The Great Outdoors - Closed for moi and Tseranc

[TabascoKV]

“Not there! Over here!”

“We can’t put it over there, Spud, not unless you care to fall asleep with rocks in your back!”

“Boys…Can’t do anything right.”

The voices of high school echoed through the woods, resonating back unnoticed to those who were busy at work. The group of five guys and gals, three guys and two girls to be specific, were busy pulling a couple of hammers, bright canary stakes, and the massive jumble of tent material.

“Uh please. Girls, let us know if you need help lifting anything.” One of the boys, Chris Durham, looked up with those blue eyes of his, mirth and mischief looking back at the two girls. He was teasing them, and both Bethan and Cheryl knew that.

“Oh right, Mr. Macho man. That’s why our tent is already up, and we’re the ones helping the three of you.” Laughing, Bethan’s nose wrinkled slightly as her own hazel eyes flickered over to the one tent already standing before turning back to their jumbled mess.

*
That night ten years ago had been the last three care free nights they had had together. Bethan, Chris, Cheryl, Joey, and Spud had spent their last year together enjoying every moment they could spare. Senior year had come to an end, and it was their last get together before they all separated for the college years.

The memory had been so vivid as the now twenty-eight year old Bethan O’Neil rolled over in bed. Opening her eyes, those same hazel orbs now filled with many more years of stress, she had to reach up and push her auburn hair off her face. Yawning, her arms stretched above her head, her back arching slightly before flopping back down. Her head turned to the side, staring at the ivory curtains that hung down from the top of her Victorian style window, the fabric aglow with the morning sunlight.

Inhaling, the scent of sunflowers filled her nostrils, her air freshener doing its job. There was a slightly disappointed expression on her face as the scents of pine, dirt, and fire had been wiped away, replaced by a replication of nature. All that would be fixed soon enough. Well, sort of.

She was going home to her woods today. Smiling at the thought of it, she sat up, her eyes trailing over to her white nightstand where a picture frame took center stage. Smiling, she reached over and took the cold medal in her lithe fingers, a look of adoration and faint sadness as her eyes drifted over the faces of five, happy little eight and nine year olds. She stopped on the two faces that were furthest to the right: her and Chris.

They would be the only two showing up this year, and it sort of seemed to fit. Though she and Cheryl had been close, Bethan had always felt particularly close to Chris. Although she knew it had something do with the fact that they were neighbors, there had always been something deeper there. In all practical reasons, they were opposites. She had always been the ‘girl next door’ who was such a daddy’s girl. Chris had more of a mischievous streak than she did, although he managed to always bring it out in her.

In school, Bethan was more of a social butterfly than Chris was. He had usually preferred to be by himself, and Bethan had somehow found a place at the head of the popular crowd. She never ignored him in school, though, but their schedules usually kept them apart. They always went home together and usually spent the afternoon talking and hanging out.

A year seemed like too long to go without seeing him. They e-mailed and called each other, but her work schedule had been getting heavier and heavier. Bethan had left their little town of Quitman, Georgia to attend a college up north in Michigan. It had been a big stretch for her, being so far from home for the first time. The cold weather had not really agreed with her, although it was absolutely amazing to have a white Christmas. They sometimes had grey slushy winters in northern Georgia, but not too many pure white snowy mornings. Five years later, she had graduated with top honors and a psychology degree.

*
Five hours later, she had arrived back in Quitman. The plane ride had been relatively quick, and she had taken a cab to a local restaraunt. The Place, as it had been so christened, had wonderful homecooked tasting food. She was supposed to be meeting Chris there.

 

[Tseranc]

“No, I’m a complete idiot. I’m gonna take this jeep camping, not to mention driving around these red neck road and I don’t want the insurance package.”

“Well…if you ay so Sir.”

“YES I want the insurance!”

His head hits the counter. Why? Why couldn’t he meet his life long friends in Hawaii versus this rat hole of a town?

He finally left the rental agency, paid for all the extras he might need, and probably would in this town, and drove to “The Place”. Joey had been truly inspired when he dubbed the small joint. It had changed names and owners at least a dozen times since they were kids, but it was always the same food, and pretty much the same staff. It was crowded, it always was, and parking was truly a pain.

Chris Durham gotten to town yesterday, but the jeep wasn’t ready yet. He managed to do all the shopping with his mom’s car. She was still hard at work at he hospital, so Chris spent most his extra time with Spud. Poor guy had more kids then cattle: which isn’t a good thing for a cattle rancher.

Finally having parked, he walked in and immediately saw the one person in the joint that didn’t look like this town had swallowed their soul, “ Beth!” He walked over to her booth, meeting her for a big old hug and they sat down, “How was your trip, oh and please, don’t even ask about mine!” He rolled his eyes to show his how enjoyable that had been. “You look great by the way…poking around in people’s heads must be hard work!”

He’d always given her shit over her career choice, but damn if she didn’t look really good, something was keeping her in great shape.

