The Winter Rivals

Chapter 15| The Truth.

8th October 2008
The freezing air coated my lungs icily with each breath. It was early morning, and Jess had returned to the slopes. This time, he wasn't competing; he was training. Local skiers dotted the mountains, some practicing their skills like Jess, others simply enjoying the thrill. Encouraged by Rowen to try skiing for a more engaging interview with Jess later that day, Mariam and Tora accompanied me on the slopes, filming us from a distance. Rowen assisted them, though it was unnecessary as they were somewhat experienced. In contrast, I was utterly lost on the skis, with Jess offering practically no help whatsoever.

"Jess, I'm not sure I can do this," I spoke through chattering teeth, terrified to move even by a fraction. Turning sharply in annoyance, Jess snapped, "Elora, I've told you multiple times. Stand with your skis parallel, slightly apart, and facing downhill. Bend your knees, keep your weight centered, then push forward using your poles or by shifting your weight. Keep your skis parallel as you start moving. Understand?"

Even behind his goggles, I could sense his glare, but despite my fear, I remained silent. Not only was I scared, but I also felt uncomfortably restricted. My hair was a tousled mess under the burgundy beanie on my head, and the extremely tight ski jacket made me feel more like a wannabe professional than a confident adult trying something new.

Sighing frustratedly, Jess took off his goggles and stood behind me. He gently held my waist, positioning me. Even through the layers of winter clothes, I could feel the warmth of his hands. Or at least, I thought I could. It might have just been the burning heat that rose to my skin every time he was near. My legs fell weak to his touch, and although he was behind me, I knew he was smirking at the sight.

As I stood at the top of the slope, he adjusted my posture, ensuring my knees were bent and weight centered. "Elora, trust yourself. Let the snow guide you okay?" Jess's voice was calm yet firm, his words gripping onto the small amount of confidence within me. "Now, push forward using your poles," he continued. With Jess's hand on my waist and his encouraging words in my ears, the nerves I had slowly gave way to determination as I prepared to glide down the snowy slope.

Taking one big, deep breath, I pushed forward with my poles and smoothly drifted down the glittering white piste. The view was luxurious, with colorful twinkling lights strung amongst the snow-quilted pine trees, like a scene out of the perfect Christmas movie. I felt like a bird soaring above the clouds for the first time. A loud giggle escaped my lips, "Jess, I'm doing it! I'm doing it! Are you watching me?" I called out, an excited grin glued to my face.

"There you go, atta girl! I'm watching, Elora," Jess came skiing down beside me, his voice sounding almost proud. "Now angle the tips of your skis towards each other to form a wedge shape! It'll slow you down to a stop!" He yelled.

Following his instructions without hesitation, I angled my skis inward as directed, and smoothly came to a gradual stop. Filled with joy, I unfastened the bindings and removed my boots from the skis.
"Jess, that was incredible! Did you see that? I can't believe I did it; I was so scared!" I shouted, happiness bursting out.

With a warm chuckle, he took off his skis and hat, his curly brown hair dancing in the winter breeze. "You did good, Elora. I'm proud of you," he praised, a smile spreading across his face as he removed his goggles. Without a second thought, I embraced him tightly, feeling the rise and fall of his chest beneath my head. At first, he made no efforts to move, but eventually, he gave in and began tracing comforting circles on my back.

"Thank you," I whispered, savoring the safety of his arms with closed eyes. It was the first time he had spoken kindly to me since I'd limited our conversations, which led him to become distant and harsh. His large, gentle hands gliding over my back made it difficult to fathom that he was the very same person who, earlier in the day, had glared at me angrily while instructing me on skiing without any physical help.