#Scott bicycle

[onlyhappyvibes]

[justineportraits]

Iris Scott My Thaï Sunbrella

[filmap]

The Black Phone Scott Derrickson. 2021

The Grabber’s house 2415 Shirley Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405, USA See in map

See in imdb

[richardjohns12]

Features of Specialized Road Bikes

If you see a group of riders or watch a pro race, you will find most riders using scott mtb. Specialized, a California company, is one of the biggest bike brands and has dominated the market since 1974. The brand has developed ground-breaking bikes, won countless races and created a large fanbase.

The company produces all types of bikes, from entry-level to excessive dream bikes. Its expansive catalogue covers all kinds of bikes for various terrains and uses. The ranking of the models from lowest to highest is Base, Sport, Elite, Comp, Expert, Pro and then S-Works.

How will you select a Specialized road bike with so many models? How do you decide which bike is right for you?

Know the purpose: You should be aware of what type of riding you’re planning to do on your new bike. Do you want to race? Or is it for casual daily use?

Specialized build levels

All the Specialized bike models come with different component build levels. These models vary in the element spec level and the quality of carbon used in the construction is different for carbon frames. When you look for Specialized road bike sales, you will find Base and Sport as the entry-level build and are less expensive with entry-level components. On the other hand, S-Works is Specialized’s premium offering with the lightest, high-end carbon and top-of-the-line features.

Distinct models for men and women:

Although Specialized bikes have specific models for women like the Amira, Ruby, Dolce, Era and Rhyme, nowadays, most of the features are similar and don’t deviate far from men’s fits. Sot, Specialized discontinued women’s specific models. Instead, the new models offer various sizes to suit both genders and have different men’s and women’s component builds to address particular touch points.

For instance, the road racing Tarmac bike now comes in sizes ranging from 44–61cm and is available in a Tarmac Men’s and Tarmac Women’s form. The model is race-focused and suitable for both genders but with gender-specific features like bridles and handlebars. Also, Specialized offers different crank lengths to accommodate female riders.

Aluminium vs. Carbon

Many Specialized models are available in both aluminium and carbon frames. Aluminium frames are often used for more budget-oriented models, while carbon is used for higher-end builds. A carbon frame is always lighter than an aluminium equivalent. Few materials can come close to carbon fibre’s strength-to-weight ratio. Using high-modulus carbon, developers produce carbon bikes that are very strong while being ridiculously light.

Rim vs. Disc Brakes

Most Specialized road bikes come with both rim brake and disc brake options available. Rim brakes are typically lighter, less intricate and more affordable. Disc brakes furnish more stopping power and work better in harsh conditions. However, disc brakes are more in use in most bicycles, while rim brakes are more common on entry-level options.

Road Bikes

Road bikes are the most delicate, quickest and efficient for riding on paved road surfaces. The specialized road bike is available in different strengths and each bike serves another purpose.

[coulsonlives]

This video is so wholesome

[girlnero]

i genuinely believe scott summers is the most passed around comic book character in all history. followed by peter parker and bruce wayne

[zangtumb]

Bicycles are the indicator species of a healthy community, like shellfish in a bay.

--- P. Martin Scott

[newmusickarl]

5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – Episode 7 Out Now, Episode 8 Coming Soon!

The August review episode of the 5-9 Album of the Month Podcast will be arriving shortly and as ever I will take a seat alongside 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt and Check This Out’s Kiley Larsen to review five high profile album releases from the past month in music, and ultimately name one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion.

For the upcoming August episode, the five albums we will be discussing are:

WEEDKILLER by Ashnikko

Death Is Nothing To Us by Fiddlehead

STRUGGLER by Genesis Owusu

The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons by The Hives

No Joy by Spanish Love Songs

If you want to listen to the July episode or any previous episodes simply click the link below, but also be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram and Twitter for more news and polls relating to the podcast, along with other great content like film reviews, sports articles and more.

