Mishaps & Wolves (REWRITE)

Chapter 1 - A Not So Happy Ending

"And to your left is our camp namesake, Lake Dermwood!" The camp guide's abnormally-high pitched voice grated on Marissa's nerves again. The map they'd been given once they'd arrived was currently in shreds and Randy had to wrestle it from her grasp whilst everyone else moved around to get a better view of the lake.

"Quit growling and enjoy yourself," he hissed as he stuffed as much of the decimated map into his pocket as he could.

"If she didn't talk like a squeaky toy, maybe I wouldn't want to tear her throat out," she hissed back.

"Can't you just enjoy nature and pretend that you actually want to be here?"

"Why would I? It looks like it's going to rain, I'm pretty sure that's poison oak over there, and I all I want is to be in bed with a good book."

Randy just gave a suffering sigh and turned back to the camp guide in time for her to start herding the group towards their lodgings.

The camp ground was mostly used for corporate retreats, but they did a few weekend retreats too and they seemed to offer a variety of activities available. Out on the lake she could see people in kayaks and amongst the acres of land were a lot of people running about. She sent a prayer of thanks that she wouldn't have to take part in any of the activities. She might be on an adventure weekend, but the only adventuring she'd be doing was in her imagination whilst she got started on last year's reading list. She was not an active person by any stretch of the imagination, not like Randy's ex-girlfriend. That girl had been too active, as Randy had eventually found out. Unfortunately, tickets to this place were non-refundable, and now Marissa had to hike and suffer a weekend with a bunch of fitness freaks.

The things she did for her best friend, she thought as the group started moving again.

As they were led down the dirt path, Marissa actually felt her dark mood slowly start to lift. She had to admit, the place did hold a certain charm even if she didn't actually like being outdoors. The log cabins looked wonderful when set against the backdrop of the forest. The air wasn't full of pollution, or any other grizzlier animal smells that reminded her of work. Things seemed calmer out here and that's the only reason she'd come on this trip. Work had been extremely busy the last few months and since she couldn't take the time off for her father's annual month-long cruise, going on a weekend trip outside of the city with her best friend was the next best thing. Even if she did have to suffer being at camp at her age.

Suddenly the group came to a halt as the camp guide stopped at a fork in the path and spun around with that too-bright smile. Dread pooled in the pit of her stomach.

"Let me be the first to welcome you all to Lover's Lane!"

Marissa choked on air.

"Each of our cabins here are decorated beautifully, and fully stocked, to ensure that you thoroughly enjoy being with your partner whilst you're here. There are also many activities included as part of our couples' package guaranteed to give you a few happy ending over the next few nights. You can have your choice of any of these treats, but one of those activities that is a must for everyone is the Moonlit Picnic taking place tonight!" The guide continued excitedly, her high-pitched voice shredding the last of Marissa's nerves.

Merda, that has to be a joke.

But from the way the people around her started chattering excitedly, she had no such luck. Randy had shown her the brochure stating it was an adventure weekend for thrill-seekers. She looked to him for an answer, but he was already making his way up the path towards the cabins with the others. In fact, he was practically running.