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Find Me Ch. 01

By: ..Desired..



Chapter 1 – It all starts somewhere

"...and we haven't done anything together since that trip downtown, which was ages ago!"

"For good reason, do I need to remind you of the week we spent throwing up cause of the damn food poisoning?"

"You're such a pessimist. I promise this trip will be so much fun! It will be just the six of us in a cozy little cabin. We'll stay up until very odd hours of the night, eat dangerously bad junk food and watch filthy entertainment."

"We can do all of that here, we don't need to go to some snowed in skiing resort to drop our IQs and get fat."

"But nobody's house has hunky skiing instructors..." 

"I thought this trip was about friendship and togetherness"

"Nothing wrong with eye candy!"

"Ugh, now you gave me even more reason to say no. You're gonna be running around with some guy named Sven and his friend and I'm going to get stuck with everyone in the cabin listening to them whine about their love life or lack of thereof or school or work or whatever, and I'm so tired of it all. Last time I talked to Stan everything I said about me went right over her head. It was all her problems, her dilemmas. She never even takes my advice so why she bothers to ask for it I will never know." 

"So is this the reason you cut yourself off from us lately? Cause everyone has been coming to you with their problems?"

"I got tired of being clan mother; I've had a lot to deal with these past few months so I thought it would be best if I just took myself out of the role for a while before I snap and saying something I would regret."

"Oh."

"Yeah..."

"If I promise to only look at the guy named Sven and maybe his friend will you go with us? I promise to tell everyone off if they start to be whiny bums! And I will make those cookies you like so much. " When Franca heard light laughter on the other side, she knew there was a chance.

"You're relentless! Give me the recipe and you got yourself a deal." Rea heard a celebratory cheer from her best friend. She was making the right choice. She hasn't seen her friends in more than half a year now; it was time to come back. Plus getting out of the city would do her good. " 'Kay, we're going on Saturday and staying for a week. Pack comfy sweaters, pajamas and socks. Thermal underwear is also an option. Not a lot of sex appeal but a runny nose has even less. Also, pack something more dressy, 'cause there's some cool restaurants near-by and I doubt that a hoodie and sweats is acceptable wear there. I'll pick you up early in the morning and we will drive there and meet up with everyone else. Stan, Kegan and Connor are driving down together and meeting up with Ian who's getting there tomorrow."

"Information overload! Was that all on one breath?" 

"Two actually. I'm just really looking forward to this trip. I missed you Rey."

"I missed you too"

"Ok! So, I shall pick you up early Saturday morning."

"Sounds good. I'll start packing tonight. You and your spontaneous trips; gives me no time to prepare."

"Well it's not like you have anything better to do! Anyway, I gotta go now, I have to call and confirm the reservation at the lodge."

"Alright, have a good night. See you on Saturday."

"Have a good night babe."

Ondrea hung up the phone and fell back on the bed. 

"Oh what have I done?" She sighed. "I should really be looking forward to this trip. Me and my five oldest friends in a beautiful ski lodge. What could be better?

"I'm just tired, that's all" She pressed her palms to her eyes. "I'll pack my clothing now and make a list of anything I need to pick up tomorrow. I wish Franca gave me more notice than one day."

She went to her hall closet and fished out her suitcases. She then walked back to her room and opened in on her bed. Opening her closet she tossed out some sweaters, sweatpants and jeans which she then neatly folded into one case. Beside those things she tucked in some warm and cozy socks she knew she would be using. Rea was well known for being cold all the time. 

"Hmm, what's next? I guess undies." Opening her underwear drawer Rea sighed contently. She always indulged in fine lingerie; it was one of her small indulgencies. She spanned the collection of fine silks and lace and took out a few of her favorites. Seeing everything else she packed in her suitcase, she giggled. The lacy garments seemed so out of place. "Nobody would ever guess that underneath these bulky sweaters..." 

In the second smaller suitcase she folded a couple dresses, a pair of black heels, and matching evening purse. She decided that she would add her toiletries in that suitcase as well. "Well that's almost everything, I guess. Now for some pajamas and I'm all done for the night". 

