#ffslaura

Glaringat her best friend, Mack chanced a quick glance back at her boyfriendwho, currently, was trying – and failing – to attach his harness.Roy, who it had become all too clear was nothappy about her friendship with Adam, had taken it upon himself toinvite himself on their latest expedition. Mack had always taken aliking to going out on hikes and trails with Adam, and helping himout with his scouts where she could, but the same couldn't be saidfor Roy, who hatedoutdoor activities, and much preferred spending his spare timethrowing away his money in poker games, or talking the talk at fancyschmancy work events.

Andyet, there he stood, or rather, there he stumbled,as he tried to figure out which clip went into which hole, and wherehe was supposed to put his legs, and just why he 'needed towear the dumb thing anyway'.Mack had insisted that it was for his own safety, and he'd justgrunted as he refused hers, or Adam's, help. The fact that he was sointent on figuring out for himself, combined with the fact that he'dnever been rock climbing in his entire life, didn't bode so well forhim, and Mack could feel herself getting more and more frustratedwith him. He neverlistened to her, and if he wasn't careful he was about to feel theconsequences when his ass hit the ground like a ton of bricks.

“Adam,stop that,” she toldher best friend, giving him a soft punch on the arm.

Sighingand turning her back to Roy, she rolled her eyes and groaned. Adam,however, looked all too amused by the situation, and had long sincegiven up any faux attempts at making nice with the other man, all toodelighted to hear Roy's refusal of his helping hand.

Ofcourse, Mack knew Adamhated him, and she was all too aware that her sisters – and, asmuch as she'd never admit it, her own mother– disliked him with equal measure too. She supposed that shouldhave been sign enough for her to call it a day with the man, theirrelationship wearing thin with each passing day, but she was stubborn– or perhaps just an idiot. Mack wantedto give things a go, and see if they could make them work. She'dfallen in love with Roy once upon a time, so surely there had to havebeen a reason behind it, other than her own blind idiocy?

Withhers and Adam's harnesses in place, she scanned her best friendbriefly and stared up at the scene before them. It was a pretty bigclimb, and it was a far cry from indoorrock climbing. At least if they were in a safe, chaperonedenvironment, he might have the basic relief of cushioning beneath himwhen he inevitably lost his grip and fell. Now, however, he'd only becolliding with rocks and dirt, and no matter how madshe was at Roy, she didn't wanna see that happen.

“Babe,I think you should just stay on the ground today,” she called back,watching as his features switched from vague annoyance to pure,unadulterated rage.

Twistingand turning his body as he tried to release himself from his poorlyattached harness, Roy glared at the pair of them as he startedmuttering under his breath. Mack didn't dare look back at Adam,though his own sniggers told her everything she needed to know abouthow he felt about thesituation.

Grindingher teeth together as she watched her absolute manchild of aboyfriend throw a hissy fit, not even Mack could control the laughterthat escaped her upon what happened next. As Roy pulled and tore atthe straps that were wrapped around his waist, his fingers fumblingover the buckles that secured him to the rope that would hold hisweight, he stomped a foot down in anger, only to lose his grip on thedirt beneath him entirely. As his feet slipped on the surface below,his entire body gave out, the rope attached to him acting as a safetynet and yanking him up into the air, where he now stared back at Mackand Adam, his foot somehow trapped and tangled in the rope as heswung above their heads, upside down, with his glasses slipping downthe bridge of his nose.

Lettingout a roar of laughter, Mack brought a hand up to cover her mouth,before burying her face on Adam's shoulder to muffle the sound. Asshe felt her best friend's body trembling beneath her, she knewwithout a shadow of a doubt that she'd be in hugetrouble with Roy once they got him back down to safety, but shecouldn't find it within herself to even care.

“Ohmy God,” shesnorted, lifting her head and meeting Adam's eye. As she looked atthe amused look on his face and tried to bite her tongue, she gave inand instantly burst into a fit of giggles, the two of them grippingonto each other for support as they laughed at her boyfriend'sexpense.

“Heso deserved that.”

Pulling his knees tight to his chestand burrowing himself into the corner of the sofa, David stared backat his girlfriend with a raised eyebrow and a sceptical look.Glancing behind him towards the kitchen, where Cassie was currentlystanding on one of the counter tops, holding a frying pan, and with alook of sheer terror on his face, he balked.

Lips parted ever so slightly as hisgaze switched back and forth between his two favourite girls, iteventually stopped on Cassie who, wide eyed and quivering at theknees, started nodding frantically at Cecily's words.

“Yes!!! Please!!!” his baby sisteryelled from the kitchen, her tone coming out in a high pitched squealof terror.

Tilting his head to the side andglaring at her with a look that he could only hope would read as'seriously, Cassie?', Davidshook his head before looking at Cecily, never once budging from hissafe spot on their couch.

