DADA/T6/L1: Hiking with Trolls

[Professor Jackson Shaw]

The class landed in Alaska fairly well. A couple of them experianced to portkeys, the younger ones... Not to much and fell into the snow. Jack got the surprise of his life (or so he thought at this time) when Dan went flying headfirst into the snow. Once his feet were planted firmly in the fluffy white snow, Jack let out a loud laugh. His hand on his side as he laughed, the tension of the fact there were also students here and he was supposed to be setting an example, but that didnt mean they couldnt have a little bit of fun on the way now did it? Besides, they had to get camp sorted out, they were here for three days afterall.

"Of course you did, Dan. Of course." His voice was patronising, but held some humour in it as he turned from the fallen headmaster to look around at the mountains of Alaska. It was a simply breathtaking view, how he wished Jac could be here to share it. Well, maybe he would bring her someday. He couldnt very well invite a non-student or teacher on a class field trip now could he? Despite how inviting that sounded. So instead he turned to see if he could spot Fay, he had already decided on making that Ravenclaw his little helper, and Erys too since she was also technically an adult. Though, as he turned, the surprise of his life really did come to him...

The moment her turned around something collided with him and for a moment his insticts yelled at him to yell 'everybody run the trolls are attacking.' Of course, he felt arms around his neck and lips being planted directly on his, though as the body collided with his, Jack felt the air rush from him and as surprise overwhelmed him he stumbled backwards, landing in the snow with flailing arms. Now this was improper, a student should not be kissing a professor despite how happy they are at allowing them to come on the trip. It is improper but Jack was too stunned to move.

When the kissing ceased, Jack blinked a couple of times. Dumfounded and obviously dazed. He looked at the person who was now getting up off him and realised who it was. "J... Jac?" He stammered, laying in the snow still too stunned to move. Becoming increasingly more confused as always. "Uh.. w-well I'd... uh ... I'd be lying if I uh... said no... so I uh..." He took a large gulp of air and nodded slowly, as he got up he realised eyes were on him and a blush rushed right up him. Well, nevermind. "Y-yes... I'm very uh.. sur... surprised you're uh.. here and uh. Happy you.. what are you doing here?" He finally managed to croak out. The young professor trying to avoid anybodys gaze right now and trying to hide the very happy smile off his face. No doubt Dan would have something to say about this. "Your hair is longer..." He commented and tilted his head to the side with a smile. "Oh.. class!" He half cried when he remembered he was a teacher and he had a mountainfull of class. "See.. you make me all nervous and now I've forgotten my thoughts." He accused her with a smile and laid his hand on her arm gently.

"Well Class. It uh.. Looks like we have a new guest." He announced, obviously they had noticed but he may as well make it official right? "Miss Jac Biggerstall, ex Gryffindor now auror has graced us with her presence." It was highly improper of him, but he couldnt help the smile that filled his face as he looked over at Dan, who had either a dumbstuck or rather annoyed expression on his face. Jack simply beamed at him. Now this trip truley was gonna be fun. "Alright class, here's the deal. First, we will set up camp. And then we will go troll hunting for an hour or so, come back and have our lunch, have some snowball fights. Remember, this is a class but it is also a mini holiday. We're here to learn and enjoy ourselves. So lets make the most of it."
"Felicity Locke and Erys Grace are named Alaskan Prefects on this little tour. So you two are to help me and Professor Hubbles out as much as possible on this trip, okay? And of course, to keep these 'orrible lot in shape." His face was bright, showing he was only jesting about them being horrible.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

The events seemed to play out rather to quickly in Dan’s mind and when he came back to retelling the tale to Dia and Girty after the hike was over this part of the story was rather, well hazy. The point where Dan should have been aware he was not truly with it that day was when he saw Jac Biggerstall and just automatically registered her as a student, god forbid he had another brain fade like that and ended up leaving some students on the top of the mountains…although that was not a bad idea. This thought however was clearly pushed out of his mind with the thud on the ground and as he was making his way up the ever so familiar voice of Jac sounded out around him.

That was when it all happened, when Dan was battling with a clump of snow that had attached itself to his gloves and was not moving. He was not sure why he looked up when he did; it was just one of those things that some would call your sixth sense, and his eyes came level just in time to see Jac Biggerstall literally leap upon Jackson. The headmaster’s mouth dropt open at first but as the display of affection was replaced by the Professors stuttering Dan’s expression turned to one of slight displeasure. The look of sucking a bitter lemon remained on Hubbles face as he listened to what Jackson had planned but almost as soon as he mentioned making camp Dan was already wondering off muttering to himself.

