High School: The Torture Zone

Chapter 7: Snail Race!

 Hayley didn’t think she had ever smiled this much in one day. First, she had met Jack, who was a worthwhile new friend. Then she and Kat had met Azie, who was also a pretty cool friend. Then the race had happened, and Hayley finally had an excuse to yell. Then, afterwards, she had talked to Kat, who had told her about the discussion she had with Sky. Hayley now had a goal for the year. To get Holly and Nate together. Kat had reminded her that they were going on camp soon, so Hayley had decided to postpone any match-making until she got back.

Hayley was so excited for camp. The only bit she wasn’t excited about, was the fact that they were sending half of year 7 at a time, and Ms Watergrass’ class wasn’t going with Ms Gambiol’s. The past few days of school had passed in a blur, and it was already Friday. Camp was next week, and Hayley had already packed, then un-packed, the re-packed all her clothes. Kat called her insane, Azie called her obsessive, Hayley thought it was logical.

On Friday, Hayley was pretty sure that none of the other students could concentrate. Everyone was fidgeting and whispering, and no one could pay attention to the teacher. When the bell went for recess, Hayley was pretty sure Ms Watergrass was a relieved as the students. They all poured out the doors, talking excitedly about what they were going to do on the weekend. Hayley sighed, it was only recess! She walked up to Kat, and murmured to her, “Are you going to help me get Holly and Nate together?” Kat gave her a look,

“What do you think? That I’m going to leave you to pair them up by yourself?” Kat shook her head, a few strands of loose hair that had fallen out of her ponytail drifting around her face. Hayley laughed, knowing Kat, she was pretty sure she would be offended if Hayley didn’t let her help.

They headed down to the oval. (Azie had already gone on ahead, claiming she was tired of waiting for them) When they got there, they saw Sky, Nate, Brad and Jack, clustered around the other girls. Hayley and Kat ran up to them, eager to see what was going on.

After the race, Holly and Nate had come to a truce (kind of) and were now friends (kind of). Nate’s friends had started hanging out with the girls, and pretty soon they were all buddies.

As Hayley and Kat reached their cluster of friends, they could hear excited chanting. Hayley cleared her throat, before shouting, “Would anyone mind telling us what it is that’s going on!?” Everyone turned around to look at them. Sky was the first to start laughing. Before long, they were all rolling around on the grass in absolute hysterics.

When they had all recovered, Brad explained what had been going on to Kat and Hayley.

“Holly and Nate were wrestling” (Hayley noticed that he made that sound like a normal thing) “When they fell into a bush. When they came out, Holly had a snail on her back, and Nate had one on his head. So, we made a snail race!”

Hayley peeked over his shoulder, and sure enough, there was a racetrack made out of small twigs, and in each lane, was a snail. One snail had a large, purple ‘H’ on it, whereas the other had a large black ‘N’. Hayley could only guess whose snail was whose. Nate came up to them, grinning.

“Wanna place a bet?” He asked, grinning mischievously. Hayley and Kat stared at him, open-mouthed, as he produced a couple five dollar notes from his pocket. He shrugged when he saw their astonished expressions, “The boys already placed theirs, and me and Holly aren’t allowed to bet, so you in, or not?” Just then, Holly approached, slapping Nate upside the head as she did so. Hayley noted with some satisfaction, that she did it almost affectionately, without the usual violence or strength that her slaps usually contained. Hayley was bought back to the present by the sound of Holly’s voice.

“You aren’t trying to swindle my friends into betting, are you now?” She asked teasingly. Nate feigned complete innocence,

“I have no idea what you are talking about! It wounds me deeply to think that you distrust me this much!” Nate mustered up a look of deep hurt, causing Holly to burst out laughing.

“Oh Nate, there isn’t an innocent bone in your entire body.” Nate grinned at Holly,

“How is it that you know me so well, when we have only known each other for about two to three weeks?” He asked, sounding mock-astonished. Holly smiled,

“I’m just amazing at reading people. It’s called ‘observation’, you should try it sometime.” Holly told him, layering a small amount of sarcasm into her voice. Nate shook his head,

“Why be observant, when you can be ignorant! It is a much easier concept to wrap your head around.” He joked, smiling. Holly rolled her eyes, before walking over to Maisy. Hayley smiled at Kat,

“Mission get Holly and Nate together seems to be coming along fine, even without our assistance!”

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What did ya think? Who wants Nate and Holly to get together? 😆. Hope that you all enjoyed the chapter and that you are all enjoying the story so far! I rode my pony today! his name is Cherri and he is the light of my life!

MolHargo 😉👊