Page 8 of Highlands Homecoming

“You’ve been in town nearly a whole day, and we haven’t made plans. Why don’t we meet up at the golf course and do a little cross-country skiing, and then you can have dinner at my house?” Emma had a way of jumping past pleasantries and getting to the point.

“Great idea, Emma! And I was going to call you. I just haven’t had a chance yet.”

“A likely story …” said Emma, her tone teasing and warm. “I’ve got a pot of clam chowder that Thomas will keep an eye on. I can be at the golf course in fifteen minutes.”

“Perfect!” said Melissa. “But can I ask a favor?”

“Of course.”

“Can Colin join us for dinner? We can bring more?—”

“Absolutely! And don’t bring a thing. I definitely want to meet this guy!”

Chapter4

Melissa called Colin and let him know about the change of plans, then Caitlin drove them to a golf course in Auburndale where they met up with Emma, who was already in line to rent skis.

“So good to see you!” said Melissa as she hugged her older sister. Emma’s bright blue eyes complimented the riot of auburn curls that poked out of her green ski hat.

“I’ve missed you so much. Thomas and I are hoping to visit in the summer when we have more vacation time,” said Emma.

“That would be fantastic! I’d love to show you all around,” said Melissa.

They reached the front of the line. As they filled out the paperwork, they shared updates on Emma’s life and Melissa’s new home, while carefully avoiding the subject of Dave.

Melissa donned her skis. Initially, she felt like a klutz following her sleek, athletic sister and Caitlin, who seemed to be naturally good at everything. First she veered too close to the snow machine, then had trouble following the tracks someone had cut into the snow. Emma pointed toward the woods, and they followed her down a small hill where Melissa finally lost her balance. Emma held out her hand as Melissa looked up at her from the snowy ground. “I’ve got you, sis.”

She hoisted Melissa up, and soon they were back on course with Emma in the lead, Caitlin following, and Melissa marching to the tune of her own drum behind them.

As she zipped and glided through the snow, the exercise did wonders for Melissa’s mental state. She reflected on her encounter with Dave. That was the first time she’d ever stood up to him, and she felt so much better for it. With each zip and zas through the snow, she felt stronger. The bright Boston sun on her face, the clear blue sky, and the shimmer of snow made her feel that anything was possible. And for the first time in her life, she began to realize that anything really was possible. She was strong. Each dig of her ski pole into the ground propelled her further ahead. She reached a bend in the pre-formed track and nearly slid over, but somehow she leaned at the perfect moment and regained her balance. Soon she was gliding onward. It was exhilarating, and exactly what she needed.

When they circled back toward the parking lot, Melissa was confident, rosy cheeked, and relaxed for the first time all afternoon.

“I have to remember that just because it’s winter doesn’t mean I can’t get outside,” said Melissa.

“It must be dark there in the winters,” said Emma.

“Incredibly. I thought it was bad here in Boston when it gets dark at 4:30, but over there …” Her voice trailed off.

“But you like it?” asked Emma.

“I love it. The people there are all so friendly. The homes are cozy. They have a whole thing,coorie—you know thathyggemovement you saw on the Internet a while back? That cozy, warm feeling you have when …” Melissa paused, not quite sure how to explain the Danish lifestyle trend of warm blankets, cozy sweaters, tea by the fire, and good company.

“When you’ve just finished skiing and now you’re going to cozy up by the fire?” ventured Emma.

“Exactly. That’s a whole movement in Scotland, and with the weather and darkness, it makes a lot of sense.”

Emma nodded. “It’s on! C’mon, let’s get to my house!”

They peeled off their ski gear, made their returns, and got back into their respective cars. “I’m just about five minutes away, Caitlin. Follow me,” said Emma.

As they drove in Caitlin’s car, Melissa breathed a deep sigh of relief.

“Feeling better?” asked Caitlin.

“So much. There’s nothing quite like a little time in nature to set me straight. I think it’s exactly what I needed.”

“This afternoon must have been worse than you let on.”