forum 🏫📷✏️MAYDAY: A Choose Your Own Adventure Story {Episode 2: St James} (Awaiting Response)

Started March 01, 2020 by @SpaceCadet_Bongo

tune

(New People who want to follow on this story, but don't want to read the whole thing, just read the newest segment and vote. Thank's guys )

G’day Notebook, Thank you so much for bothering to check this out

So I’ve had this idea for a story going around in my head now, and I need somewhere to sorta just…. I dunno …. DUMP.. a bunch of these thoughts into the one spot for people to read, critique, and hopefully enjoy :)

The story is about Roo, a young Australian teenage boy who is moving from his simple country life to the big city to go to this private school. As tradition with the grade 9’s, they go on this big 5 week long camp in the woods to improve teamwork skills and socialise with their classmates. However, over the course of the weeks, strange and creepy things start to happen around him, and Roo finds himself walking into larger threats he never wanted to uncover.

So the plan is to update the story in small chunks and post them here whenever I’ve finished making them for you to read. However, there is a twist. YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHAT ROO DOES AND SAYS.

At the end of each story segment, I will give you a handful of options for you to choose, (That will trigger dialogue and sometimes an action) impacting the story in various ways depending on the option you pick. I will usually pick the answer from the majority of the people who choose it, but people also have the right to comment and discuss their point as well :D

Here’s a simple example:

“Hey Roo,” called Jack, trying to pry the mossy door open with a crowbar “Come give me a hand with this will ya?”

A. Yep, No worries (Help Jack)
B. Put your back into it
C. Do it yourself

Say, you choose B., Roo in the next part of the story will say something similar to the option chosen.

“Come on Jack,” Said Roo energetically “you're like the fittest guy in our grade, you can do it.”

Careful what you choose though, because once the majority is decided, you can’t change the previous answer.

Some other things, this story has colourful language and racist/homophobic slurs so…. Be ready for that. Just know that I don’t at any point condone some of the things these characters do.

Other than that, please enjoy :D

EPISODE 1: Torn

The loud chirping of cicadas seemed to be able to drain out Roo’s music, even with the headphones he was wearing. His ipod had been turned up at full volume, yet the irritating noises kept penetrating his eardrums. He really needed a new sound system, one with a much higher volume setting. Perhaps he could buy one in the city.

‘Although’ Roo thought to himself ‘There probably isn’t that many cicadas over in Brisbane.’

He turned to look for the upcoming bus, but nothing. It had been over 30 mins and not even a single car had driven past. That was the thing with the town of “Bilbies Burrow”, it was rare to get large influxes of people coming by.

“It’ll be here soon Roo, just be patient.” his dad said blaseily, who was sitting next to him on the bus stop seat.

By now, Roo was used to the quiet isolation of the sleepy town. He’d lived here for a good two years since he’d moved with his dad, but he didn’t know if he was quite ready for the hustle and bustle of the big city…. or seeing his mum for the first time in about a year.

This had all been arranged ever since they divorced. His dad would have him for two years, before he would do the rest of his schooling in Brisbane, in this big pratty private school, to live with his mum, and only go back during the term holidays.

Now, today was the day he would leave. Though he wouldn’t tell him, Roo had seen dad crying in the kitchen that early morning, trying to compose himself over the imminent loss of his son. Somewhat reluctantly, his dad had driven him out to the closest bus stop near his town (a good 15 mins drive away), and Roo had packed all his belongings into his trunk.

Now, there they sat, the Australian midday summer sun, beaming down onto the cement, creating wispy heatlines in the far off distance.

“Can you take those headphones out please?” his dad started “I want to talk to you for a second.”

A. I’m still listening to you
B. What’s bothering you?
C. Why?

Oh P.S please feel free to add any comments to the story as well, as commenting helps me hear your thoughts and potentially broaden the story :D

Thank You for giving it a go!

Wow, this seems like a cool idea. I choose B.

(Thank you @salami011 for being the first volunteer :) )

B. =

“Ok…” said Roo, slowly placing his headphones on his shoulders “……. Is something bothering you? Cause you should probably tell me now if there is.”

“No, no, nothing’s wrong,” his dad said, in what he hoped was meant to be a convincing voice “It’s just….. I’m really gonna miss you, and I’m wishing I didn’t have to leave you for so long. It’s gonna be hard walking into your room to see you not there. And you already know why it's hard for me to let you go….”

Roo nodded… he knew what he was talking about.

