Just Like Seven Years Ago

Camping

The first thing I do is pick up my phone to let my aunt's caregivers know I won't be able to see her today, but that I'll be seeing her Sunday evening.

I'm already packed. I did it as soon as I got in from Jay's last night, so that call was the most pressing thing I had to do this morning.

I check the time, and I know they will be here soon for me. She said it's best if she just picks me up. Waiting, I let my mind stray to the fact that I tucked a swimsuit all the way to the bottom of my bag. I know we will be next to a water source. I just know it. Maybe it's time I face my fears. How bad can it be? If Elsa can do it, I can. I chuckle to myself, with whom I'm comparing myself. It's that bad, I guess.

I hear a beep, and it brings me out of my head. I grab my bag and head outside. Here's to me facing my biggest fear.

Elsa is greeting me, most excitedly, from the back seat, and Jay's eyes are glued to my every step. I want to tease her, but Elsa is here. I will behave. I just look at her and flash her a smile. I throw my bag in the back and slip into the front seat.

As soon as we get on the highway, Jay turns on the radio, and we all start singing along. It's so adorable to hear the tiniest person having the loudest voice. Jay extends her hand to the back like a mic, and Elsa is on full blast. I can see she is totally hooked on Jay. She is super loving to her, and she has fun non-stop with her.

The rest of the ride gets even better when our song comes on. Jay holds my hand, and we sing along. This one has Elsa quiet, but she is giggling at us singing, holding hands, and seeing all the stunts her aunt can do while driving.

Soon enough, we turn off the highway, and the view is simply magnificent. It sure is a perfect picture. Jay slows her drive, as we are very near to our destination, admiring the view herself.

The car comes to a stop, and the first one out is Elsa. For once, Jay doesn't have to take off after her. Here is peaceful. It seems like no danger can befall you in a place like this. It's quiet with only the chirping of birds in the distance. There is nothing but greenery, and I can't help but turn around in circles, admiring. I feel arms wrapping around my torso, and I smile as I hold her arms in place around me.

"This is beautiful, Jay."

"It sure is, camper, but we got bags to unload."

She pulls me by my hand.

"Bags? I only brought one bag. You hauling the rest."

She shakes her head, laughing, "lazy ass."

I pinch her butt, "watch it before you carry not only yours, but mine too."

I pick up Elsa's bag, which is as big as mine. I don't see the logic there when her little body is less than half of mine.
Jay starts walking along the trail, off to find us a good spot. I follow behind and make sure Elsa falls in the middle. I can see this is a popular location. Two other families are pulling up, and many more are settled already.

Finally, Jay stops, and I can hear running water. We aren't far from a stream. I can tell. Elsa is rolling in the grass. The grass does look soft and enticing, so I sit next to her, and instantly, she's in my lap telling me everything we will do. How can I talk her down? I agree to the one hundred and one things she pointed out. I think she doesn't understand exactly how long a weekend is.

Elsa and I are giggling on our backs on the bare grass when a shadow falls over us. Jay. Elsa is so giddy. She takes off running, and so do I. Jay is hot on our heels. I'm laughing so much that I can't continue. Jay passes me and snatches Elsa up in her arms. She is screaming. I catch up to them and just stop. If I thought the entrance was beautiful, then I don't know the word to describe this. There is a waterfall running into a natural basin. The color of green is a different one here, and the rushing sound of the water drowns out everything else. Jay and Elsa are, silently, admiring as well.