Double Tap: Decode [BXB]

CHAPTER 6

Teagan

Watching the view just outside the bus window had always been my thing when traveling. The scenes and landscapes I saw were all new to me, satisfying my interest in nature. I haven't traveled much in the past few years, so I was so happy today to be on this fantastic trip. It was my first-ever school trip!

I glanced at my watch and realized it was already eleven-thirty, thirty minutes before noon. I'm sitting next to Sullie, who's already sleeping. She told me earlier that traveling on a bus isn't her thing because she gets bus sickness, and sleeping helps her avoid it.

On the contrary, I find this trip blissful. As I've mentioned, I'm into nature. The trees, the breeze, and the animals help me feel calm and relaxed. That's why I've been looking forward to this event since the council announced that it would be held at a camping site. Isn't that great?

It's been a while since the last time I went camping. It was one of the happiest times of my life. I made many friends and enjoyed many activities for the first time. Especially the obstacle course race, where I won first place! Such unforgettable days.

But there's this one person who stayed with me throughout the camp. He had a funny name, River — named after one of the bodies of water, according to him, which is actually quite funny.

Riv, his nickname, always helped me during our camping days. He assisted me in every activity we participated in. Others even teased us for having such a strong bond and relationship. Well, it seemed like we were much closer than everyone else. We always talked and ate together, and he always stuck with me wherever I went. That might be why others said such things. We were just very close. So close that others may have thought we were together - intimately.

Riv also mentioned that he had a brother who accompanied him that day. However, I didn't get to meet him, and Riv didn't introduce me to him. He said his brother was shy and preferred to stay indoors rather than join us outdoors.

Lost in memories of Riv, I didn't notice my phone vibrating. It kept ringing, indicating someone was calling. I looked at the screen and saw my mom's caller ID. I answered her call and held the phone to my ear.

"Yes, Mom?" I said into the phone.

"Teagan? How's the trip?" she asked, followed by some mumbling to my dad.

"It's fine, Mom. I'm enjoying it," I replied.

"Glad to hear it. By the way, did you pack everything you need?" she asked again, this time sounding a bit worried.

"You should've called when I was still at the apartment, but yes. I brought everything. Even the kitchen," I joked, chuckling. I heard my mom laugh, too. "It's not your first time sending your child on a camping trip, but you're acting like it," I teased, and she chuckled again.

"I'm your mother, Teagan. It's normal for me to worry about you, especially now that you're in college. Things will be difficult for you, and we're not there to help you," she said, causing tears to well up in my eyes. "We just miss you, son. The house has never been the same since you left. So quiet. No one to scold."

Mom was always emotional and dramatic, even about little things. It was annoying, but that was what I loved about her. Her quirks made her unique. The same went for my dad. However, he was the opposite of my mom. Dad always let me do things, while Mom had to give countless reasons before allowing me to go. It often made me feel guilty, and sometimes, I ended up not going at all. But that was who they were, and I loved them for it. Always will.

"Enough, Mom. You'll have swollen eyes again," I joked, trying to lighten the mood. I didn't want my mom to cry because it made me cry, too. "You don't have to worry. I can handle myself," I said, feeling a hand grasp mine. I looked down and saw Sullie smiling at me, tightening her grip on my hand. "I have Sullie to help me."