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“Ready, my light?” Liam asked with a soft smile that melted Amelia’s heart. His hand hung towards her, relaxed, ready. He wore black arm sleeves and a light blue scarf.
Amelia took his hand with her own. He squeezed it gently. “I am.” She responded quietly, smiling. She wore her own forest green scarf and black sleeves.
Clad in their own pairs of snow boots, Liam pushed open the door to their apartment. “The scarf looks pretty on you.” He whispered, leading her along down the hallway.
The compliment made her giggle, flattered. “You say that about everything I wear.” She stated as Liam pressed the button to call the elevator.
“Well, yeah.” He turned to her as they awaited the elevator’s arrival. “There’s a common denominator there, isn't there?”
She laughed again. “Shut up!” She quietly shouted. She was grateful no one else was around to witness them being cheesy. They couldn't help it—it was the first day of their honeymoon. Their hands remained intertwined when the elevator doors finally rolled aside.
“Come on.” He ushered her inside with him.
The elevator was beautiful. Half of the elevator stuck out of the apartment building. The walls were made of thick glass, revealing a gorgeous view. The sky was beginning to darken. The skiing mountain’s lights were beginning to turn on to guide the skiers still partaking in the activity. Mountains were all that could be seen in the distance, and the large town resort below was lit up in warm yellow-white lights from corner to corner.
Amelia’s hand slipped from Liam’s as she went up to the wall. The doors slid to a close behind the two after Liam hit the button for the first floor. He then joined her staring at the view. “It's beautiful.” Amelia stated the obvious, hushed. She put her hand against the glass.
“Yeah.” He breathlessly agreed as the elevator began sliding delicately down.
Amelia stared at some of the objects walking through the town below. There were a few seconds of comfortable silence.
“I bet it looks stunning to walk through.” Liam whispered, excited.
“Yeah.” Her hand slid to her side. “Heh. I can't wait.” They shared a smile.
Suddenly, the elevator stopped its descent.
…
“Up for one more round?” Parker asked Charlotte as she slid to a stop next to him with her snowboard. She wore a large purple jacket and brownish flip top mittens.
“Hell yeah!” She pointed at him with a confident smile. “But are you?” Her tone was challenging.
“You know it.”
She quickly undid the clamps on her snowboard. “Then let's hurry up! Gotta go before it gets too dark.”
Fortunately for the pair, the lines for the ski lifts were beginning to thin, and it wasn't long before they were saddled together in a ski lift. Thick pieces of glass protected them from the piercing winds in the front and on both sides. Both of them had their snowboards in their lap as they lifted off the ground.
Parker relaxed against the back of the seat, hands folded in front of him. Charlotte glanced at him as his eyes strayed to the side, at the town. He wore a puffy orange jacket with black gloves. Seeing his content smile gave Charlotte a wobbly feeling inside her chest. Charlotte usually wasn't one to initiate cheesy dialogue, and yet: “Are you having as much fun as I am?” Her question came out awkward and quiet. She turned her eyes away as soon as she said it.
Parker snickered, eyes turning to her after a delay. “Getting cheesy, are you?” He teased.
“I didn't.. mean for it to come out that way.” She closed her eyes and shook her head, a smile forcing itself out through her flustered exterior. “I was trying to- God.” She laughed.
“No, no, I get it.” He nodded, speaking gently. “To answer your question, I am having a lot of fun.” He leaned towards her. “And having you here is the most enjoyable part.”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes lightheartedly. She leaned forwards, against the railing. “Gosh, you make it sound like I was gone for seven months.”
Parker’s eye scrunched. “Hey, that's—!”
He was suddenly cut off as the lift stopped, jostling both of them forwards for a second.
Both of them were wide eyed as the lift stalled its rocking.
…
“What happened?” Liam asked, concern rising in his voice. “What's going on?”
It'd been a few moments since the elevator abruptly halted.
“Did the building lose power?” Amelia wondered aloud, gazing down. They were still high up in the air.
“We're stuck?” He stepped back.
Amelia looked around to see if any other place was out of power. The lights in the town were still on. “Maybe we are.” She softly admitted, looking for other signs.
Liam let out a half disgusted, half devastated scoff. “H-How could that have..?” His voice trailed. There was a light thud.
Concerned, Amelia turned around to see Liam on the floor, laying against the wall. His expression fell and that broke her heart. She’s quick to sit down next to him, taking his adjacent hand.
“Are you okay?” She rubbed his hand soothingly.
Liam stared at the unfittingly stunning scenery—though at nothing in particular. He subtly shook his head. “I'm tired of this feeling.” He admitted quietly. He swallowed.
Amelia immediately knew what feeling he was referring to. Feeling trapped against his will. “It's okay, Liam.” She affirmed, shifting her body towards him a little. “We're past that era.” She grabbed his hand with both of hers. “We'll be okay.”
He swallowed again, drawing a slow, deep breath. He barely nodded. “I know.” He muttered, weakly bringing his other hand to hers. “I know.” He repeated.
“I'm here for you.” She shifted to fully face him.
“Amelia,” He breathlessly started. “Having you was the only thing that kept me sane.” His hand gently, but purposefully, touched her smooth, sleek cheek.
