Part II
The day of the big game, heavy, dark clouds blanketed the area, completely masking the weak November sun. The temperatures had fallen into the single digits and gale force winds buffeted Tad’s car. Snow fell rapidly against the front windshield, leaving the car’s occupants struggling to see the road in front of them..
“So much for light snow showers,” said Trixie, rubbing a spot off her side window with her mitten so she could look out.
“That was the forecast two days ago,” said Tad. “Apparently we got a massive amount of moisture from the gulf while a major cold front stalled over us.”
“At least they got the cold temperatures right.” Trixie wiggled in her seat, trying to get comfortable. “Oh, I hate wearing all these layers. I have an itch right in the middle of my back and there’s no way I can get it.”
Tad smiled and waggled his eyebrows. “Go ahead and take your clothes off, if that would make you more comfortable.”
Trixie sighed. “I wish I could. But with my luck, as soon as I did that, you’d go careening into a ditch and I’d be exposed.”
Tad burst out laughing. “Even a partial exposure could prove deadly, at least for me.”
“Why?” Trixie twisted in her seat, a puzzled look on her face.
“Really?” Tad looked at Trixie in surprise. “Let me explain it to you: Brian. Mart. Your father.”
Trixie grimaced. “Oh, yeh. They probably wouldn’t be too understanding how one little itch could lead to such an ugly climax.” Grinning saucily, she glanced sideways at her boyfriend.
Tad chuckled at Trixie’s joke. “Oh, Belden, this day is going to be great, maybe even historic.”
“Yes it will definitely be that. Now if I could only reach this darn itch.”
Tad reached across Trixie and popped open the glove compartment. Keeping his eyes on the road, he rifled through it until he found a pen. “Here. See if that helps.”
Trixie worked the pen through her turtleneck, then down her back. “Ahhhhhhhh,” she moaned sensually as she worked the pen up and down. “You have no idea how good this feels.”
Tad looked at Trixie. “You’re just scratching your back, right?”
Trixie giggled. “Right.” Her task completed, she replaced the pen and relaxed back in her seat.
“Now, about this clothing. How many layers do you have on?” she asked.
Tad ticked off the various pieces of attire that were under his jeans and heavy coat. “How about you?”
Trixie frowned. “To begin with, the only long underwear I could find was…” She paused.
“Was what?” asked Tad, a bit curious.
“Magenta colored,” answered Trixie flatly. “I guess that’s what I get for shopping late at night online. The only other color available was pale lilac. Yuk!” Trixie shuddered as she recalled having to make the difficult choice.
“Are you cold?” asked Tad, seeing the involuntary movement.
“No, just slightly horrified.” Trixie made a face as she stared out the car window.
“Oh.” Tad laughed. “I guess I see why you’re afraid to take off your clothing. Yes, your magenta undergarments would most certainly be the scandal of the century.”
“That’s what I think. Can you imagine what people, and I mean Mart, would say if they knew? I’d never hear the end of it.”
As Trixie continued to list the layers of clothing she had on, Tad drove down the highway towards New Jersey, their car leaving the only set of tracks on the empty, snow covered road.
A short time later, Trixie pulled out her phone and checked the weather. “Oh, gleeps,” she exclaimed. “Some of the roads are shut down due to the snow. I hope we’ll be able to get to the stadium. How much further?”
Tad looked at the odometer. “We’ve gone about 60 miles.”
“60 miles?” exclaimed Trixie. “But we’ve been in the car forever.”
“This snow is really slowing us down. I can barely drive above 35 miles per hour. We’ll get there, just not as quickly as we had hoped.”
“Do you think we’ll get there in time for the big tailgating party?” Trixie turned in her seat to face her boyfriend.
Tad exhaled loudly. “I honestly don’t know. Instead of the trip taking us two and a half hours, it will probably take us at least four, maybe five hours.”
“Four or five hours!” Trixie flopped back in her seat. “If I’d known that, I would have worn my pajamas instead of all these clothes. At least I’d be more comfortable.”
Tad’s lips twitched upward. “As I said earlier, feel free to take off your clothes.”
“Yeh? Then we’d never get to the game,” grumbled Trixie. “I know the way your mind works.”
“My mind? What about yours, Belden?” Tad smirked at Trixie, who matched it with one of her own.
“Start watching for a place to stop and grab something to eat and get some gas too. These roads are really bad and I don’t want to have to search out a gas station later.”
Trixie carefully monitored the passing scenery and road signs until she spotted a gas station with a small restaurant attached to it. “There’s one,” she said, pointing through the blowing snow.
“Perfect.” Tad carefully steered the car off the freeway and onto the exit ramp. “Let’s make this a quick stop,” he said. He and Trixie hopped from the car, then trudged through the snow, their bodies bent against the wind and driving snow.
“Hey, look at this?” Trixie scrolled through her phone while waiting for their food.
“What?” asked Tad.
“A lot of the busses with students and fans aren’t able to get through to the stadium. They’re predicting that less than three quarters of the ticket holders will actually show up.” Trixie looked at Tad.
“You know what that means, don’t you?” Tad grabbed their bagged sandwiches.
“No, what?”
“It means that you and I will probably have a lot of room. We won’t be packed into the stadium like a bunch of sardines.”
“You’re probably right. We’ll be able to jump around all we want.” Trixie looked down at her bulky physique and frowned, “If we can do that with all this stuff on.”
The two quickly ate then Tad filled the car with gas while Trixie brushed off the heavy snow that had accumulated on the vehicle during the short time they had been eating. Getting back in, they sat for a minute, blowing on their hands in an attempt to warm themselves up.
