Finding Our Souls

4

Tuesday, 30th June, 06:05,

Joelyn wakes up and starts packing her things. She squirts some toothpaste on her brush and starts brushing her teeth. She takes her phone and checks the reviews and details of the park and then freshens up. She wears a black tee, a short, puts her hair in a bun and starts wearing her socks. She makes her way to the kitchen and eats a bowl of cereals as she knows that nothing would go down her throat other than that. She wears her trekking shoes and throws her bagpack on her back and moves out of home locking it behind her.

She walks to the bus terminal which is not far from her home and takes the bus which drops her at her destination after an hour.

#POV of Joelyn

"Damn this view, Im already hyped to know what's there to discover more"

I stride my way to the entry gate and submit my pass for the week I've been offered. I get a serial number before I'm allowed to get in the park. No, its not dangerous, but the park is vast and If I get lost then it gon be helpful for them to look for me.

I can see several groups of people of my age are here for this hike. I start my trajectory by taking the less muddy path. I love the sound of my steps hitting the ground and that of birds chirping. And while walking amidst the forest I can hear the sound of locus probably between the bushes and trees. The air feels light and cool and around I can sense no human being. And that feeling is even more perfect than it seems.

"Ahh, the beauty of nature, what can I not do for such a peace? Away from the honking of vehicles, the swearing of people, the moanings and sex sounds of the neighbours, what can be better than this peaceful place" I say to myself wrapping my arms around me, all relaxed.

A little further from where I stand, I can spot a group installing their tents by the river banks, all curious, I make my way to them and stand from a distance.

"BOOOO" someone jolts me from the back and laughs.

I look at him with a frown on my face feeling my heart literally racing.

"Hi, I'm Phil, Phil Fernandez" he says putting foward his hand.

"Joelyn" I shake his hand back.

"Wanna join us Joelyn?" He suggests.

I nod and follow his steps, "Perfecto" he exclaims.

"Hey guys, I got you people a new member"

"So team, this is Joelyn, and Joelyn this is team" he says resting both hands on his hips.

"Huhhh okay?"

"Oh well sorry, so this is, Stanley, Rebecca, Jim, Dane, Hailie, Shanon and stefie. Oh, wait there's someone missing, Stephan ain't here, he's gon to pee I guess" he says shrugging.

Everyone: "Hey, Joelyn"
Joelyn: "Hi everyone, you can call me Joe"

It gets awkward the more I stand still, everyone staring me in the face, some with a smile and some with a stern look.

"Hey guys we need a bonfire and for that we need wood" says Stanley scratching his head.

"I'll go get some, but I need help" I offer.

They all look at me in astonishment.

"No girl in here ever said something like this" Phil states with his eyes wide opened.

"Huuuuhhh, can we help?" Suggest Jim and Dane.

"Yup"

I walk further into the bushes with the guys and we start collecting woods. I stray my way a little as I find the bushes moving vigorously. Curious to know, I push the branches sideways and before I can take a clear look, I trip upon some rocks and fall on my face,

"FUCK!"

"Hey you okay??" Comes a voice behind me.

I toss instantaneously and glance behind.

A guy gives me a hand to get up, I stand on my feet and clap my hands to remove the mud off of them.

"Ain't you the guy from the bus!?" I recognise saying hi.

"I am, how are you here? I was here for a 'hike offer' by my office but I joined a group in here and what about you?" I reply with a confused face.

"I'm here with my group of friends, hehe we're here for a good adventure" he expresses with a bright smile.

"Heyyeyeyeyeeee, so you 2 already met each other" Dane exclaims.

Jim: "Oulala, what was going on here man"
Stephan: "things you wouldn't want to know hah"
Dane: "We got enough wood I guess, can we get outta here and join the others?"
Joelyn: "So this is your group too"
Stephan: "what do you mean by 'too'?"
Joelyn: "Well, I joined you people"
Stephan: "Ohh that's cool huh"

The 4 youngsters get out of the bushes with the wood and Jim starts attempting to light a bonfire with the help of Dane.

At the sight of Stephan and Joelyn enjoying their conversation, Shanon creases her shawl in a fist and throws it on stefie's face walking towards Stephan.

She forces herself in between them and holds his forearm. Pouting her lips she says,

"Stephan, would you please get me something to eat, I'm really hungry"

Stephan bites his lower lip in desperation looking at Joe and nods.

"Sure Shanon, see ya Joe"

Joelyn joins the others for a beer and some talks about themselves. After sometime, Stephan and Shanon joins in too and they all start asking Joelyn about herself and her background.

"Well I'm 21 y.o, I work in a private office, I live alone and I'm anti-social most of the time"

Dane: "Do you have anyone in your life?"
Joelyn: "No"

"Would you allow someone in your life?" Stephan adds in with a smirk on his face.

I reply with confidence, "Well if the person is worth it and makes me happy, then yeah"

*Loud and intentional coughs from Jim*

Stanley: "Aham...Ahaaam, love is in the air, I need to get outta here"

Everyone lets out a laugh except Shanon and Stefie who stares at Joelyn with bitter expressions stuck to their faces.
Stephan knocks Shanon by mistake and her drink spills over her dress.

"I'm so sorry Shannon"

"It's alright stephan, It happens" she says with a fake smile on her face and leaves from the spot to clean herself.