Listen to the July 2023 episode here

Album & EP Recommendations

The Noble Art of Self Destruction by Holding Absence

Welsh post-hardcore outfit Holding Absence have been on an incredible run ever since their formation in 2015. Quickly garnering a legion of fans off the back of their epic self-titled debut and 2021’s bold, cinematic effort The Greatest Mistake of My Life, expectations were certainly high for this eagerly anticipated third outing. Simply building on what has come before rather than reinventing the wheel, The Noble Art of Self Destruction shows why Holding Absence have rapidly become one of the UK’s most heralded alt-rock bands.

Propelled by atmospheric sonic backdrops and Lucas Woodland’s passionate vocals, it’s a record simply packed wall-to-wall with the soaring anthems we’ve come to expect from Holding Absence. With each track seamlessly segueing into the next, it’s an expertly crafted rock record with highlights including recent single A Crooked Melody, heartfelt centrepiece Honey Moon and dramatic grand finale The Angel In The Marble.

Listen here

Still Love by Teenage Wrist

However, if you prefer your rock music rawer and scuzzier, then look no further than this third album from Californian duo, Teenage Wrist. Despite being around for almost 10 years, Still Love has been my first introduction to the band, leading to a thorough deep dive through their other two albums in early August. Whilst I’m not sure yet that this is their best record, I can say the pair of Anthony Salazar and Marshall Gallagher have certainly upped the scope of their sound on this latest effort.

Featuring a host of guest features from the likes of Softcult, Sister Void and Heavenward, the duo have stripped back the production and dived further into the grungier elements of their emotive sonic landscapes. It all makes for an enthralling listen, with the title track, Something Good, Cold Case and Sprawled just some of the highlights here.

Listen here

Hazeltons by Justin Vernon

When I first hit play on this project, I was pleasantly surprised with what was presented to me. It initially seemed like Vernon had finally come full circle, returning to the quiet ambient folk of his classic albums For Emma, Forever Ago and the self-titled Bon Iver record, after years of bold experimentation. However, what I soon found out was that Hazeltons is actually a project from way back in 2006, one that was originally granted a very limited release and is now being heard by the masses for the first time. So a new/old project if you will, with many Bon Iver fans only now discovering this batch of songs.

The chances are if you are a huge fan of those early Bon Iver projects, like me you’ll be blown away by this one. As Vernon’s inimitable vocals reverberate against the stripped-back acoustic arrangements, it offers moments of haunting beauty to the level few other artists can muster. Whilst early Holocene cut Hazelton offers a gift for fans and piano ballad Easy hits a hard emotional gut punch, the stunning, nearly 9-minute epic Song For a Lover (of long ago) is the undisputed star of the show.

Listen here

KEIR by Keir

From a timeless lost project to an outstanding debut now, and there were few more impressive first outings in August than this one from rising star, Keir. An artist I first discovered through Dot to Dot Nottingham several years ago off the back of his mammoth single Squeeze Me, the genre-defying singer-songwriter has only gone from strength-to-strength since then.

Now with this long-awaited debut finally out in the world, here’s hoping more people get to discover Keir’s unique ability to have you rocking out one minute then solemnly lamenting the next. This range of versatility is on full display across this impressive self-titled, from the dramatic opening crescendo of Lemonade to the seismic closing act of Shame. With the quirky, operatic Voices and heartfelt singles Time (is a healer), Say Love and Confession also standing out along the way, this is a huge pop debut that I just can’t stop spinning.

Listen here

UTOPIA by Travis Scott

Following the horrific Astroworld festival incident which saw 10 people die and hundreds more injured, rapper Travis Scott had rightfully been condemned for his crowd-antagonising antics that had played their part in causing this highly preventable tragedy. At this point I had assumed Travis’ career was over, but at the end of July he would release his fourth album and intrigue boosted by a wave of internet buzz simply got the better of me. Although UTOPIA is noticeably patchy and at times awkwardly feels like an attempt to reconnect with an audience that has rightfully left him behind, there are some fascinating moments to be found here too.

