The Camp

by Karice Bolton

  “I feel like I could say that for this whole place,” I grumbled.

  “Present company excluded, I hope.” He laughed.

  I avoided his gaze and perched my hands on my hips.

  “Not really sure about that,” I huffed.

  “Ouch.”

  “So what first?” I asked, keeping a distance.

  “How about names?” he asked, tossing the instructions on the ground and looking at me once more.

  “Emma… Yours?” His brilliant eyes stared into mine and a smile danced across his lips.

  “You totally look like an Emma.”

  I wondered what that meant. Did I look like an Emma? I always thought I looked like a Sarah. The longer I stood staring at him waiting for his name, the deeper his smile etched into his features, creating a deep dimple in his left cheek.

  Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, he bent down and shook the poles and stakes onto the ground, and my gaze happened to notice how well his jeans fit him. God! What was happening to me? It had to be the outdoors! This was ridiculous, especially considering where I was. I wanted to start laughing but instead walked to the other side of the pile to avoid staring at him any longer.

  “I’m Liam,” he finally revealed.

  “Fits you,” I replied, attempting to sound casual as I pulled the base of the tent toward me.

  “Looks like you remember the basics,” Liam said, as I tugged on the corners by the loops. “You guys don’t camp now?”

  My breath caught as the familiar ache in my body surfaced whenever my dad came up in conversation. I was told his death would get easier as time went by. I’ve come to realize that it’s not that the death gets easier, it’s that people quit asking.

  “Uh…no. Not really our thing anymore,” I replied.

  This wasn’t the group of people I wanted to find myself confiding in. Besides, I never wanted to bog down anyone in all that stuff, my stuff. He just asked an innocent camping question. I didn’t need to take him into my world — the world where parents die and leave inept ones in their place.

  “Maybe this experience will get you back out there with him when you go home. “ He fed the poles through the nylon openings, and I shifted my focus to the tasks at hand to force the sadness away.

  “You never know,” I said in my best chipper voice.

  I watched as he went around securing the poles, and I realized I wasn’t really doing much of anything.

  “Hope this doesn’t come out the wrong way, but it really doesn’t seem like you belong here,” he said in a hushed tone as he tapped in one of the stakes with the hammer.

  “My god! How could I take that the wrong way? I’d be pissed if you thought I did.” I laughed. “I’ve been thinking the same thing ever since I was handed the brochure by the pilot.”

  “By the pilot?” he asked, tossing the hammer on the dirt. His eyebrows furrowed as he was trying to compute what little I’d told him.

  I nodded, picking up the hammer and pounded the stake into the loop I’d been holding onto.

  “The social worker didn’t even tell you?” he questioned at long last.

  “Uh…No, I don’t have one or…” I exhaled loudly. I was at a complete loss for words. “It’s complicated.”

  The tent was fully erect, and I followed him to the front of it where he unzipped the door. He grabbed my duffle and backpack and threw them inside the tent.

  “I’d like to hear about it sometime,” he said softly. His eyes flickered to mine and carried a kindness that I hadn’t seen since my father’s. Now I was sure I’d lost my mind.

  I shifted uncomfortably and dropped my gaze.

  “Didn’t mean to pry,” he said. “I’ll go get a sleeping bag and pillow for you.”

  “Thanks,” I said. My lips pressed together in a tight smile, and I stepped inside my tent hoping for a little time to regroup. Who was this guy? He didn’t seem anything like the guys that came with me on the plane.

  “No prob. I think they’ll be doing orientation in a few minutes,” he yelled over his shoulder, taking off toward one of the larger tents.

  I opened my duffle bag and grabbed a sweatshirt to wear. It was mid-day and colder than I was used to for a day in June, but then again I was in Alaska. I heard a couple guys talking, coming up behind my tent, and I tensed up. Their conversation was harmless, but I still didn’t like the uneasiness that continually wanted to push its way through me. I needed to find out what kind of people I was here with.