Rea sifted thought her sleepwear and took out some of her comfy pants and warm shirts. Sleeping was all about comfort so everything was made from soft fabrics and was simple in design; fewer bows is more sleep was Rea's philosophy. She went to close the drawer when something shiny caught her eye. A few weeks back she was walking home when she noticed the most beautiful nightgowns in the window of an Italian lingerie boutique. They were expensive and she really didn't have the money, but she bought them. She savored the feeling of the rich material against her fingers and tossed them in with the rest of her stuff. 

"I'm going to regret this when I'm freezing my butt off. Eh, at least I'll look gorgeous doing it". And with that final thought she closed the lid of her suitcase. 

***

"Morning Sunshine!"

"Ugh." Was all Rea mustered to say. It was 6:15am on a Saturday morning. As far as she was concerned, there should be a law of time not exciting before 11am on the weekend. 

"There's some coffee in the cup holder for you, it's extra, extra strong; just how you like it. 

"Uh-hmuh." She took a cup and had a big sip. It had barely been 6 when Francesca had called her to notify that she was on her way. Rea had time to get up, have a quick shower and change into some comfortable travel clothes; it was a 3 hour ride to the lodge. She had pulled on some yoga pants, a long-sleeved t-shirt and hooded sweater, pulled her hair into a messy bun and dug her feet into some running shoes. She had no time for breakfast and her stomach had begun to grumble in protest at this behavior. 

"I picked up some breakfast on the way here; it's behind your seat". 

"Franca, if you weren't a woman, I would so marry you". Rea was truly grateful for the thoughtfulness of her friend as she dug through the paper bag containing bagels, cream cheese, some raspberry jam and lemon cookies. 

"That's legal in some places, you know."

"Yeah...But there's that whole part where I like boys. No hard feelings though?"

They both laughed. "Are you sure about that? I haven't seen you on a date since...well ever."

"I go on dates! I just don't kiss and tell so to speak, unlike other women."

"So what, I'm a slut now?"

"Only on Thursdays. No, but I do go out sometimes. I just don't do it as often as you think I should."

"You're right, once a year is way below my quota. Rea, you're 22 beautiful, brilliant and an all around totally awesome chick. You should be out there enjoying your youth and freedom. Before you know it you'll be married, with kids and mortgage payments and won't have this kind of freedom until you're in your 50s. By then though, clubbing until 5am won't be as appealing as regular bowel movements. 

Laughter and snorts filled the car. "It will be more like sitting on the loo 'til 5am!" Rea sighed and wiped her eyes. "You're right, but you know I won't date men for the sake of dating. I'll only go out with someone if I see they have long-term potential and I haven't met anyone with whom I can possibly see myself three months from now, much less married. 

"Why is everything about marriage with you? Sow your wild oats! It's not just for men anymore. In our day and time it's practically unheard of being a virgin at 22...and half."

Rea rolled her eyes. "You make me sound so old. Why is it so wrong that I don't want to bed everyone I meet? Am I the only woman who didn't like 'Sex and the City'?"

"I do believe you are. Wait, no! Nuns didn't have a soft spot for it either."

"It's not like I'm a prude. You know that better than anyone. I just want to wait until I'm married. I want to be able to share myself totally and completely with that person; mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Not because I'm religious or old-fashioned, but because I feel it's just something that's right for me." 

"Alright, alright I get it." 

Ondrea was glad that Franca dropped the subject. "If she only knew how little relationship experience I really have, she would freak" she thought to herself. She had never even held hands with a boy 'in that way' although nobody would ever suspect. Rea's lack of experience has never stopped her from being a sexual woman. She enjoyed talking about sex and was knowledgeable when it came to the subject. It was like being top of your class in music theory without ever sitting in front of a piano. 

Rea had her first crush when she was 6. She was very aware of boys but they never noticed her unless they needed to solve a hard problem. She always considered herself to be an ugly duckling, she was chubby and slightly awkward, and no matter what her mother told her, Rea knew she was different. At 12 she poured over romance novels, taking in every lust inspired vow and promise. By the time she turned 14, most of her friends were already dating. Franca had started the earliest and shed boyfriends like gloves. She and Kegan dated on and off for a while; it was how he became part of their group. At almost 17 Rea had admitted to herself and her diary that she liked Ian 'in that way'. She had fought and lost the battle of denial on that subject for almost a year and secretly held on to the idea that he may see her as more than just his close friend. That dream fizzled out by the time graduation came along. When they graduated, they all went their separate ways but kept in touch as often as possible. After a few years though, their meetings became less and less frequent. Life was taking its toll on everyone. In fact, this was the first time all of them would be in the same place in about a year. 