“Dad…, I’ll be fine. I’ll make sure to text you everyday if it makes you feel better.” said Roo, trying to give him some closure.

“…. I’d like that…” smiled his dad.

Roo was about to put his headphones back in before his dad piped up again.

“Out of interest, is something bothering you Roo?”

A. This new school
B. I’m worried about Mum
C. Nope

ooh im gonna go with a

@salami011

A. =

“I’m worried about Brisbane… This new school is…. Kinda elitist and… I don’t know if I’m gonna fit in with the city folk.”

“Look, don’t you worry about it.” said his dad earnestly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Sue is goin-

“-You mean mum.”

“I mean mum..” His dad continued. “.. is going to make sure that your time at St James's is a great one. She spent good money on this, so don’t waste this education.”

“But like….” Roo sighed “…. What if they find out and-”

“They won’t.” his dad spoke, surprising sternly.

“But what about Liam from Middle school? He’s going to St James’s too. What if he tells people that-”

“Liam can go stick his smug head down a wasps nest. Besides, how obscenely low do you have to be to bring that sort of stuff up.”

“Pretty low….” Roo mumbled, turning away.

“Roo….. Look at me for a second.”

He slowly turned back to him, his eyes falling over his dad's face. He was a handsome man. He had curly brown hair (Which was going grey from a mix of age and stress), and a beard with stubble. His eyes curiously, were green, a rare genetic for an Aboriginal person to possess.

“You are my son, okay? And I know that whatever comes your way, you are going to listen to your gut…… Trust your instincts. That’s all I can ask of you.”

He could see his dad start to tear up again, and Roo quickly started to wipe his wet eyes.

“Dad, for god’s sake, I’m not going off to war. You're gonna see me in person again in just 9 weeks.”

“Your right, your right.” sniffled his dad, composing himself. “Sorry, I’m just getting emotional….”

“It’s the family trait.”

A rumbling sound could be heard along the road, beginning to drown out the noise of the Cicada’s. A sleek, black, public transport bus (with a sugar glider logo on the side), was pulling up to their bus stop.

“Welp,” his dad announced, standing up “This is you…. Got all your stuff?”

“Yep.” Roo answered. He walked over to his dad for a hug.

“Love you buddy..” His dad said, patting him on the back. “Have fun in Brissy alright.”

“I’ll try….. And I love you too…”

After that, Roo grabbed his bags and hopped on board.

“Where to Luv?” smiled the elderly woman at the helm.

“Brissy thanks.” and Roo paid her the allocated amount for his bus fare.

Apart from a Businesswoman and an older man wearing a Military uniform, there was no one else on the bus. Roo helped himself to the window seat, and looked out to see his dad, still waving him goodbye. Roo was able to wave a quick goodbye back, before the bus started to drive away. He looked back and watched, as his dad grew smaller in the distance…. He was on his way..

‘Well….Now what?’ Roo thought.

A. Stare out the window
B. Check Emails on phone
C. Listen to Music

(following bc this is interesting)

Thank you for your interest @Xx_Are-you-afraid-of-the-dark_xX :D

This seems interesting, Imma go with C.

I choose C too

C.

Roo turned his Ipod back on and stuck his earbuds in. He scrolled through his song list. An obscene amount of songs swept past, as he searched for the best vibe music.

“I really need to get more storage on this thing” Roo mumbled to himself.

Roo liked to think he had a very diverse music taste. He had everything ranging from Pop, Rock, Acoustic, Rap and Hip-Hop, Reggae, Indie and Experimental, Electronic, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Soul, Metal, Classic, Latin and even (curiously) a bit of Jazz. He didn’t have a favourite genre either, just liked to keep his taste broad and open. After a good 5 mins of indecisively searching, he peer pressured himself into picking the next song he saw.

Come Over by Loretta

As the song began to play, Roo looked out the bus window watching the fields around him slowly begin to fade away, only to be replaced with houses and buildings, telling him he was getting closer to Brisbane with each passing minute. He looked at himself at the reflective part of the window. He had messy, dirt-brown hair, deep blue eyes with tan skin. He was also pretty tall for his age, and his friends at his previous school would affectionately call him “giant”, as a nickname. He started remembering the day back then, as the first chorus began to start.

🎶Do you wanna, do do you wanna come over?
Cause I don’t want to get to know you
There’s some things I’d like to show you darling…🎶

His eyes started to feel heavy, and soon Roo found himself dozing off, the golden afternoon shining onto his face….

