Melting the Ice [Vy; Cameo]

[*]

Snow has covered pretty much everything and with it, it has given the district a new lease on life and fun. Ice covers any pond and sledding is a must for Brooklyn, who wailed for an hour for us to take her out into the snow and have some fun. I remembered when I was a toddler until my mother's death, we would go out every winter to the small lake and ice skate on it. So, naturally, my instincts to do the same for Mira and Brooklyn are brought out by the childs need to experience something so unique and fun. I gave in while Vy, to her dismay, has to come along for the ride because I just wouldn't let her stay home. Fun is to be had for all members of this family and since we've been particularly getting close lately, she can't opt out. Dragging her out of bed, coaxing her out from beneath my covers was hard, but successful.

"I win." I taunt.

With Mira all bundled up in the thickest snowsuit I had, Brooklyn looks like she's unable to move with all the layers she was dressed in. A quaint giggle escapes me when I try to think of how my mother used to dress me when we went to the frozen lake. Same with Jeran as we were both forced into thick layers before hitting the ice. I pull the sled with Brooklyn on it, as well as the pairs of ice skates that she's holding onto. It's actually really nice out here and the calm atmostphere makes it seem like a perfect day and then we arrive. The frozen lake already has a family nesting around it but the size is enough to accomodate us all. With Brooklyn's excitement to get out on the ice, I have to physically grab her hand to keep her from running out there with her slippery shoes on.

"Honey, you need your skates on. You'll fall with your shoes on. Too slippery for regular shoes. Come sit down and I'll get you ready." I tell her, and she plops down on the snow and then lifts her feet up at me to exchange the footwear.

"Skate. Skate. Momma come skate!" She waves to Vy and I smile at her.

"She's going to watch Mira while we get aquainted, okay? She'll skate with you soon! We gotta take turns. Mira's too little to skate." I explain to her and she nods. In a matter of minutes, both Brooklyn and my myself are laced up and hitting the ice slowly, testing the strength even though the other family had been asked and confirmed the frozen lake is good to go.

"Hey Vy... when do you want to skate?" I ask her, taking Brooklyn's hand and getting her aquainted with her snow feet. She wobbles and over exaggerates each times she falls. The hilarity in it all makes it difficult for me to even teach her, but it never makes me want to stop. She's just having fun on the ice and even tries to make snow angles though no marks remain when she stands up. "It's not snow, Brooky. Come on. I'll race you!"

I let go of her hand and she stays upright and even starts to move. Her balance at three years old almost better than mine was at five is exhibited. Maybe she's just a natural? "That's it! Hey VY! Look at your daughter! She's a natural!" I turn opposite of Brooklyn and skate backwards slowly, keeping my arms out to catch her should she fall forward without the assistance. "Come on! You can do it!" I state.

"I do it. I do it! Mommy! I do it!" Brooklyn states with each step that somehow turns into a small glide on the ice. I clap my hands when she does that and for a quick moment, I take my eyes off her and linger on Vy, who is cuddling Mira. I flash her a smile then something makes my blood run cold. The sound...

CRACK!

"Brooklyn - stop!" I coax her with a gentle voice. In the middle of the ice, the sound of the crack escalates slightly from one crack to a second one. "VY...." I shout. I look at Brooklyn who immediately recognizes my voice of both fear and something being wrong.

"KyKy... what wrong? Am I.. in trouble?" I shake my head and then make a motion for her to go backward but she's inexperienced in skating and for her to be able to do what is needed can't happen. There is only one of two things that can happen and my voice quivers once again when I shout for Vy. "THE ICE... IT'S BREAKING..."

Voices from the shore alert me to the family that had been on the ice. My attention doesn't go to them though. Instead, I'm taking very little steps over to Brooklyn who is frozen stiff; unmoving. "Good girl. Just stay still. Kyky is going to push you backwards so you are off the bad ice, okay? When I push you, go get mommy fast, okay?"

She nods her head and I grab her hand and hold on tight to her. I use the bite of the skate to anchor myself to the ice and then take a hefty push to make Brooklyn slide back a few feet all the while my body seemingly sinks into nothing and a freezing cold shock takes over my body. Head under water, the need to gasp in a breath takes over, but very little water enters my mouth and into my lungs as I fight to gain my bearings under the frozen lake. My mind completely going numb to the shock and the frigid temperatures robbing my body of heat.

I open my mouth to yell, but nothing escapes. So, I kick in the direction I feel is up, and pray to hit the surface.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce

The innocent squeal of a toddler pleads for me to get out of bed. Soft fingertips that must belong to Kyanite, attempt at pulling me from the sheets we only just warmed to satisfaction. Why must they both be so relentless and stubborn? Mira & I would be perfectly content with staying in the comforting home, while they enjoy the forceful bitterness that waits beyond the door. But they refuse to cave; and by the time I do, I’m secretly excited to be joining their adventure. We’re truly a family now, might as well enjoy all the contents of this new experience.

