Love, Camping

Chapter 16 | Juice box

Jessica Timbers P.O.V.

Despite wearing a cardigan I rubbed my arms to warm myself.

It was another one of those bonfire nights in the camp. When the sun set, all the tents were already set up, and everyone was relaxing near the fire. Most of them were holding juice boxes and snacks while gossiping among themselves.

I shifted away from the fire when the heat intensified and began to burn my skin, sitting in the back and almost unnoticeable to everyone. Being in the back, I was not bothered to indulge in any conversation or gossip.

My legs were sore from previously walking, and I felt like a zombie for not having enough sleep last night.

I was determined to sleep right after my tent was done, but the muscle cramps were so painful that I kept twisting and turning in the uncomfortable camp bed. I came outside to warm my legs, hoping the pain would disappear that way and it did slightly.

What added to my discomfort was watching Derrick and Rebecca together.

The navy blue shirt that Derrick wore was half tucked into his black jeans with its top buttons left undone. The sleeves were short, and clutched his ripped muscles. He was holding a paper cup in one hand while the other hand was relaxed in his pocket. I watched from afar, the way his lips curled sideways to the way he leaned in to her. I knew for a fact they were flirting.

A slender hand slid down his arm, rather slowly as she leaned into his personal space, whispering something in his ear. I watched him chuckle at whatever she said.

I scowled, jealousy running through me when he did nothing to move away from her touch.

I was already grumpy from the lack of sleep and watching those two flirting blindly, murderous thoughts cropped up in my head.

A juice box appeared in my sight. I moved back and looked up to see Alex holding a box of orange juice with a straw in it.

I tried to smile as I took it from him.

"I have dinner duty tonight." He said as he slouched down beside me.

I nodded and moved closer to him out of habit.

I placed the straw in between my lips and sipped the juice.

I was too tired to speak; he noticed it and we sat in silence. It was chilly, but being so close to him warmed me. I rested my head against his bicep as the exhaustion weighed on me.

I pulled out the straw from my mouth and yawned.

"If you had joined me for the morning jogs, it wouldn't be so tiring to trek then." He commented, finding my fatigue humorous.

I almost snapped at him, but held myself back. I was not going to take out my anger on him.

"I did not get enough sleep last night and my legs are still hurting." I mumbled softly.

Alex caught my eyes for a second and then nodded.

"Yeah, we left the restaurant quite late last night."

My heart painfully squeezed in my chest at his reply.

"You can take a short nap. Dinner will still take an hour or so. I'll wake you up when it's ready." He added after seeing my face fall.

"I'll just sleep after dinner. And hopefully, it will be a good one this time." I smiled at him.

"I'll try my best." He chuckled lightly.

He pulled my legs over his and pulled me closer. I adjusted my skirt and leaned into his warm body. He placed his hand on my knee and stretched his other arm behind my back. His calming cologne enveloped me and I sighed.