With a mountain of guest features including heavyweights like Beyoncé, Drake, Kanye West, Daft Punk, The Weeknd, SZA, James Blake, Kid Cudi, Pharrell Williams and many, many more, Travis pulls out all the stops here. With exquisite production and more than a few moments that channel Ye’s 2013 classic Yeezus, Travis doesn’t shy away on songs such as HYAENA, MODERN JAM and CIRCUS MAXIMUS. However, the album’s highlight for me is MY EYES, which is the rare moment in which Travis does openly address the Astroworld tragedy, with the song further elevated thanks to a couple of extraordinary features from both Justin Vernon and Sampha.

Listen here

Modern Day EP by Bloxx

And finally on the EPs front this month, London-based indie quartet Bloxx made their welcome return with their first new EP since 2021’s Pop Culture Radio. Much like their output till now, it is a collection of five songs that showcases the band’s talent for writing catchy hooks and memorable riffs, with the opening trio of Modern Day, Television Promises and Runaway particularly great.

Listen here

Also worth checking out: Sundial by Noname, Ooh Rap I Ya by George Clanton, Learning How To Live & Let Go by The Xcerts, Volcano by Jungle, Austin by Post Malone

Tracks of the Week

The Notion by Spector

A band that continue to do no wrong, 10s indie icons Spector recently released new single The Notion alongside a string of UK tour dates, possibly hinting that album No.4 is on the way. As ever it is Fred Macpherson’s poetically written lyrics that are the star of the show, with the poignant refrain of “There will be good days, but maybe not always” leaving a lasting impression. Also worth sticking around for a soaring guest guitar solo from friend of the band, Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes.

Listen here

Space Invader / Alphabet City by The National

The National’s ninth studio album First Two Pages of Frankenstein may remain one of this year’s biggest disappointments, but thankfully the band have shown signs of recovery with a pair of intriguing standalone singles. Alphabet City boasts some tender orchestration whilst Space Invader is for my money the best song the band have put out this year, a 7-minute tour de force led by some truly stirring instrumental passages.

Listen to Space Invader here

Deep In The Night by Future Islands

From the moment those opening synths chime in, it’s impossible not to get swept away by this dreamy new cut from Baltimore outfit Future Islands. Their last album, As Long As You Are, was one of my favourites of theirs to date and this latest single already has me anticipating their next record. Beautifully steeped in sentiment and carrying a natural timelessness, it’s an instant favourite in their catalogue for me.

Listen here

Punk’s Dead by SOFT PLAY

Five years since their last LP and one name change later, SOFT PLAY (formely known as SLAVES) finally returned this month and boy did they return in emphatic fashion. Propelled by surging riffs and frontman Isaac Holman’s anger-fuelled vocals taking aim at “PC babies”, the most pleasantly surprising moment comes when Robbie Williams turns up for a melodic cameo during the final bridge. Best experienced with this wonderfully OTT video!

Watch it here

Are You Awake? By Lauren Mayberry

Swapping pulsating electronics for a stripped-back piano ballad, CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry recently released this stunning debut solo single. Subtly constructed yet still packing a powerful punch, it’s a noticeable direction change from her day job and an intriguing taster for her forthcoming first solo record.

Listen here

I Want To Be Your Only Pet by Bombay Bicycle Club

Due for release in October, the sixth album from Bombay Bicycle Club continues to be one of my most anticipated records for the final part of the year. This latest single has only heightened expectations further, thanks to some hypnotic vocal harmonies and some seriously addictive buzzy guitar riffs.

Listen here

Fire of Mercy by Hot Chip & yuné pinku

And finally this week, Electronic legends Hot Chip have recently teamed up with Malaysian-Irish producer yuné pinku for this blissful end of summer anthem. Typically excellent from Hot Chip, it’s a heartwarming track based on William Blake’s Songs of Experience.

Listen here

Also worth checking out: Ozone Scraper by DJ Shadow, iBD by Mac Wetha, Feels So Good by Haiku Hands, S’old by Taking Back Sunday, Headlights On by Wild Nothing featuring Hatchie

REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2023 tracks through my Best of 2023 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.

