Sigh ... I wish this were mine, but alas it is not. It belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
To answer a few questions in the first chapter's reviews ... this story is loosely based on Into the Storm. Granted, I made some changes to the plot, improving it as it were. Adding romance (citrus!) and finding out what happened after the tornado.
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A tornado may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms within the funnel.
Thursday, May 27th, 2021 11:30am Elgin High School, Football Field
"Today, we begin the rest of our lives," said the class valedictorian, a mousy girl named Brookes. "Today, we walked in here as high school students, but leaving as high school graduates. Tomorrow, we take the first steps toward our futures. Whether that future is to be a college graduate, a stay-at-home mom or dad, or a mechanic, we got our start here, in high school."
Bella was sitting next to the principal and the board members, wrinkling her nose as thunder rumbled in the distance and rain began to fall. She leaned over to the principal, a man who should have retired years ago, and whispered in his ear. "Mr. Banner, I think we need to speed things along."
"We're going to get through this commencement ceremony, Mrs. Whitlock," Mr. Banner hissed back. "Now, sit back and smile."
As he said that, there was flash of lightening and clap of thunder. Bella jumped in her seat. The students were shifting and the parents were beginning to pack up. Mr. Banner was pursing his lips, but he wasn't moving. Bella looked at the superintendent who was shifting anxiously.
Fuck this.
She stood up and walked over to Brookes. "Thank you, Brookes," she said. "Everyone, it appears that we have some weather. I think, at this point in time, we should head inside of the building." The rain began to fall down, drenching everyone within seconds, quickly followed by hail. "Please move quickly and to the interior of the building. Teachers, can you lead everyone inside." The sirens began to wail. "NOW!"
The crowd began to scurry toward the school. Bella helped the board members off the stage, but Mr. Banner was rooted in his spot. "Donald, you've got to go," Bella said, tugging on his hand. "Come on, sir!"
The wind whipped up and Mr. Banner was stuck. He wouldn't move. Bella's fight or flight instinct kicked in, leaving him in his seat and she ran off the stage to the school. Riley, who had waited for Bella, looped his arm around his mother and they were last two people inside the building. Everyone was crouched on the floor, huddling close to the walls. "Everyone, cover your heads," Bella commanded. "Riley! Get away from the window!"
"I can see the tornado, Mom," Riley yelled over the freight train of sound that filled the school. He had the camera out, capturing footage of the storm.
Bella grabbed his arm, barely pulling him out of the way of a small tree that had come flying through the door of the school, shattering the window. "I need you safe, Riley James," she hissed, hugging him close. "Go and cover your head, baby. Please!" She watched as Riley settled next to Eric Yorkie, curling close the lockers. Bella took out her cell phone, dialing Alec. It went straight to voicemail. "Alec, I don't know where you are, but I need you to call me as soon as you get this. I love you, but you're so grounded," Bella cried. She put the phone back into her pocket, scrubbing her hands over her face, wiping the water out of her eyes.
"Mrs. Whitlock, please come here," said the superintendent, Dr. Abraham.
"Right," she sniffled, crouching down as the sound of wind picked up and the windows shattered all inside the building. The sound was deafening and the pressure was crushing to their ears. Dr. Abraham protected Bella, covering her tiny body with his and she huddled closer to Riley. A few moments later, it was still and quiet. There was some dripping water and a distant rumbling of thunder. Bella stood up, smoothing down her skirt. She did a quick check of everyone in the hallway. "Is everyone alright?" There was a murmur of okays and fines. Bella blew out a breath, feeling incredibly shaky and scared.
"Mom?" Riley asked.
"Are you okay?" Bella replied, crouching down to check on her younger son. "You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, I'm fine," Riley said, hugging his mom.
"Where's your brother, Riley?" she asked. "You said he left with Jane. Where did they go?"
"The old paper mill," Riley answered.
Bella's eyes widened. "Come with me," she hissed. "We need to get to your brother. Now." She grabbed his arm and made her way through the hallway to get her car keys and purse from her office. Dr. Abraham called out after her, but her main focus was to get to Alec. Walking through debris in the parking lot, Bella thanked her lucky stars that her SUV was spared by the tornado. They clambered into the car and sped out of the parking lot.
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A/N: I don't know about you, but if that had happened at my high school graduation, I'd have a heart attack. Thankfully, we didn't. Our ceremony was inside. Anyhow, pictures for this are on my blog. You can access that through a link on my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.
Thanks to Clo for the video and manipulation for this story. You can check out the picture on my blog. Girl, you rock!
Leave me your thoughts and thank you for reading!!
