Eye of the Storm
By Bethany Davies
Chapter 1- Beginnings
"Aren't you forgetting something, Beatrice?"
My mother stares at me in waiting, a knowing look on her face. I flash her a cheeky grin, shaking my head innocently. She shakes her own, an amused smile gracing her lips. Her arms open out invitingly. I move into her, squeezing my mother's small body tightly to my own. Her clean, floral scent fills my senses, and I try to hold back the tears that are threatening to flow. I've been away on holidays and school trips without my parents before, but this time I'm not going to be gone for a week. I won't be home for 4 months.
I pull back, knowing the longer I hold onto her, the more I talk with her, the harder this will be. Giving her my best smile, I try blinking away at my blurring vision. "Tell Dad I'll bring him back some wine."
She chuckles, her pretty eyes creasing at the corners. "I know he'll appreciate that." She moves her hand to my face, brushing a lone tear away. "You're going to have the time of your life, Beatrice. No more tears." I nod in agreement, taking a deep breath.
"Tris!" I hear Uriah shout from behind. I turn, and see them getting in the line to drop off our bags.
"Right." I pick up my backpack off the floor, and grab a hold of my suitcase. "I'll text you when we land."
"Don't forget," she warns, pointing a finger. I nod, then move towards my friends, looking back one last time. She waves, then walks out of the airport.
"Finally!" Uriah exclaims when I join them in the line, "I thought we we're going to miss our flight!"
"Some of us actually wanted to say goodbye to our parents, Uri." I counter back, slowly moving with the flow.
"Hey! I did my farewells back at home, no need to repeat myself."
Christina, in front of me, rolls her eyes. Marlene and Lynn laugh at Uriah, but quickly get back to their 3-way conversation.
"You excited to see Zeke?" I ask Uri, changing the subject. He shrugs nonchalantly, but I know an act when I see one. He hasn't stopped talking about this trip for the past 3 months.
"I can't wait to finally get that forehead down- I bet it's been growing like mad!" I laugh, thinking of their lifelong game. Who knows where it came from. The game is that they're supposed to rub each other's forehead to try and slow the growth. In reality, it's turned into the two of them slapping each other's forehead as hard as they can with as little notice as possible.
"Bet he hasn't missed that," I say under my breath.
"Don't you worry about Uri's forehead, Tris," Will says from behind, "I've been keeping an eye on the undeniable growth." He grabs Uri into a headlock, smoothing his palm to his head. Uri flails around wildly, trying to escape Will's grasp. I snicker at the two play fighting, my eyes moving to Al's. He's grinning at me, shaking his head. The expression on his face clearly says, and we're friends with this? I give him an amused shrug back, my lips quirking, then spot a certain teacher making her way over to us.
"Uh oh," I tease, kicking Will in the shin. "You better stop now before it's too late." Will's face shoots up to mine, and drops Uriah suddenly. He wails on his way down to the floor, his body tipping over his suitcase into the back of Christina's legs. I watch the scene unfolding in front of me with barely restrained amusement, thinning my lips to hold back my smile. Her legs buckle, but Mar and Lynn grab her before she falls.
"What the hell, Uriah?" She demands, turning her blazing brown eyes onto him.
"That wasn't me! That was your boyfriend!" Her gaze flies to Will, her eyes blazing.
"It was an accident?" He says innocently, a sweet smile on his face to seal the deal.
Before Christina can go in on him, Tori moves to stand behind Uriah, hauling him up. "We've not been representing the school for 10 minutes and you guys are already acting up?" She looks at us all sharply, disappointment carrying her words.
Marlene shakes her head, "It wasn't us, Tori! Will and Uri were play-fighting again!"
Tori sighs, turning to the boys. They're both looking sheepishly at each other, Uri's hands knotted in front of him. "Aren't you two a bit old to be play-fighting? Did I mistake you for 18 year old's? Do I have to remove minors from this trip?"
Will and Uriah's eyes turn wide, and they shake their heads quickly, "No- we'll behave, Tori." Uriah's promise doesn't look like it impresses her, but she nods anyway.
