~ Breathe ~

{Chapter 14}

Trying to get to sleep was harder than anything for Christella. Her brain continued to dance around, going from thought to thought, no matter how many times she tried to shut it off. It was like a whirlwind of colours, sounds, and thoughts all combining to taunt her as if it were a game.

The only thing that differentiated tonight from others was that tomorrow was her first day at Elbrus. Not only was she riddled with nerves, she was also filled with excitement.

Christella found herself tossing and turning in her bed, unable to find a comfortable position to rest.

"If you don't stop moving around like a snake trying to catch a rat I will personally murder you." Gianna grumbled from the bed beside Christella.

"Sorry — I'm just excited, that's all." Christella apologised.

"I know you are, but it's not doing either of us any good if we're both awake all night. We're lucky tomorrow is a Friday — it means we don't have to start classes until Monday," said Gianna.

"I think I'm just going to go get a glass of water then try again at that complicated thing called sleeping."

"You do that then Stella."

The next morning was crazy to say the least. Maggie was left to attempt to get seven school aged children up and ready to catch the bus to Elbrus by midday, with both Nora and her husband working, it was proving to be very difficult.

"Flynn! Gabe! If you two don't stop that — GIANNA! GET DOWN FROM THERE NOW!" Maggie strained her throat to her daughter who was climbing the banister.

"But mum! Robert —" the girl argued.

"No buts!" Maggie said sternly.

"Agh!" Gianna groaned in annoyance.

And the bickering just escalated from there.

"Look, I'll try to get it — stop punching me! Mum!"

"Go drown yourself Robert!"

"Flynn!"

"Stella! Watch out!"

"Would you quit it Parker!"

"Ow! My nose!"

"I told you to watch where you were going!"

"I said stop punching me woman!"

"Parker!"

"Punch me one more time —"

"ENOUGH!"

"Sorry mum."

"Sorry."

"Mmm."

"Tell Robert to get my —"

"Gia! Shut the hell up you — alright, alright, I'm sorry!"

"I want you all in the kitchen, packed for the year in 10 minutes, we're running late!" Maggie placed her head in her hands as she watched her daughter punch Robert one last time. 

"GIANNA!"

"Wasn't me."