“No,no. It's fine, it'stotally fine. Morethan fine, actually. I'm not even– wait, babe? Where'd it go?Where'd the– seriously,where is it?” David cut himself off, peering over his knees as hetried to catch sight of the hideous insect. Though only momentsbefore it had been crawling out from beneath the settee, now he'dcompletely lost sight of it, and he silently pondered over theprospect of just torching the entire apartment complex and being donewith it completely.

As heedged his way onto the armrest, trying to figure out the best courseof action and whether or not he could make an escape, he felt astrange tingling feeling on his arm. Squeezing his eyes shut as heassumed the worst, David let out a soft, pathetic whimper, beforeslowly opening his eyes to confirm his worst nightmare.

There,sitting on his hand, was what he could only imagine to be one ofAragog's many, evil minions, it's tiny legs making themselves at homeon his skin.

Thrustinghis hand out frantically, he began waving his arm around, whilediving off of the couch in horror, until he was certain thecreepy-crawly was no longer touching him. Shooting a glance back athis sister, who looked just about as terrified as he felt, he decidedto quite while he was ahead and say goodbye to any and all falsepretences of bravery. Pointing finger at Cassie, and then jabbing athumb towards his bedroom, he bolted out of the living room, hissister in tow, before slamming the bedroom door shut behind them.

Cassiedove onto his bed, grabbing a handful of duvet and hugging a cushionclose to her chest, as he sat with his back against the now lockedbedroom door.

Therewas silence for a brief moment, and then the slightest shift ofmovement sounded from behind the door, and he could only assume thatthe noise was either 1)Cecily behaving like a far more stable, and responsible adult thanboth he and his sister, or 2)Aragog and his army showing up to storm his apartment.

“Uh,hey, babe?” hecalled out, his ear pressed against the wooden door as he listenedout for any sign of life. “Yeah, I mean... If you wouldn't mindcatching the spider, that'd be great... Like, totally chill, and all.If you're good with that...”

What is your relationship status?

I have a boyfriend, his name is Roy, and he’s mega hot.

Where was the last place you snogged someone?

Uh, my bed?

Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

Shit, I dunno. Pipes, you out there? Did I break your heart, boo? Nah, I don’t think so... I’ve had mostly amicable break ups, I guess? You never really know about this stuff I guess, though.

Does somebody love you?

Well, I hope Roy loves me, so duh. But yeah, I mean. Kota and Bails, right? My mom, too. And Adam, duh. That asshole had better love me, ‘cause he’s sorta stuck with me. I dunno, I kinda hope someone loves me, y’know?

Would you change your name?

If I ever got married, sure.

Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?

Well, Adam’s my bestie for lifey, so I don’t have to worry about that. But if? God, I dunno. It’s Adam. Adam and I- he doesn’t see me like that.

Played any sports?

Oh, gosh! I surf, does that count? :D I love to surf, and I love the way that the ocean sprays against my skin, and I love the feeling of the wind!! I love volleyball too! But only on the beach. Any beach sports and I LOVE them, and then dancing too!!!!

Do you miss someone?

Oh golly, yes sir! I miss my mama and my pop so much, and Jett and Amber too! All my friends back home, really!!! And Rey, too! That’s Jett’s dog and I miss her the most!! But don’t tell Jett I said so. :D

Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

Oh gee, I sure hope not!

Is this year the best year of your life?

Every year is the best year of my life! I’ve made so many wonderful, super friends! I’ve been so lucky! It can only get better and better and better, I think! :D

Have you ever walked outside completely naked?

Oh, wow... Well, once, but it was really embarrassing! And it was a total dare!!! But it was snowing and and I locked myself out by accident. Never ever do that, guys! I can laugh about it now but my butt was so cold!!!!

What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?

I recorded a video for my youtube channel with Harley! It was crazy fun! :D He’s so pretty, isn’t he? My subscribers just love him, and Ella too!

Do you like someone?

Do I like someone? I mean, sure. There’s a lot of hot people out there, dude. You know who I have a giant crush on? Bea, but she’s not interested. Shit, guys. I dunno. Lots of cute people, as I said. Bea? 10/10, would bang. Riley? Absolutely. Will? Definitely. Angelica? Hell yes. Point is, yeah, I like people. I like all people. Was this supposed to be, like, some big revelation? It’s not really much of a secret when I kinda dig someone, y’know.

Do you want to have kids? How many?

Holy hell, I dunno. I’m too young for that kinda stuff, y’know. Plus, I’d probably make a terrible parent, so.

Do you have trust issues?

Oh yeah. Trust issue and I go hand in hand. It’s kinda my thing. Ask Wardo. Where most people have traditions and fun memories of going to, like, amusement parts with their family and shit? Yeah, that’s where I’m a little worried that someone’s gonna appear behind me and try and break my arm or something. It’s like Pity City in our apartment, that’s where the fun’s at, dudes.

Favourite food?

Pizza, hands down. Next.

Are you mean?