“I hope that blanket of yours is a good one,” remarked Trixie as Tad carefully pulled back onto the freeway, trying to control the car’s fishtailing as he tried to accelerate. “Is everything okay?” she asked when she noticed his intense concentration on his driving.
“We’re fine now.” Tad winked at her “Back to that blanket…”
Trixie laughed then watched the road ahead, her hand tensely holding onto the car’s console. The snow continued to fall heavily around them as they proceeded slowly down the highway under the dark and roiling clouds.
A few hours later, Tad slowly pulled into the stadium complex, struggling to read the directive signs through the blowing snow.
“There!” Trixie pointed to the right. “Parking is in here.”
Tad carefully turned the car, braking tentatively as he descended a slight ramp. When they finally made it into the parking lot, Tad and Trixie looked around.
“I guess we don’t have to worry about finding a parking space, huh?” asked Trixie as she surveyed the nearly empty lot.
“No, we don’t.” After watching the snow for a bit, Tad drove to a corner where he thought the car might be a bit sheltered. He pulled into the space, then stopped. “Hey, can you look out and see if I’m over the line?”
Trixie quickly opened her door and looked down, expecting to see the usual asphalt with a white line running across it. Instead, she saw the multitude of many snowdrifts that peaked against the bottom of Tad’s car. Looking back, she saw an amused grin across his face.
“Clever, Webster, real clever.” Trixie shut the door firmly and released her seatbelt. “See if I share the blanket with you.”
Tad chuckled. “I’m pretty sure you will when you find yourself sitting out in the weather. You’ll learn just how nice the famous Webster warmth can be.”
“The famous Webster warmth? I’m not familiar with that. Shall I google it?”
“Nah. I’ve purposely kept it off google so I wouldn’t be in constant demand.”
“Good planning. But I was hoping to write a review of the ‘famous Webster warmth’ and post it on the internet.”
“Nope. You’ll just have to keep that secret to yourself.”
The car’s engine continued to idle while Trixie and Tad assessed the stadium that stood dark and imposing through the blowing snow.
“Are you ready to go find the tailgate party?” asked Trixie.
Tad snapped his head around and looked at her, his mouth gaping in disbelief. “Do you seriously think there is a tailgate party going on in this?” Tad waved his hand across the car’s dashboard.
Trixie shrugged. “It’s part of the package we won.”
“I think they substituted a blizzard for the party.”
“So you’re saying you don’t want to go find the party?” asked Trixie.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Let’s get our gear together and call for a dogsled to get us to the stadium.”
“A dogsled? I was hoping for something jazzier like a snowmobile” Trixie feigned disappointment.
“Either would be fine with me.” Tad reached under his seat and pulled out a poncho in its plastic case. “Let’s take this too. It’ll either help keep us dry or help block the wind.”
Trixie and Tad spent the next several minutes gathering the cushions and blanket, hand and foot warmers, then donned their various pieces of winter clothing.
“You have the tickets, right?” asked Trixie as she wrapped a blue plaid scarf around her neck.
“Tickets?” Tad immediately patted his pockets. “I thought you had them.”
Trixie’s eyes widened. “After all this, we don’t have the tickets. Are you kidding me?”
“Yep.”
“Yep, what? You’re kidding me or we don’t have the tickets?”
“I’m teasing you. Do you really think I’d leave the tickets home?”
Trixie, her head shaking, pulled on her lined mittens and sighed deeply. “You ready?”
“I am.”
“Then let’s go.”
Tad and Trixie opened their doors and stepped out. The force of the wind hit their bodies and the driving snow stung the small parts of their faces that were exposed.
“Wow! This is some snow storm,” yelled Trixie over the wind.
Tad trudged around the car. “I think you can measure the snow in feet instead of inches,” he yelled back. Tucking the blanket under one arm, Tad grabbed Trixie’s hand and headed for the stadium.
The process to enter the facility was quick since there were no others waiting in line. Once inside the big structure, Tad and Trixie stepped off to the side.
“Whew.” Tad peeled the scarf from his face and looked around. A few small groups stood huddled together. A concourse that would normally be filled with excited fans was eerily silent and the wind whipped through the entrances. The cold concrete floor had piles of fresh snow that had blown in through the open doorways.
“I thought it would be warmer in here,” grumbled Trixie, her breath hanging in frosty wisps above her.
Tad pointed down the long hallway. “I think once we get away from the entrance, we’ll find it a bit warmer. Come on, let’s go get something to eat and locate our seats.”
In an attempt to stay warm, Tad and Trixie walked quickly, noting the closed concession stands and empty tables and chairs. Looking up, Trixie saw a sign for a women’s restroom.
“Tad,” she said hesitantly.
Tad saw the sign too. “You have to go, right?”
Trixie nodded and handed the stadium cushions and poncho to Tad. “With all these clothes on, it may take a while,” she cautioned as she walked away.
While Trixie was gone, Tad explored the concourse until he found the ramp that led to their seats. Walking back, he found an open concession stand and ordered two hot chocolates and two hotdogs. Piling the gear at his feet, he paid for the treats, then contemplated how to carry everything back to Trixie. Before Tad had the logistics figured out, he heard her voice calling to him.
“Stay here, Trixie,” he ordered. “I’m going to go to the restroom too, then we can get all this stuff together and get to our seats. The game’s about to begin.”
“But I didn’t hear the band yet,” complained Trixie. “Or the National Anthem.”
Tad looked at Trixie in disbelief. “I don’t think the band made it.”
