Chapter 20: Misgivings and Misunderstandings
"Congratulations on your new belts." Ms. Moore was saying at practice. "The final entrance forms for the competition have been submitted based on your current levels so that you are matched accordingly. I need each of you to come see me today during practice to confirm that everyone has what they need for the trip. If you haven't already turned in your final paperwork and permission slips I need those this week as well." she concluded and then nodded toward Mei-Ling and Erik. She walked to the other corner and took a seat with a bundle of papers and folders.
"Ginny and Timothy, you will spar with us first while Veronica and Todd talk to Ms. Moore." Mei-Ling said giving directions. Without needing to be told, Erik stepped back and took up a position ready to spar with Timothy and Mei-Ling stepped into position as well. Once V and Todd had crossed the gym, Timothy and I took our places. While we both enjoyed ourselves, neither of us had the natural talent or drive for it that the other did. Todd practiced more than anyone it seemed and Veronica just seemed to have a natural skill.
After a few rounds, Mei-Ling and Erik gave us each a few pointers and suggestions on areas to focus on before the competition. Timothy and I switched places with Todd and Veronica. As Timothy and Veronica passed each other, they exchanged a look I couldn't read. I saw Erik watching me as I passed as well but didn't say anything. He was generally all business at practice so it wouldn't have mattered if I did I figured.
I took my seat on the bench and started going over the final details with Ms. Moore. I was only half paying attention to her since I knew I'd already turned everything in for the trip. I was watching the sparring between the others with the rest of my attention. I had to admire Veronica's skill, she had raced along this year, surprising everyone.
I traded places with Timothy when Ms. Moore acknowledged I was prepared for the trip. She handed me a packing list as well which I tucked into my backpack to be forgotten about until later. Then I turned my attention back to the sparring.
Afterward we paired off and continued to spar against each other. Ms. Moore left after she consulted with Mei-Ling and Erik satisfied that everyone was ready. Or as ready as they could be. Mei-Ling kept us practicing later than usual given that we had a limited number of weeks left before school ended and we left for China. As much as they hated to do it, they had agreed to suspend the practices the last two weeks of school to allow everyone study time but Mei-Ling "encouraged" us to come in and spar or practice with the dummies as time allowed. Practice ended with everyone exhausted; Todd and Veronica were both pumped though while Timothy and I were just plain tired. Erik and Mei-Ling made a beeline for each other so I walked over to Todd to chat with him while we waited.
"You did good today Ginny." Todd said as I walked up. I made some sound of acknowledgment unrecognizable in the English language. "Bit tired?" he asked with a smile. Since the camping trip, he and Mei-Ling had been close again and he was visibly happier. Given the feeling I had regarding Erik right now, it was a little sickening to me.
"Er" I replied too physically and emotionally spent to make more coherent words. I tried to focus on him but my eyes kept straying to Erik and Mei-Ling. Finally they finished and joined us. We all left the school together and split up on the school lawn. Mei-Ling and Todd walked hand in hand one way (Todd was taking Mei-Ling back to Veronica's house) and Erik and I walked silently the other way.
The remaining days of the school year seemed to be flying by. Practice was now three times a week at least but Mei-Ling and Erik agreed to be available every day after school if any of us wanted extra sparring practice. I never went to these extra times - I was sick of the gym. With Erik busy and most of my other friends busy, I found myself at home more often.
"No Erik tonight?" my dad asked having walked up behind me at some point. I made a point to turn the page of the book I was reading in response. I didn't want to talk about it. He put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it like he often did to tell me he was there when I was ready. After I heard him leave the room I tossed the book on the couch and left the house.
I walked out to my old play house where hopefully no one would find me and slumped back on the small couch in a huff. "He's just busy" I muttered aloud hoping that was all it was. Maybe after China, after his mom had the baby, after....whatever; the distance would close back in and we could just be Gin and Erik again. I was tired of talking to a wall and I was tired of thinking about it.