  A bell chimed through the air, followed by a CL’s call for everyone to gather around the fire. I wasn’t looking forward to whatever activity they had planned, but I was looking forward to standing in front of the heat source.

  I zipped my duffle back up and closed up the tent. I scanned the small group that was gathering and didn’t notice Liam, but I did see Steph. She was talking somewhat heatedly with a girl. Must be Chelsea. Liam’s summation of her not being a people person seemed quite fitting as she turned her dark eyes to glare at me.

  Chelsea had pale skin that was in stark contrast to her shiny black hair, at least where it wasn’t shaved off in patches, and the tips were a faded purple. She was dressed in turquoise leggings with black shorts and a red top. She was definitely one of those that didn’t want to be stared at, but who did everything to make you stare.

  Steph saw me and waved me over and shrugged off whatever conversation she and Chelsea were having. I pulled my hood around my head and trundled over to where they were, hoping a shred of a smile would make its way onto Chelsea’s lips. No such luck.

  “Hey, Emma. This is Chelsea.” Steph took a few steps to the side. Apparently she wanted me to stand next to Chelsea. Wonderful! Chelsea looked like she might be fifteen or so, but it was hard to tell with all the makeup she had on.

  “Nice to meet you.” I lied, hoping my smile would make up for it.

  “I’m sure it is.” Chelsea turned to take me in, and I can say without a doubt the stare she gave me was far worse than anything the guys on the plane could’ve come up with. “How old are you anyway?”

  “I’ll be eighteen in a week.” I shoved my hands in my hoodie pockets and found myself skimming the group for Liam.

  “Looking for someone?” Steph teased.

  “Nope,” I crinkled my face at her as she rolled her eyes. Steph was probably only a couple years older than me, and if we had happened to have met at college, instead of here, I’m sure we would’ve become fast friends.

  “I’m out. I don’t need to stick around for this,” Chelsea grunted.

  “Actually, you do.” Steph placed her hand on Chelsea’s shoulder. “Sorry. Those are the rules.”

  Chelsea pulled the sleeves of her shirt down over her hands, but not before I caught a glimpse of some pretty gnarly scars. I forced my glance away quickly once I realized what the gashes in her skin meant. I suddenly felt bad for the girl hiding behind her rough exterior.

  I spotted a log and decided I’d much rather sit than stand. I plopped on the end and unfortunately made myself too easy of a target. Three guys made a beeline for me and shared the log with me.

  “We heard about you,” one of them whispered. “Someone’s got a plan for you.”

  “What’s your name?” I asked.

  “Justin,” he whispered.

  He slowly slid his hand down my back and rested his fingers between my waistband and skin. My flesh crawled with this skin-to-skin contact.

  I looked over coolly at him. He was wearing a torn black sweatshirt that appeared older than he was. He looked really twitchy and nervous. His fingers began sliding lower, and I turned quickly to face him, forcing his hands away from my back.

  “And what did you hear?” I narrowed my eyes at him. He looked to be sixteen, maybe seventeen. It was really hard to tell. He was a lot bigger than I was, even sitting down. His dark blonde hair was shaved short, and his eyes were as pale as ice. There was nothing kind behind them.

  “Thanks everyone for j
oining us,” Dan began, interrupting our conversation.

  “As if I had a choice,” I heard Chelsea mumble behind me.

  “This is it,” he continued. “Look around at everyone because these are the people who we’ll all be spending the summer with. The last flight of campers arrived this afternoon so let’s welcome Emma, Luke, Justin, and Mark. The majority of you have been here a week, already making friendships, but please make sure you welcome everyone. These are the people you’re going to learn to trust. Out in these woods, you’ll be finding yourself in many situations where you’ll need a partner. It’s crucial bonds are built and never broken. I’d like to think we won’t encounter situations of life and death, but we must always be prepared.”

