Love Me Not? (I)

Chapter 5

5

Reece

It was nearly midnight. Cally, Lana and I were sitting around our roaring fire. I've eaten fifteen marshmallows and three s'mores. I wasn't even full yet. My marshmallow caught fire and I pulled it out, let it sit for a bit, then blew it out. It was a beautiful roasted brown.

Lana yawned long and loud. "Reece... Aren't you even tired yet?" Cally snored and slipped onto her side, fast asleep. I stuck her stick into the fire and let it burn. She'd stopped eating an hour ago.

I shook my head and stuck my marshmallow in my mouth. "No, I'm used to staying up late."

"Well, I'm getting my sister to bed and I'm following her soon after." I nodded and watched the orange glow. "Gah! Reece! Help!" I chuckled and helped her carry Cally into the tent onto her sleeping bag.

We'd gotten the tent pitched at five on the wooden stand I brought, since I predicted more rain later tonight. They even brought an extra rain cover, just in case.

We placed her on her bag, the foam dipping under her weight slightly. "Thanks, Reece..." Lana yawned again and flopped onto her sleeping bag, quickly falling asleep. I sighed, deciding now was a good time to head to bed. What if something happened while I was outside and they were too fast asleep to help me?

I dowsed our fire and watched as the area was plummeted into complete darkness. I looked from the soft glow of the embers to the sky, breathing a sigh of awe. Millions of stars glittered in the sky around the Milky Way galaxy strands.

As my eyes adjusted, the colors became more vivid. I was seeing different pinks, blues, purples, and greens as well as varying colors of stars. The galaxy sure is an amazing place...

I forced my gaze from the sky and headed into the tent. I zipped it up and put the lock on. I clicked it shut and stuck the key in the keyhole so we wouldn't lose it in all the blankets and foam.

I stepped over Cally's legs and Lana's arms before crawling into my sleeping bag. I slowed my breathing, preparing myself for a nice rest under the stars. I jolted awake when I heard heavy breathing right outside the tent. I froze, trying to stop from hyperventilating. Does this part of the forest have bears?

I squeaked when nails scraped against the nylon fabric. It was right by my head! I scrambled from my spot and shook Lana roughly. "Lana. Lana!" I whisper yelled. She grunted and buried herself further under the covers. I shook her harder. "Lana!"

"Uwha?" Her eyes opened part way. "Reece? Is it morning already?"

"Lana, some animal is outside our tent!" I glanced back a the spot where the animal was. The silhouette was one of a large dog, maybe a wolf. Oh, please. Not another wolf!

Lana sat up and sniffed slightly. She suddenly stiffened. "Get Cally up!" She barely whispered. I shuffled over to Cally and shook her awake. She started to say something, but I clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Tch!" I hissed. I felt her nod and pulled my hand back.

She sat up and glanced around. She motioned for us to huddle in the middle of the tent. We sat around each other so we could hear each other better. "What's going on?" I asked just barely above a whisper.

"Wolves," Lana replied at the same volume. "Rogues." I gulped.

"Don't worry, Reece," Cally hugged us close to her. "I'm the oldest, so I'll make sure you two are safe." More claws started to paw at the nylon tent, making shivers run up my back. There was a low growl right outside the tent. I cowered back into Cally and Lana. Cally held us tighter to her, not letting us go.