 

[TabascoKV]

Bethan was disapointed that she had arrived first. Oh well, it happens. It didn't take long for her to get seated, thankful for the booth as opposed to a table and chairs. She always preferred the squishiness of the booth to the hardness of a chair. Sitting down, she ordered a sweet tea, waiting for Chris to arrive. Smiling to herself, her eyes roamed around the restaurant. There were pictures of the town from when it was first developed all the way up until present day. Along with that, the walls were decorated with memorabelia from the different schools and various occasions. It truly had a taste of home for those who had lived here.

The sound of the door opening caught her attention, and her face brightened up at the sight of Chris walking through the door. It really was amazing how much he had changed since school. There was a confidence about him that he had never had around large groups in school. Standing up, her arms wrapped around him in a big hug. Sighing, she couldn't deny how good it felt to get that hug once a year, always wishing there wasn't as large a time frame between each hug.

Sitting back down, she felt jittery. As sad as she was that the other three could no longer join them for these yearly camping trips, she was glad that she and Chris would have the time alone. They never had those anymore, and she missed the days where they would sit out on her front porch in their swing, rocking and talking.

"My trip was okay. I'm not too big on the idea of flying. I would rather have driven, but I'm so back up with clients it would have been impossible for me to have left yesterday." Personally, Bethan loved the long haul trip of driving. There was so much to see, and she wished that she could have been able to see it. That was one thing she had envied about Chris. He had travelled the country before settling down into the adult life.

She felt her cheeks flush pink at his compliment, but she stuck the tip of her tongue out at his hit against her occupation.

"Shuddup." She flashed him a sassy, sarcastic look that was accompanied with a smile. "But yes, I do have to deal with some wackos that make my job hard. That's why I make it a point to work out to relieve that stress." Taking a sip of her tea, she set it back down, looking at him with that adoration that only he could evoke from her.

"You're looking pretty good yourself. It's good to know you got over that whole shaggy look." Winking, she teased him gently.

 

[Tseranc]

When the waitress came around again they ordered, this dinner being the last ‘civilized’ meal either would enjoy for the next three days. They left first thing in the morning, or so was tradition. Always met on Thursday night, left Friday morning before the sun came up, parked and hiked up to camp. Saturday was spent on small hikes and general fun in and around the lake, and Sunday was the pack up and hike out back to the car.

They chatted, catching up on general life since last time the talked. How work was, how work usually interfered with anything resembling a social life and how it was nice to be away from it all. A few more somber moments were spent reflecting on the others that wouldn’t be coming this year. It was sad how the group had shrunk down to the two of them; somehow Chris always figured it would grow with the families of those who were already “domesticated.” He was actually pissed off at Cheryl and Joey for not coming out…they married each other, so it’s not like their spouse wouldn’t understand.

But such was life, he and Bethan would have no one to pick on this year but each other, which would be fun in it’s own right.

When nearly through with the meal Chris spoke of his mother again, “She’s driving me nuts. Still, after all these years. I think I’m getting a hotel room tonight. You still staying with you’re parents for the night?”

He had always envied her of her parents. She had them. He had a dead Dad and a workaholic Mom growing up, and not much had changed once he moved out. He spent countless hours over at her house, which was convenient since she lived next door. Looking back he thought it funny how he stayed over so often with such a popular girl and never made a play for her. Looking across the table he wondered how in all these years his best friend grew up to be such a hottie.

He couldn’t wait for tomorrow morning.

 

[TabascoKV]

Bethan felt as if she had been transported back in time to a place where stress meant not knowing what to wear the next day. She loved being able to talk to Chris face to face. It wasn't as if they spent the year in complete seclusion. Far from it, actually. She called him at least once a week, and e-mailed him every few days. Still, it just wasn't the same as being able to talk to him face to face.

He had really changed over the years. He'd gained a lot of self esteem over the years, and he had grown into his physique, something she was trying not to notice. In high school, and even as far back as middle school, Bethan had always had a crush on Chris, and it had developed into something deeper then older they got. She knew better, though. Chris saw her as a friend and nothing more, and she didn't want to push anything. The last thing she needed was an infamous occasion where she lost her best friend.

As he brought up the discussion of his mother, she couldn't help but give him a lamenting smile. She really didn't know what it was like to grow up not having a parent there for her. Her mom and daddy had both been there, supporting her in everything she did. She had grown up with two homes: their town home and their farm home. Bethan's favorite place was the farm house, and she loved it when Chris came with them for the weekend.

"The farm house, yeah. Don't get a hotel room, that's silly. You can stay with us. We have the extra room, and I know my parents would love to see you." Her parents had always adopted Chris, as well as the others, as extra children. Chris had definately become a son to her one child parents. They loved him, though, so it worked out well.

"Please?" Poking her bottom lip out, she pouted, her teasing showing in her eyes.

 

[Tseranc]

“Like I could ever say no when you make that face!”

