Mistaken Love

Chapter Forty-four.

July 3rd

   "Happy birthday!" Noah, Hayden, Bethany, Brianna and I shouted with glee, as we jumped out of the Jeep. 

As soon as my feet toughed the graveled, dirty ground, every bone in my body loosened, as I let out a sigh of relief. The five of us have been packed in the vehicle for a couple hours, as Rachel and her parents decided to celebrate her 17th birthday at a campsite. Rachel invited Maria, Bethany, Brianna, Noah and I, and surprisingly, Hayden as well. I guess the two of them had moved their differences aside.

Rachel smiled brightly, as she ran up to me. She jumped up, wrapping her arms around my neck, and her legs around my stomach, as she squeezed me, tightly. I chuckled, as I hugged her back.

The two of us haven't seen each other in a couple weeks, due to her going on vacation to see her grandparents, and me, helping my mother out, while Noah has been getting ready for college and father working overtime to support my, soon to be, little brother or sister.

"I've missed you." Rachel whispered into my ear, as she laid her head upon my shoulder.

I chuckled lightly, as I nodded in agreement. "I've missed you too." I responded.

"You two make me sick!" Someone shouted, as they made fake gagging noises.

Turning my head, my heart dropped inside my stomach, as my blood began to boil. The voice belonged to Zachary. I should have known he was going to join; he's Rachel's brother, Unfortunately.

Rachel scoffed, as she unraveled her arms and legs from my body. "Don't mind him." Rachel mumbled, as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "He's been in a horrible mood since our parents forced him to come along." She explained, as the smile across her face quickly faded.

I shook my head, as I placed my hands upon her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. The seven of us will have a great week!" I encouraged. "It's your birthday! Don't let him get you down."

The smile on Rachel's face appeared once again, as she nodded her head. "Yeah! Of course!" She acknowledged. "This week is going to be awesome!" Rachel cheered, as she pulls us all in group hug.

---

Zachary and I sent daggers at each other from across the large camping spot Mrs. Nickels had rented for the week, as we received some horrific news from Mr. Nickels.

"You can't be serious!" Zachary shouted, not taking his eyes off of me. "Why didn't you guys bring another tent? Why do I have to share a tent with Rachel's friends and the bastard that's dating her?!" The 19 year old spatted like a little child.

I groaned lightly, as I shook my head at the scene that was currently unfolding. I swear, if he complains any louder, the other campers might as well ridicule him by recording his inner being.

"Watch your language! I told you to behave on this trip!" Mrs. Nickels explained, as she pointed her index finger at him. "Now, you listen, and you listen well! This is your sisters birthday, not yours. If you're not happy because you have to share a tent with her friends and boyfriend, then sleep outside and keep your mouth shut!" She shouted.

Everybody in our group froze, as everything fell silent. I held back my laughter, as I placed my eyes upon my worn out, black sneakers.

Damn... Don't get on her bad side, Samantha.

I shook my head at my inner self, as I cleared my throat. Zachary turned to face me once again. I could tell he was bothered, but he just released a sigh, as he returned his gaze to his mother, who had a disappointed expression written across her face.