Ingrid jolted awake as her older sister's scream pierced through the quiet morning. Rubbing her eyes sleepily, she muttered, "Seriously, can't you wake me up without all that noise?" Still feeling the effects of the heavy night of drinking, Ingrid's annoyance was palpable in her words.
However, her sister remained unbothered by her complaints. "No," she asserted firmly, "if I did, you'd just brush it off. Now get dressed quickly and come downstairs. I have something important to tell you." With a determined look, she turned and left the room, leaving Ingrid to start her day reluctantly.
"If I did that, you'd..." Ingrid sneered, but as her sister walked away, she uttered, "Go to hell, you idiot!"
Ingrid took great care in picking out her outfit for the day to express her unique fashion sense and personality. The black shirt, adorned with a human ribcage design, injected a hint of boldness into her overall ensemble. To round off her look, Ingrid decided on a pair of black cargo pants that harmonized perfectly with her chosen color scheme. After ensuring her outfit was to her liking, she took her place in front of the mirror attached to the closet door. The reflection staring back at her revealed a mass of unruly black curls that demanded immediate care and attention. Holding a brush in her hand, she delicately managed her long curls, bringing them under control to an extent. Despite their wild nature, she fashioned a semi-tame hairstyle that complemented her personality flawlessly. After fixing her hair, she reached for her favorite rock-style boots. Boots were her go-to footwear, and she enjoyed the way they infused a rebellious vibe into her overall appearance. Once she had them on, she double-checked that they were properly fastened before heading downstairs to meet her sister.
Her sister was waiting for her in the living room, and as she descended the stairs, her unique style and confident demeanor drew her sister's attention, but not in a favorable way.
(If you want to see her outfit, the story is posted on wattpad with pics)
Descending the stairs, Ingrid was greeted by seeing her sister seated in the living room with Tammy and Anthony, her niece and nephew, respectively. As she sat down next to Tammy, she couldn't help but notice the children's brimming enthusiasm. Ingrid's skeptical expression was evident as she looked at her sister, but her curiosity was piqued.
She asked the children, "What has caused all this excitement?"
"Mommy finally agreed to take us to Sweden to visit the last Viking village!" Both children yelled in excitement.
Ingrid expressed her happiness, grateful that their mother was finally taking them to a place they had always wanted to visit. Sweden's alluring Viking history had always intrigued them. The children nodded eagerly, their faces beaming with excitement.
Ingrid sensed that there was a twist coming as she made eye contact with her sister, who had a frown on her face. "Ah, I knew it!"
"That's not entirely accurate... I said you can go if your aunt goes with you." She said, correcting her children, who appeared disappointed. The relationship between Ingrid and her sister was strained, to say the least.
The children had come to realize that when their mother said "aunt," it meant that she would not be with them. This understanding left them feeling let down and wondering why their mother wasn't joining them.
Ingrid's frustration was palpable as she questioned her sister, "Why me? They are your children, shouldn't you be with them?" She couldn't fathom why her sister would willingly opt out of spending time with her children.
Her sister skillfully evaded the question as she asked, "Are you saying you would disappoint them by not coming?"
Ingrid let out an exasperated sigh, her eyes rolling in annoyance. She shifted her gaze to her niece and nephew, their faces filled with pleading expressions. "I'm not their mother, you know," she stated firmly. "Perhaps it would be better for them to spend time with their mother than me." Her glare intensified as she spoke to her sister.
"I understand that, but I've got other things to do so we can move out of this town sometime-"
Having heard her sisters' excuses a million times, Ingrid tuned them out and let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, I'll go. But how do you plan to get us there?" she asked, knowing that there was only one way she would agree to travel.
Ingrid's sister excitedly announced, "I have already bought plane tickets for the three of you to go next week."
Ingrid's reaction was anything but enthusiastic. She raised her voice in protest, exclaiming, "Absolutely not! I refuse to step foot on that death trap, especially considering my fear of airplanes! What were you thinking?" she was seething with anger towards her sister for disregarding her well-known phobia of flying and purchasing the tickets anyway.
Ingrid's anger blazed brightly, fueled by the knowledge that her sister had callously disregarded her well-founded fears. The very idea of traveling on a plane sent Ingrid into a tailspin of anxiety. The simple thought of being suspended at such a great height made her heart race and her hands sweat profusely. The fear of turbulence, the risk of engine failure, and the lack of control over her safety were all too overwhelming for her to handle.
Ingrid's sister casually remarked, "I completely forgot about it. I purchased the tickets because I assumed you wouldn't want to stand out among the other parents onboard." Acting as if she had no recollection of Ingrid's fear of airplanes, she tried to downplay her true motives.
Ingrid's eyes widened in disbelief as she observed her sister's feeble attempt to mask her ulterior motives. "What makes you think I would attract attention?" she retorted, irritation evident in her voice.
Without a word, her sister passed her a pamphlet for an upcoming field trip.