Add the playlist to your library here

[kaelula-sungwis]

He Rides in Fog by TJ Scott

[gatorbites-imagines]

Kinktober day 8

Scott Summers + cock cage or other bondage

Do you guys ever wonder what I listen too when I write smut? Lately it’s been system of a down, who’d have thought. This is also the same reader as in this post, cuz I’ve grown attached to him. Also, the fact that he’s as much of a bicycle as Wolverine is funny to me. think of this as a part 2 for that, at least in spirit.

Kinktober 2024 masterlist

Becoming more with Scott honestly didn’t change much with your dynamic. You two were still best friends, the best of bros, as some of the younger mutants liked to say. You two just kissed and were grossly flirty, enough for some of the younger x-men to start gagging loudly whenever you two got too affectionate.

Scott was worse with you than he was with Jean. With Jean there was still some professionalism or privacy when others were around. You had a tendency to grab Scott’s doors and just throw them right off the hinges, so it was no surprise to see you two leaning up against each other and mumbling flirty things back and forth.

That didn’t mean every part of your relationship was public. The mutants able to see through things understood people’s privacy, so the only person you had an inkling who knew what was going on was Logan. And that was only because you two had done it together before. You had not shared that fact with Scott, even though you loved when he got jealous.

But for the most part, nobody realized that Scott had started wearing thin bondage rope or ribbon under his everyday clothes. It was a tad harder to hide under his hero suit, so you guys just stuck to the cage when it came down to that, since you both wore cups during that time anyways.

It hadn’t even been your idea at first. You had maybe planted a few seeds, by mentioning that you knew how to do shibari and bondage, and Scott had stumbled upon your own cage that he hadn’t used in years but still kept around. Warren had some fantasies, alright? And who were you to judge, when he let you run your hands through his feathers when you’d fuck him from behind.

It had taken Scott quite a while to mention how much he actually liked the idea of bondage, shibari or other kinds of being locked up, but by god were you interested in helping him explore that. You two started out light, just tying some ropes around his body to get him used too it. It was hard to be completely immobile when you guys had lives like you did, what if something happened and you needed to suit up as quickly as possible?

But over time, Scott got used to it and wanted more. The moment he mentioned you locking his cock up and wearing the key you almost passed out, so much blood rushing to your second head you almost fell over. Scott knew he didn’t even have to wait for a reply from the way the lightbulb in the lamp started flickering, sparks of electricity popping between your teeth.

The first many times were only in the bedroom, with Scott whining and writhing on the sheets, or humping the mattress or whatever pillow he could find as he just couldn’t get hard, couldn’t get off how he wanted. Instead, all he could do was leak like a broken faucet as you flicked small safe amounts of electricity against his back and shoulders.

Over time Scott got more comfortable, and as someone who had for lack of a better word “been around the block” you let him come to you at his own pace. You knew what you liked, having tried out many things, so now you wanted to help Scott find his. Him asking you to tie him up for everyday use did have you lightheaded again, the bedside lamp actually popping this time, much to your lovers grumbling.

Using the thick sturdy ropes, you used in the bedroom wasn’t the best choice for everyday use, since it would be visible through his polos and jean, so you two settled on a nice sturdy ribbon in your favourite colour. And just to make Scott flush every time he had to go to the bathroom, you tied a nice bow around his caged cock, just because you could.

Scott didn’t last a full day the first time you did it, or the next, or the one after that, but you also knew it was a process and you were more than happy to give him his aftercare and praise. Soon enough though, Scott could go about his natural duties as the leader of the x-men, even with a nice stainless-steel cage wrapped around him, and a rougher but still easy to hide material wrapped around the rest of his body.

Your favourite part though, was still when the day was over, when you two got to cuddle up in bed. Or the times where Scott barely got into your shared room, before his knees buckled under him and he would crawl towards you, wanting so much that he could barely form words. Of course, you had trained him better, so you never did anything without his asking.

On days like this you got him tied up nicely, you had even brought up the idea of kink tape a few times, just to see him twitch and writhe in want. You didn’t feel daring enough to bring up those videos you’d seen of men completely taped up or hanging from the ceiling, not yet at least. You did have a gut feeling that Scott was watching the same stuff though, having seen his attention linger longer on thumbnails to those videos than others, when you two got off together.

