Chapter 2: Problems with Nature

Lunchtime at school was the same as usual and so where the daily lessons that occurred. Still, the problems soon began after school.

The kids returned from the school building until they suddenly noticed the grey sky that appeared before them. Nick observed the sky with a wiggle of his glasses.

"Hmm, it was fine this morning. So why has it gone dark?" he wondered.

"Did no one checked the weather forecast this morning?" moaned Toby, also curious.

"I certainly did," clarified Lucas. "It did say it would be sunny all day today so I don't know why it's turning grey now."

"It's funny that it would do that," admitted Jessica. "Do you think we should go home quickly?"

Nick shook his head. "If it's true that a storm might be coming, we should but I'm not sure."

Toby grabbed his brother's arm swiftly. "Well, if you think it is we better go back or Mum and Dad will flip out!"

Nick let out a sigh. He would usually make the decisions between what he and Toby would do, regarding of his brother's more 'intentions' of jobs and activities. But then again, Toby was right. There could be a storm coming at any moment and could be in BIG trouble and get caught in the storm if they weren't quick enough.

Finally, he turned towards his older brother. "OK," he accepted. "But if we're going home, we have to go fast,"

"We should head back too," added Jessica, nodding her head in agreement. "I don't want to get my new dress wet if it does rain,"

With a goodbye to everyone, the kids began to race back towards their own house, worried that they might get caught up in the terrifying storm that was about to unfold.

When Nick and Toby immediately got back to their house, Toby switched on the television.

"Good afternoon and welcome to today's evening news," the news announcer in a serious tone as well as shuffling the papers. "As you may have notice, the sky has turned grey which means a storm is coming according to the weather report."

Nick felt a sigh of relief in his breath. For once, he was glad to be at home – at least.

"Yet we are just receiving this breaking news: we are being told that there will be floods incoming next week, followed by earthquakes the week after with strong winds and forest fires."

Toby couldn't believe what the news announcer was saying on the television. 'Floodings, strong winds, earthquakes and forest fires?' he thought. 'I heard of extreme but this is WAY too far!'

His younger brother, who was sitting on the other sofa parallel to Toby, also agreed in shock. The fact that they would have to deal with not only a storm but also other natural events proved to be too much. Even for Earth.

When the boys both comprehend of what was going on, Mr and Mrs Tripp came into the living room with a worried look on their faces.

"Mum, Dad. Are you ok?" asked Nick, also with a worried look on his face.

Mr. Tripp looked at both boys with concern. "Toby. Nick. Prepare yourself. There's a storm coming…"