Bridge Over Troubled Water
Disclaimer: Do you really think Horowitz's writing is this bad? Shame!
Alex scowled at the pouring rain. He was cold, wet and miserable, and hated whoever had suggested that a week of 'the real outdoor experience' would do him good. He cursed Jack for making him go.
As he trudged back to the campsite, he mused that at least it wasn't as bad as his missions. At least he wasn't in danger of being killed by one of his campmates.
Minutes later, Alex cursed again. His path across the bridge, the only route back to dry clothes and a campfire, was missing. Well, not missing as such, but overwhelmed by rapidly flowing brown water littered with debris. He looked around for a solution to his dilemma, but it was futile. The bridge and all surrounding areas were well and truly flooded, and the water was flowing rapidly.
For a while, Alex just sat there waiting, vainly hoping the water would recede. It didn't.
"Alex!" he heard. He looked up to see Tom on the other side of the river. The boy wasn't looking the least bit sympathetic. Damn him.
"The waters don't seem to be receding! I think you'll have to stay there tonight!"
Alex raised an eyebrow as if to say 'no shit!' Tom laughed, indifferent to his plight, then turned around, leaving Alex glaring at his back.
Eventually Alex stood up and surveyed his surroundings. He decided he probably should move to higher ground, to avoid getting flooded if the waters rose further. He'd also need shelter and a way to stay warm.
He walked uphill for a while, heading towards a cave he had noticed on his walk. Checking to see there were no animals, he entered it and stripped out of his wet clothing, draping it over some conveniently placed stalagmites. He settled himself into a comfortable position, then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. His last thoughts were centred on bemoaning his situation and the 'real' outdoor experience in general.
The next day, Alex woke to the sound of birds singing. Darn birds, he thought sulkily. Alex Rider was not happy, and therefore nothing else should be happy, damnit! He was stiff, cold and hungry from his night in the cave, and he grumbled moodily while stretching to smooth out the kinks in his back. He put on his clothes, gaze catching on the sight of the bullet scar he'd have for the rest of his life. He continued getting dressed. If there was one thing he'd learnt since joining MI6, it was to never dwell on the past. Otherwise he could end up like Herod Sayle or General Sarov.
He left the cave, glad it had ceased raining. Thankfully, the water level had fallen, and he could cross the bridge without getting wetter than he already was. He did so, preparing himself for his return to 'civilisation', where he would surely be assaulted by his overly cheerful friends.
As he headed back, his steps angry and thoughts accusing, Alex realised something. His steps became smoother, and his thoughts no longer focused on accusation.
By the time he arrived back at the campsite, Alex was feeling a lot better. He braced himself as his red-headed carer jumped towards him.
"Alex! I was so worried! Are you okay? We saved you some dinner!"
He smiled. It was nice to realise that despite what he'd been through, he could still be normal on trips like these.
END
AN: Please, please review. I need motivation to actually force myself to wake up my brain and write.
AN: Thank you to the people who reviewed. It was a nice surprise to wake up to! ^_^