“I know.” She got on her knees, leaning towards him. “But I'm here with you now. Nothing will take that from you.” It hurt more than anything when he was taken from her.
They stared each other in the eyes, and something inside Liam broke. He smiled, eyes wet, touched. “My light..” He whispered, fingers tracing her face delicately.
“Liam..”
The two drifted closer.
“I'll never lose you again.”
“You won't.”
Their lips connected—tender, gentle. A reminder to both of them to cherish the other’s presence through hardship.
“We’ll be okay.” She reminded him once their faces hovered inches away from each other again.
“You’re really good at making it feel that way.”
The two stared at each other for another moment before their lips connected again.
…
Parker twisted his body, looking around. Charlotte tried to do the same, but with more difficulty. Half a minute had passed since the lift stalled.
“So, it broke.” Charlotte stated, looking at Parker for his reaction.
He sat back straight. “Well, so much for getting one more in before it gets dark.” He sarcastically remarked.
“We'll just have to roll with it. It’ll be more dangerous that way.” She smirked at him.
“So you can lose another chunk of your head?”
“Well, the possibility of that makes it more thrilling, right?” She giggled unseriously.
He looked up, smirking. “God, why am I stuck with a self destructive wife?”
She laughed, playfully shoving him. “I don't see you wearing any protective gear!”
He laughed, closing his eyes. “Touché.”
The pair quieted, staring at the scenery below. The lift still hadn't moved.
“Well, I guess we're stuck now.” Charlotte commented, bored.
“Stuck in a claustrophobic, congested space with you? This is torture, I say.” Parker joked.
“I know you love me.” She shot back, giving him half lidded eyes.
“You know, you're right.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her towards him with firmness. “I wish your body wasn’t so stiff right now.” He teased. “I like it better when you're flimsy.”
“Should've thought about that before taking me to a ski resort for our honeymoon.”
“You’re right, I should've taken you to sunny California during the Christmas season.”
“Should have proposed sooner.”
“God, fuck you.” He pulled her closer, looking in the opposite direction.
“You'll have time tonight.”
He snickered in response.
The wind gently howled, blowing on their dangling legs. Charlotte leaned slightly towards him, yawning suddenly.
“Tired?” Parker asked, smirking, though Charlotte couldn't tell if he was teasing or being sincere.
“Yeah.” She admitted. “This snowboarding shit takes more effort than I thought it would.” She giggled lightly.
He did the same, amused. “Maybe so, but we've still got more things to do afterwards.” He reminded her. “Are you still up for it?”
She snuggled up to him, closing her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, we’ll get to it.” She dismissively said.
Parker’s heart melted a little as she adjusted herself against him. “Hey, don't fall asleep before we get to the top.” He laughed, slightly flustered.
“I'm not, I'm-..” She yawned again. “I'm not.” She repeated through it. “Let me just rest for a little while.”
He sighed, smiling uncontrollably. He looked off to the distance. “I suppose we aren't going anywhere right now anyways.”
“Yeah, now you're sounding reasonable.” She quietly spoke, teasing.
“And you're sounding adorable.”
She rubbed her side against him, his wrapper crinkling in response. “Whatever makes you happy, Parker.”
…
Amelia helped Liam to his feet. The pair’s eyes remained locked, Liam’s radiating gratitude. “Let’s just enjoy the view.” Amelia suggested.
“Can't I just enjoy you instead?” Some of his teasing calm came back.
She giggled loudly. “Liam! Come onnn.” She pseudo complained.
He chuckled lightly. The pair turned to face the glass wall and stared out at the view. Despite the darkness of the sky, the world was lit up from the snow and the lights from the town below.
A few moments of silence passed.
“Thanks, Amelia.”
She looked at him, causing him to do the same. She beamed at him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Just stay calm. It won't be long.”
He nodded. “I will.”
The pair turned their heads to the view again. A comfortable silence filled the small space as they took in the moment.
Suddenly, the elevator began sliding downwards again.
…
Parker looked up at the night sky. Stars were beginning to form through the darkness. Charlotte hummed deeply, snuggling into his side. He glanced at her, smiling fondly at her relaxed expression.
Arm straddled around her backside, he gently pets her opposite side. She hummed quickly in approval, goosebumps forming on his skin in response.
“You're cute.” He murmured, rubbing her side again.
No energy to fight back, she responded with a weak but happy: “Hm. Thanks.”
Suddenly, the ski lift rocked, rising again. Parker’s eyes widened, but when he looked at Charlotte, she hadn't reacted.
“Hey.” He gently sways against her. “We're going up again.”
“I'm not stupid.” She replied simply, still smiling. “I can feel it.”
“Are you sure you're gonna have enough energy by the time we get up there?” He chuckled lightly.
“If you keep me warm enough.” She scooched closer, part of her side sliding in front of him.
He laughed, amused. “Alright, alright.” He wrapped both his arms around her now. “I've got you.”
The pair rode up in comfortable silence, cuddling close together.
…
Liam led the way out of the building, drawing in a sharp breath as he stepped out. He turned back to Amelia with a smile. “I didn't think I'd ever be grateful to be out in the cold, yet here I am.”
