After a pretty busy Sunday, filled with packing, preparing and arguing with his mother about what he's going to take, Chris went to bed, for the first time in his life happy that tomorrow's Monday. But after what seemed to be a moment he was reminded why he always hates them so much.
"RRIIIIIIIIIII-"
He slammed his paw on top of his alarm clock and blinked looking at it. It read 6:30. He still had an hour before the assembly for his school trip, so he smiled weakly to himself and decided to stay in bed for five more minutes. Sadly, even before that he heard knocking on the door.
"Are you up yet? I'm going out in twenty minutes, so if you want me to give you a ride you better be ready" Trish's voice came from behind the door, soon followed by her footsteps as she headed downstairs.
Chris growled to himself and slowly sat up on his bed, yawning as he placed his feet on the floor. Even though he loathed the idea of getting up earlier, taking a morning bus with a big suitcase didn't sound too appealing, so he was happy when yesterday his mom offered to give him a ride... If he'll get up earlier. He shook his head, trying to wake himself up and slowly started preparing for his usual morning routine.
When he finally came down, dropping his suitcase and bag in the hallway he entered the kitchen to find his mother finishing her morning coffee as she was watching something on the small TV.
"Slept well?" She asked giving him a smile as he entered.
"Not really" Chris replied, opening the fridge and grabbing a carton of orange juice.
"Then maybe you should've started packing on Saturday instead of having good time at the mall" said the older lioness returning her attention to the screen.
Chris just shrugged as he drinked his juice, looking at the small clock on the TV.
"So, when are we leaving?" He asked washing the glass and putting it down.
"Actually, I was just waiting for you. I want to be at the office as soon as possible" Trish replied turning off the TV and getting up "Grab your suitcase and let's go" she added picking up her folder from the table.
The white lion yawned again and followed her to the car.
***
"Of course, I'm the first person to get here" Chris said as he got out of his mother's car and looked around.
"Oh, don't complain, you'll be able to get the best seats in the bus" replied Trish.
"What bus, mom? It's not even here yet"
"But when it comes. Anyways, you're sure you've got everything? Your cellphone?"
"Yes mom, I'm not 12" he sighed pulling his suitcase and bag out of the back seat.
"Well then, have a good time sweetie and remember to call me once you get there"
"I will, bye mom" Chris said closing the door and taking step back as the engine started and the car drove out of the parking.
He waved to her for the last time and turned around, slowly heading for the school's front steps, dragging his suitcase behind him. When he got there, he sat down on one of the steps, pulling his knees to his chin as he waited for the rest of his class and teachers to come.
First furs started arriving after a couple of minutes, but he had to wait almost 15 minutes before first of his friends showed up. Chris was idly looking around, examining other people that arrived in the meantime when he saw a white bunny get out of a car that just parked next to the main gate. He pulled out his baggage and after a quick goodbye with his parents he looked around, noticed Chris and headed his way.
"Hey there, what's up!" Jack said, holding out his paw as he approached the lion.
"Not much. Tired, hungry and freezing my tail off for the last 20 minutes." he replied shaking his friend's paw.
"Perfect mood I see" the bunny chuckled sitting next to him.
"What makes YOU so happy at an hour like this?"
"Oh, come on. We're getting a week free of school plus a great opportunity to get to know everyone. Think positive!"
"You know, some teachers are going with us... But I guess you're right"
"'course I am. Hey look, there's Phil and Keith!"
After about 10 minutes of idle chatting later the bus arrived and Mrs Clayton, along with 3 other teachers came out of the building and after organizing the mass of teenage furs, she started checking presence to make sure everyone that singed up is there, and there's nobody trying to catch a free ride.
"Everything seems to be in order. Okay, boys and girls, put your bags in the luggage compartment and take your seats, we're leaving in 10 minutes" she said when she was done and headed to talk with the driver as everyone rushed to drop off their baggage and get best seats.
After the usual commotion, few arguments and deals later everyone managed to find a satisfying place. Chris, Jack, Keith and Phil managed to take 4 seats next to bus' second exit, right after a small TV mounted on the ceiling.
"You really think they'll play something?" Phil said looking over Chris' and Jack's seats.
"Doubtful. But at least we have more space and exit is close in case the bus catches on fire or something" the bunny shrugged.
"Attention please! Everyone's in their seats? Good, we're moving out. It'll be about 6 hours before we get to our destination, so please try to behave. Now, the rooms will be either three or two people only, so everyone please find yourself companions to share the room with and when we make a stop in about 3 hours you'll sign this list" Mrs Clayton said holding up a piece of paper with blank table on it "Now enjoy the ride and make sure you'll be ready" she added sitting down as the engine started and their bus started slowly making its way towards the main gate.