He threw a remaining french fry at her to make her stop, and they both laughed. Somehow that pout of hers had gotten a lot less pathetic and a whole lot sexier.

“Alright, I’ll come say ‘Hi’ to the folks, but I’m telling them you forced me.” He loved her parents, even if they did have a farm. They were just so loving. They even laughed at his dumb jokes growing up.

She had always been the popular and successful one of the group, and the fact Chris had been her best friend had always been an honor he never took lightly. No matter how much he had other thoughts, he never acted. He couldn’t afford to loose her by fucking something up.

“Ok, lets get going there sport.” He paid for their meal, insisting that he picked up the tab since she was providing lodging. The drive was pleasant enough, each pointing out places that held certain memories. The field they all had made a fort in one year. The ditch Joey broke a leg went he fell of his bike. The water tower that all the boys climbed and peed off of. Once closer to her parents farm house the memories began to hold less and less of the other three.

“Hi Mom, hey Dad.” He said as everyone got hugs coming through their door. Bethan explained that he needed a place to crash for the night, and they all made him feel welcome all over. Like it had been eons ago. Her Dad gave him a wink and chuckled while no one was looking before taking all Beth’s stuff to her old room. Three years ago her father had told him he’d wished she had settled down with Chris. He was embarrassed at the time, but thanked him for the complement. At the time she had just started her new job, and he finally was buckling down to do school…and in vastly separated states.

Once all together they shared more stories, her mom bringing out hot cocoa for everyone. He and Beth somehow ended up on the same loveseat, closer together then normal as they listened to the latest happenings on the farm.

Soon it was time for bed, all the wishes goodnight passed around. He retired to the guest bedroom downstairs while the rest went up to the next floor. If he remembered correctly Bethan’s room was directly above the one he stayed in. A comfort and somehow also a frustration.

 

[TabascoKV]

Gasping as the french fry smacked her hair, getting stuck in her auburn locks until she reached up and ate it. Grabbing the salt shaker, she poured some of it out into her hand. Lifting her left eyebrow, she threw it at him, sprinkling his blue shirt with the tart seasoning.

"Chris, you've been assaulted." Snorting, she erupted into giggles, unable to suppress the corny joke. For some reason, she found it really funny. He was the only person she could do this with. Her giggles ceased slightly as she settled back down, her eyes flashing at him with adoration.

The rest of their dinner was fine, and she gladly let him pay. She never said no to a man willing to pay for a meall. The drive was pleasant, and the stroll down memory lane was great. Still, Bethan found herself wishing that they had more to look back on besides childhood. They were, essentially, missing each other's adulthood. And she didn't like that.

It felt good to see her parents. She did make it home more than once a year, but it sometimes didn't feel enough. Walking in the door, she gave her parents both a big hug. They seemed more excited to see Chris than her, but she didn't mind it. They got to see her more than him. Reminscing again...Did it ever end? She loved it, though, and she loved having Chris next to her. She was leaning on him slightly with her legs tucked beneath her body, their little terrier curled up in her lap. Bear was eight years old, but she still acted like a puppy. And she missed her big sister.

She was getting tired, and so was everybody else, so they decided to call it a night. Before she crawled into bed, though, she went and hopped into the shower, wanting to wipe away that grime she felt from traveling. Stepping out, she dropped her clothes off in the hamper and sat down on her bed. Reaching underneath her mattress, she pulled out a scrapbook. Opening it, she smiled as she looked at the pictures of camping trips of old. The scrapbook was a lifetime work of life, starting when she was five and going up to her senior year of high school. Thinking about it, she closed the book and stood up. Sliding on her fluffy blue slippers, she set the scrapbook as she grabbed her blue robe to match. Pulling on the terry cloth robe over her tank top and boxers, she snuggled up into it.

Walking down the stairs, her scrapbook in hand, she knocked on the door to the guest room. Hearing Chris' reply, she stepped inside, smiling at the sight of him under the covers in bed. Walking over to him, she sat down next to him, leaning back against the bedframe.

"I was looking through this, and thought I'd share it with you." She had never showed anybody this book. It had been a piece of work she'd spent two years on when she was in college. She had been meaning to grab it, but kept forgetting, hence the reasoning for it still being there. Turning the pages, she made it all the way up to their senior year, which consisted of quite a few pictures of them together.

By this time, she had slouched against him, her head resting against his as they used to do when they'd sit on the porch swing and talk.

"I miss you, Chris."

 

[Tseranc]

Her trip down memory lane had been fun and warmed his heart. But all too soon the book closed, and they were done. She lay against him, and it truly seemed like old times. But then she spoke. "I miss you, Chris."

Back in the day, they never had time to miss each other. But the years added up after high school, and he’d be a liar if he didn’t miss her too. Sure, he had work buddies to go drinking with now, and a regular set of guys for poker night, but he didn’t have his best friend.

He wrapped an armed around her and pulled her into a comfortable hug. “Me too Beth, me too.”

