Chapter 2
Brian begin kicking and screaming in his tent, trying to flee the Ghost that hovered above him. He was even more scared when the Ghost started calling his name.
"Brian, Brian, Brian", Carla yelled.
Brian opened his eyes and saw Carla trying to hold him down as he regained full consciousness. He slowly realized it was just a dream.
"Are you okay" Carla said, backing out of the tent.
"Yeah I am. It seemed so real." He said, stepping out the tent.
"You were screaming like a little girl" Jordan said, laughing.
"What was the dream about?" Rachel asked.
"The Native American girl that died in your story. I just saw her hovering above me".
"I know you haven't gotten some in a while but you have wet dreams about ghost?" Jordan said, smiling.
"Shut up man. Look let’s get some breakfast" Brian said.
"Are you still good for the hike?" Carla asked.
"Yeah, let’s grab some food then get started." Brian said, still feeling shook.
Everyone brushed their teeth and freshened up. They had brought pop-tarts and granola bars. Carla fried up some eggs and made pancakes over the fire. Brian was quiet the whole morning while everyone else carried on conversation. After about an hour, Carla and him decided to start the hike.
"So are you going to be quiet the whole hike?" Carla asked.
"No, I'm sorry. It just felt so real. I couldn't believe I dreamed it."
"Well it was a dream so get over it," she said with a smile.
"How did you sleep?"
"I actually slept really good. It felt great to be out here; even though it looks so different."
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself out here".
"I know I thanked you already. I just really appreciate you. There is no way I would have made it out here".
"I told you that it was no problem. I am happy that you are happy."
"I love that about you. You have a good heart."
"Well thank you for appreciating my heart" Brian said, wanting to say more.
They continued to walk and talk about an hour on the hiking path. As they continued on the path, Brian saw another stack of rocks. He tried to avoid it, but Carla spotted it and headed towards it.
"Hey it's nothing, let’s continue on the hike" Brian said.
"It's something. Look, there are human bones on top of the rocks."
"I know."
"You know? What do you mean?"
"When Jordan and I went to go get firewood yesterday we saw the same thing. We didn't want to tell you ladies because we thought you would freak out."
"You could have told me Brian. This is weird."
"Now that I see it again it looks like a shrine. The other one was covered in vines and looked like it was done a while ago. This one doesn't look as old."
"Are you saying you think someone just placed these fresh bones on here?"
"I don't know what I am saying. Let’s just keep it moving."
They continued on the path for about an hour until they reached the end. Brian was tense the whole hike. He couldn't shake the two piles of rocks with human bones on top of them and the nightmare he had. They paused and sat on a big boulder before heading back.
"Brian I need you to calm down. You are really starting to freak me out." Carla said.
"I'm sorry. Something really doesn't feel right. I want to just let it go but something won't let me.”
"Brian there is nothing to be scared of at all. My father took me to these woods every summer since I was five. Nothing has ever happened."
"Okay. I'll let it go."
They both sipped more of their bottle of water. Brian started concentrating his mind on his love for Carla. He felt it was a perfect time to tell her how he felt. He counted to three in his head and started to speak.
"I am in love with you!" he blurted out."
What? I mean okay." Carla said, surprised.
"Awkward," Brian said.
"Brian, you couldn't wait another month or two."
"Why would I wait? I mean you are okay with this?"
"I know how you feel about me. I can see it in your eyes. I noticed it a year ago; but I was with Jeff. You are a great guy; I have even thought about us dating."
"You have?" Brian said with joy.
"Yes, but not now. I know you would make a great boyfriend. But our friendship means more to me than anything. I didn't want to start something with you if I wasn't over Jeff", she said, standing up.
"So you need more time?"
"Yes and maybe."
"I'm confused." Brian said, rubbing his head.
"I need to get over Jeff. Once I am over him I will consider us taking this to another level. I just don't know if I want to ruin our friendship. So for now let’s drop it and explore it in a month or two. That’s me being honest and upfront."
"I understand. I will let it go. Can I have a hug?" He said, reaching his arms forth.
"Yes Brian." she said, hugging him.
