Limited Light

by Carla Rossi

  Probably toothpaste, she explained. They’ve opened each cookie, scraped away the center, and replaced it with some equally white substance. A bit amateurish, but still effective.

  They’ve probably got balls of yarn and rolls of toilet paper, Kimmie said as she stooped to retie her shoes. And I think I saw a roll of plastic wrap poking out of Sara’s bag.

  I saw that, too, Natalie confirmed .

  Oh yeah, Charles added. Peter has yellow stains on his index finger. Probably food coloring.

  Everyone but Jim voiced knowing oh yeahs, and uh-huhs.

  The fear on his face intensified. Do I dare ask what they’re gonna do with all that stuff?

  Marti placed a comforting hand on his back. Don’t worry, Pastor. Nobody’s going to get hurt. Just keep your eyes and ears open and watch where you step. And sit.

  I think we’re done here, Danny announced. Saddle up.

  Jim escorted Marti around the side of the van.

  She tried to pull her hand away from his. It’s not like I can’t find my way to my seat, she told him and giggled. Now let go, the kids will see us and go nuts.

  Like they don’t know I’m crazy about you.

  She yanked her hand away. Stop. We’re supposed to be in charge here. Everyone’s waiting.

  All right. I’ll behave. He opened the door for her. Hey, wait a minute.

  Yes?

  Are you sure you’re ready for this? His voice was almost a whisper as eager faces pressed their noses to the windows and tried to listen.

  It was a sincere question, she could tell. But the twitch in his jaw told her he wasn’t so much worried about her being ready, but more like he was worried he wasn’t. All the talk about pranks must have left him feeling completely vulnerable .

  We’re gonna have a great weekend, Jim. I’m glad you asked me to come.

  I think I should stay here. I told you I’m not good with this age.

  You’re coming.

  But the senior citizens are having a dinner here today. It’s almost four o’clock, so they should be starting soon.

  You are not getting out of this.

  But they have apple pie.

  These kids love you, Jim, and you’re a wonderful teacher. You’ll be okay, she assured him, try to relax and have fun. Marti hopped up into her seat and fastened her seatbelt. Now, go get in the boy’s van. You’re holding us up.

  Jim slammed her door and rested his hands in the open window. She put hers over his as a poor substitute for a goodbye kiss. With a wink and a smile he walked away. Oh, he just gets cuter every day.. .

  Natalie put the van in drive. Oh, wow, she said, watching him walk away. You’ve got him completely tied up in knots. He’s totally smitten.

  Marti smiled. As am I...as am I .

  ****

  At ten o’clock in the evening, as the boys marched down the path to the bathhouse, the adults gathered around the fire. Within minutes of the boys’ departure, the girls exited their cabin with at least twenty-four rolls of toilet paper .

  Where y’all goin’? Charles asked as the girls passed by .

  We’re going to toilet paper the boys’ cabin, Sara said amidst a chorus of giggles .

  Carry on, he said, and saluted .

  Jim dropped the handful of logs he was carrying. Aren’t we going to say anything?

  I’m on it, Kimmie replied. She followed the girls to the doorway. Remember to be courteous prankers, girls. Don’t do anything that causes permanent damage, and stay out of their personal things.

  Marti smiled inwardly at Jim’s confused expression. He’d actually thought she was going to stop them .

  Natalie passed around cold cans of soda as everyone found a seat. That was a great campfire discussion. You two did an awesome job.

  Thanks, Marti replied, a bit in shock. She’d had to swallow some pretty big lumps before she could even talk. Thank God, Kimmie was a natural public speaker and extrovert. Otherwise they’d still be sitting there waiting for words to come out of Marti’s mouth .

  Yeah, thanks, Kimmie added. The topic ‘what is it like to be an honorable person’ was Marti’s idea.

  It was a good one, Charles said .

  Marti kicked off her tennis shoes and rubbed her toes on the soft, sandy dirt. I figured if we got them talking about what they considered to be honorable behavior and then threw in some scenarios, the discussion would take care of itself.