They stayed in that embrace for a long while. Things were defiantly more complicated now that they were all grown up, but just being near her seemed to be simple enough to truly enjoy, like it had been old times. Like when he had to comfort her that C on a test was not actually the end of the world. Or when she listened to him when he broke down in frustration and anger over his mom. They were they for each other, no matter how grave or petty the issue was. Simple.

But now simple only came once a year. As pissed of he was getting at the others not showing up, in aver increasing numbers, this was still his favorite holiday. He never came back for Christmas, or Thanksgiving. Not for Easter or birthdays. Just for this trip.

Soon he noticed her weight shift. She had fallen asleep, right there in his arms. He refused to move and wake her, even though his arm had also gone to sleep, pinned between her and the headboard. Chris closed his eyes and remembered the good times, as well as thought about tomorrow.

This bittersweet beginning was the best start to his holiday he could remember.

 

[TabascoKV]

Bethan smiled as he enveloped her in his arms, feeling once again as if they were teenagers on a swing. Burying her head in his chest, she tried not to allow herself to get swept away in the feeling of his arms around her, her small form nestling perfectly in their cuddle. Not that it was meant to be a cuddle...It just sort of turned out that way.

He didn't let go of her, and she wasn't about to pull back. Laying there, she listened to his steady heart beating, his chest gently rising and falling with every breath. Closing her eyes, her breathing soon matched his. The exhuastion of the day swept over her in an intangible essence, causing her senses to dull and her body to drift off into a peaceful sleep. A sleep she had not had in so many years.

*

The sun filtered into the room, and the light hit her eyes, causing her to stir. Opening her eyes, she felt slightly confused for a moment, but then realized where she was. Looking up, she smiled at the site of his head tilted to the side, his eyes closed, dreaming of who knew what. Reaching up with a timid hand, she gently she ran her fingers down the side of his face, something she would never do had he been away.

She could hear somebody moving around in the kitchen which broke her silent little reverie. Looking at the clock, it was a few minutes before six. She decided to let him sleep a few minutes longer and slid out of the bed, quietly making her way out to where her mother was busy assembling breakfast. She gave her a quick hug and began to help her.

They chit chatted about little things, and it wasn't until silence impeded as she was cracking eggs, she happened to look up and see her mother staring at her, a knowing smirk on her face.

"What?" Lifting her left eyebrow, she looked at her mother curiously.

"Nothing..." In that tone that clearly said she had something up her sleeve or in her mind, Sherry O'Neil merely shook her head and busied herself with the bacon frying in the pan. George was outside, tending to the early morning farm chores. Though he had worked in town as Bethan grew up, his true love had always been the farm. He had only tended it on the side so she could grow up around other kids her age, and she was very appreciative for that. Now, their farm was thriving. They had always owned a few horses, but they were boarded elsewhere, but now four mares and two stallions roamed the back lot. Growing up, riding had been one of Bethan's favorite hobbies.

Mixing the eggs up in the bowl, she tossed in salt and pepper before pouring them out in the pan to scramble them. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day.

 

[Tseranc]

Bacon. Better still, fresh bacon greeted his nostrils and gently coaxed him from his slumber. The light had barely begun to drift in through the gaps in the curtains. The scrapbook lay on the night stand, exactly where he put it once Bethan had fallen asleep. He couldn’t remember seeing a more….peaceful…sight then little Beth sleeping. He always found it hard to believe that someone with such a tiny frame and build could play head doctor; his own image of shrinks still was that of large men with suits and outdated facial hair, like Freud or Jung. Not the small girl he had grown up with.

Stretching, he moved off the bed, and got ready for his day. Officially, in his mind at least, the day did not begin until a shower was had. He was pretty sure there was a law somewhere saying he wasn’t responsible for anything that happened, or said, between getting out of bed and getting out of the shower. If there wasn’t there should be! He snuck down the hall, like he had in his youth, to the guest bathroom, towel and clothes and necessities in hand. Ten minutes later he emerged feeling great, and went in search of the bacon.

Breakfast was always a world-renowned event at the O’Neil’s house. Eggs, bacon, toast. All cooked in such a fashion as to taste like heaven itself. Chris winked at Beth, as he passed to get at the food, thanking Mrs. O’Neil for all the trouble. Beth looked good, in that morning style that was as cute and sexy as it was messy. Women always seemed most ashamed of that particular style, and men would never know why.

Soon breakfast was over, and the Jeep was being packed. Chris thanked the O’Neil’s again for letting him crash with them, as eh and Bethan mounted up for their trip. Three days and two nights of hiking, fishing, and campfires; and Chris couldn’t wait!

**

The highway had sped by quickly enough until they had come to the dirt road that led to the base of the trails. Even having only driven it once a year, the way was second nature. He’d hit bumps a bit harder then needed, just to hear Beth squeak in response. It was mid morning whey they finally arrived at the base and started strapping on their packs.