When Roo awoke, the sky had turned to night, and looked out the window to see city lights blinding him. He’d made it to Brisbane. His dad had told him to get off at the bus stop at Toowong village, but at this point, he had no idea where that was?

“Excuse me miss!” Roo hollered, calling out to the old lady bus driver, “have we passed Toowong yet?”

“Not yet lovey, this is it coming up here.” she said, pulling into the nearby bus stop.

Roo got his bags, thanked the bus driver and hopped off. As soon as he stepped onto the concrete, Roo noticed something about the city immediately. The air quality. Back in “Bilbies Burrow”, the air there smelled clean and untainted by humans. Whereas here, Roo began coughing immediately on cigarette smoke and fumes emanating from nearby vents.

Roo looked around through the mass of people to see if his mum was somewhere in the crowd. He scanned the area for any sign of her. In the process he began to take in his surroundings. Skyscrapers as tall as mountains engulfed him, the piercing lights for nearby taxis clouding his vision. Everything was overwhelming, and he began to stumble back.

“Rufus!” called a voice.

Roo whipped around. A woman, wearing a sharp business suit and high heels, with a blonde bob cut and blue eyes came walking up to him. It was his mum.

“How are you! How was your trip?” she said energetically. From what Roo gathered, she had been out for a drink already, as she smelled very strongly of wine.

“Fine,” Responded Roo loudly, trying to make his voice heard over all the noise of cars horns blaring in the background. “I put some music on and slept mainly.”

“That was dangerous!” roused his mum. “What if you’d missed your stop?”

“But…. I didn’t… so…”

His mum gave a large sigh, before picking up one of his travel bags.

“Well, the car’s this way. The apartment is not too far from here.”

They began walking down the street, going past all kinds of people. Whether that be groups of friends getting back from bars and restaurants, to people wasted on the side of the road. Roo followed his mum down the alley, before they stopped in front of a black Toyota Kluger.

“Just throw your stuff in the back” His mum said, already getting herself in the driver's seat.

Roo crammed his luggage in the boot, before jumping into the passenger seat beside her.

“It’s so good to have you back again after two years.” beamed his mum, beginning to pull out of her car park and driving off.

“I saw you round at christmas though” Interjected Roo. “But yes… It’s good to see you to-”

“BUDDY STICK TO YOUR OWN LANE!” His mum shouted at the nearby car. Roo stared at her, intimidated.

“Mum was that really necessary?”

“Yeah of course! Bloody dickhead was being so indecisive!”

The car suddenly became very quiet, and Roo began to stare out the window to relieve the tension.

“What are you thinking about?” His mum said, concerned “You know you can talk to me.”

A. Why didn't you call?
B. What have you been doing?
C. The city

A

@Discombra

A.

“Why didn’t you call me on the bus? Actually no…. Why didn’t you call me at all over the summer?”

“I’ve been…. Busy…. Work’s been pretty tough lately.” His mum said. “My Boss has expected everyone in the office to be working at twice their normal pace…. It hasn’t been a cakewalk exactly.”

“Yeah, but you mean to tell me you couldn’t spare just even a little time just to talk to me? I’m kinda your son? As you said, what if I didn’t wake up from my nap. Would you have cared at all?”

“Of course I would have cared.” She laughed a little. “You are my son Rufus.”

“I don’t feel like it sometimes…..”

Roo saw his mum look at him out of the corner of his eye. She sighed again.

“Look, I know you’ve been feeling….. Distant with me, but I promise you that will quickly change in due time…”

They continued to drive through the traffic, and after a while, stopped in front of this expensive looking four story apartment block, with a little garden out the front. The sign out the front was labelled "The Woolongong Hotel."

“This is it. This is gonna be your home for the next few years. Unless you go into boarding to get away from me.” She said giggling a little.

Roo could tell she was already uncomfortable, and he couldn’t deny he was feeling the same way.

‘I should just be delicate with her.’ thought Roo. ‘I don’t want to make her upset.’

They got out of the car, and entered the building, Roo carrying his bags behind her. They walked up to the white marble registration desk, and a young man (only about 7 years older than Roo by looks of him), looked up at them.

“Keys to room number one please.” Roo’s mum said flatly.

The young man opened a drawer underneath him and handed her the keys.

“Ta.” and she walked to the nearby door. She put the key in and turned the handle.

