Chapter 14: At the ski resort after Christmas
December 27, 1968
Two days after Christmas, the Rogeres and Scooby, all dressed in winter clothing, were seated with the Blakes on the Santa Fe train as it glides down the tracks on the transcontinental mainline through the Rocky Mountains.
Much of the surrounding scenery on the mountains were covered in snow, and Shaggy wasted no time taking photos of the snowy scenery in the distance with his camera.
The camera was one of several Christmas presents Shaggy had received from his relatives over Christmas, and judging from the way he has been using the camera frequently to take photos during the train ride, it is easy to conclude that the camera is his most favourite of the Christmas presents he received.
Besides the camera, Shaggy had also received a couple of cookbooks, new rock and classical music albums, a couple of belts with interesting belt buckle designs, a sketchbook, several new Blue Scarab comic books, and to his sister's chagrin, a brand new T-shirt with a steam locomotive design printed on it.
"I don't know why I was surprised to see Uncle Godfrey gifting you another T-shirt for your collection, Norville." Maggie quipped after they have unwrapped their Christmas presents. "I mean, I should've expected that you'll get another one for your collection, but still."
"At least it something wearable compared to the cloth that you might as well use for wallpaper for a dollhouse." Shaggy shrugged. "Like, unless you're looking to save it for your own kids' dollhouses or use it for the modeling club you've taken up, I'm not sure how you're looking to use the cloth Aunt Anne gifted."
Besides the decorative cloth, Maggie also received a new paint set, a sketchbook, and a new recipe book for desserts.
As for Scooby, he received a new dog collar, some new albums, a new paint set, and a new sketch pad as Christmas presents.
The Rogerses would not see the Blakes again until the late afternoon on the day after Christmas, though before they left for Beverly Hills on the early afternoon of Christmas Eve, George informed Sam of their itinerary for the rail trip to the ski resort.
In between the meals and partying with the relatives, the Rogerses did some packing, though George had told them to pack lightly, as the resort will provide the bulk of their needs.
"Whatever activities you've plan on doing, Sam, whether be skiing, skating, or snowboarding, Sandy will take care of things at his resort." George said over the phone on Christmas Eve, before leaving for Beverly Hills. "So don't overpack."
"Thanks, appreciate it, George." Sam responded.
Over at Beverly Hills, Daphne also liked the Christmas presents she received. Among them were a new cookbook, some new mystery novels, a brand-new typewriter, a sketchbook, complete with a paint set, and some new dresses.
In fact, Daphne is wearing one of those new dresses she received on Christmas as they made their way to Sandy's ski resort on the train.
Shortly after the train departed from Grande Cristal Union Station, en route to Metropolis, Daphne had the chance to show her new dress, which was in a dark red shade of purple. to Shaggy, Scooby, and Maggie, and the trio all complimented the new dress.
"You really look nice in that dress, Daph." Shaggy was saying.
"Yeah." Maggie agreed. "If I may say so, it's like you're ready to become Mrs. Claus."
"Thanks, guys." Daphne beamed. "And I must say Scooby's at a whole other level with his new collar."
"Ranks, Raphne." Scooby smiled as the redhead rubbed his ears.
"Scooby's sister Ruby gifted him this one." Shaggy explained.
"That's nice." Daphne nodded. "Does she live nearby?"
"Ro, rhe lives rin New York." Scooby explains. "Rhe's re oldest rof my riblings."
"I see." Daphne said.
It took about six hours after departure from Grande Cristal before the train eventually pulled into the station in the Rockies closest to the ski resort, and there was a shuttle bus waiting for the two families and a few other passengers.
One by one, the bus conductor checked and hole-punched their tickets and they were soon ushered to their seats.
"How far is the resort from here, George?" Sam asked as he and George sat next to each other.
"Just about 20 minutes, it's not far." George replied as he fastened his seatbelt. "Though the roads are quite winding."
"Good to know." Sam nodded as he also fastened his seatbelts.
It didn't take long for them to find out why the seats were equipped with seatbelts for the passengers and the signs on board mandating that everyone must buckle up before departure, for the roads leading to the resort were indeed as winding as it gets.
Thankfully, with the road leading to the ski resort being well-maintained, the bus arrived there without incident, and when the two families made their way into the main building, Sandy was at the lobby. He promptly opened his arms at the sight of George, Elizabeth, and Daphne.
"Well, well, Georgie old boy." Sandy said in greeting as his brother reached over to give him a high-five before being tugged into a brief embrace.
"Sandy boy, good to see you again, hope the ride back from Beverly Hills yesterday wasn't a hassle with the storm last night." George replied.
"Ah, seen worst storms than the one last night." Sandy replied before greeting Elizabeth. "How are you, Lizzy?"
