The Hunting

Chapter 13

            I'm not sure how I got into this position. Currently, I'm over the back of Don's shoulders as he squats down, trying to prove his masculinity as I am perpendicular to the ground. As soon as I responded to Nate, I was over the back of Pietra's shoulders. I should've lied and told them that I was heavier than I actually was. Don is at 10 squats now as he stands up and squats down, repeating this motion over and over again. Good thing I don't get sick easily. The point of this whole competition was to see who could do the most squats with me across the back of their shoulders or on their back. Pietra went first and she did 37 squats. Pietra is only a couple of inches taller than me and with a slimmer build. I'm surprised she didn't chuck me off of her when she was done, but she set me on the ground somewhat gently.

I could hear Don inhaling and exhaling as he went down. He passed Pietra, but unlike her, he's not struggling. I'm surprised he's still going. He's stronger than he looks. This went for a little while until he started slowing down, he ended up getting 81 squats in. When he set me down the boys clapped while Pietra crossed her arms, "Don't think anything of it, it's just luck."

Don chuckled walking over to his sister. He swung his arm over Pietra's shoulders, "Aw sis, don't be a sore loser. I'm just stronger."

Pietra huffed and pushed Don's arm off of her, "Who cried when a spider was on his bedroll?"

Beet red, Don shrieked, "It was a huge spider okay!"

The group chuckled.

Don mumbled, "Who's next? Let's get this thing over with."

Calum shrugged, "Might as well."

Before I even hopped on Calum's back, I could tell he was awkward about it. I mean, I would be awkward too if my girlfriend watched me pick up another girl. As I rested in my position and Calum started going, I realized how strong Calum was. Unlike Pietra and Don's shoulders, Calum's didn't have shoulder blades poking me in the stomach. Like I mean, he was really strong. After a couple of seconds, I realized I was staring at Calum's muscular arms. I shook my head and focused on the crowd in front of us. I caught Pietra's eye she puckered her lips in a sour expression. Great, another reason for her to hate me. I sighed as I felt myself go up and down.

After what seemed like an awkward eternity, Calum finally set me down. He got 120 squats. Everyone clapped in appreciation, except for Don who started demanding a redo. Nate shook his head, "No retries, sorry man."

"Sorry that I'm not jacked like mister stud over here." Muttered Don as he motioned towards Calum.

Pietra chimed in, "Okay, who's next?"

Javier raised his hand stepping forward, "I guess I'll go. Arden, you can get on my back instead."

Javier strolled over to me and squatted down so that I could climb onto his back. I took a deep breath. Why is my heart beating so fast? I thought up some words of encouragement as I got settled. Javier stood up adjusting his hold on me. His hands rested on the back of my thighs. Javier started squatting.

Don questioned, "How much do you think he's going to get?"

Calum shrugged, "I don't know, he can be strong when he wants to be."

Pietra nodded in agreeance, "On a normal day, he is the weak link. When he actually tries however I feel like he could match you Calum."

Don perked up, "Yeah, don't you remember that one time when you two were sparring and he actually got you to tap out. That was the strongest I've ever seen him. If only he wasn't such a pansy most of the time."