I closed my eyes and tried to close my mind when I heard the door creak open. I didn't open my eyes to look at whoever it was. I didn't move hoping whoever it was would leave.
"Ginny." Todd said nudging me. "Move over so I can sit down." he said. "I know you're not asleep...."
I sat up with a sigh and made room for him.
"What's wrong Ginny?" Todd asked sitting next to me.
"Nothing." I lied. "I'm peachy." I said not looking at him.
"Yeah right, I believe that." he said with a smirk. "Trouble in paradise?"
I shrugged. "I don't know Todd, I just...don't know." I said leaning my head against his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders in comfort.
"You guys have had a lot of drama around you lately. Maybe once it all settles down you guys need to get some alone time." Todd said sounding like a relationship guru. I looked at him and then started laughing.
Todd seemed to sense what I was thinking and started laughing as well. "I'm sure it will work out Ginny, just give it time." he said as we both calmed down.
We were still leaning against each other when the door creaked open again and Erik walked in. He didn't say anything and just took in the scene. Todd and I had found friendship with each other many time like this so I didn't think much of it until I saw the dark look on Erik's face.
I could tell, for once, exactly what he was thinking - what he was seeing. He turned and walked out of the house without saying a word and I got up to follow him.
"Erik!" I called after him as he strode across the deck toward the gate.
He stopped long enough for me to catch up but didn't look at me. "I have to get home Gin." he said staring ahead. "I just wanted to see you..." he trailed off and started walking again.
I started to follow and then stopped. I didn't have the energy for this tonight, I didn't have the energy for much right now. I stared at the gate as it closed behind him, it wasn't long before I heard Todd's footsteps on the deck boards. "I'm sorry Ginny, you know that..."
"I know." I said cutting him off. I rubbed my neck and groaned. "He was right about one thing - it's almost curfew. You should get home as well." I said still looking ahead.
"Right." Todd said placing a hand on my shoulder and squeezing it much like my dad had. "I'll see you later Ginny." he said and walked out the gate as well.
"Right." I said softly, still rooted in the same spot.
End Chapter
Chapter 17: Sadie Hawkins Dance...or not
"So are you planning to ask me to this Sadie Hawkins Dance this weekend?" Erik said teasing me at lunch about a week before said dance.
"Actually, no, I'm not." I said with a smile and took another bite from my sandwich.
Erik looked confused but shrugged with a teasing smile. "Alright, well then I guess I can tell Elsie Reynolds yes then?" he asked.
I knew he was joking, I struggled not to laugh. "Well you could I suppose." I said with a shrug. "But I did have other plans for us....if you're agreeable."
"Plans that are NOT the dance?" he asked raising his eyebrows.
"Well if you'd rather go to the dance we could, or you could go catch Elsie before she asks James." I said as Todd, Mei-Ling, Timothy and Veronica sat down around us. Veronica sat on the other side of Erik and did not look at me.
"You're not going to the dance?" Todd asked surprised.
"Apparently not." Erik said with a shrug. He did much like dances anyway.
"What?" I asked. "I can't miss a school dance?"
"Ginny, you love school dances!" Todd said still shocked that I was voluntarily missing a dance.
"And there will be plenty more. But I'm - WE'RE - missing this one." I said looking at Erik with a wink.
Todd was a little disturbed by my attitude but shrugged. "What is a Sadie Hawkins Dance anyway?" Mei-Ling asked.
"Sadie Hawkins was a character in the Li'l Abner comic strip, she was a spinster and soon Sadie Hawkin's Day was created in which all the unmarried women in town could - literally - chase down a potential husband." Timothy said.
All of us stopped eating and stared at him.
"What?" Timothy asked.
I shook my head and looked at Mei-Ling. "Girls ask the guys - that's the difference." I said with a smile.
"Ah." Mei-Ling said. She turned to Todd and proceeded to ask him to the dance.