"Wow, it has been ages." Rea thought. Franca and Stan went to the same university as she did so she saw them a couple times a week. Ian moved about 5 hours out of town though, so she had only kept in touch through the internet and phone with him. Kegan and Connor she didn't consider her friends. They were high school acquaintances and nothing more. 

"Anyone I know?"

"Hmm?" Rea suddenly woke up from her reverie by the comment. 

"You seemed pretty deep in thought there, I was thinking maybe you were daydreaming about that boy you kissed in the dark alley but never got his name. You have nothing to go on other than he has a chipped front tooth and smells of Gouda, but dagnabit he got your percolator percolating and you are going to find him even if you have to kiss hundreds of chipped tooth, cheesy smelling men!"

Rea smiled at her friend's imagination. "No, I would have told you if I ever got that serious with someone."

"Damn straight you would!"

They both laughed and continued their friendly, nonsensical banter for the rest of the journey.

Find Me Ch. 02



Ondrea groaned and stretched her cramped limbs. What should have been a three hour trip turned into five and a half hour one; construction over a long stretch of highway left only one lane available causing huge traffic blocks. Spending that much time in a car was never time well spent in her book but they were finally at Donna Maria's Lodge.

Maria and Roberto Mangiameli had started a small mountain B&B in 1967. Many people came searching for peace and seclusion and found it in the mountains. Once the Snow Peaks ski resort was built in 1992, the Lodge got more business from skiers who preferred the intimate setting and they were able to increase in size. The family still owned the business and managed to keep the homey feeling in their establishment even 40 years later. 

Rea took in a deep breath of the crisp air and took in the scenery. It all looked like a scene of a Christmas postcard. Lavender-grey mountains made a breathtaking backdrop for the majestic pine trees and heavy log cabins. Perfect white snow crunched under her feet and covered everything as far as the eye could see. 

"I'm so glad that we decided to stay here. I've only been here for a minute and already I'm in love" she thought. 

"Let's take our bags in so that you can check us in while I park the car." 

"But you're the one who made the reservations! I don't know any of the specifics." 

"There's nothing specific about it. Honestly Rea, you just go and sign in. Ian got here yesterday so our rooms should all be in order; they just need to double check."

"Fine, fine, I'll go. Help me take the rest out; if I knew you were bringing so much stuff, I wouldn't have bothered to pack." 

"Cause you know, packing two suitcases is so difficult."

"It totally is. Her highness was gravely upset by the situation." 

"Lazy ass. Here, that's the last one." Franca took out the suitcase and slammed the trunk shut. "Heh, no bellboys. Guess us girls have to carry in our own luggage. Feminism where have you gotten us?"

The two of them carried in their belongings inside and Franca quickly rushed out to 'park her precious baby'. 

"That girl loves her wheels too much; might explain her track record though." Rea smiled at her little joke and shook her head. "Now to sign in." 

There was nobody at the desk. She looked around. The whole place was empty. Rea turned back to desk to see a bell standing on a small golden box. On the box there was a sign that read 'Ring Me if no one is here'. Picking up the bell Rea examined it. It was a simple bronze bell with a wooden handle at the end of which there was a red and white bow. It reminded her of those that her elementary school teacher used to ring to signal the end of recess. 

The bell produced a pleasant sound when Rea rung it and moments later a short, plump woman came rushing in. 

"Oh, dear, I hope you haven't been waiting for too long! It's still quite early so we don't have a regular person at reception."

Rea could not help but smile at the woman; she radiated warmth and kindness. She appeared to be around 65. Her soft white hair was set in a large hairstyle. On her nose sat a pair of small, delicate spectacles and through them a pair of joyful brown eyes sparkled. She wore a calf length pine-green dress, crocheted white cardigan, comfortable-looking black shoes and a lot of gold jewelry. 

"I am Maria and I want to welcome you to our lodge. Let me get the sign-in book." From the shelf behind the counter, she pulled out a leather-bound book. It was large and old; the writing on the cover was once gold, but was now fading. The woman opened it two thirds in and looked up. "Under what name are you signed in, dear?

"One of my friend should have already signed for us, an Ian Tiernay."