  You were right, Jim said. I was surprised to hear how adamantly they felt it was dis honorable to cheat on a test, but that it was honorable to lie to protect someone’s feelings. Don’t we teach them it’s dishonorable to lie?

  Sure, Charles said. But we also teach them not to be hurtful to each other. They’re still trying to find the proper boundaries.

  Danny slid off the rock he was sitting on and propped his back up against it instead. And therein lies the challenge, Jim. Welcome to teenaged angst.

  Danny turned to Marti. Are you making progress with Lily?

  We’re gettin’ there, she answered. At least she’s talking to me. She seems distracted, and she was really upset that her cell phone signal kept fading. I can’t tell if she’s worried Dakota will try to call or if he won’t.

  Yeah, Natalie said, I get the impression from her usually tight-lipped little group that maybe she’s trying to break up with him.

  As for the phone, Marti continued, I told her to turn it off and put it away. This retreat is no place for it. I think she did as I asked.

  Did you see the necklace she’s wearing? Kimmie asked .

  Natalie nodded. It’s a little silver ring on one of those beaded chains.

  That’s not good. If Dakota gave it to her and she’s still wearing it, that means they’re still together.

  Jim crushed his empty diet cherry cola can in his hand. Maybe he’s giving her a hard time about breaking up. Maybe he’s bullying her into staying with him.

  That’s what I’ve been most afraid of, Marti said softly into the crackling fire. I know he put those bruises on her. With anger issues like that, we’ve got to try harder. And we’re going to have to spell it out for Preston, whether he likes it or not. She could really be in danger.

  Danny looked at his watch. It’s ten-thirty. Boys are due back.

  Kimmie ran and pounded on the boys’ cabin door. Hurry up girls, they’re on their way back, and it’s your turn in the bathhouse.

  The girls stood dutifully outside their cabin and waited for the boys to come back down the trail. As they crossed the threshold, the girls took off running .

  All the boys scrambled back outside and stood patiently by the fire in complete silence .

  What are you doing? Jim asked them .

  Danny elbowed him. Just wait.

  Within seconds, the otherwise still forest was filled with the sound of screaming young girls. This in turn set the boys whoopin’ and hollerin’ .

  Do we need to be worried? Kimmie asked .

  No, Peter answered.

  And don’t be worried when they scream again in about ten minutes, Jonathan added .

  Natalie handed them a bag of chips. Don’t forget lights out at eleven-thirty. We have a big day tomorrow.

  Jim dug through the cooler for another diet cherry cola. Okay, what did they do?

  Charles started unfolding a card table. I think they probably filled a gallon jug with water and put yellow food coloring in it. They put down several well placed puddles so it looks like the guys made a mess on the floor.

  What’s gonna happen in ten minutes?

  Ah yes..., Danny mused. That’s when they’ll start to feel the effects of the thin layer of that hot sore muscle cream they put on all the toilet seats.

  These kids are diabolical.

  It’s all in fun, Charles said and laughed. Okay, the table’s set up. What shall we play? Trivial Pursuit? Monopoly?

  Marti choked on her cookie. And not because it had toothpaste in it. We’re playing a game?

  Sure, he answered
. Is there a problem?

  Marti looked at Jim, who was staring intently at the sky.

  Marti and Jim don’t play games well together, Kimmie explained .

  I don’t know what you’re talking about, Marti countered, feigning ignorance.

  I don’t either, Jim added. I say we play Trivial Pursuit.

  Teams or individual?

  Teams, Marti and Jim barked out in unison .

  Natalie picked up the dice. Teams it is. We’ll play couples.

  The flame in Marti’s cheeks rivaled the fire. A couple? They were a couple?

  The light from approaching flashlights bounced across the trees as the girls returned .

  Lights out at eleven-thirty girls. Go get settled in.

  Jim pulled another chair to the table. Will they really go to sleep?

  No, Natalie answered. They’ll stay awake and talk in there for hours.

  Charles hooked a lantern in the tree above the table. This’ll be a little crowded, but it’ll do.

