White Dragon

by Regina A Hanel

  Sam watched rescuers in probe lines make their way across the mounds of snow that covered the highway and runoff below. She recognized them using the three-hole-per-step approach as they moved across the snow pack. Those on the line stood hand-to-hand. They probed once outside their right foot, then in the center, and then outside their left foot. Flags were placed in areas that needed additional attention, and K-9 units followed a safe distance behind, so as not to disturb unsearched areas.

  As Sam observed and wished she could help, not used to being the victim and not the rescuer, they were escorted to the staging area. From there, they were taken to the hospital to be checked out and treated, in spite of Sam's numerous protests.

  HALIE AND APRIL spent the last half hour in silence, trying to conserve air, several rounds of their word game played out. They had tired out the kids, most of whom were asleep or close to it. The chill had seeped into their bones. Halie became increasingly aware of the thinning air, her breathing labored. She pushed fear aside and focused instead on the commotion above them. She whispered to April, "Do you think the rescuers will get to us in time?"

  "I'm beginning to wonder that myself, though I hope so," April said.

  "Do you think Sam and Corrine heard about what happened? I wonder if Sam's up there trying to get us out," Halie said.

  "I don't know, but I'd have to think the chances of that are slim if they were out shopping. I wish they were though. I can't think of anyone I'd rather see than those two right now."

  "Me too," Halie said.

  In the silence that followed, she struggled to stay awake, and watched April do the same. April's head bobbed forward as her eyes closed, then snapped up again. Halie didn't want to sleep. In her mind, if she fell asleep, she'd have given up. Part of her knew she might not wake again and she couldn't let that part win. She missed Sam so much and prayed she was among the search crew looking for them, even if her thoughts were similar to April's.

  When she took in the young, innocent faces around her, anxiety fastened its hold once again. Her heart ached. They had to make it out, and soon. They had to.

  A handful of snow dropped on Halie's head in concert with a creak in the make-shift ceiling. Halie realized she must have dozed off, and so had April, though she was the only one who awoke to the noise. The flashlight April found dimmed to a barely orange glow, the other one went out long ago.

  When the creaking stopped, the ceiling dropped another foot. Halie's heart raced with fear. Did they survive this long only to be crushed by the collapsing ceiling? Could life be so cruel? As her throat tightened and anxiety level rose, she heard the faint sound of voices and her heart raced for a different reason. Soon she heard more voices and the sound of shovels and the buzz of chain saws.

  When the noise stopped she yelled, waking the others. "Down here! We're down here!" She coughed, the air was so thin. "There are nine of us," she managed. Then she heard the muffled buzz and whine of chain saws start up again and cut through the wood above them before a rush of fresh air filled her lungs.

  BOTH SAM AND Corrine tried reaching Halie and April on their cell phones to no avail as they waited to be treated at St. John's Medical Center.

  "I don't understand why Halie's not picking up," Sam said. "It's not like her. I know she's with that Colin guy on the slopes, but I'd have thought she'd have left her cell phone on. She knows I worry about her."

  "That is strange. Although I know when I call April sometimes, if she's in the middle of a ski lesson, she doesn't call until she's on a break. The odd thing is, she should have been on break by now." A few moments of silence followed. "You don't think the tremor that caused the avalanche on Teton Pass could have affected the ski area, do you?"

  "No, the areas are too far from each other. There's no way the two are connected. Please, don't make me worry more than I already am," Sam said.

  "Sorry, but when I'm sitting around doing nothing, I let my mind wander. I can't believe how long this is taking. If these wounds were more serious, we could have bled to death by now."

  "Who knows how many people were injured at the Pass, and since we're not that bad off, I'm sure that's why we've been stuck waiting," Sam said. She viewed the flat screen TV in the far corner of the room, which aired a closed captioned CNN program that had cut off for a commercial. "I haven't seen anyone else brought in lately, so I figure they should take us soon. I think I'll give Ronni a call and see if she can pick us up. She should be off work by now."

