The Last Summer

Friendly competition?

I pulled my pink I-pod out of my bag. I loved the squishy green ‘K’ I’d stuck to the back of it. I knew it was old but I loved it to death and besides I couldn’t be bothered getting a new one to then have to go put all my music on it. Besides I didn’t really like the new designs.

I squished the ear buds into my ears and picked my way through the small grey bag until I came across my copy of Pride and Prejudice. Flipping through until I found where I was up to, I curled my feet under myself and started to read. It was only probably about half an hour before we hit Melbourne. I knew in the smaller city streets was where I’d get sick, so I took out my earphones, and but my book back in my bag.

I yawned a little, probably because I’d been up for so long this morning.

I looked around, most people at the back of the bus were quietly talking or playing a game, some were asleep and Ella was taking the usual million pictures. I guess that’s what you get when your mum’s a part time photographer.

I looked back forward to where the leaders were sitting together. Neisha was nibbling on a carrot stick which made me laugh. She’d already started with them again. Eliza, I noticed had her head against the window and even from here I could hear her snoring softly.

The three that were still awake appeared to be talking about work. I knew that Neisha was a teacher. Apparently next year she was taking a joined grade three and four class which she was really nervous about. I knew she’d be fine, I don’t know how any students couldn’t love her.

Nate was also saying how he’d finally finished he’s paramedics course but had planned on taking the year off. I was a little sad to hear about him deciding to go to South America for a year.

 I was also a little jealous.

 I was desperate to go to Peru. The culture there seemed amazing. I hoped to travel there one day when I was an archaeologist. Well maybe. I still wasn’t sure what I was going to do but archaeology at this stage sounded interesting.

Turned out the new guy David was still in university. I didn’t catch what he was doing.

We were getting closer when Neisha stood up, clutching onto the back of the chairs trying not to slip over apparently. 

“Okay, listen up everyone.” She called over the chatting in the back trying to be heard. It quieted down almost immediately. “We’re going to arrive in about fifteen minutes and I want everyone to be ready to get off the bus. As soon as we’re off, I’ll split you into groups with each of the leaders. Eliza and David will be together, and I will be with Nate.” She said looking towards the others for confirmation.

In return, she received a nod from them. It was only then I noticed that Eliza had woken up and part of her hair was sticking up, which she was madly trying to fix.

“I have…” Neisha’s voice brought me back to the current speech she was giving about high expectations of our behaviour.

“Finally, while I have never been here, we’re all going to have a great day particularly if everyone listens to instructions and gives everything a try.” She concluded.

I smiled. I hoped to have a great time. I really hoped I was in a group with at least one of the people I knew, even if it was Celia. The chances of that happening weren’t high though with only four or five in each group because there were so few of us.

She sat back down, ruffling through the files, clipped to her clipboard. I turned back to look out the window, I could see ‘Excitement town’ the place that we were going to for the day. We were going to do go-karting and laser tag among other activities. I couldn’t wait.