"So, are we in trouble or what?" Scott asked, flopping down on the couch.
"I have no idea." Kat shrugged, barely glancing up from her book.
They were sitting in the "living area" of the main lodge at Horizon School where they were both students. Kat, a short, athletic black girl with blue eyes was a senior at Horizon. Scott, who had only been at Horizon for three months, looked like your typical jock, very tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. Both were part of a group at the school called the Cliffhangers. Earlier, their group leader, Sophie had approached them at dinner, telling them she needed to talk.
Scott glanced over at Kat; she obviously was not interested in talking. He turned his head and stared out the window, Shelby was out there, waiting on the picnic table until he came out. He couldn't help but smile when he looked at her.
"Hi Kat, Scott."
Scott turned towards the voice, it was Sophie, and right behind her was Peter, one of the school's directors. Kat and Scott glanced at each other nervously.
"What's this about, Peter?" Kat questioned.
"Have you ever heard of a little something called Race to Educate?"
Scott shook his head, but Kat sat up excitedly, "Isn't that where two kids from each high school in the state are chosen to compete in a race or something?"
Peter smiled and nodded, "Yes, the schools are sponsored by a major company, and the money goes to the winners schools."
"We've never gotten to compete before." Kat was getting excited.
"Well." Peter looked at both of them, "We have a sponsor!"
"Really??" Kat jumped up in excitement, then hugged Peter and Sophie. "That's so great! I've wanted to be a part of the contest for years!"
"So, what do I have to do with this?" Scott frowned.
"Well," Peter started, "Sophie and me thought you would be the best choice to take part in the contest with Katherine."
"What if I don't want to?" Scott shrugged, "You didn't even ask if I wanted to."
"Oh come on, Scott." Kat rolled her eyes.
"No, he's right." Sophie nodded, "He should only do if he wants to."
"So Scott, are you up to it?"
"What's in it for me?"
Peter sighed, "Recognition, pride in doing your best."
"Big deal." He crossed his arms.
"You didn't let me finish.if you do well, then maybe, you won't have to do kitchens, or chop wood for a good long time."
"Please? Please please please!" Kat kneeled in front of Scott, looking quite desperate.
He paused for a moment, "All right, I'll do it."
"Yes! Thank you thank you thank you!" She hugged him, and then jumped up to face Peter, "So when do we leave for Seattle?"
"Wait. We're going to Seattle?" Scott stood up, "Nobody said anything about Seattle."
"That's where the race is held."
"But, I don't want to leave-"He stopped before he finished the sentence.
"Look," Peter said, "You'll be back in a week, you won't miss too much of anyone or anything. I promise."
Scott shook his head, "Whatever." And turned to leave.
"We're leaving Tuesday." Sophie called, "That's two days. Get yourself ready!"
Scott just kept walking; Kat jumped up and followed him.
"Do you think this will actually work out?" Sophie asked Peter.
"I hope so." He looked at her, "You can do it. I believe in you."
"Scott!" Kat ran to catch up with him, "Look, I know it sucks leaving Shelby and all. But, this will be fun."
"Fine. Whatever." He turned to leave but Kat grabbed his arm.
"Thanks." She smiled.
He nodded, and turned, seeing Shelby standing there.
"Leaving me?" She raised an eyebrow.
"I should go," Kat walked away, quickly.
"Hey." Scott smiled.
"Hey." Shelby looked at him curiously, "What's up?"
"There's this race thing, me and Kat are going to compete, and it's in Seattle."
"Yeah? So?"
"I'll be gone for a week."
Her face fell a little, "That.sucks."
He touched her face lightly, and glanced around to make sure no one saw, "It won't be long."
"You'll be out in the free world." She rolled her eyes, "See the sights, the sounds. You can tell me what it's like out there when you get back."
"So, you're not upset?"
"No." She shrugged, "its cool. Why would I care?"
"I don't know." He shook his head.
"What?" She frowned.
"Nothing."
"No. What?"
"Well, it's like you're mad, and you won't tell me. Or you don't care."
"Don't get all angry." She smiled.
"I'm not." He sighed, "I just wish I could tell what you're thinking."
"Don't worry about it. Have fun on your trip." She turned and walked away.
Scott just stared after her.