 

[TabascoKV]

When it came to her physical appereance in the morning, Bethan was usually too tired to care. Plus, Chris had seen her in her utmost worst growing up. After all, they spent three days without electricity and showers. The closest thing they got to a shower was jumping in the creek.

The very thought of it brought a smile to her face as she stirred the eggs with a wooden spoon. Once a year just really didn't seem enough to abandon the civilities of every day life. Of course, that wasn't the first time she'd had that thought, and she knew it wouldn't be the last. It got harder and harder to leave every year at the end of the trip, but the past few years Bethan was beginning to think it had more to do than just leaving the woods. It was harder to leave Chris each year.

Breakfast was absolutely nice and wonderful and any other synonym her mind could produce for great. It had taken them just short of an hour to pack up. She had also taken the time to brush her teeth and change into a pair of jeans and a tank top, pulling her hair back into a messy bun. Before long, she was hugging her parents farewell and hopping up into the Jeep.

*

The trip up was as far away from foreign as one could get, and every little bump sent her flying up in her seat. Getting there had always been part of the fun. As they pulled into their parking spot, she hopped out, the door sounding with a resounding thud behind her.

"All right, Mr. Durham." Grinning, she offered him a playful wink. "The romping grounds?"

 

[Tseranc]

Their packs secured to their backs, and all the gear accounted for one last time, they started up the trail. Side by side went up over and down the small rolling hills. The trail lead to a creek if you followed it long enough, up into the larger foot hills. Beside the creek was where they had always made camp. Not only was this a rather scenic and secluded place to set up, but also practical…you only had to bring the first days worth of water with you…and water is heavy.

As the sun rose ever higher the day got hotter. Before long Chris stopped to unzip the legs of his pants. Wonderful invention he always thought. They start off as pants, but you can remove from the knee down with a simple zip! Instant cargo shorts! As he bent over to place his pack back on his back, he managed a great view of Bethan’s ass; all snuggly fit into her jeans. Their sibling like relationship had prevented too much of his thinking about her in any sexual sense, at least since high school, but that seemed to be an increasingly more difficult task lately.

Onward they climbed, finally breaking into the heavier trees and brush around 2pm. It was only another hour before they were at the site the group of friends had discovered so many years before. It took much less time today, even though the pace and company were calm and pleasant enough. He’d always blamed Cheryl for slowing them down with constant rocks in her shoe and so on. Turns out his harassing her had been about right.

The site was a large clearing easily fitting several tents. Logs had been pulled around to serve as seats; the pit in the center from the last time they made a fire was still there. The place never changed. They could hear the trickle of the creek just beyond the bushes to the east.

He dropped his pack and stretched, letting out a moan from the ach of the pack all day.

“Honey. I’m home!” He joked, “Now where is dinner?”

 

[TabascoKV]

This was the way of life she so desperately need more in her monthly schedule. A career of listening to people’s problems and telling them how to deal certainly left a strain on her. It really wasn’t an occupation she had chosen with very much vigor and excitement, but more from the pushing of her parents to choose a career that would support her financially. Though she had certainly never wanted for anything growing up, her parents had been far from rich. They oftentimes struggled to pay the bills, but never told her that. Instead, they gave up on things they had wanted to provide her with her wants. So, she followed their advice.

She had to admit that her legs tired out about halfway up their hike, a sure sign she did not do this enough. Her pilates didn’t really do much in the way of leg stamina while climbing up semi-rough terrain. Bethan noticed Chris slowing down a small bit as well, which didn’t make her feel so bad.

A smile crossed her lips as they finally reached their place they would call home the next few days. That thought had no sooner crossed her thoughts as he spoke, causing a laugh to escape her lips.

“Hmm…” Sliding her back pack off her back, she reached down and grabbed her water bottle, downing a sip of it before pouring it over her head, the water dripping down her neck and onto her shirt. Rubbing her hand back to keep some of the water from dripping in her face, she capped the bottle back up. A mischievous smirk crossed her face as he inquired as to dinner.

”Here squirrel, squirrel, squirrel.”

 

[Tseranc]

Soon they were setting up tents, while the sun was still bright. They had hurried, as they recalled the year they started late…and tried setting camp by fire and flashlights. Both the tents had fallen down on their occupants during the night. This was not to be a repeat performance.

They worked to set her tent first. A small one or two man dome, not unlike the one Chris had carried for himself…though he liked to live large…his was a 3 to 4 man job. Once they were both set up he joked with her, “You know you’re gone wish you were in my tent by the end of the night….so much more room. Not to mention the company is top notch!” She threw a rock at him that he easily dodged; grinning the entire time.

Shortly there after they had gathered enough wood for the fire, readied the bear bag, and dug out the fire pit. All that was left was refilling on water at the creek.

“Ok Sport, lets grab the water. Make ya a deal, I’ll carry all the jugs on the way there, and you carry them back?” he teased and ran off into the brush with all the water containers.

