Author's Note: I really wanted to write something that removed the characters from school and their usual surroundings, sort of push them a little. So here's my attempt. Be kind =]
Disclaimer: I don't own 10 Things I Hate About You, if I did, there'd be more episodes and they'd air them in Australia.
MY OASIS
CHAPTER ONE
"Please Dad."
Kat Stratford scowled, sliding lower into the couch. Behind her, her father and her sister stood, bickering. She turned up the volume on her iPod and her scowl deepened: she could still hear Bianca's whining.
"It's just for the weekend."
Kat's dark eyes watched as the volume meter hit maximum.
"We'll be chaperoned the whole time."
There was a murmur: Walter was speaking at a much softer tone.
"Please Dad."
A hand rested on Kat's shoulder and she looked up, pulling her headphones off. Walter stood over her. "What do you know about this school camping trip?"
"Tents, hiking," Kat listed without missing a beat. She turned to Bianca, questions in her eyes. And her father seemed to be thinking the very same thing.
"Why exactly do you want to go?" he asked.
Bianca sighed. As if it should have been obvious. "Chastity's going." Her tone was impatient.
Of course. It was as simple as that. Chastity said jump, and Bianca leapt. Kat shook her head, disgust colouring her face. Walter surveyed them. Bianca looked up at him with hope in her eyes. Finally, he turned to his oldest.
"Kat, go with her."
"Yes!" Bianca hissed at the same moment Kat's jaw dropped. She shook her head, looking from her father to her joyful sister. Please, Bianca mouthed emphatically.
"I don't think so," Kat spurned. A whole weekend out in the wild with her sister? No thank you.
"It'll be good," her father said, satisfied. "Sister bonding time."
Kat and Bianca locked eyes, expressions of exasperation on their faces.
"I don't think so," Kat repeated.
Bianca changed course. Her eyes glimmered and she turned on her heel to face her sister head on. "What? Afraid you won't last the whole weekend?"
Damn her.
--
"Come on Bianca!" Kat called out from the bottom of the stairs. She had a pack and a sleeping bag strapped to her back, and a brand new compass in her pocket. "We're gonna be late!"
She pulled the pack off and dropped it on the ground, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back against the newel post. In a matter of seconds, Kat and her father were joined by an over dressed Bianca.
"You realize we're starting off with a half-day hike, right?" Kat gestured at Bianca's white canvas shoes. The younger sister smiled, opening her mouth to give a perky retort, but Kat only shook her head. "Doesn't matter. Let's go."
It wasn't exactly a rare occurrence, but Kat was right. They were late. Everyone was already on the bus. Bianca hung her head as half the bus turned to watch as the sisters made their way up the path.
"Stratford's!" the school secretary exclaimed, ticking them off her list. "We were just about to leave without you." She rushed them onto the bus. "There are only a few seats left. The person you sit with will be your partner for the hike to camp."
Kat cursed silently. No. There were only two seats left, and Bianca was already moving for the one Cameron had saved for her. And, because she was already having such a great day, the last seat was next to Mr Patrick Verona himself.
Roughly, Kat shoved her pack into the overhead compartment and dropped down next to the smirking bastard.
"Didn't take you for the hiking type."
Kate shut her eyes with a sigh. "I couldn't resist the chance to see you." Her voice was all cheery and mock sunshine. "For an entire weekend," she added scathingly.
Another smirk. This was going to be a long bus ride.
Hope you liked it. Reviews are like long busrides with Patrick Verona. ;)