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ChapterOne
KENNEDY
Snow everywhere. It had been snowing when I arrived in the small mountain village of Destiny Falls two days ago, but there was something different about seeing snow while tucked safely inside a well-heated cottage versus being out in it. The owner of the cottage I was renting had stocked a few essentials before I got to town, so I’d spent yesterday recovering from the flight to New Zealand from Los Angeles.
This was the first time I’d ventured from the cottage, and it was a shock to my system. Not only was it cold, but it was slippery. A born and bred Cali girl, I felt completely unprepared. I just hoped the ski resort where I’d been hired as a barista had good central heating.
I turned the Suzuki hatchback my stepfather had bought me as a “congratulations on beginning your grand adventure” gift onto a road with a sign pointing toward the ski resort and gritted my teeth. I’d chosen this car because it was similar to the one I’d had back home, and I figured it would be easier to drive on the wrong side of the road if I was at least comfortable in my vehicle, but I was starting to think that might have been a mistake. The small Suzuki didn’t seem up to the task of navigating snow-covered roads. Perhaps I’d need to trade it in.
The road sloped steeply up ahead and veered around a tight bend. Slowing to a crawl, I swung around it and breathed a sigh of relief.
I shouldn’t have.
The road twisted again, and this time, I wasn’t ready for it.
My car hit the verge and the wheels skidded, trying to find a grip on a hidden patch of ice. The car tilted. My heart slammed into my chest.
Oh shit.
I was going over the edge.
The car rolled, and I screamed as it tumbled down the side of the hill. The world bounced crazily around me. Airbags burst from the front and sides, smashing into my face with bruising force. Black spots danced before my eyes. The seatbelt cut into my waist and shoulder as I fell forward. Hot liquid scalded my skin as coffee burst free of its carry cup.
Finally, the car juddered to a stop. Upside down.
I hung from the seat, blood rushing to my head. The engine was still running. If this were the movies, the car would burst into flames at any moment. My mind was fuzzy, my thoughts sluggish. I needed to cut the power. Hands shaking, I reached for the ignition, fumbling until I found the key and turned it. The engine died. At least that was one problem solved.
A ringing sound whined in my ears. I looked around but couldn’t figure out what might be making it. Perhaps it was in my head. Trying to ignore it, I listened out for help, which would surely arrive soon, but then remembered I wasn’t in L.A. anymore. I’d come off a snowy road in the middle of nowhere, and apart from the occasional sweep of headlights in the distance, I couldn’t see any sign of human life. Who knew how long it might take for someone to realize I needed help, let alone for it to arrive?
My lower lip trembled. I was alone. Upside down. After my first traffic accident ever. My great adventure had gotten off to a terrible start. I stifled a sob. Damn it. I was supposed to be exploring exotic locations, putting my own wants first for once instead of always being the responsible oldest sibling, and discovering what I’d like to do with my future. Now I had to wonder if this was all a mistake. I wasn’t equipped to be on my own. What the hell had I been thinking, announcing to my family that I was flying to the bottom of the world to “find myself”? How could I find myself when I wasn’t even sure I could find my way out of this damned car?
I blinked rapidly to hold off the tears that threatened and tried to clear my head. The whining was fading away, but my thoughts were still slow.
Should I undo the seat belt? I didn’t even know if I could with the way it was locked around my body, and if I did, I might injure myself if I landed in an awkward position when I fell. I reached for the roof. It wasn’t that far beneath me, but even if I were to stick the landing, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get out because one side of the car seemed to be buried in a snowdrift.
I spotted my bag. It had fallen near where the roof met the windshield, but might be just within reach. Inside that bag was my phone. I stretched for it, coming up short on the first attempt, but when I strained against the seatbelt and bit my lip in concentration, I managed to brush the handle with my fingers. With another try, I gripped the edge of the fabric and eased it toward myself. When it was closer, I worked open the zipper and reached inside for my phone. Fortunately, the emergency number had been pre-programmed in, and I called it.
“You’ve reached emergency services,” a brisk female voice said. “How can I direct your call?”
“I-I’ve been in a car accident,” I stuttered. “My car is upside down in the snow. I need help.”
“How many vehicles involved?”
“Just mine. I rolled off the road.”
She made a thoughtful sound. “Are you injured? Is anyone with you?”
“I’m alone.” Tears burned the backs of my eyes at the thought of how small that made me feel. As the oldest of five siblings, I wasn’t used to being on my own, and as the daughter who usually took the safe option and made sure not to cause any fuss, I felt wholly unprepared. “I don’t think I’m injured. At least, not seriously. A couple of bruises, and my head is shaken up.”
“Can you get out?”
I glanced at the far door again. “Um, maybe.”
“Is the engine off?”
“Yeah.”
The sound of a keyboard clicking came over the line. “What’s your location?”