“Yes you do.” I admit to my defeat while lazily slipping from the enticing covers.

Layer of protection are gathered before we dare to depart, only to coat the little ones beyond movement. “Least Brooklyn won’t be able to quickly dash from us.” I joke, though it’s partially true. Of course my offspring flourishes in exploring, and occasionally providing us with heart attacks from how fast she can sprint off. Looks like that won’t be an issue today. She even needs assistance into the sled, which is as adorable and humorous as ever.

“Hey Missy.” Suddenly I grab Kyanite’s hand to prevent her from dispatching just yet. A thick coat occupies my other grasp, as I pull her towards the extra layer and me. “Don’t forget about yourself now. You’re such a damn mother.” I tease her in a soft voice, to then allow her freedom once more. With all of us in proper attire for the temperature looming in our nearby future, I finally agree to us leaving.

Surprisingly it’s a pristine picture that welcomes us to the snowy atmosphere. This sort of family event never occurred in Brittany’s house. I couldn’t help but assume only misery roamed in this time of year. Apparently joyous memories take place as well though. Perhaps some find a connection in having to endure this nipping degree. More people are clenching each other’s hands to share heat. Friends are refraining from bickering for a duel in a snowball battle. The scene is far different from what I expected.

The second the frozen lake comes into view, Brooklyn’s anticipation has boiled past the iced surroundings and she tries for an early break towards the fun. Luckily Kyanite catches our Rugrat, and a calming explanation for patients easily prevents her from escaping. Instead she dives for a seat, and nonverbally begs for the skates to be put on with her feet waving in the air.

Another plea consumes my ears, as Brooklyn desires for me to skate as well. Now that wasn’t part of our arranged deal. No response flees from my lips though, while I internally hope that idea won’t be mentioned again. If Mira & I aren’t resting in our warm home, then we’re remaining on the metaphorical bleachers. “Mira & I are going to watch, baby girl.” Is the only reply I have to offer.

“Never.” I respond instantly when the question over me skating revises. With the subtle limp that’s overtaken my knee, that sounds like a horrid idea. There’s just as much enjoyment in viewing. Mira, and her warmth bundle, gets cradled in my arms. Certainly this position is just as valuable. A comfortable spot is taken among the dry blankets we’ve laid out, and there’s not a single complaint I could conspire.

Precious giggles seep from Mira’s petite self; very much entertained by her Mother and Sister, especially when Brooklyn continues to stumble with a load of chuckles. “You two are definitely sisters.” Laughter also spills from my own lungs, caught in the contagious energy.

My attention fully focuses upon the two on the ice when it’s called for, to be impressed beyond belief. Already Brooklyn has discovered her own balance, and she most definitely did not receive that skill from my genetics. “Wow Brooky, good job!” I encourage from my spot, thrilled by the moment I’ve found us in. Not only is my daughter succeeding, but she’s having an amazing time as well. For a brief second my eyes catch Kyanite, and we exchange that perfect occasion we’re all sharing. Except that in our Life, it can never remain this way.

Automatically I’m strapping Mira back into her stroller, just as Kyanite’s voice fearfully rings out for me. But I heard that crack, I know what’s about to happen. Anxiety is overtaking my body, desperate to retrieve to where I am needed. Mira’s apart of this family to though, and I know her still forming walking legs would try to follow our instincts to assist in a crisis. “Stay here, Mira. It’s all going to be okay.” I reassure before dashing to the edge of the ice.

Brooklyn’s out of reach though.

One step on the frozen pond could send all three of us collapsing into the unforgivable abyss. “Brooklyn…it’s okay. Don’t move.” Using only my voice to attempt at saving my daughter pains me incredibly, but it’s all I have. My frantic vision finds Kyanite cautiously moving over to the scared toddler, and I pray that she can rescue them both…

They both don’t slide across the ice and into my arms though. Rather Brooklyn sinks into my embrace, and more cracks sends razor blades across my aching heart. “Go take of Mira, Brooky.” I order and clumsily place her into the safe snow. Without a second thought I’m slipping past the lake to the break Kyanite fell through. Even faster I’m lying on my stomach, and my arms are hysterically searching for my Brunette. This can’t be happening, there must be hope that we can all have a promising future together.

A hand blesses my palm, and I clench onto the frozen fingers for deer life. Half of my body is soaked in the brisk water, but I don’t care if I have to fully dive in to retrieve Kyanite. Her shoulders grace my grasp, and not soon enough her head is released from the suffocating lake. Still I am far from calm.