  Marti dragged the cooler closer and set her bug repellent on it. Is camping always like this? I think I’ve eaten four bugs, and two little moths nearly flew into my ear.

  This isn’t really camping, Jim explained, but yeah, it’s something like it.

  Have you done a lot of camping?

  Yes. In college. Backpacking mostly. Tomorrow night I will impress you with my s’more making ability. I would make a pot of campfire stew, but with the dining hall a hundred feet away, what’s the point? He paused and pointed to Marti’s feet. You should put your shoes back on. There’s not much light. You could step on something.

  Marti pulled up a chair. Just roll the dice.

  By one in the morning, Charles and Natalie were soundly annihilating the other two couples. Marti shook her head in wonder. What kind of people know how many dimples are on a golf ball or what percentage of Jupiter’s gasses are noxious? Nerdy ones, she guessed. While she and Jim were holding their own, Danny and Kimmie were struggling to get around the board. The best part was that more times than not, one of them said the right answer and the other one talked them out of it. Hilarious .

  The fire’s dying, Marti said, and stood up. Should I toss another log on, or do you think Charles and Natalie will finish us off soon?

  Charles glanced at his watch. It’ll take us one more small log.

  I’ll get it, Jim offered .

  No, it’s okay, Marti said. I’ll get it.

  She headed for the wood pile that was several yards from the cabins. She stepped out of the circle of the soft dirt – and right onto something sharp in the ground .

  In an instant, the object pierced the tender center of her foot. This is not happening. She stumbled backward and swallowed the urge to cry out. Searing pain registered in her brain as warm liquid started to pool under her foot. She tried to take a look. Maybe it’s not bad. Maybe it’s just a nick, and I don’t have to tell anyone. The amount of blood told her otherwise. She limped back to the light and leaned against a tree and brought her foot to rest on her opposite knee. Fresh blood blazed a scarlet trail down her leg.

  Heavy footsteps bore down on her as Jim rushed to her side. What happened? Don’t say a word, she warned. I just need to go clean this up.

  Jim knelt down and took her foot in his hand. This is a pretty nasty slice. We need to go to the first aid station and check it out.

  It’s not open this late.

  There’s a key for emergencies.

  I need to put my flip-flops on for the walk. I don’t care if they get bloody.

  You shouldn’t put weight on that. He made a move as though he were going to pick her up. I’ll carry you.

  She darted out of his reach, then winced in pain. Crimson splotches dotted the soil. I swear if you pick me up, I’ll never speak to you again.

  Don’t be so melodramatic, Marti. Let me help you.

  Help me, yes. Carry me, no.

  And just so she was thoroughly embarrassed...everyone else had to come and see what was happening .

  Haggard teenagers who’d only just dozed off stumbled outside. It wasn’t the noise that woke them up, it was the silence of the game they’d been eavesdropping on .

  Go back to bed, everyone, Charles instructed .

  Marti hopped to the table and grabbed her flashlight. Let’s get this over with.

  Jim led Marti to the sink in the first aid station. She sat up on the counter and let the cool water run across her wound before putting it into the shallow pool of peroxide he prepared.

  Let that soak a while. Have you had a tetanus shot?

  Marti rested her head in her hands. I’m sure I have in the last ten years. Why?

  That’s a deep cut, and we don’t know what you stepped on. I can close it with tape, but you need to keep it clean.

  Marti leaned back against the mirror over the sink. She turned to gaze at the streaks of dirt on her face, the dried blood on her hands, and her hair wildly sticking out in all directions. Ooohhhh, she groaned. I look terrible.

  No, you’re beautiful.

  He wet another towel and started to carefully wash the rest of her foot.

  She tried to brush him away. Stop, Jim. You don’t have to do that.

  I want to, he said, and squeezed warm, soapy water across the top of her foot and between her toes .

  With expert tenderness, he dried her wound and propped her foot on his leg. He studied the array of tape and bandages he’d lined up along the counter. Let’s see...

  Aren’t you going to say ‘I told you so’?