"Been good, thanks!" Elizabeth smiled as they shared a kiss on each other's cheeks. "Your men did a great job cleaning up after that storm last night."
"I'm flattered on their behalf." Sandy smiled before turning towards Daphne, who reached over to give him a hug. "And hello again, Daphne dear."
"Hi Uncle Sandy." Daphne smiled. "The front definitely looked like the place wasn't hit by that snow storm last night."
Sandy smiled with a nod before turning towards the Rogerses, and upon seeing Sam, he said, "You must be Sam Rogers and family."
"We are, Sherman." Sam nodded as he stepped forward and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you at last."
"The pleasure's mine, I've heard so much about you from George." Sandy smiled as he shook Sam's offered hand. "It's nice to finally meet you and your family in person."
"Likewise, Sherman." Sam smiled.
"Oh please, just call me Sandy." Sandy said.
"Will do, Sandy." Wendy nodded as she and Sandy shared an embrace and a kiss on each other's cheeks. "I'm Wendy, by the way."
"Nice to meet you." Sandy smiled before turning towards the kids and Scooby. "And you must be Norville, Margaret, and Scooby."
"Nice meeting you, Mr. Blake." Shaggy said as he shook Sandy's offered hand.
"Oh please, Uncle Sandy will do." Sandy waved his other hand dismissively.
After the meet and greet with Sandy, the resort chain owner led them through the lobby as he said, "I have already had you guys checked in for the five days and four nights, including for New Years, so just follow me to your rooms."
It didn't take long for them to reach the penthouse suites at the seventh floor, which is the top floor of the resort's hotel, and right off the bat the Rogerses were struck by how fancy the place is.
"Wow, talk about a fancy place to stay at, George." Sam whistled as he marvelled at the decorations of the penthouse.
"Sandy's got a keen eye for upkeep." George offered.
No sooner the two families received the keys to their assigned rooms did they split up to unload their luggage, and Shaggy, Scooby, and Maggie wasted no time setting things up at their shared room, which comprises of a bunk bed, a fancy dog bed for Scooby, a window overseeing the ski hills and what Shaggy assumed to be the swimming pool for the summer months, a night stand, a closet with a television set, and a couple of armchairs.
"Wow, we sure hit the jackpot, Mags." Shaggy whistled when he, Scooby, and Maggie first entered their bedroom.
"I can totally see that, Norville." Maggie nodded.
Eventually, the siblings and Scooby headed back to the hallway, where they ran into Daphne at the elevators.
"Is there a restaurant here, Daphne?" Shaggy asked.
"There is, Shag." Daphne replied. "I don't suppose you guys are going to eat out the whole buffet here, are you?"
"Like, we were more thinking of exploring the resort." Shaggy said.
"After some snacks." Maggie added.
Daphne smiled as the elevator arrived. "I know just the place that offers great snacks, guys. Follow me."
Shaggy exchanged looks with his sister as they followed Daphne into the elevator. "Groovy."
After having a light snack at resort bakery, Daphne led Shaggy, Scooby, and Maggie around the resort.
"Must say those were some of the best pastries I've had, Daph." Shaggy remarked as they walked around. "What do you say, guys?"
"I second the motion, Norville." Maggie replied.
"Rird." Scooby piped up as he licked his lips.
Daphne smiled. "Looks like the motion's unanimously carried."
Daphne soon led them to the doorways leading to the resort's outdoor swimming pool, which were obviously closed and locked up for the season.
"So this is where we would go swimming when it's warmer during the summer." Shaggy stated.
"That's right, Shag." Daphne nodded. "And the water rides here are just as fun."
"That's good to know." Maggie nodded.
Noting how much snow has accumulated over the swimming pool cover and seeing the flagpole in the distance, an idea suddenly came to Maggie.
"Say, how about we play a game of capture the flag in the form of a snowball fight?" Maggie suggested, prompting the others to turn towards her.
"Sounds like fun." Daphne smiled. "What do you boys say?"
"Like, count us in!" Shaggy grinned. "Scoob and I can make a good team!"
"Oh, yeah?" Maggie asked, her competitive mood entering in full swing. "We'll see to that!"
"Then, let's split up!" Daphne said.
There was a handshake between the boys and girls before they split off to obtain their flags.
After the split-up, the boys wasted no time building a snow fort and producing dozens of snowballs.
Stepping back to marvel their masterpiece, Shaggy said to Scooby, "Not bad for a little snow fort, eh Scoob?"
"Reah." Scooby nodded. "Reuss we rould plant re flag."
Shaggy nodded as he took out a stick and planted it right in the middle of their snow fort. Then, he took out a piece of blue cloth and fastened it to the stick.
"And that's our flag for us to protect, Scoob." Shaggy said as he gestured towards the flag.