"One more squeak out of you and you'll be sitting with me and Bud on the plane," she warns, then moves to the back of the line.
I grin at the quiet pair, "She shake you up?" They both nod their heads, but don't say a word. I chuckle, then carry on moving with the line.
...
"Attention cabin crew, prepare for take off."
I watch as workers mill around outside the plane, the people who packed the luggage now moving back towards the airport. Others instruct the plane, letting the pilot know where he should be going.
"Want some gum?" Christina asks, pointing the packet at me. I take a piece, popping it into my mouth.
"Thanks."
"You know they say that the chewing motion helps keep your ears unblocked." Will chimes in, popping his head around Christina.
"I did know that, actually," I reply lightly.
"I think everyone on the planet knows that, Will." Christina remarks, pushing him with her shoulder.
"Uri," Marlene moans, and I watch her hands fly into the air, trying to grab whatever Uriah's holding, "just give it back!"
I look at Christina, and see she's looking back. "When do you think they'll find the courage and ask each other out?" She whispers into my ear.
"Soon, I hope." I can see them in the gap between the seats. Uri's got Mar's phone. "They've been flirting like this since year 7, you wouldn't expect them to not be together before we leave in the summer."
"Ugh, don't remind me." Her head falls back into her seat, and she turns towards me, "Mum and Dad have been on my back about sending off my UCAS applications."
"Just send them, Christina." I counter, "If you end up not wanting to go, then decline the offers."
She breathes out, and starts playing with the zipper on her jacket. "It just feels all too real, you know? Our school life coming to an end?"
"I know." I replied softly, grabbing her hand. "Send those applications, then forget about them. Forget we're becoming adults for the next four months, we'll deal with exams and university when we get back."
She nods, then smiles at me, "Are you excited for 4 whole months of skiing?"
"Of course!" I exclaim, a grin slowly taking over my face.
"Don't forget we're still taking classes, girls." Will tuts, flipping open his book.
"Could you try not to remind me every hour, Will?" His book climbs up his body, until his face is covered by it. She turns back to me, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, as I was saying…" Her brows come together, and I watch as thoughts pass over her mind. "For god's sake, Will!" She huffs, "I've forgotten what I was going to say!"
"Sorry." He apologises weakly, obviously finding this funny.
Whilst they bicker, I reach down and grab my earphones and the book I packed. I hold them in my lap as I watch us take off from the runway. I see the green fields grow smaller and smaller, and soon we're past the clouds, making our way to the Western Alps.
...
"Listen up, kids!" Bud shouts over the mayhem of our group. Everyone starts to settle down, turning to look at Tori and Bud at the door of the coach. "It's going to be quite the drive to the ski village, so go to the toilet now if you need it- we won't be stopping." I see Myra and Nita run back into the airport. Peter inclined his head to Drew, and they head back in, too. "The rest of you can get on."
Uriah pushes his way to the front, saying something about getting the back seat. I see Mar shake her head in embarrassment, then follows him in. We all pile in after them, filling up the back of the bus.
Before Uriah can get to the back seats, a figure jumps out at him out of nowhere. We all jump, and watch as Uriah screams, falling back into Marlene. She, having been taken off guard too, falls down with him. I lean in closer, looking at the figure now belly laughing on the back seat. Zeke.
"God, Uriah, you're so easy to scare!" He gasps out, trying to sit himself up. I go over to Mar, lending her a hand. She pulls Uri up with her, then pushes him to keep moving.
"I think you took everyone one on the bus off guard, Zeke." Uriah mutters. He pushes his brother back down, and sits on the opposite side of the window.
"You're not mad, are you?" Zeke teases, leaning over the seats and poking Uri's side. Uriah shifts away, but I can see the smile he's trying to hide.
We all settle in, with me and Christina sitting in the seats in front of Zeke and Will. I feel Zeke lean over, his face in the gap. I turn slowly, my face only inches away from his. "How's my Bumble Bea?" He ruffles my hair, and I try to squat him away.