The woman scanned the list in front of her and shook her head. "No, nobody under that name here, I'm sorry."

"Oh. Um, well there should be a registration under a Francesca Dalo."

Scanning the list once more, Donna Maria found the name she was looking for. "Yes, here it is; Dalo, party of six. You have rooms 2D, 3A and 3B. Which one do you want dear?"

"Is there a difference? I thought they were all the same."

"Rooms 3A and B have two single beds and room 2D has one double bed. Ms. Dalo called very late and wanted another room and all we had was 2D; we're very busy at this time of year. Is it a problem? I figured since it is a party of six there would be at least one couple."

"No, no it's not a problem" Rea smiled reassuringly at the woman who had begun to look upset by the thought that someone would not be having a good stay. "I'll take 2D."

The Donna retrieved two old fashioned keys and handed them to Ondrea. "Are you sure you will be alright, dear? We can transfer you after someone has vacates."

"Thank you, but I'm sure it will be alright. I'll be too tired to care who I'm sleeping next too after being outside all day. "

Donna Maria seemed to have cheered up a bit and had begun giving Rea information about the lodge and the grounds when Franca walked in talking cheerfully with Stan; Kegan and Connor tailed in behind them carrying luggage. 

"Look what I found in the parking lot, Rea! These two healthy boys will help us with our luggage, and by help I mean carry it for us."

Rea laughed. "Our rooms are on the second and third floor so it won't be a long way. Let's get everyone signed in first though."

***

Rea was sitting with Franca in her room and pouring over sight-seeing and eatery brochures. 

"Are you sure you're alright about sharing a bed with Ian? We could work out something..."

"For the 15 bazillionth time, yes I'm sure! Why are you making such a big deal about it? We're two adults, we're not 16. Plus it's a huge bed; we'll barely know the other person is there. " 

"I just feel really bad about it, Rey. I was the one who dragged out here and now you can't even get a decent room."

"It's really not a big deal though; it's the only solution that works. Stan really likes her privacy so sharing a bed with her was out of the question and since she refuses to share a room with a guy you were her only option. I refuse to share a room much less bed with Keg or Connor, so Ian was all that's left. We like each other and he's not pervy, so it's all good."

"Keg and I could have shared the bed."

"Yeah, but you two just broke up again like last week. Look, I'm telling you, its fine. By the way, did Ian say why he got so delayed? 

"No, I told you everything Connor told me. He got a call from Ian Friday night telling him that he would be delayed. That's it. He did call again when they were on the road and said that he was on his way. He should be here soon enough. "

Rea nodded in acknowledgement. She was worried about her friend. It really wasn't like Ian to call way past the last minute to notify about a change of plans. Just then her stomach produced an angry growl. She didn't get a chance to eat much breakfast in the car and her body was taking it personally. 

"I agree with your stomach. I have the lodge menu here and lunch doesn't start for another 20 minutes. That gives us enough time to have a shower and get changed."

Rea smiled. "Aww! No time left for a nap."

"We just got here and already you want a nap?" Francesca rolled her eyes. 

"Well I didn't get much sleep last night, had to be up at 6 today and just spent almost six hours in a car. Yeah, I want a nap. I'll take a hot shower, it should refresh me."

"See that it does. I'll go tell everyone else and see if they want to come with us. Meet you by the bottom of the stairs at 12:10-ish." And with that Franca left the room. 

Ondrea barely carried in her stuff when Francesca rushed in spewing apologies and possible solutions. Rea sat on the edge of the bed and took in the room for the first time. It was far from the frumpy B&B or hunting lodge she had imagined. 

The ceiling was tall with beautiful molding and the walls were painted a warm café au lait colour. The furniture was made of dark wood and had a handmade, rustic feel to it. A luxurious bed stood in the middle of the room; it was covered in cark chocolate sheets and decorative pillows in cream shades. At the foot of the bed there was a chest; Rea opened it and found warm woolen blankets which just called out to be snuggled in. There were two matching bedside tables above which hung woven copper sconces. On the right table there was a bowl of fresh green apples, on the other there was a potted white hyacinth. As she made her way to the window, Rea breathed in the intoxicating aroma of the flower. The view from the floor-length window was breathtaking. Since the ski resort was on the other side, all that could be seen was a vast expanse of lush green forest and the mountains standing in the background like peaceful giants, overlooking their domain. 

