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The slowly winding road led Shana O'Hara through the mountains, snow already on the ground giving it a beautiful serene feel. She arrived at the cabin that belonged to Allies family and chuckled a little. What they consider a little mountain get away would be a generous home to most families. She slung her duffel over her shoulder and unlocked the door, looking around.
Allie had sent someone ahead to stock the fridge and pantry, turn on the heat and lights and put fresh linens on the bed. Shana couldn't help but smile at all this, it made the cabin feel homey already. She found her way to the bedroom and bagan to unpack her things, keeping the place tidy behind her. Then she went to the kitchen and fixed herself a cup of hot tea.
Finally, she sat down on the couch, putting her feet up and taking out her cell phone. She dialed her father first, only reaching the machine, leaving a message for him and her brothers that she had arrived safely. Next, she dialed the number she knew would get her to Conrad.
"Duke here." His familiar strong and gruff voice melted her heart a bit and she left a long pause as she gathered her thoughts and wits about her. "Hello?"
"Hi. It's Scarlett," She wished her voice didn't sound so timid as she felt it did.
There was a rustling on the phone as presumably he moved to a place where he could talk a little more freely. "Hey, how are you? Where are you?" His tone was now gentle and soothing.
"I'm at Allie's parent's cabin. I'm doing ok. I miss you." She smiled a little as she spoke. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. I wish you would believe that," he sighed in frustration at her. "How long are you planning on staying there?"
"Just a little while. Couple of weeks. Thank you for understanding, well, understanding as much as you can."
"Alright. Be careful. Call me if anything comes up." His voice lowered even further as he continued, "I love you Shana. Never forget that."
Emotion in her voice as she replied with nearly a whisper, "I love you too Conrad."
She finished her conversations on the phone and hung it up on the charger so it would be available when she needed it. She finished her tea and rubbed her eyes, looking around, deciding to move outside, to look around at the scenery.
Shana pulled her coat tight around her as she stepped out into the darkening evening, smiling at the icicles hanging from the trees and the snow blowing in patterns over the ground. She heard the noises of the animals moving through the woods behind the house, stepping off the patio to get a better feel for her surroundings before it got too dark.
She lost herself in the sights for a while, just marvelling at the beauty up here. She paused for a moment, listening, frowning as she heard something making its way through the snow.
Instincts took over and she slipped behind a tree, to see who was coming towards her area, seeing in a few moments, a young woman wearing snowshoes. Shana frowned in puzzlement, the snow wasn't that deep, made no sense to wear snow shoes. She stepped out from behind the tree to show herself, and the woman let out a startled yelp.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," Shana apologized to the woman, still regarding her curiously.
"It's alright, I just wasn't expecting to see anyone," The woman blushed as she bent down to take the straps of the snowshoes off her feet.
Shana nodded to the snowshoes and arched a brow with a grin, "Mind if I ask why?"
The other woman laughed self-consciously, "Well, my boyfriend is going to take me on a cruise to Alaska in 2 weeks. He loves to go snowshoeing. I told him I already knew how to do it. Pretty stupid, huh?"
Shana couldn't help but laugh a little. "Maybe, but at least you are practicing before you get stuck in the Arctic. I'm Shana," she held her hand out to shake."
"Becky, its nice to meet you Shana," they shook hands then she looked around, "Um. Do you happen to know how to get back to the Howard's cabin?" Becky blushed furiously again.
Another laugh escaped from Shana's lips though she tried to smother it with her hand. "No, but I think I saw some maps back at my cabin. It's not far, would you like to come over for some tea and warm up?"
Becky nodded and they walked back to the cabin, the snowshoes tucked under her arm. Shana unlocked the door and ushered her in. "Take a seat anywhere, do you want some tea?" Becky nodded yes again and Shana went into the small kitchen to start a pot boiling.
As they sat and drank their tea, they started talking, and sharing stories of their lives. Becky had a boyfriend named Mike that was driving her crazy with his hot and cold style of relationships. Hesitantly at first, then with more ease, Shana poured out the story of what she had been dealing with lately; the baby, the doubt, the fear. It was easier to talk to her since she was completely disconnected from her life.
Becky looked at her appraisingly, "So, you think that he's just like this because of the baby?"
Shana shook her head, frowning, "No, I know he isn't. We reconcilled even before we knew about the baby. We've been close for a long time. I do believe that he loves me."
"Ok, then you, you think that you are just feeling this because of the baby?"
"No! Not at all. I've been in love with him silently for years, I just was in denial about it."
Becky took another sip of tea, then looked at her mildly, "So then why are you using the baby as an excuse to run away when you know you love each other? Just because it is happening quickly, doesn't make it bad. Just because you are pregnant doesn't make it bad. You're afraid, I think that's pretty normal considering the situation, but don't let that fear and the worry about what others will think stop you from doing what your heart tells you is right."
Shana just sat there dumbfounded, this person, practically a stranger, had given her more insight than anyone else had or could. "When you put it that way, it seems a lot easier to know what the right thing to do it."
Becky chuckled, finishing her tea and standing up, "I'm sorry, I really should be getting back, I'm sorry for having stayed so long, I don't want to interrupt your meditations and stuff. Do you know where that map is?"
Shana got up as well and found it, speaking as she moved and started pointing things out on the map, "Don't worry. I liked having an outside person to chat with, you've really helped me. Thanks for letting me ramble. I'd invite you back tomorrow, but I have the feeling I'm going to be on the road." She winked with a grin.
"It was my pleasure. Maybe the four of us can go out sometime on a double date. I hope to see you again Shana," She gave a wave as she headed to the door.
"I hope so too. Thanks Becky. Safe trip home. It's pretty dark, are you sure you'll be ok, I can drive you back," Shana frowned looking up at the large moon.
"Nahh. I'll be fine. I have a cell phone in case of emergency. I need the walk." She giggled and walked out the door.
Alone again, Shana thought of the day and her new friend. She thought of the things Becky had said and decided she was being stubborn. All that really mattered was that she and Conrad loved each other. She knew in her heart that Conrad was the right man for her and despite the timing of things, she was sure it would work out. She went to bed early to rest and get ready to suprise Conrad by driving back the next day.