Uh, yeah? Kinda. I mean, I don’t mean to be. I can just be a bit of an asshole sometimes. I’m not, like, gonna defend that shit ‘cause it’s not okay, but. Yeah, I can be a total dick at times. I’m trying to be better and shit, though.

Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around?

Wardo. C’mon, do you even know me? Absolutely Wardo. He’s not even really a friend so much as, like, a part of me. Which is the grossest, most sentimental bullshit I’ve ever said, so. Moving on.

Do you regret anything?

Um. Hehe, a few things, for sure! I make a lot of mistakes, though? I guess one would be... eh. Just, I dunno. If you have something to tell someone, don’t wait? Yikes.

Do you hate anyone at the moment?

Not reeeealllly. Hate’s kind of a strong word. I dislike a few people, for sure, though.

Do you have piercings? How many?

Nope! Zilch.

Do you have trust issues?

Uh, no? I dunno, jeez. I guess I can kill 2 birds with one stone and say I don’t really like, or trust my dad? But heyho, what can ya do.

What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?

I studied. It sucked. Boring, boring, boring.

Would you change your name?

Hehe, maybe. I don’t really go by my full first name, Monty’s just a nickname. And don’t @ Riles because I’ll unfriend him if he tells you the truth! :D Buuut, I’d maybe change my last name. If only to piss my dad off.

Do you like someone?

Do I like someone? What does that... On the wide spectrum of things, do I like other people? Or is this like when Lola talks about liking one of the boys in her class? Because I’m not a six year old, of course. I like... enough people. I'm surrounded by enough good people that I have taken a shining to, yes. Do I have any romantic inclinations towards any of them in particular? That’s none of your business, is it?

Are you scared of spiders?

No, I’m not.

Do you want to have kids? How many?

Oh, um. I can’t say I’ve ever given it much thought? I never particularly found myself endeared towards children, not until Lola was born. And, of course, she and Rudy are the most important part of my life. I haven’t any notion of shacking up and having any of my own right now, no. But that’s not to say that I don’t adore my niece and nephew. My students, too.

Who/what was your last dream about?

Oh, no. The less said about that, the better.

Is it easier to forgive or forget?

I don’t know. I suppose that depends on the situation, doesn’t it? It’s all dependent on just how much somebody might have hurt you. I’m probably not the most forgiving person at the best of times, but I like to just move on with my life where possible.

Do you wanna get married?

God, no. Marriage hasn’t ever been on my radar and, quite frankly, I think it’s a bit of a waste of time. Now, if someone were to come along and change my mind on the matter, then perhaps. It would have to take a special sort of lady to really twist my arm on the matter.. I can’t imagine there are many people eager to take on the job, though.

Do you miss someone?

Blimey, not really, nah. I mean, I well miss my mum and dad, init. But not in that gutwrenchin’ way or nuffin’. Proper miss my gran, though. Eves an’ I used’a go ‘ound there an’ she’d ‘ave this ‘ole pack’a jaffa cakes an’ for us, an’ she’d bring us ice cream an’ everyfing. No matter what age, but she’s a bit too old to be ‘opping on planes an’ flyin’ out ‘ere, bless ‘er.

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?

Blimey, nah. I mean, I deffo know some right pricks an’ stuff an’ I dated my fare share’uv ‘em, but nah. I’m, like, well content wif my life, babes.

What is/are/were your best subject(s)?

Well, pretty much anyfing that required me gettin’ up an’ talkin’ in front’a everyone, init. Dad reckons between me an’ Eves that we could talk for Great Britain, so that’s always a plus init? But I loved Science, obvy, an’ ya couldn’t pay me to get my arse to P.E. but I actually well enjoyed drama, ya know? I ain’t got no acting chops of nuffin’ but I well enjoyed it cos we usually got to watch romantic moves in class.

How many people have you fist fought?

Blimey, I dunno. Not many, mind you. I got a right gob on me, but I ain’t one for gettin’ physical or nuffin’. I’d only really swing for ya if you really deserved it, init. Though if ya really wanna ‘ear a good story, ask Eves what Ruby Conway said to ‘er durin’ the year sevens prom. An’ then find out ‘ow cheap Ruby’s weave was cos the way it ripped outta ‘er ‘ead after she backtalked my girl, ay? Blimey, it was right bleedin’ cinematic.

Favourite weather?

Oh, I proper love a bitta sunshine, I do! Don’t see a bloody lot of it, mind.

Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around?

Oh yeah, deffo! Jaxy, for sure. But ‘e’s like family, ain’t ‘e? Uvva than Jaxy it’s gotta be Oz, init? I ain’t sayin’ ‘e’s my best friend or nuffin’ cos we know Kit’s my number one an’ all, but ‘e makes it well easy to just be relaxed an’ ‘appy ‘round ‘im, don’t ‘e? I can def be as silly as I like ‘round Ozzy. An’... I reckon, fingers crossed, Reuben too.