Dragging herself away from the spectacular view, Ondrea took out a change of clothes from her suitcase and threw it on the bed. She then walking into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. 

The bathroom was just as welcoming as the bedroom. Cream coloured tile covered the walls and the floor. On the door there hung a full length mirror; to the left there was a sink beside which stood a basket of fluffy beige towels. In the center, there was an antique claw foot tub which looked extremely welcoming. Beside it there was a tray holding dainty bottles with salts and oils.

"I will definitely be having a bath sometime soon." 

Opting for the shower, she stripped off her clothes; turned on the water and stepped into the hot stream, closing the frosted door behind her. The heat felt good against her skin after being outside. Warmth spread throughout her body and Rea wiggled her toes in pleasure. Turning her back to the water, she picked up a bottle of the Lodge's body wash. Opening the bottle she inhaled the aroma; it was a blend of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. Lathering some of the deliciously scented soap she quickly washed herself and got out of the shower. Rea dried herself off, put on her underwear and left the bathroom. 

After shoving her laundry into the suitcase, she took her hair out of the messy bun she had been sporting. She shook out the dark chestnut, waist length locks, running her fingers through to undo any tangles. Sighing at the thought of not getting her nap, Ondrea decided to get dressed, but just as she reached for her sweater, the door suddenly swung open.



Find Me Ch. 03



Ondrea snapped her head up and stared at the wide open door. 

"Ever heard of knocking, Franca?"

"Ever heard of locking the door?" She gave an appreciative whistle, "Nice undies by the way, very sex goddess."

Rea threw a pillow at her friend who dodged it and plopped down laughing on the bed. 

"I wanted to see if you were ready, but apparently not."

"I was changing before you barged in." She quickly pulled on plum sweater and dark grey jeans. 

"I still can't believe how good you look. I think I just might join your gym when we get back. You've inspired me."

Franca said the last comment more seriously, and Rea knew that she wasn't just referring to her body. A few years back she started to loose herself, and finding a way back is never easy. 

She had always been very levelheaded, outspoken, and confident. She was ambitious, working hard to be in the top five of her class and with big hopes for the future. Not a social butterfly, Rea preferring a relaxing bath and mystery novel to a noisy club, but she did like to go out with her friends now and again, or on an occasional date.

Rea's parents got divorced when she was very young. Since then it had been only her and her mom. She had come to depend on her mother more than on any other person, she knew Ondrea through and through. Her mother was her confidant, her closest friend; they had a very special relationship. Her mom had been casually dating, but nothing serious ever came up, until Ferdinand. They had been dating for two years when he asked her to marry him. Ondrea was ecstatic when she heard the news; her mom deserved this so much. She later fought of any negative thoughts by focusing on how happy her mother was and how selfish Rea was being. 

Lots of extended family came to town for the occasion and Rea was aviating aunt Claudia's arrival. Claudia was actually Rea's second cousin, but because of the 20 something age difference, she had always called her aunt. The woman vibrantly danced to her own tune, moving to Prague and joining the theater when Rea was five. She would come back to visit often; bring her old stage costumes and jewelry, as well as trinkets from her travels throughout the year. Her visits were always too short, no matter how long she stayed, and this time was no different. 

Once her mother moved in with Ferdinand and Claudia went back home, Rea often found herself alone in the house with only her two cats keeping her company. Her mom came over often and they still did a lot together but it was different. Rea busied herself with school, she took on more courses then she could comfortably do and joined committee after committee, she was tired and stressed but it kept her occupied and away from evenings filled with film-noir and wine. 

Writing to Claudia helped, the woman always had insight into everything and her optimistic nature rubbed off on everyone. A few years passed, and after a particularly bad week Rea got home to one of the much awaited letters. Her spirits brighter, she ripped it open and started reading. She wasn't greeted with delicate loops and swirls however, but her uncle's messy writing. Claudia had been in a nearly fatal accident and was now comatose and in a very bad state; the doctors gave a slim to none chance of recovery. 

With every letter on Claudia's unchanging condition, Rea spiraled farther down into depression. Her marks dropped, she stopped going out, and wine filled evenings became more frequent. She put on a good show for everyone, acting as in her blood, but only Franca truly knew every dark detail about that time of Rea's life. 