“You don’t see me kicking down the door of the Astronomy classroom to go and kiss my bloody wife.” He kicked a small mound of snow watching the fine white power drift up in the light breeze. “Not professional at all, I could have him reprimanded for that.”

With his gloved hands shoved into his coat pockets, shoulders hunched as he started to make his way down the mountain side to where they were to set up camp, Dan Hubbles looked more like a moody five year old then the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

[Professor Jackson Shaw]

He could see the look of sheer displeasure on Dan's face, but Jack just laughed at it as he allowed time for his students to become accustomed to the alaskan air and the coldness. Everyone was busy propping open their tents now and Jack was no different, though he kept his eyes on Dan for a little while before dropping them again to continue hammering away at the pegs, not having thought to use Magic but hey, sometimes Jack liked to do things the old fashioned way. That was when Jack heard Dan talk, and being the sort of guy he was, Jack couldnt resist throwing in a slightly sarcastic comment at him.

"Aww, does ickly dannykins was a kissyboo too?" He teased, making kissing sounds with mouth and laughing before turning back to his tent. "And technically she didnt break the door down since there is no door to break down, and speaking on terms of being improper Mister Hubbles, you are hardly one to talk. Everyone knows you have had your own fair share of being improper, yeesh."

He was sure this would have done the trick and somehow gotten a rise out of the Professor. Jack was acting rather immature, like a kid who was playing in the ocean or something having a whale of a time. Jack had decided this trip was going to be fun, even if it was at his own expense and loss of some pride he would make sure everyone had fun. Hell, he even allowed them to call him Jack rather than Professor. Afterall, Professor made him sound old, so he would leave that for Hubbles since he was the eldest here.

"Come on Dan, lighten up. Dont act as though you have never thought about breaking Dia's classroom door down or something." He said, "Its all in the name of fun, besides nobody was hurt or anything so what does it matter really?" Then he stood up straight, hands on his hips and his brow raised, "You really going to reprimand the Professor who is allowing you to relive your 'glory days?" He questioned with a slight smile, knowing all to well Dan had been itching to go to Alaska again, and thanks to Jack, he was now able to.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Slipping his rucksack off his back letting it land on the floor Dan looked out at the view once more, it was amazing and just how he had remembered it. His slight mood was starting to vanish as he opened up the bag to pull out his tent…then he heard it. He literally froze on the spot and glanced over his shoulder a small frown creasing across his forehead, he clearly had not heard that right.

“You what?” Dan turned around full to look at Jackson; it was almost like a scene from an old muggle western film. His hand hovered over his wand as for the slightest of seconds he was tempted to draw it and fire a hex over at his fellow professor…that was until common sense kicked in and instead he decided that a bit of boisterous verbal abuse will have to do. “Come and say that to my face Shaw! Or is a Ravenclaw scared of a Hufflepuff?”

This was turning into one of those scrapes that occur in the courtyard that normally the Professors would be breaking up. The clashing of two egos was never good, and when one of those egos was Dan’s then the result would never be pretty. The Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor was now trying to calm the situation and clearly, in Dan’s eyes, make it seem like he was in control of the situation but once you get on the wrong side of Dan Hubbles you are never in control cause you need to expect the unexpected.

[Professor Jackson Shaw]

Jack had of course expected a reaction from Dan, but not this one. Jack doubled up laughing as he saw Dan freeze. "Whats the matter? Get a bit of a draft?" He was quite clearly enjoying riling the professor up it was a lot of fun. Jack rarely got these chances to act like a bit of a clown, and now he was doing he was fully enjoying himself.

"You heard." Jack smirked at Dan as he turned to face him, Dans hand hovering over his wand so Jack's went to hover over his. "Whats this? Quick draw?" It was indeed like a muggle western movie. Jack remembered watching them with his dad so long ago. Letting his hand fall from his wand he spoke again, "Hell no! No Ravenclaw will ever be scared of a hufflepuff." He began his walk over to Dan, so he was inches away from the headmaster, a full blown smirk on his face, he was doing all he could to stop himself from laughing. "I said; Aww, does ickly dannykins was a kissyboo too?" Then, he couldnt help himself. He laughed.

