˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊
chapter ONE     ╱     THE TORNADO WRANGLERS

   Theodora Carter is not one to make decisions on a whim.

Here she was, settled into the backseat of Javi Rivera's truck, along with her sister up front. Theodora had made the long trip from Cambridge, exhausted but still clinging to the thoughts that the day might bring some clarity. Things were never simple with these two, especially with Kate, whose unpredictability had always been a constant.

The song "Never Left Me" by Megan Moroney played softly, its melancholic notes weaving through the heavy silence in the truck.

Javi, never one to let silence linger too long, finally broke the quiet with an air of surprise. "I'm not gonna lie, I didn't think you'd come."

Theodora understood his surprise perfectly. Kate had been distant and unresponsive despite her promises to reconnect, to never leave. Theodora had left countless messages and made numerous calls, but they were met with silence. After five long years of trying and eventually resigning herself to the idea that Kate had moved on, receiving a call from her had been a jolt. The circumstances of Kate's call had been unexpected and complex, adding layers to the shock of reconnecting after such a long silence.

Javi looked around at the high-tech equipment packed into his truck with a proud grin. "Nice upgrade from the old van, right?"

Kate glanced over the numerous devices with a thoughtful expression, then raised an eyebrow. "Yeah; how are you paying for all this?"

Javi casually shrugged, his fingers tapping on the sleek controls in front of them. "Got investors, you know. Storms are getting more erratic, and there's a lot of new housing going up. The developers want full-time weather data. So, anytime a new building goes up, I want a Storm PAR radar right there, letting people know exactly what the storm's gonna do."

Kate looked over at Theodora, who was gazing out the window, lost in her own thoughts. After a moment, she turned back to Javi, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and curiosity. "I'm telling you, I really feel like we're gonna change the game, Kate."

Kate's smile slowly grew wider, which caught Javi's attention. He looked at her with a hint of confusion. "What?"

Kate hesitated for a second, trying to find the right words. "No, it's just, um, business entrepreneur was not how I saw your future. I mean, we used to feel lucky if we could get you to wear pants."

At that, Theo, who had been quietly listening, interjected with a smirk, "Gross." His comment drew a laugh from both Javi and Kate. Theodora couldn't help but recall the many times she had walked into the barn to find Javi lounging around in his boxers, a habit that seemed to have stuck around longer than anyone might have expected.

Javi chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, that hasn't completely changed," he said with a humorous tone, earning a broad smile from Kate and a playful grimace from Theo.

   Silence enveloped them again as they pulled into a gas station parking lot, this time, no so uncomfortable. Javi parked, opening his door and opening Theodora, who sat behind him. She offered a small thank you before shutting the door behind her and followed Kate and Javi.

"Bring it in, team," Javi commanded the men who gathered in a group in front of Javi, Kate, and Theodora. "You guys have all heard me talk about Kate. How no one has better instincts. She's the smartest person I know. She's the best. And you will never work with a more talented team than this one."

Theodora stood awkwardly behind them, whistling quietly as she took in the area while Javi boasted about Kate.

And then, Javi turned to boasting about his own team. "Look, we got PhDs from NASA, FEMA, NOAA, NWS."

Theodora arched a brow. Kate nodded, eyes wide. "Oh, you've got the whole alphabet."

"Only the best," Javi shrugged with a smile, staring at Kate's profile. Theodora rolled her eyes, couldn't he just man up and tell her how he feels? It's painfully obvious. "Except for Scott, my partner here. He went to MIT instead of Muskogee State. But, uh, he makes up for it with his... beautiful, amazing personality."

His lips curled into a fake grin, jaw clenching as he vigorously chewed a piece of gum.

"Well, Kate's only giving us a week, along with her sister, Theodora," Javi said, finally introducing the other sister as nothing more than Kate's sister. Theodora sighed. "But while we have her, ooh! Its gonna be the wildest tornado week you've ever seen, fellas."

"Yeah, and everybody with a ten dollar weather app knows it," Scott grumbled, glancing at the crowds of people surrounding the parking lot. "We got to stay ahead of this circus."

   Suddenly, the tranquility of their conversation was shattered as cheers erupted. A red Wrangler roared into the gas station's lot, its arrival heralded by the vibrant strains of Luke Combs' "Ain't No Love In Oklahoma," echoing triumphantly through its speakers.

   "Hey, Storm PAR," a voice called out from behind Theodora, slicing through the calm with its urgency and playfulness. "We're live on YouTube────say something!"

   Theodora turned around to see a man sticking his head out of the truck window, a camera held by some hefty device in his hand was recording the team. Then, someone shouted, "Blow me, Boone!"

   Boone? What kind of name was that? It sounded like some hillbilly, but I guess you could say the same for her. "Hey, smile, man. Science is fun, right?" He called out, teasing the team of scientist.

