Here's the first chapter...I know it's short, and a little slow, but it will get better. Also, if you're wondering where I got the title from, it's from a song, called Gone Away, by a girl named Jessica Love. I only know of her because her brother is in my grade and goes to my school. She's a really good singer, so I would recommend searching her on iTunes and listening to the three songs she has. I know the song doesn't have much to do with the story right now, but it will. =]
Chapter One
It was the first day of winter break, and Hadley had just stepped into her white Acura after school and was headed to work. Living in Colorado, practically the only thing people did in the winter was ski…or snowboard, for that matter. Hadley’s parents owned an enormous ski hill in Colorado, and being their daughter, Hadley worked there on weekends, and now, during her winter break.
She pulled up to the massive snow covered hill, past the many non-vacant condos surrounding the property, and parked in a front row spot, next to the enormous sign that read “Arctic Mountain”, the name of the resort. Because they owned one of Colorado’s biggest mountains, Hadley’s family was very well off. She got practically whatever she wanted, but rarely asked for anything, not wanting to come off as a spoiled brat.
“Hey, Mike,” she said cheerfully to the twenty-something guy standing behind the registration counter inside the main building. She hung up the puffy black North Face jacket she had just been wearing and walked behind the counter.
“Hadley, Hadley, Hadley,” he replied in the British accent of his that Hadley deeply envied, shaking his head. “Five minutes late? What are we going to do with you?” he joked. Hadley rolled her eyes and shoved her Coach purse into her cubby.
“Mike, you need to get a life,” she suggested, laughing as he stuck his tongue out at her. “Has it been busy today?” she asked while putting on her nametag.
“There was a steady flow of boarders, but not quite as many skiers,” he told her. “It’s actually quite depressing. Things were so much better before the snowboard was invented.”
Hadley laughed. “I agree, but boarding brings in at least 50% of the profits,” she reminded him. Her parents had owned the ski hill for at least twenty years now. Hadley was 17, so she had spent her entire life skiing with her older brother, and more recently, snowboarding. Being the only one who lived at home, she got to know and hang out with the employees at the ski hill. They were like her family, mostly because her parents were never around.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Mike replied sarcastically.
Hadley scanned the calendar, groaning. “Lessons tomorrow? I hope it’s not some whiny little brat who doesn’t know how to ski.”
Mike glared at her. “Um, isn’t the point of lessons to teach people how to ski? Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s some teenage boys.”
Great, Hadley thought. Just what I need.
~~~
Joe had never been to Colorado before, except on tour. His parents wanted to try something new, so he and his three brothers agreed to head there to go skiing. They had been on an international tour for the past six months, and they needed a break. He wasn’t too thrilled about skiing; he was more excited about learning how to snowboard.
Their black SUV drove past the intimidating mountain, crunching along the gravel road. They had specifically asked for a secluded condo, and that was what they got. It was decent amount away from the rest of the guests, but they were also close enough to walk to the main hall. Joe sighed as he stepped out of the vehicle and walked through the front door.
The inside was even more exhilarating. It was definitely what you would expect a cabin at a ski hill to look like: rustic furniture accenting the wood log walls, animal heads protruding from above the massive fireplace. The kitchen even had stainless steel appliances. Like we’re ever going to cook, Joe thought as he followed his brother, Nick, up the stairs, lugging his suitcase behind him.
Joe dropped the suitcase on the floor of his and Nick’s room, flopping down onto one of the two queen sized beds and thinking about the past tour he and his brothers had been on. It began in Europe, then they made there way through certain parts of Asia, eventually getting back to the U.S. to play a few big venues. Don’t get him wrong; Joe loves performing, but he sometimes thought playing the same songs over and over each night got a little old. It also didn’t help that he was having a bit of a hiatus in the love department.
And that’s why he was hoping this vacation would give that a little change.