Part 2
Shelby jumped as the alarm on her watch beeped. She sat up and rubbed her head, temporarily forgetting why she had set her alarm for one-thirty in the morning. Then she remembered, she was supposed to meet Scott out on the dock. She climbed out of bed, yawning, and quietly stepped out of the girl's cabin. She walked down to the docks, not sure what was going to take place. She was never really sure with Scott, or with herself. At the dock, she saw him, looking just as beautiful as he always did, she could see him smile in the moonlight. She walked straight to him, and he immediately embraced her, kissing her on the lips.
"You're so beautiful." He murmured, resting his forehead against hers.
"Shutup." She smiled, and wrapped her arms around his waste, and rested her head against his chest.
"I'll be miserable without you."
"It's just a week."
"So?"
"You're acting like we'll never see each other again. It's stupid."
Scott pulled away, "Stupid?
"What?" She shrugged.
"Missing you is stupid?"
"Making such a big deal is stupid." Shelby laughed, "Geez."
She turned away and began to walk down the dock.
"Where are you going?"
"Back to bed."
"So you don't even care?"
She turned and sighed, "Care about what?"
"Me.this relationship."
"Look, I'm going to bed. I'll see you when you get back."
"Yeah, we'll see."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. See you when I get back."
Shelby just looked at him, shrugged, and walked back to the girl's cabin.
"I am so excited." Kat half squealed as she made her way to the old, broken down truck owned by Horizon.
"You should be." Peter smiled. "You deserve this."
"Thank you." She smiled, then looked around confused, "Where's Mr. Angst?"
"Scott is on his way, he and Sophie are in the kitchens making sandwiches for the trip."
"My my." She raised her eyebrows, "He actually agreed to do something?"
"Yeah. I did."
Kat turned to see Scott and Sophie, both carrying bags of sandwiches and bottles of water.
"Sorry." She grinned.
"Yeah." Scott threw the food in the back of the truck, "So, let's blow this pop stand."
"Yeah, we really should get going." Sophie checked her watch, "We're losing time."
"All right, get out of here!" Peter slapped Scott on the back. "Good luck guys."
"Thanks Peter." Kat hugged him, and climbed into the truck after Scott.
"School?" The bored looking woman asked.
Scott, Kat, and Sophie had arrived at Seattle state park where the race was to take place. They had to check in, and then would be directed to their cabins.
"Horizon." Sophie nodded.
"Student names?"
"Katherine Cabot and Scott Barringer."
"And you are?"
"Sophie Becker, their chaperone."
"Everything checks out." The woman turned, and began to search through a group of keys hanging on the wall, "Okay, you all are in number 208, go out these doors, it's three cabins down, make a right, and you'll see it."
"Great. Thanks." They turned to leave.
"Oh," The lady spoke up, "Tonight in the main lodge there is a get together for the chaperones, and a dinner for the chaperones in the meeting hall."
"Thanks. But, I don't think we can do that."
"Suit yourself." The lady shrugged.
When they got outside Kat asked, "Please can we go, Sophie? I mean, what could happen?"
"Sorry, Kat, it's against school rules. I have to stay with you at all times."
"But we're not in school." Scott spoke up.
"Sorry guys, the answer is no."
Kat stopped walking, "Can't we just be treated like normal kids for once? How do you think the other kids will react when they find out that we're.."
"Freaks." Scott finished the sentence.
Sophie sighed, and thought a moment, "All right, I guess its okay."
"Yes! Thank you Sophie!" Kat grinned.
"You're welcome." She smiled.
Part 3
"Welcome everybody!" An overly enthusiastic man jumped in front of the group of chairs where Scott and Kat, and the other students were sitting. "Welcome to Race for Education! You are here because you are the best of the best, the most athletic, and the most determined students at your school. Congratulations." A round of applause erupted from the audience. Scott glanced over at Kat who, sitting on the edge of her seat, looked as though she were about to explode any moment.
"Don't tell me you're taking this stuff seriously." Scott whispered to Kat.
"Shutup."
"Now, before I give you a chance to mingle, I would like to explain the race to all of you. The race will begin tomorrow afternoon at 3PM. As most of you know, it is a four day event in which you will use a map to cross the park. You will encounter all kinds of terrain, and according to the local television station, all kinds of weather. You should be prepared for crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and any other surprises that may appear during your course. You and your teammate will be supplied with tents, one walkie talkie, food and water, and sleeping bags. Everything else is up to you. Any questions?" The event director scanned the audience, when he saw that there were no answers, he continued talking, "I know you've all been training for this, so good luck. Now, I won't bore you anymore, there's food and drinks to the right of you, have fun!"
