Watch Your Temper

Chapter Thirteen: Over the Falls

        "Temper, I already told you. You have two options: either stay here and clean, or come canoeing with us. It's our last day here, and you need to get out and burn off some of your energy, now that your sunburn's healed."

I stared at my mom in disbelief, my feet planted firmly on the floor.

"How do you know? Besides, I don't want to get wet," I complained, cracking my knuckles in preparation for the argument that was sure to come.

"Temper, you have until the count of three to stop acting like a little kid and to make up your mind," she warned. 

"One... two... thre--"

"Fine, I'll go!" I hollered, throwing my arms up in frustration. She smirked, obviously happy she had won the discussion. I stomped off to Beth and I's room, swapping my t-shirt for a bikini top. I left my jean shorts on and pulled the red top over my head. I ran a brush through my hair, accidentally pulling too hard.

The bristles got caught on a knot, and ripped a chunk of my hair out. I bit my lip, holding in a shriek. That's what you get for rushing, I guess. I winced as most of the pain subsided, and slid a red ponytail holder into my scrunched-up hair. Finally, I brushed my teeth and applied a thin layer of red lipstick to my lips. Well, George was coming, so you never know...

I frowned at myself in the mirror and shuffled my feet into my flip-flops, lathering my arms, legs, face, neck and back with super powerful sunscreen. I wouldn't want to go back to New York looking like a tomato. And trust me-- I knew how much sunburns hurt.

"Come on, we're leaving!" somebody called down the hall, so I quickly took out my earrings and ran outside to join everyone.

"Alright, this is the plan. We're going to walk two miles down the forest trail, where there should be a large lake. It opens up into a waterfall, so be careful. We have two canoes, and eight people, so that means four in each canoe. Ronnie, Jack, Lauren and I will go in one, and Temper, George, Katherine and Beth will go in the other. Any questions?" my dad asked us.

Everyone shook their heads.

"Okay, then let's start walking!" he announced, grabbing Lauren's hand. I snorted at that, but headed into the forest. Whatever.

+++

        "Is anyone thirsty? I brought some juice!"

After a chorus of "yes's," my dad reached into his backpack and pulled out multiple juice boxes. I grabbed a grape one, and eagerly opened it to chug it down. The sun beat hard on all of us, and I could practically hear my skin sizzle. It was that hot.

I trudged through the dense forest, swatting away stray branches that blocked my way. I almost tripped on a log, and I had to grab Beth's arm to save her from getting a nasty face plant.

"Are we almost there?" I groaned, wiping the sweat off my forehead.

"Temper, we've only been walking for twenty minutes. We'll be at the lake soon," my mom informed me. I nodded and ran ahead of the group, anxious to get a look at the canoes. Sure enough, I only had to run around a small corner before I spotted a vast body of fresh water. I smiled, bending down to get my hands wet. I splashed the cool, refreshing water on my face and waited for the others to catch up with me.

When they did, my dad took control.

"Okay, is everyone ready? There is an adult in each canoe, so you kids have nothing to worry about. Temper, show Beth how to sit properly in the boat," he commanded me. I heaved the heavy wooden canoe into the water, and wadded in, knee-deep.