Glass Roses

CHAPTER 19: Salmon

Opening Scene: Ambridge Private Boarding Academy

Davy Forest

Date & Time: 10 July, Saturday, 08:02 am

It was time for the school's annual colour run, it always took place after the end-of-term exams to give us a chance to blow off some steam. Each house wore overalls in their house colour equipped with a helmet and eye shield, chest protection, hiking boots, and a house-coloured flag situated at the hip. We each had paintball guns with 100 rounds each and 10 paint grenades.

The game was simple, hit a non-housemate with your colour, grab their flag and they are out. The house with the most flags wins an all-expense paid day trip to Water World, one of the best water parks in the country, and bragging rights.

Rules were, no head shots, only abdominal shots were valid, you must give up your flag once shot and go wait in the loser's tent until the game was over, no powers, and no cheating.

The game was set for four hours, till lunchtime.

We used plant-safe paint and there would be cleaners coming in after we were done.

"All right, I want a good clean match, your house heads fought tooth and nail to get this event the green light after last year's disaster"

Coach Bellows looks over at us from the bench he's standing on in his signature tracksuit, cap and whistle slung around his neck, the morning sun shining on his deep brown skin.

"Well what are yall waiting for, get"

With the green light given everyone made their way into the woods to wait for the siren to sound, to mark the actual start of the game.

Some people had chosen to not take part for different reasons, the game was not compulsory by school rules but your fellow housemates would definitely have something to say about you not wanting to compete.

Eric had been excused due to his breakup and Cedric and Ramonna were dealing with a bunch of stuff.

Cora and I made our way to the large tree in the middle of the woods and waited.

"So I'm guessing that you're going to go make out with one of your boys now huh?"

"Um yeah, so what do you think of Warren, he fancies you, like a lot"

"Not interested, I don't-"

"You don't date, we all know just give him a chance, for me"

Cora sent me her best puppy dog eyes and I could only roll my eyes in response.

"How about you drop this, for me"

"You can't just not give him a go"

"I can Cora and I won't"

I turn away from her and make my way deeper into the woods. A siren drowns out Cora's calls after me.

"Let's get this over with"

I make my way towards the lake away from the yelling and sound of shots going off. It would be unfair for everyone if I actually participated in this. Not that I'm doing it for them, I feel lazy.

I sit by a log and look out at the still lake. I take out a granola bar from my pocket, unwrap it and take a bite. My thoughts drift back to Caleb and what happened on the roof.

Why did I let my guard down like that, I barely know the guy. Yet he seems to know a lot about me which is worrying.

I'm pulled out of my musing by a loud pained shriek coming from somewhere behind me. I'm about to ignore it another one comes louder than the last. With a sigh, I get up and creep slowly toward the sound.