"Rye, rye." Scooby mock-saluted before he turned towards where the girls had set up, which was under a snow-covered tree, and said, "Raggy, rook!"
Shaggy turned and followed Scooby's gaze, in time to see the girls hoisting up their flag, which he instantly recognized as his black T-shirt with a tux design printed on it.
"If Norville really wants his precious T-shirt with a tux design printed on it so badly, he should come and get it." Maggie was saying as they hoisted up their flag.
"Yes, and we won't even need to make a lot of snowballs." Daphne smirked as she nodded towards the tree near their fort.
Seeing how thickly-coated with snow the tree branches are, Maggie matched the redhead's smirk as she said, "The boys aren't going to know what hit them."
Then, seeing Shaggy going hysterical about the sight of his favourite T-shirt being used as their flag, Maggie continued, "And it looks like we've pushed the right buttons."
Seeing his T-shirt hoisted up on the flag pole at Daphne and Maggie's snow fort, Shaggy said, "Alright, Scoob, when the game starts, I'll throw the snowballs and cover you while you go try to capture Daph and Maggie's flag."
"Rokay, Raggy." Scooby saluted.
Soon, both sides were ready for the snowball fight.
"Like, are you ready to go down, Maggie?" Shaggy asked his sister.
"Game on, Norville!" Maggie smirked evenly before leaping into action.
Shaggy and Scooby leaped out of their snow fort, with Shaggy carrying a bunch of snowballs and starting throwing them towards his sister.
"You guys aren't even throwing snowballs!" Shaggy said as he covered for Scooby, who was sneaking over to capture the flag.
"Who said we need any, Norville?" Maggie responded as she ducked a throw from her brother. By that point, he and Scooby were right under a tree branch covered with snow with Daphne holding a snowball.
Seeing the lone snowball Daphne was holding, Shaggy asked, "Is that all you got?"
"Just watch." Daphne smirked before throwing the snowball towards the tree branch above them.
The snowball hit the tree branch, causing it to shake and some snow started to drip downwards onto the boys.
"Eh?" Shaggy and Scooby both looked up, only for the pile of snow on the tree branch to fall and land right on them.
With his T-shirt in sight, Shaggy tried to get out, but he felt quite the weight on his back.
"Oh no you don't, Shag." Daphne smirked as she wagged her finger while Maggie darted over to the boy's fort.
Noticing his sister getting close to their now-unguarded snow fort, Shaggy exclaimed, "Scoob! Go after Mags!"
However, his rallying cry was answered by a muffled "Ret me routta rere!"
With no way out, Shaggy could only helplessly watch as his sister snatched their flag from their snow fort and darted back to Daphne.
"We've won, Norville." Maggie exclaimed victoriously as she and Daphne grinned at them.
"Zoinks, that was quite the ambush." Shaggy said as the girls helped him and Scooby out of the snow pile.
Daphne's grin grew as she walked back to her and Maggie's snow fort and snatched the T-shirt from the flag pole and said, "I'll be keeping this for safe-keeping, Shag."
"Should've known you would use my T-shirt for your flag, Mags." Shaggy said as he threw a glare at his sister while patting the snow off their coats.
"Well, we sure had fun, didn't we, Shag?" Daphne asked as she patted Shaggy on the back.
"We sure did." Shaggy nodded just as they spotted their parents walking towards them.
Soon, the two families were in the restaurant having dinner together.
"Did you kids had fun out there?" George asked after he finished his meal.
"We sure did, Dad." Daphne replied. "Shag, Scooby, Sugie and I played a game of 'Capture the Flag' in the form of a snowball fight."
"Nice." Sam nodded. "And who won?"
"Like, Daph and Maggie did, Dad." Shaggy replied after finishing his dessert. "They used a sneaky strategy and tricked Scoob and I."
"Yeah, we sure did." Maggie smiled as Daphne patted her head.
"Maybe you boys ought to come up with a better strategy next time." Elizabeth said.
"Yeah, we should." Shaggy agreed. "Like, I probably should've stayed at the snow fort and throw snowballs at the girls to cover Scoob."
"Reah." Scooby nodded in agreement.
"Oh, not sure if that would make any difference, Norville." Maggie grinned sneakily.
December 28, 1968
The next day, the two families went skiing after breakfast and a short hike.
While the adults were at the more advanced slopes skiing, the kids and Scooby were at the gentler slopes with their skis and sleigh.
"Like, are you ready, Daph?" Shaggy asked Daphne as they prepared to ski down the slope.
"I sure am, Shag." Daphne replied, feeling a little nervous.
"I was under the impression that you've stayed at this resort before, Daph." Maggie said.
"I had, but only two times prior, with the first time being an overnight stay for one of my older cousins' wedding, while the second time was during the summer." Daphne explained.
