Category: Writers Block
"Eh that's a point where are we sleeping hmm" this thought had never crossed their minds however John soon found an empty room and Garry collapsed on the bed "ahhhh cheers guys Christ! Never again" he went to sit up and the room spun in front of his eyes "oh Oh not a good idea" Dougie inspected the room for accessability these places were usually geared towards non disabled residents "aye just as I suspected If you thought ae swingin a cat in there sure you'd have more luck wae a kitten" Garry concentrated on his friend's irritation it gave him a distraction from the rotating room "You had to show off and order those slanted wheels its a wide load pal" Dougie was proud of the individuality of his chair and the way it stopped conversations in mid flow "crap! She's just fine an eh anyway I'm used to crawlin around on my arse" John wanted to ask why but reconsidered when he saw Garry falling asleep "aw isnt that cute did he bring his teddy bear" they laughed quietly and left him to sleep it off "so the descent hmm will I belay you pal" Dougie was feeling brave, more like reckless, "eh no sure I'll be fine" He inched closer to the stairs and pulled a wheelie The older climber stared in his eyes and found real courage and desire "you bloody well would! Jesus I've never met anyone so bloody keen on killing themselves".
"1.2.3 I did learn to go downstairs but they were only this high" he reversed 2 feet and went to find the showers "I'll kill him good thing he's not infectious did'y see where they were hmmm" John thought then remembered "yes down here a bit further then turn right but eh you might have problems" Dougie felt like being sarcastic and answering back but he also despised the bitterness he'd seen developing in other paraplegics during his rehab "life must be a constant hassle for you eh, I'd lose patience with that very quickly" he thought, then agreed "it's a challenge but sure if you dwell on words like struggle, hassle an so on it il grind y'down in to dust" he found the showers as the owner came with his rucksack "how's blondie that lad's wild we had him up here before and we'd to keep him away from the whisky" "cheers pal aye Father Hackett il be fine just be glad he was on the MacAllan"
He winked and went to shower John wanted to help but Dougie immediately refused "if you don't mind I prefer to do this alone..don't worry I'm well trained" the older climber agreed and went back to unpack his stuff "right pal 10 minutes of sheer indulgence hmmmm hot water and...no women" the lack of female company bothered him still he was reluctant to admit that his attitude made them think twice. But being in a shower with Jenny had been heaven, she had made him feel whole and like a lover should,so often Dougie had brought her to orgasm and each time he'd cried as she exploded beside him
Dougie undressed and listened for voices he'd never grown accustomed to strangers interrupting the hassle of his every day life,rehab had wrapped him in cotton wool he'd felt safe but claustrophobic "oh man Christ! that's freezin" his hands guided his useless legs as he bummed to the shower the floor was cold and he was glad to reach the warm water, then he spied an old seat and dragged himself over to it "well climbers move in mysterious ways pal sure your just damned lucky" Dougie tested it and made his way to the water,he climbed on to the seat and rubbed spicy shower gel all over his body he missed the feeling of hot water running down his legs before it had reminded him of sex.
Garry was blissfully snoring and John couldn't stand it he'd poked and prodded the sleeper until his patience had been exhausted so he wandered downstairs to check if they'd left anything "Jesus sharing a tent with him would be hell....maybe its just the drink" on the way down he thought of Dougie his fight for a normal life,and his joy at possibly playing championship basketball suddenly all John's daring and numerous ascents seemed insignificant but he was strangely unbothered by it "are they ok pal...I feel protective towards your man but don't let on" the owner was waiting for John with a mug of hot coffee "ohhh you read my mind cheers, their fine Garry's snoring like a hibernating bear and Doug's having a shower..Christ that's good I'm sorry about earlier blondie's no good wi whisky ..he's grieving" the owner introduced himself as Billy and they went to find a seat "I knew his brother fine lad but driven,he'd a terminal case of summit fever" John sipped his coffee and realised that he had the same condition "......its a terrible thing..... I eh had the same problem on Liathach.... last week...but meeting your man has made me reconsider this game...is it really worth your life...or..mobility".