One day after arriving at an empty home once again to a letter from her uncle that contained no positive news, something snapped. Rea ran out into the crisp October air, the sun had already begun to set, casting a warm glow on the autumn foliage. The bright colours seemed to mock the way she was feeling so she ran faster, not paying attention to where she was going. She ran until her legs were on fire and it seemed that she could not get another breath through her lungs. Coming to a stop, Rea realized that she had run to a playground she used to visit when she was very young. She collapsed on a swing and cried quietly at what had become of her. She wasn't herself anymore, her mind in taters, a chaotic mess. Then she thought of Claudia and what the woman would say seeing her like this. Like a scarab, the thought buried itself into Rea's brain; it helped lead her back. 

Ondrea kept running, when she ran all she felt was the pounding of her feet on the pavement, the movement of her body, the way sweat drops ran between her shoulder blades. Running became her drug; it was the only thing that kept her sane in moments of madness. 

There was also another payoff which Rea didn't notice until people started to comment on how great she looked. Inspired, she joined a gym and worked her body hard, making it healthy and fit. She celebrated quietly by getting something she had always wanted, a tattoo. It was a small orange tiger, majestically lying below her right hipbone. It looked just like the statue her aunt had given her years ago. It reminded her of just how strong she was. 

Not long after, she received another letter from Claudia's address. Rea felt a sharp pang in the pit of her stomach but forced herself to open the envelope. There was a whole letter written from her uncle, but Rea only saw the first line. There was a simple phrase written in the lovely loops and spirals she had loved since she was a kid. It said "I'm okay." 

Rea smiled at that memory and unconsciously ran a hand over her tiger. She had been fine for a year now, only having occasional flare-ups. "Exercise is nice and all, but right now want to stuff my face."

She grabbed her key and they excited the room. 

"You go on, I'll go get Stan and the rest and we'll meet you there."

The two women separated at the landing as Franca quickly made her way up and Rea went down. She was the only person there and was about to take a seat in one of the lobby armchairs when she saw a familiar face at the reception desk. 

Grinning, she ran up to where he was standing and threw her arms around Ian in a tight hug, the kind of hug you give a close person after not seeing them for a year. What surprised her was how warmly he returned it. 

Ian wasn't known for his emotional displays. He was quiet, reserved, an enigma. Rea was one of the few people who knew him well, which wasn't saying much. She figured that was what attracted her to him so many years ago. She loved a good game of hide-n-seek and Ian seemed to be skilled at hiding. 

"What's this? A real hug and not one of those okay-you-hugged-me-now-let-me-go hugs you're so fond of?" 

He didn't answer but instead lightly yanked her ponytail. She stuck her tongue out at him in response. 

"Why the long delay?"

"Last minute family gathering, bad shrimp, you get the picture. Say, have you shrunk? You seem shorter..."

"No, actually I think you got into Alice's magic cookies. You're 23, stop growing!"

"You know I can't resist a good cookie. It's still good to see you though, even if you are a midget."

She scowled at him. At least Ian hadn't changed. Their conversation flowed easily, as if not a year but only a few hours passed since they last saw each other. "On a side note, do you want to take your stuff upstairs and join us for lunch?"

"Would love to, I'm starving!

"We went through the menu and everything looks really good, I think we're rarely going to go out." They made their way up the stairs and to the end of the hall, arriving at room 2D. Rea opened the door and walked into the now familiar surrounding. 

"Well, here's our room."

"Our?"

"Mhmm, we're roomies for the week." She grabbed the second key of the top of the dresser and tossed it to Ian.

"But there's..."

"Yeah, were sharing the bed."

He smiled. "Actually I was going to say that there's no TV."

"Oh! Yeah, there's one in the closet. I guess I just assumed about the bed thing."

"Naw, I'll deal. I can tolerate you snoring in my personal space; if it was anyone else I'd demand to be moved elsewhere. Plus you're tiny, so it's not even sharing, just making sure I don't roll you over."

"Har, har. How's the weather up there?"

They left the room and made their way down the stairs finding everyone already there. Kegan whistled suggestively when he saw Rea and Ian together; they chose to ignore it. After a round of small talk all around, the six made their way towards the dinning hall. 

The hall was large and spacious. Just as the lobby, it had signature log walls, except for the left one which was all glass. There were five window sections in total, each one framed by rich, brown draperies. Variously sized circular tables dressed in white tablecloths were placed throughout the room; on everyone one there was a potted white hyacinth. To the right was the buffet which emitted delectable aromas. 

