Banshee by the Billabong

Disaster

Rachel arrived at the camp in the nick of time. Her mother just got out of bed when Rachel had sat down on one of the camp chairs. "Morning mum!" Rachel greeted. Her mother yawned, and sat in the chair beside Rachel. She smiled. "Morning Rachel. Happy Birthday!" Rachel smiled. "Thanks mum!" There was silence after the small conversation. Rachel hoped her mother didn't notice the mud on her shoes. If mum finds out I'm- "Rachel..... Why is there mud on your shoes?" Great, just great. "Er.... I went for a jog this morning, it was a little wet from the dew. Looks like a storm could be heading our way too." Her mother gave Rachel a stern look. She was just about to ask something when Rachel's mother was interrupted by a huge crackle of thunder. "Hello?" Rachel's mother shrieked as an old woman said something from behind her. Her mother was panting. The old woman looked somber. "Sorry ma'mam, didn't mean to scare you. Martha." The woman said, holding out her hand. Rachel's mother smiled and shook her hand. "Leslie. This is my daughter Rachel. My husband Michael is still in the tent, please excuse him." Martha smiled." I overheard your daughter asking where the billabong was. It isn't shown on the map, but I think I have found somewhere that could take you there." Rachel smiled. Old Martha, the clever woman. It was her turn now. "Please mum, it would be so cool if we could go."

Rachel's father was awake now. Rachel's mother had all the things they needed, and the family began to follow Martha. They stopped by the cycling path."Continue up that path and when you see a huge rose gum, turn left. It should only be a minute walk to the billabong from there." Rachel smiled. "Thank you." They left Martha at the cycling path and continued forward. After 5 minutes, Rachel saw the huge rose gum. "Over there!! The rose gum!" Rachel called to her parents, who were only metres behind. "Carful Rach!" Called her father. "The could be a storm at any moment!" Indeed there could be. The wind had picked up and a light sprinkle had begun. Yet Rachel's curiosity was urging her onward. They entered the clearing. It was empty. "Maybe we took a wrong turn?" Her father suggested. "No, we definitely went left." Her mother corrected. "It could be dried up?" Rachel suggested. Her mother was going to say something, but was cut off by a huge crack of thunder. That's where things began to go wrong. Horribly wrong.

Thanks for reading part 9! Please comment, follow, tell your friends and vote! Shout out to Miffy-the-kitty, a great friend and a wonderful story writer. You should definitely check out her stories. Enjoy!