The Freshman Prince of High School

-The Big Trip-

October Monthly Writing Project Written by Jordan Hines 10/5/11

Tell me why again we joined this club? Its pretty lame. All we do is like volunteer work, make bird feeders and artistic recycle bins that we never use. I think Im using one as a chair right now, actually. Lance said. Oh! Look at that. You are! And I said you didnt have to come with me to this. You said that would rather come here than work at the senior center. Rodney replied. Now I actually like to work there. Its not as bad as youd think. I mean sure it smells funny, but I have my reasons for liking it there. Rodney gave him a queer look. Okay then Anyway, sure its not exciting, but it feels good to do well for the community right? Sure. But youve got a girlfriend coming to this with you. Speaking of whom- Lance pointed across the room where Nicole entered. She walked over to Rodney and took a seat next to him. And youve got your best friend! Im just as good as any girl youd get, if not better.. Rodney stated. Whats that supposed to mean? I dont know. It was bad choice of words. Weve been coming to these meetings for like a month though, stop griping. Courtney came into the room just as Moonbeam stood up. Moonbeam was the adult supervisor of the club. Welcome everyone to another wonderful day in the Friends of the Earth Club. Moonbeam said. In todays meeting well be talking about the big trip. Well be spending five days, camping in the wild. In order to be true friends of the earth we must get close to the earth. Get intimate with the earth, man. Five days? Liam Jackson said. Well miss school. Dont worry. I have talked to all the teachers. They said you will be excused from any work, but youll have to make up the tests when you come back. But really, its not like youll be missing anything at this school am I right? What do we need to bring? Rodney asked. Well, first off you need to bring your love and tenderness, man. When youre camping you gotta be real with the earth. Said Moonbeam. So the deal is well spend the day in one part of the forest. Rangers have arranged projects we can do to help with the park. After we camp there for the night well move onto the next site and do the next project. Well have campfires and awesome hikes and all that good stuff, man. Moonbeam explained. Hey, dont bring any of those iPods or anything like that. Cameras are fine though. Uhh, dont bring food. I got that covered. Can we bring knives? Another student in the club, Danny P asked. Yes, but dont tell anyone okay? When is it? We leave next Friday morning from here. We come back Wednesday morning after that. Its all in the permission slip. Courtney would you mind passing that around? You guys should bring clothes enough for 6 days, in case you get wet or something. By the way showers wont be available, at all.

What?! Nicole blurted out. Thats disgusting! Youve got to be kidding me. For once I agree with Nicole. Courtney admitted. Thats unsanitary. Rodney gave a nervous look at Courtney and Nicole. After the past few weeks they had gotten to know each other, and they didnt get along. This was unfortunate for Rodney and Lance who hung out with both of them a lot. Courtney and Nicole argued quite a lot. Rodney hated having his girlfriend and one of his best friends fight all the time. It hadnt gotten too bad yet, but he worried that things might get out of hand between them soon. Yeah the campsite that night is the only one with working utilities. Moonbeam said. Besides, how are we supposed to get intimate with the earth if we keep ridding our bodies of it? Okay, I think thats it for now. Get your slips signed and come back next week. Then Im sure all- Moonbeam paused and counted everyone in the room. Eight of us will have a bunch of fun. Without any warning, she got up and left the room right after saying Be friendly my friends! Does that mean were done?

Friday
The bus jerked to a stop and shook Rodney out of his little slumber. He looked to his left where Nicole was snoozing, leaning on his arm. Nicole. He said. She didnt wake up. Nicole! He said giving her a nudge. Hmm. Deep sleeper. He poked her repeatedly until she woke up. Ahh. There she is. Were here. Rodney looked out the window and saw a wonderful forest. Everyone up! Moonbeam said. Lets go set up camp! Everybody was near the front of the bus when Moonbeam stopped and threw her hands up in the air. Okay everyone. Dont panic. Weve just encountered out first dangerous wild creature! Moonbeam was dead serious about this. Everyone stay still and it wont see you then it will go away. Are you sure thats- Lance said, but was interrupted with a sssshh from Moonbeam. They waited for a moment until the animal left. Whoo! That was a close one. That ferocious demon almost got us! Wow. Moonbeam, that was a squirrel. Danny P said. I know that. Im sure it was going to maul us with it fuzziness. Danny P said with mock fear. Probably! I thought you were all about getting close to the earth and being friendly with all its beings. Nicole said. Squirrels are not being of the earth. Theyre demons straight from hell! Great. Were in the middle of the woods and the one adult is crazy. Rodney said.

