The airport was truly the end of the world and beginning of everything else. A boy sat in a chair, looking as relaxed as the stiff plastic seats allowed. He looked casual but trendy, what with his pierced ears and chain on his pants. His backward hat gave him a defiant look, and his smirk didn't help at all.

But Harriet Jones sat beside him regardless. She and her corporate attire and prim skirt contrasted with his tight T-shirt and baggy jeans, and she smiled over at him politely. His smirk never wavered and her face reflected off the tinted lenses of his Oakley sunglasses.

He reached in his pocket and pulled out a pack of gum and a toothpick in a clear package. After offering her a stick of gum which she took, he opened the toothpick and put in his mouth, taking off his shades and putting them in the same pocket as his gum in a few graceful motions. A moment of silence more and he turned to her.

"The names Jeremy Sharp."

"Harriet Jones."

"Well, nice to meet you ma'am."

"Likewise. Where are you headed?"

"I so thought you were gonna put a 'young man' at the end of that." She laughed in response and he shifted the toothpick to the other side of his mouth before answering. "I'm headed back home."

"And where's that?"

"Denver."

"I've been there once. It was absolutely lovely." The boy smiled wider in response, showing a crooked, but friendly smile. He looked over at her and met her gaze with his hazel eyes that were more brown than anything. Hers were a greyish blue set into her dark and beautiful face and she shined her perfectly straight smile in response.

"Well, I s'pose. I think I'm not old enough to appreciate my hometown yet."

"Probably not. Restless are we?" asked Harriet jokingly.

"No." he said thoughtfully. "Tired."

"Travel weary. It happens tot he best of us."

"And where are you headed?"

"Actually back home to Missouri. Just went to a seminar here in New York."

"Don't you get a lotta flack for black down there?"

"I'm actually half, but yes, I've had a few incidents."

"Sorry 'bout that. Sometimes people can be real idiots." he said with authentic disdain in his voice.

"No problem. So, where have you been? You look kinda young."

"I'm 17, actually. If I hadn't shaved this morning, I'd look a lot older." He said with a joking smile. "Actually, I've been a lotta places. A once in a lifetime glance into who I am as a person, I guess. Well, actually, I did it all for a girl."

"I assumed."

"Excuse me?"

"Well, most anything extreme, nay, ever done is usually for a girl assuming a boy did it." she said with a grin.

"Don't get pedantic on me now."

"I'll try not to."

"Well, she was visiting Denver for a bit. I think her family went skiing. Wow, seems like forever ago." he said as he sat back farther in the chair. "And I met her. She was there for three weeks. By the time I met her, she had two and a half weeks left. And after two of those weeks, we decided we hadn't spent enough time together. So what were we to do? Where to go to get away from it all?"

"California." said Harriet jokingly.

"Exactly." said the boy with a huge smile. "Exactly."

____

I looked around at the snow covered slopes and then back at my cousin Art. He kept his eyes glued to the road as he took a turn on the treacherous road. My seatbelt was fastened, so I wasn't too worried, and I sat back relaxed. The guard rail comforted me as well and I smiled as I glanced around the beautiful landscapes.

"We're almost there."

"So worried about destinations. Damn, enjoy the trip man.' I said with a grin. He repeated what I said mockingly under his voice and I just laughed. "Real mature."

If he hadn't been so scared, he probably would've taken one hand off the wheel to flip me off. But he didn't, and soon we passed a sign saying the ski lodge was close.

"I jus' need to pick up my last check and then we'll be out."

"C'mon. We're here, we might as well ski."

"I forgot my snowboard at home."

"We'll rent."

"No, the prices are outrageous."

"Don' you get some kinda ex-employee discount?"

"Wow, you're funny. You ever thought about taking that bit on the road?"

"Once, but I decided I was too shy to pursue fame."

"You're a jackass."

"Another reason why my celebrity was never realized." He finally laughed as he pulled into the lodge's parking lot. Quite a nice trip although it led to a snooty lodge with conceited guests. Art got out of the SUV and slammed the door and I followed, stuffing my hands in my pockets even though it really wasn't that cold. Jus' chilly.

The ambience was cheerful as we walked in and I hung my coat on the coat racks along the wall. Art passed me his and I hung it quickly as he walked to the service desk. He was determined to get his check, so I left him alone to do his thing as I went and sat on the only empty chair in the place. It was leather and comfortable as I watched the fireplace. It cackled and the flames licked here and there and gave the place a warmth and sense of hospitality. Expensive hospitality, but hospitality none the less.

I glanced over at my cousin to catch him arguing heatedly with the clerk. Should've know we would be here for a while. I scanned the crowd and the countless generic faces. And it was then that I saw her.

I almost had to catch my breath, as corny as that sounds. It was like... like the world focused on her and I had to comply. But I didn't mine.

She was beautiful. No other word for it. I've seen waterfalls, virgin snow, glorious animals and fantastic sunrises. None of it, and I mean none of it, came close to her. And all I could manage was a crooked smile as she looked back at me and raised an eyebrow.

My mother had never taught me tact, and although it would've come in handy in situations, I was glad at this point in time. I got up and walked over to her, trying to think of the perfect words to spark an interesting and enticing conversation.

"Um.... hey." Damn. She turned from her friend and looked me over before smiling.

"Hey." A moment passed. I was faltering fast and I had to do something quick.

"Um, yeah. My name's Jeremy Smart and I was hoping I could hang out with you for a little bit."

"The names Wren Mosely. And I'm sorry, but I'm with family right now."

"Well, surely they'll excuse you, jus' for five minutes. See, my cousin's arguing over his check over there," We looked over as he pointed a finger in his face and yelled something unpleasant. "And I was hoping I could get to know a pretty girl while I waited."

"Is that all I am to you?"

"You women and your traps. I'm gonna go off on a limb here and tell the truth. No."

"Good answer."

"I try."

"I'm sorry, but I don't think my family would like that very much." I stood there silent for a bit mulling over this rejection.

"Excuse me." I said to her. She nodded, and I walked past her as gracefully as I could. An older man and women sat there, and I spoke to the man. "Sir, I was wondering if I could have the privilege of conversing with your daughter for awhile."

Wren grabbed me by the arm and spun me around. She had a face of disbelief and embarrassment but a smile regardless. I raised an eyebrow and heard a chuckle from behind me. She led me a few feet away and spoke and laughed simultaneously.

"That's not my dad! My dad's skiing right now." I laughed and looked back at the old man. He waved at me and I waved back. Before I turned around he gave me a thumbs up and I laughed again. "Well, looks like he approves, though."

"Why were you embarrassed?"

"Because you made a fool of yourself."

"Ah, you cared?" I said with a grin.

"Don't let it go to your head." she said, but she said it with a smile. I think it was then I fell in love with her smile. I don't recall when I fell in love with her laugh. I think I fell in love with her eyes on the plane ride to Iowa.

I think I fell in love with her before she felt embarrassed for me. It was really all a blur. But then again, I've heard that's always the way with love.

And that's when this all started.