It became quite common for you to not get off, at least when Scott got like this. Just seeing how much of a mess he turned into was satisfying enough, and after you had completely wrung him dry you were more focused on his aftercare. You two had both become experts on what to do and check for after having scenes together, since Scott was more turned on by being electrocuted than you had imagined he would be.

The only reason you even did it was because of how ingrained electricity was in your body, and how much expertise you had with it, if it had been dangerous then you would have rather died. Seeing Scott in nothing but his shiny steel cage and ropes did have you feeling less collected than you were used too, leaving you with the feeling that he was doing it on purpose sometimes.

Though, your all-time favourite had to be when Scott was nice and tied up, so you could tongue at his torso and cage as much as you wanted, letting small snaps of electricity strike from your tongue against his pecs, or his cock. It was never enough to hurt, but just enough for Scott to give a jump and needy howl, wail, or whimper, depending on where he was at mentally.

The aftercare was as satisfying too, Scott cuddling up against your chest as you rubbed him down, small disapproving whimpers leaving him when you slide his cage off. You always have to shush him, clarifying that you’ll put it back on, after making sure everything was okay. Scott always pouted a little, but cuddled back against you like the good boy he was. And thankfully you’d gotten smart enough to stock up on lightbulbs, and get him so fucked out he forgot you’d broken the last ones.

[sototallynormaliswear]

Stiles' favorite Christmas tradition is shaking the presents. he can successfully guess what it is 70% of the time, but each present takes roughly 30 minutes before he opens it.

Scott's favorite tradition is making cookies with his family but he can't be unsupervised. once he made brownies so thick they had to be cut with a handsaw. no one knows how it happened.

Derek's favorite tradition used to be sitting by the fire, watching his dad knit some truly ugly sweaters (technically this would take most of the year but his dad got FRANTIC in December) Now though, it's wrapping each gift as a different gift (ie wrapping a watch as a bicycle) and watching stiles go insane about it. Despite his Christmas baby status, Derek never enjoys celebrating his birthday, so everyone makes sure to make it EXTRA embarrassing.

Melissa's tradition is setting up decorations. she doesn't always get Christmas off of work, so she'll try to make it magical without her there. I feel she also has a particular fondness for dumb ornaments, like the Christmas Pickle.

The Sheriff's tradition is teaching a skill to his kids, where they will ask on Christmas day what they want to learn and he does his best to teach them. when Stiles was younger this was things like how to shoot a gun or hang like a bat or (after she'd been diagnosed) how to make Mom happy. Now it's how to get out of handcuffs, how to bandage yourself properly, how to clear someone's (Derek's) name. this year he's also a crash course on how to make a good plan (technically Scott's but he ropes them all into it) and how to knit (Derek's)

Eli's favorite tradition as a tiny little baby is trying to EAT the wrapping paper. this is not a popular tradition.

[half-an-hour-hence]

Some random Scott Summers headcanons

- Scott’s thumbs are double jointed. A lot of the younger students find this fascinating.

- He’s a romance movie geek. He’s got a stack of cheesy romcoms in his room that he’ll happily watch with Jean after a hard day’s training. But he tends to get a little too absorbed in the plot - sometimes even getting a little emotional (like he was SOBBING during Kat’s poem in 10 Things I Hate About You)

- Although showers are more convenient, Scott loves a good bubble bath.

- He makes absolutely stellar pancakes.

- Has an impeccable memory. Like if you asked him to remind you about something in four hours, he’d come and find you exactly four hours later. He’ll also remember pretty much every interaction he’s ever had with any of the team members, which also makes him a little petty when it comes to grudge holding.

- Loves cycling, and owns one of those professional bicycles that cost thousands of dollars.

- When he’s REALLY angry, Scott’ll go into the Danger Room and run simulations to let off steam until he physically can’t anymore. On more than one occasion, he’s been taken to the infirmary because of how severely he’s overexerted himself, and Hank’s confined him there for several days just to be sure he won’t go back to the Danger Room straight away.

- Scott loves the beach, despite how badly he gets sunburnt. He’ll be making elaborate sandcastles for three straight hours and then he’ll go looking for quirky shells to decorate them.

