A Winter in Bartlesville

07/15/2024

An ice storm rolls through Oklahoma. A girl and a boy both take a chance.

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Lotti blinked herself awake and rolled out of bed, knocking a tidal wave of plush pillows onto the gray, carpeted floor. She sat up, staring out of the window as she did every morning: looking for a way out of Bartlesville.

The sudden ice storm that blew through overnight had blanketed every house, car, street, and blade of grass with a beautiful, acrylic surface. Sunrise was just blinking its eyes too, casting playful reflections for the wind to twist and shape. Lotti smiled while surveying the wintry arena like an eagle circling its enclave…and stopped to squint.

What in the cold, morning hell is he doing…

The boy who lived right across the street, in a yellow-painted rancher built in the era of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Tulsa stint, was circling his car like a drunk coyote. He was tall and broad-shouldered and lean: she knew this from their chance encounters around town. He sported several warm layers on this blustery cold morning, and form-fitting joggers that showed off his calves. Using thickly gloved hands to bang on the car windows, he continued to circle.

Lotti found herself amused and confused, a mysterious combination for her. 

Is he trying to knock the ice off with his hands, god bless…

Lotti’s mind drifted towards their last meet at the nearby Quick Trip station. He was in line when she walked in, and he turned his gaze on her immediately, lingering long enough to make some feel uncomfortable. His eyes were honey brown and kind. He smiled. She couldn’t help meeting his look, which was very unlike her. Not for lack of boldness, she just enjoyed stealing a glance before being asked to dance. For some reason she hadn’t worked out yet, he had captured her then.

This poor thing is struggling…guess I should go help.

A few hurried minutes later, Lotti was dressed in a purple and gold onesie, black leather gloves, and a furry trapper hat. Not her preferred combination, but the weather demanded adaptation! And the hat framed her pink, librarian-style glasses quite nicely while keeping her long brown hair tucked safely away. She blew a kiss into the hallway mirror, grabbed an ice scraper resting near the front door, and marched outside.

Ok, honey, let’s set you right…

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He stopped circling his car for a frozen minute, grin facing away from Lotti’s house. His family was from a small town in Wisconsin called Racine, and they spent many winters in jean shorts and six foot snow. Getting a car ready for the road after winter’s passionate kisses? No problem.

What really had Loren tickled that morning: he had felt an eye on him while he was outside his car. That she might be watching him made his heart dial up his mind to discuss a plan and a chance.

So here he was in the freezing cold, stalking his car while banging on the windows, his ice scraper resting cozily in the trunk. Waiting for her to drop in