A couple hours later the crackling fire was the only thing that could be heard. Everything was at rest. Well, until, When can we get smores? Nina, for the hundredth time I didnt bring stuff for smores! Moonbeam said. Nina was a kind of chubby girl who was clearly uncomfortable in nature. She had been complaining a lot about ridiculous things like the wind. Thats not true! Theres graham crackers and marshmallows in one of the coolers on the bus! You went through the coolers? Way to ruin the surprise! I was only able to get smores for the one night, but I was saving them for- A loud rustle in the bushes cut her off. Oh God! I bet its a squirrel coming for us! A squirrel didnt come out of the bushes but a big tall man did instead. Everyone around the fire jumped at his sudden appearance. Hey everyone. Im the ranger. Dont worry, Im not the Pecos Beast, if thats what you were thinking. I was just stopping by to check in, see how things were going. It looks like things are all good here. You should all get to sleep soon if you plan on getting up early. See ya folks. The ranger left with nothing further. Sleep is a good idea! Moonbeam said. Does everyone know the sleeping arrangement? Good. Lights out in ten. And no food in your tents! Rodney and Lance were in their tent when Lance said Pecos Beast I wonder what thats all about

Saturday

Nicole got in her tent and lied down. She was so tired. That day the group was moving non-stop. Ten miles is the most Nicole had ever hiked. She groaned as she stretched out her cramped arms. They spent hours painting the visitors lodge, too. Move over. Courtney said as she came into the tent. She looked equally tired. Please. Can you not b***h at me just for a few minutes? Im so tired. Gladly. Nicole said and scooted over. Within the five minutes both of them were asleep. DINNER!!! Moonbeam yelled. Nicole woke up and it was almost dark. She rubbed the sore spot on her neck. She regretted not bothering to get a pillow before dozing off. She dragged her aching body over to the picnic tables where everyone was seated. They passed around a big bowl of salad. Thanks for waiting for me. Nicole said sarcastically.

Sorry. I think I speak for all of us that were really hungry after a day like. Nina said. Youre always hungry Nina. And are you talking about you and your four stomachs when you say all of us? Nina looked hurt. Moonbeam spoke up, Now, Nicole, theres no need for such words. We dont need these negative vibes at dinner. Sit down and eat. The ranger was there too. Thanks for having me! I really appreciate it. I mean youre already doing so much for the park. Thank you. Our pleasure. So, all the kids have been wondering about the Pecos Beast. Is it a squirrel? Moonbeam said. Oh Id love to tell you the story of the Pecos Beast. But I warn you, its not a pleasant story. Its gruesome really, scary. I have nightmares about it. The ranger said. So the tale goes, back in World War II they built a secret industrial bunker in these mountains. They were conducting these crazy experiments there. Like weird, creepy stuff. One experiment went very, very wrong. Though they mightve created exactly what they wanted to make. Anyway, what they were trying to do was mix human and animal genes to create a super soldier. The outcome would be a nine foot tall half man half beast unstoppable war machine. Some say the scientists in that lab didnt succeed. But I know better. I went there, to the lab one day. The beast was there!! He ripped of his shirt and turned around to display a sickening wound that was deeply scarred. Everyone gasped. It did this to me!! The Ranger exclaimed. It was awful. Mangled fur. 9 inch long razor sharp teeth. Yellow eyes that gleam in the dark. A true monster. A lot of people say its a joke, like bigfoot. No. This beast, the Pecos Beast still hides deep in the corridors of the dreadful bunker, and comes out into the woods to claim hikers for food. I guarantee if you looked in that bunker youd find the bodies of missing hikers. Wow. You said you were in the bunker? You mean you know where it is? Moonbeam said. Oh yeah. Ive been there plenty of times. Its open to the public. People usually dont go in far, cause its all dark and stuff but you can check it out. Not that Id advise it, its real creepy, even in daylight. Especially at night. All of the kids were staring at the ranger in shock. They were speechless. Well, thanks for dinner. Moonbeam youre a great cook! Gnight folks! And with that the ranger left. Wow! Can we go check the bunker out?! Danny P asked excitedly. Oh yes! Id love to do that! Lets do it. Show of hands: who wants to go to the bunker tomorrow- wait no, were going to the Lake tomorrow. Okay show of hands: who wants to go to the bunker on Monday? Moonbeam said. No one raised their hand except Moonbeam and Danny P. Its unanimous! Were going to the bunker!

