The Next Sunrise

Chapter 1 Camping

Where were we when it all started? Of all the things to be doing we were camping, with the Girl Scouts. I was a scout all my childhood and so are my sisters. They were a surprise to my parents who were perfectly content to have only one child. I was tickled pink to have little twin sisters. So when the scout leader called and asked if i would accompany them on a camping trip I gladly said yes.

College was winding down for the summer and I didn't have any plans. I was between boyfriends and hadn't really clicked with any of the people at school. Introvert, that's me. So I packed up my camping gear and picked up my sisters.

Alex and Isla May were 11 and about as different as night and day. Alex was a bit gloomy with dark hair and hazel eyes. Slender like a pixie with the attitude of a grumpy troll. Isla May, yes you had to call her the whole name, was sunny and funny with big light brown eyes and sun streaked brown hair. She was sturdy, tall, and strong. Me, I'm average everyday height and red hair and blue eyes.

When I arrived at the house they were sitting on the front steps looking impatient. Backpacks ready to go.

"Bailey, your late! We are going to miss them. Then we will have to stay ALL weekend with the parents!" Isla May hollered. "That would be sooo boring."

I looked at her pouting face and smiled. She had to be doing something all the time. Archery, 4-H, leadership club, scouts you name it she wanted to do it. I glanced at Alex, she was writing in a notebook. Some fantastic story I suppose full of intrigue. Mom and Dad made her do scouts. She always complained but had a good time anyway.

"Let me tell Mom and Dad we are going." I said.

I go inside and see Mom and Dad all packed up too. They were taking a well deserved holiday too. Driving down to Florida to spend the weekend at the beach. The girls were mad because they love the beach but the scout trip plans were made before the beach plans.

"Mom, Dad, I'm here." I call.

As I round the corner into the kitchen so does Mom.

"Oh there you are. Isla May will be happy now. She so anxious to get going." she smiles. "Hasn't stopped going on about it all week."

"She does get obsessive doesn't she.Remember the all pink phase? Everything pink, right down to her socks and underwear."

"Do you have everything you need? Food, water, money?"

"Yes, Mom, we have everything and the scout leader is bringing the rest." I sigh. She will never stop Momming me no matter how old I get. It nice though I have kind of missed it.

She hugs me and kisses me on the head. She follows me out the door and does the same with the girls. Dad comes out and does the same.

"We love you girls. Have a good time." he says.

The car is pack and we hug and kiss the parents goodbye. Little did we know that this would be the last time we ever saw our parents.