“Go big or go home baby.” Adler high-fived her and got back in line to ride to the top when her score came in and she was sitting in second place. Amy was on top with three more points. They had one more run to go.
When she got to the top she sat in the tent going over her run in her head while the other competitors had their final runs. She knew she’d have to go before Amy who would be last since she was leading. She stood and stretched her back when there were only two riders in front of her. Amy hugged her before she sat on the bench outside of the tent to strap her board to her feet.
She started her I-Pod song and sat in the snow until the green light lit up signaling the judges were ready. She stood and pointed her board towards the pipe and dropped in with massive speed. She caught more air coming out of the pipe with her air-to-fakie than the other riders on their first wall and scored major points with the judges. She immediately went right into a front-side-nine followed by a back-side-nine and she was still flying high out of the pipe. She lined up perfectly and spun a front-side ten-eighty that she landed just a little shaky, but she still carried enough speed to finish with a back-side-seven with a perfect grab. She threw both hands in the air before sliding to a stop. She unsnapped her bindings and pushed her helmet and goggles back as she ran over to the barrier full of spectators. Cason was standing up front with black ski pants and a dark grey ski jacket on. Her short dark hair was covered by Adler’s bright blue ski cap and she also had her bright blue scarf on. Adler wanted her to stand out in the crowd so she could find her easily among the thousands of people.
Adler ran up to Cason, threw her arms around her neck, and kissed her thoroughly. Cason held her and kissed her back. Adler pulled back slightly and looked into Cason’s blue eyes.
“I love you.” Adler said with a bright smile. “I’m sorry it took me so long to say it. I’ve loved you for so long Cason.”
“I love you too.” Cason kissed her again.
Amy had a great run going behind them, but she slid out on one of her landings towards the bottom and it was all over. Cason won. When they were setting up the podium to quickly move on before the men started their final the ESPN reporter pulled Adler aside for an interview.
“First let me say that was an awesome run, another gold medal for your wall, and a fourth gold here at X Games.” She said. “Now, we all want to know who you ran to for a not so quick kiss when you finished your winning run.” She smiled.
Adler looked over at Cason, the one person that meant the world to her. She smiled. “That’s my girlfriend. I love her so damn much.” The interview was live and playing over the loudspeaker for the crowd to hear. She smiled brightly and looked at the shock on the reporters face. “I just came out didn’t I?” She grinned and laughed.
Falling Snow Page 14