“Get some fucken blankets!” I yell at the family that’s witnessing without a budge elsewhere, bewildered and immobile. Kyanite’s yanked up to my lap, and we urgently slide back over to the edge. My body doesn’t lessen up from the panic controlling it. I hold her close to my body until my demand is met; and I don’t have an ounce of gratitude to show for it, only angst. Even worse, my stare viciously barks at them to then give us our space.

With covers surrounding Ky, I struggle to strip her from the wet clothes that are continuing to drown her. “I have to get the cold from clinging to you.” I explain while securing that multiple blankets are still attempting to warm her. There’s no explaining the agonizing heartache that’s fighting to make everything better. This cannot be the domino effect back into our past habit of bad luck.

“It’s okay…” I try to convince repeatedly to us both. Somehow I keep my cling on her while persisting to wrap her in more dry layers. Just like how we bundled Mira as an infant, I envelope Ky in a secure hold. “It’s okay.” Because it has to be. It has to be.

“I’m sorry, but your girls kept crying to see you two.” A voice alerts us both from behind, and suddenly the babies join the embrace. Eagerly they snuggle against Ky’s heavy coat of blankets, their features unimaginably concerned.

“Thank you.” A decent side of mine is finally evoked, and I can breath once again. “It’s okay girls. Mama Ky just went for a swim when she shouldn’t have. And now she’s very cold.” I try to explain to the best of abilities, while holding onto them all like I may never again.

[*]

Which way is up? Which way do I kick to make my body float back to the top of the ice and if I reach the top, will I be lucky enough to make it back to the spot where I fell in? Will Vy have to take care of little Mira all by herself? What if...

The questions going through my head, among other things, put me back into a sense of a level head. I open my eyes in the frigid waters only to close them a moment later. The air that has left my lungs is slowly being replaced by the icy water but not before I feel a slight tug and then a pull. Something touches me but I can barely even feel my own skin let alone to know who or what is grabbing onto me. I don't fight it. I can't. Not even if I tried, I don't think I could fend off my worst enemy at the moment and feel my body go limp to try to help this person out. A slight jerk and the temperature on my face dramatically changes and the pressure is no longer there against my senses. Fresh air enters my lung in one huge gasp and a sputter of water exits my mouth. My fingers latch onto something solid, cloth, I think? And my fingers stiffen quickly to whomever may be my rescuer.

"Th... th..." I studder and hear the voice of the girl ushering harsh words and demands to be met. Vy is here with me, and she's the one enveloping me within her arms and there is nothing but a calming factor to wash over me. Against her, I rest and let my body mold against hers as she scrambles to wrap something around me all the while stripping me of the clothes that I had been wearing in the first place. At first I fight against it because the first thought of being naked in public and out in the freezing air didn't seem all that right. However, her plea set in.

"I have to get the cold from clinging to you." I relax and close my eyes. It's not the first time she's seen me naked, but in these circumstances, it isn't about sexuality. It's about trying to keep me from freezing to death. I nod my head and proceed to try to help out as much as my jittering limbs will allow and before I know it, I'm in only my undergarments with blankets surrounding my torso. Though, Vy's arms are wrapped ever so tightly around me and the blankets hugging my body. It feels like heaven. It feels nice and safe and secure. Something about Vy is giving me the overall calm before she can even mutter a single word to me.

"It's okay... it's okay." I nodd my head against her. I sneak one arm out of the blanket to wrap around Vy's neck and smother myself in her warm embrace.

"I'm sorry, but your girls kept crying to see you two." That's when it hit me. Brooklyn was on the ice and that's the whole reason I'm sitting here trembling with a chill. I did everything I had to in order to keep Brooklyn from perishing under the icy water or she might never have been able to reach another birthday. I peek over to the two youngsters, Mira is barely able to stay standing, her little fingers clutched to the blanket while Brooklyn looks at me with this weird deer in the headlights glare. I wink at her.

"Brookie... Kyky is sorry she... pushed you. I... I didn't want you to go swimming. I w... was right. It's too cold." I joke with Brooklyn and poke my lower lip outward but she barely budges. "Brooklyn. Kyky is okay! Are you okay? Did you g..get hurt?"

I question her and move stiffly to try to open up the blanket to let Brooklyn in, but Vy's arms are too tight around me to let me have any leeway. I look at Vy and smile gently, putting my head over to her and resting. "Thank you, Vy."

"Is there anything we can do to help? Where do you all live? Maybe we can help you get her home. She don't need to stay out in the cold for much longer, not while she's already wet. We can help your friend?" The family speak up and one bends down to look at me and then the little girl who I had to fling away from the cracking ice.

I grin. "Going home sounds nice. Dry clothes... any clothes would be nice, actually."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Fingers tremble in fear of what could have happened. What if’s consume every painful pulse of my heart and mind, until I finally focus on now. The unforgiving icy depths did not consume Brooklyn, Kyanite made sure of that. The selfless Brunette may be violently shivering in my grasp, but it’s my arms and heat reviving her frozen exterior. Continuous flashes of her being swallowed by the lake that should have been welcoming, curses my vision; yet I’m granted a decent outcome to a terrifying event. My hold on Ky refuses to budge in the slightest, even when her shaken voice attempts to prove her health.