Sunday
Lance took in the gorgeous view. The sunrise sent calming pastels across the clouds. Ahh. Smell that fresh mountain air! You know I never wouldve expected you to be a nature guy, Lance. Rodney said. Me either. Ive never gone camping actually. So I wouldnt have known. Never gone camping. Rodney said. So you werent a boy scout. Oh so just because I fit the profile you assume I was a boy scout. Rodney stammered but had nothing to say. Im beginning to wonder how close out relationship is. Lance said. He walked off to the picnic tables where a stove was steaming in the brisk morning. Whats for breakfast? He asked. Were having breakfast burritos, man! Moonbeam said. Sweet! So whats the plan for the day? Today were hiking to the lake and clearing the boat ramp of all the gravel that got dumped there by accident. Then if we have time we can spend some more time there and swim in the lake or something. At the lake it took the group two hours to clear the boat ramp of the rocks. But they finally did. I hope you brought your swimsuits, cause were going swimming! Moonbeam announced. Lance was never big on swimming he dipped his feet in the water tentatively. He saw Nina was trying to keep up with Danny P who was gliding through the water with grace. Lance envied his aquatic abilities. On the south side of the lake Rodney and Nicole were playing with a beach ball. Rodney reached for the ball that Nicole had but missed. He grabbed her and they hugged. Bleh. Their so couple-y Lance said to himself. Really he was jealous of them too. Hed never been able to get a girls attention like that. He missed Rodney. He saw him every day, but things were different once he started dating Nicole. They were kind of distant, and Rodney tended to be kind of a jerk when it came to Nicole. Hed always put her first and disregard other peoples feelings or how they would be affected by his actions. Lance decided to stop being mad for now and moved on. Courtney wasnt in the water, instead she was on the shore sunbathing on a beach towel. She looked peaceful, better now bother her. Then there was Moonbeam who looked around blankly from her inner tube in the middle of the lake. Lance thought she was probably one of the coolest adults hed met. She was a little insane, but still pretty chill. Liam. Lance said. Hed completely forgotten about him. He scanned the area for Liam but didnt see him. Finally, he spotted him. On the pier Liam sat, fishing pole at hand. Lance sat

down next to him. How are you? Pretty good I guess. So, you like fishing? Yup. Cool. Youre kinda quiet. Youre kinda annoying. Oh, I see how it is. Two brothas cant just make small talk when theres fish involved. Thats fine. Whateva Lance said before walking away. Lance felt a little lonely now. For the rest of his time at the lake Lance let his feet prune in the murky waters on the opposite end of the pier, away from Liam.

Monday
The group was hiking single file down a narrow path and the sun was just setting. Were almost there man!! Alright! Who else is as excited about going to the bunker?! Moonbeam asked. No one responded. Not even Danny P, who was all gung-ho about going two days ago. I think that youre the only one Moonbeam. Everyone else is pretty spooked about the Pecos Beast. Nicole said. From the back of the line Rodney said I think the Pecos Beast is just a story the rangers tell to give people the chills. I dont want to go because its a bunker. It seems uncannily similar to The Bunker. Anyone seen that one? Scariest movie ever. Although I may think that because I saw it when I was like 7. But really, this bunker is from World War II and everything. Hey, I did see that movie. Danny P said. This is nothing like that. Whatever, theres seven, just like the movie. Rodney said. Theres eight of us dude. Lance corrected. Same difference! Like the movie or not, The Pecos Beast is really freaking me out. Last night when we were playing capture the flag, did anyone else her those sounds? Courtney asked. Yeah, I did. Said Nina. There was like this howling, then some creepy growling I commend you for your excellent rhyming, but Im with Rodney. I dont think theres a Pecos Beast either. Liam said. Hey, you never know. I guess theres only one way to find out. Courtney said. And find out we will! Hope you have your flashlights guys, cause here we are!

Moonbeam announced. Everyone looked on to see the bunker. Concrete walls came out of the face of a large rock framed a dark cavernous entrance. It was apparent that the entrance led to the box like building. Rodney pushed to the front of the line and ran around the back of the bunker. Exactly like in The Bunker. He dragged his hand across the rough surface and looked at his hand. There was a layer of moss on it. Except a lot older. He joined with the group and wiped his hand on Nicoles jacket. Hey! she flicked the grime off. Its kinda small. The majority is underground. Moonbeam told. You guys can go ahead without me. Ill just stay out here. She swallowed hard. What? You were the only one that wanted to come here and now youre chickening out? Plus you kind of have to stay with us at all times. Courtney said. Yup. Whatever. I wanna check this thing out now that were here. Whos with me? No one volunteered. Cmon! Wheres your sense of adventure? Lets have some fun. Fine. Lets go Nicole. Lance you too. Rodney said. This is going to be great. He flicked on his flashlight and took the first step in.