“Yes they did. Originally, they were going to use canned music because they were afraid their lips would freeze to the instruments. I heard a girl in the bathroom say some band members actually put antifreeze in the valves of the instruments to keep them from freezing. And by the way, there’s no water in the bathrooms. Everything’s frozen in there too.” Her update finished, Trixie waved Tad off and stood guard over their belongings. In a few minutes, Tad returned and the two gathered their food and their supplies and, with Tad in the lead, went to their seats.
As they waded through the snow that covered the bleachers, Tad tried to read the numbers painted on the aluminum benches. Finally, he gave up, brushed the snow off the seats in front of them, and threw the stadium cushions down. “Quick! Sit before snow covers everything up again.”
“It looks like we’re close to the fifty yard line, wherever that is.” Trixie held up the poncho. “Under or over the blanket?”
“Over,” answered Tad. He covered them with the blanket, then placed the poncho on top of that.
“I’m waiting,” shivered Trixie.
“Waiting for what?”
“The famous Webster Warmth.”
“Scoot closer.”
Trixie scooted as close as she could and huddled next to Tad. “Hey, look at those people over there.” Trixie pointed to a couple several seats away. The couple was wearing cardboard boxes over their heads in an attempt to keep the wind off. “They even cut eyes out.” Trixie giggled at the crude contraption, while wondering if it really would help block the ferocious wind.
“I can barely see the field,” said Tad.
“There’s a field out there?” joked Trixie
“That’s the rumor.” Tad firmly tucked the blanket around himself and Trixie.
The two watched as a recently shoveled tarp was removed from the field. For a brief second, the yard lines and end zones were visible before being covered by a heavy coating of snow.
“I heard two guys talking when I was at the concession stand. They said the colleges were considering cancelling the game, but finally decided to go through with it.” Tad shrugged. “I can’t imagine what would make them think that a game should be played in this weather. It’s certainly going to be interesting.”
“Freezingly interesting,” muttered Trixie, pulling the blanket up tight around her neck. Suddenly, Trixie’s arm came out from under the blanket and she pointed to a nearby group. “Hey, look. There’s the band, or at least part of it.”
From their vantage point, Trixie and Tad could make out a group of struggling band members, their usual uniform covered with various forms of outerwear.
Tad shivered. “Despite what you told me, there’s no way I’d be putting my lip on any instrument today. I wouldn’t want it to freeze and get stuck.”
Trixie looked up at Tad. “Could that really happen?”
“In this weather, I think anything could happen.”
Trixie scrutinized the ragtag, yet determined group. “Ouch!” She pulled the blanket up tight around her neck.
Hearing a slight commotion from the obscured field, the meager band stood and attempted to play while the two teams, slipping and sliding, came out of their locker rooms and made their way onto the field, their usual victorious entry destroyed by the deplorable weather conditions.
Hey, look.”Trixie pointed to the benches that sat near the sidelines. “There are heaters on the field for the players. Right now, I wish I were a player because your famous Webster Warmth isn’t getting through to me.” Trixie wiggled in an attempt to get closer to Tad.
“With what I’m seeing,” commented Tad, “and I use the word ‘seeing’ loosely, I don’t think the heater’s having much effect on the players. They look cold too.”
Trixie and Tad watched what appeared to be a coin toss while the players stood around , stamping their feet and swinging and their arms in an attempt to keep their muscles warm.
“I wish they’d just start already,” mumbled Trixie.
“Me, too,” answered Tad.
Squinting and peering through the blowing snow, the two figured out that the teams were indeed lining up on the field, although what line they were actually on was unknown. Wrapping the blanket tighter, Trixie and Tad huddled together and vainly tried to see the activity that they assumed was playing on the shrouded field in front of them.
**********
Back at Crabapple Farm, Peter threw another log on the fire that blazed brightly in the fireplace. Settling back in his chair, he stared at the television, unable to believe a game was actually being played in such horrific conditions.
“Are they really going through with the game?” asked Helen as she carried mugs of piping hot chocolate into the room.
“Apparently. Are you sure Trixie and Tad went to the game,” Peter asked fretfully. “Maybe they changed their mind and are watching it at one of their friend’s houses.”
Helen shook her head. “I talked to Trixie this morning before she and Tad left, so I know they went to the game.”
Peter and Helen sat in silence and watched the tv screen.
“I can’t see a single thing,” complained Peter.
Helen shook her head. “Me neither. I wonder if Tad and Trixie can see the game?”
Peter snorted. “Only if they’re sitting on the fifty yard line...right in the middle of the field. Even then, I think their ability to see anything would be extremely doubtful.”
Sipping the hot chocolate, the two snuggled back on the couch and covered themselves with a handmade afghan and watched the tv, wincing at the constant bursts of blowing snow that crossed the screen.
**********
At Spider and Tad’s apartment, Spider flopped back on the couch, exhaustion showing on his face.
“Can I get you anything?” called Tracy from the kitchen. “I could make you a cup of coffee.”
“No, thanks. I’ve had enough coffee in the last two days to last me for a while.” Spider shivered and grabbed the blanket that was draped over the couch. “Why don’t you join me and we can watch the game together.”
Tracy came into the room and curled up under the blanket. “Poor baby,” she cooed, “You’re still cold. Last night’s duty must have been freezing.”
Spider nodded. “It was. Why can’t people stay home and behave themselves when it’s this cold. And I can’t believe my idiot brother is choosing to be out in this weather.”
“They’ll be fine,” Tracy said softly as she looked up at Spider.
Seeing her beautiful eyes, Spider couldn’t resist giving his girlfriend a deep kiss, then another. Under the blanket, one thing led to another and soon the game was totally forgotten by the two lovers, who found their own way of staying warm on the bitterly cold afternoon.
***************
“Do we have any more handwarmers?” asked Trixie, through chattering teeth.