Billy offered John a cigarette but he said no he lit one up and shook the match dead."well I see it like this you choose to go up right and if your lucky you'll come back in 1 piece you can't let what happened to Dougie rule your life, he fell badly and he's crippled, end of story" Billy's succinct and straightforward tone did nothing to relieve John's second thoughts "your right man if things had ach listen if it's the biggest word in any language" he took a long draw and re-inhaled the smoke "and you wont hear him using it..well not out loud" the man appeared back clean and changed his Lynx body spray was subtle but sexy and he was smiling. "Hey pal you all right..I'll get you a coffee..what's the grin for sure I can imagine nicer smile on the devil himself" Doug declined to answer and parked beside John he leaned forward and whispered conspiratorily "Garry's dreamin..about his dog you ought a hear him its pitiful" they gazed at each other then burst out laughing .
Billy gave Doug his coffee as big swirling snow flakes caught his eye "feck! now we'er for it..the weather man did mention this on the radio" John and Dougie exchanged worried glances but he was more cheerful what time is it 4.30 hmmm blondie's missed a golden opportunity to wash his heap eh? The sleekit fecker" John gave him a wry smile and asked "do you suppose the whisky episode was a ploy?" he sat back while the snow drifted across the window "its good dry stuff pal, man I used to love snow an eh maybe Garry's as fly as they come" his eyes were loaded with regret and it was obvious that his rehab was far from over "what did he say last time he really got aw pink n fluffy uurrghh" he shivered at the thought then smiled with the memory of catching Garry's mumbling for everyone to hear and shared it with John "one time we caught the bugger on a dictaphone your man was not a happy camper".
He laughed at the miscreant grin and malicious look in his friend's eyes "you are just...man I'd of loved to have seen his face...but why the dictaphone".Dougie lit up and blew a small smoke ring "a pal ae ours is blind he'd a virus an was ill in bed he was meant ae be wi us so I taped the place for him" this simple admission revealed another facet of his character being paraplegic had hardened his persona but beneath it he was a genuinely nice guy "not many people would of thought of doing that climbers can be so selfish at times" Dougie was about to answer when a gust of wind lifted a large glittering curtain of snow up in to the air "did you see that! Come on!" He swung the chair around so fast it made John's head spin and headed for the door but a determined climber stood in his way "your not on pal its -15 out there and that's without the wind" they stared at each other and he saw the same deep desire for freedom and a craving to be completely alone in true wilderness
"If your wise you'll move NOW or you'll be climbin nothin for the rest ae the season!" John held his breath the stand off was tense and could go either way, but the big climber moved aside and said "I didn't want you getting hurt not when your already...." Dougie held out his hand but his hurt filled eyes were focused on a snow blurred horizon "cheers pal watch yourself out there ok there's no much grip in this stuff" the climber took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze I've fallen twice today its painful to sit down" Dougie risked a glimpse and 1/2 smiled "well see I've no got that problem so if I fall que sera"
He inched open the door and a painful blast hit him head on "Jesus! Was that Titus Oates wanderin past there" Dougie opened the door further and went out to "I'm just going out for a while keep the kettle on I may be some time" he was about to raise his ubiquitous middle finger when a strong breeze blew the chair off balance "shit!" John ran to help but Doug was ready for him he fired a handful of snow at point blank range and quickly prepared another "arrghh you rotten sod!" the climbers looked at each other for a moment then joined in, John helped his friend in to the chair and he was rewarded with a large dod of snow for his trouble "arrghh that's awful uurrghh here enjoy" he rubbed a pile in Doug's face and he smiled at the rough icy touch "ah ha! Now he's learnin!"
He inched open the door and a painful blast hit him head on "Jesus! Was that Titus Oates wanderin past there" Dougie opened the door further and went out to "I'm just going out for a while keep the kettle on I may be some time" he was about to raise his ubiquitous middle finger when a strong breeze blew the chair off balance "shit!" John ran to help but Doug was ready for him he fired a handful of snow at point blank range and quickly prepared another "arrghh you rotten sod!" the climbers looked at each other for a moment then joined in, John helped his friend in to the chair and he was rewarded with a large dod of snow for his trouble "arrghh that's awful uurrghh here enjoy" he rubbed a pile in Doug's face and he smiled at the rough icy touch "ah ha! Now he's learnin!"
