Chapter 8 - School Trip #3

My alarm blared incessantly, reverberating throughout my eardrums. I barely managed to bash my phone into my bed hard enough for the jarring noise to quiet down to a light vibration. As usual, I turned over and slowed my breathing before the image of Alyssa tackling me suddenly came into my vision before my closed eyelids.

I immediately jumped up with an athlete's vigour to check the date. 

March 3rd. School trip day.

I shook my head at the vision of being late again and so blurry visions of last night came back into memory. I remember setting my alarm for.

I rubbed my eyes.

3:00 am? But the coach ride to the airport wasn't until 8:00 am. Why did I do that? I scolded myself for the unusual pre-planning but couldn't fall back asleep.

''Might as well head over now,'' I muttered to myself as I tiptoed across the room to head downstairs where I nearly jumped out of my pyjamas. 

The sight of my mum packing all my things and cooking me lunch this early shook me a bit. I rubbed my eyes to check if my eyes were deceiving me but they weren't. 

''Why are you up so early you numpty? You ruined my surprise'' My mum commented with a smile on her face, dark eyebags were plastered onto her face as she tirelessly worked to make sure I had everything.

''I-uh, why are you up?'' I asked, slightly slapping myself for such a stupid question.

''Well, it's the first school trip you've properly been on, you never went to any of the others. So I thought I should make sure you're prepared.'' She rushed around the kitchen, tending to the chicken she was boiling and then to my clothes which she was ironing.

I looked on with a small sullen smile, I always knew how hard my mum worked, but never to this extent. I slowly walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her for an embrace. Hiding my face to diminish the embarrassment from my unusual lack of affection. 

She seemed to feel my embrace and relax her shoulders as she laid a small kiss on my forehead and turned around.

''Well, since you're up so early, go get changed and dressed. I'll prepare everything.'' She exclaimed, with confidence that anyone would be able to trust in.

This was most certainly my mother. 

I nodded with an irrepressible smile as I trodded off to the shower. 

I felt the warm water embrace my body as I cleaned with such fervour. I don't know why I felt so excited- but I wouldn't let this excitement go to waste. I used a new shampoo and lathered it across my scalp, and thoroughly moisturised my whole body. I even shaved and sneakily used some of my Mum's skincare items to make my face shine, well I felt shiny at least.

I came back downstairs to breakfast already ready at the table and my mum still furiously skirting around the kitchen. As I ate, Mum kept putting more and more things on the plate: eggs, bread, a coffee, hashbrowns. My stomach started to bloat as I finished my third plate of breakfast and she stuffed even more things onto my plate. I couldn't refuse since I could tell what she was feeling. 

''I'll make sure I eat well, don't worry Mum,'' I reassured her, my cheeks stuffed to the brim with eggs and potato. 

She seemed to relax at that moment and sat down with me. We shared a nice chat at the time, the stars were still out and shone beautifully down through the kitchen window. My mum finally finished packing and breathed a huge sigh of relief as I finished washing my dishes. She dragged a huge coat into my shoulders and placed the bag firmly in my hands as we walked solemnly to the door. 

''Jake-'' She opened her mouth.

''Don't worry Mum, I'll be safe and careful. I'll come back before you know it.'' I tried to reassure her but small tears started forming in the corners of my eyes. Why was I even crying? The first holiday without my Mum? Maybe something else, we embraced for a long time.

''Enjoy it, Jakey. Be safe.'' My mum proclaimed loudly into the night as I stepped out onto the streets, the lamp light illuminating the doorframe as I walked out in the direction of the school.

The lights created an enigmatic atmosphere as I slowly hobbled towards the school. The almost deafening silence covered my ears rudely interrupted by the sound of a dashing car or another sound that always ended up frightening me. The world at 3 am was calm, no one ever expects anything from you and life just seems to stand still. As I slowly walked along the solemn streets, I looked up at the numerous stars twinkling in a gorgeous symphony. Some glittered, some sparkled and some stayed constant in the sky. The moon overtaking all of them with its stellar beauty. No birds chirped, no people spoke and no one seemed to exist as I slowly came across the silhouette of Maravelley Tech as I came closer to the coast. The sound of the waves slowly crashing entered my ears and that familiar strong scent of the beach entered and filled my sensations fully. The gate was seemingly open and I walked in, obviously no one else being there at the same time.