"Did you hear me that time?" The two Professor's stood inches away from eachother. Dan glaring at Jack and Jack grinning at Dan. It was obvious which of the two professors had more self control right now. Dan looked like he was going to pop a vien at any given minute, whereas Jack. Well Jack just looked like he was having the time of his life. His mouth grew wide as he grinned at Dan. "Now now, dont go poppin a vien on me, I dont know any medical spells."

[Bradyn Reed]

Awkward, awkward, could this possible be anymore awkward? The bloody girl was gallivanting around with her smiles and her hugs and her concerned words as if... as if nothing were up at all! It was insane! "Erm.. I'm fine." He said blatantly before making his way away from the girls as to not ruin their odd girlish moment with his pessimism. Though his escape was interrupted by a Slytherin who apparently thought it would be oh so funny to share how attractive Fay was with him. Honestly, did that boy want to get his head smashed in by the beast? Scooting even farther away from her, as if she might just punch him for the Slytherin's ignorance, he cracked a small smirk. "If you say so, I won't be one to pick you up when she decides to push you off a cliff, though." He said, eying Fay skeptically with a raised brow to indicate who he was talking about.

Touching the portkey lightly, he wasn't at all surprised by the tug behind his naval and landed lightly on his feet, his knees only buckling slightly after his landing but otherwise upright. Of course, he couldn't seem to say the same about Hubbles, who apparently thought that he should land headfirst instead. Chuckling at the site, Bray looked around to spot Fay and was delighted to see that she hadn't landed on her feet and was just pushing herself up when he accidentally pushed her back into the snow before walking over towards Erys and her Slytherin possy.

With an exaggerated breath, he flashed her a toothy smile before winking slightly. "Man, it smells great out here!" Was all he said, and it was a genuine statement. Even though he was just a small cat on a big mountain, it was putting him in a pretty good mood. Who knows, this lesson might actually turn out to be rather fun. Bray idly rubbed his gloved hands together to get the circulation flowing in them again, and couldn't help but snort as Fay was named as one of the 'responsible children', which once again he couldn't see why anyone would trust the veela woman. But the public display of affection made him raise his brows and he turned his head to make eye-contact with Grace, mouthing out a 'wo-ow' to her and expecting her to have similar sentiments about it.

But, he was right, this trip was sure to be amusing which was only proved as they decided to draw their wands as if they actually dared to do anything with them on a mountain. At the stab at Ravenclaws though, Bray's own pride was slightly stepped on in the bantering and he just rolled his eyes. Silly Hufflepuff enthusiast didn't have a clue what he was talking about. "So, yes.. setting up camp." Bray said with a slight cough, trying to refocus the so-called adults before they ended up being more childish than most of the students. Or rather, bludgeoning each other just for the hell of it.

["small male ravenclaw", sj? *snorts* i take offense to that.]

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[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

The flakes of snow continued to tumble from the skies above, but at this present moment in time Hubbles did not care about the pretty scenery or the snow fall, his main focus was on Jackson who was striding over towards him very purposefully. He had a cheeky grin on his face and was sprouting out some rubbish about Ravenclaw being better then Hufflepuff (like he had not heard that one before) and then how he, Dan Hubbles needed to lighten up!

“Do I want a kiss?” Dan’s voice wavered ever so slightly, but was it with laugher or anger? All the was clear was that he was standing so close to Jackson that he could feel the warm of his breath on his own face, his boyish grin showed his immaturity and just showed the self belief that he had got one over Dan. The man’s nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply letting the fresh, cold crisp air of the Alaskan mountain fill his lungs, his chest was heaving as he tried to remain calm. “Go on then.”

It was then this face suddenly relaxed, the frown lines just vanished, his tightly pressed lips melted away into a small lopsided smile as he placed his hand on the back of Jackson’s head before quickly moving in giving the Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher a good old fashioned snog!

As he broke away Dan shoved Jackson in the chest to push him away before wiping his mouth on the sleeve of his coat. You did not need to see his mouth to be able to tell that Dan was laughing to himself, his eyes were wide and full of life and as his arm fell limply to his side revealing the wide grin Dan knew he had to say something. “Well, I have had worse.” Giving his fellow Professor a small wink Dan turned back around to his bag, crouching down in the snow and starting to unpack his stuff. “Get back to your tent Shaw, you need to get it up before it gets too cold and dark.”

