First Fire

Chapter 2

The grade waited anxiously to get off the bus. Our names had to be ticked off the list as we got off.

"Con!... Candice!... Morgan!... Leah!"

I hurried off the bus with my bag.

I had packed at the last minute. I felt like a had forgotten something but I didn't have time to check.

I frantically searched for Jeremy, but he gently wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. I smiled and looked back at him.

He's so romantic!

We were put into groups and began setting up our tents and getting comfy. Gina and I were in a tent together. I didn't mind, since she was my best friend.

After settling in, I took a moment to observe the mammoth trees surrounding us. The weather was miserable and frosty, sending chills down my spine. The air was dense, filled with scents of petrichor and freshly turned soil.

"Leah!" screamed Gina.

I snapped out of my trance. I had been glaring into the darkness of the woods.

"Come on! We're starting a camp fire!" she said joyfully.

***

The sky grew dark as the fire grew brighter. Mr Roberts sat next to Libitina, looking quite comfortable.

"Who wants to tell a story?" he asked.

"Me!" Gina cried.

Gina cleared her throat and shone a torch light on her gleaming face.

"I'm going to tell you about the Wendigo. They are mythical creatures who feed on human flesh. They say, if you had to resort to cannibalism in the woods, the spirit of the Wendigo will possess you. Their skin is incredibly thick. Their only weakness is fire. They roam around the woods, waiting to hunt their prey."

Libitina looked bored and uncomfortable by the time Gina had finished. Part of me was too, but I was mostly terrified.

How interesting, though. A mythical creature who feeds on human flesh...

"Time for bed!" Mr Roberts shouted.

***

Gina and I were lying in our sleeping bags with torches for light. The tent was cold and I shivered underneath my blanket.

"Are you okay? You look worried." Gina asked.

She didn't know that I was schizophrenic, so I couldn't explain to her that I forgot my medication at home.

"I- I'm fine." I said.

Gina gave me a questioning look.

"I'm just nervous. I'm planning to confess my true feelings for Jeremy this week." I said, blushing at the mention of his name.

"Awww, Leah! I'm so happy for you! This is so unlike you! Why are you suddenly so brave?" Gina gasped, sitting up.

Honestly, I had no idea that had come out of my mouth. It didn't feel like I had said that. Gina was right, this wasn't like me.

"I don't know. I think we should get to bed." I said, switching off my torch.

"Okay... Night." Gina sighed.