First, apologies for the late update. As I mentioned in my update, I have been dealing with a lot of things since the last full chapter was posted. Originally, I wanted to post this Sunday, but of course the storms here in Michigan knocked out our power. This chapter will be short, featuring less dialog and more story.
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
VERONICA VOICEOVER: After our amazing Christmas Holiday's it was full steam ahead on our plans for New Year's, which was a relaxing getaway to Big Bear. I was not keen on going at first, with so much going on. However the lead into the holidays had been crazy, so it seemed like it might be ideal to get away from Neptune, especially with the media and press swarming. Goodman's trial date was set for late January, while the FBI was looking to push forward on the charges brought against Ben, Troy, and Liam sometime in late January to early February. Duncan and Meg had agreed to come along, however Meg only agreed once she knew Logan and I were going, and only after everyone was okay with her insisting on security. Meg's parents were still trying anything they could to try to get Meg out of the Kane's firm hold, and looking to locate her aunt Chris, who had custody of her sisters. Wiedman told Duncan and Meg the Manning's had hired two private eyes, and they needed to be careful as one of them was a former Navy Seal, named Bradley Wrensler who was a ruthless bastard, and had no qualms about doing anything he could to guarantee results.
Snow Tops Resort, which Dick's father owned, was very luxurious, and exclusive. It had three large restaurants, three bars, several different large boutiques, fitness center, spa, aquatic center, and business center. The resort had 6 ski lifts, with 18 different ski runs varying in difficulty, 3 snowboard runs, and a snowboard park. We had two premium suites, with each suite having a lounge area, bar, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a large patio balcony. In suite one you had Duncan, Meg, Matt, Jasmine, Cassidy, Julie, Chester, and Melissa. In suite two, you had Logan, Veronica, Dick, Mac, Rams, Kate, Enbom, and Emma. Quite a few others had plans to come up, but they were situated in other resorts around Big Bear. We left Neptune the day after Christmas, with plans on meeting up with our friends who were converging on the resort after their family holiday plans. Mac and I were in awe as we approached the sprawling resort. When we stepped out of Logan's SUV, to say we were stunned would be an understatement
VERONICA: (eyes big) Holy Crap
MAC: (looking sheepishly) I knew this resort was big, but my god look at this place.
EMMA: (smirking) Girls, welcome to life as an 09er's girlfriend (both girls glare at her and she laughs), you guys are gonna love it.
The guys had gone in to get trollies to bring in all their luggage, opting for the chivalrous option, rather than getting the staff to help them. The girls quickly made there way inside as the guys checked-in and got the keys to the suites
MEG: (to the girls) Duncan made a reservation for me at the spa, part of my Christmas gift. Will any of you guys be coming too?
KATE: Yes, I plan on getting a mani-pedi, and a massage
EMMA: Not sure what I wanna get yet, but the facial masks here do wonders for my skin
VERONICA: (overwhelmed) I wouldn't even know where to start, although I am not opposed to anything, I mean we are here to relax so a massage might be nice, Mac?
MAC: (blushing) Dick got me spa certificate for the trip, not sure about any of it, never experience anything like this, I wouldn't even know where to start in picking something to do
KATE: (smiling) No worries Mac. When we get to the suite they have a brochure that goes over all the services they provide and get what you want, but I recommend for first timers, The Ultimate Spa Experience.
VERONICA: (looking at Mac) I am gonna assume it is a bit of everything
MEG: Yes. The spa has a number of different types of facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, and they have a brazilian wax I want before the baby comes, trust me you will find something you want
EMMA: (laughing) yes, you will love it, last year I got a massage, then lounged in the sauna. It was quite relaxing.
Everyone made their way inside, and the staff led them to their respective suites. When they saw the size of the suite, Mac and Veronica stopped, mouths hanging open. Kate and Emma, who were behind them, crashed right into them, and laughed at the sight of the two. After they all settled into their rooms, they opened up the connection to the other suite and the whole group settled in. The kitchens were well stocked, as were the bars. The boys decided to grill some steaks on the outside balconies, and the girls made some sides to go with them. Everyone also started making some drinks, Meg making the girls Lettie's margarita's. It was decided, the next day, that the girls would head down to the spa, while the guys hit the slopes. Mac had decided to get a mani-pedi, Kate and Melissa each decided on facials, while Meg coaxed Jasmine, and Julie into going with her to get a Brazilian wax. Emma and Veronica decided to get full massage treatments. It was there, after a few minutes in heaven that Emma decided to broach an idea to Veronica.
EMMA: Hey Veronica (Veronica turns to look at Emma) what do you think about possibly putting together a Baby Shower for Meg
VERONICA: (thinking) It is a good idea, but no doubt Celeste (scrunching her nose, Emma laughs) will want to do something.
EMMA: Let her. If she wants to host a baby shower, that is fine, but I am not sure that is something Meg would enjoy. Sure, she will be grateful, but hanging out with all the stuffy rich country club ladies, and whatever members of the Kane family Celeste might invite, may not be to her liking. I think it will mean alot to Meg if we as her friends do something for her
VERONICA: (thoughtfully) Would we tell her, or make it a surprise.
EMMA: (laughing) I think telling her would be better, we wouldn't want her to go into premature labor by surprising her
VERONICA VOICEOVER: Yes, I laughed. Although I did cringe at the thought. Emma and I discussed it with the other girls and we all agreed that a baby shower for Meg was a great idea, although some thought a surprise baby shower might be a good idea, with none of them to worried that Meg might go into labor. Ultimately, we decided we would wait until we got home to plan it out.
Over the next few days, the guys hit the slopes, the girls the spa, and they lived it up at night in the suites. Everyone was overjoyed when Dick secured them all tickets to the New Years Eve Rock N Snow Jam. Everyone looked forward to it, especially since the majority of the performers were local. When the group arrived at the show, they immediately ran into Luke, Harry, and Jennings, who joined them for the show. Seven performers were scheduled that evening, Savannah Charles, and Hailey Fox were scheduled for the first act. All of the girls had enjoyed the music, dancing and laughing. Rock group The Wind Jammers, and solo artist Benjamin Brooks, who were part of the second act appealed to all, however Dick, Enbom and Rams seemed to really enjoy them, with Dick opting to go crowd surfing. Meanwhile Kelli Holbert was a child actor turned singer who grew up in LA. Kelli's music has a 70's vibe, and Veronica found her voice amazing. Bailey Thompson was a young up and comer, who performed at all the local events through the year in the Big Bear area, as well as throughout northern California. The final performers, Bear Man Down, were not scheduled to go on until right before midnight and would perform until 1 am. The group waited as midnight approached. When the band made their way on stage, the crowd went wild. After getting everyone hyped up, they began to play, the crowd roared. The song, Rock Into the Mountain was one of the most popular songs the band had. Once the song was over Neil Jeffers, the band's lead singer, began the countdown.
NEIL: (yelling) What's up Big Bear (the crowd erupts) It is about that time, to ring in the new year, who's ready? (the crowd roared) Time for the countdown, I wanna hear you all.
BIG BEAR CROWD: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR
Logan pulled Veronica into a passionate kiss, when they broke away Logan smiled down at her.
LOGAN: Happy New Year Bobcat
VERONICA: Happy New Year Logan.
The group stayed until the last song was played before heading back to the resort. When they got back to the suite they enjoyed some food, and drinks before settling in for the night.