by Savannah May
Olivia
I’m driving down the highway with Jonathan in my jeep, headed towards Laurel Mountain. It’s been a week and I can’t get Carter out of my head. I’ve tried. Truly I’ve tried. It hasn’t worked well so although I have no desire to go hiking with Jonathan, maybe it will at least take my mind off Carter.
And my father. He’s been acting so weird the last week. I’m almost sure he heard Reese and I talking about Carter, but I don’t know what to do about it. If I try to talk to him it will only make him more on edge.
He already practically begged me not to come up here with Jonathan today. He said he was worried about the burn they’re doing on the other side of the mountain, but hell, it’s fifty miles away. I think he just doesn’t want me alone with the guy. And even though I couldn’t care less about coming here with Jonathan today, it makes me mad. I can make my own decisions now. He needs to stop treating me like a child.
As we pull into the parking area at the base of the trail, I look over at Jonathan. He’s sporting a smarmy grin and I already know this is a huge mistake. All my bells and whistles of gut intelligence are blaring loudly. I shouldn’t have brought him with me. He can tell me all he wants that he is fine with us just being friends, but the way he’s ogling my tits right now tells me something very different.
I jump out of my Jeep and slam the door then walk around to get my pack out of the back seat.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” I half snarl, wishing I could find an excuse to call it off. “It’s about a two-hour hike up to the cabin and there’s no Wi-fi up there. I’m afraid you’re going to be bored.”
He smirks. “We’re not going to bored Liv. I can think of dozens of things we can do to keep ourselves busy.”
I roll my eyes. “Jonathan, we agreed we’re just going to be friends, if you’re thinking this is something else, I should take you back into town.”
“Lighten up Liv, it was a joke. Just friends. No hanky panky. I got it.”
We’re only thirty minutes up the trail and Jonathan is already lagging behind. I look back at him and there’s no question he’s ogling my ass. He’s breathing heavy. It’s clear he’s out of shape. I should have just driven us to the cabin. There’s an access road that runs behind it, but the hike is my favorite part of getting there. If Jonathan is already winded, this hike is going to take longer than I thought.
I curse under my breath. This is such a bad idea. If we get up there and I want to leave, it’s going to take forever to get back down the mountain and away from him.
“Hey Liv, we didn’t even discuss the third option for our relationship.” He calls out behind me, panting for breath.
I stop so he can catch up to me. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”
He grins at me and slaps my ass as he walks past me. “How about a ‘friends with benefits’ sort of arrangement?” He turns around and throws me that revolting smirk.
“Jonathan!” I snap. My face is red hot and I’m considering turning around right then but he turns and looks back at me again. I guess he can tell I’m not happy.
“Olivia,” he mimics, then: “I’m just messing with you. Come on, we’re going to have fun. Platonic, friendly fun. Let’s go.”
He has this habit of winding me up and then pulling a switch around to try to make me seem uptight or something. How did I not notice this earlier about him?
By the time we reach the cabin. I’m completely over Jonathan, friends or otherwise. There’s no way I can spend the next twenty-four hours with him. Between him ‘accidentally’ touching my ass every ten minutes, his incessant rambling about comic book characters, and the carefully placed inappropriate ‘jokes’ he makes about getting in my pants, I’m done.
I watch as he collapses on the couch as soon as we walk in the door of the cabin.
“I’m exhausted,” he whines, grinning up at me. “What do you say we take a nap? There’s room here for two.” He scoots over and pats the couch beside him.
Ignoring him I take off my pack and go to the kitchen for a bottle of water. I have to get away from him. He’s driving me crazy. In the bedroom I find an old beach towel in the closet and throw it over my shoulder.
On my way out the cabin door, I look over my shoulder at Jonathan, “I’m going down to the lake for a swim. You take a nap, I’ll be back in an hour or two.”
As I shut the door behind me, I hear him call out; “Wait, I’ll come with you.”