***
The travel passed quickly as everyone talked, listened to music or played on their handhelds. On the short stop Chris and his friends signed up for two double rooms so they won't have to split up, and before they knew it they've arrived at their destination. Chris didn't take time to read where exactly they're going, so he was surprised to see the big, neatly looking hotel building standing over a vast open area surrounded by a pine forest from one side and a big lake from the other, with a row of small bungalos between it and the main building. On the opposite edge of the grounds was a small soccer field with some benches around it and, a bit to the side, a campfire site with a small building used to store the firewood.
"Well, that looks cool" the lion said as he got out of the bus and stretched out, looking around.
Jack smiled standing next to him and looking around as well "Told you it's gonna be fun. You'll see, even having teachers around won't ruin sweet laziness and fun" he said as more people were pouring out of the bus, wandering around stretching their legs or enjoying the fresh air.
"Yeah well, if looks so cool why is it empty? I'd imagine there should be more people around" Phil said taking a sip from his soda can
"Holidays are over Sherlock. People are back in their homes"
Phil already opened his mouth to answer that, but before he could start Mrs Clayton called out to everyone to gather around her and a middle-aged female badger that was holding some list and a small box. When everyone stopped talking and focused on them, the woman smiled gently and started her speech.
"Hello everyone and welcome to our hotel. I's so good to see so many young people, I hope you will have good time while staying here and forge new friendships that will last through your school years. Before me and your teachers will assign you to your rooms based on your earlier choices" she said tapping the list on her box "I'd like to speak about some organisational matters. First, as you probably already know, three-person rooms are only
available in the main hotel building. Those that decided to choose double rooms may choose either between that or pick one of our bungalos over there" she pointed at the row of small houses and everyone looked that way, some with smiles on their muzzles, others with disappointment, apparently unhappy about their pick.
The badger cleared her throat catching everyone's attention back and continued "Next, breakfasts and dinners are respectively at 9 AM and 6 PM. All meals will take place in the cafeteria located in the main building. Please refer to the plan near the entrance if you'll need help finding anything. Furthermore, main gates are closed at 8 PM and curfew takes place at 9, so please do not wander around after that time. If you'll want to organise a fire" she pointed at the campfire site "please ask either one of your teachers or our employees to assist you. We do not want any accidents. As for swimming in the lake, our lifeguard is on duty since 10 AM to 5 PM. Again, if you'll want to swim outside those hours ask an adult to oversee you. I think that's all, if you want to know anything else please visit the information desk in the main building and I'm sure our receptionists will be glad to help you. Now I'll read the list, when you hear your name please come to me and you'll receive your room key. After you settle in feel free to look around before the curfew comes"
After she finished speaking the usual commotion started as everyone was reclaiming their baggages and talking as they were waiting for their keys. Since Chris and others decided to avoid the crowd during signing up, they were among the last on the list. After Phil and Jack got their keys the badger called out for Keith and Chris.
"Alright, let's see, double room" The badger said slowly as she looked at the list and compared it with the rooms list "Well, I'm afraid most bungalos are taken... The only ones left are couple's suites"
"Couple suites, what does that mean" Keith asked trying to take a peek on the list.
"Well, there's only one double-sized bed that you'd have to share. We have quite few hotel rooms left though, so perhaps you'd prefer that"
Chris looked over at the tiger and bunny heading towards their bungalo before turning to Keith "Well, I don't really have problem with that. I mean, we're both guys and we'll be closer to them so we can hang out instead walking all the way. Unless you don't feel comfortable with that of course"
The fox looked at him for a moment before lightly shaking his head "Nah... We're both guys as you've said. Will be cool. To have a place closer to Phil and Jack I mean.
"Alright then boys, here are your keys. Your building is number 11. Now go settle in and enjoy your stay" she smiled as she gave them the keys.
Keith took them picking up his baggage "Thank you ma'am. Come on Chris, let's drop our stuff and look around with others" he said as he headed to their quarter, lightly wagging his tail behind him. The lion grabbed his bag and slowly followed his friend.
After a short walk they've arrived at their bungalo. Keith opened the door and stepped in, closely followed by Chris. The room seemed a bit small, although most of the space was occupied by a large bed standing by the wall to the right from entrance. Opposite to it was a small drawer with an aging TV on top of it. Right next to it, standing by the window was a table with 2 chairs on either side of it, and the wall opposite to the entrance was occupied by a big drawer with bathroom door next to it.
Keith dropped his suitcase on the bed and looked around the room "Well, could be worse. Not like we'll be spending a lot of time here anyways. I'm sure our teachers will try to torture us as much as possible, and even after that there's enough to do not to sit here all day. What do you think?"
"Sure, it'll do. At least the bed is comfortable" Chris replied sitting on its edge and putting his bags under it "So, wanna go find Jack and Phil?"
"Yeah, let's look around. We need to check where the food place is too"
The white lion chuckled as he got up and headed for the door "Well, that's a noble cause for exploration"
"Sure is" Keith seconded him as he locked the door behind them.