 

[TabascoKV]

Oh the wonderful routine of setting up the tents. She usually tried to be easy on herself and bring her small tent. She had a nice large one she had gotten, but really had no reason to ever pull it out. Bethan actually had never used it, with the exception of setting up in her backyard to test it, and it stayed put away. Whenever they came on these little trips, she grabbed her smaller one because it was easier to fit with everybody else’s tents.

Scoffing at his little comment, she found the closest thing she could. Missing on purpose, the last thing they needed was a first aid emergency, she stuck her tongue.

“Hey, heavenly things come in small packages.” Winking, her nose wrinkled slightly as she grinned. He always teased her about this tent, but it worked for one person.

As they admired their handy work, she pulled her hair down, running her fingers through it. Bending over and lifting had caused several fly-aways that were now obscuring her view and getting in her way. Flipping her head upside down, she quickly pulled it back up the messy bun.

She looked up in time to hear his little “deal” and watch him run off.

“Hey! You punk!” Laughing and calling after him, she took off at a run after him. It didn’t take her long to catch up with him, and as she passed him, she gently bumped into him, trying to throw him off balance. She had a little bit of an edge on him since he had all the water jugs and she had none.

Reaching the creek, she stopped running, feeling winded from their little exploit. Bending over, she put her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.

“Man I’m getting old.” Looking up, she grinned as she spoke to him. Standing up straight, inhaled deeply, walking over to the edge of the water. Bending down, she squinted, a small look of curiosity crossed her face.

“Hey Chris! Come look at this!” She pointed down at the water, a look of utter fascination on her face. As he walked down to take a look, she smirked. Using his lack of stability, she reached over and shoved him into the creek, laughing as she did so.

 

[Tseranc]

Chris peered over the water, striving to see what it was she had seen when it hit him. Or rather, he hit the water. “Why you!” He stood up, shivering slightly in the breeze now that he was soaked from head to toe. He ran after eh, the water in his hiking boots weighing his advance down, but he got several lunging steps in before she realized the peril she was in, and ran for safety. She had gotten, him, and sure, it was funny. But not nearly as funny as the playful yells she made while he ran after and caught her; dragging her back to the creek in a very wet bear hug. “Ohh, but I wanted to show you what it was that you thought you saw.”

Bethan’s yells turning into squeals as he drug her into the water, her own shoes now waterlogged. He then fell over backwards, carrying her with him, ensuing she came out just as wet as he had.

As they stood up, his humor left him for a fraction for a fraction of a second as he saw her somewhat loose white tank top reduced to a rather transparent second skin. Her sports bra beneath it did little better to cover her chilled flesh.

Regaining as much composure as he could, he just grinned at her with that evil twinkle in his eye. Sure, he had gotten soaked first, but he was pretty sure the view he had made him the winner. At least in his own mind.

 

[TabascoKV]

What made this even funnier was that she had gotten him with that exact same trick when they were teenagers. It was funny then, and it was funny now. Laughing, she toppled back on her bottom, watching him surface. It wasn't until he was close to her that she shrieked, turning to bolt away from him. Her brilliant mind backed her up against a tree as he approached her, giggling incessently as he closed in on her.

"Christopher Durham don't you even think..." That was as far as she had gotten before his soaking wet arms wrapped around her, the coldness of the water causing her to squeal. She tried her hardest to wriggly and maneuver her way out of his grasp, but he was much stronger than her.

The creek water was most certainly not warm, and as he jumped backwards, carrying her with it, her eyebrows shot north at the shock her body received as it was submerged in the icy bath. Climbing to the surface, she inhaled with a bit of a shriek as her body shivered. Reaching over, she pulled the strap of her tank top back onto her shoulder. Reaching down, she pulled her shirt away from her body trying to make it less...forming.

"Why you!" Grinning, she lunged at him, her arms wrapping around him as she tried to drag him down underneath the water. The fight was on.

 

[Tseranc]

As she adjusted her soaked clothing and charged him, he just grinned. She was a tiny thing, but as the saying went…dynamite comes in small packages. A lesson he learned – and remembered – from this girl may years ago.

The force of her charge yielded a successful tackle, and back into the water they both went. The tumbled and grabbed at each other in the current, sometimes above the surface, other times pulling one another under. She was having the toughest time of it, with her jeans holding a great deal more water, and resistance, then his own cargo shorts. After several exhausting minutes of play, both seemed positively worn out and chilled to the bone. Yet the woman before him showed no signs of giving up, so he leaped at her again, and spun her around, holding her arms over her chest as he bear hugged her from behind.

“Lets call it a draw before we freeze to death?” He had said directly into her right ear. But again, old forgotten feelings of his teenage years came to mind as he held her…she fit in his arms a perfectly as he always imagined.