- His favourite season is spring.

- He refuses to download any kind of streaming platform on his phone for his music. Scott still collects CD’s, and 80’s music holds a special place in his heart.

[icyg4l]

PAC: What Can You Do to Pass Your Finals?

Hello beautiful people! It is about that time of the year again where us students are struggling to meet deadlines & have to study for the dreadful finals. Well, I’m here to give you all some tips on how to pass your final exams this season. I will be using my True Heart tarot deck for this reading per usual. If you resonate with this reading enough to want to book with me, please read my guidelines and dm me for a reading! Without further ado, please select your academic weapon!

Left-to-Right: Pile 1-3 (Elle Woods, Dionne Davenport, Jade the Brat)

Pile 1: I feel like this pile really needs to consider having a study buddy. That would help you tremendously. Doing things like going back and forth to repeat formulas, coming up with sufficient answers for mock trials and practicing for a foreign oral exam with another person can be some of the things that you do. Study dates are absolutely necessary. I feel like you also need to change the scenery. Go somewhere that you’ve never been before, particularly near a body of water. And another thing that you can do to help you achieve academic success is chewing gum while you study. It’s scientifically proven that chewing gum can improve your memory & can boost your test scores (only if you put the effort in though beforehand lmao).

Cards Used: Death, 7 of Cups, Princess of Cups, Knight of Cups.

extras: being by the water. trees. hair twirler. fidget spinner.

Pile Two: I think the best thing that you can do is ask for assistance directly from the source. I feel like this is specifically for those who are struggling in their math or science classes. I get the feeling that you don’t want to take this class ever again. So, you need to get situated and fast. I feel like this pile may be going through a separation/breakup from their partner. It may be affecting your ability to focus on school. But it is best that you not only seek academic guidance from the source, explain your situation to them so that they can understand what you’re going through. They may direct you to some mental help. I feel like another thing that you could do is practice grounding exercises. Surround yourself in nature. Go bicycling or hiking. Go to a conservatory. Lastly, another thing you could do is go for a swim. I feel like you need to get moving. You need to get physical before/while you’re getting ready to study.

Cards Used: 7 of Cups, 9 of Discs, 2 of Cups, Judgment, Queen of Cups, 5 of Cups, Page of Cups.

extras: pull ups. heartburn. feeling helpless. “unusual.”

Pile Three: This pile feels very extreme. It’s a crucial moment in your academic career that could either make or break you, it seems. I think that this finals season determines whether or not you will have to go to summer school or whether you will get into that school. Maybe even going to the next grade or having to retake that particular class. So, you have to buckle in. I am seeing someone crack their knuckles and stretch out their neck. I don’t get the feeling that this is a traditional final. It could be a project or a paper that’s graded harshly. It could also be a collaboration. Whatever it is, I feel like your mother figure could help you a lot with this. She knows more about this subject than you think. Allow her to help. Another thing that can help you is reaching out to people who have done the same project as you in previous years or the semester prior. And lastly, take really good notes from people who are well-versed in this subject. They will come in handy & you won’t regret that you did it.

Cards Used: The Tower, 10 of Discs, The Lovers, The Moon, The Empress.

extras: “it’s gametime.” “appealing.” sweaty hands. marnie. beats headphones. deep breath in & out.

[soulmvtes]

the past few months have felt so *ringing of bicycle bell of scott street by phoebe bridgers*

[joelswritingmistress]

Camp Crystal Lake: Chapter 11

Requested by @yellowjacketsbuzzbuzz

Joel Miller x f!reader (romance/horror)

Setting: Camp Crystal Lake

The reader is taking on the position of a camp counselor at the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. While she begins to enjoy her summer, even crushing on the camp director Joel, a killer lurks in the woods unbeknownst to anyone.

I couldn't remain in the cabin with all the commotion going on outside. I already heard Joel addressing the situation as I got myself together and hurried out the door, reaching for a paint brush as a prop for good measure.

Ralph stood there in the same clothes I'd seen him in the other day, gripping the rusted handles of his bicycle as he glared at Joel.

