(Preview) As The Snow falls

1

Cold

It had been like that for months now. It started as strange weather, such as early snow. Like, way early snow showing up in mid-summer. Then the Fall months became bitter and freezing, but now that all seemed like a warm day to Nick as Winter moved in. He had lived all his life in the Northern parts of America, on the state line where Ohio and Pennsylvania met. To him the strange weather meant nothing because he had gotten use to Pennsylvania's abnormal weather. A day in the sun with sandals could end in snow and snow-boots. Of course the first day of the new age hadn't been sunny at all. No, it had been a cloudy grim day.

Sixteen year old Nick Mann, had been a high school student like every other sixteen year old. He was on the boxing and wrestling team, and had even planned on joining the football team the next year, but that day would never come now. Winter break was just around the corner and Nick's parents wanted to go see family in Michigan. Nick's Uncle, Grandparents, and some cousins lived there as it was his Mother's home state. A nice place, but Nick didn't want to go. It wasn't because he hated it there, in fact he wanted to see his family, but it was a protest.

Nick's Parents wanted to move there after this year of school. They said it was a good, quiet place. A nice Elementary School for the twins, a Highschool with no real reputation for being anything special, close family, and plenty of work. Nick's Mom was a stay at home sales Women who would call people to buy all sort of things, and his Father was a History teacher. It just so happened the Highschool was looking for one such teacher. Only problem was Nick didn't agree to it.

He wasn't a troubled kid, but he fought with his Mother on just about everything. When he was Thirteen he fought about going to Church saying he didn't believe any of it. The whole thing began over a sermon one Sunday that Nick had openly fought the Pastor on in front of the whole Church. A Christian family had been caught by Terrorist. They were told if they didn't denounce their Christian faith then their children would die. It's said that God will protect those who believe and he had a plan, but Nick couldn't understand how watching your children get their heads chopped off was part of it. The Pastor had been furious that he questioned God's plan and his word, but not as angry as Nick's parents. He could still remember the fight now.

"How could you say all that?" Mom hissed as they walked inside the house. Dad was steaming behind them with the Twins in toe.

"What," Nick said. "Asking how anyone could believe that bull, or embarrassing you two?"

"Watch it young man." Nick's Father growled.

"How can you two still believe in all of this?" Nick asked as they stood in the door way. 

Nick's Mother told the girls to head to their room as they talked. They watch the two little girls run away to avoid the coming fire. It was clear to Nick that his parents were only trying to keep blindfolds on them about just how messed up it all really was. They didn't know about the Christian family who had lost their kids for their faith. He was actually kind of glad they were still blind about it all. Nick didn't want to worry them.

"You will apologize to the Church next Sunday." My Mother said leaving to start dinner.

"No." Nick said firmly.

The teen's Father got right in his face now. He was known for being the enforcer of the house hold, but Nick didn't care. He wasn't going to give in. They were both inches apart and Nick could smell his Father's after shave from this morning.

"I don't know who you think you are, son, but you will listen to your Mother and show her respect." He said to Nick eyes serious. "Just because your Thirteen doesn't mean anything in this house, you understand? You will listen to us and do as your told, and now apologize to your Mother."