[Jac Shaw]

The full impact of her being there with them seemed to take some time to sink in but even so when it did the wait was well worth it. Jack’s reaction was simply the best. She knew he’d be happy to see her there. Jac gave the young Gryffindor a wink and a smile as she helped Jack to his feet after they fell over together. Jac had forgotten that his sense of balance was off most of the time so why she’d thought that a hug and kiss would be a simple affair, Jac had no idea. It made them both laugh, and it seemed they weren’t the only ones.

Jack noticed her hair. He actually noticed it! Jac was dumbfounded. “Yeah,” Jac said after a moment, shaking her head, “yeah, I’ve been wearing it longer recently. Trying something different. Change is as good as a holiday, after all.” That was something her brother always said to her and she smiled fondly as she thought of him. He’d be in Australia right now, with Kelly his wife. Since they got married Jac had come to see some of what Ed saw in her. She was trying, no longer so stubborn about the whole thing.

Then Jack introduced her to the group, most of whom she knew. Jac gave a sweeping wave and smiled broadly at everyone, while holding firmly one Jack’s hand with her other hand. “Hey all,” she said merrily, looking around at everyone. They were all facing their direction, except one. Headmaster Daniel Hubbles had turned and stalked off. Jackson followed him and Jac, knowing the expression on his face as he past, thought that she’d help with the class, now she was here. His hand slipped from hers and for a moment she watched them before walking over to her own pack.

“Right, gang,” Jac called, clapping her hands together, “you heard the slave drivers, lets get to it.” Jac looked around. The sun was shining but it was still pretty cold and even the coldness seemed to have a sort of beauty to it that over whelmed her. The metamorphmagus froze for a moment, looking out over the land, before carrying on with what she had been doing before. “Now, what I’m thinking is that we set up camp right where we are. It seems to be a fairly central location and we’re here already. Does anyone object?”

No one did so Jack pulled out the tent Jack had in his pack and her wand. Waving it, the tent set itself up, it's doors facing down the slope, just in case. Putting away her wand, Jac stood back and observed her handy work.

Then she heard the two professors’ voices. Sounds seemed to carry differently here … or it could just be her ears but they sounded much closer then they were. Jac turned around just in time to see Dan’s hand moving to the back of Jack’s head. Jac, filled with concern for her dearest, dashed towards them, pulling out her wand but what came next was so unexpected that it was her momentum that carried her towards Jack. Dan had pulled him into a kiss. Jac’s mouth fell open, one corner twitching with a smile.

She fitted nicely under Jackson’s arm and she held him, looking up at him. Dan began laughing and Jac looked at him, finding the laughter infectious. “Dan, you’re such an animal,” Jac chuckled, her dark purple hair returning to its new orange and light purple colouring. “I don’t think you deserve a tent after that.” Giving the man a wink, Jac looked up at Jack. “You alright?”

[Professor Jackson Shaw]

Yes, the so-called adults were making a specticle of themselves but what could you do? Stick Jack and Dan in a room together and they always clashed, even when Jack was still a student you couldnt bank on Dan and Jack being anywhere near normal. Even in Dan's old Lessons, whenever Jack was present Dan could rarely be serious and they always used to banter. It was just something they both did, having very similar personalities. But in sense of the mood, Dan really did need to lighten up, "You know you will get more wrinkles if you're not careful."

"Are you feeling left out Dannyboy?" He smirked, laughing when Dan's voice wavered but Jack couldnt be sure what the cause of it was. Yes, Jack was not ashamed to admit he loved being immature, he would say he could get away with it because he wasnt in the castle, but the head of the school was here anyway, and it just so happened that Dan was the one Jack was being immature with. Though what Dan said next caught Jack off his guard. "Say wha--"

He never finished that sentanced. Before he really knew what had happened, Dan's hand was around the back of Jack's head and somehow, rather strangely, and for a very unknown reason the headmaster kissed him! Jack couldnt help but let off a small laugh, he hadnt expected it at all. He had expected Dan to punch, hex, slap or kick him. But kiss, no. That was not on the list.