  I looked at Dan and knew there was no way this was how stern he acted in his off hours. There was something really carefree hiding behind those eyes. His hair was as long as Steph’s, and he looked like he belonged on a surfboard, not here.

  “Caleb’s going to go over the rules,” Dan said to a crowd full of groans. “It’ll be a good refresher for everyone. And judging by what happened yesterday, apparently some of us need reminders.”

  What? What happened yesterday?

  I looked at the guys next to me, and they seemed pretty oblivious; but then my eyes landed on a guy across the way who looked like he got beat up pretty badly. His lip was sliced and the skin around it was swollen. I explored the rest of the group, wondering who might have beat the poor kid up, and found someone whose injuries looked even worse.

  Ugh. Seven days and I can get out of here. I can make it seven days.

  Caleb handed a stack of red paper to circulate through the group. When I got my copy I looked down and began reading the list.

  ReBoot Rules

  1) No illegal activities

  2) NEVER leave food or garbage out

  3) No fighting. Be respectful of others and nature

  4) Never leave your partner

  5) Travel in groups or, at a minimum, in pairs.

  6) Don’t leave the camping area at night

  7) Never go into the woods or tall grass alone. Ensure a CL is with you at all times if you must leave the immediate premises

  8) Report any misconduct to a CL immediately

  9) When completing forestry duties always obey the CL in charge

  Caleb read the list out loud, and I stared line by line as he went through the rules. A chill ran through me as I realized someone was watching me. I felt the person’s gaze slink along my body and I froze. I didn’t know if it was better to acknowledge it or ignore it.

  I folded the list and stuffed it in my pocket. Caleb continued talking, but I didn’t hear any of it. My blood was pumping so quickly I only heard a ringing in my ears. Everything else was muffled.

  I finally brought my head up to see Luke staring at me, licking his lips. His hands were pushed deep into his pockets and I swore I saw movement, which only churned my stomach more.

  ChapterThree

  Most of the group disbanded, but I stayed on the log wondering if there was any possible way to get out of here sooner. Everyone had introduced themselves and as their names rolled off their tongues, so did their rap sheets. There was Shane who was busted for both robbery and assault. Then there was Luke, who enjoyed setting fires, a little something I’d like to call arson. And he got in a brief argument with Jake, who apparently shared the same passion. The CL stepped in to move the conversation forward. Everyone else was a blur. I didn’t care anymore. The wind was really beginning to pick up, and I wondered if I should head back and put the tarp over my tent before it started to rain.

  “Hey, pretty girl.” Luke’s voice crawled up behind me.

  He placed his hand on my shoulder as he climbed over the log to have a seat next to me.

  “What do you want?” I snapped, turning my face to look at him head on. “I thought I made things pretty clear on the plane.”

  Luke scooted closer to me and my stomach became nauseated. He placed his hand on my knee and began gliding it up toward my thigh. I clamped my hand on his and threw it off me. There were a few of the guys around, but they didn’t do anything but stare at us. Why was I not surprised?

  “Don’t touch me,” I said through clenched teeth.

  “Come on, baby,” he hovered closely to me, “give me a chance.”

  I stood up quickly, but not before he grabbed my wrist and tugged me toward him, anchoring me on his lap. He began pressing himself against me, holding me tightly. His lips slowly grazed my neck, landing near my ear.

  His mouth parted. “You’re making me crazy. You know what I would have done to you already back at home?”

  The fear swirled in my body creating an explosion of adrenaline as I quickly slammed my palm into his nose, startling him enough so I could break free.

  “Oh. You never should’ve done that.” Luke stood up and reached for my hand.

  “And why’s that?” Liam’s voice boomed through the air as he jumped over the log and landed on Luke, taking him to the ground.

  It only took one punch from Liam’s fist and Luke was completely out. I’d never seen someone land a punch with such incredible force. I’d heard of hits like that but had never seen one up close.