  Before Sam finished dialing the number, CNN returned on the air with more breaking news. The newscaster reported, "As the search and rescue continues at the site of the second avalanche to hit Teton County today, more pictures are pouring in from the devastation at the Alpine Crest Ski Resort. The number of people recovered has now climbed to--"

  "Holy--Corrine--Jesus, did you hear that? Halie and April. Oh, my God. What if that's why they're not answering their phones? We gotta find a way to get over there. Now!"

  Corrine stood, her face pale as if in shock. Suddenly, as Sam grabbed her arm to leave, another group of people, mostly kids, were brought through the door.

  Sam stopped in her tracks. Halie led the kids through the door. "Oh, my God. We just heard the news. Thank God you're safe. You both look awful," Sam said, as she gently hugged Halie.

  "What happened?" Corrine said, holding onto April.

  "It's a long story. But before I get into that, what are you both doing here?" April asked.

  "We got stuck in the avalanche at Teton Pass."

  Halie held her hand to her mouth. Tears streamed from her eyes. "An avalanche at Teton Pass? I can't believe this. It's been an unbelievable day," Halie said. "I have to sit."

  Sam helped her to a chair. April sat also, but kept hold of Corrine's hand.

  "We're okay," Corrine said. "The car's not--but the EMT's insisted we be checked out."

  "Us too," April said. "Today was the scariest day of my life. I didn't think we'd make it. I'm so glad to be here."

  As soon as April finished, Cali walked in, followed by Ronni.

  "Please," Sam said, "No more. Tell me you two are okay."

  "We're fine," Ronni said.

  "What are you both doing here? How'd you know we were--"

  "We're fine and never mind that now. We're your rides home," Ronni said.

  LATER THAT EVENING, Sam and Halie sat together on their sofa, facing the fireplace, unable to unwind from their terrifying and draining day. Sam rested against the cushion by the armrest, and Halie leaned into her shoulder. They held hands in silence for some time until Halie spoke.

  "I'm not sure after everything we've been through today that this is the right time to bring up this conversation, but then we never know when we'll get another chance."

  Sam's eyes met Halie's and she squeezed her hand tight, but said nothing.

  Halie relaxed and continued. "I'm sorry that I've been distant with you, and I'm even sorrier that I keep telling you things will change when for one reason or another they don't. When I was trapped under that snow today...I did a lot of thinking. I promised myself that if or when I got out of there, I'd doubly show you how much you mean to me and never let wasted time come between us again."

  Sam was about to reply when Halie interrupted. "Hold on--there's more. That's what I planned on telling you, what I thought I resolved in my mind, but I can't. I don't want to make the same mistakes I've made before and hurt you all over again. I'm not sure the solution is as simple as I thought it was earlier."

  "I don't think it's that simple either, though I wish it were, but I'm glad we're discussing it," Sam said. "I've thought about what's transpired and think maybe we need to make more time for each other. We don't go out often like we used to and we don't talk about our problems or try to deal with them together. I don't remember the last time we sat in front of the fireplace and held hands like we are now. I miss it." Sam watched the flames flicker and rise. She soaked in their warmth, a comfort.

  "I mis
s it too," Halie said. "I had similar thoughts. I think we can't hold things inside. We need to discuss things that are bothering us rather than bottle them up. I promise I'll be open with you from this moment forward, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable the subject matter might be for either of us. In the long run, we'll be stronger for it."

  "And I'll do the same, I promise."

  Halie smiled. "And if that doesn't work, we'll see a relationship counselor. I'll do whatever it takes. You're too important to me and so is our happiness. I love you."

  "I love you too."

  Halie leaned toward Sam and kissed her gentle on the lips, several times. "I don't know about you, but I think this day caught up to me. All of a sudden it's a struggle to keep my eyes open.

  "Me too," Sam said. "Plus I'm not sure if I have any coherent thoughts left."

  "How about we go to bed and you hold me tight until we fall asleep?" Halie suggested.

  "I'm all for that," Sam said. "It's finding the energy to make it up the stairs that I'm worried about."