In the middle of the wind and wild laughter John heard something he appealed for quiet but the others were too caught up in defending themselves from "that nutter in the wheelchair!" Then the sound came again louder this time,carried on an incoming breeze,they stopped 1 by 1 as the wolf howled: It sounded close and the mood changed from brave elation to unease and anxious glances Dougie was fascinated by this {feck! their more relaxed wi me} His chair slid around as he tried to find safer ground
"give me a hand it's comin form our there!" The climber Andy who'd blocked his path, pushed him to the rear of the parking area as they waited in bright moonlight she howled again and her dark mournful voice seemed to encapsulate the uncompromising scenery and bitter cold of that winter evening Dougie threw back his head cupped his hands around his mouth and answered there was a moments silence perhaps in surprise,then she answered and the climbers were stunned.
"Christ! Talk about call of the wild! Oi! Dougie what's she saying" The wolf called again she had loped over the snow for 1/2 a mile to investigate this intruder he could just picture her amber eyes luminous in the moonlight and the effortless way she moved through a storm that would cause humans to run for cover,but most of all he envied her freedom in this beautiful place {how often have you climbed An Teallach eh ma beauty} then a crazy idea came to him {Andy's a big strong lad and dressed for the weather no it's interferin wi nature..bugger that it's fate!} "Eh man could you do me a favour can you get me close enough to see her even just..." he hated asking for help it defined what he was and scored a line through his independence "what! No you are joking I know nothing about I can't carry you pal.." Dougie lifted his legs away from the footplate and Andy was left with no choice "ok but listen if we fall it wont, I mean your back, it wont make you worse, I'd hate to..shit!" Dougie smiled while waiting for his panic to die down,he was almost amused.
Andy braced himself and lifted Dougie he was still fixed on the wolf she was 200 yrds away and watching this strange scene with wary interest then John saw her eyes white orbs glowing in the darkness and he couldn't move as Andy saw those eyes he nearly dropped Dougie "f.ck! Eh hang on there's an easier way to do this" He lowered the paralysed climber back in to his chair and offered to push she was frightened now and backing away,then her fear eased as a big male joined her he was less than friendly and curled his lips back in an angry snarl the climbers walked slowly towards the door while keeping an eye on the big male "that's the alpha he's protectin his girl an I dont blame him she's gorgeous...come on my balls are gettin frostbitten anyway"
John stood staring at the departing wolves he would have gone after the female if her mate wasn't so aggressive,"are you comin man I'm buyin" he was in another world only the thrill of reliving his former encounter was real to him Dougie looked in his eyes and saw a reckless urge to put his life in danger for this personification of wilderness, he understood the need completely and the feeling it brought was hard to live with "come on pal she'll be ok" John turned away and for a minute Doug thought he was leaving "oi! There's a limit to what the Mountain Rescue il do man, an chasin after wolf fanciers is no on the list!"
He watched until they were obliterated by a sudden squall of blinding powder snow it stung his eyes and tears ran to freeze to his cheeks "John! Sure Its not worth hypothermia so will you get in here!" Billy's impatient voice shook him out of the blissful dream state and he resented the intrusion "ok ok aren't you meant to be respectful to guests hmm?" the owner dismissed his cheek and held the door Dougie was enjoying a 2nd Coffee laced with rum he was using it to subdue the feelings twisting within him {this guy can get up and leave any time he likes tomorrow and spend all day satisfyin his obssession while I'm stuck in a bloody chair! Christ! What the hell does he have to complain about}Dougie stopped just in time along with positive thinking he'd also practised self awareness, he'd never been one for introspection and the learning curve had been steeper than many of his ascents but during the weeks of counselling he'd found hidden depths and untapped inner strength, that had saved him from contemplating suicide.