I pretend not to hear him as I jump off the porch and make my way to the path towards the lake. After I’ve been walking for about fifteen minutes, I finally feel like I can breathe again. Drops of sweat run down my back and I pick up my pace. I must be more out of shape than I thought because it feels like the temperature has risen twenty degrees. Fifteen more minutes and I’ll be floating in the crystal blue water of the best-kept secret swimming hole on Laurel Mountain.
No Jonathan. No Dad. No Carter. Just me.
I want to kick myself for bringing Jonathan with me today. One thing’s for sure, there is no way I’m spending the night with him. I realize I need to stop being a pleaser all the time and be more assertive about my needs. As soon as I get back to the cabin, I’m hiking back down the mountain. He can come if he wants, or not.
My spirits lift as soon as I see the small lake and what’s better, there’s no one else here. The water is an inviting blue green and looks unbelievably inviting after my strenuous uphill walk. I smile as I remember all the summers swimming up here with my Dad. It must be hard for him since I’ve been away. His little girl is gone for good. After scrambling up the small outcropping of rocks on the edge of the lake, I find my favorite flat spot, a table rock jutting out over the pool.
I sit down and dangle my legs off the edge and wonder how many times I’ve jumped off this very rock into the lake. I take off my sandals and then stand to undress, throwing all my clothes on the rock in a pile next to my towel. With one last look of anticipation, I jump off the rock and let out a squeal as I hit the water. I’d forgotten how cool it is. Being completely submerged in the refreshing chill feels great.
I bob to the surface and them lie back in the water, close my eyes and float there for a while. My mind drifts to Carter, of course. It’s like there’s no other topic in my head these days, desfpitethe fact that I need to get my life and my future on track. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be up here with him today. I imagine him here in the water with me. Touching me.
I let out a needy moan as I run my hand over my breast and my thumb grazes my hard nipple. It’s pointing out hard, whether from the cold water or my filthy thoughts doesn’t take a genius to figure out. I’m aching between my legs and I contemplate the logistics of masturbation while I float in the water. I tug my nipple and roll it between my thumb and finger until it’s even more erect.
Then I get mad at myself. I need to get over him. Whatever stupid little fantasies I have about Carter are not real. It’s never going to happen. I groan and open my eyes and look up toward the huge sky. The first thing I see is Jonathan standing on my rock. He’s pulling his shirt over his head.
No. Fucking. Way.
“Jonathan! What are you doing here?” I’m pissed. “Did you follow me?”
He looks down at me grinning. “I tried. But damn girl, you walk fast. Want some company?”
His thumbs are in the waistband of his shorts and I can’t help but notice the erection he’s sporting. Gross! He must have seen me touching myself and somehow imagined it was all about him.
“Jesus, I can’t believe you followed me and didn’t say anything,” I yell. “How long have you been here watching me? That’s just creepy. Don’t even think about coming in here.”
He just laughs at me and starts lowering his shorts. I immediately kick out to turn away from the view.
“Jonathan, I swear to god, if you come in here, I’m never speaking to you again. Go back to the cabin and wait for me. I want to be alone.”
I’m brea
thing hard, treading water rapidly. All of a sudden, I’m nervous. What was I thinking coming up here alone with him? Reese was right. I should have listened to him. I should have listened to myself.
“Fine Liv, you don’t have to act like such a crazy bitch,” he snaps, as usual he turns it around on me.
I can hear him rustling around. He’s chuckling to himself, like he’s thought up one of his pathetic jokes.
“Alrighty then,” he shouts. “Have a nice swim. All on your lonesome.”
I kick back around in the water in time to see him disappearing, walking back towards the cabin. The relief is soon squashed when I realize he has my clothes under one arm and in the other, he’s got my bra dangling from one finger.
Rage boils over in me and I yell back at him. “That’s really fucking mature Jonathan. Bring me my clothes right now.”
He just laughs. “See you back at the cabin Liv. Enjoy your alone time.”
