|| LOVE AT THE LODGE ||

CHAPTER TWO - DAY 2 - "Cold and icey"

My alarm went off at 5:30 AM sharp. The lifts open at 7am, and last year I would roll out of bed at 6:30, put on my gear, grabe a granola bar and head out just in time to get the first lift. Not this year, Jack had only ever seen me in my norml hand-me-downs. Not this year, and after yesterday, it was clear he wanted something to do with me..right? I got out of bed, taking off my long silk peter alexander pajamas, folded them up and slid them in neatly. I sat down at my new desk and I looked in the mirror. It took me 30 minutes to finnish my face, and just as I put on my last layer of mascarra, I heard the rest of the houses alarms waking them at 6:00AM. I begun putting on my layers, one by one, starting with my thermals, Lulu Lemon layers, and a wooly fleece. I pulled on my black ski pants overtop, and zipped up my blue ski jacket. My slut strands pulled out, accompanied by two plaits, sitting on my shoulders. I smiled in the mirror, finally admitting it to myself, "This could easily catch the attention of Jack" I hyped myself up with some happy hands. The lodge buzzed with activity as the family prepared for their day on the slopes. My brother, Max, appeared at my door, all bundled up in ski gear. "Ready to hit the slopes, Milly?" he asked, a mischievous grin on his face. I nodded, unable to hide my excitement, both for the adventurous day ahead, and the thought of talking to Jack once again "Definitely, Max. Let's go!" I replied eagerly. We joined my parents in the kitchen for a quick breakfast of vegemite toast, before clicking into our skis. My heart raced as we traversed with our skis on across the agonizing flat road. The anticipation was almost unbearable- "oh shitt." Max interrupted my thought train with his exclaim. I rolled my eyes and Jack laughed, "That's what you get for choosing the snowboard." Jack remarked. Max was trudging along, one foot strapped into his board, the other helplessly trying to pull his body weight across the snow. Me and Jack clange out poles, taunting Max at how easy it was to maneuver with them. We finally made it to the lift, and jumped on, eager to begin...

I watched as Jack effortlessly glided down the slopes, his ski skills unmatched. It was as if every year he got closer and closer to being in the bloody olympics. However, I was determined to keep up with him, even if it meant pushing herself to the limit. Throughout the day, Jack and I found ourselves skiing side by side, I tried to start races with him, or engage in some playful banter, but he was colder than ice towards me. We ran a couple of blues, just me, Max, and Jack. Usually we'd be hitting at least blacks by now, but because of Max insisting on using the snowboard, we had to stick to relatively easier stuff. Whilst Max was stuck up the top, I tried talking to Jack, but it was back to the stupid:

 "Hows your day Jack?" "fine" "How's school?" "fine" 

It's like we took 1 step forward 3 steps back. I was so frustrated, all my efforts this morning and nothing. I angrily skied off to where we were meant to be meeting for lunch. I was so thankful to get off and out of my jacket, and couldn't wait to sit down and eat. I ordered a hot chocolate in a secluded booth in a corner, and just as it came, Max and Jack arrived. The communal table begun to fill with food as they sat down. "What took you so long Maxxy?" Mum asked, embarrassed Max responded whilst Jack tried to hold his laughter in "Nothing, Jack got stuck." Max responded. "DUDE? We both know you were having a breakdown at the top of that hill." jack rolled his eyes. I sat down next to mum, trying my hardest not to make contact with Jack. I just continued on with the rest of my day, trying to not let it bother me. Lunch was delicious and the weather was perfect for an outside meal. It was fun and I found myself laughing and forgetting all about him. Once again we geared up and I headed out with Mum and Dad this time. We hit some black runs and finished off with a double black diamond, we skied for an extra 3 hours and decided to head back before our legs fell off. We took the village chair back up to the square and begun the dreaded trek home. Finally, after what felt like a year, we made it. I dumped my equipment outside in the ski-holders, and unzipped my jacket, hanging it in the mud room. Banging the leftover snow out of my boots and taking my feet out was so relieving. 

I got out of the warm shower, and did my skincare, rubbing off my makeup and the stupid reminder of Jack. I sat by the fireplace in the downstairs living room, and my mum handed me a cup of hot chocolate. My parents and Max then retreated to their rooms, leaving me alone with Jack by the fire. We sat in awkward silence, basking in the warmth and glow of the crackling flames. I could see his toned body through his wet shirt, we glanced at each other, and he cracked a devilish smile, "Why do you keep looking at me?" he cocked his head to the side, taunting me. I blushed, embarrassed. I couldn't believe I'd let him get to me. Before I could respond, Max comes into the room, beckoning for Jack to come play GTA with him, for a moment, I watched jack's hard exterior crack, as he showed disappointment. He covered it up, returning to his usual cocky self within a millisecond. I went to bed that night, confused at the way Jack had been acting, flirtatious when we were alone, but cold and icey when we were with my family..