Disclaimer: The characters of the Stephanie Plum series belong to Janet Evanovich and are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Feedback: Email TT
Young Carlos Learns To Fly
By TT
Carlos could feel his lungs burning and hurting in the harsh, dry, cold air. Long ago he had ceased being able to feel his frozen cheeks and nose. Though he would never admit it to his friends or even to his family, he really, really wished he hadn’t taken off the thick, warm, wool scarf his Abuela had made him for Christmas.
As he was getting dressed in the nice, warm house, he had thought it enough embarrassment and humiliation to be forced to wear snowpants and thick, clunky snowboots outside while his friends were only wearing jeans and more stylish boots. He wasn’t even going to comment on the horror that were his matching woolen hat and mittens.
Now, after spending all the time they had outside in the bitter, winter chill, Carlos was immensely grateful for his warm feet, warm, dry pants and ears. His fingers weren’t bright pink like many of his friends’ now were. Of course, that didn’t really stop them from teasing him that he was a baby, but at least his teeth weren’t chattering.
Finally they reached their destination and Carlos flopped into the snow along with everyone else. It had been quite a climb.
They hadn’t been sitting long when one of the older boys stood and commanded, “Come on. Get up and get your sleds ready. Line up along this line.” He then dragged the heel of his boot through the snow, creating a starting line.
Along with the other children, Carlos scrambled to get into place. He knew he could win this race. His father had chosen the sled especially for him. He was going to fly. His attention focused forward, he didn’t see the older boy get on his sled, but he listened intently for the announcement.
“It was a hard climb up,” the boy said, “But now that we’re at the top, you and your sleds can only go downhill from here. Now, on your mark! Get set! Go!”
With a wild whoop, Carlos used his hands to push off over the brink of the hill, smiling and shouting as he felt his sled fly over the frozen snow.
Present
Ranger looked at the beautiful woman beside him. He had told her once that he would help her fly. So far, he had kept his promise. He did everything he could to help her excel at her job and in her life. Now, he was going to help her come as close to flying as he could while keeping both feet on the ground.
A small smile curved his lips as he saw her nervousness. “It’s be fine, Babe,” he assured. “You’re ready for this”
Looking into his eyes, Stephanie took a deep breath. Her fear seemed to leave her as she drew strength from his presence. “What if I get turned sideways?” She asked, starting to reignite the fear and panic that he had just vanquished. “What if…”
Reaching out, Ranger placed a gloved finger over her lips and cautioned, “Shh.” When he saw she was once more calm, he smiled and assured, “It can only go downhill from here, Babe.” He waited until she nodded. Then, positioning himself beside her, he pulled the goggles down over his eyes and asked, “You ready to fly, Babe?”
His reward was a huge smile as Stephanie pulled her own goggles down.
“Then let’s do this,” he encouraged, motioning for her to go first.
With a grin and a loud whoop, Stephanie started her run.
Ranger smiled broadly and felt his heart soar as he watched Stephanie fly down the mountain on her snowboard. “Fly, Babe,” he whispered, before setting off on his own run.
End