The Reign of the Lost (ON HOLD)

Chapter 1.3

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 It was now 3:58am & they were finally allowed onto the coach. By the time Alia & her friends got on, the back of the coach was filled with the HGS guys and the middle with Lilly's group. They had no choice but to occupy the seats at the front of the coach.

After everyone had settled down & put their bags to the side, Charlie, from the travel company, began shouting down the coach, which was unfortunate to those sitting towards the front because he used a megaphone to talk, though they really didn't think he needed the megaphone at all.

''Okay, now that we've settled down, I'd like to introduce myself, I'm Charlie Jordan & I will be accompanying you to Australia. I'll be here to answer any questions you have regarding the trip and help if you need it. I am a trained first-aider, but hopefully we won't be needing that today.'' he shouted in a strong Scottish accent, ''Now it'll be an hour and a half drive to Manchester airport and from there we will board our flight. We're just waiting on a few more people before we leave,'' He looked down at his clipboard & read out three names. ''Now if anyone knows these students, could you please contact them as we need to leave as soon as possible so we're on time.''

Alia was already ringing Annabelle, but she wasn't picking up. ''Do you think it's something to do with her parents?'' asked Ellie, who was sat behind Samar & Alia with her head poking between their seats. The girls looked at each other knowingly.''Probably'' said Alia. The girls' mood had changed as they sat worried their friend Annabelle, wouldn't make it.

This didn't last long, two minutes later a girl with long wavy ginger hair wearing thick-rimmed glasses that frame her blue eyes, entered the coach, breathless. After talking to Charlie she sat herself down next to Ellie.

''You alright? Why didn't you pick up our calls'' asked Samar.

''Yeah,I'm fine'' she said breathlessly ''My dickhead parents just decided to have a huge argument over nothing.'' her voice wasn't as steady as it usually was.

Ellie hugged her, ''Aw its OK.'' she said

''Yeah' said Samar,'' because Annabelle, you are on your way to Australia, with me... your best friend.''

''Er, I'm pretty sure I'm her best friend.'' said Alia matter-of-factly.

''Who are you guys kidding, can't you see, I'm the one getting all the action, I'm obviously her best friend.'' said Ellie, who was still hugging onto Annabelle.

Annabelle chuckled, ''OK, you can let go now.'' as she tried to escape from Ellie, who was now hugging her tighter.

''Who's your best friend'' she asked slyly.

''You are, now let go!'' said Annabelle in mock annoyance. Ellie let go, clearly satisfied. Alia leant over the back of her seat and patted Ellie's head.'Good girl' she cooed patronisingly as though Ellie were a dog.

The girls, who were now filling in Annabelle on what they'd learnt about the HGS boys, didn't realise as two boys, one with a red beanie and the other with artificial blue hair, made their way to the back of the coach.

''Ok guys! seems like we're all here, lets get this show on the road!'' shouted Charlie through the megaphone as the driver started the engine.

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