“Welcome home.” She said, and made way for Roo to take in the sight of the apartment. Everything in it was organised and cleaned so meticulously well, that it looked as though it was meant to be displayed in an art museum. She also had a particular favour over the colours white and black, because everything aside from a few of the paintings on display, was in a monochrome style.

“Did you have a maid come in here?” asked Roo, still marveling at how spotless everything was.

“Not today, but sometimes when I wake up hungover and have to go to work the next day I have to get someone to come in and clean the mess up.”

Roo heard a faint panting sound from somewhere nearby, and slowly, a fat, old and tired looking golden retriever came veering round the corner. She started moving towards Roo, clearly happy to see him.

“Maggie!” Roo called to her, delighted “She’s still alive!”

“Oh yeah, old girl’s got juice left in her.”

Maggie began to affectionately lick at Roo’s ankles, before lying down on the spot to rest again, snoring heavily.

“Almost.” she said comically as the snoring ran through the apartment. “Oh, you haven’t eaten yet! I still have some leftover vietnamese from last night I can heat up for you.”

“That would be nice, thanks.”

As Roo’s mum prepared dinner, she began talking again.

“So how’s Douglas?” she asked.

“You mean dad?”

“I mean dad.” she said quickly.

A. He’s fine
B. He’s struggling
C. He misses you

I vote B

@Utinam-Ne-Illum-Numquam-Conspexissem

B.

“He’s not doing well to be honest.” said Roo, a little bit of sadness ebbing out of his voice “He was finding it hard to leave me.”

💭(Roo’s Mum will remember that)💭

Roo’s mum looked up from the microwave to stare at him.

“I’m….. sorry to hear that….. Truly…”

Roo avoided her eyes. He didn’t mean to make her upset, but he’d thought it best that she’d know how his dad felt.

After the Vietnamese had warmed up, they sat at the small little dinner table out on the veranda, facing each other. His mum had helped herself to a bottle of red wine, while she watched him eat.

“So…” she began again “Excited for school tomorrow?”

“Mixed feelings.” said Roo, helping himself to some honey chicken and adding it to his bowl. “You know what it's like.”

“Yeah I understand.” She agreed “But don’t worry, just give it two weeks and you’ll be off on an exciting school camp.”

“What?” gulped Roo. He hadn’t heard about this detail.

“Oh yeah. You’ll be going up to the Sunshine coast for five weeks. It’s part of the school curriculum to learn a variety of outdoor skills in year 9. You’ll have so much fun! I know I did when I went to St James.”

“Five weeks is a long time.”

“Used to be ten week’s when I was your age.” She added, sculling down another glass of wine. “But they changed it. Dunno why… maybe kids just got really homesick after all that time.”

Because the apartment was on a hill, from the veranda, Roo was able to get a great view of the city, the buildings looking akin to lego bricks in the distance. He stared out at it, awestruck.

“Nice isn’t” said his mum, looking out at the view too.

“Yeah..” responded Roo “It’s a lot to take in.”

Roo eyes trailed down to the closest building, an rundown apartment block just across the road. A few people were on its wall, visible only from the street light beaming down on them, doing what looked to be like…

“Are- are they graffitiing?” Roo asked his Mum.

“Oh no they aren’t….” Roo mum growled, getting up to the veranda’s railing. “HEY! I SEE YOU KIDS! FUCK OFF! THAT’S SOMEONE’S PROPERTY YOUR DEFACING!”

The group of teenagers, faces hidden behind hoodies, all looked up at her, stumbling back from her loud voice. A shorter one, who Roo couldn’t distinguish, wearing the cactus green hoodie gestured with a hand signal for the others to go. They all grabbed they’re bags filled with spraycan’s, and followed him, running around a street corner, before disappearing from sight.

“They supposedly do this every fortnight.” sighed Roo’s mum, sitting herself back in her chair. “Lord knows why they haven’t been caught yet.”

Roo got up and took his plate to the sink to wash it. As he got there, he noticed on the left side of him, a photo frame. It was his family for a long time ago. From when they were still together.

There, beaming, was his dad, holding a younger version of Roo in his arms, who like his father, was also beaming widely. His Mum was there too, looking pretty, with one hand on his father's shoulder, and the other on a boy in front of them both.

“I’m sure he misses you Roo.” His mum said from behind him.

“I know he does” Roo said almost lazily, thinking about his dad still at home.

“I’m not talking about your father….”

Roo knew who she meant now….