Tad shifted his weight as he checked his pockets. “Here.” He handed a few to Trixie, then noticed, even with all her clothing, that she was suffering.
“Come on, let’s go warm up.” Tad helped Trixie to her feet and, firmly holding her arm, led her out of the stadium. Her footsteps were slow and sluggish as the two stepped through the drifted snow that had accumulated around them. “How about some hot chocolate?” he asked when the two entered the concourse.
“Okay. And maybe some nachos?” suggested Trixie.
“Nachos?”
“Yeah. Maybe the jalapenos will help heat us up on the inside.”
Tad laughed. “Interesting theory. Okay, hot chocolate and nachos it is!”
After purchasing their food, the two stood near a small heater, hoping to find any of the meager heat it provided. After devouring the food, they wearily wrapped themselves up in preparation for their return to their seats.
“Let’s try sitting under the overhang,” said Tad. “Maybe we’ll have less wind.”
“Fine by me,” agreed Trixie.
“I can’t believe the weather’s actually gotten worse,” shivered Tad as he and Trixie settled in their new seats. He wrapped the blanket around them and covered that with the poncho. “I thought the visibility was bad before, but now it’s ridiculous. I can’t even tell if anybody is sitting two rows in front of us.”
“Is this what they call ‘zero visibility’?” asked Trixie.
Tad nodded and pulled Trixie closer, hoping to feel some body heat from his girlfriend.
Huddled together, Trixie and Tad sat miserably through the rest of the game. They had no idea who was winning or what was actually happening on the field. The scoreboard was invisible through the snow and the howling wind drowned out the announcer. Periodically, the sparse crowd would cheer, but it was never very loud or enthusiastic.
“I can’t wait till the game is over so I can go back to the car and read about it on my phone,” remarked Trixie.
“If it ever ends,” said Tad, as he again tried to pull Trixie closer.
Finally, however, the game did end. Through word of mouth, Tad learned that Boston College had lost the game. “Did you hear what that guy said?” asked Tad as he led Trixie through the snow and down the ramp to the concourse.
“No, what?”
“On the last play, the ball was lost in the snow and both teams were looking for it. It was pure luck that a Syracuse player found it then ran it into the end zone. Boston College didn’t even score.”
“Maybe they did but nobody saw it,” suggested Trixie impishly as she stiffly walked into the concourse.
“Maybe,” agreed Tad. “With the way the game played out, I wouldn’t be at all surprised.”
Back in the parking lot, the fans struggled to get through the feet of snow and drifts that buried their cars. Snow shovels scraped against the asphalt as people attempted to dig themselves out.
“Wow. Look at your car,” breathed Trixie. Tad’s car was totally engulfed by a huge snow drift that completely covered one side and draped across the other. “Will we be able to get in?”
“Yeh. But it’s going to take a bit of work. Why don’t you get in your side and crawl across the seat and start the car to warm it up. Then we can start shoveling.”
Tad pried open Trixie’s door and watched as she struggled to climb over the center console. She started the car, exhaling in relief when the engine turned over. Tossing their gear into the back seat, Tad grabbed a snow brush from under the seat and went to work on one side of the car. When he had it cleaned off enough, he opened the back and pulled out a snow shovel.
“I can’t believe you carried a shovel in your car,” commented Trixie as she took the brush from Tad and got to work on the vehicle’s roof.
“Spider’s always pounding ’safety first’ into my brain. He definitely got it right this time.”
Tad shoveled out the back, sides, and front of the car. Trixie worked constantly keeping the windows and hood cleared off. Finally, Tad decided he was satisfied with their work and signaled to Trixie to get in.
“Whew!” Trixie slammed her door shut. Pulling off her mittens, she placed her hands over the vents, letting the warm air thaw her frozen fingers.
Tad scrolled through his phone checking for road conditions and closures. “Great,” he said sarcastically.
“What?”
“The roads are closed. No one’s allowed to be out and driving. We’re going to have to find a place to stay tonight.”
Trixie looked at the cars that were slipping and sliding on their way to the exit. “Isn’t everybody going to have to do that?”
Tad nodded. “Yep. So I guess we better get going. Ready?”
Trixie held her breath as Tad slowly engaged the wheels, anxious to see if they would be able to get through the deep snow. As the wheels inched slowly forward, Trixie could tell they were having trouble gaining traction.
“Once I get going, I really don’t want to have to stop, especially on that ramp.”
Peering through the driving snow, Tad slowly made his way to the ramp, then accelerated slightly to move the car up it. When he finally steered out of the parking lot, both he and Trixie breathed a sigh of relief.
“At least we’re out of there. Now get out your phone and let’s see if we can find a hotel.”
Trixie quickly scrolled through her phone. “I’m looking in the area. There’s one about half a mile away.” She studied the map on her phone. “Turn at the next right and we should be able to see it.”
“Through this?”
“Oh, yeah. Just turn right anyway.”
“I hope they’ve got a room. We have to get off the roads.” Tad slowly made a right turn, the followed Trixie’s directions until her phone indicated they had arrived. Peering through the heavy snow, they saw a line of cars that were waiting to enter the hotel’s driveway.
“This doesn’t look good,” said Tad.
“We’ll just have to wait and see,” answered Trixie, hoping their luck would hold out and they’d be able to get a room and finally get out of the storm. “I’d cross my fingers and toes, but they haven’t thawed out enough yet.”
Inching his way up the snowy entrance Tad finally pulled under the porte cochere. He jumped out of the car and disappeared into the lobby. Within a few minutes, he was back, his expression less the happy.
“What? No rooms?” demanded Trixie.
Tad shook his head. “No.”
