Johnny Diaries

Chapter One: Meeting Johnny Orlando

Every December my mom takes me to a ski resort in Canada called Whistler Blackcomb in the province of British Columbia. I am homeschooled, so we just pack up our lessons, fly up to Canada, and stay there from the beginning of December until the New Year.
It was a lot of fun for the first few years. But after a while, you've been on all of the slopes and you've met all of the people and been to more hot chocolate stands than you can count. I've been going since I was four and every year since then. Eight years is a long time.
But when we got off the plane on December first and took the taxi to the resort, something felt different. The crisp air blew gently against my face, leaving a tingling sensation behind. Something was changing. I knew that year wasn't going to be like every other boring year. I felt it.
My mom and I arrived at the condo at around two in the afternoon. When we got inside we both went to our separate rooms, unpacked, had a snack, and congregated back in the living room. She tapped her well-manicured fingers on the countertop.
"Avery, why don't you go and explore?" She suggested as if I was in a new place. "We can meet back here in a couple of hours for dinner."
"Okay, Mom," I returned with a shrug and casually sauntered out of the room. Within minutes, I was bored. I rode the elevator down to the ground floor and walked into the check in area. There were little gift shops lining the walls and in one corner a coffee shop with a nice fireplace to sit by. It was one of my favorite spots and I would spend hours there sometimes, reading or doing my lessons. I walked in and ordered a hot chocolate. The barista working the counter looked at me a little curiously before giving me my order. People think that because I am only twelve I can't handle myself. But I am very mature for my age.
I sat stoically by the fire, gazing out a window onto the frosty forest. I began to ponder my life. What was I really doing at this resort? Every year I come here and sit by this same fireplace, drinking this same hot chocolate. But I craved adventure and discovery. I wanted something more than this dull life. But nothing was happening.
Then I heard a throat clear from behind me.
"Excuse me, Miss," a glorious voice created a part in the crowds. "Is this seat taken?"
I turned around to see an angel standing before me. His golden hair was gleaming in the fluorescent lighting, his silvery blue eyes piercing deep into my soul. A gray beanie was on his head, his hands in the pockets of his blue jeans. His face looked as if it was sculpted by the gods, with a perfect jawline so sharp it could slice cheese. His cheekbones were elegant and refined, his eyelashes looked as if they were giving off little bits of stardust as he blinked. He had a perfect, creamy complexion free from any blemished or imperfections. He was by far the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on.
"S-sure," I stammered. I began to feel insecure about my flat brown hair and freckly cheeks with my smile covered in braces. He sat down in one of the big red chairs across from me sipping a hot chocolate.
"I couldn't help but notice you from across the room," he said in a seductive voice. "My name is Johnny Orlando."
"I'm Avery Wyatt." He gazed at me and flashed a smile that could've made me melt.
"It's nice to meet you, Avery." He looked down at his beverage, then brought his focus back up to me. "Say Avery, do you like adventure?"
I almost choked on my hot chocolate. But instead I nodded.
He smirked. "Good!" Johnny Orlando stood up and offered me his hand. "Then follow me."