  Chapter Sixteen

  WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, FIVE days after the avalanche, Cali walked into Nature's Vision.

  "Hey, thanks for stopping by," Halie said.

  Cali made her way across the wooden gallery floor. "Are you kidding me? You don't have to thank me. I'm the one who's thankful for everything you're doing for us, especially after all that's happened to you. How are you? And Sam?"

  "We're fine. Thanks. It's not something we'll ever forget, but things are getting back to normal."

  "I'm glad. Even for me, not being directly affected, it was scary. You're so helpless. Anyhow, on to brighter topics. Do we have our first winner?" Cali asked.

  "Not just a winner, but a winner who's painting sold the first day I displayed it."

  "I don't believe it."

  "Believe it. I'm thinking maybe I'll put the top two works of art up next month, instead of one. I also thought it would be better to limit the payment the kid's parents got on their behalf to twenty percent of the sale instead of fifty percent, and then give the school the other eighty percent, but then also give the kids a framed certificate," Halie said.

  "That's a great idea, but who'll pay for framing?"

  "The gallery will. I'll cut the suspense. Your first winner was Jennifer Paulison."

  Cali clapped her hands like a child on Christmas. "That's fantastic. Hers was my first choice too. She's one of our third graders. She has self-confidence issues, so this certificate should do wonders for her. I can't wait to give her the good news."

  "I'm glad." Halie proceeded behind the counter and brought out Jennifer's certificate and two checks. "Here you go," she said as she handed the items over to Cali. "By the way, this isn't my business and you don't have to answer, but have you seen Ronni since we were all together at the hospital? Have you guys talked since or gotten together?"

  Cali fixed her eyes on the front window of the gallery. "No, but it's only been a couple of days. I've been super busy anyhow. I'm sure she'll call."

  RONNI PACED IN front of the telephone mustering the courage to dial, but her nerves up to this point prevented that simple action from happening. Ronni fought with the voices in her head. Why hadn't Cali called? Was she expecting her to call? What if she was the only one who felt a connection and Cali didn't? But then again, she did get her phone number. Ronni recalled the warm, tingling sensation she experienced when Cali took her hand on the deck at the ski lodge and wrote her phone number on it. After that, everything got crazy. True she'd called her to tell her when they found April and Halie, and they met at the hospital, but when they parted, Cali didn't mention that Ronni should call her.

  Lost in thought, Ronni hadn't registered her roommate traipse by, barefoot and in her pajamas, scarfing down a slice of cold pizza until she heard "What's your problem? Call her already for heaven's sake. You're killing me already."

  "She might not be up yet. I don't want to wake her."

  "Pu-lease," Tracy said. "If I'm up, then she's definitely up. Besides, if an avalanche can't get the two of you together, what will it take? It's not like you won't have plenty to talk about. You know you want to. Suck it up and make the call."

  Ronni relaxed and smiled at Tracy. "You're right. I'm being stupid. The worst she could say is no."

  "Of course I'm right." Tracy bit off another huge piece from her slice. "Well? What are you waiting for?"

  "A little privacy would be nice."

  "Oh, you kill me, really you do. Fine," she said, and headed into her room. "But if you don't call her, I'll be sure to make you as miserable as you've made me these past few days."

  ANGELA'S RESTAURANT WAS quiet for a Thursday evening during the holidays, which Ronni preferred. She was glad she didn't have to yell over other patrons to talk to Cali. Soft Italian music played in the background. They sat at a small table against the wall and not far from the fireplace. A candle and a vase of fresh pine branches intertwined with red berries adorned their white linen table. The smell of garlic bread wafted through the linen napkin that kept their bread warm. Ronni's stomach growled.

  A grin etched the corner of Cali's mouth.

  "Sorry about that," Ronni said, her cheeks turning crimson. "Bread?"

  "Bread would be great, and don't worry about it. I'm starving too. If your stomach hadn't growled, you'd have heard mine chime in."

