The Game

Do I Have To Go?

Chapter 1: Do I Have To Go?

It was going to be a hiking trip. One week in the hills between Wasington and Oregon. I was uncharacteristically terrified by the aspect. Hiking was, of course, not the frightening part; I hiked as much as I possibly could and enjoyed the peace the forest offered. And that was why my mother had signed me up for it in the city's country club, but I did not know anyone that was going along also, except for the hiking instructor, Mr. Johansen. I strongly disliked doing anything with anyone I did not know well. Some called me antisocial, but I consider it a security with the friends I have, and knowledge that when I needed new acquaintances it was easy enough to make them without submitting myself to casual introductions with strangers.

So though it was just going to be a camping trip, an easy walk through familiar terrain, I was very wary as I packed a small backpack with snacks, water, toiletries, clothes, a compass, and other hiking materials.

"Are you ready?" My mother stood in the doorway of my bedroom, smiling.

"Do I have to go?" I knew I was whining, but I could not help to slip in one more clue that I dreaded to go. "Matthew and I really want to have some time together before school starts again. And Jason is leaving for college soon. Shouldn't I help him get his dorm ready?"

My mother sighed and helped me zip my blue bag up as she said, "Darling, you and Matthew have been dating for a while, you guys are always spending time together. It's time to get out and hike with a new group of friends, some people who enjoy the same things as you do. Besides, its only a week, you will be back before your brother even has time to glance up from his Oregon Univeristy brochures." She grabbed my shoulder and pulled me into a tight hug, then let me go with a stern look. "Now, it's almost eight, and you know it takes an hour to get to the country club. I have to be off to work, so drive carefully, and I will see you next Monday."

My returned smile was uneasy, and I considered the possibility of getting in my mustang and driving the direct opposite of the club. My mother left my room with a casual wave, and I heard the front door open and close. She trusted that I would go, despite how uncomfortable I was with it, so I decided that I would just have to suck it up. I attached a sleeping bag and tent case to my backpack, threw it over my shoulder, and treaded with defeat to my car parked in the driveway.

I had just swung into my bright red car, when my older brother came galloping up the driveway from his jog, waving his arms wildly to get my attention. "Dana, wait!"

I poked my head out the window and grinned at his determined run. He was over six feet and his 170 pounds was unevenly spread out among his height, giving him the spindly appearance of overstretched taffy. "I didn't realize you would be leaving so early, little sis. What kind of strange people are up at eight in the morning?"

"You." I teased in return. Jason was a cross country psychopath, he sprinted for track, and competed in every marathon that came his way. His long legs helped his speed, so he usually won, if not we heard about it for months after. He had just finished his two hour jog around the neighborhood, apparent by his old high school track shirt and sweaty forehead.

"And woodsy freaks," He jabbed. "Like you." Jason stretched one long leg behind him. He never stopped moving. "When do you get back?"

"Monday." I groaned and lay my head on the door, offering my best pouty eyes, hoping he would tell me not to go.

No such luck. "Ah, that sucks. Have a good time, though. Don't get lost, poisoned, or start any forest fires while you're gone, alright? I don't want to lose my running partner." He patted a sweaty hand on my head, messing up the french braid I had put my unmanageable brown hair into.