A Collection of Short Stories

Tent

(Written: 12-7-21)

I couldn't fall asleep in my tent. I heard this noise outside and felt my stomach churn. I looked over at my tent partner, who was fast asleep. I was confused about how she was able to sleep so peacefully in an environment like this.

I never would have agreed to go on this week-long camping trip my school was doing if it wasn't for my parents. They were always bugging me on how I was never getting out and doing things. So, I was basically pressured into it.

I stood up and peeked out of the tent. It was pitch-black outside, the moon full and giving off a cliche feeling of danger. I grabbed my flashlight, threw on my slippers, and headed outside.

I tip-toed past a few of the other tents, knowing if I woke up any of the counselors I'd be stuck on trash duty. I wasn't sure what the sound was if I was being completely honest here.

But, I knew it was weird enough not to be just a simple sound of the night. As I checked behind trees, I gained an eerie feeling. The feeling of being watched. A shiver went down my spine as the wind blew through my hair.

"Charles!" I jumped and let out a small scream at the sound of my last name being spoken. I turned and let out a mental groan.

"My name's Eline" I spat at the girl who stood in front of me.

"I know what your name is. That doesn't mean I have to say it" Her name was Zara Price. Her black hair was short and a bit choppy due to her cutting it herself. But, it looked great, even though I hated to admit it. Her green eyes stared daggers at me and I found myself trying to appear as intimidating as her.

"What do you want, Price?" I asked in a whisper, not wanting to wake up the other campers.

"So, now your calling me by my last name?" She questioned.

"Might as well. What are you even doing out here?" I stood my ground and for an extra bit of fun, I shined my light right at her face.

"I should be asking you the same thing" She stated. She walked closer to me and I took a step back. She pushed my light down, so it wouldn't be blinding her anymore.

"Yeah? Well, you're not" I pointed out. "Now leave me alone"

"I could go wake the counselors up" She mischievously replied. As she turned to walk away, I reached out and grabbed her arm. "What? Did I finally catch your attention?"

"You're a real jerk, you know that?" I groaned. "Did you need something? Or are you just tormenting me for fun?"

"I just want to know why you're out here" She shrugged. Her eyes trailed down to my shoes and she chuckled. "And in bunny slippers, nonetheless"

I scoffed and pushed past her, making sure to bump her shoulder. I went to pull my tent open, but Zara stood in front of me. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"Do you have a problem?" I asked.

"No, I'm just bored" She laughed. "I was gonna go egg the nearby campsite, but I saw you here"

"You know, I could get you in trouble for that," I said. She raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah? Where's your proof?" She questioned.

"Can you just move?" I exclaimed. "Ally might wake up"

"Ally? Your tent partner?" She questioned. "Yeah, right. She could sleep through a civil war"

"Oh, easily" I agreed, forgetting who I was talking to. 

(That's all)