Trixie sat back in her seat. “What are we going to do? We can’t keep driving around in this.”
“They don’t have any more rooms, but they are letting people stay in the lobby. I grabbed us a couch in the corner. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. At least it will be warm, right?”
“That’s right. I’m going to pull over there, then we can grab the blanket and go inside.”
“I’m sure now I’ll get to experience the famous Webster warmth.” Trixie grinned at Tad, hoping to lighten the tense mood.
“You better believe it, Belden. So get ready!” Tad maneuvered his car behind another vehicle, then the two gathered their gear and exited, lowering their heads against the stinging snow.
“Wait a minute, I forgot something.” Tad trudged back to the car, dug through the front seat, then rejoined Trixie.
“What’d you forget?” asked a puzzled Trixie.
“The Kahlua.”
“Kahlua?”
“Yeh, for the hot chocolate we’re getting as soon as we settle in our spot in the lobby. Let’s go.” Tad shoved two mini bottles of the liquor into his pocket. Grasping Trixie’s elbow, Tad helped her through the deep drifts until they reached the front door where they vigorously stamped the snow off their boots. Happily, they inhaled the warmer air when they entered the lobby.
**********
Inside, Tad and Trixie chatted with the manager for a few minutes, then, following his directives, went over to a sofa in the corner, which they claimed as theirs. Other weary game goers had placed similar claims on the other sofas that filled the large salon.
“Ahhh,” moaned Trixie as she plopped down on the couch and began to unwind her scarf. “I’m not sure I have the strength to take off all this gear.”
Tad, busy stuffing his own hat and scarf into the deep pockets of his parka, winked. “I’m always ready to assist. You know that.”
“Hmmm…” Trixie unzipped her own coat and slid it off, then immediately filled its sleeves with her scarf, hat, and two pairs of mittens. “I’m hungry.”
Tad nodded. “Me too. As soon as we get ourselves pulled together, we can grab something to eat in the cafe. The manager said they usually just keep it open for breakfast and lunch, but he’s making an exception today. Since his employees can’t get home, he decided they might as well keep it open.”
Tad and Trixie piled their belongings on their designated couch, then went off to the restrooms to clean up. The women’s restroom was a busy place with many of the snowbound travelers taking advantage of the hotel’s generosity.
“Excuse me,” said Trixie politely as she stepped between a woman and the sinks. Looking into the mirror in front of her, Trixie winced. Her hair, usually full of curls and waves, was flattened against her head. Her face was bright red, chafed from the stinging snow and vicious winds. After washing up, Trixie ran damp fingers through her hair, nodding slightly when she saw the familiar curls attempting to spring back to life. “This is the best I can do,” she said to the image in the mirror.
“Oh, honey,” said a voice behind her. “You look like a doll. Cold weather must agree with you.”
Trixie turned and found an older woman who clearly had several layers of clothing on over her plump frame.
“Thank you, but I know better. Did you go to the game today too”
The woman nodded. “My husband and I haven’t missed a single game of this matchup in 25 years.”
Trixie’s eyes widened.
“But,” the woman continued, “I”ll make sure we don’t come next year. I’m never going through anything like this again.”
The woman stepped around Trixie and washed her hands. Seizing the opportunity to slip out of the restroom, Trixie headed for the door. Outside, she found Tad who immediately noted a wadded bundle in Trixie’s hands. “Hey, what’s that?” he asked.
Rolling her eyes, Trixie allowed Tad a peek at what she was trying to conceal behind her back.
He looked at her, his brows furrowed.
“It’s the magenta long johns,” Trixie explained quietly. “I took them off when I was in the ladies’ room” Trixie jumped and wiggled as she walked alongside Tad.
“What are you doing now?” he asked, seeing her odd gyrations.
“Loving the fact that I no longer have umpteen million layers of clothing on.”
Tad’s eyes sparkled as he nudged Trixie in her ribs. “I never got to see you actually wearing the underwear, so maybe you can model it for me later?”
“No way, Webster.”
Tad stared at Trixie with an amused intensity in his eyes. “We’ll see, Belden.” After stuffing the garments under the rest of their gear, Tad held out his arm to Trixie. “Ready?” he asked.
“Yes. And at the risk of sounding like Mart, I’m starved.”
Tad laughed. “You may sound like Mart, but you sure don’t look like him.”
“What do you mean. People always think we’re twins.”
Tad shook his head. “No way, at least not in my mind.”
The two went into the restaurant and sat at one of the few empty tables. Trixie grabbed the menu and quickly scanned it, anxious to get some hot food into her.
“They basically have breakfast food and sandwiches,” noted Tad.
“Fine with me. I love breakfast for dinner. I think a tall stack of pancakes and bacon would do this girl well.”
Tad decided on a soup and sandwich combo. They placed their order and, after a long day, they finally began to relax. When the server brought the hot food to the table, Trixie and Tad quickly dug into it. Conversation between the two of them, and with several other stranded travelers seated nearby, made their dinner a pleasant and fun time. When the meal was over, Tad ordered two hot chocolates to go, then paid. Grabbing the drinks, he and Trixie returned to their couch. Toeing out of their boots, they placed them on the nearby heat register. Tad quickly poured some Kahlua into each cup then he and Trixie eased themselves back on the plush piece of furniture. They propped their sock covered feet on the coffee table and threw Tad’s blanket across their laps. From that cozy position, they watched the blizzard that continued to wage outside, the swirling snow casting them into a trance-like state.
“Look at that snow. It kinda looks like molecules swirling around. Don’t you think?” asked Tad.
“Where would I see molecules?” Trixie took a sip of her drink, savoring the warmth that spread through her.
