Ivy Grows

The Cabin.

I was actually pretty excited about the camping trip when I woke in the morning. Even if it was the ass-crack of dawn. I'd packed for about three or four days even though I knew we'd most likely be coming back Monday since it was a holiday. I didn't have the energy to do my hair or makeup. Or even get dressed. So, I grabbed my things and walked over to the Kiszka's house in my pajamas. I had traded my slippers out for sneakers though.

When I walked in their side door, I seen Sam, Ronnie, Danny, and Mackenzie sleeping on the couch. I could hear Mama K running around trying to get everything together. Papa K was calmly drinking coffee standing in the kitchen.

"Mornin' pumpkin," Papa K nodded at me. He'd adorned me with that nickname at about nine and it's stuck ever since.

"Mornin' Papa K.." I gave him a sleepy grin before plopping down on the couch beside Ronnie, cuddling into her side.

I hadn't meant to drift off but I was so tired. I slept for about an hour because I was woken up by Josh nudging me lightly.

"Wakey, wakey.." he laughed. He'd always been a morning person and I somewhat despised him for it.

"Alright, kiddos.." Mama K speaks loudly as to wake everyone up. I slowly sit up, wiping my mouth of any drool that might had slipped out.

"Who's riding with who?" Jake asks from his position at the dining room table. He's playing with a stack of cards which I found completely random.

"I guess Ronnie, Ivy, and Mackenzie will ride with your dad and I. Then all the boys in your car," she gestures to Jake who will most likely be driving.

"Actually, can I ride with Mackenzie?" Danny asked quietly, causing all heads to turn. He was always so shy and never up front about romance or anything like that.

"Of course, darling. I guess Ivy can ride with the boys then? You don't mind, right?" Mama K looked at me to answer, everyone waiting for my approval. How it always landed back on me is quite ridiculous.

"No, I don't mind.." I shook my head, knowing fully well I did.

"Great! Let's get this show on the road," Papa K announced loudly and exited the house before anyone even stood up.

Everyone started slowly leaving after that, dragging their bags outside. I was about to leave when I noticed Sam was still sleeping peacefully on the sofa. When his face was lacking any emotion and his eyes fluttered while he dreamed, I could almost imagine thinking he's kind of beautiful. Almost.

"Sam!" I kicked his legs to wake him up. He opened his eyes quickly and looked around in a panic.

"What? Jesus Christ, I was sleeping.." he lays his head back down making me roll my eyes before kicking him again.

"No, idiot. Wake up, we're leaving..." I told him, ripping the nice warm blanket from his frame. I was shocked to see he was only wearing a red hoodie and very short, black shorts. It's fucking September.

"God, you're such a bitch.." he huffs before standing up and glaring down at me, obviously very frustrated that I took his little blanket. He snatched it from my hands, wrapping it around himself before walking out of the house.

I followed close behind, nodding at Papa K who was waiting on us so he could lock the door behind us. I shivered as I made my way to Jake's car. I kind of wish I'd brought a blanket now.

Luckily, Jake had warmed up the car for us and it was bordering on hot when I got in. It's a smaller car and Jake and Josh were up front, leaving the cramped backseat to me and Sam. Who was already falling asleep against the window on his side.