"She would be better if you'd forget that nickname." I grumble. Uri and Zeke used to call me that when we were children. Me and Uri grew out of it, Zeke didn't. Being away for the past few months, I had hoped he would stop using it.
"No can do baby sister. I came up with it, I will use it for however long I want."
"You did not come up with it." I gape at him.
"Then who did?" He says, grinning as he moves back into his seat. The bus lurches as the driver tries to go, but ends up stalling the engine.
"Well, that's promising." I hear Lynn say from the opposite seat. Is it even possible to stall an automatic? He tries once more, finally getting the engine to cooperate. We leave the airport, and start making our way to our accommodation.
The December sun has already started to set in the sky, leaving the rest of the afternoon a blanket of darkness. I've always found it difficult enjoying the winters back home. The days are short, the weather is cold and wet, and there's never anything to do. But, as I look out of the window, I can't help but get excited about this winter. Even though the days are still short and the weather is even colder, it's all so different. I can't wait to explore the village after our lessons or go skiing in the dark, being around my friends and having fun.
"Have you been keeping up your skills, Bea?" Zeke asks after a while. I had thought he had dozed off.
"Why are you on our coach, Zeke?" I say instead, the question popping into my mind. A handful of heads turn to him, all looking like they're interested in his answer.
"Oh yeah! I'm your buddy. I'm getting paid to look after you lot and keep you entertained. It also means I can come skiing with you guys whenever I please for free."
I raise my brows. What a job. He nods in agreement, looking around at our impressed faces. "Yeah, you guys should definitely look into it for next year. Best job I've ever had- even on the off season." He zones back in on me. "So…?"
I shrug, "Me and Uri went to the indoor ski slopes a few times. Wasn't the same, so never had the urge to go back."
"You two are going to be sloppy." He remarks, sharking his head in disdain.
"I think we'll be fine." I say back, thinking of the rest of our friends. Many have only gone skiing once or twice, some none at all. It's not a cheap hobby. Me, Uri and Zeke have been very lucky that our family is cushy enough to take us skiing once a year.
"You're going to be floored when you see my new and improved skills." He gushes. "I've even been able to complete the water surf."
"What a fat lie!" Uri blurts out, leaning over Mar. "Only last season you were falling face first into it."
I lower myself into my chair, smiling at the seat in front. Zeke falling into that body of water had made my whole trip. He didn't even get halfway before his skis slipped under the water, and he flipped over.
"I've got to see that!" Christina laughs, her eyes lighting up. "You're going to do it again, right?"
"I'm going to do more than just do it again, Chrissy," Zeke says smugly, "I will complete it." He looks to Uri, who's just about to open his mouth again, "Because!" Zeke says loudly, cutting Uriah off, "I've already completed it." He leans back into his seat. "Ask anyone there. Shauna will back me up."
"Sure she will." Lynn replies, sarcasm dripping from her voice.
"Okay, fine. Four will confirm it! He's my best friend." I nod at him encouragingly, my eyes finding Will's amused ones.
"Weird choice of name for your imaginary friend, Zekey." Uri mocks, patting Zeke's leg.
"He's a ski instructor, actually. And you'll all meet him tomorrow, I think he's teaching the advanced group." I turn my gaze to Uri, raising my brows. He twirls his finger to the side of his head. Crazy, he mouths.
"Zeke, I'm not going to believe anyone that has any involvement with you confirming your completion of the ski surf." He pouts, crossing his arms over his chest dramatically. "You'll just have to do it again."
I turn back around, grabbing my phone out of my pocket. Shit. I quickly send Mum and Dad a text, telling them I've landed. Like an hour ago. I turn my notifications off, and put in my earphones. I sit in mostly silence for the rest of the journey, once in a while butting in on Zeke and Uri's conversation.
When we start ascending the mountain, Christina shoves her head into her hands, then pushes her upper body into her lap. "I can't look," she mumbles, "he's going to drive us off the side."