   Her curiosity piqued, Theodora pivoted back to Javi and Kate, her eyes wide with questions. "Who are these guys?" she asked, the mystery of the scene sparking a flicker of intrigue in her gaze.

"Chasers from Arkansas," Javi's voice was terse as he answered, his eyes riveted to the Wrangler that finally rolled to a stop before the gathered crowd. The vehicle's arrival had shifted the atmosphere, its energy palpable and electric. Scott, with a smirk tugging at his lips, added, "Hillbillies with a YouTube channel."

Then, a man with a boyish grin was emerging from the truck, followed by the very energetic man who ran up to the other's side.

"Hey, T! Tell the folks how you're feeling?" Boone's voice cut through the clamor, his camera jostled and steadied by the makeshift device, thrusting it before Tyler.

"I'm feeling pretty good, Boone," Tyler's grin was wide and charming, almost mischievous, as the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. His charisma was undeniable, a magnetic force pulling the crowd into his orbit. "And if you feel it..."

"Chase it!" the crowd bellowed in unison, their voices rising in a collective roar. Tyler's expression remained playfully skeptical as he continued.

"I said if you feel it..."

"Chase it!" The crowd's fervor amplified, their voices merging into a single, resonant shout. Hillbillies with a YouTube channel, huh? They seemed to fit the part so far. Theodora watched how the older man riled up a crowd with such ease that Theodora almost couldn't comprehend.

"That's Tyler Owens," Javi's voice, though steady, had a tone of resignation. "He calls himself a Tornado Wrangler."

"What does that even mean?" Kate's scoff cut through the surrounding noise, her skepticism palpable. Tyler, grinning like a devil, wove through the crowd, his charisma as potent as ever. Theodora found herself rolling her eyes, he looked like a douche.

"Hey, you tornado nerds!" A new voice pierced the chaos, bursting from the run-down camper with a rack of t-shirts held high. "Who wants a t-shirt?"

The shirts were emblazoned with Tyler Owens' face, a caricature of his own persona. Theodora's sense of shock deepened, the absurdity of it all almost too much to process. If her eyes continued rolling from the stupidity she was watching, they might get stuck.

Javi and the others observed the frenetic interaction between Tyler and his adoring fans. The scene, charged with an almost carnival-like energy, made Theodora feel sick. Javi, his gaze sweeping over the unfolding chaos, finally voiced the sentiment that lingered heavy in the air. "This means our world is going to shit."

"Hey, we got mugs!" A man's voice sliced through the chaos, holding up a box emblazoned with their logo. "Whatever you put in here, it's gonna make it taste better! You're going to get thirsty out there! Hey, you look thirsty. You look sweaty. Give me some cash!"

Tyler's attention shifted toward Storm PAR, and he tipped his hat in Javi's direction. With a resigned sigh, Javi shook his head and turned to address his team. "Let's get ahead of this crowd. Hand me that tablet."

Javi took the tablet from Scott, passing it along to Kate. "Alright, Kate. Which storm should we chase?"

Kate's eyes were locked onto the screen, the weight of the decision palpable as her teammates watched with bated breath. Scott, ever the opportunist, wore a smug grin as he pointed to the display. "There's a nice-looking cell to the east."

Kate barely acknowledged Scott's input, her focus unwavering as she began to walk away. The team followed closely behind, their movements synchronized in a well-practiced routine. Kate slowly turned around, nervously watching the team before turning to Javi and whispering something in his ear.

"Alright, everyone. Let's get moving," Javi's voice carried a note of urgency as he rallied the team. Kate remained behind, a thoughtful, almost melancholic expression settling on her face. "Everybody get their last bathroom break in now."

"Alright, be quick, fellas," Scott's command was brisk as he moved with the rest of the team and Javi. "We're on the clock."

Theodora let out a deep sigh of relief as she walked into the gas station, her shoulders relaxing a bit as she stepped out of the cool night air and into the fluorescent-lit interior. She was in need of a small comfort, a little treat to lift her spirits────a quick snack and maybe something to drink.

As she moved through the aisles, she allowed herself a moment to savor the simple pleasure of choosing a treat. Her eyes finally landed on a bright pack of Sour Patch Kids. It seemed like the perfect choice, and she reached out eagerly to grab it. With the candy now in hand, she turned to head towards the checkout counter, her mind already drifting to thoughts of the sweet and sour flavors awaiting her.

Just as she was about to make her way forward, she accidentally bumped into another shopper. The sudden collision made her heart skip a beat.

"Oh, my God. I'm so sorry," Theodora said, her voice tinged with embarrassment. She quickly crouched down to retrieve her fallen candy, but the stranger was faster. He bent down beside her, extending the pack of candy back towards her with a kind and genuine smile.

"Thanks," Theodora said quietly, her cheeks flushing as she took the candy from his outstretched hand. Boone, the man from the energetic man from three truck she noted. Her shyness was palpable, her eyes avoiding his gaze as she straightened up.

