The bus ride to the winter lodge buzzed with an infectious excitement, the kind that only a long-awaited trip could bring. The rhythmic hum of the engine mixed with the laughter of the group, their voices rising and falling in animated conversation. Snowflakes danced past the frosted windows, catching the glow of the bus’s interior lights. Their breath fogged the glass as they pressed their faces against it, watching the towering snow-covered trees and rolling hills blur by like a moving painting.
Artemis sat toward the middle of the bus, her hands resting in the pockets of her heavy coat, absorbing the warmth trapped within. She turned slightly, catching Kayla’s eye as the latter flipped the page of her book, her expression as impassive as ever despite the chatter around her.
“You’re really not going to look outside?” Artemis asked, nudging her friend with her elbow.
Kayla sighed, but a smirk played at her lips. “I’ve seen snow before, Artemis. It’s not that thrilling.”
Eric, who sat across the aisle, turned in his seat and threw his hands up dramatically. “Not that thrilling? Kayla, it’s the epitome of winter magic! The hallmark of holiday cheer! The—”
“The reason I have to wear three layers just to feel my own fingers,” she cut in dryly, not bothering to look up.
Eric huffed but didn’t argue further. Instead, he turned to Lydia, who sat by the window, practically bouncing in her seat. “At least someone gets it.”
Lydia grinned. “Oh, I get it. This is going to be amazing.”
As the bus slowed and turned onto a winding path, the lodge came into view, and even Kayla looked up from her book. The wooden cabin was like something out of a winter postcard, with its large windows glowing invitingly against the evening light. A thick stone chimney stood tall, promising the crackle of a warm fire inside. A wrap-around porch overlooked the frozen lake, where the moon reflected off the ice like a silver mirror. Towering pines, dusted with freshly fallen snow, stood like silent guardians surrounding the lodge.
A few deer darted between the trees in the distance, their movements graceful against the white expanse.
The moment the bus doors hissed open, the cold hit them, but the crisp air was invigorating. Their boots crunched against the thick snow as they disembarked, dragging their bags behind them.
“This place is unreal,” Sorrel murmured, tilting his head back to take in the towering structure before them.
Eric clapped his hands together, rubbing them for warmth. “Alright, first one inside gets dibs on the best chair by the fire!”
Lydia took off in a sprint, her laughter trailing behind her as Eric cursed and rushed after her. The rest followed, their breath visible in the frigid air.
Inside, warmth embraced them instantly. A grand stone fireplace roared with life, its golden glow casting flickering patterns across the spacious common room. Plush armchairs and an oversized couch sat invitingly near the fire, perfect for sinking into after a long day in the snow. The rich scent of pine mixed with faint traces of cinnamon and burning wood, a comforting reminder of the holiday season.
Lydia, victorious in her race against Eric, had already claimed the cushioned seat nearest the fire, stretching her legs out with a contented sigh.
“This place is amazing,” Eric admitted as he tossed his bag onto the floor. “Alright, I call first dibs on making hot chocolate.”
“You’ll burn it,” Kayla said without looking up as she shrugged off her coat.
“How do you burn hot chocolate?”
“If there’s a way, you’ll find it,” Cyrus teased, earning a round of laughter.
The next few days were packed with winter adventures. Mornings were filled with sledding, the group tumbling over each other as they raced down the snow-covered hills, their laughter echoing through the trees. Snowball fights broke out spontaneously, but the most anticipated battle took place on the third day when the teams were officially formed.
Eric, self-appointed general of one team, faced off against Artemis, who had Kayla—reluctantly—by her side.
Kayla had initially planned to sit out, wrapped in a blanket with a book and a hot drink, but after being ambushed by a well-aimed snowball from Eric, she slowly closed her book, let out an exaggerated sigh, and muttered, “Fine. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.”
With her on their side, Artemis’s team quickly turned the tide. Kayla, ever the strategist, directed her teammates into strategic positions, setting up ambush points and reinforcing their snow forts. With Artemis leading the offensive, their attacks became precise, relentless. Ren proved unexpectedly ruthless with his precision, landing every throw with effortless accuracy.
Stolen novel; please report.
By the time the final snowball was thrown, Eric and his team were buried under a humiliating defeat.
“Never underestimate the power of a well-executed strategy,” Kayla said smugly, dusting snow off her coat.
One afternoon, Lydia finally worked up the courage to try ice skating. Sorrel, ever patient, volunteered to teach her. He guided her onto the frozen lake, his gloved hands steadying her as she wobbled on the skates.
“Just relax,” he said, amusement laced in his voice as she clutched his arms tightly. “You’re not going to fall—not on my watch.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” Lydia muttered, trying to shift her weight as instructed. “You’re not the one who’s about to land face-first on ice.”
Sorrel chuckled. “Trust me. You’ll get the hang of it.”
Slowly, he led her across the ice, keeping his pace measured so she could adjust. With each step, Lydia’s confidence grew. She still flailed now and then, and Sorrel had to catch her more than once, but by the end of the session, she managed a wobbly glide on her own.
