“You can all alight from the bus.” The principal declared. The students stood up and carefully alighted.
“You all are with your whistle, right?” He asked again.
“Yeah.” Some said while others nodded.
“Move.” He said and started going in the woods. They got to a clearing. Their tents has been tied up and other things have been put to place.
They really put so much efforts.
“Since it is evening already. Let’s all take a rest and also don’t forget your partner.” The vice principal said. There were so many tents.
“Wow. Look it’s indicated which tent will we be staying in.” A student said and they went in search of their tent.
“So did these people realize that I was paired with a guy?” Elsa asked no one in particular.
“You can stay in the tent. I will stay just right outside here.” Jayson said from behind her and pointed towards a brick. Elsa looked at him.
“Such a gentleman but I don’t think it is necessary. All we will just have to do is tell the authorities.” She said. Jayson scoffed at her ignorance. He dropped the small bag he had brought. He brought a blanket and covered himself.
Elsa stared at him, not knowing what to do.
“Hey, Elsa.” Christian called out. Elsa swerved around to look at him.
“Christian.” She called out with venom obvious in her tone.
“Noticed you have slight discomfort in staying with him. You could stay in mine and I will stay in yours.” Christian suggested.
He’s definitely not letting her stay in the same tent as Jayson.
Jayson snorted and talked before any of them could talk, “The principal said partners should stick together.”
“You are a guy and she is a lady?” Christian asked.
“The ones who paired us knew, right?” Jayson asked with an eyebrow raised.
“It’s alright. For the school authorities to have paired Jayson and I together. I guess they were not dumb.” Elsa said, dismissing the conversation.
“But Elsa..” Christian was not having any of it.
“Christian, you have a partner. Go stay with her.” Elsa cut him off.
Christian stared at her for a long time before leaving.
“Jayson.” Shawna called and the both of them sighed. Jayson crinkled his face and turned towards her.
“What do you want?” He asked gruffly.
“Just wanted to check on you.” She said faking a smile.
“Thanks.” He simply said and went into the tent. Shawna turned towards Elsa and eyed her before leaving with a scoff. Elsa snorted and sat down on a nearby brick.
“How many of the J-Stars came?” Crystal asked.
“Jasper and Jayson.” Shawna replied.
“Jake didn’t?” Crystal asked.
“Nah, he didn’t.” Shawna said. Crystal's face saddened.
“Okay.” She said softly.
<><><><><><><>
“Oh my gosh, Jake is so funny and childish.” Ellie said as she walked alongside Aria. She coughed slightly clearing her throat.
Aria did not talk, she only faked a smile.
“Aria.” Ellie called out and that made Aria stopped on her heels. She faced her.
“I noticed the way you stare at Jake. Do you by any means love him?” She asked picking her words carefully. Aria only looked at her and smiled a little. She then continued walking.
“Who wouldn't love Jake? He is an handsome guy with the brain so… it is normal.” Aria said.
“Well, yes. I agree that girls tend to fall for those good-looking guys but I think the love you have for him is quite different.” Ellie said.
After that there was no more conversation between them.
“I wonder how Elsa is doing.” Ellie thought aloud.
“Have you… perhaps thought of having feelings for Jake?” Aria asked.
“Huh?” Ellie said, not getting what she meant.
“It's nothing, forget it.” Aria said and waved her off. Ellie blinked her eyes and they continued.
“It's evening already. I have to take a rest before going for cheerleading rehearsal.” Ellie said.
“Bye then.” Aria said and they parted ways.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
“Eat up, everyone.” They heard someone said. They had all gathered around a pack of woods that were burning, the fire giving the place a glow. Every one was cuddled in his or her own blankets. It was cold outside.
“The fun starts tomorrow.” The principal said. They all smiled.
*
*
“So, how are we going to sleep?” Elsa asked as Jayson walked behind her.
“I think we should go with Christian's suggestion.” She said and Jayson looked away angrily.
“I will sleep outside. You have the entire tent to yourself.” Jayson said and walked ahead of her.
He sat down on a brick that was close to the tent. Elsa stared at him and shrugged. She walked into the tent.
Shawna watched from afar how Jayson and Elsa walked and got to their tent. She wanted to cry. She chewed on her finger nails angrily. Like the nails had offended her. When she was fed up, she threw her hands down and barged into her tent. This scared the shit out of the life of her partner.
She looked at her scared face and hissed out. She laid on the floor and put her hands over her eyes.
“Is it a crime to love?” She thought. A lone tear dripped down her face.
“Hey, are you crying?” Her partner asked. She brought her hands down gently and gave her a murderous look. The lady flinched and gulped lightly.
Christian was staring at the girl he will sleeping in the same tent. Since they had been on their way to the place, she would not stop blushing and clinging to him like some pest. That she wasn't.
“Won't you come in to sleep?” She said, softly tapping his side of the place they would sleep. He cringed at the thought of sleeping beside her.
“No, you have the whole space to yourself.” Christian said and looked around. He saw there were still some guys who were seated around the fire. He walked over and went to join them even though he did not utter a word. He just sat there and soon started dozing off.
Then suddenly he felt something over him. He blinked his eyes open. He looked up and saw Elsa standing there with a blanket.
“We are far away from school. It is not advisable to fall sick.” She said without the hint of concern and before Christian could appreciate her, she walked away.
His mouth hung open in air.