Erik and I finished early and left the table, never having exchanged a word or look with Veronica. I sighed inwardly but let it pass.
"Are you seriously not going to tell me what you have planned for Saturday then?" Erik asked twining his finger in with mine.
I laughed. "I could, but where would be the fun in that?" I asked.
"Because then I would know and it would make your boyfriend happy?" Erik suggested.
"Nope...don't think so, I like making you wait it out." I said with a chuckle.
"Maybe I can make you talk" he said pulling me to a stop in the hall. He looked around and put his hand on my face giving me light kisses. Most everyone was in class or at lunch so for a few brief moments, we were alone.
"Is this working?" he asked.
"Well it's very nice but I'm still not telling." I said and winked.
"Gahh!" he moaned but he was still grinning.
I laughed and started walking again. "Come on, we better get to our classes."
For the rest of the week Erik teased me about the date plans, Veronica and I didn't speak and Timothy spent more time with Ranna. I heard it from someone else that she asked him to the dance and he accepted. Veronica didn't ask anyone that I know of.
Finally Saturday rolled around and I met Erik in front of his house with a taxi. "Your chariot." I said with a laugh.
Erik smirked and got in the back of cab, I slid in after and as I closed the door the driver took off. He already had the address. I took Erik's hand.
"Not even a hint?" he asked looking out the window to see where we were going.
I just squeezed his hand in reply as the cab left the outer edges of our town center and moved into the less populated areas. Finally the cab stopped on a hill, on which sat a castle - a small, built for show, castle but a castle none the less. I paid the cab driver and tugged on Erik's hand.
"What is this place?" he asked looking around. We could just see the tops of the towers over the trees and bridge.
"Welcome to our castle." I said leading him around the trees and hill along a rock path.
"I've lived here almost a year and I've never even heard of this place." he said taking it all in.
"One our best kept secrets I suppose." I said with a smile, the path landed us right in front of the hedge maze. "What do you think?" I asked.
"It's great." he said, he was still looking around when I surprised him with a kiss.
He put his arms around me and returned the kiss. It was early afternoon so we had time to explore. "Every year they host a Renaissance Faire here in the fall but during the rest of the year it's used for weddings, parties and such. And on the second weekend of every month they play old movies on a huge screen on the side of the castle over there." I pointed to where a large screen was already set up for the evening showing. We wound our way through the maze and even though I knew the way by heart, I let Erik lead us down several dead ends.
The sun was beginning to set when we came to the little bench hidden within the maze. "This is wonderful Ginny." Erik said as we sat down. "It's great to have time alone together."
"You've been very accommodating of my desire to do school activities and we don't get a lot of time away from other people so I wanted to do something that's just the two of us." I said leaning against him.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I may be moving in a few months would it?" Erik asked holding me close.
"Not at all." I said covering the growing ache in my chest by kissing him.
The sun was getting lower in the sky and I took the lead on the maze so we'd get out of it before sunset. We ended up crossing back over the bridge as the sun set beyond the castle and paused to watch.
"There's still a chance she could change her mind." I said "Right?" I said glancing at him. We hadn't talked much about his parents or the potential move but I knew it was weighing on both of us.
"Sure there is." he said, entirely unconvincingly. I laid my head against his shoulder as the sun set and the air turned cooler. "Sure there is." he repeated softly.
We made our way to the courtyard where benches were already set up. During the Faire, acts would perform in the square so the benches were a fixture. Across the small river was a hill top where cars could park and watch the movie or was used for market stands at the fair. Tonight they were playing an old vampire movie. Erik and I didn't talk during the movie and simply snuggled into each other during the movie.
When the credits rolled, he turned to me and and stroked my cheek. "Thank you Ginny. This was more than any dance for me." he said with a smile.
"I'm glad." I said giving him a kiss. We waited until the final credits were rolling across the screen before moving to get up at all.
Before we stood, Erik stopped me. "We'll figure it out." he said. "Not sure how but we will."