"Man will you give over with these wolves so the big fella would chase you for over a mile straight without a break" John mumbled something about coming back as a female and sat down by the fire, Dougie handed him a mug of rum coffee and put a hand on his shoulder "man If there's 1 thing I understand its the need to be free now drink up and remember you saw her and next time will someone get the bloody camera!" They laughed and talked about filming the wolf while John took a deep mouthful and stared out the window Garry woke up 15 minutes later and after a wash, he stumbled downstairs his head echoed to the sound of pneumatic drill and his mouth resembled the bottom of a parrots cage "ohhh shit don't bother smart arse I'm sufferin enough where's the resolve" Dougie was on form
"That's the problem blondie your sadly lackin there pal, Bill get the boy a large 1" Garry groaned and thought about crawling back to his bed but to do so would be fatal a large mug of unlaced coffee landed in his hand and his stomach warned him against it.
"Man will you give over with these wolves so the big fella would chase you for over a mile straight without a break" John mumbled something about coming back as a female and sat down by the fire, Dougie handed him a mug of rum coffee and put a hand on his shoulder "man If there's 1 thing I understand its the need to be free now drink up and remember you saw her and next time will someone get the bloody camera!" They laughed and talked about filming the wolf while John took a deep mouthful and stared out the window Garry woke up 15 minutes later and after a wash, he stumbled downstairs his head echoed to the sound of pneumatic drill and his mouth resembled the bottom of a parrots cage "ohhh shit don't bother smart arse I'm sufferin enough where's the resolve" Dougie was on form
"That's the problem blondie your sadly lackin there pal, Bill get the boy a large 1" Garry groaned and thought about crawling back to his bed but to do so would be fatal a large mug of unlaced coffee landed in his hand and his stomach warned him against it.
"Eh hang on I need some fresh air and quick" he checked the weather and looked around the room at the crowd of mischievous climbers with expectant eyes they were waiting to see him fall apart Garry took a sip and another then concentrated on the snow, as his stomach dealt with the caffeine,"ahhh that's alright so what's the craic" the crowd sat back bemused "he should be flat out in the toilet coming over all religious..this is weird" then he spied a real find a blonde and very fit female climber with piercing blue eyes,she was eyeing him up with a real smile
{Ohh man I hope your swedish}.All but Dougie turned to see her Jenny's love was still a raw painful memory {its a waste of time when your dick's inactive}.But she had noticed him and his nervous smile didn't deter her .
"Hello I know a real smile and that was 1" he pulled out a seat and she sat down he'd watched her walking towards him a bad habit he'd developed and she had moved with the grace of a true athlete her legs were muscular but elegant, and he could imagine them wrapped around his, holding him, as if he might try to escape {What an insane idea where would I go gorgeous}."Hello nothin worse than a fake smile eh can I buy you a drink" she accepted and Dougie went to the bar John nudged Garry who was flabbergasted and whispered "for feck's sake pick your jaw up off the floor will you" he shoved him away and tried to catch her eyes but they were on Dougie then from further back in the room came a voice. "It comes to somethin when a bloody spaz can pull hey pal you'll need viagra for your limp dick!" There was utter silence as everyone held their breath Garry and John were quite sure this would end in violence, but Dougie was stronger and after dealing with the anger he said "sure I'll use whatever you have left over"
The others treated him to loud applause and Andy yelled "no don't get up!" Dougie grinned triumphantly collected his drink and managed to carry the pint without spilling a drop "how's that real Scottish ale" she held his gaze and her eyes never went any further than his smile this was new apart from Jenny no woman had seen him as sexy, desirable or even attractive,and to his disgust Dougie had started to believe them "hmm I like this ale its sweet" she took another little sip enough to taste the heather flowers "and very good Skol!" Garry choked on his now cold coffee and tried unsuccessfully to hide his envy {the fly b*st*rd she's Swedish feck!}
