by Pam Tribble
~~***~~
Winter arrived with a vengeance and the quiet town of Lake Placid was once again transformed into a tourist hotbed as skiers, snowboarders, and the like flocked to its lodges, inns, and B&Bs. Traffic became congested, restaurants crowded. Business was brisk in all the area shops and though their firm could hardly be considered a tourist attraction, even the Grants’ business inexplicably picked up, as it always did that time of year.
Jonah and Lyra, both averse to the crowds and noise, settled into their own quiet, private routine. They rode to school together every day except when Lyra had her cello lessons. They avoided town as much as possible, preferring to spend evenings and weekends at one another’s house doing homework, watching movies, or just enjoying a crackling fire while watching the snow. They didn’t always even talk much; just being together seemed to be enough for either one of them.
Though they were spending all their time together, and were closer than they’d ever been, Lyra felt that Jonah was still holding back from her. It was like he was keeping his feelings and fears locked inside. She knew that the upcoming trip to Edenvale must be weighing heavily on his mind and she wished there was something she could say or do to reassure him. Lyra thought that if Jonah could just get past that, he might open up to her completely.
Lyra’s birthday was a quiet event. Her parents took her to dinner at the country club and gave her a pretty, flower-shaped amethyst ring which completed her necklace and earring set.
Jonah invited her over for dinner the following evening. Jet pulled out all the stops and had prepared a feast including her favorite walnut brownies. Jonah’s gift to her was a matching cashmere scarf and pair of gloves in cream and caramel. She absolutely loved it.
Jonah and Jet spent Thanksgiving with the Grants. Lyra’s parents and Jonah’s uncle genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, laughing and talking hours after the meal was cleared away and they’d settled in the living room with their pie and coffee. Jonah and Lyra escaped to the den and watched Miracle on 34th Street. It was a wonderful day and Lyra wished she could just stop time right there.