“I told the others!” The old man said, “They didn't believe me. Don't you care about your people here?” Ralph’s glare doubled down, “You're doomed! You're all doomed!”

“You can't keep doing this,” Joel said to him. “I'm going to have to call the sheriff the next time-”

“There won't be a next time!” He motioned with a crooked, boney finger. “Not if you stay!”

“Alright.” Joel removed the cell phone from his pocket and began to dial, though Ralph quickly hopped on his bike and struggled to take off into the woods - again.

“What's with this guy?” I grumbled, looking at Joel first and then to Sandra who leaned an arm on Jeff’s shoulder.

“He's a real prophet of doom,” Jeff said, smirking as he shook his head.

“And the cops hauled us in.” Sandra rolled her eyes. “But not that creep.”

“I'll call up the local department and let them know he's been hanging around,” Joel assured all of us. He wiggled his iPhone and nodded, “Let's get back to work.”

My eyes met Joel's and we shared a subtle smile before returning to the cabin. When I went to dive back in, his lips met mine but he pulled back and rested his hands on my waist. A lazy grin lingered on his face.

“Why don't we agree to meet back here after dinner tonight?” Joel suggested, “We can have a little privacy. I should probably be keeping a closer eye on things, anyway.”

“That's fair.” I nodded closed my eyes when he pressed his lips against mine again. I giggled when he playfully kissed down my neck and then back to my lips.

“I'm giving people one last night on the town, so maybe we can have a few drinks, I'll come back and make my rounds and then we could agree to ten o'clock?”

“I'll be here at 9:45.”

Joel chuckled and pecked my lips again. “Alright. I'm going to chase down Ralph and call it in, then I'll be back to help you paint.”

When three o'clock rolled around I felt the muscles aching in my sunburned arms. “No wonder Mr. Myagi had the Karate Kid painting all the time,” I said when I met up with Sandra down by the lake. We both stripped off our t-shirts, sporting bathing suits beneath them. “That was an arm workout.”

Sandra tossed her shirt and did some arm circles, shrugging her shoulders each time she did. “You're telling me. I'm wiped out.” She hurried onto the dock ahead of me and began a tiptoed jog down the length of it before diving into the cool water.

I trailed my new friend, following her lead as I, too, didn't waste time jumping into the lake. Mine was more of a pencil dive.

“I'm joining you!” I heard Teri call out when I resurfaced. She ditched her shorts and tank top on the beach sand to reveal her tye-dye bikini and came sprinting down the dock. Her petite body managed a giant cannon ball, causing Sandra and I to laugh when water splashed over us.

“Perfect 10!” Sandra shouted.

The boys joined in soon after, leaving Vicki and Mark at the edge of the lake where she doused his broad shoulders with lake water. He didn't seem to mind as their flirtation continued.

My heart ached for Joel, even though I was having plenty of fun splashing around in the water with everyone. When he finally appeared through the trees, a heat rose in my chest.

“Coming in?” Scott asked when Joel made his way down the dock.

“Not right now.” Joel grinned and put his hands on his hips.

“Forget your Speedo?” Ted asked.

“I have my pink one on under these,” Joel teased back, toying with the fabric on his cargo shorts. I giggled along with the rest of them.

“No, I'm actually here to let you know that if you'd like one more night on the town, tonight's the night; at least until mid summer when we have a week break to prepare for the second session.”

“A night out, I'm in!” Sandra said right away.

Jeff slicked back his hair, “I'm in, too. What kind of nightlife does this town have?”

“A couple dive bars,” I told him with a laugh.

“There is that place on the water on the opposite side of the lake.”

“The Casino Bar?” I asked.

“You have a casino here?” Sandra asked.

“Not quite,” I said with a laugh, “That's just the name of it.”

“It's a semi dive,” Joel said with a laugh. “Good views though.”

“I'm in,” Sandra repeated.

Teri scrunched her nose, “As much as I might regret it, I'm exhausted. I think I'm going to stay back and get to bed early.”

Scott pretended to yawn, “I'm sorta tired myself.” He smiled at the still-uninterested Teri, “Think I'll stick around, too.”

“I'm going,” Ted raised his hand.

