Is This Safe?

Chapter 9

I just kept staring. Staring.

My eyes never blinking, they scanned the cabin limitlessly from top to bottom and side to side. There was no end.

"It's just a cabin; it's just a cabin."
I whispered to myself over and over to remind myself that the nightmare was behind us. Why did I get this sudden feeling though that it wasn't? Was it a sign like what happened at the hotel last night? The nonworking elevator, the mysterious room 209, the strange noises on the stairs, and now the cabin: were these signs?

I certainly hope not.

Staring at the cabin one last time, I let the furry spruce branches fall when I begin to make my way back to the dock where my friends and Jordan surely expected me to return soon. Upon arriving, I notice Jordan had swiftly made his move on Chelsea since his strong arm was draped around her shoulder. Smiling to myself, I couldn't help, but feel a little giddy towards them.

"Hey, sorry for the wait."
I step onto the dock while fixing my camera strap around my neck that was already straight in the first place.
"Again."

Their eyes just blinked slowly back at me as if they were bored or simply impatient.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to go on this really neat trail that I spotted on my way back there. You guys can go on ahead with the boat ride. I don't want to be a burden and make you come with me."

"But are you sure?"
Chelsea asked while watching Jordan from the side who was sipping from his pop can.

"Yeah, it's no problem."
I try to say as normal as possible, but I couldn't hide being nervous.
"I'm just going to take some 'quick' pictures then I'll come straight back to wait for you."

Chelsea seemed a bit hesitant which worried me. Did she suspect something?
"I don't know. You really shouldn't go alone--"

"I'll go with you!"
Ann volunteered herself.

"Are you sure?"
Maggie asked while moving out of the way for Ann to hop out of the boat.

"Yeah, I'm completely fine with it. Hand me my pop, will you?"
Reaching forward, Maggie gave Ann her Pepsi can.

I wasn't sure if I was glad Ann was tagging along. I mean, I love her and all, but that would mean she would know about the cabin I saw. She could keep a secret though, but I wasn't completely honest with the others either. If only things would be normal!

"Okay, well, you guys have fun then taking pictures or whatever."
Jordan told us while Chelsea giggled at his comment.
"Who wants to row first?"

"Not me!"
Maggie exclaimed stepping further away from any loose oars that could be lying anywhere on the boat.

"Don't worry, this boat has an engine."
Jordan simply smiled before stepping over to start it.

"Let's go,"
I take Ann by the arm to lead her into the right direction and farther away from the voices of that of the others.

"So what did you see that was so awesome?"
Ann asked me after several moments of silence. She knew something was up.
My mind started to play tricks on me, suddenly. I was sure this was the right place.
"Jennifer?"

"Hold on,"
I push past more tree limbs as my head almost spins everywhere. Where was that trail?

"Jenn?"

"I--I can't find the trail or the--"
I trailed off as I wandered farther away from her.

"Jenn!"
I heard Ann's soft footsteps on broken tree limbs and hard leaves from the ground when she suddenly stops behind me.
"What are you looking for?"