Chapter 23: Snowball Fight

Chapter 23: Snowball Fight

Snowball Fight Hudson's Backyard

Jack and Sue are still outside watching as more light snow falls to the ground. Jack has his back turned away from Sue so he does not see her throw a snowball against his back. Afterwards, Jack bends down to pack a perfect golf-size snowball in his hand. And he stands like a pitcher ready to throw a fastball at home plate, in this case right in Sue’s face. But Jack changes his mind; he has a better idea to get even. Jack approach Sue, unhurriedly, Sue is laughing, and she turns and runs in the other direction. Jack is much quicker than Sue and allows her a five minute head start.

And so the chase begins. Sue looks behind her to see that Jack is coming closer and the snow is knee-deep. She has a difficult time running away from Jack. Suddenly, Sue slips and lands on her back lying on top of the snow. Jack tries to grab her hand before she falls down. He is too late and instead Jack falls on top of Sue.

He crushes his snowball sprinkling it all over her winter coat. Then he scooped up two big handfuls of powder snow, patting them together into a giant snowball. Jack certainly has the advantage now. First option, he could throw the snowball in Sue’s face. Second option, he could put the snowball down inside her shirt and make Sue shriek because it’s freezing. Third option, he could show her mercy and throw the snowball away. Let’s see what jack decides to do.

Jack: I've got you right where I want you. See this giant snowbal Sue. You're gonna pay for hitting me in the back without any provocation from me. (megawatt smile and laughs)

Sue: You wouldn’t dare throw that snowball in my face. That wouldn’t be nice. And I know for a fact that you’re a really nice guy. (smile and laughs)

Jack: Wouldn’t I dare? And don’t think you can get out of this just because you try to sweet-talk me. It’s not going to work, Sue. You can’t stop me if I were to do this… (pause) (megawatt smile, laughs, teases Sue, and gives her his signature wink)

Sue: Jack Hudson, if you so much as throw that snowball in my face. I am not going to talk to you for the rest of our Christmas break. I promise you will be very sorry. (smile)

Jack: Sue, I know you know you can’t run away from me. And in case you haven’t notice I’m irresistible. Come on, sweetheart. It’s time for you to pay. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)

Sue: Who said anything about running away, Sparky? I’m warning you, don’t you dare touch me with that snowball or else. (playful smile and laughs)

Jack: Alright. I was trying to be civil. But now you leave me with no choice. (megawatt smile, laughs, teases Sue, and raise eyebrows)

Holding the giant snowball in his hand, Jack waits, letting down his guard for a split second. At the same time, Sue grabs a handful of snow, patting them together into a small snowball. Sue gets ready to throw it in his face. Ready. Set. Hit Target. A minute later, Jack counterattacks; he leans over Sue, gives her a wink, and places his snowball inside her shirt. He does it very slowly watching as the snowball trickles down her shirt. At this moment, Sue says; “that was wicked and I’m very cold”. Sue is still lying on top of the snow covered ground and starts to shiver.

Jack feels guilty and looks away for a nanosecond long enough for Sue to get her revenge on him. Sue throws another snowball in his face and then laughs. Jack pretends to be mad at her and then he laughs. They both smile despite the cold that is seeping through their coats and jeans. For one endless moment, Jack and Sue gaze longingly at each other. Both are cold and wet but neither one is ready to go back inside.

Jack gazes down at Sue as she stares up at him. Then Jack removes his right hand glove, brushing a few snowflakes away from her cheek. He encircles his arms around Sue. Her lips are slightly parted anticipating his incredible kiss. He does not disappoint her, watching her eyes a moment before he kisses her gently on her lips. At the same moment, he slides his fingers through her hair. Sue wraps her arms around his neck as Jack tilts her head and deepens their kiss.

He gently frames her face and in the next moment, Jack slides his tongue inside her mouth. Jack and Sue are in their own little world. They continue kissing like that for several long drawn-out minutes. Jack reluctantly pulls away and gets up first; then he offers his hand to pull Sue up. They shake free of the snow that is covered all over their clothes as much as possible before heading back inside. Sue has to get out of her wet shirt and jeans. Jack has to get out of his wet sweater and jeans as well. They walk hand-in-hand back to the house.

Before going inside; Jack pulls her into his arms for another lingering kiss. In a short while, they sit by the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa and Jack wraps a blanket around Sue to keep her warm.

Sue: That was fun. Although the snowball fight got a little out of hand. (smile and laughs)

Jack: You started it. If you had not hit me in the back when I wasn't looking then I would not have had to resort to other means. It's only fair. (megawatt smile and laughs)

Sue: Okay. You’re right. I can’t resist you anyway, Sparky. But let this be a warning to you. Tomorrow I plan on winning the snowball fight. You better get ready. (lighthearted smile)

Jack: Well, that sounds like a snowball challenge if I ever heard one. I can tell you right now that you are going to lose, honey. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)

Sue: You think so? You’re that sure of yourself, Sparky? (lighthearted smile and laughs)

Jack: Yes. I know I am going to win. You throw like a girl. (megawatt smile and laughs)

Sue: I do not throw like a girl, it’s in my genetics. Would you care to make a wager on who’s going to win the snowball challenge? (lighthearted smile and teases Jack)

Jack: I’m not sure. All depends on what kind of wager you have in mind? (megawatt smile, teases Sue, and his signature wink)

Sue: There’s only one way to find out. (dazzling smile and teases Jack)

Jack: Hmmm…does it involve another kiss? (megawatt smile and his signature wink)

Sue: Maybe. Well, I mean, I could be persuaded…if you play your cards right. Let’s see, do you feel lucky? (lighthearted smile and teases Jack)

Jack: I believe all questions will be answered tomorrow. Wait and see. I promise you won’t be disappointed sweetie. (megawatt smile and his signature wink)

Jack’s mom prepares a Christmas feast. She made rice casserole, salmon rolls with raisins and celery, baked potatoes, turkey dumplings, strawberry glazed ham, mini mistletoe turnovers, coffee and minced pie and wine. After eating a very full dinner; it is Jack’s turn to clean up the kitchen. Tom and Sarah are playing with their new toys in the family room.

Jack is going to build Sarah’s Hillsdale dollhouse before he goes back to D.C. The weather channel predicts at least six more inches of snow will fall through the night. Jack is looking forward to another round of snowball fight against Sue. It was fun today.

In the morning, Tom and Sarah are all bundled up and ready to build their snowman. Meg and Matt help them build the biggest and tallest snowman in the whole neighborhood. Sue has a plan to beat Jack. Sue enlists Tom and Sarah to be on her team. They follow Jack around as he prepares a bunch of golf-size snowballs. When Jack isn’t looking, Tom and Sarah steal his snowballs and run back to give them to Sue. Sue gets Abby and Meg to help her too.

So now it looks more like men vs. women snowball challenge. Jack’s parents are watching on the sidelines, they are enjoying the show. Billy and Matt come over to help Jack. Get ready to rumble, snowball style.

Each team throw snowballs at the other team, back and forth, they are having a great time. There are so many snowballs flying by one another it’s hard to tell which team got the other team. The snowball fight continues for almost two hours straight before Jack’s dad stop the game and declares that the women beat the men.

Sue is thrilled with her victory, all three ladies hug each other, and the kids hug Sue. Matt and Billy tell Jack it was a good game. But the women did have two advantages, mainly Tom and Sarah.

Jack shrugs his shoulder and agrees with them. And he pretends to be mad at Sue for winning the snowball challenge. But he is secretly glad that Sue won. Because Jack really wants to kiss Sue and he plans to do just that; once they are alone with each other.