The lake was beautiful. It had snowed for the first time in weeks the night before, and the world was a winter wonderland. The frozen lake stretched out under snow--covered hills, evergreen trees standing like silent observers dressed in white. A large log cabin style building gazed out at the plowed lake, the windows glowing cheerfully and welcoming visitors inside. Small figures glided and danced on across the silver lake, their joyful shrieks filling the air.I could see Audrey and Ray lacing up their skates at the edge of the skating area, the two of them laughing and joking like lovestruck teenagers. They looked so young and carefree as they wobbled out onto the ice.Andrew and I stood on the deck of the Lake House, watching the two adults play on the ice. Ray tried to show off and skate backwards, slipping and falling onto his butt. Audrey inched toward him, unsteady on her skates until she reached him. She stuck out her hand to help him up, but when he grabbed it, instead of he
Red engines lined the road, spraying precious water at the blaze. Black patches of burnt grass hissed and steamed, still defiant against the hoses even as they sputtered. The flames still leaped and danced, their light highlighting the concern filling the fire chief’s face. It was already too late. The flames had too much of a head start. He knew the flames would win the battle tonight, but he called for more men to fight the war.***I fidgeted with my gloves, gathering up my courage to get out of my car and go inside the hardware store. My dad had asked me to pick up some supplies for him, and I didn't have a good reason not to go. I thought Andrew was sure to be working. It wasn't that I didn't want to see Andrew; it was that I was nervous to see him. I shouldn't be nervous. Nothing happened.Nothing happened. I repeated it to myself, hoping the repetition would convince me. Nothing happened. I closed my eyes, but I could still smell his cologne, feel his body push into mine, his a
Red and orange demons flickered between the trees, leaving glowing fingerprints on everything they touched. Impish embers soared into the sky, raining down on the unsuspecting tinder below. The fire crackled with laughter as it danced among the trees and branches, twirling along the forest floor with devastating footprints.***"I'm pretty sure you cheated," I called out through my window as I pulled into the driveway next to Andrew."If anything, you cheated. You know those big red octagons? They're called stop signs. Most people recommend actually stopping at them," he teased as I got out of my car."The ones with white borders around them are optional. I'm surprised you didn't know that," I said, bumping my shoulder against him as I moved to unlock the door. I could sense him behind me. I fumbled with my keys in the lock, his presence flustering me. He leaned his hand against the door frame, his body barely touching mine, but so close that I could feel his warmth. I wanted to kiss
The fire could not be contained. Firefighters dug trenches only to have flames fly overhead, singing as they danced out of reach and into the trees. The water sprayed from hoses, but the fire simply blazed higher. Mother Nature refused to cry, instead blowing hot wind across the arid landscape, feeding the fire.***The next two weeks were perfect. I lived on this wonderful high where everything seemed to be going my way. Andrew and I spent almost every day together, laughing, kissing, and daydreaming.We started imagining what it would be like to go to go back to school, where we could be together without worrying about hurting our friends. My past felt so far behind me that it could never catch up. With Ray in the picture, Andrew's mom had almost stopped Andrew at work altogether. She was full of a self-confidence I had never seen, radiating happiness like a small sun.With his mom finally behaving like an adult, I convinced Andrew to contact Colorado State University and tell them
Smoke darkened the skies like false clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance, but the clouds hoarded any moisture deep within their volume. Ash and soot filled the air, sucking what little moisture was left from the parched land, giving further fuel to the flames.***I woke up startled and the room unfamiliar. I panicked for a moment before realizing I had fallen asleep on Andrew's couch. A thin gray light was leaking into the room announcing dawn. Andrew was snoring gently, asleep on the recliner next to me. the TV flickered with an infomercial."Morning, Holly. You want some coffee?" Audrey whispered, peeking her head out from inside the kitchen. I nodded and sat up slowly. My neck hurt from sleeping in a weird position on the couch. I rubbed it as I walked to the kitchen, following the smell of toast and coffee."Creamer is in the fridge. Want some eggs?" Audrey asked as she handed me a hot mug. I took a big sip, the bitter liquid filling my mouth. I nodded again, and Audrey cracke
Planes flew overhead, dropping red smoke to combat the black rising from the forest. Trees went up, burning like torches, lighting the sky. Thick black smoke rose, cutting into the morning's blue sky like an evil sword, the sky losing ground to the murky haze. The flames screamed and grew larger, trying to reach the sun. Ash fell from the sky like gray rain, settling like soft snow on the burnt ground.***"Holly, you're the short shift, so you're on restock. Aisle three," my boss called out to me as I walked in the store. I grinned as I hung my coat in the break-room and clocked in. I didn't particularly like restocking, but I hadn't been able to get that stupid grin off my face since I met Andrew at the library.I felt like I was keeping a wonderful secret. Like a kid who knows she got her friend the perfect birthday present, I just wanted to spill the beans to everyone. I wanted to shout it on the street that Andrew Miller and I were a couple. Every time I thought about Andrew, I f
I lay in bed, Shadow sleeping at my feet, and my stomach rolling. Andrew had texted me twice to make sure I had gotten home and to see if I needed anything. I needed a new me. I needed my past to change or at least a way to forget it. I closed my eyes, the last year of my life haunting me.I woke up, the room unfamiliar. My stomach felt awful and my head buzzed like it was full of bees. A masculine arm lay draped across my stomach, the owner snoring softly into his pillow. I didn't remember his name, but it didn't matter. He had bought me the drinks, and I seemed to remember thinking he was cute. But that could have been the guy two nights ago. I carefully slipped out from under his arm, moving slowly, more to keep my stomach contents down than fear of waking him. His place was a mess-- dirty underwear, empty bowls, pizza boxes, and beer cans littered the floor. I found my skirt tossed in a corner, a dark stain on the hem. Were we drinking red wine? I couldn't remember, but I slid th
A dragon's maw of heat and flame raged down the hillside, winding across the forest in search of sustenance. Flames wound around ancient trees like long lost lovers searching for release. The fire engulfed it all, never satisfied, never satiated, never finding peace.***I stepped out of my car, careful not to trip on my heels. Since Andrew was taking the time to cook me dinner, I decided I would surprise him and dress up. I had on my favorite black dress with a flared skirt and short purple heels. I even curled my hair and put makeup on. I had put his reaction at the grocery store out of my mind. If I never brought it up, it was never going to come up. Besides, I told myself, Andrew would never do that to me. I was nearly to the door when Andrew opened it wearing his mother's apron."You look amazing," he said appreciatively as I walked through the door. I could feel him eyeing me up and down. I did a little turn, posing like a model at the end. He laughed and clapped his hands."So,