When Dan pushed him away, Jack fell back into the snow and let off a roar of a laugh. "Yep. I've still got it. Im irresistable." Jack pushed himself up and out of the snow before looking back to Dan who spoke, his mouth hung open slightly in a mocking shocked tone. "Had worse!? I take offence by that Hubbles. Just because your a snogafrolic... Well..." Jack frowned, "I think I was pretty damn amazing myself." For all he didnt do. Jack made a rather loud sound that sounded like a hmph. "I'm hurt. Your words.. they sting. I.. I thought you loved me! Now I know it was only ever about the kisses." He put on fake sobs but couldnt stop himself from laughing. Soon after he felt Jac's arm around him and placed his own around her shoulders, he was still laughing. "An animal he is. He has to get his claws into everyone." He winked at Dan before looking back down to Jac. "Yeah I'm fine. Dan's kisses arent all great, seriously it didnt even daze me. I agree, if he cant daze a man when he kisses him, totally not worthy of a tent" He turned around, carting Jac with him as he made his way back to the tent and caught Bray's eye.

"Are you alright Mr Reed? Or do you need help putting your tent up?" He gave a grin to Bray, he was a Ravenclaw, and Jack being an ex-claw was a little bias towards them and knew Dan's comment about Ravenclaw's would have affected Bray too in a sense. When he looked back to Jac, he flicked her hair and grinned. "I like it long. It suits you."

[Sarie Thimble]

Sarie sat there next to her tent it was a bit well battered. She hoped it would hold up. When she noticed Jac run up and give her professor a kiss. Now here was some news that she had missed. "Hey Jac what you been up to." She said brushing the snow off her cloak and heading over. "Good to see you again." Her and Jac had some good times together and she had missed her.

[Felicity Locke]

Ellie had popped out of nowhere and nearly tackled the poor veela with the force of her hug. Felicity swayed a bit, her already unstable sense of balance seemed to be lacking more when another person was latched onto her. But, the fact that she had nearly fallen over couldn’t take away from the joy she held for the fact that Ellie was actually speaking to her again, and with a hug at that. After a brief hug, Fay rested her arm on Ellie’s shoulder and crossed her feet, pretending to lean on the girl as if she were a desk of some sort. “A better question is probably: how have you been m’dear?” She muttered as she glanced over to Bray, who seemed to be trying to inch subtly away. Felicity resisted rolling her eyes at him. She couldn’t expect much from him, after all he was a guy. As well as a sarcastic ninny, but that was beside the point.

The professor called for them to grab the portkey, and reluctantly Felicity moved forward into the already forming circle around the old lamp. Grimacing slightly, Fay leaned forward and latched onto the lamp shade, immediately shutting her eyes afterward and gritting her teeth. Suddenly, there was that oh-so familiar tug that always seemed to cause an unwanted sense of sickness, before she landed none too gracefully on the snowy ground. Her already poor sense of balance was sorely tested by the rough landing, in which her knees buckled underneath her with a small pop. Wincing slightly, Fay pushed herself out of the snow, only to be knocked back down by her supposed friend, Mr. Reed.

Once she was finally upright and free of any snow that had decided to cling to her several minutes earlier, Fay noticed a bit too late that Bradyn had converged over to the Slytherin “posse”. She rolled her eyes at him, no doubt knowing the reason why he was avoiding standing near her. It was probably because of the little Puff girl, who seemed to have a rather negative affect on the boy’s usual confidence. Hmph, boy’s were so immature at times.

And, as if to prove her point, Hubbles at that precise moment decided to gift Shaw with a kiss. Fay covered her mouth with one hand to smother her laughter and rather coughed instead. Only the announcement that she and Grace were going to be the “Alaskan prefects” seemed to stop her laughter. Her expression changed in what seemed like an instant, going from suppressed laughter to blatant surprise. The fact that Hubbles had actually made her a prefect was—she had to admit—a bit of a stretch, but now this? Bray seemed to be hardly consoling, because kitty boy was laughing it up over by his new friends.

After Jac’s proclamation about the tents—and Shaw’s jest with Bray—Felicity finally turned her attention to the task at hand. Surely they wouldn’t be sharing tents…would they? They were big enough, of course, but it seemed rather awkward to shove a bunch of girls into one, and a gaggle of guys into another. Plus, she hardly felt safe having her tent anywhere near where Hubbles would be staying, considering he seemed a bit too crazy for her liking. Placing a hand on her hip, she glanced first to Professor Shaw, then Hubbles, until finally she moved to survey the spot where they would be sleeping. Sleeping on snow seemed rather…unappealing, but she much preferred the cold to the heat. Well, beggars can’t be choosers now can they?