The atmosphere seemingly changed as I entered the empty school. The gate veered shut behind me and I let out a little yelp as I walked towards the entrance. As I looked up though, something shocked me. I saw what looked like a figure walk across one of the windows, the moonlight just enough to illuminate the shadowy spirit. 

My hair was all standing on its edges, about to rip off seemingly. Surely, nothing could be here at this time, but then a sharp memory popped back into my head of lunchtime with Alyssa and Yuki.

''Hey Jake, have you heard of the old maid story?'' She was perched on her chair like a cat as she stared me down.

''No, what is that?'' I was curious to know.

''Well, supposedly around 3:33 am. A spirit is known to wander the school grounds. Especially the upper floors. A vengeful maid who used to work at the mansion that used to be upon the school grounds who committed suicide haunts the halls.'' She said this all with a huge grin on her face while I looked on with curiosity but a slight sense of fear, but I mean come on? 

''Ghosts, vengeful spirits, a maid? Man up.'' I repeated in my head as I opened up the door to the school and turned on the flashlight on my phone. You know, just in case. 

We were supposed to meet in our classroom, on the third floor-

Wait, wasn't that where I saw the figure? I thought to myself as sweat was now fully drenching my back. I clambered up the steps checking every corner, the almost torturingly quiet silence echoed through my very eardrum as I made it to the third-floor staircase when I heard loud footsteps. 

BANG. BANG. BANG. Right above me, I nearly thought about cancelling the whole school trip and going home, but I somehow managed to muster any sort of courage I had built up over my years of manhood and carried on. The banging didn't stop though. 

BANG, BANG BANG. It reverberated throughout the halls. 

The sound of doors opening and closing, the sound of the chalkboard being written on, the light sound of wind coming in even though all of the windows were supposed to be closed. I slowly clambered up the staircase and heard the hinges of one of the doors screeching in protest to something opening it. I thought, maybe it's an animal. I walked up to my classroom and when I peered in the window that's when I saw it. The figure of a woman, that distinct figure, I could just make out the shape of their head as they turned and walked towards me, I stood in shock. One step, two steps, their pace increased. My legs stayed frozen to the floor in fear as they came to eye level, the darkness still shrouding their appearance.

I had a good life at least.

The door swung open and I screamed with the tonal pitch of a 3-year-old girl and fell backwards at the same time the figure seemingly turned on the light switch and finally illuminated the horrifying- well actually quite beautiful appearance.

''Jake?'' I heard the familiar voice call out to me. My eyes previously shut slowly opening much to my efforts to stay hidden.

In front of me was that familiar beauty. Long, fluttering chestnut brown hair was tied up beautifully into a plait that swirled around her head. Emerald-green eyes staring deep into my soul. 

''Ava?'' I managed to stammer out as she lay out her small delicate hands which I took up, completely wanting to jump out of the conveniently opened window at what just happened.

I took her hand, her small fingers wrapping perfectly around mine. I stood up, almost covering my whole face in pure embarrassment as she was also catching her breath.

''I'm so sorry Jake, I didn't mean to scare you, I-'' She threw out an apology at the speed of light, her eyes enlarging as she stammered out words that didn't make much sense. 

As I caught my breath, I managed to calm down and speak.

''No, no- it's okay. I worked myself up. Anyway, why are you here so early?'' I spoke up, still quiet from the event. We both took to our original seats, but now facing each other from across the classroom.

''Well, I couldn't sleep, and I was too excited-'' She seemingly flustered herself at the honesty she splurted out as she covered her mouth, I took in her outfit.

A beautifully woven green jumper layered above a collared white shirt, the collar poking above the jumper. A small necklace adorned her neck, the initial J charm flowed in the movements. A plaid skirt covered just below her knees while grey tights covered her legs. She also wore really cute small doll-like shoes that had a small heart-shaped hole to which you could see the white of her socks pop out.