  He ripped off a piece of tape. Of course not. I lo—

  He snapped his mouth closed and never looked up .

  Well, if it makes you feel any better, you were right, and I was wrong and stupid, and I’ll never do it again.

  He held one end of the tape down with his thumb and tried to close the gash. You’re not stupid, just stubborn sometimes. And I don’t need to be right. I need you to be okay.

  Marti’s heart ignited like a sparkler--a slow motion sparkler that caught fire gradually then burned brighter and pulsed faster with each discovery her mind realized. She was overcome with the depth of feelings she had for him and the sudden awareness of how he felt about her. She leaned her head against the mirror and accepted the truth. This man, the one who just washed her dust-covered foot, was quite possibly the best man God ever made .

  In silence, he finished the bandage and tried to position the flip-flop on her foot for the walk back. He gingerly set her foot aside and stood up as he extended his hand. Okay, try to get up.

  Marti hopped off the counter and straight into his arms. Thanks for taking care of me, she said, and pressed her lips against his .

  Hey, he said with a chuckle, and pulled back from her tight embrace. What’s this about?

  It’s nothing. Just let me kiss you again before we have to walk back.

  Sure, but—

  She kissed him again and told him with her heart what she couldn’t yet say out loud .

  I love you .

  ****

  Marti, we need to talk to you. It’s urgent.

  Marti looked up from her chair to find Sara and Melissa back early from the bathhouse. What is it? Fear settled like a shroud around them .

  It’s Lily. She left the showers. She told us we could take our turns first, but when we got out, she was gone. No one saw her leave.

  Marti’s eyes darted back and forth around the area, hoping Lily would pop out of the woods. Her tongue became thick, her words hard to form. Think , girls. What exactly did she say today?

  Sara and Melissa exchanged glances .

  Marti leaned in. This is serious, girls. It’s not betraying a confidence if she’s in danger. Now talk!

  Okay, Sara began, she’s been trying to break up with Dakota. She admitted she’s afraid of him.

  Yeah, Melissa joined in, but he keeps calling her and driving by her house.

  Did she say anything that sounded like she thought he was com
ing here to see her? Or maybe she said something about running off to meet him?

  I don’t think she’d break the rules and run away from camp, Melissa said, starting to cry, but if she thought he was here, she might try to see him and tell him to leave.

  Did you overhear anything on that cell phone yesterday, or see any notes or anything?

  They both shook their heads .

  Marti searched the sky. It would be dark in an hour. All right, listen to me. Go back and tell everyone to finish up and come back to camp. Tell them we’re out finding her. I’ll send Kimmie or Natalie up there, okay?

  They nodded .

  Marti rushed into the cabin where Natalie and Kimmie were preparing for a nighttime version of capture the flag. She filled them in .

  I have a feeling I know where to start. Marti grabbed her flashlight, a bottle of water, and her cell phone. Yesterday when we drove in, Lily made an odd comment about all the service roads coming out of the woods. Now I realize she was worried Dakota might use one to sneak in here.

  But your foot. One of us should go.

  No, it’s okay. I’m going to take the van and check out those service roads. I know what his car looks like.

  I’ll alert the camp staff, Natalie said, and tossed her the keys.

  And I’ll locate the guys on their hike so they can get back here and join the search, Kimmie said .

  Marti rushed to the van. Pray for safety and a cell phone signal.

  She started down the long, narrow road leading away from camp. As each foot of pavement disappeared beneath her, she frantically scanned the sides of the road for any sign of Lily. Lord, please, help me . I can’t possibly see everything at once . Where is she ?

  Most side roads were short and led to pumping stations and electric transformers. Some were blocked off by metal gates, others had thin chains across them. She removed each one and drove in, just in case Dakota had done the same. Nothing .

  By the time she reached the entrance of the camp, her already wildly beating heart was thumping double time in her ears. Real panic had set in .

  Cars whizzed by on the highway in front of her. What next, Lord? What next? As she prepared to make a U turn and head back into camp, she glanced at the sign on the highway. It was pointing to the lake. Of course .