Black Diamonds, All The Way!

"Forget the pussy stuff." You grin. "Let's hit the real trails!"

"Think you can handle it, huh?" Melody laughs. "Okay! Let's see what you're made of, Jack O' Lantern!" She pats your shoulder and heads for the door. You follow her, grab your skis and the two of you hike over to the nearest ski lift. You grab the first two seater car coming by and begin the long ride to the top. You don't mind be squished against her, quite the contrary. And not just because she keeps you warm.

"Wow! This mountain is beautiful!" She says, looking around in awe.

"I know! Check out all the trails!" You point to the various white paths coursing down the mountain side.

"Uh-oh!" She says, her giggling tone not matching the words. "That snowboarder is out of control!" She points down and you follow her gaze to watch a young kid totally wipe out on a giant snowbank. You both crack up laughing as the boy's feet wiggle from under a mound on snow.

"Wipeout!" You laugh and Melody slaps you playfully.

The ride is over almost too soon as the lift ends at the mountain summit. You both ski off to the side where a map is waiting for you.

"Let's see...there's two main branching Black Diamonds branching off from the summit." You say, reading the map. "Sea of Trees, which looks like a heavy glades trail, and Sunset Ridge, which follows the side of the mountain."

"I'm game for either one." She shrugs. "You have to maintain your dignity, so why don't you decide which one I'll beat you at."