''I like your outfit.'' I tried to continue the conversation

''Ah-uh, thank you-'' She turned around, a light blush on her cheeks as she furiously checked her phone before turning back around. 

''How are you feeling about the school trip, Jake?'' She asked out of the blue which took me off guard. I thought for a while before answering.

''Uh- well, I guess, I'm excited but I'm nervous. This is my first time, so I just want to make sure I enjoy it, right? What about you?'' I answered honestly for some reason, but she listened earnestly, her eyes being illuminated by the starlight that twinkled in through the windows.

''I feel the same way Jake, this is my first time. I don't want to be a bummer to everyone else. I want to make sure we all have so much fun and make lots of memories.'' She smiled to herself as she put her hands into a fist and cutely motivated herself.

This girl was seriously cute.

I pushed away that thought and spoke again.

''Well, let's make sure we enjoy it! I walk over to give her some sort of high five.'' I slowly walk over as she seems to get the message and gets up too. I put my hand up but then forget she can't reach it, I bend my knees a bit to get to her level but we both stop.

Our eyes locked in a quiet, soulful exchange. Her delicate lashes fluttered like whispered secrets, drawing my gaze into eyes that shimmered with the brilliance of rare gems. Her skin, luminous and soft, bore a constellation of gentle freckles across her nose and cheeks. There, a familiar scar—now tenderly veiled beneath a whisper of makeup—spoke silently of past sorrows as her hair danced lightly before her face. A rich, intoxicating bouquet of blossoms filled the air, and in that suspended moment, time itself seemed to pause under the spell of her enchanting presence.

 I raised my hand again and she did too, our faces only a few inches from each other as the doors slammed open again.

''Hey guys! I could hear you talking- why are you here so early-'' Her sentence was cut off as she stared at me and Ava as we stood face to face in the middle of the classroom, our hands touching, her eyes seemingly scanning the situation as her eyebrow twitched with so much emotion, I couldn't tell which one she was feeling the most. We both immediately retreated to our chairs as Alyssa stared daggers into my very soul and sat down next to Ava.

The girls were girls for a long time, chatting as Alyssa dragged herself over to Ava and complimented her thoroughly Ava sat with a full blush over the blush makeup she already put on, a big smile on her face as she talked confidently to Alyssa. 

I watched the scene with a smile as I wondered why Alyssa hadn't said hi or made any teasy comments or even whacked me but I tried to push that out of my mind.

''Hey Alyssa, you know- I woke up at 3:00 am for this,'' I shouted out to her, trying to appeal to her Jake sensor, she showed me a huge smile on her face and stood up before seemingly remembering something and sitting back down with a glare shot back at me. This happened for a while, I'd try to talk to Alyssa but she kept on pushing me away.

The rest of the class filed in slowly, Jay trotted in confidently with the energy of 100 leopards. He walked into the classroom, a humongous bag draped across his back and a suitcase to boot he walked towards me and dropped the bag right on my face.

Wapow! The bag sent me flying backwards and Alyssa saw and started giggling.

Well at least, she was acting a bit more normal. The last to come in at exactly 6:00 am was Yuki. Her outfit was once again meticulously arranged. However, her usual manner was replaced with a lethargic nature as she came and sat in Alyssa's lap, draping herself over her shoulder. 

''Too early..'' Yuki groaned as the group gravitated towards their desk, Alyssa seemingly now a lot more friendlier than earlier. Maybe she was just tired?

"Okay, everyone! The coach is here—find a partner to sit with, someone you like! It's a long ride!" Our teacher's booming voice cut through the morning chatter as we all hustled toward the gleaming coach parked in the lot. The sun was just beginning to rise over the coast, its early light turning the horizon into a wash of gold and pink.

Jay and Ava naturally gravitated together—Jay offering a hand with her bags while their easy laughter filled the air. In classic Yuki fashion, she tripped over her cases and dashed aboard, commandeering two seats much to the teacher's dismay.

