Roots

Rebecca

I guess I have to admit I act a little too mature for my age, but when you're surrounded by a boy who thinks fireflies have electricity in them, a boy who thinks it'd be fun to swim with a shark, and a girl who thought that if you die in video games you die in real life, someone has to be mature. I met Jackie from our dads, they were both best friends in college, and now we became best friends. Our families are super close, and so they decided to live near each other. Unlike Daniel, I've known Jackie since birth, and she introduced me to him. Daniel and I would always fight, but Jackie would always stay out of it. One time our argument was so big that it tore her apart watching us, that was two years ago.

After finishing our breakfast, we head down to the painted cave. We rent three kayaks for an hour, and walk down to the water. "Make sure you're all safe, and if any of you get hurt remember to call out, I'll come help you." The waves are surprisingly calm today as we paddle through the cave. The water is a turquoise color with dark green splotches, and the cave walls are so beautiful and colorful, reflecting off the water. Tyler and I are in one kayak while Jackie and Daniel are in another, Rachel struggling to keep up behind us.

Tyler aims us near one wall so he can touch it. "Woah it feels so smooth, it's amazing." I look around, a strange marking on a different wall catches my eye. Luckily without saying anything, Tyler heads in its direction. As we get near it, I see a tree etched into it with five main branches and five roots jutting out beneath it.

I run my hand over the engraving, fascinated by its perfect carving when Jackie calls out, "Hey, catch up slowpokes!" Tyler and I start heading over to them as I look back at it one more time.

We spend almost an hour in the cave, my thoughts of the strange symbol almost forgotten. Rachel, looking exhausted after trying to keep up with us calls out, "I think we should head back, out times almost up." Whines of disagreement echo around the cave as she tries to assure us that we'd see much more interesting places here later.

Heading back up to the kayak rental center, we meet a new worker about the same age as Rachel, named Chris. "Hi, how may I help you," he replies, probably for the billionth time. His expression changed quickly once he saw Rachel however.

"Hello, can you direct us to the souvenir section," Rachel asked, oblivious to him blushing.

"Uh uh of course," he replied nervously, "Right this way."

Tyler turns to me and makes a grossed out face and pretends to barf. I can't help it, I start laughing and get a nudge from Jackie who is also trying to contain her laughter. Another lady organizing clothing watches us zoom around the store, inspecting everything. "You guys should buy some of our sweatshirts, it will start chilling up tomorrow." She points in the direction of the sweatshirts.

We look around until we find what we're looking for. Daniel pulls out a white one with gold marks on it. Tyler is already trying on a camouflage brown hoodie with black sleeves and Jackie is hugging a dark purple one. I continue searching until I find a color I like, I pull it out and try it on. It's light green that ombres into a darker green. All of them are too big on us but we don't care, Rachel buys them for us anyways. She lets us continue to run around the store, while she talks to the cashier.

"Oooooooo, Rachel's got a crush," Daniel smirks.

"Hush, I don't know what you're talking about," she says defensively, her face turning bright red.

We all exchange amused glances and when she turns her back on us, Daniel whispers, "Run!"

"Run?" I repeat, although I heard him the first time.

"Ya, come on, let's go do something fun," he responds.

Tyler then runs out of the store, followed by Jackie and Daniel. "Wait. What about Rachel?" They can't hear me but someone has to make sure they stay safe, so after one last look at the counter, I race after them.