Fucking idiot. It’s too late to catch him so I swim for a while longer, thinking he’ll be back at any second. Surely, he’s not that big of a dick that he’d leave here with my clothes. Or maybe he is. If so , what do I do? There aren’t that many options but when I catch up to him, I’m going to wring out his balls.
When I look up towards the south side of the mountain, I notice that the smoke from the RB is a lot heavier than it was when we started the hike earlier. More than a light fog, now it’s dense and I can smell it.
That’s not right.
The burn started early this morning. The smoke should be clearing by now, not getting thicker. I turn my head and then see a cloud of smoke in the opposite direction. That’s not right at all and a shard of fear passes through my chest. Now I’m panicking a little. I promised my dad I’d keep my phone with me. But that douchebag Jonathan, just made off with it back down the mountain. I really am alone thanks to him.
I look back to the North in the direction of the cabin, away from the Southside controlled burn. There is definitely something burning up there and it’s not just a campfire. There’s way too much smoke. As I climb out of the lake, I realize I’m in trouble.
The smoke in the air is thick enough to sting my throat. I can’t tell if it’s from the north or the south, but whatever is burning it’s close. Too close. I’m not a fireman’s daughter for nothing. I climb up to the rock. At least Jonathan left my shoes and towel. I quickly wrap my towel around me and shove into the sandals.
As I clear my throat yet again, I know that this is not good at all. It’s a thirty-minute walk to the cabin and I feel like time is also burning up on me. I pick up the pace and start to jog. Visibility is not good now and I have to be careful not to trip or twist my ankle on the rough trail.
It seems like hours but I have no idea how long I’ve been running. I figure I’m at the half-way point and stop for a second to catch my breath. My lungs are hurting a little. The smoke is thicker and I can’t see barely twenty feet ahead of me. Then I see a burning ember drift through the air. Shit.
I look up again towards the cabin and there are now some serious flames coming from the treetops. I can’t judge the distance. It could be a mile it could be a hundred feet. All I know is that if I keep heading north, I’ll be heading straight towards the fire.
There’s no choice but to turn and run back towards the lake. As I stumble along, I force myself to calm and think back to everything my father has ever taught me. First, find a large clearing, a paved road, or a body of water.
Okay, check, that’s good. It’s all good. I got this.
As soon as I reach the lake, I run up and jump on my table rock. I’m pleased with myself and then get mad when I feel the tears streaming down my cheeks. The first thing dad would say is ‘don’t panic’.
I would say I’m more than panicking right now, I’m freaking fucking out.
8
Carter
“Carter, where the hell are you?” John growls in my ear as soon as he picks up my call.
“I’m on the north access road heading up the mountain. John, it looks like…”
John’s harsh voice interrupts me. He’s in ‘chief mode’ so I automatically know to shut my mouth.
“Thank God. Listen up.” I’m sure I can hear relief in his voice that he got me. “Somehow one of the old cabins on Musser pass caught fire and it’s spreading southeast. I’ve sent up air support, but the ground crew is still thirty to forty minutes out.”
He pauses for a second and I can hear him breathing hard. That’s not like him at all. Something’s wrong. I know better to speak though. So, I wait to hear what he has to say.
“Carter,” he murmurs, hoarse. “I think Livy’s up there.”
“What?” I croak. Fuck, that’s the last thing I ever thought he’d say. Every cell in my body goes on even higher alert.
“She was going to hike up to the cabin this afternoon,” John says. “I told her to keep her cell on but the mandatory evacuation started an hour ago. I’ve been trying to get her for over two hours since…” His voice drops off. It’s filled with fear and desperation.
I swallow hard. “John, she may be down or on her way down. The service is spotty up here. But no matter what, I’ll find her. I got this John.” I assure him, meaning it like I’ve never meant anything in my life.
Still his voice cracks when he speaks. “Carter.”
“I know. Don’t worry. I got this. What’s going on with the burn on the south side?” I ask as I floor the accelerator on my truck, making the tires squeal.