John pulled him together and they left Dougie to it however Garry couldn't resist 1 last glimpse and there was a spark of recognition at least from her "are you Scottish I see some Viking blood yes its in your eyes" he didn't dare look at Dougie who was trying to contain a growing smirk "eh I've Norse blood on my Dad's side does it show" his blue eyes sparkled and the pounding headache no longer bothered him "ahh that's it I knew a Viking hmmm? I will need to be careful yes" he acted the innocent but Dougie had seen him in action to many times she smiled and he became lost within the bright honesty "he's..just crawled out of his long boat after a rough afternoon piliging the local off licence".Dougie spoke slowly so she would understand despite his strong Scots/N.I accent
John pulled him together and they left Dougie to it however Garry couldn't resist 1 last glimpse and there was a spark of recognition at least from her "are you Scottish I see some Viking blood yes its in your eyes" he didn't dare look at Dougie who was trying to contain a growing smirk "eh I've Norse blood on my Dad's side does it show" his blue eyes sparkled and the pounding headache no longer bothered him "ahh that's it I knew a Viking hmmm? I will need to be careful yes" he acted the innocent but Dougie had seen him in action to many times she smiled and he became lost within the bright honesty "he's..just crawled out of his long boat after a rough afternoon piliging the local off licence".Dougie spoke slowly so she would understand despite his strong Scots/N.I accent
Anja thought for a minute then laughed she had seen the suffering climber "crawling" towards his friends "such hard work for a big headache hmm" she placed a hand on his cheek and he wished for so much more "in Sweden drink is very dear people get very drunk big problem" Dougie couldn't help feeling second best in the game of romance or potential love, he had grown used to coming 2nd best if at all,woman wanted an sex-able partner not someone they might have to care for "so you are sportsman yes this chair its very fast yes" he was lost for words and struggled through an explantion "yes it's....for...eh basketball..but uhm I'm not really very good...just a rookie... I've not been....I've been paraplegic for only 6 months " just admitting that to a pretty, friendly, athletic woman had wounded him deeply and Anja saw the pain in his eyes "dont worry my brother the same it's not so big no not like your friend's hangover" he listened and almost asked her to repeat the last 14 words they replayed in his mind like the lyrics from an annoying old song but he loved the sound of them.
"does he play your brother I love the game but the early starts are hard" she smiled at him directly and he felt more nervous than before {what if this goes further and we end up kissing then what! I cant give her what she wants} "yes he plays and doesn't like getting up early he complains every day" Anja gave short laugh and he commited it to memory "so your a climber or walker where have you been today"in a way he dreaded but needed the answer Dougie was beginging to forget the outline of An Teallach's challenging ridge "hmmm I climbed hmm don't laugh no my Gaelic so bad" {I'd never dream of insultin you,do whatever you like gorgeous just stay right here}
"uhm... Sgurr... nan...Each is that ok" he assured her it was and they stared at each other Dougie blinked too many times and averted his eyes she was searching and he was scared of the reason why "could I see you play just a little yes you must be good to be in a team" John was about to reveal the depth of Dougie's talent but Garry kicked him quietly under the table "its crowded in here an I'm not an expert...." his confidence was leaving and she wasn't going to take a feeble excuse for an answer "ok man hand our ma ball now eh don't laugh an watch out for that tile I fell out the damned chair earlier on" Anja noticed it and frowned she got up and tried to kick it in to shape the climbers were left in no doubt as to her intentions "Christ she's a bloody amazon" Anja heard him and winked
He played with the ball to calm his racing heart {she's no playin games, well none that are obvious she likes me as a person,Christ! It's no as if I can ask anyone for advice!}Anja asked to see the ball he handed it over and found his hands were shaking "are you ok why so nervous I wont bite you" when she smiled he was tempted to abandon the game and ask her upstairs she knelt down to speak to him "it's hard Dougie but you are 1/2 way there and I don't believe what you say no good..no you will tire me out yes" he took her hand and marvelled at her smooth skin and long sensuous fingers {no in the way I'd like to gorgeous} "eh hmm sittin around here..il..no...work up a sweat are you ready pal" her brilliant eyes, watched his, but he gave nothing away at least he hoped not.
