Bookview Valley 4

Chapter Five: Squirrels?

June 14th, Friday

The rest of the day was spent doing various activities where we learned who to trust, and who not to trust. Ryan, very trustworthy, and Stacy, not so much. To be fair, it was all pretty fun, I won't lie. Ben and I didn't talk about what he said during the first game, and I'm pretty glad he didn't bring it up. I don't really know how to explain that not only am I interested in Nick, but also that it would be quite weird to date my ex's ex; especially when that ex is no longer living.

As the day winds down Paige brings our small group back to the bonfire. This time it is lit, and it seems like the flames will touch the stars. A nice chill hangs over the camp as we join the rest of the counselors. I find Nick and settle next to him on one of the picnic blankets he managed to grab.

"How was your activity bonding?" He asks me, wriggling his eyebrows.

"Tiring," I say, not wanting to go into everything that happened, mainly Stacy, "What about you?"

Nick chuckles, "I could say the same. Did you know Brianna has a secret fear of Squirrels?"

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO TELL ANYONE!" Brianna exclaims, dropping her own picnic blanket next to ours. Ben stifles a laugh, joining her on her picnic blanket once she lays it down. Harper strides over and makes Ben scoot over.

"Is the secret out," Harper smiles widely, "Now they know."

"You knew?" I gape at Harper.

"Of course I knew," Harper laughs, "We went hiking once."

"Key word, once," Flynn joins our laughter as he lays his own picnic blanket down in front of ours. Sebastien settles next to him on it.

"Welcome back future counselors!" Director Lockewood pulls all of our attention, "I'm sure you've had plenty of fun!"

Cheers ring out through the crowd that's now all seated around the bonfire; just not super close to the fire. We're a good ways out and I can feel it as though it were right before me. Director Lockewood smiles as he comes to a full stand in front of all of us.

"I'm glad! I hope you've gotten to know each other better, because after today the real games begin!"

"The real games?" I whisper to Brianna.

"Yeah, those were all just ice breakers," Her eyes flash with excitement, "It's about to get way more dangerous."

"Dangerous?" Harper mutters, raising an eyebrow.

"Tonight we will be having S'mores then you'll head back to your rooms. Lights out is at ten, and then tomorrow the real fun begins! Enjoy your night!" Everyone claps as he walks away and the chosen six bring out the stuff to make s'mores.

"YES, S'MORES!" Brianna seems to disappear in a puff of smoke as she rushes off for the marshmallows.

"I hate marshmallows," Harper groans, "Do you think they'll let me just have chocolate?"

"I'll go with you to find out," Ben says, helping her up. He glances back at me once before they disappear into the forming crowd of eager counselors.

I glance over to Flynn and Sebastien, but they're already gone. Is there something special about marshmallows that no one told me? Nick bumps me and I turn to him, about to ask just that question.

"Should we?" He asks, his eyes a dark blue in the night, a ring of light in the middle from the fire. The glint of the light catches on his blonde hair, making it look like there's a halo around his head. My breath catches at the mere beauty of him.

"Um," I stumble, "if you want?"

His eyes trail over to the large lines, then back at me, "Seems like a long wait."

"Then is it safe to say we have plenty of time?"

"I would say so," Nick nods, "Anything you want to talk about while we have a moment alone? Who knows when we're going to get another one."

He has a point, "Mm, I'm not sure. Camp seems great and all, but..."

"You also miss home?" Nick's eyes don't leave mine, his pupils large in the dark.

"I may miss our Friday movie nights," I grin, "but, yeah, I am kind of feeling homesick. There's just so many people and..."

"You're worried about them, aren't you?"

"Yes," I worry at my bottom lip with my teeth as I glimpse the many people crowded around, "I just...I hope this wasn't a bad idea."

"We haven't heard anything about them for a while. I'm sure it's over. Camp will be fine," Nick assures me, my eyes finding his once more.

"I hope so," I sigh as he lifts his hand to caress my face. His thumb rubs over my cheek as he gives me a warm smile.

"We'll be okay."

"I really hope so."

. . . . .

Later that night...

Nearing three in the morning a familiar face finally reaches camp Bookview Valley. They reach the entrance to the camp, panting with exhaustion. Straightening up, they take in the large cabin, dark as the night. They grin as they begin their trek towards the cabin.

It doesn't take long, but soon they're in front of the steps that lead into the building where many sleeping counselors rest. They raise one foot towards the first step, but they stop as the front door swings open.

"You shouldn't be here."

"But I am."

"I told you to tell them I have it handled."

They laugh, "You really think you can handle this? After you killed my brother. You're a traitor for all I care. I should kill you where you stand."

"But you won't," The figure strides down the stairs to come face to face with them, "Because if you do, then the Crimson Skeleton will kill you."

They growl, "You think I care about the Crimson Skeleton? They didn't save my brother. I have no loyalties any longer, only the one to Lilith herself."

"I'm sure the Crimson Skeleton won't be happy to hear that."

They pause, before letting out a sigh, "Fine, you can help me."

"This should be quick, then. Morgan Brooks will die and then we can leave."

"I wouldn't mind some casualties."

The figure sneers at them, "You are ruthless. You're not just here for the power, are you? You like killing them."

"And you don't?" They laugh.

The figure glares at them, "There's an empty room in the attic that no one visits. You can hide here. Don't talk to me during the day. I'll speak to you tomorrow night, and you better have a plan."

"Oh, I have a plan."