A town named Winter

Stephanie

I'm glad we are finally off that flying metal death trap. Flying has been and will forever be, my least favorite way to travel. I would have chickened out if it weren't for Amy by my side. She's my rock. She's the best friend I've ever had. We met in college and the connection was instant. She was like the sun, and I was just a planet caught in her gravitational pull. There was no escaping. I didn't mind though. There's no where else I'd rather be.

Amy has always been the confident leader of our two-woman group. Even now, she's the one flagging down a taxi and leading the way while I zone out and day dream. I just automatically trust that she always knows where she's going.

After Amy secured a taxi, we climb in and we plan to take it all the way to the motel. It's slightly crowed in the back with us and our oversized camping backpacks. I'm not complaining though.

"We may not have reception when we get to the motel. You should go ahead and call Mama B and Abby."

I check my phone and take it off airplane mode. "You're right. Good call." I go to recents and click on mom to video chat her. After three rings, Abby answers.

"Mommy! Look Granny! It's Mommy!"

I smile seeing that cute little angel with blonde hair that's almost white and bright blue eyes. She's pale like me and has her hair in two lopsided pigtails. Mom says she looks just like me when I was a child. She's 6 years old now and growing everyday. She's in kindergarten. I had her when I was only 17. It was my senior year of high school and I wasn't ready. Her father has never been in the picture, but it's fine. My mom has always been there to help and guide me. I wouldn't have been able to do it without her.

"Mommy! Today in class, we got to paint on baby pumpkins! Look at mine!" Abby holds up her little pumpkin proudly. It's got a crudely painted face on it. I think it was meant to be scary, but it looks kinda goofy. She's definitely inherited my poor artistic abilities. I laugh.

"It looks so good baby! Mommy misses you so much."

"I miss you too Mommy!" She then gets distracted by something else in the room. "Granny wants to talk."

"Okay baby. I love you. Be good for Granny."

"I will!"

I smile as I wait to see my mom on the other line.

"Hi honey, I just wanted to remind you to be careful up there. It's going to be cold, miserable, and harsh."

"I know mom. Amy and I will be extra careful. Plus we have a hunky tour guide to help us." I laugh at my own joke. "We will be just fine. I love you mom. Thanks again for watching the little monster for me."

I can hear Abby giggle in the background.

"We love you too dear. Please call us after you're back in civilization."

"I will."

I hang up and turn my head towards Amy. She's mesmerized by the small town and snow. It's all so quaint. I wonder what she's thinking about.