“You should be excited.” As Amelia passed by his side, he stepped in stride with her. “We never experience snow in San Francisco.”
“Made all the more exciting by the fact that I get to spend time with you.” He smoothly spoke, tilting his head towards her with a loving smile.
“Gosh,” Amelia giggled. “Do you ever stop flirting?”
“It's not flirting, it's showing my affection.”
She took his hand. “You know what I mean.” She whispered.
The pair walked into the beautifully lit town, in search of a nice experience.
…
Parker and Charlotte stood at the top of the skiing hill, both gazing down at the long trip down. The path was lit up sufficiently enough to be wary of obstacles. The pair looked each other in the eyes.
“Are you ready, or do you need more time to wake up?” Parker asked as the wind blew strong, gently pushing back on his spikes. The small detail made Charlotte’s breath hitch.
“Y-” She coughed, choking. “Y-eah-.” She coughed again.
Parker, with light concern, said: “Bless you. You okay?”
She caught her breath and chuckled. “Yeah, quit worrying about me. Let's go.” She shuffled her legs forwards until the hill’s slope took her for a ride. Parker did the same, following after her.
…
Liam and Amelia swayed in sync as they skated along the ice. Hands intertwined, they kicked forwards, around the large rink. Many objects did the same as them, both behind and in front of the pair. Around the rink there were many things to look at. A large Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments from top to bottom, lit up bright. A souvenir shop, with glass walls that revealed a large welcoming area with a fireplace and seats, a place to unwind and get away from the frigid air. And a restaurant that specializes in breads and soups, an outdoor area situated just next to the rink for customers to enjoy the weather and vibes.
“This place is so beautiful.” Amelia blurted in awe.
“It is.” Liam agreed. “It's like we're in a dream land.” He gazed down at her. “You made a good choice.”
“Heheh. Thank you.”
As the pair circled the rink, Amelia’s eyes landed on a specific duo taking a seat inside the restaurant. She gasped suddenly, catching Liam off guard.
“Something up?” He asked as she let go of his hand, skating away, cutting across the rink. He followed her.
Amelia stopped herself on the railing. She used it to lift herself up a little so that she could gaze through the restaurant’s window. Inside, Charlotte and Parker sat across from each other, talking about something. Charlotte slid her jacket off. “Oh my gosh,” Amelia’s eyes widened. “I think that’s Charlotte!”
“Sorry—who?” Liam asked as he stopped by her side, gazing down at her.
She pointed at the slice of bread through the window. “Moldy. Remember?”
His eyes widened in sudden understanding. “Oh—really?!” He turned his eyes to the window she looked at.
Charlotte and Parker both chuckled about something before Charlotte turned her eyes towards the window. It wasn't long for her to spot Amelia and Liam staring at her through the window. Her eyes widened and she physically flinched, shaking her head and blinking in disbelief. Amelia gasped excitedly, waving at her old friend. Charlotte did the same.
Parker mouthed a “what” behind the window, then turned to look as well, eyes squinted. Charlotte waved her hand, inviting the pair to come inside. Amelia turned to Liam, letting go of the railing.
“Come on—we have to go see them!”
He chuckled, amused. “Sure thing.”
The pair rushed to get off the ice, Liam volunteering to keep their skates inside of him for later. When they got inside the restaurant, Charlotte was there to greet them.
“Charlotte, oh my gosh!” Amelia beamed.
“I can't believe you two are here!” Charlotte returned the enthusiasm. “What are the chances?”
“It's really nice to see you again.” Liam greeted, grinning.
“Your mold’s gone!” Amelia commented.
The bread slice chuckled. “Yeah. About time, right?” She joked before turning to the hostess. “We’ll have two more join us.”
“Of course.” The hostess—a lipstick—nodded, handing her two sets of utensils.
“Come sit with us.” Charlotte invited. “We can sit down and catch up.”
“That'd be wonderful!” Amelia beamed, happily following her to the booth Parker waited at.
“You two sit here.” Charlotte pointed at the opposite booth from Parker.
“So, these are two of the people with you when you were taken away?” Parker asked as his wife slid in next to him.
“Yep. This is Amelia.” She gestured her open palm at the candle in question. “And this is..—what was your name again?”
“Liam.” The backpack lightly chuckled, unoffended.
“It's nice to meet you both. Thank you for keeping Charlotte company during that terrible time.” He spoke with gratitude.
“It's the least we could do.” Amelia softly spoke.
“By the way, what are you guys doing here?” Charlotte leaned forwards. “I can't believe we happened to run into you guys.”
“I think it's more apt to say we ran into you.” Liam joked.
“We're on our honeymoon.” Amelia answered the question.
“No way?!” Charlotte blurted.
“Us too!” She and Parker both exclaimed at the same time.
Liam laughed in amusement. “Oh my gosh, that's so cool!” Amelia excitedly said.
As the quartet reveled in their rediscovered comradery, the night grew older. They shared stories of their lives since their time on The Plane, consumed warming food, and exchanged contact info to keep in touch. Both couples vowed to hang out another day during their vacations. It was a night not one of them would soon forget.