After that, Roo began packing everything up for bed. He’d gotten into his P.j’s and brushed his teeth, before pulling himself under the duna in the spare bedroom. His mum lay on his bed.

“I’m hammered…,” She said giggling “and not just from the four glasses of wine.”

“It’s good to see you mum.”

She beamed back at him, a content smile broadening on her face.

“It’s good to see you too Roo.” She said, leaning in to kiss him on the forehead.

She turned to the door.

“By the way,” she added “If Maggie decides to come up onto your bed, feel free to push her off.”

As she said this, Maggie gave another deep snore from nearby Roo’s bed.

“Goodnight Mum.” said Roo, and he watched her close the door.

As he lay there, Roo’s mind couldn’t stop swimming with thoughts. He shouldn’t have looked at the photo frame. Bad memories were starting to come back to him. Memories of…..

Mitch.

Hello again Notebook, Sunny here.

Thank you to everyone who's been keeping up with the first episode. I hope you guys like the story so far. The next episode will feature Roo's first week at St James, where he forms friendships and rivalries with his classmates.

Quick Shoutout to @salami011 @Utinam-Ne-Illum-Numquam-Conspexissem @FermentedHappiness and @Discombra for giving the story a go and reading through it, I'm glad you guys seem to like it :).

Some other things to be aware off:

Feel free to add any comments wherever on this page. I love hearing from you all and it inspires me to create more episode's and segments in the future.

Remember you guys can suggest things to say after each dialogue option if you want as well. If you have a witty comeback option you want Roo to say, please let your voice be heard :D.

I know I didn't mention this earlier, but whenever a character has a thought bubble (💭) appear on the page, it means that what you've said has had an impact on that character, effecting a relationship with you or other characters, with positive and negative results.

Cheers everyone, and I hope you'll enjoy the next episode coming out shortly.

Peace. :)

I'm curious to see what happens next. Please keep doing more of these, I like reading them.

Also I love how Roo's dad and mum both trip up on calling them by their names XD.

^^^Yeah, this is really neat.

Thank you so much! That makes me really happy :)❤️

By the way, I don't know if you guys want to see it or anything, but I made a character page for Roo here:

I will add more of them in the future with other characters you encounter. But for now, this is like everything we currently know (Or need to know) about Roo.

If you guys want me too, I can treat it like some sort of videogame inventory, were you can see which friends you have, along with your equipment you pick up. Lemme know down below :D.

That would be cool actually! I want to see what over people say, but i think you should do it if you want :P

AHHHHH SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG, EXAM BLOCKS A BITCH!

Episode 2: St James

Roo wished he had a blissful night sleep before school, but that clearly hadn’t been the case. His eyes felt sore and his entire body was in pain from lack of sufficient rest. He starred up his ceiling fan, which was making faint, yet annoying whirring noises as it spun wonkily on its hinge. Roo hoped it would come loose and crush him, that way he wouldn’t have to get up and enture 7 hours of torture.

‘Ok Roo, schools gonna happen whether you like it or not….’ he thought to himself ‘So let's get this over with.’

He reluctantly pulled the duna off and got into the school uniform that had been left on his bedroom doorknob. Roo wasn’t used to wearing uniforms like these. His previous schools had either had a really basic uniform of just a coloured shirt and pants, or none at all. Whereas here, he had to wear a white button up shirt with a tie, slacks, a navy blue blazer, knee high socks, laced business shoes and the most ridiculous looking broad brimmed hat Roo had ever laid eyes upon. When he put it on he got a good look at himself in the mirror.

‘The boater does not help at all.’ Roo thought, his head aching for the squeezing sensation from the small size of the hat.

After hating his uniform, he went outside to go get breakfast and his mum’s opinion on how he looked. To his surprise, she wasn’t there. Instead, a pink sticky note was on top of the counter. It read

---

Good Morning Roo,

I’m sorry I can’t wish you off to school this morning, as I have to go to work early today. When you're finished, please head down to the nearest bus stop and wait for the school bus there. It should arrive at around 7:00.

I hope your first day goes well!

Love Mum, XOXO
__________________________

Roo wasn’t too surprised to see that she had done something like this. Of course she wouldn’t see her son off to school on his first day at a scary new school, why would she. He scrunched up the sticky note and angrily threw it in the waste paper bin.

After getting himself breakfast (A single manderin), he grabbed his bag and headed out the apartment door.