Ingrid's eyes widened in surprise as she looked over the colorful brochure. "A field trip?!" she exclaimed, her tone a mix of disbelief and frustration. She shot her sister a look filled with anger.
When her sister walked past her with a triumphant grin, Ingrid couldn't help but express her anger. "Why the heck aren't you going?!" she shouted, her voice dripping with frustration. "This isn't something an aunt should take them to!"
"I have already explained to you, I-"
Ingrid's voice echoed loudly in the room as she shouted at her sister, "You must wake up and see the reality!" Her irritation was evident as she added, "Your children hardly know you as anything more than their mother. You always make me take them to things like this." her words were filled with disappointment. She stressed the significance of the situation, stating, "However, this is something you should be eager to participate in with them... particularly considering it's brimming with all those affluent, pretentious people you like so much." The gravity of her words lingered in the atmosphere.
Her sister let out a deep sigh and glanced at her, looking somewhat defeated. "Okay, I'll go..." Tammy and Anthony's faces immediately brightened like a Christmas tree, cheering joyfully. Ingrid was also pleased with the decision until her sister continued, "But remember, Ingrid, you'll have to earn $2,500 for the house expenses and at least $500 to match my savings for the new house before we come back."
Ingrid was dumbfounded by the staggering sum of money she was expected to earn in just two months. The task seemed daunting, especially as she was also planning to move out before her sister returned. As the reality of the situation hit her, she caught sight of her sister's wicked smile and understood that she had been drawn into yet another trap. She felt a wave of frustration and anger wash over her, making her clench her teeth tightly. "Fine. I'll go," she stated coldly.
As her sister turned to leave, Ingrid tugged her back and softly said, "Once we return, I'm done... I'll be leaving in a week, and you won't have any more opportunities to use me again." With that, Ingrid pushed her sister away and made her way back upstairs. Upon reaching her room, she slammed the door shut and reread the brochure.
It reads;
The boat organizers kindly ask all passengers to remember that Viking-themed attire is mandatory for boarding the ship. To elevate the immersive experience and establish an authentic ambiance, we kindly request that all attendees arrive dressed in attire inspired by the Vikings. By adhering to this dress code, everyone aboard will be able to fully immerse themselves in the event's spirit and transport themselves to the world of the Nordic warriors.
Additionally, passengers need to be aware that there will be no live music or performances available during the journey. Nevertheless, we invite individuals with musical talents to bring their own instruments or explore Nordic-inspired musical genres. Whether travelers opt for traditional Nordic folk songs or prefer contemporary compositions infused with Nordic flavors, we welcome them to share their musical skills and help create a vibrant atmosphere on board.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We are excited to embark on this unique Viking-inspired journey together.
A smile played on Ingrid's lips. 'It's obvious that my sister wasn't paying attention at all... she unwittingly set me up for success here... although, I might still have to engage with these individuals...' she reflected quietly. 'But it's strange that a boat organized for a field trip doesn't have any entertainment lined up for the children...'
~A Few Days Later~
Ingrid was immersed in her book when she heard a gentle knock on her bedroom door. Curious, she placed her book down and called out, "Come in." The door inched open, letting out a faint creak as it revealed a face that she knew all too well. It was Tammy, her niece, standing in the doorway. Ingrid spoke softly as she asked, "What made you come up here?"
Tammy stood facing her, wearing a worried expression. Ingrid could detect the concern in her eyes, like a burden on her young shoulders. "Mommy asked me to inform you that we will be departing in a few days... and I was worried that you might not have enough time to put together an outfit."
Ingrid smiled, touched by her niece's consideration. The genuine care from her little niece brought a smile to her face, filling her with warmth. "You're so sweet, but there's no need to worry," she reassured her niece, gesturing towards the closet.
As Tammy opened the door, her eyes fell upon a multitude of gothic and punk-style outfits belonging to her aunt. Just as she was about to voice her concern that none of them would be suitable for the upcoming field trip, something caught her eye.
PICTURE ON WATTPAD
Tammy's eyes widened so much that Ingrid believed they might have popped out of her skull. "How-when did you get this?" the still-stunned girl inquired.
Ingrid grinned awkwardly while massaging the back of her head. "Actually... truth is... I never really bought it..." She hesitated, waiting to gauge Tammy's reaction before continuing. Taking a deep breath, she searched for the right words to clarify the situation. "Approximately twelve months back, my friend Steven, who is employed at a fabric shop, crafted a costume for me to wear to a party. However, I ended up not attending the event, so the costume remained unworn."
Tammy, brimming with curiosity to hear the account but limited by her youth, motioned with her fingers to skip to the main point.
Ingrid, realizing the need for conciseness, summarized the story by stating, "Long story short, he made it for a costume party I ended up not attending."
Surprised by this revelation, Tammy proposed that her mother should request Steven to make one for her. The young girl cheerfully added, "You'll make all the other ladies jealous!" before exiting the conversation and Ingrid's room.