The Bunker
Its cold in here. Courtney said rubbing her hands together. Here, take my jacket. Rodney handed his jacket to her. Nicole looked at Rodney with a serious face. What? She was cold! I mean nothing by it. Courtney shrugged the big jacket on. Thanks. Dont get too comfortable in it. Nicole warned. Odd noises creaked and moaned and echoed through the caliginous bunker. With his flashlight Rodney could see about ten feet in front of him. Hey now theres only four of us. Nothing like the movie. He said. Whatever. How big is this place? Weve been walking for like an hour. Lane asked. One I dont know how big this place is. Two, we havent even been in here for five minutes. And three, I remembered that the soldiers that were trapped in The Bunker were German. Were American, so were totally safe from any mystic forces. Rodney, that was a movie. This is reality. Nicole said. At least I think were all American. Rodney said, ignoring Nicoles comment. Courtney, youre not German are you? He shined the light in Courtneys face. She glared at him and pushed the light down. Rodney gasped. Everyone away from Courtney! She is

German! Soon shell go insane! Rodney chuckled. Rodney, even if the movie did became a reality, just because I was German, which Im not, it would be irrelevant. Nationality doesnt make you immune from insanity. Courtney pointed out. Sure it doesnt. I wonder- agh! Rodney stumbled to the ground. Are you okay dude? Lance asked. Im fine, but who leaves pipes just lying around? He asked. No wonder they abandoned the place, this place is so cluttered and filthy. Their maid mustve sucked. Its abandoned because the war ended decades ago and that would also attribute to the filth. Lance stated. Whatever. Weve passed like a dozen doors. Where do they all lead to? Rodney walked up to one door that had a sign next to it. He lit it up with his flashlight. Proceed with Caution sounds like fun. I bet theres like a bunch of bombs in here. He pushed open the door. Fun? Theres nothing fun about this. This place is really creepy. And I highly doubt they would keep bombs in an unlocked room. Nicole said. Oh I think there was a sign back there that said Friends That Keep Putting Down Rodneys Ideas not Allowed Beyond This Point. Guys, youre really crashing my party, literally. And maybe they didnt have time to lock up before they left. You mean metaphorically. Were clearly not at a party. Lance said. Youre still doing it. Whats in here anyway? Courtney asked. She approached the back wall. Whoa! I think this is the power room. She looked at all the switches and buttons on a panel. Maybe we can turn on the power. Like this can still produce energy, anyway. Rodney said. Yeah, youre not the only one who can negate ideas. Courtney eyed a big lever. She thought that if any switch would turn on the power it would be that one. She put her hands around it. I dont think thats a good idea. What if it like launches a missile? Nicole asked nervously. Courtney didnt listen and pushed up the lever. There was a low humming and to their surprise the lights turned on. I dont believe it. It worked! Of course you had to be right! Rodney cried. Lance hushed him. Do you hear that? Everyone did hear that. From outside the small room, down the corridor a strange clatter arose. What was that? The four of them stepped out of the room and looked to where the noise came from. Further down the corridor the lights hadnt turned on. Okay things just got really freaky, lets get out of here. No, I think we should check it out. Nicole said. To everyones surprise she crept down the hall, so the other three followed her. They got to where things got dark again and the flashlights came on. Streams of light illuminated bunches of leaves and branches scattered on the floor. Only the kids heavy heartbeats could be heard.

Then Courtney dropped her flashlight and covered her mouth. The others followed her gaze to see streaks of dark red smeared on the walls and floor. I think maybe we should go she breathed shakily. Wait, whats that? Rodney was looking even further down the corridor and the rest saw it too. All of them were paralyzed with fear. Two yellow eyes glowing in the dark stared at the teens. Suddenly a roar with so much power that it shook the walls came from the owner of those eyes. Thats all it took for everyone to run back the way they came screaming. They heard something following them but they didnt look back to see what it was. ----What did you see?! Moonbeam asked the sprinting kids. But they didnt answer. They just kept running. The rest of them didnt think twice and ran after them. ----Rodney couldnt get a wink of sleep that night in his tent.. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Lance spoke. Dude, I have to pee. Then pee! Im too scared. Just go. So he did. He grabbed his flashlight and a large rock and stumbled into the forest. Almost as soon as hed left Nicole came into the tent. What are you doing here? If Moonbeam found you in here shed get really mad. Rodney said in a hushed voice. I know. But Im too scared to sleep. Yeah me too. Come here. Nicole lied down with Rodney. He wrapped his arms around her. You know, when you decided to go further into the bunker, that was pretty hot. You were as fearless as like, Ellen Ripley. Who? From the Alien movies. You never saw those? Nope. Soon both of them were asleep. Lance finally got back and was pretty surprised. Unfortunately for him the tent was a two person tent.