It was weird to see the city streets so deserted. No cars were heading down the main road, and aside from the odd passerby on the cement walkway, Roo felt entirely alone. He looked across the street. The hooded kids from last night had almost finished their graffiti on the rundown buildings wall. From the graffiti, he could make out what looked to be a person skateboarding. Roo had to admit, it was very well made, even if it was considered property damage.

A little further down, Roo made it to the bus stop. He could see the sun coming up over the horizon a lot more clearly now, and Roo began to cover his face with his hands to stop the light from blinding him.

Roo was about to put on some music from his Ipod, when a bus pulled up next to him. It had the school's crest on the side, a blue bow and arrow with the words “Altius Sempar” written underneath on a banner.

The doors swung open, to reveal a very bored and agitated bus driver.

“You goin’ to St James?.” He moaned. He looked as though he hated every aspect of his job.

“Yes.” said Roo, brightening up a little to see that someone was having just as bad of a day as he was.

“Get in” he groaned.

Roo climbed on and began to open his wallet. The bus driver eyed him curiously.

“How much for the fare?” Roo asked, pulling out a five dollar note.

“You don’t need to pay.” spoke a voice from behind him.

A very manicured looking Sri Lankan girl, sitting in the closest seat from the front was speaking to him, her eyes hazel eyes staring right into his.

“The school pays for the bus transport.” She said “Y’know that right?”

“Ugh…. no…. I’m new here… Sorry.” Stumbled Roo, a little taken aback by the abruptness.

“Oh, well now you know.” She smirked, and her friend next to her giggled.

Roo left the bus driver, (Who had a face that was annoyed at being denied more pay) and went to go find a seat.

‘Great’ thought Roo ‘I’m not even at the school yet and I’ve already made an idiot of myself.’

He passed the rows of two seats. Alot of them seemed to have already been taken by groups of friends, happily talking to each other about their holidays. Occasionally, he’d find the seat with one person sitting down, but considering Roo wanted to be left alone, he kept looking for a completely deserted pair of seats. Eventually, he found one near the back, only a few rows away from a particularly rowdy group of boys sitting at the far end of the bus.

Roo sat down and stared out at the window as the bus drove on. The warm morning sun was still shining directly onto his face… but.. He let it soak in…. He liked the comforting feeling..

FLASH!

A bright white light blinded his eyes, and he had to blink a couple of times to get his vision to focus. He looked for the source of the light. A scruffy blonde hair boy from the adjacent pair of seats had taken out a polaroid camera and snapped a photo of him. He let the frame slide out of the camera, began shaking it, and looked up to see Roo’s stunned face, a little bit of nerves appearing on his. He tried to grin at Roo.

“Hello” said the boy “Apologies, I just thought with the sunlight beaming on you would have made for a great shot…. I’m sorry….”

A. Oh, can I see!
B. Could you have asked first?
C. That was kinda rude…

This was really good! I'm gonna choose B.

@salami011

B.

“It’s fine….” said Roo, still rubbing his eyes from the bright polaroid. “…But I feel you should have asked me first mate.”

“Yeah, I realise that.” said the blonde boy a little awkwardly “I just thought ‘that’s such a good shot, I can’t miss this chance.’….So… I just sorta went for it.”

Roo watched as he fumbled to put the camera back in his school bag, before outstretching a hand out for Roo to take.

“Name’s Josh, what's yours?”

“Roo” said Roo, as he shook the boy's hand.

“May I sit next to you?” inquired the boy, pointing at the vacant seat to Roo’s left.

“Go for it.” smiled Roo. Josh got up and slid over into the seat.

“I haven’t seen you around?” said Josh, surveying him with interest. “Have you been to St James before?”

“Nope, first day today.”

“Oh, you’ll like it. We go on a camp in a few weeks from now.” beamed Josh, “My older sister Hannah got back from “Gumtree Outdoor Education” last year and she loved every bit of it…. Well… If you're outdoorsy anyway…..”

Roo, got the impression that Josh wasn’t the best at holding a conversation on his own. Sensing the conversation beginning to diminish, Roo quickly started an attempt to keep the talk going.

“I take it you know a lot of people then?” asked Roo, “What with not recognizing me and what not?”

“Ummm… no not really.” said Josh, looking down at his shoes (That had been scuffed from lack of polish), “I mean… I know people.. I’m just not close with a lot of em.”

“You enjoy school though right?” asked Roo.