“You driving?” Joel joked.

“Ehhhh…” He made a face.

“Mark?” Vicki turned to him and smiled, “Do you want to go?”

He made a face. “Nothing spoils a party faster than a drunk in a wheelchair.”

“That's crap.” She shook her head, “I'll take care of you. We can go together.”

“I think I'd rather stay in.”

She wore a little grin, “Would you mind my company?”

Mark smiled back. “I wouldn't mind at all.”

“(Y/N)?” Joel looked right at me.

“Yeah, sounds like fun.”

“Okay, then it's settled.”

Ted cleared his throat, “I think our wanderers should drive us.” He motioned to Jeff and Sandra, “They caused the uproar over here with the cops, and-”

Jeff swam a few feet over and dunked him under the water. When Ted came back up for air he never opened his eyes but continued trying to make his point about Jeff driving. Jeff dunked him again.

I couldn't help but laugh. This group felt like they were my people. I had only been around them for a short time but we all seemed to click.

“What time, boss?” Jeff asked, finally letting go of Ted.

“You want to leave here around seven?”

“Early bird special,” Ted continued to tease him, “The old man gets tired around nine.”

“Seven is fine!” Sandra shouted over him.

“Don't make me change my mind,” Joel shot back with a lopsided grin, pointing at Ted.

“Teddy!” Sandra shouted and Jeff dunked him again.

I looked up at Joel and he gave a wink, mouthing the words, “Ten o'clock,” and holding up all ten fingers.

I smirked and nodded before he bid everyone a temporary farewell and headed back through the trees towards the main cabin.

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

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[gumnut-logic]

It was morning. The birds were making their dawn ruckus, one that usually irritated a pillow onto his head as the sun peeked over the horizon. Today was different, though.

The grass was wet with dew and his boots shone as he stepped through it. The sun cast ever so long shadows through the crisp air, streaking the paddocks with stripes.

A cow moaned in the distance.

Behind him the Tracy homestead rose out its protective windbreaks, the two storey farmhouse old, but well kept. None of its inhabitants were asleep. The noise had been loud and one of the reasons he had skedaddled out into the fields.

For a moment of quiet.

But it wasn’t what he found.

Because it was too quiet.

The birds still sang. Insects still rose and buzzed about. But gone were the familiar sounds of the functioning farm. The chickens had been passed onto a neighbour. Polly the trash disposal pig had retired similarly and the horses…

He didn’t want to think about the horses.

But it was all for a positive reason. All for a future of doing what was right, for the lives they could save.

But a small part of him longed for home.

Because this was home.

How many times had he curled up under that tree with a sketchbook?

The table outside the barn had seen his first engineering triumph in the form of a reassembled and much improved bicycle.

And Mom.

Mom was here.

Her ghost could almost be seen moving about, laughing, loving.

He closed his eyes.

A hand landed on his shoulder. “It’s not easy, is it?” Scott’s voice was soft and full of understanding.

Virgil pressed his lips together and shook his head.

“We’ll take it all with us. It will be a new home.”

Virgil nodded.

Scott sighed and his arm slipped around Virgil’s shoulders pulling him in tight. “Hey, I hear you managed to get the soundproofing into the villa. No more waking up with the birds.”

A sideways glance in his big brother’s direction. “Define the word ‘bird’.”

A cackle and that arm got even tighter. But again, quiet. “You know she will always be with us, that she would love what we are doing in her name.”

“Yeah, I know. We’re doing it for mom.”

A cranky bird flew overhead and squawked at them.

A breeze washed over the grass.

It was going to be so different. Amazing, fascinating, exciting, but so, so different.

Gordon was suddenly heard yelling Alan’s name. His voice carried through the trees and vibrated blades of grass.

Scott sighed. “C’mon, bro, we have littler bros to herd.”

A grunt and Virgil turned to face his brother. “Yeah.”

Blue eyes fixed him where he stood as both hands landed on his shoulders. “She will always be with us.” Azure punctuation sunk into his bones.

Another bird squawked in agreement.

Ever so quiet. “Yeah, she will.”

-o-o-o-