Despite her attempt to move on, the man's eyes remained fixed on her, his expression one of both wonder and fascination. Theodora could feel her nerves jangling as his gaze lingered, making her chuckle nervously. She stood up, hoping to break the awkwardness by glancing around the store, but the man's stare was unwavering.

Theo swallowed hard, her fingers nervously toying with the pack of candy. In a bid to fill the silence and distract herself, she spoke up. "Did you know that, from an evolutionary standpoint, humans might be hardwired to notice and react to being watched? It's like a survival instinct that helps us pick up on potential threats or social cues."

The man's eyes lit up with interest, and he responded with a smile that softened his previously intense gaze. "Is that so?"

Before Theodora could say more, a hand gently rested on the man's shoulder, pulling him out of his reverie. The touch seemed to startle him, and he blinked as if waking from a daydream, turning to face the newcomer with a hint of confusion.

   "Looking a bit flustered, aren't we, Boone?" The woman teased, her eyes dancing with mischief as she patted his back with a playful tap. Her gaze then turned back to Theodora, as though she was the one who had caused Boone's discomposure. "And who might you be?"

   With a gentle smile, Theodora extended her hand. "I'm Theodora, though you can just call me Theo." Her hand met Dani's in a firm yet graceful shake. As she introduced herself, Boone's lips curled into an appreciative grin, clearly enchanted by the way her name sounded, especially when it flowed from her pretty lips with such ease and elegance.

   "I'm Dani," the woman said with a friendly nod, her gaze flickering over to Boone with a knowing smile. "And this charming fellow is Boone."

   Theodora's smile widened as she looked from Dani to Boone. "Nice to meet you both," she said, her voice warm and inviting. Boone's heart seemed to soften at the sight of her radiant smile and the genuine warmth in her eyes. It was as if her presence brought a new light into the room, leaving Boone captivated by the simple yet profound charm she exuded.

   "You're working for Storm PAR, right?" Lily questioned, appearing behind Theodora. The Carter girl, in return, jumped, almost dropping her candy again. The three of them laugh, causing her to flush. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, just saw your out by those nerds and was wondering."

   "It's alright," Theo giggled, and to Boone's ears, it was as if a melody had just been played. That simple, joyful sound instantly became his favorite. "And no, I don't work with them. I'm just here visiting my sister."

   "Good," Lily replied, her hands resting gently on Theo's shoulders. There was a warmth in her touch, a sense of camaraderie. "Because those guys are assholes."

   Theo nodded, her expression reflecting that she believed Lily's words. "Right," she said softly. "Well, I should probably get going. My sister is likely wondering where I am by now."

   With a polite nod to each of them, Theo turned and walked past Lily, heading towards the checkout. She quickly purchased the candy and made her way back outside, her departure marked by the soft rustling of the door as it closed behind her.

   As Theo's figure faded into the evening twilight, Dani leaned in, her voice a hushed whisper against Boone's ear. "What are you thinking, Boone?"

   Boone's eyes remained fixed on the spot where Theo had vanished, his voice barely audible as he responded, "Pretty."

   The brief, shared moment between Dani and Lily was filled with knowing smiles and twinkling eyes. They exchanged glances of amusement and satisfaction. "He's gone," they said almost in unison, their voices a mix of playful delight and shared understanding.

   Just as Theodora was walking away from the building, she heard that Tyler guy shout out toward Kate who was walking away, his voice rising just enough to be heard by all. "City girl knows her stuff, Ben." When Kate didn't react, he repeated himself, louder this time, as if demanding their acknowledgment. "I said, city girl knows her stuff, Ben."

   Kate finally turned around to face him, her expression flat.

   "Thanks," Kate said, her voice cool. "Maybe if I work real hard, I could be a Tornado Wrangler, too." Theodora caught Kate's eye, sharing a brief, confused look before they continued towards Scott and Javi, who had been watching the interaction from a distance.

   Kate reached out, grabbing Theo's wrist and pulled her until they reached the two other men, Kate handed the tablet to Javi. "We're going west," she announced, her decision firm.

   Scott furrowed his brow, clearly unconvinced. "The cell to the east has much better numbers."

   Kate shook her head, her certainty unshaken. "Conditions don't feel right. The cap is too strong────it'll never break."

   Javi, trusting her instincts, shrugged and handed the tablet back to Scott. "You heard her. Let's move."

   As Theodora prepared to join Javi and Kate in the most dangerous position of all the other team members, her thoughts were consumed by the pretty man from the gas station.

🌪️🍂 ╱          chapter one, hooray!
to be honest, i copy and pasted a lot of
this from
whirlwind so if there are mentions of valentina
or isabella, let me know! this chapter was kinda
slow but boone is already head over heels for theo

hope you enjoyed and don't forget to comment
and tell me ur thoughts 🫶