The Winter Rivals

Chapter 9| Blizzards & Mathew Lillard

28th september 2008
Knock, knock. Tora gently pushed open the door to my bedroom. I'd already been awake for an hour, sitting on the scattered slept-in bed, scribbling down notes when she came in.

"I've brought you some coffee up along with a bowl of yogurt topped with fruit, granola and honey!" She placed the bronze tray of food on the bed in front of me, her lips curving into a happy grin.

"Thank you, Tora," I expressed gratefully. "Any news on what we're doing today?" I cradled the piping hot mug, sipping it carefully, not wanting to risk burning my lips.

Tora froze for a moment, as though there was something she was hesitant to share. "Actually, about that. We won't be meeting Jess's coach today. In fact, we won't be leaving the house. A snowstorm has struck. The winds outside are far too harsh to drive back to the chalet, and even if they weren't, the sleet covering the roads would still stop us. We're stuck here."

My lips parted in Surprise. I rushed towards the paint chipped window in the dimly lit room, sliding back the thick blackout curtains to see the outside world for the first time that day.

The only road outside was swarmed in pellets of ice, making it impossible to leave, even if we had to. Pine trees, enveloped in thick, harsh snow, surrounded the little house, stretching on for miles. And as I gazed out, the snow stormed down heavier by the minute, gradually obscuring any view I had from the window.

"I'm not entirely upset, if I'm honest," I turned back to Tora, pulling my hair messily into a low bun as I continued, "If we're stuck here, Jess won't have an opportunity to run off when we're documenting and interviewing him. He has no choice, really."

A teasing smile latched itself onto her lips,
" you are evil." I couldn't help but giggle. The idea of me being evil was a rather amusing thought, as I was far from it, with the exceptions of any ex-boyfriends of mine. Unfortunate for them, I suppose.

"Right, I'll leave you to eat your breakfast. Mariam and I are setting up in a corner of the lounge and Rowen is making sure Jess Co-operates today. Come down when you're ready," she gave me one last smile before returning downstairs.

Once I was alone again, I sat down on the bed and began to eat. As I did, I noticed that I hadn't gotten a good look at the room I was in at all due to the darkness. But now that the curtains were open, I could see every little detail. The way the forest green sheets crinkled underneath me, how the fabricated shade of the floor lamp had a 1940s style to it, and how the Oakwood flooring gleamed in the crisp broad daylight. It was beautiful, pleasant. I was starting to see an almost cottage-like resemblance to the house, especially with the wide wooden beams trailing the cream ceilings, forming into standing pillars at each corner of the room.

11:40am
The cameras were mere moments away from rolling. I smoothed down my brown knitted jumper, attempting to appear more presentable than I really was. I found myself rather lucky with the camera angle; had it have been any lower, you would've caught a glimpse of the beige sweatpants and fluffy socks I was rather unprofessionally sporting.

"Right, three, two, one," Mariam mouthed, providing support to Tora behind the cameras.

"Jess Miley. You're a skiing a sensation and expert who has tragically been involved in an unfortunate event as of recent. Before delving into that topic, I'd like to understand you better," I spoke calmly, though my hands betrayed me, showing off my nervousness as he scrutinized me. Does he find it amusing to watch me work, I wonder?

"Go ahead," he replied, his voice deep and soft.

"Tell me about your name, your childhood, where you began, and how you reached where you are now," I asked, avoiding direct eye contact, afraid of what I might see if I did.