"Four days outside, no air conditioning, probably rain.Just what I've always wanted." Scott said sarcastically.
"Isn't it great?" Kat grabbed his hand, "We're going to win."
"What makes you think that?"
"What?"
"What makes you think we'll win? I mean, we have to get along first, right? When have we ever actually worked together?"
Kat thought about this for a moment, "Yeah.but, we can do it, we just have to compromise, and not let each other get to each other. You know?"
"Have you thought about the fact that Sophie is not going to let us be alone in the woods together at night?"
Kat's face fell, she looked worried all of a sudden, "No.no. We'll be able to go. I mean, they wouldn't let us come at all if they knew that. I'm sure they know that you and I would never ever.do anything." She looked away, felling somewhat awkward. "I'm sure it will be fine."
"Maybe." He shrugged, "I'm going to go get some food."
*******************************************************************
"Sophie! How's it going so far?" Peter asked when he heard her voice.
"Peter." Sophie paced the cabin floor, clutching the phone to her ear, "Did you know that the teammates are spending the night in the woods?"
"Yes." Peter said slowly.
"Alone??" She demanded.
"Oh." Peter raised his eyebrows.
"What am I supposed to do? I did everything I could; they won't let me at least stay with them at night. They think I'm trying to cheat."
Peter took a deep breath, trying his best to come up with a solution. He couldn't let two students of the opposite sex be alone together at night. But, he knew he couldn't tell them to come home, it would break Kat's heart.
"Hello?" Sophie spoke after Peter was silent quite a while.
He sighed, "Let them go."
"What?" Sophie was dumbfounded.
"I trust them. I especially trust Kat. She won't do anything, and if Scott happens to try anything, she'll kick his ass."
Sophie laughed, "This is true." She paused, "Are you sure?"
"It'll be fine. Besides they're both in love with other people, no matter how much they try to hide it."
"You're right." She smiled, "Thank you."
"No problem."
"I miss you, Peter." She sat down on her bed.
"I miss you too. But, Ill see you in six days."
"Goodbye Peter."
"Bye, Soph."
"I have no idea." Kat shrugged, barely glancing up from her book.
They were sitting in the "living area" of the main lodge at Horizon School where they were both students. Kat, a short, athletic black girl with blue eyes was a senior at Horizon. Scott, who had only been at Horizon for three months, looked like your typical jock, very tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. Both were part of a group at the school called the Cliffhangers. Earlier, their group leader, Sophie had approached them at dinner, telling them she needed to talk.
Scott glanced over at Kat; she obviously was not interested in talking. He turned his head and stared out the window, Shelby was out there, waiting on the picnic table until he came out. He couldn't help but smile when he looked at her.
"Hi Kat, Scott."
Scott turned towards the voice, it was Sophie, and right behind her was Peter, one of the school's directors. Kat and Scott glanced at each other nervously.
"What's this about, Peter?" Kat questioned.
"Have you ever heard of a little something called Race to Educate?"
Scott shook his head, but Kat sat up excitedly, "Isn't that where two kids from each high school in the state are chosen to compete in a race or something?"
Peter smiled and nodded, "Yes, the schools are sponsored by a major company, and the money goes to the winners schools."
"We've never gotten to compete before." Kat was getting excited.
"Well." Peter looked at both of them, "We have a sponsor!"
"Really??" Kat jumped up in excitement, then hugged Peter and Sophie. "That's so great! I've wanted to be a part of the contest for years!"
"So, what do I have to do with this?" Scott frowned.
"Well," Peter started, "Sophie and me thought you would be the best choice to take part in the contest with Katherine."
"What if I don't want to?" Scott shrugged, "You didn't even ask if I wanted to."
"Oh come on, Scott." Kat rolled her eyes.
"No, he's right." Sophie nodded, "He should only do if he wants to."
"So Scott, are you up to it?"
"What's in it for me?"
Peter sighed, "Recognition, pride in doing your best."
"Big deal." He crossed his arms.
"You didn't let me finish.if you do well, then maybe, you won't have to do kitchens, or chop wood for a good long time."
"Please? Please please please!" Kat kneeled in front of Scott, looking quite desperate.
He paused for a moment, "All right, I'll do it."