"I'm sure he… wont?" I look down the aisle as I end my sentence, looking at the driver. Is that sweat I see running down his neck? His hand rubs it away before I can confirm. I lean back in, smiling down at Christina. "He seems very sure of himself."
She groans, pushing her head back into the safe confines of her arms.
After a half hour of slowly trudging up the hill, we made it to the village. I haven't been here before, so it's just as new to me as it is to the rest of my class. The village is quaint. Wooden chalets line the roads, a few odd shops spotted here and there. The warm lights bring a welcoming glow to the snow lined streets, and I suddenly want to explore every corner. Zeke points towards different roads, telling us what there is to do. He said there was an ice rink on the outskirts of town, and an outdoor heated swimming pool.
We drive slowly up the gentle incline, my friends pointing towards something interesting every once in a while. Uriah's beady eye points out a crepe shop.
Our accommodation is at the top of the road, with the ski slope on its back door step.
Zeke gets off the bus first, telling us to grab our bags whilst he goes to get Shauna. We all load off, getting our luggage and watch the coach descend back out of the ski village.
I look up at the building we'll be spending the next 4 months in. It's a huge cabin style building. Balconies dot the front of the structure, allowing unrestricted views of the picturesque mountains and village. The accommodation is big enough to house well over our class, and Tori and Bud warned us that there are people here on holiday.
Zeke reappears, with Shauna in tow. She runs over to her sister, crushing her in a hug. Lynn stands lifeless pressed against Shauna, her arms dangling at her sides. Shauna pulls back, a wide smile on her face. It drops slightly as she runs her hand over Lynn's freshly shaven head. "You shaved your head?"
Lynn nods, batting Shauna's hands off of her clean scalp. "Yeah, like 2 months ago."
"And you didn't think to tell me?"
"My hair?" Lynn replies without thought. "I never liked it anyways."
Her sister nods unconvincingly, then turns to the rest of us. "Look at you guys!" She gushes, pulling Marlene, Christina and me into a group hug. "You've all grown so much!"
I giggle, wiggling out of her grip. "It's been 8 months, Shauna."
She looks at me, thinning her eyes playfully. "Any you've changed the most." She grabs my cheeks, giving them a squeeze, "Where's all your puppy fat gone?"
The other girls lean in, giving me a scrutinising look. "Hmm. I hadn't noticed." Christina confirms, "But she's right."
Shauna drops her hand, and I put the back of my cold hands to my cheek to try and cool them down.
"Anyway," she starts, "I can gush about my babies growing up later. I think it's time for a quick tour and then some food." She looks past us, "Zeke," sighing, she shakes her head, "could we not have 5 minutes of peace?" I turn around, seeing Zeke has his brother in a headlock, taking advantage of Tori and Bud talking to an older man and woman by the door.
"Zeke!" She calls again, this time grabbing his attention.
"Huh?" He replies, caught off guard.
"The tour?" She asks, exasperated. "I'd like to go to sleep at a decent time tonight."
Zeke drops Uriah onto the wet concrete, then walks over to his girlfriend. He pulls her in with one arm, pushing her dark hair behind her ear. "Anything for you, my love." She rolls her eyes when he kisses her cheek, but I don't miss the colour seeping up her neck.
"Follow me, little ones!" Zeke shouts. "Let's leave the adults to their boring business." He gestures for us to follow the two, and we walk into the building. The large doors lead to a big living room with a few couches spread around, a fireplace with a T.V mounted above it, and a pool table. Zeke points to a lone door, and tells us that it's one of the ways to get to the ski room. Instead of going down there, we go up the flight of stairs to the right.
We come to a landing, with a handful of different ways to turn. "Through there is the dinning hall." Shauna says, pointing to our right. "The stairs lead to the rooms, and through here," she walks over to the door to our left, next to the stairs, "this is where you'll be taking your classes." I poke my head in, being the nearest to the room. It's roomy, with tables littering the floor. It's a pretty basic space, with a desk at the front and a white board on the wall. What isn't basic though, is the view. I can see there's a set of glass doors at the back, leading out to some wooden stairs. They go down to the snow, and looking further up you can see the slopes.