What did those four brave souls encounter that night inside the bunker? Was it the alleged Pecos Beast? Or some other creature? Or just frightened imaginations running wild, creating something that wasnt really there? The world may never know.

Tuesday
Lances mountain of pancakes steamed in the chilly morning. Cmon Lance! Rodney said. Save some for the rest of us. After everyone had gotten their hotcakes they sat on the ground in a circle. How come this campsite doesnt have any tables? I dont know. Ask the rangers. Moonbeam said. You know, after eating your food for five days I have to say, Moonbeam, youre a great cook! I loved you mashed potatoes last night. Nicole said. And your scrambled eggs are the fluffiest! Liam put in. Why thank you guys. Youre a good cook too, Nicole! Moonbeam replied. Nicole cocked an eyebrow. How would you know? I dont know. You just seem like the person who can cook a mean stir-fry. Okay then So whats our project for today? Actually, you guys did such a righteous trash pick-up yesterday I think you deserve a day of freedom. Go do whatever you want. I want to take a nap today. Im so exhausted. Really? Thats great Moonbeam. Thanks. Nina said. Yeah, now you guys can go check out look-out rock, you wanted to go there right? Great view up there. My first time was there too. Moonbeam said. I did want to go up there, but now Im not so sure. TMI Moonbeam. Lance said. Are you allowed to let us go off by ourselves? Rodney asked. Probably not. But after spending a good month plus this trip with all of you Ive discovered youre pretty resourceful. I trust you guys. Besides, whos gonna know? Maybe The Pecos Beast, but whos he tellin? Everyone went silent and a serious air floated around the group for a brief moment. Sorry, bad joke. I still cant believe it was there. Anyway, be back before dinner. I packed you all lunches to take with you. Have a good time, and be one with the earth. Said Moonbeam. Thanks. Rodney said. So whos up for look-out rock? Really?? Courtney said with a disgusted look. Yeah, sure, I mean Im sure the rain has washed away any hippie germs left up there. Sure, why not? Lance said. Courtney and Nicole got up to go with them too. You guys coming? He asked Liam, Nina, and Danny P. Nah. Danny P said holding up a deck of cards. Were having a poker tournament. Kay, see you later. The four hiked a about a mile out. They ended up taking off their jackets because the sun was shining more than previous days. How much farther out is it? Nicole asked. Its three miles from camp so about two more to go. Lance said. Lance and Courtney

kind of separated themselves from the other two who were by now holding hands. Look at them. Courtney said as they exited a rolling meadow with little yellow flowers sticking up here and there, back into a more forested area. Just look at them. It makes me sick. Why? Cause you dont like Nicole? Lance asked. Yeah, I guess thats part of it. Its more than that though. But I dont know what it is Hmm. Nicole hasnt been my favorite person either, not the nicest gal around, but shes not all that bad. I just think theyre just too cute, ya know? But its pure, at least its not like theyre one of those couples who put on a show. It was awhile later when Courtney said Maybe thats it. Theyre doing so much better than I thought Finally the group reached their destination. The view was breathtaking. I can see the Visitors Lodge. Lance pointed down. Wow. Just look at it all. Nicole took in vast valley in front of her. Mountains reached their peaks up into the air and dropped back down hundreds of feet to be met by another just behind it. As far as the eye can see just living, breathing, beautiful nature opened itself up. Do you see those colors? The trees that wrapped around the hills were an array of many hues. From a fiery orange to a warm auburn to the deep emerald of the evergreens. For a long while they just looked. And looked. There was a little stream back a little. Im going to go check it out. You coming? Rodney said. Its so clean. Courtney said now at the stream. So undisturbed and pure. Looks like you could drink from it. She cupped her hands in the water and brought it to her mouth. Thats refreshing. Nicole ran her fingers through her matted hair. Clean enough to bathe in? She asked. I sure hope so. Courtney said. Im so with you. I dont know if I can take another minute of this filth. If you guys dont mind Oh, right. Well give you some privacy. Rodney said. Cmon Lance. The two boys walked back to the cliff. You know Rodney, Imma admit, Im kind of surprised you and Nicole have been together this long. Lance confessed. I mean, I thought you were just going to be another one of her tools at first, and once you were used up youd be disposed of like the rest of the guys shes dated. Thanks bro, that makes me feel real great. Rodney said with heavy sarcasm. Sorry But! Here we are a month later and youre still going strong. Yup, but honestly Im a little surprised too. After all you and Courtney had said I was kind of convinced that I was going to be one of her tools, even after she said yes. But I think maybe she saw something in me that was different than all the jerks she dated. Are you sure we shouldve left those two together? Im worried theyre going to kill each other. Theyre mature people. Theyll be fine