“Didn’t you take basic biology in high school?”
Trixie shrugged. “Yeh, but I repressed most of it.”
Tad shook his head. “What did you do at Sleepyside HIgh?”
“Solved mysteries, ran fundraisers, traveled. You know, the usual stuff.” She grinned impishly at her boyfriend.
“By the way, did you call your mother?” asked Tad.
Trixie nodded. “And did you call Spider?”
“I did, but he didn’t pick up so I left a message.”
Placing their empty mugs on the nearby table, Trixie noticed the other travelers covering themselves with blankets and beginning to settle down. “What time is it?”
“Almost eight o’clock.”
“Why does it feel like I’ve been awake forever?”
“Long day, Belden.” Tad laid his head on the back of the couch and pulled Trixie closer.
“Mmm, I’m savoring this famous Webster Warmth,” Trixie mumurred.
“Savoring? Trying out words again for a future conversation with Mart?” teased Tad.
Trixie nodded.
“How about ‘relishing’?” suggested Tad, his voice low and husky.
“Mmm. Or maybe ‘delight in’,” answered Trixie softly.
“‘Luxuriate’?” asked Tad. He waited for a response, but all he heard was Trixie’s steady breathing. Stretching out on the couch, Tad pulled Trixie close, added another blanket, then fell asleep, lulled by the sounds of quiet conversation as the rest of the weary travelers called it a day.
The next morning, Trixie’s eyes fluttered open. For a minute, her mind was in a state of confusion as she stared at the dismal landscape in front of her. “Where am I?” Feeling Tad move next to her, she remembered the football game and the blizzard. She sat up abruptly and leaned forward, craning her neck left and right, astounded at what she saw. Mounds of snow spread out in front of her, camouflaging any discernible features of the area. Damaged signage from the surrounding businesses jutted out from beneath the snow drifts and numerous tree limbs were scattered about. Snow continued to fall, although Trixie could tell the wind had subsided some.
“Morning, sunshine,” Tad pulled Trixie back to snuggle next to him.
Trixie giggled. “Right back at you, Webster.” She pulled the blanket tighter around her chin. “Brrr. It’s cold in here. Turn on that famous Webster warmth.”
“Yeah, it is cold.” Tad sat up and looked over his shoulder. “And the guy at the desk is wearing his coat. That doesn’t bode too well.” Tad crawled out from under the blanket and went to the front desk. After a brief conversation, he returned to the couch where he eagerly snuggled back down with Trixie. “The hotel lost power during the night. They have generators, but they can’t keep the hotel at full capacity. The guy said they’re going to start a fire in the fireplace in a few minutes.”
Trixie groaned softly. “Me and my great ideas.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The game. It was my idea to win the tickets and now look at the mess we’re in.”
“No way, Belden. It was some game, with the storm and all. I bet this will go down in the history books. And we’ll be able to say we were there.”
Hearing the clattering of dishes in the restaurant, Trixie tucked the blanket around Tad, then went in search of tea for herself and coffee for him. Returning with two steaming cups, she nestled back under the blanket and the two sat cozily on the couch and watched the frozen, barren scene in front of them while wondering how and when they would be able to make their way back to Sleepyside.
The rest of the day, the stranded travelers and the other guests hung close to the big fireplace and played board games or talked. A raucous game of Charades lasted several hours, with the guests wildly acting out the clues in an attempt to keep themselves warm. When it came time to eat, many of them pushed small tables together so they could all dine as one big group. A rousing cheer went up when the radio announced that the closed highways would be opening in the morning, although only one lane would be passable. The hotel management provided everybody with the necessary toiletries, including the availability of a shower. When night time rolled around, Trixie and Tad again snuggled together on their couch.
“Do you think we’ll be able to get out of here tomorrow?” asked Trixie.
Tad looked at the piles of snow. “I don’t know. And I don’t know what the rest of the roads are like. Even if the freeway is clear, the smaller country roads might still be impassable.” Tad leaned down and kissed Trixie, gently at first, then more urgently as the couple settled in for the night. Suddenly, Trixie began to giggle.
“What?” Tad pulled back and looked at her.
“Remember what Imogene said about snuggling under a blanket and a bun in the oven? Well, so far, we’ve been snuggling for almost three days and I’m pretty sure there’s no bun in the oven.”
Tad looked around the lobby and chuckled. “And the ambiance is definitely lacking.”
Trixie snickered. “By the way, when I talked to Moms, she said not to rush in our attempt to get back home and to make sure the roads are in good condition before we leave here.”
Tad looked at Trixie in surprise. “So basically, your mom said to stay here, in a hotel, with me?”
Trixie nodded. “Until the roads clear.”
“In that case, I hope the roads stay snow-covered for a long time.”
Laughing between themselves, Tad and Trixie settled down, whispering and kissing until they fell asleep, blissfully disregarding the the temporary and unpredictable conditions in which they found themselves.
When Trixie awoke the next morning, she could see the snow spewing from a snow blower as an employee tried to clear the walkways around the hotel. Although the skies were still cloudy, they weren’t as dark and threatening as they had been and the precipitation had tapered off to light flurries. She noticed that many of the stranded travelers seemed to be making preparations to leave that day, hoping the roads would be cleared enough for safe travel. Tad and Trixie tidied their couch, then went into the restaurant for breakfast, noting that the power had come back on sometime during the night.
“What do you think?” asked Trixie as she swirled her pancakes through the puddle of syrup on her plate.
“I think we might be able to get out of here, but before we leave, I’m going to check with Spider and get an update on the road conditions all the way into Sleepyside.”
“Good idea.” Trixie looked longingly at Tad’s plate. “Do you want that last piece of bacon?”
