THE MOUNTAIN

THE MOUNTAIN   By Tessa Harvey     The young girl closed her eyes remembering clearly how she had wiped Steven's water bottle with a rumpled tissue, then caught him watching. "Boy germs," she remarked, laughing. Later, when he had a quick gulp, she saw as he surreptitiously wiped the top with his sleeve. When he glanced up, she had been trying to stifle a giggle!     She thought then they had become friends. Please don't go, she thought. Opening her eyes, Peggy saw the blokes had formed a rough circle around her. Most unnerving was their silence. Taunts would have been easier to handle and possibly share a laugh. She felt like prey.     Steven had actually taken her phone, one of his nefarious skills. Quickly he dialed her uncle. Then sent a text. From his pocket he pulled out a bag of strong elastic. He searched for a stout cleft stick. Finally he filled his pockets with the gnarliest pebbles he could find and using all his woodcraft, retraced his ste...

THE MOUNTAIN  By Tessa Harvey     Puffing and panting, the young people pulled themselves up the last few feet of boulders to crest the summit. It was a wonderful feeling to stand so high above the world and the view of valleys, streams, villages, and sea and city in the remote distance was indeed stupendous. Steven took photos of the view, watching as Peggy texted intently. "Family?" he queried.     "My uncle is a police inspector," she answered, pausing. "He is going to check out the young men at the carpark. At least I hope he is." She sank down, tired.     "I didn't want to text near those men and provoke them. Then after that I could not get a signal until now."     She leaned back, happy in the warm sun. The sky was a brilliant blue. "Best be going soon." Steven broke the silence after a while.     "Have you any spare water?" asked Peggy, glaring at him. Gratefully, she gulped some down after Steven proffered the fla...

THE MOUNTAIN   By Tessa Harvey     But Steven noticed she hadn't answered his question. "Shall we keep climbing?" Peggy asked instead. "Best wait." Steven tried for politeness. "Let's have a break and some food and drink. Maybe this cloud stuff will clear."     They shared supplies. "This ginger cake is marvellous," commented Steven, munching appreciatively.     "This water is refreshing," responded Peggy, gathering up discarded wrappers, folding them in her bag. "We have to go or we lose our cars," she added.     "What!" Steven was startled and angry. He stood up too quickly and swayed slightly, disoriented by the still-thick mist. He was aware of his companion reaching a steadying hand towards him.     "Let's go." Steven rallied. And that moment a cool wind freshened. The fog began to dissipate. Within minutes visibility was rapidly returning. The hearts of the young people lifted. This was do...

THE MOUNTAIN  By Tessa Harvey     Cresting a very steep rise, the young man decided to look around and have a breather. Far away he could hear the liquid bubbling cry of a curlew and nearer, the harsher call of a buzzard. The sun beat down, well past noon. A niggle of unease gripped hm. Why was it so quiet? When he was younger, there had been many people laughing and playing in the snow. Obviously the snow sparkling and beautiful calling out "fun!" was a great attraction, but even then he remembered hikers trekking past, intent on higher goals and higher ground.     He closed his eyes for a few moments and felt a warm damp breath on his face. He was transported back to childhood, his mum leaning down to brush a butterfly kiss over his smooth cheek. Opening his eyes, Steven panicked. He couldn't see!     "No!" he shouted, disoriented. There was an answering call. "Hey!" a voice yelled. Embarrassment at having been caught out panicking, Steven did not an...

THE MOUNTAIN  By Tessa Harvey     Scrambling down, zig-zagging, he reached the side of the pool. He had only been travelling half an hour or so, but decided to stop for a while. The car journey had been long and arduous, almost grueling. He had left angry. His head hurt.     Opening his rucksack, Steven rummaged around for some sandwiches and water. He drained one of his water-bottles and decided to re-fill it at the side of the pool. He flicked some water over his face, licking his lips. It tasted cool and delicious.     The sun beat down, so he moved further into the shade of the trees, mostly rowan and ash. Leaning on a very low branch, he must have startled a duck hidden by the bank. It flew out. Relaxing, he paused, listening to the flap of its feathers. It made no other sound. Must be a nest, he thought, but did not search for it.     He was just collecting his gear, when he heard the snarl of voices.     "Don't see why we hav...

THE MOUNTAIN   By Tessa Harvey     Gingerly, Steven eased out of his car and stretched, relieving tired muscles. He gazed up at the towering heights of the mountain as it soared, touching the clouds.     He closed his eyes, dreamily. At last, he thought. He became aware of leaves crunching and looked around. Half a dozen sharp looking young men were approaching. Puzzled, he stood his ground. ""G'day," he said, cheerily as they approached.     One stepped forward, the rest held back, waiting.     "You have to climb?" asked the man. He was dark and well-built and carried an air of menace.     "I am," Steven answered, still puzzled - and becoming very annoyed.     "We   have a safe carpark just over there," the man indicated with a dirty thumb. "Saves a heap of hassle," he added. "seems there has been some damage to cars round here lately - odd deep scratches. One even burnt."      He paused, sizing up th...