Alyssa and I were left to make our way together. As we lugged my stuff into the cargo area, she grinned and said, "Need a hand, Jake?" I nodded, grateful for her steady presence. We climbed the long, creaking coach steps, our footsteps echoing softly in the cool morning air. Once inside, I made sure to leave the window seat for her—her favourite spot to watch the unfolding sunrise.

Settling into our seats, I couldn't help but admire Alyssa. Her long, strawberry-blonde hair was artfully plaited, cascading over her shoulder with effortless grace. Her outfit was unmistakably her style—a denim jacket paired with sleek black jeans and a matching cap that completed her look. For a moment, I stole a glance, catching my reflection in the window, and quickly looked away, feeling both shy and mesmerized.

Alyssa's eyes met mine, and she offered a smile that was both familiar and mysteriously different—a fleeting glimpse into a private world shared only by us. "You okay, Jake?" she asked softly, her tone gentle enough to quiet the hum of the bus.

I cleared my throat and replied with a half-smile, "Yeah, just lost in the sunrise. It makes everything feel... right, you know?"

She chuckled lightly. "You always get like that. It's like the morning light turns you into a poet or something."

I grinned at her teasing. "Maybe I am."

As the coach rolled forward, the golden light bathed our faces and the day officially began. Our conversation drifted from the beauty of the rising sun to the little quirks of our school, each word weaving a tapestry of anticipation and quiet understanding.

''Too early..'' She moaned to herself as she started to drift off. Alyssa patted her back as she drifted her head onto my shoulder and fell asleep.

Alyssa's head slowly dropped onto my shoulders as the coach rumbled beneath our feet, the coast slowly disappearing into motorways and industrial roads. 

The soft hum of the coach and the rhythmic sway of the ride lulled the morning into a comfortable quiet. Alyssa shifted slightly, resting her head against the window, eyes fully closed as I watched the golden fields blur past. I turned my gaze away from the scenery and let my mind drift, carried by the warmth of the rising sun and the steady presence beside me.

A memory surfaced, unbidden but vivid.

We were in a car, probably a couple of years ago, driving home from some trip I could barely remember. The streetlights flickered past, painting fleeting golden patterns across Alyssa's face as she fought a losing battle with sleep. Her head lolled to the side, and before I could react, it landed softly against my shoulder.

I froze for a second, feeling the warmth of her cheek press lightly against my sleeve, her breathing slow and steady. The usual, energetic Alyssa had disappeared, replaced by something gentler, something unguarded.

A small chuckle escaped me as I shifted slightly, making sure she was comfortable. My hand, almost on instinct, moved up to her head, smoothing down stray strands of hair. The soft texture ran between my fingers, and for some reason, I kept going—absently twisting the ends of her plait between my fingers, feeling the silk-like strands slip away, only to loop them back again.

She stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent before settling back into sleep. My heart did this weird, unsteady thing in my chest that I ignored at the time. Instead, I just sat there, hand resting lightly on her head, the car ride stretching on in peaceful silence.

Now, in the present, my fingers had moved of their own accord, gently twisting a loose strand of Alyssa's plait. I realized it too late, feeling the smooth strands slip through my fingers like they had that night.

She shifted slightly, her head resting more comfortably against the window, her breathing soft. I hesitated for a moment before patting her head lightly, my fingers brushing over the familiar softness.

What was this? This feeling. It wasn't foreign—it had been there for years, woven into little moments like these. But now, in the quiet intimacy of the rising sun, it felt… louder. Unavoidable.

I swallowed and looked back out the window, exhaling slowly.

No. This trip wasn't about me figuring out whatever this was.

Alyssa had been so excited about this, even more than I had been. That was what mattered—making sure she enjoyed every second of it. I'd push aside my tangled thoughts, at least for now.

The coach curved around the highway. And then, there it was—stretching wide under the golden morning light.

The airport.

Alyssa murmured something in her sleep, shifting slightly, and I glanced at her one last time before turning my gaze forward, a small smile tugging at my lips.

This was going to be one hell of a trip.