"Yes! Thank you thank you thank you!" She hugged him, and then jumped up to face Peter, "So when do we leave for Seattle?"
"Wait. We're going to Seattle?" Scott stood up, "Nobody said anything about Seattle."
"That's where the race is held."
"But, I don't want to leave-"He stopped before he finished the sentence.
"Look," Peter said, "You'll be back in a week, you won't miss too much of anyone or anything. I promise."
Scott shook his head, "Whatever." And turned to leave.
"We're leaving Tuesday." Sophie called, "That's two days. Get yourself ready!"
Scott just kept walking; Kat jumped up and followed him.
"Do you think this will actually work out?" Sophie asked Peter.
"I hope so." He looked at her, "You can do it. I believe in you."
"Scott!" Kat ran to catch up with him, "Look, I know it sucks leaving Shelby and all. But, this will be fun."
"Fine. Whatever." He turned to leave but Kat grabbed his arm.
"Thanks." She smiled.
He nodded, and turned, seeing Shelby standing there.
"Leaving me?" She raised an eyebrow.
"I should go," Kat walked away, quickly.
"Hey." Scott smiled.
"Hey." Shelby looked at him curiously, "What's up?"
"There's this race thing, me and Kat are going to compete, and it's in Seattle."
"Yeah? So?"
"I'll be gone for a week."
Her face fell a little, "That.sucks."
He touched her face lightly, and glanced around to make sure no one saw, "It won't be long."
"You'll be out in the free world." She rolled her eyes, "See the sights, the sounds. You can tell me what it's like out there when you get back."
"So, you're not upset?"
"No." She shrugged, "its cool. Why would I care?"
"I don't know." He shook his head.
"What?" She frowned.
"Nothing."
"No. What?"
"Well, it's like you're mad, and you won't tell me. Or you don't care."
"Don't get all angry." She smiled.
"I'm not." He sighed, "I just wish I could tell what you're thinking."
"Don't worry about it. Have fun on your trip." She turned and walked away.
Scott just stared after her.
Part 2
Shelby jumped as the alarm on her watch beeped. She sat up and rubbed her head, temporarily forgetting why she had set her alarm for one-thirty in the morning. Then she remembered, she was supposed to meet Scott out on the dock. She climbed out of bed, yawning, and quietly stepped out of the girl's cabin. She walked down to the docks, not sure what was going to take place. She was never really sure with Scott, or with herself. At the dock, she saw him, looking just as beautiful as he always did, she could see him smile in the moonlight. She walked straight to him, and he immediately embraced her, kissing her on the lips.
"You're so beautiful." He murmured, resting his forehead against hers.
"Shutup." She smiled, and wrapped her arms around his waste, and rested her head against his chest.
"I'll be miserable without you."
"It's just a week."
"So?"
"You're acting like we'll never see each other again. It's stupid."
Scott pulled away, "Stupid?
"What?" She shrugged.
"Missing you is stupid?"
"Making such a big deal is stupid." Shelby laughed, "Geez."
She turned away and began to walk down the dock.
"Where are you going?"
"Back to bed."
"So you don't even care?"
She turned and sighed, "Care about what?"
"Me.this relationship."
"Look, I'm going to bed. I'll see you when you get back."
"Yeah, we'll see."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. See you when I get back."
Shelby just looked at him, shrugged, and walked back to the girl's cabin.
"I am so excited." Kat half squealed as she made her way to the old, broken down truck owned by Horizon.
"You should be." Peter smiled. "You deserve this."
"Thank you." She smiled, then looked around confused, "Where's Mr. Angst?"
"Scott is on his way, he and Sophie are in the kitchens making sandwiches for the trip."
"My my." She raised her eyebrows, "He actually agreed to do something?"
"Yeah. I did."
Kat turned to see Scott and Sophie, both carrying bags of sandwiches and bottles of water.
"Sorry." She grinned.
"Yeah." Scott threw the food in the back of the truck, "So, let's blow this pop stand."
"Yeah, we really should get going." Sophie checked her watch, "We're losing time."
"All right, get out of here!" Peter slapped Scott on the back. "Good luck guys."
"Thanks Peter." Kat hugged him, and climbed into the truck after Scott.
"School?" The bored looking woman asked.
Scott, Kat, and Sophie had arrived at Seattle state park where the race was to take place. They had to check in, and then would be directed to their cabins.