"Ah, that explains." Shaggy and Maggie both nodded as the former continued. "Well, it's never too late to try it out, especially on a gentle slope like this one."
"Norville's right beside you so if anything happens, he'll be right by you." Maggie added. "And Scoob and I will be ready on the sleigh as well."
"Yeah, you'll do fine, Daphne." Shaggy added as his sister and Scooby get ready on the sleigh while he puts on his goggles.
"Okay." Daphne nodded as she donned her goggles. "Ready when you are, Shag."
"Here goes." Shaggy said when he grabbed his sticks and pulled himself forward, leading the redhead to follow suit while Maggie and Scooby looked on.
In no time did Daphne catch up to Shaggy, who noted the way she was skiing.
"You're doing great for your first try, Daph." Shaggy said as he shifted his weight to the left. "Any time you need to turn, shift your weight in the direction you want to turn towards."
"Okay, Shag." Daphne nodded as she followed his lead and then began drifting leftwards.
As the minutes went by and Daphne continued her practice, Shaggy, Maggie, and Scooby were always on stand by, which was needed on one occasion when she ended up in an awkward position while trying to stop.
Eventually, though, Daphne was able to master some of the basic ski moves Shaggy had showed her.
"Like, way to go, Daph." Shaggy smiled. "You're really learning!"
"Thanks, Shag." Daphne smiled back. "Now I think I'm ready for the normal ski slope."
The kids soon joined their parents skiing and spent much of the afternoon having fun skiing after their lunch and short hike.
Later that evening, after dinner, the two families were at the skating rink, and once again, Shaggy was teaching Daphne, who was wearing a helmet, how to skate.
"Take it easy, Daph." Shaggy says as he slowly leads Daphne onto the ice rink, holding her hands as he does so.
Daphne nodded as she cautiously made her steps in the rink while Scooby and Maggie were on standby, waiting to step in.
"Don't worry, dear." George called out. "You can do it!"
Slowly but surely, Daphne followed Shaggy steps onto the rink and starting skating slowly.
"For some reason I feel like we're figure skating, Shag." Daphne remarked as Shaggy continued to support her.
The opening horns to Waldteufel's Die Schlittschulafer (Skater's Waltz) began when Shaggy glided onto the rink, then he gestured Daphne to follow him.
Taking her first step on the rink, Daphne's left foot slowly glided on the rink at the first strings notes, then she took her second step with her right foot. The strings continued and increased in speed when she tried to maintain her balance, then when the percussions joined in, she almost fell over and would've hit the ground if it weren't for Shaggy's timely intervention.
Slowly but sure, while still holding Shaggy's hands, Daphne tries again with the skating with the strings and brass in the background slowly fading in.
Eventually, confident that she's gotten the hang of the skating, Daphne began to take her actual first skating steps with Shaggy moving on elsewhere as the waltz played in full earnest.
Over at the stands, the parents noted how Shaggy and Daphne's steps were in harmony with the waltz in the background.
"Wow, look at them skating together." Wendy remarked.
"Indeed. They just look so fabulous." Elizabeth agreed. "It's like watching those waltz dances in royal balls."
"Yeah." Sam nodded. "For whatever reason, this is the picture I have in mind when I think of them teaching their future children how to dance."
"That'd be interesting to see for sure, Sam." George said.
"Norville and Daphne sure makes one great team, right Scooby?" Maggie asked as she and Scooby watched the pair skating.
"Reah, they rure do." Scooby agreed.
Meanwhile, the music in the background switched over to the waltz from Act 1 of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake ballet, and by that point, Shaggy and Daphne were skating more confidently together with their moves resembling those of figure skaters.
In fact, Daphne was now feeling more confident in her skating and no longer needed the helmet as she skates.
"Wow, this sure is groovy, Shag." Daphne smiled as they skated with the waltz.
"You said it, Daph." Shaggy smiled back. "Maybe you and Freddie could skate or dance together sometime."
"Indeed." Daphne agreed as they continued skating together. "Remind me to ask Fred if he could skate so we can go out and skate together sometime."
"Like, I sure will, Daph." Shaggy smiled.
That night, Shaggy slept comfortably in his bed after retiring to the cabin for the night.
He was still smiling about the memory of skating with Daphne in the skating rink under the moonlight, and he smiled about some cheers from the crowd after they finished skating as the waltz playing in the background ends.
That moment between him and Daphne sure felt magical, and they sure had a lot of fun together.
Meanwhile on her bed, Daphne was also smiling about the same thing.
She and Shaggy skating together under the moonlight in the rink attracted a crowd who cheered on them after they had finished as the waltz playing in the background comes to an end.
It was one magical moment between her and Shaggy, and they sure had a lot of fun together.
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