Horror of Alley Creek

Chapter Three: Forgotten Birthday and Trashy Campsite

Suddenly the lights turned on and Maddison, Robby, and a few other people yelled, "Surprise!"

I had to lean back against the door from the shock of things. I also hadn't realized I had forgotten that it was my 25th birthday. "Wow guys," I finally got out as I placed a hand on my chest to try to get my heart to stop pounding.

Maddison walked over to me and placed a kiss on my cheek before grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the door. "One more thing. I just need to let them know first." She lifted her phone and spoke. "You guys can come in now."

With that, someone else came up. Upon entering, I realized it was my parents. My mom walked up to me with arms outstretched. "It's so good to see you, Mitch," she pulled me in for a hug.

"I didn't expect you guys to fly in from North Carolina for this," I said as I hugged her.

She smiled, the crease of her eyes wrinkling slightly. "Your dad and I are planning on staying in Washington for the month for a much-needed vacation, and you told us so much about Washington that we figured we would come up here then."

My dad walked over and patted my back. "Your mother also wanted to see her youngest son, too." He laughed.

As much as I appreciated the surprise, I also couldn't help the drowsiness I was experiencing. Two days prior, I was put on a SAR for someone who had wandered too far off the trail and got lost in the Hoh rainforest next to Olympic. Then I had two days of working at the info desk. To say the least, I was tired.

The party lasted a while before Robby and the others left to go home and my parents made their way back to the Air BnB.

I was already in my white t-shirt, and PJ pants, and in bed when Maddison walked in. When she did, I was lying on my stomach with one arm under my head, below my pillow.

"Did you enjoy the surprise I kept from you?" she asked, getting on the bed and placing a hand on my back.

I opened my eyes and looked at her, and smiled. "You know I did, even though you had me get something for you to keep it a secret," I said groggily. "How did you know my parents would be coming up here?"

She smiled. "They had called me about their trip and asked if they should surprise you on your birthday." Maddison bent down and moved my hair from in front of my face. "I told them it would be a great idea. Oh, and I think your sister is coming up on the weekend with her kids so they can say hi to their uncle."

This time, I decided to sit up. "What made my sister decide that she should come up here to say hi?"

Maddison shrugged. "I think she wants you to finally meet your niece and nephew."

I let out a breath. "After 6 years, she's deciding that it's time I meet her family." I got up out of bed and placed my phone on the dresser. "Do you even remember her reaction when she first met you and had the guts to tell me that I shouldn't lead you on and that if we're going to be together that long then we need to make a decision now instead of waiting."

She nodded. "I remember, but she insisted and I think it's time you finally talk to your sister." Maddison got up and walked over to me as I had my arms folded. She placed a kiss on my cheek before resting her hands on my shoulder. "I forgave her for how she reacted. It's time you do too."

I looked down at her as she stared up at me with a smile on her face. "I know this game. Why are you trying to do this to me?" she shrugged again. "Alright, fine. I'll try to speak to my sister this weekend." I looked at Maddison face on and picked her up and brought her over to the bed.

"Mitch, what are you doing?" she laughed as she gazed up at me as I had both of my arms on each side of her, looking down.

I smiled as bent down and kissed her. "Just enjoying the presence of my girlfriend."