Negating past her need to care for solely herself at this moment, to no surprise, Kyanite’s concern is upon reassuring Brooklyn. The Toddler’s a bit rattled, but she’s not the one heaving to recollect her body temperature. Still I release one hand from my tight grip on Ky, to brush my fingers across the tiny Blonde’s cheeks. “Of course Brookie’s okay, right? Tough girl?” My voice is soft, though comes out a bit more choked then preferred. I let out a heavy sigh to convince my aching adrenaline that the trauma has passed.

A weak smile tries to balance upon Brooklyn’s quivering lips. “It’s okay Baby girl. We’re all okay.” I promise, with identical heart pain of my own. But things could have ended a lot worse. For some reason today I must perceive that glass as being half filled. I’m actually grateful for where I am now…where we all are.

“Don’t thank me.” My tone lightens greatly as my racing blood finally accepts that it’s over. “If we start this up again, you’re going to give me a heart attack before I turn twenty.” I even joke after another sigh escapes from my stressed lungs.

The generous family proceeds with their quality and offer us assistance home. Given pulling the sled & stroller through the slippery streets sounds extremely challenging, “I could use a hand. Thanks.” I accept help for a change. Not wanting to waste another second of Kyanite being in this brutal weather in her condition, I secure her in the thick layers of blankets and lift us both up on my wobbly knees. “I’ll get you in some warm clothes at home. I don’t want to expose you to the cold.” Or the risk of anyone else for that matter.

“Keep Kyky warm in the sled, okay Brookie?” I insist while bundling the two of them in the transportation. The Mother of the family, and assumingly her daughter, meet my gaze to inform of my company home. “I don’t want to risk pushing the stroller & pulling the sled with how the roads are. Stroller’s pretty easy if one of you don’t mind?” A petite grin spreads across my cheeks to illustrate my gratitude.

“Are you sure?” The Mother questions, distorting my expression into confusion. Why wouldn’t I be? Her eyes travel down my body in gesture. Sure the temperature and dampness has been viciously introduced since I put Kyanite down, but…

“I’m fine.” I assure, and instantly begin our travel. “Thank you though.” Right, I must remember to dispose of Brittany’s teachings and be polite. But the quicker we all get home, the better.

It’s a fierce journey to say the least. The breeze is far from as pleasant as it was there. Every step feels as though my tensed bones may crack as that ice did. And all I can do is internally beg that I enveloped Kyanite in enough warmth. I crave to call for consolation in her comfort, but fear the shiver may quake from my words. Everyone’s mutual benefit of a lit fireplace fuels my resistance.

“Thank you again. I’ll return your blankets shortly and clean.” I promise as I say goodbye to our saviors. “And if there’s any way I can repay you guys…”

“Take all the time that you need. I hope your friend feels better soon.” And knowing that I have a lot of work ahead of me, they departing from our front door.

Instantly I carry Kyanite to the couch, and fumble to hastily get her into a new set of dry blankets. Thankfully Brooklyn’s just reached the age to occupy Mira, as well as be aware that this is a desperate time that I need her to do just that. “How are you doing Ky? Do you feel sick or anything?” My worried eyes stare at hers, pleading that I pulled her out in time. The hospital is the most dreadful location, but I would do anything for her.

I wait for a response, than carry on with my need to provide warmth for her. I don’t bother to change from my own wet attire. I can’t even think of my body temperature. I have to make sure Kyanite’s okay. I urgently begin starting at the fireplace.

Heat begins sprinkling through the house, and my motherly instincts immediately put up the gate. Change of clothes for everyone. More blankets. I make a list to save my decaying knee from traveling upstairs more then necessary. I won’t stop until all is well again.

A warm pajama shirt gets pulled over Kyanite’s head, before I wrap her dredged hair in a towel. The girls get changed. And finally I peal the heartache clothes from myself for a replacement of dry clothe. Again a sigh seeps from my tongue, until I finally collapse upon the couch. “Frack…I should order food.” I moan and dispatch to complete my last chore. Certainly a phone call is much easier then actually cooking.

Automatically I wrap an arm around Kyanite to continue her temperature rise. “You better not start another line of scaring me.” I tease her, and force the babies into our cuddle.

“Is Mama Kyky okay?” Brooklyn wonders aloud, with that innocent concern still lacing her sweet voice. Her empathy is no surprise, but what she calls Kyanite is. One of my eyebrows raise in the older Brunette’s direction.

My focus returns to the Toddler. “Yeah. Mama Ky is okay.” I grin, satisfied with the outcome if we had to have this cause.