A snowflake fell on her nose. The dark clouds were moving toward the resort at full speed. A voice inside told her she better follow Emma and join the rest of the group. But this was what she'd wanted, wasn't it? She squared her skis and looked down the hill. She could see a purple blur with braids flying in all directions as Emma made it to the bottom and turned to call for Vanesa. The other three figures seemed like statues, arms crossed and backs straight. She couldn't see their faces from this distance, but she was sure Bryce, Beck, and Eric were scowling at her. If Emma could make it down, then she could, too. She must. How long had Vanesa been gone now? How long had she left Hunter on his own? She tested her boot once more, unsure it would stay clasped, and pushed off. Her skis slid smoothly over the packed snow, and she concentrated hard on keeping them pointed straight. She loved the wind whipping on her face. She licked her lips. They burned because the air was dry. She hoped Mami had brought lip balm to share. She tucked her poles under her arms as she hurtled down the hill, gaining speed. Just as she was thinking she'd make it, one foot slid out to the side and suddenly she was skidding in a cloud of snow. She stopped, landing on her butt, just in front of the other kids, her one ski thrown to the side. She mentally checked her body, found nothing hurt -- and a smile stretched from ear to ear. Her fall might not have been glamorous, but she'd felt like she was flying. The happiness didn't last long. "What in the world were you thinking?" Bryce exclaimed once he made sure she was safe and sound. Excerpted from Blizzard Besties by Yamile Saied Méndez All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.