  Ronni appreciated the ease and kindness Cali exuded. "Thanks for saying that," she said. She broke off a piece of bread and placed it on Cali's plate.

  Cali's eyes held Ronni's. A comfortable silence followed until Cali replied, "Thanks for calling and inviting me to dinner tonight. I want you to know I'm happy to be here with you. I've never been to this restaurant before. It's quite nice."

  "The food's supposed to be fantastic. My roommate recommended it," Ronni said.

  "Excellent food is a bonus, but spending time with you is even better."

  Ronni swallowed hard, her heartbeat quickened. "I agree...about spending time with you," she managed.

  "I'm sorry I didn't get to say much to you at the hospital. It was such a crazy day. I should have called you after. The whole thing kind of shook me up."

  "I know what you mean, and I wasn't sure if I should call or not...if you wanted me to," Ronni said.

  "Of course I wanted you to. Please don't think I make a habit of writing my phone number on other people's hands."

  The two women laughed. After the ice was broken, their conversation lingered well past their meal and dessert as Ronni explained in more detail what happened to Sam and Halie, from what they told her, and Cali chimed in with April and Corrine's corroborating versions of that tragic day. Then they talked about their families, jobs, and future aspirations. Ronni couldn't get enough of Cali. She didn't want the night to end, but knew it soon would. She drove slower on the ride home than she did to the restaurant, and when she pulled in April and Corrine's driveway, she shut off the engine and said, "I'll walk you to the door."

  "You don't need to do that, but if you want to, I won't stop you," Cali said.

  Ronni's face lit up. "Great. Don't move." She got out, strutted around the rear of the car, then opened the door for Cali. Once Cali was out of the Jeep and Ronni shut the door behind her, she added, "It feels strange walking you to the door, knowing April and Corrine are home. I feel like I'm back in high school, sneaking around with my date."

  Cali laughed. Her breath floated upward in the bitter cold. "I know what you mean, but my living arrangements are temporary. April and Corrine have been so great to put me up like they have. I admit though, I'm rather experiencing the same sensation, though back in high school my first real date was with a guy, and he turned out to be a complete jerk. I don't even know why I agreed to go out with him. I think I was still in denial about being gay. Other than him walking me to the door when someone else was home, this date, thank goodness, is nothing like that evening."

  Ronni stood at the top of the steps. She fidgeted fro
m one foot to the other, more from nerves than the cold, uncertain how to end the evening. "Well, I better let you get inside before you freeze to death out here. I had a nice evening," she said.

  "I did too." Cali took Ronni's hand into her own. "I noticed you haven't lit a cigarette once tonight. Why's that?"

  Ronni thought she'd lose consciousness at Cali's touch, and her question sent a bolt of embarrassment through her, yet she knew she needed to answer. "I gave up smoking."

  Cali's eyes bore into Ronni's. "Just like that, for no reason?"

  "I, uh, well--no, not for no reason." Ronni's cheeks warmed again. She was thankful the light given off from the holiday decorations wasn't bright enough that Cali would notice her blush. "I stopped for you," she managed after an awkward silence. "I thought that in case I was lucky enough to meet you again, I didn't want my chances with you ruined if I smoked. I came to the conclusion during our first meeting that you didn't like smokers."

  "Interesting," Cali said.

  The tone sent shivers along Ronni's spine. She wanted nothing more than to kiss Cali in that moment, to feel the softness of her lips and tenderness of her touch, as she imagined so many times during those sleepless nights since they met.

  Cali stepped closer, her line of sight focused on Ronni's lips.

  Ronni clutched onto the invitation sent. She tilted her head and leaned in for a kiss. She kissed Cali gingerly at first, then again with greater urgency. Ronni heard the beating of her heart throb in her ears, her desire overtaking her when Cali parted her lips and explored her mouth with her tongue. Ronni eagerly met Cali's advances. All thoughts were focused on the woman before her while the world stood still for that moment. When their mouths separated, Ronni took a deep breath. "I'll take that as a yes that it would be okay to call you again?"