 

[TabascoKV]

Bethan had not earned her respect from the guys by giving up, and it seemed that even in their older age, she still felt that need to prove she was not just some weakling of a girl. That and there had always been this competitive spirit she harbored. It was that spirit that would not allow her to give up the water fight with Chris. She would have been lying to herself had she not also admitted she enjoyed the close contact and the way his shirt stuck to his body. Chris certainly had not allowed the years of work to cause him to go flubby...

Wait a minute...what was she thinking? Shaking her head, she realized her thoughts had drifted into dangerous waters. Before she had much time to act, Chris had her, his arms warming her up as they wrapped around her, despite the water that dripped from them both. Her chest was heaving as she fought to catch her breath, making no attempt to escape him.

His voice tickled her ear, and the water droplets did not help. Shivers ran through her spine as she visibly shivered. Turning her head, she looked up at him, grinning, trying to ignore how close his lips were to hers, and wishing she would stop imagining what it would feel like to take them.

"Truce." Finding her voice from somewhere in the depth of embarassment at her silent thoughts, she still made no attempt to move.

"But you're cooking dinner and carrying half the load of water." Oy, the water. They had not yet filled the buckets. Unwillingly, she disengaged herself from him, treading her way to the creek bank, her body beginning to shiver from the warm air that had now turned cold. It was funny how water always did that. It didn't matter how warm the day was, once your body was soaked, that was it. Arctic chill at its best.

Climbing up, she had to reach over and pull the strap to her tank top back up. Grabbing a water bottle, she tossed it to him.

"Here you go, sparky." Taking one of the other water bottles, she knelt down, a few wet tendrils that had escaped her ponytail falling in her face, and filled the bottle. Something inside of Bethan was telling her that this camping trip was going to be different.

 

[Tseranc]

Chris filled his bottle as instructed by his friend, who despite that title – friend, he found it very hard not to stare openly at her amazing body. Her small frame had felt good…really good…pressed up against him, and now her soaked clothes teased him, as if his desires from a past long ago and nearly forgotten had come back with a vengeance. She had looked up as she completed her half of the water gathering, and he quickly glanced back down at the water, in hopes of not being caught gawking.

“Of course I’m cooking. As I recall the last time we let you cook not even bears were interested in dinner,” he laughed, thankful for the new subject for his mind to focus on. “And I somehow doubt that fancy degree of yours taught you much about culinary arts!”

She wasn’t a bad cook, not really. But he never let her live it down when she had tried to get all fancy out in the woods and fix some fish for dinner. Seafood was harder to master then most, and what she produced had been rather burnt. He also had the advantage fo having worked for several chefs in his travels – just small jobs to pay the bills at each stop, but he picked dup a thing or two, which built on his own skills developed in his teens. He had always been the one to cook dinner in his house, his Mom always working.

He had hoped that the steaks he had brought, marinated, and packed in ice would sooth her hungers tonight – a bit more fancy then the camping trips usually got, but when you only had to cook for two, then why not spend a little more per person?

They trudged their way back to camp, waterlogged boots weighing them down more then the heavy containers in their arms. Each retired to their respective tents to find something dry to wear. The afternoon was still rather warm, so Chris quickly changed into a new part of shorts and nothing more, and came out to start working on dinner. He poked fun at the woman in the tent for taking so long as he built up the fire for dinner. Soon a nice blaze was in the pit, and his wet clothes were draped over nearby rocks to dry. He had rolled a large log over to the fire to serve as their bench seat after he had inspected it to ensure it was not bug infested.

Once she came out he patted the log next to him inviting her to get warm by the fire.

 

[TabascoKV]

Gasping melodramatically at his insinuation that she couldn't cook, Bethan stopped and clutched her chest with her empty hand. Rolling her eyes back in her head, she pretended to faint standing up, wrinkling her nose as she grinned at him.

"Listen here, bubba, I may not be a whiz at cooking on a fire, but I am a master in the kitchen." In the past four years, Bethan had really got into the hobby of cooking. It was an art form, as she had learned, and one she enjoyed. Making something from nothing was fulfilling for her, and she was pretty good at it.

Walking back to camp, her eyes kept drifting over to his wet form. Despite her silent commandments to focus on the trail ahead of her, his body was firmly outlined by his wet clothes.

Finally reaching the camp, she set things down and disapeared into her tent. Grabbing dry clothes, she quickly stripped off her wet ones, shivering as she did so. Sliding on her little monkey underwear, she pulled her khaki shorts up. Her wet tank top came off easily, as did her wet bra. Sliding a blue, long sleeved shirt, she didn't bother with a bra. It was just Chris, after all.

Stepping back out, she shivered as the wind hit her wet hair. A shocked expression crossed her face at the sight of Chris walking around, his torso in full view. Shaking her head before he turned to look at her, she tried to look as if she wasn't completely falling in love with his body. Sliding back inside for a moment, she grabbed her clothes, tossing them down to dry on a log.

"All right, Fabio." Grinning, she sat down next to him, scooching closer to him for warmth. Inhaling, she smiled at the scent of the firewood. She loved the smells of camping. Shivering, she pulled her knees up to her chest, her arms wrapping around them.