I smiled, trying to hide the creeping sadness. I didn't want to spend what could be our last couple of months sad. "I'm sure we will." I said softly. After a few moments more I looked over and saw the cab I'd scheduled waiting for us. "We better catch your chariot." I said with a small laugh.
End Chapter
Chapter 18: The Birthday Surprise
I glanced at my watch as I darted into Todd's first period class. I saw Veronica watching me - at least she was acknowledging my presence - as I leaned over to whisper furiously to him. "Meet me in the library for lunch!"
"What? Why?" Todd asked.
"Just do it" I said and looked at my watch again. The warning bell had already rung and I had less than a minute to get to class so I bolted. Thankfully my class was only a couple doors down so I skidded into Ms. Moore's room just seconds before the bell rang.
"Cutting it a little close there Ms. Bartlett." Ms. Moore said as I slid past her to my seat in the back of the class. I was smart enough to look repentant but said nothing.
Erik looked at me curiously but was unable to question me as Ms. Moore launched into a lecture on ancient Chinese culture. Mei-Ling was rapt with attention as the lecture continued and I tried to focus on Ms. Moore's words instead of Erik's eyes lingering over to me periodically. We'd walked to class almost every day since he moved here so I'm sure he was surprised when I was not at my locker waiting for him to open it for me. Fact is, I was going to be suffering without my text books for a couple periods since I'd foregone the morning meeting to catch up to Todd.
After class, Erik fell into step behind me. He put his arm around my waist. "Running a bit late this morning?" he asked with a smile.
"Hmm? Oh yes - over slept." I said using all my theater skills to keep a poker face.
"Ginny...." Erik said stopping me gently. He looked deep into my eyes and scanned my face. Whatever he was looking for, he seemed satisfied and shrugged. "Get your locker open?" he quirked.
"Err....no." I said sheepishly. "Have a minute?"
Erik laughed and followed me to my locker. He popped it open quickly and with practiced ease. It was well into the spring semester and I still couldn't get it to open nine times out of ten. Thankfully I had Erik to assist me. "I have to get to class, see you at lunch." he said turning to go.
"Oh I'm meeting Todd to work on a project during lunch." I said. "I'll see you after school."
Erik looked at me confused but finally nodded. "Okay. See you then." he said leaving.
I let out a deep breath and grabbed my books and binders. I decided I could live without a few so I wouldn't have to lug all my textbooks around all day. I closed the door and headed for second period.
Despite my lack of reasons, Todd showed up in the library at lunch as requested. "What's up Gin?" he asked as I pulled him to quiet corner nestled deep in the stacks.
"I need your help. I'm planning something for Erik's birthday and I need you to invite Veronica." I said.
"Why don't YOU invite her?" he asked
I gave him a look. "Because we're not talking to each other."
"Then why do you want to invite her?" Todd asked.
I sighed and grumbled. "Will you just invite her? And ask her to keep it quiet from Erik. Friday night, my place, 7 o'clock. You and Mei-Ling are invited too of course - I already told Mei-Ling. Please Todd?" I asked
Todd shrugged. "Sure. Can I go now?"
"No! I need your ideas....guy ideas." I said and then proceeded to pick his brain through most of the lunch period.
Meanwhile, in the cafeteria Erik and Mei-Ling were the only ones at the table. "Mei-Ling, do you know what is going on?"
"Hmm?" Mei-Ling asked looking up from her food. "With whom?"
"Todd and Ginny - Gin said they were working on a project during lunch today but they don't have any classes together." Erik said looking confused.
Mei-Ling shrugged but looked unconcerned. "I am not sure." she said somewhat honestly. She had theories as to the "project" but no one had told her about the lunch meeting so she wasn't certain. Erik tried to assume the nonchalant attitude she had but he kept remembering the first day of school.
