Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 255

The leader had to tally the numbers and arrange enough boats to accommodate everyone. They had to hand in the list before ten at night.

After supper, Violeta took the roster and went from door to door, canvassing each household about their interest in tomorrow's boating venture and needing a headcount by ten o'clock for the boat arrangements.

Few were keen, while most were apathetic.

Reasons varied; some cited exhaustion from the day's walking, craving rest, while others professed fear of the water ...

The student council's mandate was clear and set by the school.

If their group couldn't muster enough for a boat, it spoke volumes about the leader's rapport. That meant no one was willing to pitch in.

"Our legs are knackered from all the walking today. We haven't an ounce of strength left for rowing."

"Yeah, there's no gain for us in boating. What if the boat capsizes? Accidents could happen."

"I'm still not going. Water terrifies me."

"I'm not going either. I just want to get some shut-eye."

More excuses were thrown about when asked if they wanted to go.

After inquiries, only four, including Violeta and Kaylee, agreed to participate.

Clearly, this was an anomaly. It seemed certain parties were undermining Violeta, the leader.

Those opting out of the group boating demanded Violeta refund their share of the class fees so they could buy their own food.

Perhaps they expected Violeta to plead with them to join, but instead, she promptly handed over their funds and left.

Returning to her quarters, she prepared for bed.

Kaylee, learning of this, fretted, "Violeta, what should we do now? They won't go."

Violeta rolled over. "Forget about it and get some sleep. If they don't want to go, then so be it.."

In the end, she wouldn't suffer for it.

They likely felt the outing wasn't worth their effort.

But Violeta had scoped out the endpoint of the boating trip.

That place ...

It promised significant rewards!

...

The next morning came.

As anticipated, only Violeta, Kaylee, and another couple turned up for the boating venture.

This pair usually kept a low profile in class, likely joining to avoid any rifts with Violeta.