Love, Camping

Chapter 10 | I want to help him!

Jessica Timbers P.O.V.

The next afternoon.

I dig through the crowd with Alex on my tail. From the low mumbling around me, I heard that someone had tripped over and injured their leg. I pushed the last person in front of me and found Samantha sitting on the rocks with Derrick and Josh on either side of her.

Her shoe was discarded to the side and there was a huge black and blue bruise on her ankle. She has twisted her ankle.

I watch her whimper when Derrick gently touches her foot and inspects the wound. He was being very patient with her. Her hand was clutched on his shoulder and she squeezed her eyes shut in pain.

I spotted Mr. Abdel walking behind her while stuffing his phone into his pants. He looked stressed as he talked to the other teachers. Everyone nodded as he finished talking.

He walked to the centre of the crowd and cleared his throat to catch everyone's attention.

"Everyone listen. As you can see that one of your friend has injured her leg and she is unable to walk. She needs proper rest. So, on her father's request the school has decided that only for tonight we will be staying in a hotel."

The crowd roared in cheers.

Samantha's father was quite influencial so I was not surprised that the school didn't reject his request.

Though I was relieved that for one night I could sleep on a comfy bed.

Mr. Abdel shook his head before walking back to Samantha. He did not look pleased with the idea.

Samantha nods at Mr. Abdel while groaning in pain. Derrick lets go of her foot. His eyes run through the crowd and land on mine.

I freeze.

His dark eyes hardened as he stares at me.

Shit! He looks pissed.

I instinctively step back and look away.

I have been avoiding Derrick since morning. After last night I concluded that it is better if we keep distance between each other.

I was grateful that he stopped me from making a huge mistake but I still do not trust myself around him.

Last night I got lost in the heat of the moment and acted on my crazy hormones but I am not repeating that mistake again.

"Let's go Alex." I said as I turned around and disappeared into the crowd with him.

I could feel someone's hard gaze on my back but I pushed it to the back of my mind.

This morning Alex and I talked and sorted things out but I still haven't told him about last night.

How can I tell him that without him wanting to break up with me?

__________________________________

The same morning.

It was quiet hot today yet I was dragging myself to my limit. My sweaty face was hidden by my hair and a scarf was covering my head. I was walking by myself staring at the gravel road when a pair of black shoes came into my view. The harsh sun falling on me was blocked by its owner's huge frame.

"Come with me." Alex said as he took my wrist and turned into the woods.

Once we were out of view and surrounded by tall trees. I leaned against a tree as he towered over me.

"Where were you this morning? I called you so many times but you didn't pick up any of my calls." He asked as his hand landed on the tree behind me.

His head ducks low and I smell his fresh aftershave. I don't pull up my face to look at him but I knew that his hair must have fallen on his forehead and that the little stubble he had last night must be gone.