KILLSTONE | BOOK I

Chapter 2: "Yellowstone"

On a Monday morning, Hunter emerged from his house and began his journey to school. As he stepped outside the neighborhood, he ran into Auden, who joined him on their way to the school. They were aware that the field trip was commencing in an hour and it was crucial for them to arrive before 8 am.

"Alright, we've got our fifty Kreds each for the trip," Auden initiated.

"Yup. And we've packed snacks and drinks so we don't have to spend too much on food," Hunter replied.

"It's currently 7:15, so we still have some time," Auden remarked.

Suddenly, Mira pulled up next to them in her car and offered them a ride. Rolling down the window, she exclaimed, "Get in losers, we're going shopping."

"You're hilarious," Auden responded as they both hopped into the car. Mira drove off with a smirk.

"You might actually make it to school on time today," Hunter teased.

"Yeah well, my dad forced me so I didn't have a choice. Besides, I figured you guys would already be leaving by now," Mira explained.

"So three days without me, think you can survive?" Mira continued jokingly.

"Oh please, like we'll be thinking about you constantly," Auden jested back at her.

Mira glanced at Auden with playful threat in her eyes and warned him about the seat he was sitting on: "That seat is designed to eject someone. Another slick remark and you'll be roadkill in 2 minutes."

"I deeply apologize," Auden quickly replied while Hunter giggled beside him.

Before long, they arrived at school with extra time before the field trip bus departed.

"Thanks again for the ride Mira. See you on Friday," Hunter expressed gratitude.

"And try not to cause any trouble. Don't go kidnapping any freshmen," added Auden.

"Yeah, see ya, and no promises," Mira replied as she drove away.

"Alright man, let's do this," Auden said with determination.

The two friends entered the school building and headed towards their Biology classroom to meet up with their classmates. However, they found a note on the door instructing them to gather in the cafeteria for the field trip. Following the note, they made their way to the cafeteria where they discovered numerous students from all biology classes awaiting departure. Hunter and Auden sat together and discussed their anticipation for the trip for about ten minutes. Once all students were present, Mr. Chase addressed everyone.

"Listen up everyone, please pay attention. We'll begin roll call before boarding the buses. If anyone needs to use the restroom, do so now as we won't be stopping for a long while," he announced.

Roll call ensued and every student confirmed their presence. Subsequently, some students took advantage of last-minute bathroom breaks before everyone proceeded towards the waiting buses. Unfortunately, Hunter and Auden found themselves stuck on a bus with Connie and his friends at the back while they settled in somewhere in the middle of it all. As soon as engines roared to life, signaling readiness for departure, Mr. Chase intervened with a request.

"Alright guys, let's keep noise levels down during this trip please," Mr.Chase instructed sternly as each bus departed one by one onto the freeway.

"Yellowstone here we come," Auden exclaimed excitedly as he settled into his seat beside Hunter while they embarked on their journey towards Wyoming.

As everyone embarked on their adventure-filled ride, Hunter couldn't help but steal glances at Bella a few seats ahead of him towards the front of the bus. She preferred solitude over company and was engrossed in her own world with headphones on and sketching something intently.