Ingrid couldn't help but roll her eyes at the thought, but a smile spread across her face at the possibility of it. She continued reading the remainder of the pamphlet, her gaze swiftly drawn to a captivating image of the boat. It didn't take long for her to realize that the boat bore a remarkable similarity to an ancient Viking ship she had come across in a magazine. Yet, a distinct feature stood out to her - this particular boat seemed noticeably bigger. Upon closer examination of the image, she found that the sleeping quarters on the boat were cleverly situated beneath the main deck. This creative layout offered a feeling of intimacy and seclusion, enabling guests to seek solace in their own personal havens while out at sea. The notion of enjoying some downtime in a private cabin, shielded from the outside world, evoked a sense of tranquility and eagerness in her.
The brochure also disclosed another appealing feature of the ship - a pub on the deck. Ingrid's mind was soon filled with images of cheerful banter, clinking glasses, and the lively atmosphere of a bustling pub. Her mind was soon flooded with thoughts of lively discussions, the tinkling of glasses, and the contagious liveliness of a busy environment. The idea of relishing a refreshing drink while soaking in the magnificent ocean views was incredibly appealing. Her anticipation continued to build with each passing second.
~Time-skip~ Day of the trip
Rising with the sun, Ingrid was filled with a sense of purpose as she prepared for the day ahead. The looming trip was just around the corner, and she still had to organize her belongings. It was essential for her, Tammy, and Anthony to secure their places as some of the first passengers on the boat. She was determined to avoid drawing unwanted attention, so she aimed to board the boat before the crowds started to form. She descended the stairs after changing into her clothes. She intended to ensure her niece and nephew were prepared to leave. Given Anthony's overwhelming enthusiasm for the trip the previous night, Ingrid anticipated finding him still in bed, potentially exhausted from his excitement-induced lack of sleep.
"Anthony! Tammy! Are you guys up yet?" Ingrid called out as she approached their rooms.
PICTURE ON WATTPAD
"Yes, Aunt Ingrid! I've nearly finished packing!" Anthony exclaimed, catching Ingrid off guard. It was evident to her that he had risen early in the morning, eager to prepare for their trip.
Upon entering his room, Ingrid couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Wow! I didn't think you'd be awake," Ingrid chuckled, admiring Anthony's determination. She had always considered him responsible, but this level of preparedness was truly impressive for his age.
Emerging from her bedroom, the groggy nine-year-old, Tammy, yawned as she tried to fully wake up. Taking in Anthony's outfit, she couldn't resist making a playful remark, "Are you really wearing that?"
Anthony's face tinged with red, worried that he might have overlooked something important in his attire. "What's wrong? What did I forget?" he inquired, a tinge of worry evident in his tone.
Ingrid chuckled, "Nothing, Tammy must have asked because she just woke up and you know she's not good at being polite this early," she said. As he nodded and went back into his room to complete his packing, Ingrid shifted her focus to Tammy's room.
Ingrid walked beside Tammy to her room, inquiring about her delayed morning rise. "Why did you sleep in so long? I thought you went to bed early last night?"
"I didn't sleep well..." Tammy replied hesitantly.
Ingrid grabbed a hairbrush from the nightstand in the girls' room and motioned for the nine-year-old to take a seat in front of the mirror. "Can you tell me why?" She questioned calmly as Tammy perched herself in the chair. While delicately running the brush through Tammy's knotted white-blonde hair, a sense of unease permeated the room.
With a visible unease, Tammy shifted in her seat, her nerves getting the best of her. "I... I'm not sure... about going..." she confessed, her voice trembling with unshed tears.
Ingrid stopped, holding the hairbrush, taken aback by Tammy's unexpected shift in attitude. Feeling the desperation in the girl's tone, she gently placed the brush on the table and swiveled Tammy's chair to meet her gaze.
"What? Why not?" She asked, her perplexity evident.
"Are you mad?" Tammy asked, her voice trembling with fear.
Ingrid was caught off guard by Tammy's scared tone, not sure what had prompted such a reaction. Yet, it didn't take Ingrid too long to grasp the root of Tammy's fear as it dawned on her. She scolded herself mentally as the thought crossed her mind. "Of course she's scared!" Ingrid knew that neither Tammy nor Anthony had ever set foot on a boat before. What's more, they couldn't even swim, unlike her. The realization left Ingrid feeling guilty for not considering her fears earlier.
In a gentle and sympathetic voice, Ingrid replied, "I'm not angry, just worried," She wanted to ease Tammy's fears and assure her that everything would be all right.
Tammy inquired curiously, "Why are you worried?" pushing her fears to the back of her mind as she sought to understand Ingrid's worry.
Ingrid took the opportunity to switch gears and immersed her young niece in a recounting of the cherished memories she shared with her sister, Amy - who was Tammy and Anthony's mother. Meanwhile, she focused on brushing and styling the nine-year-old's hair.
PICTURE ON WATTPAD
After concluding her story, expressing her longing for a stronger connection with her sister, Ingrid softly turned the chair. This allowed Tammy to catch a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror.