The road trip
If they press me sharply, and harry me through the day,
Then look for me by moonlight,
Watch for me by moonlight,
I’ll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way.
- Alfred Noyes
CHAPTER 1- THE ROAD TRIP
Petersfield, Hampshire
The sound of footsteps filled the garage as Lucas walked towards his car. With summer in full swing, he and his friends Harry, Tia, Skylar, and Klein decided to embark on a road trip to a serene farmhouse nestled in the countryside. On the bright Saturday morning, the group gathered at Lucas’s garage which was filled with the scent of motor oil and the sound of their excited chatter. Packed suitcases, snacks, and a road map adorned the workbench, serving as reminders of the upcoming adventure. Lucas checked the engines as Tia and Klein talked about chilling in the farmhouse. “We can have picnic by the lake, bonfires under the starry night sky! Oh, and we must take stunning photos by the lake. I can't wait to update my Instagram! It’ll be like our own little paradise!" exclaimed Tia excitedly. "Hmm...yeah sounds perfect” replied Skylar yawning.
“Oh, c’mon Sky at least pretend to have some excitement for the trip.”
“I will once we reach there, for now I just want some sweet sleep.”
Tia, undeterred by Skylar’s lack of enthusiasm, continued with her bubbling excitement.
“Hey what’s this doing here” asked Klein picking up a toy guitar from the trunk.
“It’s mine” claimed Harry with confidence “I am going to impress the countryside girls there with it.”
Klein(grinning) “Oh, that's a brilliant plan! Serenading the cows and sheep, huh?”
“Yes, Harry because nothing says romance like strumming a plastic guitar with two missing strings” said Lucas teasingly.
(Harry starts strumming the toy guitar, attempting to play a country tune.)
Klein (sarcastically) “Oh, this is going to be legendary. Country music better watch out!”
(Harry continues strumming, but the toy guitar makes a squeaky sound.)
Lucas(laughing)“Is that a dying cat or your guitar playing, Harry?”
Skylar (walking towards the car) “thanks to you I am fully awake now.”
“I need to pack earplugs” said Tia holding back laughter.
Harry putting the guitar back in the trunk “you are all jealous of my talent.”
Klein(mocking) “yes ofc Vince Mill.”
“Alright, everyone, it’s time! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!” said Lucas excitedly.
With everything set, the friends hopped into the car, ready to hit the open road. As they ventured beyond the town's borders, the bustling streets gradually transformed into rolling hills and scenic countryside. Lucas focused on the steering wheel, while Tia lounged in the backseat, complaining about the apparent boredom of road trips. They’ve been driving for hours and Skylar has dozed off into deep slumber.
"Ugh, who said road trips were fun?" Tia groaned; her voice filled with discontent. "There's nothing to do but sit here for hours!" Meanwhile, Klein, sitting in the front passenger seat, pulled out his phone and opened the GPS app. It was his first time visiting the farmhouse, after his father had recently purchased the property. He was responsible for navigating the group to their destination.
As Klein studied the route, he explained, "According to the GPS, we still have a couple of hours left. But don't worry, guys! The farmhouse is worth the wait. It's surrounded by vast fields. We'll have the time of our lives!”. "Hey, Tia! Aren't you bored? Let's have some fun and prank Sky to wake her up. It'll be hilarious!" suggested Harry.
"Haha, that sounds like a great idea! She always sleeps like a log. What do you have in mind?" replied Tia.
Harry thought for a moment, trying to come up with the perfect prank. Suddenly, an idea struck him.
They all whispered and giggled and quietly reached for whatever they could find in the car to use as props. Tia grabbed a feather, Harry found some whipped cream, while Klein had an air horn.
Once everything was ready, they counted down to wake her up with an unforgettable prank. Harry sprayed whipped cream on her hand and Tia tickled her nose with the feather causing her to twitch and slap herself accidentally. As Skylar opened her eyes, she found herself covered in whipped cream, and just as she began to wipe it off, the air horn went off at full volume!
She jumped up from her seat screaming with terror as everyone laughed uncontrollably!
“Aaah! What just happened?!” cried Skylar
Tia and Harry (laughing uncontrollably) “Gotcha!”
“You two are pure evil, I tell you! I was having such a nice dream about going on a date with Ironman!"
“oh really, did he take you flying in his suit or used his repulsor rays to light up the candles for a romantic candlelit dinner” mocked Klein.
“I will take my revenge just wait u all” said Skylar folding her arms.
Everybody laughed and continued their trip. As the winding country road led the group closer to their destination, a breath-taking sight came into view—a farmhouse perched near the tranquil shores of a shimmering lake. The countryside enveloped the scene with its untouched beauty, creating a harmonious blend of land and water. The farmhouse stood proudly amidst the natural splendour, its weathered wooden exterior perfectly complementing the surrounding landscape, a private dock extended from the farmhouse's backyard, reaching out towards the centre of the lake. It boasted a wraparound porch adorned with comfortable rocking chairs, inviting guests to relax and take in the scenic view that lay before them.