"Oh no your lethal enough with snowballs I'm not having you destroying my bar there's a play room back here it il do" Garry went to check but not without 1 last glance Anja blew him a kiss and his heart did a 360 degree flip "hey Olaf! You'll be needing your battleaxe pal and soon, shall I remove it from that Englishman's head" Garry was perfecting the art of indifferent interest "if you would she's been in there for long enough and I've run out of paracetamol"
"Damn steps ohhh the torment" she laughed and shared an anecdote that should have been amusing but the bitter irony left a sour taste in his mouth "Andre has a dream where he changes the steps in to ramps,all over Stockholm people say what's going on it helps him ...cope" he put a hand on her smooth cheek and she bent her head to accept the touch "it's recent his accident eh?" she sorted out the English and agreed ".....um only 4 months hmm his friend was going too fast in ice and they crash we were scared to lose him" he held her and kissed her hand "Andre's here and however bad he feels this is not the worst how old is he" Dougie wasn't prepared to hear about a young life curtailed he was 33 and sharing his rehab with angry cheated teenagers had been an unpleasant experience "he's...18 very good looking and the girls now they don't chase him"
"Hmm once he finds some confidence they will and your chasing me so there's always a bright side" Anja knelt forward wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed Dougie on the lips,she tasted of ale,sex and desire as their lips melted in to each other Dougie saw wide open spaces and a wild mountainous landscape and the ache from it was terrible "eh..darlin listen are you bein honest wi me because I'm not wantin to look back on this night an be miserable, your beautiful an I've fallen for you......" she seemed to be offended then her expression altered "I wanted you what else is there to say tonight will be a good memory yes for us both".
"Alright but your going to get hammered eh beaten" a steely determination swept in to her blue eyes and he considered his tactics "Garry your wi me an eh no flirtin wi the opposition the honour of Scotland is at stake..got it" he shook him and Garry nodded absently "That's no good enough blondie your no in a fijord now kiddo" he didn't want to end up as a victim of 1 of Dougie's famous piss takes "alright but you realise I'm doin this under duress but also out of loyalty to you as a friend" they called off the banter and focused on the game "your woman's good I can tell just keep distractin her eh an I'll do my usual" he frowned and imagined their friends sprawled out with broken toes or worse.
Billy arrived with a rickety wooden ramp Dougie took 1 look at it and pulled a face Anja laughed and his pulse quickened again "shall I help yes they are only small" as she moved behind him and left a kiss he realised he was out of his depth "eh yes thank you" normally accepting help from a woman was anathema to Dougie's precious need to cope alone,he would rather struggle on regardless of their kind offers he pulled a wheelie to help her out as Anja prepared to lift the chair up the 1st step,at times like this he felt awkward and helpless and the smallest thing meant so much his legs swayed and Dougie hoped they wouldn't shake, but it was futile as the front wheels landed his right leg went in to spasm {F.ck! Ach she'll be used to it anyway}the limb shook violently and he felt the old discomfort among the climbers {aye dont look guys its all too easy to fall}
They swallowed the unease and helped Anja with 3 strong climbers he finally entered the room "ok let's have a swizz here hmm seems eh?...Where's my ball til I test out the floor" his legs were shaking badly and Dougie couldn't rid himself of the anger John brought the ball and he grabbed it and bounced it hard on the springy wooden floor "shit! This is no much damned use eh!?.." As Anja caught his eye he saw reluctant familiarity and I wish! He denied it and did some deep breathing to calm his temper "...sorry darlin that's what you call Irish hash" she kissed him gently and he responded with more passion 1 hand held the ball while the other drew her closer, her left hand rested on his leg he ached to feel her fingers digging in to his skin "man I want you is this just for tonight to help me along or are we stronger hmm?" her hand moved up and landed on his heart it was racing.
"Wow! Viagra is the last thing you need yes?" He laughed hard and forgot about his vibrating limbs "ohhh man....you are amazin.... are they all like you in Sweden" she sat on his knee and he hurriedly applied the brakes "um...no I'm quite special you would say a...1 off" they kissed and he felt the re-emergence of his confidence and how it really could be to be a man in the company of a beautiful woman "right Paddy is that included in the rules" he released the brakes and carefully turned the chair though Anja trusted him totally "well it might constitute a foul if tongues or nails are involved" no matter how hard Garry tried Dougie had an answer for everything,he pulled the women but Dougie chatted them up with his effortless Irish wit. She slid off his knee and stole the ball "I think we'er playin lads an it's every man for himsel"
They chased her around the room until the details became a blur she was quick deadly fit and very determined to "thrash the Scots!" Garry was torn he wanted to win if only to stop Dougie from taking the piss but he was strongly attracted to Anja and watching her move with the poise and grace of a dancer played havoc with his concentration. Dougie however had a point to prove the guy who had insulted him was watching and hoping to see him screw up he raced down behind her and palmed the ball away grabbing it with 1 hand he brushed off some of the speed, spun the chair around, and raced off in the opposite direction for the 1st time he was enjoying being in a chair.When he reached the "box area" he stopped glanced around and tossed the ball to Garry and indicated with a nod towards a poster on the wall "that's the basket!" Garry steadied his hands and threw the ball high it caught the bottom half of the poster and he celebrated "Ah ha! Vikings 1 Neeps 0!"
