Page 72 of Chasing Sunrise

As they entered the school and walked through the halls, the boys and Quinn spoke about plans for summer break. Amanda focused on gathering her courage. When they made it inside her office, she closed the door. “Please sit.”

The boys sat in the chairs facing her desk, and Quinn behind it.

Let my words reach them.“I saw you boys while you sat in your car.”

They guiltily glanced at each other.

Billy sat forward. “We didn’t drink until we got to the school.”

“I wouldn’t have had a buzz when I drove home,” Drake defended.

“I didn’t ask. I don’t want to discuss what I saw. I’d merely like to tell you something personal about myself.” Although she considered Quinn her best friend in town, Amanda hadn’t shared the story about her parents with her. But telling Kasey about the accident freed something inside of her. Plus, she didn’t want something awful to happen to these two boys.

“When I was eighteen, my parents were in a head-on collision and instantly died. The driver of the other car was in a coma for two weeks.”

Stunned silence.

“The accident was my father’s fault. He’d been drinking.”

Quinn inhaled an audible breath.

Drake and Billy stared at Amanda.

She swallowed past the burning in her throat. “It didn’t need to happen. They could’ve called a cab or a friend.”

No one moved.

“You boys are just starting out in life. I’d hate for anything to derail your future. Please don’t let that happen.”

The only sound came from people talking in the hallway.

Drake stood. “I’ll call my brother to come get us after the play.”

“A smart decision.” She smiled. “Keep making smart decisions.”

The boys left in a somber mood.

She wanted to call Kasey and tell him what just happened, but since it was almost seven here, it’d be two in the morning in Italy. Next time they spoke she’d tell him.

Quinn stood and hugged her. A catch caught in her voice when she said, “Dearest, my heart aches for you.”

Her words blanketed Amanda in comfort.

~

“Ihope you’re enjoyingthese episodes from the Dolomites.” Kasey smiled at the camera. The golden morning sun cast the mountains in light and shadow. A cold dense fog hung heavy in the air, almost thick enough to taste. His crew looked a bit disheveled since they’d been hiking while filming the last week.

At first, he’d worried about the clothing needed for this chilly climb. He shouldn’t have, his sponsor had taken care of everything. The thin thermals, stretchy jeans, sweater, socks, wind/water resistant jacket, and climbing shoes were easy to move in. Thank goodness for proper equipment. “It’s a crisp thirty-six degrees this morning. I’ll be rope-soloing today.”

He held out his arms. “As you can see, I’m wearing climbing gear.” He pointed to his helmet (which included a camera, microphone, and earpiece), harness, gloves, and backpack as he spoke. He explained how the ropes, runners, quickdraws, carabiners, a silent partner, and other equipment he’d need were clipped to him and in the backpack. “Safety devices, including an auto belay and rope grabs, will protect me if I fall. Here at Hunter Kase, we put safety first. Be sure to do the same in your ascents.

“This is Cima Grande di Lavaredo. Since this is a popular location, I’ll be using previously installed anchors, pitons, bolts, pegs, and other equipment for the climb. I plan to mirror a route made famous by Emilio Comici. Known as theAngel of the Dolomites, Comici made numerous climbs in the Alps in the 1930s and 40s. I can’t imagine what climbing was like back then. We have significantly better equipment now. In fact, Comici died in an accidental fall caused by a frayed rope, not on this mountain, though.”

“Cut.” Beau stepped in front of him. “I wish you’d wait a few days to make this climb. I didn’t have time to test the already installed equipment on the mountain.”

“I’m sure it’s fine. People climb Cima Grande often.”

“Still, I’d feel better if I go up today and test them. Plus, it rained yesterday. It’s going to be slippery. Some people wait for days after it rains to attempt this climb.”

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