anything to carve through old trails at blazing speeds like we used to, but asked, "What about the light?"
"Never stopped us before."
No, it didn't, but— "It'll be too dark to take photos."
We passed the Y, forgoing our chance and Baker said, "We'll come back tomorrow if you want. Before sun-up."
My heart blossomed, and I smiled secretly beneath my helmet, knowing he'd drag my ass out of bed at 5 am if it meant me getting a good shot. "We'll see."
We approached the lake, its entrance an open mouth that led to a vast mirror rimmed in jagged teeth, and that's where we found the others.
I adjusted as Baker slowed to a stop, getting their ridiculous situation on film. "What happened?" He chuckled as he killed the sled, leaving nothing but the sounds of sparing trees and gusts of wind. That is till Austin's roaring laugh barked through the forest. I couldn't help laughing. It was loud enough to wake a sleeping bear.
I hid my amusement in my helmet as Nate glowered from the front of his sled. Waist deep in soft snow.
Luke snapped, "Prick. Get out of the sleigh and help," he demanded as he bent to unhook the tipped sleigh from the welded tow hitch. "You too." Addressing Baker.