At the end of school, Todd and I were talking by my locker and Erik saw us as he approached. He didn't say anything but changed course to intercept Veronica. "Uh-oh" I said watching over Todd's shoulder. "Have you told her yet?" I asked. Todd nodded and watched with me.
I tried to catch Veronica's eye without attracting Erik's attention to plead with her not to ruin the surprise but if she saw me she didn't acknowledge it. Erik walked over to us looking confused and suspicious still though so I was pretty sure she didn't tell him. I gave him a quick kiss as he popped open my locker for me. He was sending piercing looks Todd's way so as Mei-Ling approached I waved him off with her and gave my full attention to Erik.
"Is something going on with you two?" he asked as soon as Todd and Mei-Ling were gone.
I tried to look startled by his question but I'd been expecting it from the looks. "No!" I exclaimed in all honesty. "Erik - no." I said looking him right in the eyes.
Erik looked toward where Todd and Mei-Ling had disappeared and then back at me and I could see his face soften with belief. "Okay. Sorry - just....weird day." I smiled and nodded.
Thankfully I didn't need much more of Todd's assistance so we didn't give Erik and further reason to suspect us for the rest of the week. I invited Erik over to my house for dinner on Friday but didn't tell him anything else. "Happy Birthday" I said as I opened the door to greet him. I have him a lingering kiss and took his hand.
He was watching me when we walked into the kitchen and I was watching the crowd of people so he was startled when they all yelled surprise. He wanted to be annoyed with me but when he saw it was a small crowd, he smiled.
Todd led them in a round of "Happy Birthday" as I snuggled against him. "It's not a party - just a friendly dinner...see, no balloons." I said with a laugh.
He laughed as well - although I suspect it was at our friends' bad singing. Only Timothy and Veronica had much talent of the group.
"Thanks." he said with a smile as they finished the song. He look genuinely happy - which considering his many dire warnings for me NOT to throw him a party, I was happy to see.
"Okay everyone, sit down so I can get dinner." I said ushering him further into the dining room.
There was a lot of scuffling of chairs as people sat at the table and I was half way to the stove when the door bell rang. Everyone invited had arrived except Erik's dad and I hadn't really had any hope of him showing up. "I'll get it." I said walking quickly to the door.
When I opened it, it wasn't Hank Langston standing it front of me. It was a woman. "Um hi." I said looking confused. "Can I help you?" I asked.
I must have taken a moment too long because I heard footsteps from the dining area and then Erik's voice. "Gin? Who is it?" he asked rounding the corner. "Mom!" he said startled, taking the woman in. His eyes rested on the noticeable bump of a belly. "Mom!" he said again with my shock in his voice. "You're...."
"Pregnant." she finished for him when the word failed to come out of his mouth.
"Right....what are you doing here?" he asked looking at me. I shook my head, I didn't invite her - I didn't even know her.
"You think I'd miss my son's birthday? Your father told me you'd be here." she said.
"You talked to dad?" Erik asked still more surprised.
"Yes dear, your father and I do talk on occasion." she said in the mom tone.
"Why don't you come in?" I interjected. "Hi I'm Ginny." I said offering my hand as she stepped inside the house.
"Oh! You're Erik's girlfriend! He talked about you quite a but when he came home over the holidays." she said shaking my hand. "I'm Lydia - Erik's mother as I assume you surmised." she said giving Erik a look.
"Gin - Mom; Mom - Gin." Erik said dryly. Lydia Langston did not approve but said nothing. "Mom, can we talk outside?" Erik asked.
The door was barely closed before I saw Todd, Mei-Ling and Veronica peeping out the windows.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Erik asked, "I saw you three months ago and have talked to you several times since - clearly -" he waved to her belly "You've known this for awhile."
"Well I planned to tell you when you moved back HOME." his mom replied. "Which you should have done three months ago."
"THIS is my home too Mom, I have a life and friends here. I like it here." Erik said sounding exacerbated.
"But can you see why I want you to come home Erik, don't you want to be in your little brother's life?" she asked looking hurt. "Do you understand now why I want you to come home?"