Everyone grabbed a plate and pilled on their lunch. Rea chose a turkey breast fried with mushrooms and red peppers, a fresh garden salad and some spicy potato wedges. Since the lunch crowd had watered down, they had no problem finding a table for six. The food tasted even better than it smelled and for a long while everyone sat quietly and concentrated on their plates. 

"Mmm! Rey you have to try some of this, it's not as good as yours but it is so close."

Rea forked a piece of quiche of Constantine's plate. Placing it in her mouth she chewed it thoughtfully. 

"It really is good. I think I'll have it for lunch tomorrow."

Once their stomachs were full and their plates empty, they started deciding how to spend the afternoon. 

"We came here to ski, so why not go ski?" 

Franca turned Connor down. "We have a whole week for skiing Con, I was thinking of something more interesting." 

"Skiing is interesting! Who put you in charge anyway? Just because you don't want to go doesn't mean everyone else doesn't!"

"Did anyone express an interest when you mentioned skiing? No! Nobody said we had to do stuff together all the time. You want to go skiing so bloody much then go!"

"They didn't say anything because you gave them no chance too!"

"Guys, relax! I'm sure we can find something to do that won't result in murder." The conversation was getting too heated and Rea decided to put a stop to it. 

She nudged her friend's foot under the tables. "Stan you owe me five bucks. They barely lasted four hours." 

They all laughed at that and the argument was forgotten as soon as it started. Franca and Connor got into fights over nothing all the time and they made up just as quickly. 

The final decision was to go unpack and relax a little after the long trip; at night they would go out for dinner in one of the trendy clubs located close to the skiing village. 

***

"Whose idea was it to go 'clubbing' anyway?" Ian asked, looking very disgruntled as he sorted the rest of his stuff. 

"Oooh I never heard it sounds so dirty. You have a talent my friend." Rea snickered at the face he made. "And it was Franca's, were you not paying attention?"

"No, I zoned out after she starting talking really fast about...something."

"I figured. You had a really glazed look on your face almost the whole time. I was tempted to start throwing spitballs at you."

"You should have! I would have been aware of the fact that she proposed something so stupid and stopped it. I just won't go. I brought some work I need to finish so I'll have some time to complete it."

"You brought work on a vacation? I'm pretty sure that's blasphemy." 

Rea had quickly finished unpacking and was lying on the bed flipping through the channels of the small TV that was hidden away in the tiny built in closet. Having found 'Gone with the Wind' she put aside the remote and stretched out like a lazy cat, changing her attention to Ian. 

He had let his dark brown hair grow out; it now hung messily below his chin. His face wasn't typically handsome, but she had always found something appealing about it. He had a high forehead, a long nose which was slightly hooked to the left due to a childhood accident and a masculine jaw. She was glad to see he had finally grown into his shoulders. Ian had always been very tall and lean with large shoulders that looked awkward on his frame, as if he had forgotten to remove the clothe hanger from his shirt. He was still thin, but somehow he had filled out in all the right places. She had been so distracted with her observations that she was startled when Ian spoke. 

"You're actually watching that horrid film?"

"I've never seen the ending."

"Then stop while you're ahead." For a while he made overly dramatic faces and gestures mimicking the script. 

She laughed. "I'll make you a deal. I'll turn off the movie, if you go with us to the club and actually try to have some fun this week."

Ian grimaced; Scarlet had just started another one of her diva moments. "Fine, nothing can be worse than this movie."

"It will be fabulous. We'll laugh at the snow bunnies, get drunk and dance badly. In that order. Good times will be had."

"I'm sure they will be, but I'm not dancing."

"That's part of the deal though. When you got to a dance club, you are legally bound to dance."

"Well I'll get a lawyer. There is no way I'm dancing."

"Not even boozed up?"

"How much booze are we talking about here?"

Just then, Franca rushed in like a very happy tornado and swept Rea up to the room she shared with Constantine. 

"Why did you drag me here? I was just about to convince Ian to get his groove on with us, and after that I was going to have my nap." 

"There's no time for a nap, we're leaving in two hours."

"Yes, and for an hour and a half of those two I could be sleeping."

