The Retreat

Chapter One

"Link! It's time to get going!" Christy was finally done packing, and had loaded everyone up into our brand new camper. "Coming, just a second!" 

As I gather myself in the bathroom, my heart starts beating out of my chest. I'm going to see Rhett there. We haven't done so much as even texting each other since our fight. I can't imagine how awkward things will be when we have to share that tiny camper together... Even our fans realize things haven't been the same. I turn to face myself in the mirror after splashing cold water on my face. "Come on, Neal... be mature. It'll be over before you know it."

As I'm driving down the narrow roads of the camping sight, I can't help but wonder how he must feel about me. In reality, I should be the one that's mad.. but I can't bring myself to be upset at him. We've known each other for god knows how long, and we've never had a falling out this bad. I'm quickly brought back to the road when my kids begin jumping around in the back. "We're finally here!" 

I look out the window and notice that Rhett and his family have already set up camp. There are picnic tables, a bonfire, and loads of iceboxes. As I scan the area, I finally see him. He's stroking his beard as he eyes the camper, and his wife Jessie is standing beside him. Christy is ushering the kids outside as she turns around to see me. Clearly I look paralyzed, because even she realizes something is wrong. "Link, what's going on? Are you gonna get out and say hi?" I shake myself off and stand up. "Of course, sorry. Let's get going." I make my way down the steep steps, quivering as I do so. 

Rhett steps over to me, looking me up and down. "Link. Good to see you." He stretches his arm out. I take his hand and he gives me a firm shake. "How about we unpack the food? I'm sure everyone's starving." I nod my head in agreement. "Let's." We saunter over to the cases of food and utensils as our wives make small talk near the camper. Our kids have already set up the spikeball that I brought for them, I could hear the yelling and chanting as they played. "So... how about this spot, huh?" Rhett turns around, staring down at me. I get chills as he steps towards me. "Do you really want to do this right now? Or do you want to pull off the bandaid?" I avert my eyes, the anger bubbling up inside of me. I can't let his beautiful face get in the way of me having it out with him this time. "Why are YOU the one who's mad? Shouldn't I be furious right now?" He lets out a bitter laugh, combing his hand through his hair. "Jesus. You just don't get it, do you Neal? Can you imagine what a hell our lives would be if we told them the truth?" My stomach sinks. Of course I know... but I can't help but wonder what our lives would be like if we lived them truthfully. "Rhett.. I'm sorry. I know what I said was crazy... but dont you ever think about how wonderful it would be? At least after all the fallout?" He lets out a sharp puff and looks down, crossing his arms near his chest. "It just can't happen. The way things are are the way things have to be." I reach out briefly, but quickly lower my arm back to my side. "Ok. Let's just finish setting up over here." 

Once we unpack all of the tools and the food, Rhett begins to clean off the grill. The sun is bound to set soon, so we might as well get cooking. Christy and Jessie are making the salad as Rhett is grilling the burgers. Im sitting alone watching the kids play when Jessie sits down next to me. "Hey, are you alright? You've been so distant lately." I snap out of my daze and fix my slouch. "Yeah. I guess I'm just pretty tired." She gives me a sad smile and pats me on the back. "You know, Rhett has been acting pretty weird too. Maybe you two should have some alone time... You never hang out anymore." I nod my head slowly. We haven't hung out for months, which must seem pretty weird to anyone who knows us. "He's been staring at you all day. I think he feels the same way." I turn to look at him, and I realize he's been trying to catch my eye. Suddenly, he yells. "The burgers are ready!" All the kids run over. "I'm not very hungry... I think I'll be in the camper for a bit." Jessie nods. "Take all the time you need."

As I lay awake on the couch, I hear footsteps walking towards me. I jerk up, only to be met by Rhett's piercing gaze. He stands awkwardly for a bit, only breaking the silence to ask me a question. "So, how about we go fishing tomorrow? For old times sake?" I let out a flustered laugh. "That sounds like a lot of fun." He turns around to leave, but looks back for just a second. "I missed you." My face turns bright red. God, I can't stand it. I can never stay mad at him. "I missed you too, Rhett." 

As everyone settles into their beds for the night, I drift off to sleep with a stupid grin on my face. Tomorrow will be a good day. The first good day in a long, long time.