Worlds Apart

As the truck wove its way up the mountain, she heard a few whimpers and mutterings and she knew that it was the lack of view that added to the nerves. They all knew how close to the edge of the quarry the track ran, and they were taking blind faith that Glen knew what he was doing. After five years, Roxie knew that he did, but for first time visitors the experience was un-nerving. All part of the company drive to heighten the anticipation. Jerking the team in their seats the truck stopped. “Here we go.” Glen stuck his head through from the cabin. “Everybody out.” With a chorus of clicks, the team freed themselves from the constraints of their seatbelts. Standing, Roxie followed them out of the back of the truck, where Glen stood offering a helping hand as they jumped to the floor. “That was a hideous… ooo!” “Wow.” “Oh my!” Roxie smiled as she listened to the ripples of appreciation sweep through the team. She knew exactly what had so impressed them. Standing near the top of the mountain, the jump platform provided stunning views over Snowdonia. Behind them, the mountain formed a comforting, solid mass of rock. Peaks and valleys dominated the landscape, drawing the gaze from the ground to the sky in one instant. Sunlight gilded the jagged crags and ridges, glimpses of white hiding in shadows, a lingering reminder of the snow cladding that winter provided each year. The greenery of the fields and forests stretched up the mountain sides, straining to reach the summit, but always falling short, over come by the mass of grey blue slate that cascaded from the sky. Before them, the mountain disappeared, dropping into the void of the quarry. The quarry appeared a dark hole in the sunlit landscape. Roxie left the lorry, the engine purring as it cooled. Standing by the edge, she closed her eyes enjoying the gentle skim of cool air on her cheeks, as she listened to the melodic song of the larks and the gentle murmur of the team behind her. “So, who’s going first?” Glenn asked, his deep voice cutting through her reverie. She turned, and noted the team had gathered by the start of the zip wire. Aware that she had missed Glen’s instruction, she flashed him an apologetic smile. The team exchanged glances, staring down the wire and amongst each other, shifting as they had to face the final step. “Tell you what. As your boss thinks she’s such an expert she can miss my instructions, she can show you how it’s done?” Glen suggested. “And who’ll miss the boss, really?!” Roxie chuckled and stepped up to the harness. “Alright. Unless anyone else…” The team shook their head, looking anxiously on as she was fastened in. She grinned, waving at them before holding her arms by her side as she was lowered onto her front. As Glen clicked the final connections in place, her gaze followed the zip wire. Staring out into the open sky. “Ready?” Glen bellowed. “Ready!” She returned. Air rushed past her as she lurched out into the void. Heart hammering, she flew over the quarry. The whirr of the wire and the whoosh of air filled her head. She laughed. The presence of the mountain disappeared behind her. Over sailing the lake, she followed her own reflection slicing across the water. A black blur against the still blue. Pulse racing; she traced the line of the road. She sailed over the speckled chipping mountains and gazed down on the waving foliage of trees that found a sheltered spot in the embrace of the slate. Watching the land approach, she fought to control herself. The thrill of the flight was nothing to the sense of power she had from controlling her basic instincts. As the wire climbed, she felt herself slowing. The air skimming her cheeks softened. She began to hear more sounds above the thundering air. A bird was singing in the trees as she flew above it. Metal jangled as her harness was caught and she jolted to a halt. Breathing hard, she laughed up at Drake, who grinned down at her. “You’ve done it again.” He shook his head and reached for her fastenings. “I don’t know how you do it. You’re the only one I know who can resist.” “With age comes control.” She chuckled. Pulling herself to her feet. “Who’s behind me?” Turning, she watched another body come speeding towards her. “Wohoo!” Mike yelled as he eased to a stop. “That was awesome!” “I know, right?!” Roxie waited for Drake to release Mike from his harness before offering him a hand, pulling him upright. “Such a great idea this.” *** “So, its just Sophie to come?” Roxie turned, puzzled as Simon stabilised himself on his feet before joining the rest of the team who were still buzzing at the quarry edge. “Yeah. She kept putting it off… I wonder if she’ll go back with…” “Here comes Sophie!” Chloe squealed, pointing. “Come on Soph!” Roxie turned, watching with the rest of the group as the black dart that was Sophie zipped towards them. Two cracks sliced through the air. Sophie’s scream echoed round the quarry. “Oh my God! Sophie’s falling!” Chloe cried. “My God, they were shots!” Roxie didn’t hesitate. Setting off at a run, she headed for the unfenced quarry edge. Focused on Sophie, she barely registered the shouts from behind her. As her foot felt the edge of the metal platform, she launched herself forward.