"Come on guys," Zeke says, moving up the stairs, "I'll show you your rooms."
We make our way up two flights of stairs, and everyone is pretty out of breath when we reach the top. "You'll-" Zeke breathes in a gasp "-get used to it." His breaths are shaky as we walk down the hall.
We make it about halfway when Shauna calls Christina, Mar, Lynn and me up. "This is you, ladies." Zeke carries on showing the rest to their rooms, and I see Uriah, Al and Will go into a room only a few up from ours.
The rooms would be spacious, if it wasn't for the 4 single beds crammed into it. The bathroom's to the right by the door, and a large mirror hangs on the opposite. There's a bed against the bathroom wall, a bunk bed in the middle and another single closest to the balcony.
I look at Christina, and see her lips are pulled into a grimace. "It's not that bad," I oppose, "we're all going to be closer than ever!"
Marlene and Lynn walk further into the room, opening up the built-in closet on the right wall. "Literally closer than ever." Lynn murmurs, her eyes sweeping the space.
"Well, we better deal with the most pressing issue," Mar says, sitting on the edge of the closest bed, "who claims which bed." I look at each option, and know I don't want top bunk. After skiing all day, I don't want to be climbing up those stairs.
Lynn plops her backpack onto the unwanted bed without issue. "I'll take it."
"Thanks Lynn," I say sweetly, "you two go next, I'm not bothered anymore." Mar goes under Lynn, and Christina by the window.
"Should we head back downstairs?" I ask after dumping my stuff on the bed. I see them all nod, then there's a knock at the door.
"You guys ready?" I hear Will ask, poking his head in.
"Yeah." Christina replies for us, and walks out of the room with Will, her arm wrapped around his.
"Have you decided what level you're going to start at, Mar?" I ask as we walk down the hall. She's only been skiing once, a few years back. When we talked about it last, she was undecided.
"I think I'll start in intermediate," she confirms, "if it's too hard then I'll move down."
"I'm tempted to do intermediate." Lynn replies, looking over her shoulder. I look back, and see Peter and his group a few steps behind. "I'd rather deal with Molly and Drew together than Peter in advance."
"I forgot about that," I say glumly.
"At least you have each other." Mar smiles, pulling us into her. I laugh as we come to the last step.
I lean out, looking at Lynn's amused face. "Yeah, imagine it just being one of us and-" My shoulder wacks into something hard, pushing me off balance.
Before I fall and embarrass myself in front of everyone, I feel a hand grasp my upper arms, hard.
"Oh my God, I am so sorry-" The words die on my lips as my eyes finally reach the face that's connected to the hand gripping my shoulders like a vice. Wow. His features are striking- or they would be, if it wasn't for the open hostility souring his expression.
The man narrows his eyes. "Watch where you're going."
He's gone before I can even answer, climbing the stairs.
Marlene pushes my back gently, and I start moving again.
"Where did that come from?" Lynn whispers, a touch derisively.
"I don't know," I reply. "I've never met that man in my life."
"And I thought Lynn could be bitchy." Mar chuckles.
"Hey! Lynn exclaims, walking into the dinning room. I glance back to the now empty stairs, then catch back up with the girls.
A/N- Thanks for reading! If anyone is reading this that is also reading 'A Twist of Fate' then just know that I'm not dropping it! I'm still in hospital which sucks, and 'A Twist of Fate' feels really heavy for me to write at the moment. I've been working on this story for the past few weeks, and I really enjoy writing it. It's fun and not complicated and I actually want to write, even in hospital, which is very rare for me to do! I'll get back to 'A Twist of Fate' when I'm back home and am feeling better, hopefully not too long now. I won't say when the next update will come for that story, but I've already got a good couple of chapters written for 'Eye of the Storm' so will upload them as I wish, at least once a week. Have a great weekend! Bethany x