[Julianna Farraday]

Getting into Hogsmeade Julianna was excited. Alaska an her family was going to be jealous. The farthest they ever went was boring old France. Most people have been there and it's not like it's that far. Man there would be bragging right for months over that. As soon as they reached Julia could feel the difference she was cold almost instantly. She was kicking herself for not putting on that extra sweater. Yeah, she already had like two of them on, plus a vest, as well as her down jacket but nothing could have prepared her. Still she was a trooper and she would stick it out.

Trying to get her bearings and gather her things she noticed that they were joined by Jac Biggerstall or something like that. Julianna didn't know her all that well though they were both in the same house. If she had known they were allowed to bring guests she would have found a friend. Maybe that Ravenclaw she met up with.

Then from there things just started to get weird. The Headmaster was just acting loopy. Why was he even there Julianna wondered. They were better off with Professor Shaw and that Jac girl at least they were acting normal. Julianna just wanted to start the class learn whatever it was that brought them out there. Once the tents were erect Julia hoped it wouldn't be awkward bunking with a whole bunch of girls she didn't know. Shaking her head she waited around for someone to give her some more instruction.

[Jac Shaw]

Jack noticed her hair. This made Jac grin broadly up at him. She hugged him tighter with her arm. It was lovely to be with him again, as always, but when Jac saw the young Thimble sitting beside her tent, Jac poked Jack in the side before giggling and running off towards Sarie. Falling to her knees in the snow beside her young friend, Jac cocked her head to the side and smiled. “Hiya, Sarie,” Jac said, “it’s good to see you too. I got into the auror program with the ministry. Go me!”

Jac laughed before looking around at all the students who all looked rather confused. Jack was no good at organising so she decided she’d help out. Clapping a hand gently on Sarie’s knee, Jac got up and moved to where everyone could see her. She took a quick head count and chuckled to see there were more girls then guys. “Ok, so seeing as there are so many more girls then boys, I’d quite happily dump the guys into one tent, the biggest tent I’ve already set up there.” Jac pointed to the tent she’d set up already. “Any objections?”

Tapping her nose, Jac thought for a moment before saying thoughtfully, “As for the girls, I think we can have a buddy system. Two girls to a tent and the two of you look after each other for the duration of the trip. The guys –“ Jac gave Bradyn and Sieg meaningful looks “– will look after everyone.” Jac felt very pleased with herself for having come up with that. “So, girl, pick a partner and get started on putting your tents up. If you need help Shaw, Hubbles and I can help, just give us a shout.”

[Bronwyn Klark]

Bronwyn nodded her head excitedly as the professor told her they’d be leaving soon. She was sooooo excited! And soon enough they were off, headed towards Hogsmeade and an old lamp that was, so the professor said, a portkey. Bron had never travelled by portkey before and as soon as they were off she knew why her mother had always taken them places the harder way. Her stomach jerked violently into her throat and then. Smack! in the snow on a mountain side. What a way to travel!

Bronwyn groaned some as she got to her feet. She’d landed on top of her bag, which was definitely a good thing, but it meant getting up was difficult. She managed it eventually though and as she brushed the snow off her be-hind she heard the familiar voice of one of her friends. Looking up, Bron saw Jac just as she tackled the professor to the ground. Ron couldn’t but laugh at the sight. Then things started to get heated between the two professors. Bron watched intently as the two argued.

Looking over at Jac, wondering why she wasn’t doing something, she saw the ex-Gryffindor was putting up a tent. Quickly, Ron turned back to the action just in time to see the Headmaster plant one huge kiss on the Professor before pushing him away. How strange men were, Ronnie thought. Looking around, Bronwyn saw a girl in her own year, someone she was happy to see, Paige Matthews.

Bron toddled over to her, brimming with a smile, and took her bag off her back. “Hey Paige,” Bron said pleasantly, “I didn’t see you while we were coming here. Where you hiding from me?” She was teasing, of course, and she had a playful grin on her pale face just to prove it. She giggled and turned around as she heard Jac’s voice again. Ron laughed when Jac wanted to put all the guys in the same tent. “That’ll teach them, huh?” Bronwyn whispered to Paige.

Buddies? Bronwyn looked at Paige, confused for a second, but then a thought came to her and her entire face lit up, broad smile, raised eye brows, cheeks pink from all the thinking she was doing. “We should be buddies!” Ron said excitedly. She’d seen some of the other girls on the trip and she didn’t much fancy being stuck with them. But Paige was cool and fun, and she’d hardly object to sneaking out at night. “What you think?”