"I dreamt about this place the other night." Resting her head against his shoulder, her eyes stared at the blaze, her eyes carrying that dazed look most people often got when they watched the monotonous flicker of flames.

 

[Tseranc]

“Oh, what about here did you dream there squirt?” He wrapped his arm around her instinctively to help keep her warm. He too was just as hypnotized by the flames before them. They sat comfortably like that for an unknown time, simply gazing into the fire side by side. One of the logs shifted, its weight having changed from being consumed by flame, and it jostled Chris from his reverie.

“Ok, ‘bout time I taught you how to fix a proper meal I think,” he jabbed as he rose from the log and fetched the ice patched steaks from his backpack. Her eyes positively lit up when she saw the two perfect pieces of meat with herbs glistening on their slick surface. He pulled out two foil wrapped potatoes as well and then the thin metal basket with a long handle.

He set the foil wrapped veggies into the fire pit, along the edge, out of the flame, bust still well within the heat. The steaks went into the now opened basket, which then was closed to make the perfect hand held grill. He held this over the fire, as he sat back down next to Bethan.

“Now I know you’re going to like this. It’s my own recipe, and it’s wonderful.” He had no quarrel complementing himself on this particular meal, even before it was ready. He’d spent months trying out different seasonings on steaks until he finally came up with this. So far no human he’d graced with it hadn’t thought he put Mr. Emeril to shame.

 

[TabascoKV]

A smile crossed her face as his arm brought her closer to him. She pulled her knees up, her feet resting on the log as she leaned against him, her head resing against his chest. It sort of reminded her of last night, and falling asleep against him. When had she slept that well before? Her eyes closed halfway, feeling completely content with the situation.

"It was more of a memory, really. Back when we were all teenagers, our last year camping in high school." She snuggled into him a bit more as a small gust of wind fanned the flames, and her wet hair. Granted she knew they both had felt a bit disapointed about the rest of the gang dipping out of the trip, Bethan was actually starting to feel kind of happy about it. She and Chris had hardly ever had any alone time with just the two of them, and she missed it. Growing up, they were always spending time together alone. She needed it, really. He had remained her best friend, even over the long miles.

About the time he mentioned food was about the time she realized that she was hungry. Gasping at his suggestion of her bad cooking, she nudged him with her shoulder.

"Watch it, Christopher." Smirking, she merely sat there and watched him as he put everything together. There really wasn't anything she could do but watch. Still, there something satisfying about about being able to stare at him. The way his eyes sparkled with pride and his strong jaw line being turned in a smile. She didn't realize how thoroughly she had been watching him until he moved to sit back next to her. Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she smiled at him, her shoulder bumping against his.

"Well, aren't we the confident one?" Laughing, she offered him a wink, her arm sliding through his as she leaned against him.

"I bet it is. I don't think you've ever cooked anything I didn't like. Well, accept that mud and worm pie you made me in second grade. Of course, it was my fault for actually trying to eat it."

 

[Tseranc]

“What are you talking about? That pie was some of my best work!” He laughed. Damn that had been a long time ago. She remembered everything!

He flipped the steaks once, and then fetched both their camping dinner kits. Simple aluminum pan, cup and utensils that fit inside each other with the matching bowl clamped over the top. He put the potatoes in the respective pans, cut them open and dusted them with some herbs he produced in a ziplock bag and let those settle in over the heat a few more moments before handing her the plate/bowl with steak and her potato.

“Dinner is serve madam,” in his worse French accent. Cooking had turned his mild hunger into a feeling of starvation, and he readied his own meal quickly and rejoined her on the log.

He grinned at her, knowing she was about to enjoy a very nice meal out in the middle of nowhere. His mind flashed to the reason he initially setout to learn to cook – impressing women. In that same instant Bethan was no longer his best friend of many years, but the woman he was trying to impress. He caught himself again on this dangerous course of thought, and asked himself why.

The answer that quickly came back was simple; he had never gotten over that crush back in school, and now that they were two adults alone in the woods the crush had become something more.

 

[TabascoKV]

"Ha ha." Nudging him once more, she shook her head, amused. She had remembered that all too well. His 'best work' had reappeared multiple times over the course of the next day and a half. Worms were not pleasant coming up, although they had felt rather interesting sliding and wiggling down her throat.

Smiling, she inhaled deeply, a pleased moan escaping her lips at the smell. With a growl, her stomach informed her of her current hunger. Tilting her head, she watched him get everything set up, unable to keep her eyes from trailing down his back. She found herself wanting to run her fingers down the muscled structure... Once again, she had to stop her thoughts in their tracks.

Taking the food from him, she waited until he had settled down back next to her.

"Are you testing this out on me before you hand it out to all your girl friends?" She was only half joking, really. Bethan did not know if Chris had a girlfriend, but this was certainly her way of finding out. Not that it mattered. In a couple of days they would both be hopping planes to two different parts of the country.