"Sorry to ruin your plans, but I am going to beautify you. Tonight you shall be the ultimate vixen, desired by all, attainable by none! Except for me, but I'm your secret lesbian lover, so that's ok." She went of to gather small bags and brushes, bottles and tubes. 

Rea snorted at the old joke and watched Franca rush around the room which looked like it was run over by three natural disasters. Suitcases were open on the beds, the floor; clothes were thrown messily all over in what seemed to be a very complex filing system. Stan sat on the bed with curlers in her hair wearing an amused and slightly frightened expression, apparently Franca already got to her. 

"Come, my pretty, have a seat and I will commence the transformation!" 

Rea sat in the chair in front of her friend who immediately attacked Rea's hair with gels and sprays. The three of them chatted while Franca busied herself with her masterpiece. They haven't had a long girly talk in a while. Even though they went to the same university, they only met once a week at best, during which time they talked about upcoming tests, group projects, insomnia and other school related things. It felt good to be able to talk about silly and pointless topics. 

"Hmm...I think that ought to do it." Franca said stepping back and looking over Rea once more. "Alright, you go get dressed and I'll do my magic on Stan here. Your outfit is in the bathroom. Be careful and don't mess up your makeup or hair."

Franca seemed set on creating club goddesses of them, so Rea decided to go along with it. In the bathroom she found the selected clothing carefully hanged on a chair. It consisted of a turquoise tank with mock lace-up detail, a black shrug with sequence on the high collar, low waisted black pants, some sparkly heels, a big choker and dangly earrings. Putting everything on, Rea looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She had to admit, Franca knew what she was doing. 

Her look was glamorous and perfect for the nighttime. Shades of copper and green played up her big brown eyes and suited her olive complexion. Shimmering powder accentuated her high cheekbones and décolleté and her lips were accented with a hint of bronze. Her hair was carefully slicked back and pinned into a messy up-do. The outfit was sexy without being trashy and it was comfortable. It hugged her curves but wasn't tight and the heels added some height to her 5'3 frame. 

Ondrea came out and found that Stan was already changed and was being treated with a heavy coat of hairspray to keep her short black shag in the flipped out style. Franca had dressed her in a deep green top with asymmetric sleeves, cropped brown pants, gold heels and bangles. It was quite a transformation.

"Now I realize why you had so many suitcases, you brought your whole closet with you!" Rea remarked. 

"Well I figured we'd have a night or two on the town while we were here and I always wanted to make you two over so I saw this as my chance. It's like playing with dolls, but better! Now just give me a few minutes to get dressed and we'll go." 

She took much less time to get herself dolled up and was soon out of the bathroom. She wore a tight navy dress with long sleeves, a plunging neckline and mid-thigh hemline, black knee-length boots, purple tights and a large sparkly necklace. She left her blond hair in soft curls and indulged in a deep indigo eye colour that made her blue eyes pop. "We look too good for clubbing. I heard that the place is pretty posh though, so it won't be a total waste. C'mon girls, lets go fetch our boys and hit the town. The night is young and so are we so let's go enjoy it." 

The girls collected Connor and Kegan and headed down, stopping on the second floor landing while Rea went to get Ian. 

Walking into the room, she found him sitting on the bed; one leg was stretched in front of him and the other bent, supporting a notebook in which he was writing. He looked so concentrated on his task that it seemed a shame to distract him. 

"Hey Ian, we're ready to go."

Turning to face her he looked at her over the top of glasses. She noticed him give her a slow once over. 

"You look good. Not really like yourself though." He stood up and placed his notebook and glasses on the bedside table. 

"Flatterer." Rea wondered how he managed to look so good in only a black dress shirt and jeans; sometimes she envied men for their simple wardrobes and lack of primping rituals. 

"I try."

In the hallway they were greeting by Francesca and Connor yelling for yet another reason nobody seemed to know. Sighing Rea hurried to where everyone stood and put out the fire. Franca linked arms with her and Stan and they strutted off giggling themselves silly. 

Rea smiled as they headed out into the night; it was good to be back. 

***

Hey everyone. Thank you for all of your comments and e-mails. They have been very encouraging. Sorry that it's taking me a while to get the chapters out, it's mid-term time right now so I'm swamped with school. I know that the story is developing a bit slower then some people like it, but I just wanted to give it a thorough background before getting into the juicer stuff. 

-D