As they hugged she realized that she felt great security in his arms. She stayed there for about five seconds with her eyes closed. When she opened her eyes she saw someone move behind some trees in the woods.
"Who's that?" she said, breaking free from Brian's embrace.
"Who? Where?" Brian said turning around.
"I saw someone in the woods. I couldn't make it out, it’s too dark over there."
"I'll go check it out."
"Brian let’s just go back to the camp."
"No if someone is out here I want to make sure they don't bother us."
"Be careful" she said as he approached the woods.
"Who's there?" He said, scanning from left to right.
"Brian come on, let’s just go,” Carla said.
Brian took a couple more steps into the woods and looked around. The trees covered up the sun for the most part. He could see but it was very dark. After taking a couple more steps and circling a group of trees he decided to head back. He looked at Carla and made his way forward to suddenly fall through a hole.
"Brian! Brian!" Carla screamed as she made her way to the big gaping hole in the ground.
"I'm okay. I think I twisted my ankle a bit. The ground just gave." he said, trying to stand to his feet.
"Look at this Brian. This hole was dug. It's about 15 feet deep." she said, looking down at him.
"There are bones down here as well. There is about two skulls and a set of rib cages. I need to get out of here. I am going to need your help. I messed up my ankle pretty bad."
"Alright. Let me see if I can get something to help you climb up."
"Okay, hurry up. I want to get out of here."
At the campsite the others were just enjoying themselves. Rachel was reading her tablet, praying that the battery didn't die before she finished her book. Penelope and Jordan were shooting water guns at each other. Jordan kept thinking about proposing later that night. He was so nervous, but he had never fell in love with anyone else. Rachel looked up and saw them having fun and smiled; then she saw Jeff approaching the site in the distance.
"Jeff, what are doing here?" Jordan said as he noticed him.
"Hello Penelope, Jordan. I am here to speak with Carla." Jeff responded.
"Carla doesn't want to speak to you. She is over you!" Penelope said.
"I understand your animosity towards me Penelope. But I have come to make things right." Jeff responded.
"Whatever!" Penelope said, walking over to Rachel.
“Man to man, that’s between you and Carla." Jordan stated.
"Well thank you Jordan. Where is Carla?"
"Brian and her went on a hike. How did you know we were here?"
"Well I went to Carla's job trying to reconcile but her colleague told me that she went camping. I knew that she wanted to take a trip here; we had talked about it several t
imes since her dad died."
"Well you know your girl or ex-girl. This is all I ask that you don't turn this into a nasty event tonight. I am proposing to Penelope and I don't want y'all tripping to ruin the night."
"Agreed, if she won't talk to me then I will quietly leave."
"Cool, you want something to eat or drink?" Jordan asked.
"I'll take some water please."
"Wait you are allowing him to stay?" Penelope said as they approached.
"Baby, this is Carla's business. Stay out of it." Jordan said.
"Hi Rachel. How are you doing this morning." Jeff asked.
"Swell Jeff. Just swell," she said, diving back into her tablet.
"So how long have they been gone?" Jeff asked.
"About two hours. Carla said it’s about an hour an half both ways." Jordan said.
"That’s a long time," Jeff said.
"Well at least she has a real man to protect her. Then again a good dog like you would have been a nice addition." Penelope said.
"Penelope, hush." Jordan said, getting upset.
"Jordan, it is okay. They are best friends; I expect it." Jeff stated.
"Well come on man, let’s throw around the football." Jordan signaled Jeff.
They tossed the football back and forth for awhile until they started to get bored. Rachel decided to start the fire up again to make some grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone. All of sudden Jordan heard his name being called from the woods. Jeff and him ran over.
"Jordan! Jordan!" Carla called under Brian's arm, helping him walk.
Jordan and Jeff ran over and wrapped Brian's arms around their necks, and began to carry him back to the campsite.
"Jeff, what are doing here?" Carla said.
"Will talk in a sec beautiful" he responded as he walked away, lifting Brian.
Everyone got settled back at the camp. Carla and Brian began to explain what happened on the hike. Penelope begin to get a little scared, worried that someone else was in