Page 42 of Campfires & Canines
By the time I'm back at my car, it's later than I planned. Unless I want to be driving in the dark, I’d better get moving.
Slate
I'm pacing the border of our property, using patrol as an excuse when everyone knows I am waiting for Hazel to return. The sound of gravel crunching under tires and the soft rumble of an old engine filters through the forest. I wait until I see a glimpse of her through the trees and then head towards Heath to report.
He greets Hazel at the parking lot and walks her to a table. I don't like this. Her body language is rigid and reluctant.
Across the clearing, everyone is already eating dinner. I can't fathom eating while Hazel is distressed. I hover far enough away, Hazel doesn't notice me, but close enough I can hear everything.
They make small talk for a moment. Hazel shares about her afternoon in town.
Heath rests a hand on her shoulder. "I think we should have a going away party soon. How about tomorrow or Sunday?"
"What?"
"Everyone's gotten pretty attached to you the last few days. I'm sure you'll want to head back to California on Monday or Tuesday. They'll want to say goodbye before you go."
I can't believe he is telling her to leave like this. I clench my fists.
"So, I'm leaving in three days?"
"You'll want to get started on the job search. And I'm sure your mom is anxious to see you again." He is warm and reassuring, but her breathing is speeding up. Tension tightens her shoulder blades, pinches the corners of her mouth, and curls her fingers.
"You called her, didn’t you?" She'sso quiet, I almost miss it.
"She misses you. Besides, from home, it’ll be easier to apply for jobs and get interviews."
From her defeated slump, I can tell Hazel won’t stand up for herself. She stares unseeingly into the distance. "I need some air before dinner."
"Sure, but stick close. It's getting dark." His eyes flick to me and he nods slightly. I don't need his command to follow her. She's hurting. Nothing could keep me away.
"Fine."
Crossing her arms, she trudges through the trees, heading directly into the forest - exactly what Heath said not to do. The sun is setting and under the canopy, it's already dark.
Silent tears track down her cheeks. I can't stop myself from intercepting her path. She whirls around, fixing me with a glare.
"Are you okay?" I ask. Dumb question. I shift my weight uncomfortably.
"Did he send you to babysit again?" Her voice is venom.
"No." Okay, maybe he did, but I would have come anyway.
"Go sit on a cactus," she growls, turning away from me and stomping a few more steps before halting. The only sound is her shuddering breaths and the fluttering leaves.
When I don’t answer, she glares. "Why are you even here then?" Pink streaks her face.
"You might not believe me, but I care if you're okay or not," I confess.
"Whatever. I should just leave. My own family doesn't want me here. You certainly don't." Anger saturates every syllable.
That’s ridiculous, but I don’t argue. I want her here, with me, more than anything. I want every smile and laugh, every word that leaves her mouth.
She digs her fingers into the sleeves of her sweatshirt, tugging the fabric tighter around her.
I step closer, waiting for her to tell me off again. But she doesn't. If anything, she drifts towards me.
Cautiously, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. She presses into me, her cheek on my chest. Her tears soak into my shirt. Her body slumps against mine.
