Island Rush Read Free Page A

there will be either a teacher or chaperone to keep everything organized and in check.” As he explained, I looked him over with annoyed eyes. He stood straight and never faltered. I caught him looking at me more than usual as he addressed the class. “You will be assigned randomly into these groups. Now, that group is responsible for choosing ahead of time what they want to do with the time they are given to explore different attractions. What is not an option is straying from the group.  Curfew remains the same.  Also, don’t bother trying to sneak alcohol because you will often be checked and be supervised at all times.”
    He walked slowly down the rows of our desks, expressing with his hands as he continued to speak. “Some of the places you must attend. As you know, we will all collectively go to different attractions.  Every night, there is an optional dinner with the entire junior class.  So remember to bring formal clothing as well.  Also, when you are escorted back to your rooms, according to the hotel, there are no TVs.  It helps because you will be expected to get enough rest for how early you are to be up the next day.” He made it to the front of the room again and turned to face us.  “In a few days, there will be a brief assembly going over specifics about everything else.  For now, though, any questions?”
    A girl from across the room raised her hand. “Will we be allowed to take our cameras?”
    He nodded. “Yes. However, Mr. Howard put me in charge of the yearbook photos. So you don’t have to bring a camera if you would be satisfied with the ones in the yearbook.”
    I wanted to laugh because it was plain on his face just how ‘enthusiastic’ he was about the principal putting him on picture duty. He really did not look excited with how blank and dull his expression was.   
    We got into the lesson plan after we were done talking about the trip. Which meant discussing the book that he assigned us to read for class.  It was a boring hour, like usual.  When the bell rang, I grabbed my books, heading towards the door. Before I could leave for my math class, Mr. Rush’s voice rang through the air. “May I have a word with you, Janice?”
    I turned to him and smirked. “Your eyes just can’t get enough of me, Mr. Rush?”
    A few chuckles came but were soon gone as the door shut and we were alone. My comment didn’t affect him as he shook his head in disappointment.  A second later, though, a few students came in and took their seats as his next class, along with mine, was about to start.
    “Actually, do you think you can come by after school? It’s rather important.”
    I was about to say, ‘even more alone time with you,’ but stopped.  His eyes turned so serious, I had to look away. I simply nodded and left for my next class.
    When the final bell rang, ending the school day, I made my way to his room.  I couldn’t stop wondering what it was he wanted to talk about. 
    By the time I was standing outside his door, he was already there and opened it for me, allowing me into his quiet room.  I felt the tension in the air between us instantly.
    The man sighed and ended up grabbing an extra chair to drag behind his desk. I stared, knowing what he wanted was for me to sit.  Instead, I just stood there and waited.  I was enjoying this rare occurrence of him out of his comfortable state. He made his way to his own chair behind his desk and sat, looking up towards me by the door.  “Would you please sit down?”
    I smirked and made my way to his desk and sat in the chair he pulled up for me.  Turning his chair so we were now facing each other, he looked hesitant to say anything. So I was the first to speak.
    “You know, you have really been creeping me out lately, and I need to be somewhere soon,” I said at his constant silence.
    “I know,” he whispered as he leaned forward, searching my eyes. “Your job. You’re asking for a raise today.”
    It wasn’t a question.