  Liam jumped off Luke and rushed over to me.

  “Are you okay?” His eyes were still blazing from taking Luke down and my heart rate was off the charts.

  No. I wasn’t okay. I wouldn’t be okay until I got to college and away from anything to do with my stepfather, including this. He’s the one who put me here. He knew what this place was. But then I realized that going home would be just as horrible as being here. I had no idea what to do.

  I stood and stared at Liam, saying nothing. His expression softened as he took me in.

  “We’ve gotta talk to Steph and get you out of here.” He glanced over his shoulder at Luke who was still groggy and then his gaze landed back on me. “It’s just not safe.”

  The guys who had been around gawking completely disappeared.

  I shook my head and reached for his hand. “I’m fine.”

  His left brow shot up and he watched me carefully.

  “No. Seriously. I’m fine. I was gonna pepper spray him,” I confided.

  A grin surfaced along Liam’s lips. “Really?”

  “Yeah. Really,” I replied, feeling a little less shaken.

  “I still think we need to talk to Steph. She’s in the break room,” he said, pointing to the yurt she’d shown me earlier.

  I nodded and kept my fingers intertwined with his as we headed for the CL’s safe haven.

  The door opened slowly, and Steph stepped out onto the deck catching Liam and I traipsing over to her.

  “What’s up?” she asked, her eyes dropping to our hands. We’d made it to the deck and were standing in front of her.

  “We had a situation that I had to take care of. Luke went after her,” Liam’s tone was sharp but quiet.

  Steph became wide-eyed and shook her head, quickly leading us into the yurt.

  “Is there any way we can get her off the island?” he started.

  “The next plane isn’t coming for a week, but I’ll call and explain the situation. See if we can get her off quicker. Is that what you feel comfortable with?” she asked me.

  “Yeah. I was planning on leaving as soon as that plane returned,” I told her.

  “You’ll be eighteen in a week?” Liam interrupted. “Why would anyone send you up here for such a short amount of time?”

  “It’s complicated,” I replied, knowing that was the same answer I’d given him earlier.

  “It sounds like it,” Steph confirmed.

  I looked up at her quickly realizing she was treating Liam as an equal and felt a little safer divulging a little bit of information.

  “It’s my stepfather. The uncomplicated version is that he hates me. He tricked my mom and me into thinking that this was a conservation and forestry camp because that’s what I’m hoping to st
udy when I get to OSU in the fall,” I explained. “And I actually fell for it.”

  “So Kroy is your stepdad?” she asked.

  I nodded.

  “He’s the one who filled out her admission paperwork, citing ‘problems with authority’ but that’s about it,” Steph confirmed to Liam.

  “Brutal,” Liam said, but I saw a glimmer of something behind his eyes, and I wanted to find out more.

  Steph reached for a phone-like contraption that looked like it was from the eighties.

  “What’s that?” I questioned.

  “Satellite phone,” Liam answered. “It’s all we’ve got in remote parts out here. It’s crazy expensive.”

  “So if that goes out?”

  “Then we’re screwed,” he muttered.

  Stephanie was already talking to someone on the phone, and I began feeling better already.

  “We’d always camp where we got cell service,” I said, dipping my gaze to the floor. “This is so unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”

  “It’s like that for most people,” he agreed. “I grew up here so —”

  “You’re from here?”

  He nodded. “Well not here, here. I grew up in a village on the island though. We have electricity,” he joked.

  Steph hung up the phone and turned to us.

  “I’ve got some bad news.” She grimaced. “A storm’s on the way. They wouldn’t be able to come for you for at least two days, and that’s still not a guarantee.”

  My heart plummeted. I had a way off the island and then a storm’s coming. Why did I feel like this was a pattern in my life?

  “If I call them when the storm’s over, they’ll see if they can schedule an early attempt. We’re really at the mercy of the weather.”

  Liam glanced at Steph. “I don’t think she should be in her tent alone.”