Peering into shadows (Httyd)

Chapter 14: Holiday stay

Astrid's POV

The rest of the month went great. After the sleep over Heather, and Fishlegs began dating. I also told mom that I'd gotten together with Hiccup, and that we were officially a couple. Mom simply gave me that all-knowing smile, and mumbled something about finally winning that bet.

Yesterday was the last day of school, and the winter holidays have officially started. Hiccup invited the whole group to come spend Christmas, and New Years at his family's Ski resort 'Crystal pines'. That is how we are all currently sitting in a helicopter taking in the beautiful scenery as the helicopter circles around to land on the hotel's helipad. Our familiars have opted to stay behind in the mansion, because they don't really like the cold weather.

We were greeted by the manager when we had disembarked.

"Welcome Mr. Haddock, and his most esteemed guests, to Crystal pines. You may call me Simons, I am the manager of this place." He introduces. "I will show you to your rooms. If there is anything you will need simply tell our staff, and we will make sure it is done to your satisfaction."

As Simons finished his speech, several bellboys came to help us with our luggage. We were shown to two giant suites that we would be sharing. Hiccup, Snotlout, Tuffnut, and Fishlegs would take one, while Heather, Cami, Ruffnut, and I will be rooming together.

"Simons" Hiccup turns to the manager. "For the remainder of our stay, I will be going under my alias."

"Of course 'Mr. Hayden'. We wouldn't want any nosy people ruining your stay. I shall inform the staff." Simons says giving Hiccup a wink, and departs.

After we got settled, and unpacked we met in the lounge for some hot coco, and to plan check out what we could do today.

"Henry" I say, getting his attention. "When will your father arrive?"

"He should be here by Christmas eve." Henry tells me while putting more mini marshmallows in his coco.

"I wonder if I'll be able to learn to snowboard." Snotlout ponders aloud as he steals some of Henry's marshmallows.

"Well, I can show you, but I want to learn how to ski. I never really tried that." I tell Snotlout.

"Well then Astrid, I can show you a few tricks. I am an excellent skier." Snotlout boasts, which earns a raised eyebrow from Henry.

"Didn't you ski into four pine trees last winter?" I hear Henry ask, eliciting giggles from the group.

"It was only three, and..... Hey how do you know that?!" Snotlout suddenly asked.

"Dad showed me the video." Was all that he stated.

Suddenly there was a commotion near the hotel's entrance. Several people were asking for autographs from a group of teens, and a couple of photographers were also present.

"Henry, it looks like the paparazzi it also here. Would they recognize you?" I can't help but ask worried.

"I don't think so. There haven't been any photos of me in the last years, and I'm using an alias." He whispers to me.

"I do wonder who they are?" Ruffnut asks as she glances at the group that have entered the lobby. While hotel security is trying to get rid of the photographers.

Henry motions for one of the waitresses to come over. "Good afternoon Olivia."

"Good afternoon Mr. Hayden. I'm guessing you lot are wondering about the group that just entered." She says as she pretends to take our orders.

"Yeah, pretty much. Who are they that autographs, and paparazzi are involved?" Tuffnut asked.

"Well the girl with the dirty blond hair is Jacqueline Vanderstone, she is the national champion figure skater, and next to her is her brother Bradley. He hits on all the pretty women he spots." Olivia tells us in disgust.

'He had obviously hit on her at one time' I couldn't help but think.

"The girl with the black hair is Angelica Leyston. Don't let the name fool you she is anything but an angel. Next to her is her boyfriend Chase Wollits. He is also Bradley's wingman when he tries to pick up girls." Olivia continues.

"You certainly dislike them" Cami states.

"They are bad tippers, and treat the staff like we are beneath them. But they are guests, and we have to put up with them whether we like them or not." Olivia sighs.

"Thanks for the info Olivia." Henry says as he hands her a tip. Olivia thanks him, and heads back to her work station.

-------Time skip-------

Today we all had fun in the snow, and we were currently heading to the hotel's restaurant to have dinner. As we entered I noticed that the restaurant was packed, and the Maitre d was trying to find everyone a seat.

He spotted us, and came to offer us his apologies. "Ladies, gentlemen, please forgive us. Your table has not yet become available. We are serving some refreshments at the bar for those who have to wait."

"I don't think it's a problem. Beside if you are this swamped the food must be delicious." Henry comments.

"Of course Mr. Hayden, your table will be ready momentarily." The maitre d smiled as he let us to the bar.

As we sit at the bar sipping a fruity cocktail that the bartender gave us we noticed a commotion near the front of the restaurant. The Maitre d who had come to fetch an elderly couple to direct them to their table was being yelled at by Jacqueline's group. Apparently they weren't willing to wait, and wanted to be seated right away. The maitre d was being threatened with the loss of his job, when Henry decided to step in.

"Oi, lady!" Henry says as we approach the group.

Jacqueline turns to him, and sneers "Well aren't you a rude guy." The rest of her group are glaring at us.

"Well you were a rude little snob just now so I'm treating you the same." He says.

"Do you have any idea who I am?" Jacqueline says looking at Henry like he is a gnat.

"Don't really care, and no never heard of you." Henry states. "This couple has been waiting for their table before you, and you come prancing in here like you own the place. Guess what, you can't get your way just by acting like a selfish little rich girl."

"Why you.... My father will hear of this, and you'll be sorry you ever messed with us." Jacqueline says red faced as she, and her group left the restaurant in a huff.

"Mr. Hayden I can't thank you deeply enough for stepping in." The Maitre d tells him looking very relieved that his job was saved.

"Dude that was awesome." Tuffnut says clapping Henry on the back.

"Excuse me, young man" The elderly man says as he approaches us.

"My wife, and I would like for your group to join us." The man said indicating to the elderly lady accompanying him.

"Henry takes a look at us then smiles. We would be delighted" He says.

"Sirs, If you would follow me then." The Maitre d says indicating to the area of the restaurant where the staff had pushed together the tables for our big group.