“They lost it, Carter,” he says and I can hear how hard he’s forcing himself to remain in control. “They’re trying to get it back. They should be good if the wind speed and direction remain steady.”
I can’t respond. My own self control is right on the edge. I just hold the phone to my ear.
“Carter, if she’s at the cabin, it’s coming at her in both directions. If the wind shifts.”
I know he doesn’t want to say it. There’ll be no way down, no way to get off the mountain.
I clear my throat. “I got this John,” I insist. “Hang in and I’ll call you back in thirty.” I end the call.
As soon as I reach the wooded area that backs up to the cabin, I pull off the road. My racing mind has already determined that it will be quicker to cut through the forest on foot than to drive all the way around the access road to the front of the cabin.
I strip down and put on my fire suit. Then quickly go through my pack, take out most of the tools and fill it with blankets and water. I’m not fighting fires today. I don’t care if the whole damn mountain burns down, all I care about is that Livy’s not on it when it does.
Soon as I’m efficient, I race through the woods at top speed. I should travel slow and steady but I don’t. My legs ache as I push myself harder, faster. The smoke is thick but I don’t stop to put on my respirator. I don’t stop to assess how close the fire is. My mind is on one thing and that’s reaching the cabin.
As soon as the familiar back porch comes into view, I break into a full-on sprint. I check my watch as I reach the cabin. Twelve minutes have passed. For some reason, I feel like every one of them counts. I race around to the front of the cabin and see a Park Ranger SUV. When I notice that kid, Jonathan I think it was, standing next to the vehicle, I’m flooded with a mixture of hope and anger.
I fucking hate that the guy came up here with Livy and I still wanna deck him. But if he’s here, she must be safe. I notice that there are a couple of people in the back of the SUV and I’m glad that one of them is Liv.
But my assumptions are slammed shut when I get close enough to hear the conversation between the Ranger and Jonathan.
“My girlfriend is at the lake,” The kid is telling the ranger. "It’s been an hour. She should be back by now.”
“Sir. I’ve told you, I’m under orders,” the official tells him. “This is a mandatory evacuation not a rescue mission. We can notify search and rescue about your girlfriend but this is your last chance
to get off the mountain by car. You can either get in now or stay here and wait for your girlfriend. Your choice. But I have other civilians in the car and we have to get moving.”
I’m stunned as I watch the fucking coward duck into the Ranger’s SUV. If didn’t need to concentrate on finding Liv, I’d go over there and jerk the little fucker out of that car and tie him to a tree. Without bothering to say a word, I race towards the path to the lake and then stop. I need to be smart about this. There’s very little time remaining.
I look around and try to get my bearings. I need to figure out exactly how much time I have.There are burning embers flying through the air. There are flames in the tops of the trees and it’s two miles away at best. It’s a thirty-minute walk to the lake.
I decide I’ll make it in ten if I run. Maybe sooner if I take a more direct route through the woods, but I can’t take a chance that I won’t miss Livy trying to make her way back here along the trail The smoke is getting thicker by the minute. I put on my respirator and take off down the path.
Livy’s smart, I keep telling myself. She knows what to do. John’s taught her.
The problem is that with the fire burning on both sides of the mountains the choices aren’t so clear. At this point, trying to make her way to either the south or the north access road is risky. I’m praying she stayed at the lake because if she’s on foot, I’m terrified I won’t be able to find her. Adrenaline courses through my veins as I race along the trail. I hyper focus and stay calm, not allowing all the possible outcomes to sully my purpose.
The end of the trail comes into view and as soon as I reach the end, I think it’s a lost cause and then I see her. She’s still a hundred yards away, but she’s sitting on a rock by the lake. Just like her father trained her. She’s wrapped in a tiny towel and shivering but it’s her.
I take about three seconds to catch my breath. I want to run to her and pull her into my arms to keep her safe. And I will, but I have to talk to John first where she can’t hear me. I have to let him know I’ve found her because he’s not going to like what I’m about to tell him.