Tad’s eyes twinkled as he picked up the piece of bacon. “I’ll let you have it if….”
“If what?”
“If I get to see you wearing your magenta long underwear.”
Trixie scowled. “Forget it, Webster.”
Tad shrugged. “Okay. Have it your way.” He took a bite of the bacon. “Mmmmm, this is the best bacon ever.”
“Fine!” Trixie exploded. “You’ve got a deal.”
Tad handed her the bacon, a big smile on his face.
Chewing happily, Trixie couldn’t resist taunting her boyfriend. “Boy, you’re such an amateur. You forgot to nail down the details before turning over the goods.”
Tad leaned forward. “Yes, but I have the keys and the car to get you home.”
Trixie chewed thoughtfully. “Okay. We’ll consider this a draw. But I get to pick the time and place.”
Tad smiled. “As long as it’s before the end of this year.”
Trixie smirked, knowing that Tad would indeed like the brightly colored underwear that fit her like a second skin.
“Deal?” Tad held out his hand.
“I guess.” Trixie shook Tad’s hand, then happily finished the rest of the bacon along with the rest of her breakfast.
While Trixie visited the restroom, Tad called Spider and confirmed that the roads were indeed passable and would most likely get better as the day progressed.
“I guess we’ll be on our way then,” said Tad, then he disconnected the call. When Trixie returned, he confirmed their departure and went to the desk, determined to reimburse the hotel for its generosity during the storm. Trixie gathered up all their gear and quickly phoned her mother to tell her that they would soon be on their way back to Sleepyside.
After borrowing a shovel from the hotel, Trixie and Tad pulled on their boots and bundled up.
“You ready?” asked Tad as he zipped up his coat.
“Yep.” Trixie yanked her hat down over her curls. “Lead the way!”
“Be careful, Trixie,” said Tad as the two waded through the deep drifts. “I don’t want you to get swallowed up by all this snow.”
“Maybe I should just stay inside and watch you do the work,” Trixie replied.
“On second thought, I’ll just keep an eye on you.” Reaching the car, Tad unlocked it and threw the blanket inside, then got to work clearing his half of the vehicle. “How’s the snow coming on your side?” yelled Tad.
“Well, I would love to say that it’s going really well, but that would be a lie. It’s so deep that I’m not making much progress. Plus, but I’m not sure where to put it. I don’t want to make it harder for you to get out when we’re done.” Trixie painstakingly carried a shovel full of snow through the deep drifts before tossing it.
“Put all the snow toward the front of the car. Since the lot has been somewhat cleared behind me, I’m just going to put the car in reverse and keep on driving.’
“All the way to Sleepside?” Trixie grinned at Tad over the car’s hood. She watched as Tad lifted a bunch of snow with his shovel, then ducked quickly as he tossed it over the car toward her.
“Hey, watch it, Buster,” warned Trixie. “I’ve got friends in high places.”
“Belden, you’re short. All your friends are in high places.”
Trixie snorted. “Just watch what you’re doing.”
“And if I don’t?”
Trixie thought for a minute. “I’ll sing all the way back to Sleepyside.”
Tad shrugged. “Fine with me. I like your voice.”
“Then I’ll car dance all the way.”
“Even better. I like the way you dance, especially in the car.”
“Then I’ll file my nails. Most people hate that noise.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Trixie.”
“I’m not. Most people do hate that noise.”
“No, I meant about you filing your nails all the way back.”
Laughing and joking, the two worked until they had the snow removed from the car. Tad got in and started it so that it would warm up and melt any remaining ice off the windshield. After returning her shovel to the front entrance, Trixie brushed the snow off her coat, then got in and settled herself for the ride back.
“You ready?” asked Tad.
Trixie nodded. She watched nervously as Tad slipped the car into reverse. The car resisted moving at first, but once it found some traction, it rolled out of the parking spot and onto the hotel’s driveway.
“And we’re off,” said Tad. He carefully steered the car onto the main road and followed the tracks that other cars had put down earlier. Although the road conditions were better, they were still slippery and only one lane was passable.
As the day wore on, Tad and Trixie found the roads improved. Tad was able to pick up some speed and within five hours, they found themselves on the outskirts of Sleepyside.
“Whew!” Tad exclaimed. “That was some drive. I can’t believe the number of cars that were in ditches along the road. I hope the drivers are okay.”
“Me too. The weather was too cold to be able to stay in your car very long. As I recall, Brian said the weather would be dangerous. Just between you and me, he was right.”
Tad laughed. “And I’m not letting Spider know how handy the snow shovel was. Wouldn’t want him to get a big head or anything.”
Tad turned onto the main road that led them to the center of town. Trixie noted that there was very little activity in the town. Most of the stores and restaurants were still closed, as were the schools. Huge piles of snow lined the streets and parked cars were entombed beneath them. LIghts shown from houses that were surrounded by billowing drifts, creating unrecognizable landscapes. Wisps of smoke that curled upward from the chimneys were the only signs of life in the gray, shrouded town.
“Tad,” Trixie hesitated slightly.
“Yeh?”
“Do you think going to the game was worth it?”
“Are you kidding me? Of course I do. Although I am a bit disappointed that the only way I can know what actually happened is to read about it. And the fact that my team didn’t even score a touchdown pains me deeply. All they did was slip around the field and lose the ball a lot. But this game was the game of a lifetime. And I got to spend it with the perfect person.”
“Was there a third person there with us?” Trixie eyes sparkled as she teased Tad.
“Just the only person I care to be with. You.” Tad took Trixie’s hand and squeezed it gently.
“Yeh, me too.” Trixie squeezed Tad’s hand in return.”