"Horizon." Sophie nodded.
"Student names?"
"Katherine Cabot and Scott Barringer."
"And you are?"
"Sophie Becker, their chaperone."
"Everything checks out." The woman turned, and began to search through a group of keys hanging on the wall, "Okay, you all are in number 208, go out these doors, it's three cabins down, make a right, and you'll see it."
"Great. Thanks." They turned to leave.
"Oh," The lady spoke up, "Tonight in the main lodge there is a get together for the chaperones, and a dinner for the chaperones in the meeting hall."
"Thanks. But, I don't think we can do that."
"Suit yourself." The lady shrugged.
When they got outside Kat asked, "Please can we go, Sophie? I mean, what could happen?"
"Sorry, Kat, it's against school rules. I have to stay with you at all times."
"But we're not in school." Scott spoke up.
"Sorry guys, the answer is no."
Kat stopped walking, "Can't we just be treated like normal kids for once? How do you think the other kids will react when they find out that we're.."
"Freaks." Scott finished the sentence.
Sophie sighed, and thought a moment, "All right, I guess its okay."
"Yes! Thank you Sophie!" Kat grinned.
"You're welcome." She smiled.
Part 3
"Welcome everybody!" An overly enthusiastic man jumped in front of the group of chairs where Scott and Kat, and the other students were sitting. "Welcome to Race for Education! You are here because you are the best of the best, the most athletic, and the most determined students at your school. Congratulations." A round of applause erupted from the audience. Scott glanced over at Kat who, sitting on the edge of her seat, looked as though she were about to explode any moment.
"Don't tell me you're taking this stuff seriously." Scott whispered to Kat.
"Shutup."
"Now, before I give you a chance to mingle, I would like to explain the race to all of you. The race will begin tomorrow afternoon at 3PM. As most of you know, it is a four day event in which you will use a map to cross the park. You will encounter all kinds of terrain, and according to the local television station, all kinds of weather. You should be prepared for crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and any other surprises that may appear during your course. You and your teammate will be supplied with tents, one walkie talkie, food and water, and sleeping bags. Everything else is up to you. Any questions?" The event director scanned the audience, when he saw that there were no answers, he continued talking, "I know you've all been training for this, so good luck. Now, I won't bore you anymore, there's food and drinks to the right of you, have fun!"
"Four days outside, no air conditioning, probably rain.Just what I've always wanted." Scott said sarcastically.
"Isn't it great?" Kat grabbed his hand, "We're going to win."
"What makes you think that?"
"What?"
"What makes you think we'll win? I mean, we have to get along first, right? When have we ever actually worked together?"
Kat thought about this for a moment, "Yeah.but, we can do it, we just have to compromise, and not let each other get to each other. You know?"
"Have you thought about the fact that Sophie is not going to let us be alone in the woods together at night?"
Kat's face fell, she looked worried all of a sudden, "No.no. We'll be able to go. I mean, they wouldn't let us come at all if they knew that. I'm sure they know that you and I would never ever.do anything." She looked away, felling somewhat awkward. "I'm sure it will be fine."
"Maybe." He shrugged, "I'm going to go get some food."
*******************************************************************
"Sophie! How's it going so far?" Peter asked when he heard her voice.
"Peter." Sophie paced the cabin floor, clutching the phone to her ear, "Did you know that the teammates are spending the night in the woods?"
"Yes." Peter said slowly.
"Alone??" She demanded.
"Oh." Peter raised his eyebrows.
"What am I supposed to do? I did everything I could; they won't let me at least stay with them at night. They think I'm trying to cheat."
Peter took a deep breath, trying his best to come up with a solution. He couldn't let two students of the opposite sex be alone together at night. But, he knew he couldn't tell them to come home, it would break Kat's heart.
"Hello?" Sophie spoke after Peter was silent quite a while.
He sighed, "Let them go."
"What?" Sophie was dumbfounded.
"I trust them. I especially trust Kat. She won't do anything, and if Scott happens to try anything, she'll kick his ass."
Sophie laughed, "This is true." She paused, "Are you sure?"
"It'll be fine. Besides they're both in love with other people, no matter how much they try to hide it."
"You're right." She smiled, "Thank you."
"No problem."
"I miss you, Peter." She sat down on her bed.
"I miss you too. But, Ill see you in six days."
"Goodbye Peter."
"Bye, Soph."