Does he really think that selling goggles and helping Alara Bradford with children is going to help me polish my image? Doubtful. Really, really fucking doubtful.
But I’ve disappointed Coach once, and that is not something I wish to do again. Therefore, I need to get my shit together.
What’s the worst that could happen, anyway?
A deep sense of nostalgia crashes over me like a wave – bringing me back to reality, soothing me in a way I can’t exactly comprehend. I’ve dreaded my arrival in Colorado since that messy call with Coach Wilson, and so it wasn’t until my gaze landed on the familiar mountains that I remembered how much I used to love descending those, how much time I spent perfecting tricks and stunts at the resort.
Gabriela – my little sister – is rambling about her day as wedrive by the “Welcome to Blue Ridge Springs” sign. She picked me up from the airport, and seeing her wide smile before I tackled her in a hug made me momentarily forget about the thorough annoyance clinging to my chest.
This town hasn’t changed at all. It’s lively and dynamic – homey, even. Lights have been hung overhead, a reminder that the holidays season has begun. The streets are busy, every shop has their “open” sign on display, and there’s just this ambiance, as if peace and happiness emanates from every single person we drive by.
We pass in front of my all-time favorite restaurant – Fleur de Sel, which is owned by a Swiss couple who offer a delicious range of European cuisine. My mouth is already salivating at the thought of their cheese fondue, perfectly paired with bits of stale homemade bread.
When Gaby hits the horn, I startle and turn my attention to her.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
She only laughs, rolling her window down as she throws her hand out to wave at whoever she has just honked at. Then, she simply proceeds to drive toward the house I grew up in, grinning like a madwoman and stealing glances in the rear-view mirror.
“That was just Alara,” she informs me, still laughing to herself.
My body reacts on its own, turning to see the girl I’ll be spending the next three months with, but she has disappeared in a mass of people walking along the sidewalk.
“You remember her, right?”
I rub a hand across my jaw. “Just her name.”
“Do you not listen when I tell you all about my best friend?”
There’s a beat of silence as I press my lips in a thin line. “Think you got your answer here.”
Gaby rolls her eyes so hard her lashes flutter. “Pendejo.”
It’s not that I’m not interested in my sister’s life, it’s just that she talks non-stop, and I only remember half the things she rambles on about.
The next moment, we’re pulling up in the driveway, and my chest tightens. My mom and sisters are the only people tying me to Blue Ridge and, even though they’re all extremely supportive of me and my career, the sense of guilt consuming me in this very instant is unnerving. While Gaby turns the engine off, I try not to think about the way I left them behind to pursue my dreams.
Then, she unbuckles herself and turns to me, a grave expression taking over her features. She looks so much like Mom – dark hair that reaches her shoulders and equally dark eyes, a round face but beautiful nonetheless.
“What’s the matter with you?”
I shrug, keeping my gaze on the red front door. “Can’t I just come and visit my fam?”
Yep. I haven’t told Gaby nor my mom why I’m back.
“For three months?” she asks, in disbelief. “When you come back it’s for, like, two days. Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving is in two weeks, so . . . What did you do, D?”
Pulling out a long sigh, I shake my head. I don’t want to tell them the truth because they’re going to be disappointed. So, I stay silent – for now.
“I just missed you.” I reach over, applying pressure on top of her head with my knuckles, messing up her hair. She huffs, fixing her locks.
“You’re full of shit,” Gaby mumbles, before opening the door.
“Let’s just get inside and sit down. I don’t want to repeat myself, so I’ll tell you and Mom all at once.”
My sister can be sweet when she wants to be, so she offers to carry my suitcase inside. Of course, she knows about the injury. Of course, she knows I’m not remotely close to being okay. Gabyis my whole world, I tell her everything – well, almost. With only two years between us, we’ve always been close.
The moment I step foot in the foyer, Valentina launches herself at me, knocking the air from my lungs. I chuckle, enveloping her in a tight, warm hug.