“Oh yeah” said Josh earnestly “I’m currently studying to be a photographer in art class. I enjoy most of my classes. Just the people can be a pain to work with.”

The bus had evidently just gone over a speed bump, because everyone in the bus gave out a slight gasp as they were launched a few centimeters off their seat. Josh’s bag spilled open, casting out a large white book.

“Sorry…” said Josh “That’s my photo album… It’s a stupid little thing I’m documenting.”

“No no,” said Roo, Intrigued “Pull it out, I wanna see your photos.”

Josh gave Roo a hesitant sort of expression, before reluctantly opening the folder.

“…Woah….”

It was some of the best photography Roo had seen in ages. The way each of his polaroid photos perfectly captured the energy of each shot, and the expression and colour popping out of each frame left Roo stunned. It was impressive to look at. Each of them were dated and labebel meticulously.

“That's amazing!” beamed Roo, still taking it all in.

“Thanks” said Josh, awkwardly scratching the back of his head. “I’ve never really showed it to anyone so quickly before..”

“You have a gift dude!” said Roo, awestruck “Why don’t you share this?”

“Well…. Some people think its a bit rubbish.” replied Josh, a little annoyed. “My dad is focusing on my other interests. Like working with the military when I’m older.”

“Well I think it’s great.” smiled Roo, still amazed at the hidden potential that was Josh.

“Cheers mate.” said Josh “You can have a look at the photo I just took if you want?”

He handed it to him. Josh wasn’t wrong, it had clearly been the perfect conditions for the photo. The polaroid was able to capture the vivid yellow sunlight so well, that Roo got a warming sensation just looking at it.

“Ok no but seriously, who’d think this was rubbish?” complimented Roo.

As he said this, a kid from the back of the bus let out a rochus laughter. Roo turned to look at them. The group of four boys seemed to be enjoying themselves, as one of them was practically shouting.

“Do you know them?” asked Roo, intrigued.

“Yeah..” Josh sighed. “They're a bunch of rebels. They Muck up 24/7. Mind you I enjoy mucking up from time to time but.. They have no regard for their learning…”

Roo looked at all of them.

“Tell me about them.”

Josh looked as though he would have rather not, but turned around and addressed them quietly enough for Roo to hear without them noticing.

“The sandy haired one with the glasses on his head is Lucas. He’s arguably the smartest out of the bunch, and unlike the others puts in effort into his work when he wants to. The buff kid with brown haired stubble is Scott, the dumbest out the bunch. He’s blokey and shouts alot, but he’s also pretty dim. Left of Scott is Banjoko, although most of us just call him Banjo. I don’t know too much about him other than he’s South African.”

But Roo wasn’t looking at Banjo… Instead, his eyes fell upon the boy sitting next to him. A short boy with a red quiff and freckles was laughing jovially at a joke Banjo was telling. He barely noticed that the boy had turned round to look at Roo, and he gave Roo a small (but very genuine) smile. Roo, feeling slightly embarrassed, having just been caught basically spying. He quickly hid behind his chair.

“….and the ginger kid is Miles” said Josh continuing on “He’s been friendly with me sometimes… but I don’t really know any of them so..”

“They seem alright. You sure you're not overthinking it?” asked Roo.

“Hm…… maybe I am….”

The bus stopped again, and a boy walked on, hard faced and angry looking.

“Oh….. piss…” mumbled Josh. “It’s Peter McNair….”

“McWho?” questioned Roo, staring at the boy as he began walking down the bus.

“McNair? Does Harry McNair ring a bell? He’s the minister for border force in Australia. This is his son here. He’s a massive prick.”

Roo stared at the boy. He had a very unlikeable face. His brown hair was a buzz cut short, and to compensate for his lack of hair on his head, he had really thick eyebrows, which were just centimeters away on becoming a monobrow. Peters eyes turned and landed on them both, and Josh gave a weak gulp.

“Oh, this is new!” sneered Peter walking over to them. “You got a new friend, have you Josh? I didn’t think you had the balls to step out of your comfort zone like that.”

Josh, turned bright red, but didn’t retaliate. Peter's attention turned to Roo.

“Hey kid, if you want to leave him I don’t blame you…. He’s a bit of crybaby. “

A. “Leave him alone dude”
B. “Josh isn’t a crybaby”
C. Say nothing

Ok, Josh is a nervous wreck and I love him :D. Peter's gonna get what he deserves, like how dare he! I also wanna know more bout this Miles kid, he seems nice :)

I'm choosing option B.