“I kinda hate to see our adventure end,” said Trixie.
“Me too. I think we should plan another getaway, maybe after the holidays.”
“Hey, maybe we can enter a contest and win a trip somewhere.”
Tad groaned. “Or maybe not and we just choose a destination by ourselves.”
“What’s the fun in that?’ demanded Trixie saucily.
Tad grinned, his attention never leaving the snow covered road in front of him. “I’m glad we’re not doing the scavenger hunt today,” he said as he slid through an intersection, unable to control his car.
“Yeh. And running down the football field would be really tough,” grinned Trixie.
“Good thing we won the tickets when we did. It was definitely perfectly…”
“Don’t say it, Webster.”
“Why?”
“I told you. That’s fine for Honey and Diana to say, and even me, but never you...or any other male for that matter.”
Driving through the town on the final leg of their adventure, Tad sighed. “This really was fun, Belden. What should we do tomorrow?”
“Wanna go sledding?” Trixie held her breath, then burst out laughing. “Or would you rather go tobogganing?”
“I was thinking of something a little less snowy.” Tad winced. “Maybe something a little bit warmer.”
“Oh, so skating?”
“Something warmer.”
“Bowling?”
“At least you’ve got us inside.”
“Oh, I see where this is going, Webster. You want to spend the day relining your dresser drawers with fresh shelf paper.”
“And she solves another mystery. Wanna help?” Tad waggled his eyebrows suggestively
“Depends. How much work are we going to do?” asked Trixie, her index finger poised on her chin,
“None.”
“Then count me in!”
Tad laughed and Trixie joined him. Both were happy to be safely home and to have the treacherous trip behind them.
Epilogue- Nine months later
Trixie pressed her nose against the glass window of the hospital nursery and stared at the bassinets lined up in front of her. She waved her fingers and made silly faces at a baby who bore the name tag of ‘Webster, Girl’. The baby wrinkled up her face, then began to cry. Trixie frantically rapped on the window, trying to get one of the nurse’s attention. The baby seemed to be upset and all Trixie wanted to do was scoop her up and hold her close, comfort her, and soothe her.
“I may be biased, but that little girl is the prettiest one in the entire nursery, in the whole town, heck, in the entire world,” said a male voice.
Trixie turned and smiled at Tad, who had walked up and was standing behind her, pointing to the crying infant. “I couldn’t agree more. Just look at her. She’s absolutely gorgeous and perfectly perfect.”
“I was just going to say that.”
Trixie shook her head. “Don’t even go there.”
“How can one little person fill your heart so fast?”
“I don’t know. But look at her, she’s so adorable.”
Tad continued, “And her name, ‘Webster, Girl’. How beautiful is that?”
Trixie burst out laughing. “Well, I hope something a bit more appropriate turns out to be her name. Have Spider and Tracy decided on one yet?”
Tad shook his head. “I don’t think so. He’s still running around Sleepyside telling everybody about the birth.”
Trixie watched the baby, then turned to Tad. “It’s kinda funny, isn’t it?”
“What?” asked Tad, his eyes never leaving the sight of the baby in front of him.
“Remember when we went to the football game and Imogene kept warning us about a ‘snuggle under a blanket can lead to a bun in the oven’?” Trixie made air quotes with her fingers.
Tad chuckled. “I’d forgotten about that. But yeah, everybody was so worried about us. I think Spider should have listened to Imogene more carefully.”
“Yeah, apparently he spent a lot of the blizzard snuggled in a blanket.”
“Anyway, the first Webster baby is here and she’s absolutely perfect.”
“Yeh, she is.” Trixie sighed contentedly. “Do you think they’ll let us babysit her?”
“Are you kidding me? With our reputation for living life on the edge, do you really expect them to let us watch their prodigy?”
“So the answer’s ‘yes’?” asked Trixie impishly.
“Let’s just see them try to keep us away from her. I say we give them a few nights without sleep. Then they’ll be begging us to babysit her.”
“Sounds like a perfect strategy,” agreed Trixie.
“Yep, it’s perfectly…”
“I told you , Webster. You can’t say that.”
“And how are you going to stop me?” challenged Tad.
“Like this.” Trixie stood on her tiptoes and gave Tad a deep kiss. When they pulled apart, they stood with their arms wrapped around each other and goofy smiles plastered on their faces and watched the wriggling baby in front of them, their world perfectly perfect.
***************
Word count - 8,573. Total word count - 14,160
Author's notes: This submission for the CWE #14 is based on the historic football game that was played on November 25, 1950 between the Ohio State University Buckeyes and the University of MIchigan Wolverines. But a clash of two big weather systems created an arctic scenario in Columbus, Ohio, where the game was scheduled. Despite discussions regarding the cancellation of the game, it was decided that it should be played. Over a foot of snow created hazardous driving conditions, and ultimately closed down most highways. Schools and businesses were also closed. But the game went on as scheduled. Neither team could maintain footing on the field and the ball was too slippery to be contained. Additionally, the field itself was under constant heavy snowfall, reducing visibility. Eventually, Michigan came out the victor with a lucky play at the end of the game. No recounting of this historical occurrence would be complete without the arrival of a baby nine months later. My parents always told us that my older sister was conceived while attempting to warm up from that bitterly cold game. Details from the game can be found here:
Kahlua-a coffee-flavored, sugary liqueur from Mexico.
A big thank you to my sister, Judith (the Blizzard Bowl baby) for editing this story and for sharing an actual photo of the game with me. Also, thanks to Katia who read this tale as it progressed, providing much needed encouragement. A very special thank you to Vivian, who, as usual, came up with awesome graphics!