While he celebrated Anja saw her chance and stole the ball Garry tore down the room behind her and used a body swerve to dislodge the ball,she pushed back and they grappled for it then Dougie shoved his way in and there was nothing to be gained by arguing with him, he lifted the ball above his head and at 6ft 3 he could still reach "ohhh! Is he ticklish?" Anja tried but unfortunately around his waist he reversed and tore away but she cheekily applied the brakes and he dropped the ball while trying to stop him "shit! Who's the smart arse" she took off like a sprinter and losing the game became immaterial "man have you ever seen anythin so stunnin in your life" she leapt and hit a defunct light switch to score
As Anja dodged past Garry her blue eyes shone and the light caught her light fair hair Dougie was transfixed by this perfect vision of beauty then he thought {what would it be like to dance wi her an feel that body move in ma arms} she bounced the ball and enticed him to challenge her he couldn't resist "be prepared to lose Swedish ma blood's up!" He tore towards her with grim determination etched on his handsome face Garry had seen that look when the game was nearly over and his team were losing "Olaf 2nd half ok! And gie me a by" Anja didn't understand their slang and she wanted to, Dougie went 1 way Garry the other, they communicated via their eyes and this trick had been practised until they were experts Dougie sold her a dummy by swerving and locking eyes with Garry he dodged to the left while Dougie raced in to secure the ball "right!" He spun around and palmed the ball twice before pumping the wheels the 40kilo chair was showing all of its potential but weight reduction does have its drawbacks.
As he sped to the Swedish end he misjudged the turn and took it far too sharply the chair balanced precariously on 1 wheel then toppled over with a crash he tasted blood and humiliation "f.ck! Aw...man..Christ!" He tried to sit up but his legs were strapped to the frame and he was stuck,blood poured out of his mouth warm salty and sickening "Jesus! Man here I'll unfasten this just sit still" Anja tore off her Tshirt and he took comfort in her glowing skin "your tongue is cut you play hard typical Scot hmm?" Dougie couldn't trust himself to speak "your man's Irish ok pal that's you no I think your wheels are ok" he'd reached for the chair to check for damage replacing this 1 was out of the question "it's you I'm worried about" his legs shook violently and he wanted to be alone in his embarrassment instead of surrounded by concerned and awkward climbers "Feck! I wish that would stop eh" Garry gave him a drink of water to clean his mouth and Dougie spat it out in to a pint glass.
"Alright pal do you want to get up its easin a bit" his legs trembled now and it was easier to speak he held Garry's hand and whispered angrily to hide his shame "get me outta here I don't care about An Teallach" his friend saw deep pain and fatigue Dougie was tired of nearly succeeding only to have the dream ripped from his grasp "ok pal but the roads il be dodgy so eh no complainin" Garry put a reassuring hand on Doug's shoulder and lifted him in to the chair "are you hurt anywhere else you know ribs ect" "no their in 1 piece he ran a shaking hand all over the frame but apart from a few old scratches it had escaped unscathed "thank feck! Darlin I'm sorry what an eejit eh" Anja gave him what he needed most uncomplicated love "Your good Irish if our countries ever play.... I promise you to shout for..Ireland"
"Thank you..eh I'll make sure.." "let me see I know these things" Anja checked his tongue and found a ragged cut "hmmm lucky you don't need stitches more blood than..." Dougie put a finger on her lips and kissed her "I'm ok now you didn't run away they always do" she kissed him carefully the sting was bittersweet and he craved the taste of her "you need a drink yes and we are even" Garry agreed {my nerves are frayed and a pint sounds like heaven}.