“See?” Sorrel grinned. “Told you you’d get it.”
Lydia, panting slightly from exertion, gave him a beaming smile. “I guess I just had a good teacher.”
Christmas Eve arrived in what felt like the blink of an eye. The group gathered in the cozy common room, exchanging gifts they had secretly prepared for one another.
Artemis received a beautiful silver charm bracelet from Lydia, decorated with small celestial symbols. Ren gifted her a leather-bound journal, saying she could use it to write or sketch. She smiled warmly, touched by their thoughtfulness.
Sorrel had gone out of his way to make a bracelet for Lydia, similar to the one she had given him. She beamed, fastening it onto her wrist immediately.
Eric’s gift to Kayla was a book she had mentioned weeks ago, something she hadn’t expected him to remember. She hid her surprise well, only offering a small ''thanks,'' but Artemis caught the slight smile she tried to suppress.
Cyrus surprised Eric with a custom-designed beanie featuring his favorite sports team logo, which Eric immediately put on with a grin. ''You do care,'' he teased, nudging Cyrus, who rolled his eyes.
Kayla handed Sorrel a rare, vintage compass she had tracked down after hearing about his love for navigation, and he ran a careful finger over the intricate engravings. ''This is incredible,'' he murmured.
Ren, though not one for sentimental gestures, had given Cyrus a high-quality multi-tool, which the latter examined with deep appreciation. ''Practical and efficient. Just like you,'' Cyrus commented with a smirk.
That night, after the gift exchange, Artemis hesitated before stepping toward Ren. She handed him a small, carefully wrapped box.
Ren blinked in surprise, his fingers lingering on the ribbon before he unwrapped it. Inside was a sleek, engraved pocket knife—practical, yet personal.
“I figured you’d like something useful,” Artemis said with a small smile.
Ren swallowed, his usual calm demeanor slipping just slightly. He ran a thumb over the engraving before nodding. “Thank you,” he said, voice quieter than usual. He turned the knife over in his hands, carefully hiding the faint blush dusting his cheeks.
Artemis pretended not to notice.
Later that night, Artemis sat by the window, watching the snowfall as she called her mother first.
Her mother’s voice was warm and familiar when she answered. ''Artemis! Merry Christmas, sweetheart.''
''Merry Christmas, Mom,'' Artemis replied, a soft smile forming on her lips. ''I miss you.''
''I miss you too, honey. How''s the trip?''
''It’s been amazing. The lodge is beautiful, and everyone’s having such a great time. We just exchanged gifts, and it was really special.''
Her mother sighed happily. ''I’m so glad. You deserve this, Artemis. You’ve been working so hard, and I love hearing you sound this happy.''
Artemis leaned her head against the cold glass, watching the snowflakes swirl outside. ''It’s been nice to just enjoy the moment, you know? To be surrounded by people who are like me.''
Her mother hesitated for a second before speaking again. ''That makes me so happy to hear. But just know that no matter where you are, you’ll always have a home here, too.''
Artemis swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. ''I know, Mom. I promise I’ll come visit soon.''
They talked for a little while longer before saying their goodbyes, and then Artemis hesitated only for a moment before dialing Aiden’s number.
His voice came through almost immediately. ''Artemis! Merry Christmas!''
''Merry Christmas, Dad,'' she said, her voice softer now.
''How’s the lodge? Everyone treating you well?''
''It’s perfect,'' she assured him. ''Thank you again for helping arrange everything.''
Aiden chuckled warmly. ''Anything for you, kiddo. And I’m glad you have good friends to spend the holiday with.''
Artemis curled her fingers around her blanket, letting the warmth settle in her chest. ''Me too. It’s been one of the best holidays I can remember.''
Aiden’s voice softened. ''That means a lot to hear. Just promise me you’re taking care of yourself.''
Artemis let out a small laugh. ''I am, I promise. And I’ll see you soon, okay?''
''Okay. Sleep well, sweetheart.''
She hung up, staring out at the snow-covered landscape for a long moment, a deep sense of contentment washing over her. She wasn’t just looking forward to the new year—she was looking forward to the future.
The next morning, the lodge smelled of breakfast as everyone slowly woke. To everyone’s surprise, Ren had taken over the kitchen, moving with practiced ease as he flipped pancakes with precision.
Eric watched in disbelief. “Since when do you cook?”
Ren shrugged. “Had to learn. My aunt was busy with work, and my sister isn’t great with the stove. So I picked it up.”
Kayla smirked. “Think you could teach Eric how to cook too?”
Ren took a slow sip of his coffee before responding, “I can cook, Kayla. I’m not a miracle worker.”
The group burst into laughter while Eric groaned dramatically. "You wound me, Ren. You truly do."
Artemis took it all in—the warmth, the laughter, the sense of belonging. She was enjoying the moment and didn’t want the moments to end.