strange. [ds]

II

"Wake up sunshine." Drew nudges Stella's head up with his shoulder.

She shifts away, still half asleep. "I swear to god Drew-" She says, her eyes snapping open.

"We're here." He says quickly, before she can voice the threat that was no doubt about to pass her lips.

"Oh." She pushes her hood down to reveal messy hair, "In that case, thanks for waking me up."

"No problem." Drew pushes down the seat in front of him to climb out of the van, joining Jason and Will who are already discussing the best way to pitch a tent.

Stella jumps out of the car after him, closely followed by Alex. "This is it?" She sounds sceptical, "Looks kinda...shitty."

Drew laughs in wordless agreement as everyone starts to unload their bags from the trunk, Jason's pleads for them to wait until there's a tent to put them in falling on deaf ears.

Drew sighs, always slightly unbelieving of Jason's will to keep everything stable- it's a wonder the boy ever has any time for himself. He also can't bury the part of him that's slightly jealous of Jason, the textbook good guy who never struggles to get people to like him.

Stella pulls Hattie away from the group, and the pair stand across the clearing discussing something in hushed tones. "Just go and say hi, or ask if he wants a hand pitching tents." Stella's trying to convince Hattie who's shaking her head profusely.

"No! That's way too awkward- if something is meant to happen it'll happen."

"Hattie, life isn't a romantic movie- you have to go for it or it won't happen- trust me." Stella argues.

"Look, I appreciate the help Stel, I do- just...just let me do this my way."

"Okay, I'm sorry my love." Stella relents, a horrified part of her realising in that moment she'd sounded as overbearing as Jason. "I don't know why I'm stressing-you're irresistible."

Hattie blushes at the words but anyone with a pair of working eyes would agree- Hattie Harding-Hill is absolutely gorgeous.

Drew wanders over to Jason, Will and Cade who are all in bro-mode-supreme as they assemble the first tent. Ruby and Gracie are sat on a nearby rock observing the progress. Ruby shouts a few words of encouragement, although when the boys aren't looking her and Gracie turn to eachother and collapse into giggles over how seriously they're taking it.

"You guys need a hand?" Drew asks, although the tent is pretty much up already.

"No, it's fine we've got it covered- you just relax, get yourself a beer or something." Jason assures him. Drew doesn't need to be told twice.

"I'm gonna explore, anyone wanna come?" Stella announces, standing up from the log she and Hattie were sitting on.

Hattie looks dubiously at the woods before shaking her head firmly. "Number four." She says.

Ruby looks at Stella like she's crazy- "No way josé- I'm gonna stay here and locate the vodka."

"Suit yourself." Stella replies, already starting to walk off.

"I'll come." Drew nearly trips over his own feet as he jogs to catch up with her, spilling some of his beer on the ground.

"Yay! My favourite person." She says in a mock excited tone, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"What's number four?" He asks as they start walking and she turns to give him a strange look.

"What?"

"Don't worry." He says quickly.

"So, how did you and Jason meet then?" She asks, the question taking him by surprise.