Colourise

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Sunlight peeked out from the window. The glass was still foggy, but the Friday morning light was breaking through the room, illuminating it from all four corners.

Slowly, Mindy opened her eyes slightly to find herself curled up in something warm and strong.

This blanket is so comfortable, she thought as she cuddled closer. Then she heard a soft, snoring sound.

She opened her eyes completely and found herself staring at a person's chest.

It wasn't a blanket at all. It was Henry's arms wrapped protectively around her. 

Mindy noticed that his arms were broad and chiselled, his biceps strong and lean, and wondered how a nerd like him could have time to work out.

Her heart fluttered. Henry wasn't so raw after all.

That was when she looked up to see Henry's mouth hanging open as he snored, saliva dripping from the side.

'Eeeek!!' She shrieked as she pulled herself free and sat up. Momentarily, Henry bolted upright.

'Harh?!' He said. 

Mindy turned around to see Henry putting on his cap, obscuring his eyes. He had been wearing a cap for weeks now, and she wanted to know why.

'Can you take off your cap?' She frowned. 'We're indoors.'

'No!' Henry blurted. Putting on his glasses, he checked the digital clock from the bedside table.

'Holy mother of balisongs, it's already seven!' He yelled.

Her eyes widened. 'Dammit! I haven't even packed properly!'

They looked at each other for two seconds, and knowing what to do, they climbed out the bed and raced towards the car. 

Before Mindy had gone to the photography shop, the teachers had briefed the students about their trip to San Trinidad on the following day. They were supposed to be outside their dorms by eight, and at the ferry terminal by ten.

It was fifteen minutes past seven in the morning. That left them less than four hours before the ship leaves for San Trinidad.

'Stupid rain,' Henry muttered as he jerked the steering wheel to the left. He was still wearing the same clothes from last night--

Mindy shook her head exasperatedly, clutching on the too-tight pyjamas Helen had lent her.

'I still haven't passed the video montage to Miss Jermaine,' she patted her brown leather bag where the thumbdrive was stored.

In breakneck speed, they managed to reach Yish before seven-thirty. Mindy hadn't even had time to brush her teeth and comb her hair yet. Her curly hair was thicker than usual, and was frayed at all angles. 

'You stay here,' she told Henry once they pulled up near the security guard,'I don't want anyone to see me.'

'Okay,' he nodded as Mindy got out of his car. She walked quietly past the security booth, where the guard was still dozing off.

She had a couple of steps more before she reached the elevator when she heard someone call her.

'Mindy! Mindy!' Shannon Godfrey ran towards her and gave her a long hug. When she pulled back, Mindy saw worry in her eyes.

'What's wrong?' She asked.

'You and a couple others disappeared last night during the storm. We know Gemma is stranded in the community centre, June is at the Arts building, and Jenna just came home a couple of minutes ago after staying in a shelter overnight.'