Billy had found a more substantial ramp and Dougie was able to freewheel in to the bar, several climbers crowded around to inspect the wound and check him over he was touched and irritated by their concern "oi! lads I'm fine an it's not bleedin you bunch of vampires" when 3 of them offered to buy him a pint he didn't say no "maybe I should go arse over more often eh an if this is fame I like it" Garry took 2 gulps of his cold harp lager and sat down heavily "Christ! My days with you are usually easier than this" Dougie smiled ruefully and drank his pint "well I don't plan them y'know an anyway aren't the Vikings a tough lot" as he gave Garry a shove and a pat on the back he moved out of reach "oi!..Its still worth it even with a new addition to my collection of bruises"
"it's an added extra pal a badge of honour" as they drank and relaxed Anja massaged Dougie's shoulders the muscles were tensed up and sore "I hate to say..." "then don't gorgeous" she wasn't so easily swayed "you aren't fit to play like this so stiff" he took her hands and she bent down to kiss him "I am NOT an old man yet an when we have a rematch Scotland il win" Anja was dying to cut him off "well that will be a 1st" the bar erupted in laughter and jeers he looked at Garry who was helpless, his humour and Anja's interest illuminated an otherwise frustrating day for Dougie
"I'm hungry pal how about yourself ..." Garry was studying the drifting swirling white out deceptively beautiful and enticing, secretly he hoped the destitution road might be blocked {hmm Dougie il be devestated if it is.. I can see him settin off on his own the nutter!} To Garry this was nothing new he was used to severe snow and freezing temperatures,as Dougie drew up beside him his expression said it all "No negativity Paddy we'er not at home to Mr Gloomy" he smiled but the doubt smothered it and he turned his back on the howling storm.
"Where's your spirit of adventure hmm? Think of the uncertainty of the journey and you wont be diggin us out" Dougie would have loved to be a part of every minute of their "uncertain journey" he hated being excluded from even the most mundane thing and Garry's carefree attitude didn't help, John had recovered from his wolf fixation but after witnessing his friend's crash, the full horror of his dare had dawned on him "eh listen pal you wont be playing like that with me hmm? I mean you'll break me in gently ...right?" Dougie smiled and said none to reassuringly "of course sure we aye start the rookies off easy, my big pal il sort you out" John took a swift gulp of his pint and reconsidered "ah Ah no a dare's a dare unless you can come up with somethin worse" he took another smaller gulp as a sleekit thought crept in to his head
"It just so happens pal that I'm eh taking up latin American dancing and eh like yourselves we'er always looking for vic...eh volunteers I'm sure you can samba in that chair" Dougie had met his match and the idea of shaking his thing on a dance floor to anything other than HIM didn't appeal
"Your a fly bugger all right if I say no what's the worst that can happen" John said nothing and quietly drank his pint, Garry was talking to Anja about climbing and for once Dougie wasn't worried about losing his date she smiled in his direction and he pointed to her glass Anja gave him a thumbs up and held out a £5 "are you sure thanks an don't let Olaf bore you there he's an awful man" she translated the Irish-English internally and laughed "can you dance gorgeous your man here does a good Samba" "I can and I like that ...but hmm a band maybe you hear them HIM I love them" as Dougie glanced at John with a wicked grin Anja gave him a cd he almost hesitated but the temptation to make up for the game was too great "are you dancin" "are you asking" "I'm askin" he moved towards her with a look in his eyes that was all sex but more than sex "I'm dancing".
"Your a fly bugger all right if I say no what's the worst that can happen" John said nothing and quietly drank his pint, Garry was talking to Anja about climbing and for once Dougie wasn't worried about losing his date she smiled in his direction and he pointed to her glass Anja gave him a thumbs up and held out a £5 "are you sure thanks an don't let Olaf bore you there he's an awful man" she translated the Irish-English internally and laughed "can you dance gorgeous your man here does a good Samba" "I can and I like that ...but hmm a band maybe you hear them HIM I love them" as Dougie glanced at John with a wicked grin Anja gave him a cd he almost hesitated but the temptation to make up for the game was too great "are you dancin" "are you asking" "I'm askin" he moved towards her with a look in his eyes that was all sex but more than sex "I'm dancing".