This will be a short story about one winter's adventure of 2 couples who braved a blizzard to escape boredom. This is a work in progress. It has not been edited.
Chapter One
The
city was immobilized. This was the worst
winter storm in recent history.
Twenty-three inches of snow lay on the ground imprisoning the young, impatient
newlyweds in their sparsely furnished apartment.
Across
town another couple looked outside with determination. The radio was blaring in the background:
"We have interrupted normal programming to cover the ‘Blizzard of
'77.’" This is Loudmouth Larry of WBBA FM (W)here
(B)lizzards (B)lanket the (A)rea! We are committed to staying on the air until
this crisis is past. We have a number of
announcements. Just received: a call from a man who is in need of formula
for his baby. Volunteers with
four-wheel-drive vehicles in the Highland area should call us at WBBA for
assignments. The Louisville Police request
that everyone remain in their homes unless it is an extreme emergency. There are reports of deserted cars stuck in
the snow on almost every street in the city.
If you attempt to dig your car out, there is no guarantee there will be
a clear path to your destination.
Please, only four-wheel-drive vehicles should attempt to maneuver our
city streets. Most businesses are closed
because workers are stuck in the snow!
Have you ever seen anything like this, Herb?" "No, Larry, this is beyond my imagination!
Another announcement just in: Louisville Police have decided to close
Interstate 264. They ask that no further
drivers attempt to use the Interstate.
We are told it is at a standstill, and people are stranded in their
vehicles. If you are stranded in your
car, you are advised to make your way to the nearest phone and report your
whereabouts. As more four-wheel-drive
vehicles become available, stranded persons will be rescued according to the
most need. While you are waiting to be rescued, you are advised to use your car
heater sparingly. Your patience and charity has been astounding, Louisville,
please, keep it up! This is serious business, folks, please stay home if you
can. Just in: a grateful father informed
us of a ‘Good Samaritan’ who brought his baby some formula! Thank you Louisville. Your response to your fellow man's needs
since this storm has been overwhelming.
It's great how this city has pulled together in its time of trouble,
don't you think, Larry?” "You're so
right, Herb! It warms my heart! And I'm glad something is warm in this
city! This is our 18th hour of
continuous coverage of this blizzard, and we will not leave until this city is
out of danger! This is WBBA FM, staying with you, the radio station (W)here (B)abies (B)ottles (A)re filled!
Click! Jerry
turned off the radio. "Listening to
that is discouraging! The van is dug
out. Do you still want to try?"
Sarah nodded her head. "This
might be crazy, but I sincerely want to try.
What did Willie and Pam say?"
"They are all for it. Willie
says if we can make it to their house, we can make it anywhere. Hey, if nothing else, this will break our
boredom!"
Chapter Two
Willie
and Pam were packing their one suitcase.
"Should I take my bathing suit?" "If you want to, you know I love to see
you in it," Willie teased. Pam's
glance threw him into the memory of their wedding night, six short months
ago. Pam was only 17, but Willie was
sure her love was real. This was
Willie’s second marriage, but it was first in his heart. Pam's mother didn't much like the fact that
there was 5 years difference in their ages, but Willie finally won her over
with his abundant charm. "Hey,
babe, how long before you think they'll get here?" "In this snow, they may not make it at
all. Why?" Pam looked up from her packing just as Willie
grabbed her. "What do you say, baby?"
"I say you are the most wonderful man in the world." He picked her up and cradled her in his
arms. His feelings for her ranged from
protective to passionate in one heartbeat.
She was light as a feather and tiny as a child in his muscular
grasp. Her warm, soft hands around his
neck compelled him to lay her on their bed.
They made love until there was a knock at the door.
Pam
giggled as Sarah and Jerry acknowledged the situation. "You newlyweds are insatiable!" Jerry shook his head. "I hope you guys are ready for
this. We got stuck three times coming
over here. All three times, people
helped push us out. It's great how
friendly people are in a blizzard."
"Are we crazy to attempt this,” Sarah wondered aloud? “It's frigid out, and you know we don't have
a heater in the van." "What do
you think, babe," Willie looked questioningly at Pam. "I don't want to take any chances with
my new wife." "Oh, it'll be
alright. Jerry said people are friendly.
If we get stuck and can't go on, somebody will see that we get back
home. Anyway, once we get out of
Kentucky, the weather will let up."
Willie frowned with concern at the thought of Pam being cold and stranded. As if she read his mind, Pam put her arms
around his neck and lightly kissed his cheek.
"Please, babe, I've never been to Florida, and I'm bored with
sitting in this apartment. We have extra blankets and coats, and, we can keep
each other warm...." Willie
couldn't say no to Pam when she especially desired something, and she really
wanted this.
Chapter Three
It
was mid day when they were finally on their way. The bright sun aided in melting enough of the
snow to make the main roads manageable . . . that is if you didn’t stop. Willie was changing his wet socks for the
third time as they left the city limits.
Each time they had to come to a complete stop, Willie and Jerry had to
get out and push the van. Then they
raced, slipping and sliding, to catch up and jump back in. Pam was excited and happy. This was the first time they had left their
apartment in five days. She was
concerned about Willie’s cold, red feet, but she did not regret their decision
to go. Willie would endure any
discomfort if it made Pam happy.
Everyone
was doing his best to keep warm. All
faces were wrapped in knitted scarves in order to harness the heat of human
breath. The warmest spot in the van rapidly became the coveted seat of
honor. The van’s motor was between the
driver and passenger seats and was covered with an upholstered wooden box.
“Your
time’s up. Who will go next?” “Everyone has had a turn except for Jerry,”
Sarah reminded. “Okay, pull over, and I
will drive so you can get warm,” Willie obliged. “At least his butt will be warm,” Pam
interrupted. They all were too tired and
cold to find the humor in that statement.
Willie was getting used to the feel of the
van just as a deer ran out onto the highway! Instinctively, Willie slammed on
the brakes. The van slid sideways then
spun completely out of control. Willie
somehow remembered his military training and proceeded to turn into the
skid. He let up on the brake and put the
van into neutral. His training paid
off. The van finally stopped. After the initial shock, Pam and Sarah
expressed their relief in missing the deer.
Chapter Four
Night
is never as black as when snow is covering all.
The trees glistened under the street lamps. Every branch was encased in
solid ice. Pam imagined they were traveling within a crystal world that was
light years away from Earth. She liked
to pretend, but was afraid to tell Willie of her games. She could not risk his disapproval
again. She would become mature before
his eyes, and he would never have to rebuke her again. She was determined to skip age 17 and go
directly to age 21.
Character development starts HERE
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