----I could hear you. Nicole said with her back turned to Courtney. Maybe you were supposed to. Courtney said a bit snarky. I tried to ignore it but I cant. I think its very offensive that you find it hard to believe that I can be in a real relationship. Im tired of you treating me like crap! Yeah? Me too! You call me a slut and bitch, but really thats all you are! Courtney yelled back as she buttoned up her shirt. Lance and Rodney ran over to the girls to see what they were yelling about. You just keep every guy you date around long enough to use them till their useless to you! You dont deserve Rodney! Hes a really nice guy! And youll just use him too you whore! Please! Stop fighting! Im so tired of this! Rodney butted in. Shut up Rodney. Both girls said simultaneously. Youre the whore! Only a whore cant decide whether she likes girls or guys! Nicole shouted. Courtney gasped. No! Im just open-minded And! And- Theres nothing wrong with me! You keep telling yourself that you lesbian FREAK! Dont do this to me again! Courtney cried, she collapsed into the stream soaking herself. Go ahead. Cry your little heart out. Its not going to change anything! STOP IT! Rodney yelled. And they finally did. Again? Is there something I dont know about? No, that doesnt matter right now. What matters is that you two need to cut it out. This is ridiculous. Why cant you just put your differences aside and be friends?! I cant take it! My best friend and my girlfriend! Who saw this coming? I mean, I thought this fight was inevitable. Lance raised his hand. Oh, I cant be the only one. Plus youre best friend isnt fighting with your girlfriend. Im right here. Shut up Lance. Rodney turned to Nicole. And you, how can you I knew you never liked Courtney but, I never realized that it was because shes lesbian. Theres nothing wrong with that. I just- I dont believe that. I didnt know you felt like that. Rodney turned around and walked back the direction to camp. I need some time to think. Back at camp Rodney sat outside his tent. The sun had hid itself back behind the clouds. Courtney approached him. Come on, walk with me. Rodney got up and followed her. There is something you dont know. Nicole and I used to be best friends. We had been for years up until last summer. Whoa. I definitely did not know that. Rodney said. Yeah As you know, Im lesbian, bi-curious actually, but thats beside the point. I developed feelings for Nicole. One day I told her how I felt and she flipped out. She said she

never wanted to talk to me again. It hurt but I still had hope. Until Until what? Somewhere along the line Nicole sent me some really nasty texts, mocking me. We argued and she brought up some really personal stuff. I hated her after that. Wow. I had no idea. Of course not. But I really appreciated that you stuck up for me back there. Thank you. Courtney leaned in and kissed Rodney. At first Rodney didnt resist but then he pulled away. What are you doing?- No. I wasnt sticking up for you. I was sticking up for whats right. I dont think its right for Nicole to say homosexuality is wrong, but shes not the only one to blame here. You called my girlfriend a whore. Thats not cool. You said we shouldnt be together and I dont think thats right either. Rodney- Im done. He said then walked away. Lance came up behind Courtney. Wow. Show of hands: Who saw that one coming? Lance said. Shut up. I sure didnt see any of that happening. Shut up Lance.

Wednesday
Most everyone was asleep on the bus ride back from the trip, tired from very active past few days. Not Rodney and Nicole though. I cant believe you took her side in that Rodney. Nicole said. I didnt take anyones side. I was taking the side of fairness. What does that even mean? I talked to Courtney about this already. I dont think either of you were right in this. Rodney Nicole said uneasily. Are we done? No. Why would you say that? But I am reevaluating you as a person I still dont believe- Rodney trailed off and looked out the window. He watched the fall trees rush by as he thought about the past few days. This trip had indeed been a big one. He got to see natures beauty, encounter a demonic beast-not the squirrel-, have a good time at the lake, and somehow get involved in a big three-way fight. But something was missing. What was it? Nina answered that question for him. Hey! We never got smores!