Page 93 of This Blood That Binds Us

“We’re the only ones here.” Chelsea folded her arms.

“Yeah, that’s the point! One of our friends told us about this spot. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe...just a little more...uh, rocky.” Presley’s smile beamed, and he flung his flip-flops off to the side.

“Will we get in trouble?” I said, knowing the boys probably had no problem doing something that might get us all kicked out.

“I think we’ll be fine. Live a little, Kimberly.” Presley nudged me before walking closer to the cliff. It was the most ironic statement, coming from someone who was practically invincible.

“Don’t you trust us?” Zach shot me a wicked smile as he moved his arms around his body and limbered up for show.

“Absolutely not,” I said, smoothing a smile over my lips. “Someone go first, then I’ll follow.”

I stayed close to the trees and kept my attention on Aaron, who appeared to be in a different world. He stared off into the trees, his body not moving an inch.

“Suit yourself! Yahoooo!” Zach ran for the water without hesitation and did a front flip.

“See, the trick is to run, squat with your knees, and throw yourself into the air!” Presley demonstrated the flip extremely close to the edge.

“Are you sure you want to jump?” Luke was watching my face. “You don’t have to. I can walk back down with you if you need me to.”

“No, that’s okay. I’m just scoping it out. Don’t worry about me,” I said.

“Luke!” Presley jumped up excitedly. “Do the back flip.”

He pointed out into the vastness of the water below. Up on the cliffs, we had a view of the top of one of the water walls. A series of alternating rock ledges were smooth and flat enough for some people to slide down.

Luke gave me a soft pat on the back. “See you down there.” He went over to the edge and flung himself backward, easily missing the rocks below. A feat that might not work for someone who didn’t have superhuman strength.

A large splash sounded below, followed by an uproar of cheering. Music blared and echoed up the mountain walls along with the constant smell of a burning campfire.

“Come on, Aaron, let’s jump together,” Chelsea said, with more pep than I had anticipated. She grabbed his forearm. “We can head on back to the campsite early.”

He was turned away, with his body completely still looking into the woods. Chelsea nudged him to get his attention, but he didn’t reply.

I strolled over to Presley seconds before he was about to bound off the cliff. “Presley, can I ask you for a favor and you not ask me why?”

His brows pressed together curiously. “Sure, but it will cost ya. For friends, it’s free. For family, it costs.”

“What!? Presley, you just met me.”

“I know, but I only trust the people in my family. I trust you. So, therefore, you’re family. Therefore, it costs.”

I sighed. “Fine, can you distract Chelsea for a few minutes so I can talk to Aaron...alone?”

He chuckled. “You got it, boss. Just remember, I’m going to collect one of these days.”

I didn’t have time to think about what that meant, but knowing Presley, it probably meant I’d be doing his school work, or he’d be asking me to do something embarrassing.

Presley playfully waved to her. “Hey, Chelsea, let me show you something over here.”

She spun around. “Do you think I’m stupid? You’re going to push me off.”

“Me? No, nevverrr,” Presley said. “Come on. I’m having a girl problem, and you’re the only girl I trust to give me an honest answer. No offense, Kim.”

Chelsea reluctantly followed him closer to the ledge, the fringe of her white cover-up soiled.

I made a beeline for Aaron and wasted no time grabbing his arm and pulling him between an opening in the trees, just out of sight from the others. He didn’t resist. It was a tight fit, with only a couple of feet between us. Our backs pressed up against the trees, and we faced each other.

“Aaron.” My voice was firm. “Tell me what’s going on.”