Let Me Be Your Hero

Chapter Eighteen : Melina's reasons

"Wakey, wakey kids! It's time to soak in some vitamin D." I could hear Andrea say from outside the tent. I had been awake for a total of forty three minutes according to my wrist watch. I wanted to wake Jon up so that we could go and eat something, but I just couldn't bring myself to. He was sleeping soundly and I have made it my duty not to let anything interrupt him. After everything that happened yesterday I think it's the least I owe him.

I poured out my heart and soul to this guy, I told him all the damage my heart withholds and he still accepted me. I have been grinning like a fool all morning because of him. Curse these feelings I only get when I'm around him.

"Andrea, I think it'll be better if we let him sleep. He seemed a bit...Weary yesterday." I told her while exiting the tent. I wanted to stay alongside him, I really did. But, because I know she'll come in there looking to wake us up sooner or later I thought it best to warn her not to wake him.

"Oh, did he now?" She crossed her arms, and arched an eyebrow. "Because a little birdie around here told me what went on between you two yesterday afternoon."

"Wha-" I stopped my confused look mid-word, let realization flash across my features, and settled on panic. "Whatever Anna told you is completely irrelevant."

"Is it now? I may not understand you kids at times, but I am not completely stupid enough to not note the way he looks at you and you at him." She gave me a knowing look. I know I can't deny that, because it's true.

"Umm," I stared down at my shoes, not quite sure what to do next.

"Anyways, let's find ourselves a good place to hike to today on the map." She pulled out a map she had tucked under her left arm. I exhaled a breath of relief, grateful that she had dropped the subject.

"Okay," I smiled.

We analyzed the map in detail for a while before deciding to condense our choices down to two trails, which we would decide later with everyone else. The steeper one would lead out to a cliff that would overlook our campsite, and the other would take us to a river. I had suggested we take the steeper trail, but Andrea didn't agree since other people (not going to name any names) would find it too difficult. I was in the process of circling the two destinations with a highlighter Andrea had given me when an annoyingly high pitched sound cut through the air. All the peace and tranquility nature had to offer suddenly gone with the sound waves disturbing the calm aura.

"Is breakfast ready yet?" Melina asked, emerging from her tent.

"There should be food in the brown bag." I replied, not removing my gaze from the map.

"Whatever." I heard her walk off in search of the bag I had told her about. I laughed inside my head; this was going to be interesting. I made extra sure to pay close attention to the map as the scream I anticipated came sooner than I expected.

"You!" Melina came rushing over to where I was, jabbing an accusing finger at me. "You did this on purpose!" 

"Whatever do you mean?" I asked innocently.

"That!" She pointed in the direction of the bag with a frog and lizard standing on it. Juvenile, I know, but I believe the small childish prank to be more effective than one I would spend too much time and energy planning.

"You know my fear for all things that can't be walked around in a leash. I know it was you, so don't even deny it." She seethed.

"Now, why would I deny something that I am proud of?" I smirked, noticing the shade of scarlet overtaking her cheeks. I almost laughed at how easy it was to get her all angry.