Rogue (#WattyAwards2016)

Chapter 2: Hallows Creek

The Driver was right. We'd been walking for at least half an hour now and it was clear to me and I think nearly everybody else that trying to drive in these conditions would have meant a big disaster. I'd slipped God knows how many times and Melanie almost twisted her ankle. Caitlin however was making good use of the conditions. She would often 'slip' and Mr Freeman would pick her up and steady her again. She often glanced back at me and Melanie and would give us a wink, or flash a huge grin in our direction at her successful attempts to get Mr Freeman's attention. Me and Melanie rolled our eyes and laughed.

"Do you think he knows she's got a crush on him?" Asked Melanie.

"Yeh, probably, Caitlin isn't exactly subtle is she" I giggled. Melanie laughed and waved Caitlin to come over to us. We were coming up to a small crossroads and I quickly glanced round at the surrounding to see if I could make out any sign of an inn or motel. While scanning the environment I saw a small collection of lights not too far away, but hidden slightly by the dense forest that covered the valley below, and I guessed that's where we were heading.

Mr Nokes' high pitched whistle pierced the air again making me jump. He stopped, pulled out his map again and waved for everyone to gather around him.

"Come on! Come on, we haven't got all day!" He yelled, "Right! Everyone just gather around here, while me, Mr Freeman and Miss Francis discuss our options".

Most students made a bee line for the large collection of rocks at the side of the road. They quickly pulled out spare food and tossed their belongings to one side and began chattering and eating ravenously.

Melanie grabbed Caitlin and dragged her over before she had another chance to batter her eyelids at Mr Freeman. The three of us took refuge opposite, on a much smaller collection of rocks. I opened my bag and began to eat what I'd left from lunch.

"Isn't he just gooooorgous!" Caitlin sighed.

Me and Melanie looked at each other and rolled our eyes.

"How far away do you think we are now?" Asked Melanie.

"Not far I don't think. I saw some lights down in that small valley over there, by them mountains. It's kind of hidden by the forest so its hard to see, but it's there" I answered.

"Oh, that's good, I'm freezing my a -"

Mr Nokes' whistle cut off Caitlin mid sentence. She huffed loudly in response.

"I swear if he blows that damn whistle again, I'm gonna shove it right up where the sun don't shine" She growled.

"Everyone up! Come on! Up!" Shouted Mr Nokes, as he went round hoisting up those of us who weren't moving fast enough for his liking. "Its nearly night and we have another three and a half miles to walk! Lets go!"

Three and a half miles away? It didn't look that far to me. But I guessed it was Mr Nokes over exaggerating just to get us walking a bit faster. I reluctantly put my food back in my bag and followed the rest, along with Melanie and Caitlin.

"I thought you said it wouldn't be that far?" Asked Caitlin

"It didn't look that far to ME, but you know what Mr Nokes is like. He makes a big deal about nothing" I answered.

"Which way do you think we'll turn at the crossroads then?" Asked Melanie.

"Right." I replied, just as Mr Nokes lead everybody left.

"I thought you said right?" said Melanie.

"I did!" I exclaimed, "There's a place down there, I'm not seeing things look!" I grabbed Melanie and Caitlin and lead them back to the spot I'd seen the lights."See! Between those mountains over there! look!" I pointed out the small collection of lights that we could just about make out.