Holly head Slopes

Chapter thirty-three

MASON'S POV

New Year's Eve had crept around quickly. I'd spent the strange days between Christmas and New Year with the Hughes. I consumed more than double my weight in food and, even better, had Abi for nearly a week.

It had only dawned on me that winter break was nearly over when I saw the last entry reminder of the Hollyhead winter competition online.

My own event idea, something I had always looked forward to since childhood, had slipped my mind this year. I was supposed to attend and hand out prizes. But, for the first time in years, I had the urge to compete.

I had taken Abi's little cousins on the slopes a few times, had a session with Jordan on boxing day, and fell in love with it again.

Before I knew it, I had sent my entry in and started preparing for my first competition in years.

I told Abi I had some business and would see her later at the competition. Everyone on the mountain would attend; it was the season's last hurrah. It wasn't a total lie; I did have business. I had to warm up and get my head in the game, and I would see her there, except I would be wearing a number and shredding the slopes.

My retired red jersey stared at me when I opened my closet. It was always my favourite to compete in. I hadn't touched it since retirement, but that was about to change. I grabbed the rest of my kit and loaded my truck up.

One thing that always remained the same about me was my focus. I had zoned out of the world and was finely tuned into the competition. I felt the stares of the Hollyhead population. They were stunned to see me walk through the crowd and back to my rightful area of the other competitors.

"Holy shit." I heard my best friend, Clay, say as I joined him. "I never thought I'd see the day."

I smirked at his reaction. "Back to claim the top step on the podium." I confidently said. "It's about time you had some competition."

The crowd grew as time went on. The advanced category started last; we were the main event.

Clay had a very strong run. I was proud to see him apply himself rather than rely on his natural talent, which is extremely hypocritical, considering that I haven't trained properly for years. He'd upped his game since I had retired, so there was a strong chance he'd win this.

I was the last to be announced. I approached Mr Freeman, who held the mic, to introduce each competitor. He looked like he had seen a ghost when he saw my name on his announcement sheet.

"I never thought I'd have the pleasure to announce you again." He told me as Clay finished.

"Retirement was getting boring," I smirked.

"She's good for you, Son." He told me before reading out Clay's score. He's heard enough about Abi to know this was her influence.

Ninety-seven. That was tough to beat. If I got in the nineties, I'd be shocked.

"Our last competitor is a legend. After a long stint of retirement, he returns. The king of Hollyhead and the Half Pipe whisperer. Everybody, Mason Dugray." Mr Freeman announced.

The crowd erupted in applause and screams as I approached the half pipe.

Has it always been this steep?

I looked among the crowd before I lowered my visor. I had forgotten Abigail Hughes's magnetic pull on me because I instantly found her beautiful eyes. She had the biggest smile on her face as she clapped my name, but I could see her anxiety matching mine.

The clock started counting down and snapped me out of my trance. It was time to retire my retirement.

I rolled my shoulders back before jumping off the edge. The adrenaline rushed through me like a shot to my veins. I was back, baby.

My old tricks returned like a second language. The routine flowed just as smoothly as before. I threw out backflips and twists that were impossible for most without a thought. The world was silent, and my body was free. But when I heard the countdown, I decided it was all or nothing.

Triple cork!

A trick that was so easy to fuck up an entire clean run. There would be appreciation for the attempt but extreme glory for the success. I felt like I was moving in slow motion as I flipped. My heart pounded like a marching drum. It was reckless to attempt. I hadn't trained, but it was perfect.

I landed it!

As I heard the buzzer signal my finish, I felt overwhelmed with success. When I slowed down, I covered my visor with my hands. I had missed the post-run feeling more than I realised.

The crowd exploded when I returned to their level. But the only person I cared about was Abi.

I ran over and hugged her like I hadn't seen her in a lifetime. She was my inspiration, the credit for my performance, and the owner of my heart.

"You're incredible, Dugray." She exclaimed as she gripped my layered body.

"I thought my girlfriend should see me compete at least once."

Her eyes widened at my response. "Girlfriend?" She questioned.

"If you'd do me the honour?" I chuckled in my breathless state. She didn't hesitate to kiss me like the world was ending. If I could bottle up a moment in time, it would be this.

"The king has returned for his crown. With a perfect score of one hundred. Mason Dugray."

Abi pulled her lips away and screamed. "You won!"

I looked at the scoreboard and felt like my old self when I was in love with competing, except this time, it felt much more remarkable.

I made my way to the podium and took the top step. Clay came in second, and the snowboarding world was restored again. I looked down at my gold medal and no longer thought about the paycheck; I thought about the love that was consuming me.

Abi and her family stood beside my friends with pride in their eyes. I had been searching for the feeling of belonging all my life, and I had finally found it.

And it was all thanks to Abigail Hughes and her hot chocolate.