"It's not that I don't want to be in your life....wait it's a boy?" Erik asked with a smile.
"Yes!" Lydia said latching onto his evident excitement. "And I want him to know his big brother."
"He will, my being here doesn't make that impossible." Erik said. "Meet them, stay and meet them. Meet Gin and her dad - maybe you'll understand."
"Of course I'll stay for your birthday." she said with a smile. Erik was about to smile back when a scruff, disgruntled looking man walked up the path.
"Dad." Erik said his face falling. His mom looked confused until she saw his eyes were focused past her, she turned to see her ex standing there.
Inside I grimaced, having fallen into the trap of spying through the window. "Okay, him I invited." I said to no one in particular.
Erik's parents fell into familiar habits quickly, they immediately started fighting. "That's my cue to leave." Erik mutter walking into the house. We all scurried from the windows as he came in.
I turned on the stereo to try to drown out the arguing from outside. Erik was looking sad, annoyed and angry so I dragged him into the living room and started dancing around him. After Todd and Mei-Ling joined in and then Veronica and Timothy he stopped sulking and danced as well.
Veronica and Timothy - though clearly not a couple anymore (if they ever really were) - seemed to have moved back to sort of friends. After Erik seemed a bit happier I excused myself and cut in on Timothy and Veronica. Timothy moved aside and I took his place. V and I danced together in silence for several minutes.
"Thank you." I said finally. "For not telling Erik..." I added.
Veronica nodded. "We don't have do the hugging thing do we?" she asked finally with a faint smile.
"No. No hugging." I said with a smile. "We're too bitchy for that..."
"You have no bitch in you." Veronica said with a laugh. I laughed as well.
End Chapter
Chapter 19: Spring Break
Erik's birthday kicked off our Spring Break so his mom stayed the week. She and Erik spent a lot of time together while she was here so I didn't see him much. I had dinner with them one night but the next day the rest of us left for a camping trip.
"Where's Erik?" Todd asked. "Wasn't he supposed to be here by now?"
"Yeah." I said looking toward the woods. "He's taking his mom to the airport today."
"You okay Ginny?" Todd asked concerned.
"Yeah I guess." I said with very little conviction.
"Erik's mom still being inflexible?" he surmised.
I just shrugged. "I haven't really seen Erik much this week, and we haven't talked about it."
Todd raised an eyebrow. He could tell I wasn't telling him everything - or anything really - but he didn't push.
"What about you and Mei-Ling?" I asked changing the subject.
Todd looked over to where Mei-Ling was fishing. "What about us?" he asked still looking away from me.
I nudged him with my shoulder. "You two seem different lately."
Todd just shrugged in response. "She's been busy getting ready for China..." he trailed off.
"Yeah." I said nodding. I leaned back against the picnic table and looked up at the canopy of trees. In the slight cracks I could see the stars peeking through.
I'm not sure how long I stared at the twinkling stars before Todd nudged me. I looked at him and followed his gaze across the camp ground.
I stood up slowly. I realized that a few months ago I would have been halfway across the camp by the time it took me to just stand up in order to greet him. I sighed and met him halfway giving him a hug in greeting. "Your mom on her way?" I asked.
Erik nodded. "Her flight was delayed and I stayed with her until boarding." he said answering my unasked question.
I put my head against his shoulder and saw that Timothy and Mei-Ling had come in from fishing carrying their catch. My dad had agreed to accompany us on our camping trip and he took the fish from them to clean them up and make a bit of dinner. Timothy and Todd were silently warming their hands at the fire. For March, there was a nip in the air tonight and Timothy's hands were still damp from the fishing.
Dinner was a silent affair, there was only room for four of us at the picnic table but the fire was warmer anyway. As I ate my salmon, Erik was quiet and tense across from me. Mei-Ling was also quiet and Veronica looked annoyed - probably because she stumbled into the lake while attempting to fish earlier.
