Page 4

Wyatt

T he mountains and trees were all so beautiful and I loved smelling the pine in the air, but while I enjoyed it from inside the mess hall, the idea of going out into a forest and sleeping there didn’t do much for me.

Once again, I questioned why I thought this was a good idea, and if I’d been able to, I would have kicked my own ass.

The forest was filled with bugs, snakes, lizards, bears, and way more than I wanted to think about. Bigfoot, fuck you, not listening.

“Hey, mind if we sit here?” two guys I’d noticed helping outside earlier asked.

“Not at all. I’m Gavin, the camp director,” Gavin said, and both of them sat down next to me. “You’re John, and you must be Drevon?”

The one he called John met my eyes briefly.

He was tall and thin, and his dark hair was cut short.

Both of them looked like they’d be more comfortable at a sports camp than here in the middle of the forest. “Yes, nice to meet you,” the other guy said who was just as tall but more muscular.

“John and I are playing college ball next year, so we thought this was a good way to get away from it all before we’re forced to be serious about our future.

Plus, neither of us have ever camped before.

” He chuckled while John glanced around the table possibly looking for a way to escape, or maybe that was just me.

“Anyone from Sacramento?” John asked.

“I am, Wyatt Andrews,” I introduced myself and after setting down my sandwich I shook both their hands.

“Have you camped before?” Drevon asked.

“Never. I usually only leave my house if I have to.” The three of them chuckled probably thinking I was joking.

“Well don’t worry, by the time you leave here you’ll all be experts.”

“We’re not camping in tents, are we?” John asked.

“Only one night when we go for the long hike but that won’t be until next weekend,” Gavin assured us.

“What if we’re not ready?” Drevon asked, and I would have sworn he held his breath while he waited for Gavin to answer.

“If you don’t feel you’re ready you can stay here. It’ll be boring but it’s only one night and we’d rather you feel comfortable.”

Drevon visibly relaxed and John patted his back. “See, I told you there’s no pressure to do what we’re not comfortable with.”

Gavin cleared his throat and went into a speech about how he wants everyone to have fun, not feel forced to do anything, while I tried not to stare at his perfect lips while fantasizing about running my hands over those pecs that, even though I couldn’t see them, I imagined were as firm as the toned abs I also imagined.

“Right, Wyatt?” he asked, snapping me out of it.

“What? I—uh.”

“Just messing with you,” he said. “I was just telling them that no one in this group has camped before so you’re all starting on even ground.

But this week isn’t just about camping. You’ll learn about the local wildlife and plants.

Which plants are safe or that you can even eat from.

What to avoid and what to really avoid. I hope the weather is warm enough to swim but if not, we’ll just use the canoes.

I promise you won’t be bored.” For just a moment his mask slipped, and he didn’t look quite so sure of himself, but if nothing else, he knew way more than I did.

“Campers will arrive throughout the day, so tonight we’ll have a campfire so everyone can meet and get to know each other. ”

“Are we going to sing Kumbaya?” a girl asked as she approached, making the rest of us laugh before turning to Gavin.

“You can sing whatever you want as long as you’re having fun.

That’s our main objective: that you all have fun.

” Gavin beamed at each of us, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling right back.

“Guys, this is Dani, she’s also here for two weeks.

I know we need to show you to your cabin.

We can do that right after you finish eating.

” Gavin introduced her to everyone after she sat down next to me.

She was tiny with super short blonde hair and bright blue eyes and worked at a river rafting company.

“That’s fine, I’m in no hurry,” she said and took a bite of her sandwich.

A few more wandered in and I noticed some were already getting along like they’d known each other before they came here.

I glanced at John and Drevon, as they chatted with Gavin.

They were both friendly and I thought maybe that was part of the camp experience.

I was never in the group with the athletic kids at school, and I had to admit it was nice to have the chance to get to know them.

So far everyone was friendly and while some were quieter, and others were very animated, none of them seemed bothered that this was all new to them.

“Once everyone has arrived, we’ll meet in here and I’ll give you this week’s itinerary and jobs list. Everyone helps out here,” Gavin said. He was once again so excited for camp to start while I still hoped I’d make it through the first day.