My dad made himself scarce so we could have our teen trip with minimal adult presence but I knew he was around. The six of us sat around the campfire that night and it seemed like there was a growing gulf between each of us. Nothing felt right anymore I thought to myself as I looked at the faces of my friends. Erik's eyes betrayed him as being miles away, same with Mei-Ling. Todd simply looked sad. Veronica, irritated with the gulf, broke the silence first by suggesting we tell stories. No one volunteered to go first.
"Well we could play truth or dare..." she suggested looking conspiratorial.
"I'll tell a story." I volunteered. I told an old camp girls story that Veronica remembered but the others hadn't heard. Then the other volunteered their own stories and about 1AM people started drifting away to get some sleep.
My dad had brought our large tent for the girls tent and then there were two smaller ones to split amongst the guys (including my dad). Todd and Timothy shared the first couple nights before Erik arrived leaving Erik to bunk with my dad tonight.
Before I knew it, it was just Erik and I sitting by the fire. He was staring into the fire and I could feel the distance between us growing. It had been for months; every time we made an effort to close the gap it seemed to rebound us further apart.
I watched the fire for awhile with him and wondered what he was thinking. Finally I looked over at him and found him watching me. I smiled slightly at "catching" him watching me.
"My mom agreed not to registered me in school in Virginia again...yet at least." Erik said breaking the silence.
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "She's letting you stay?"
He looked sad and gazed into the fire again. "I don't know, she's...willing to listen I guess but she didn't agree to let me stay exactly either."
"Oh...kay." I said still watching him. "This IS good right? I mean it seems to be progress at any rate. Right?"
Erik nodded. "Yeah it's a good step." he said not meeting my gaze. His eyes were transfixed on the fire.
"Erik..." I said hoping he'd look at me but he didn't. "Erik - do you want to move back to Virginia?"
He didn't answer as quickly as I expected - or hoped. "No, not really. It's just a lot to take in Gin....the pregnancy...a baby brother..."
I nodded and scooted closer to him, wrapping my arm around him. I didn't say anything, neither did he. We sat like that, not really talking until the sky started to turn a little bit pink. Glancing at his watch I realized we'd stayed up almost all night. If we were lucky we could get a couple hours of sleep before everyone else woke up and got ready to break camp. I gave Erik a quick hug and nudged him toward the tent with my dad before slipping into the girls' tent.
A couple hours later, I woke up before Mei-Ling and Veronica. Judging by the silence outside the tent, no one else had woken up either. So slipped out of the tent and looked at the bright sky. I was exhausted but couldn't fathom going back to sleep.
I almost jumped when I heard a throat clear beside me. I turned to see my dad looking pretty surly. "Erik came in rather late - or should I say early?" he said eying me.
I chewed on the inside of my lip as I looked at him. "Sorry about that, we were talking and enjoying the fire. Didn't realize what time it was until the sun started to come up." I said honestly. I met his inquiring the gaze the whole time. I knew he was suspicious but he seemed to accept my answer - he grunted slightly in acknowledgment and went over to the grill to start breakfast.
I could hear him muttering to himself and grumbling as I walked over to the lake and sat down, gazing across it in thought. Behind me the rest of the camp started to stir. I heard the shuffling of sleeping bags and feet, the zippers of the tents and early morning chatter but I didn't look back. I could pick up on small bits of conversation here and there. Todd suggested to Mei-Ling that they take a walk while breakfast was cooked and I turned back just in time to see them walking into the woods via the nature walk.
They didn't make it back in time for breakfast but when they came back they were more lovey dovey than ever before. I guess they'd spanned whatever distance there was between them during the walk. Together we broke down the camp and walked away from the lake. I paused to look back on the lake. Erik had been walking silent beside me and stopped as well. He waited a few moments. "Ginny?" he asked. I frowned a bit and then turned to join him. The distance was still there as I walked along side him silently.
End chapter
