I looked around the trunk of my Dad’s Mercedes SUV to check if I left anything for the camping trip, well if I did then I’ll burrow from JT. He’d be annoyed but he wouldn’t refuse. I said goodbye to my parents and Janie, “Come on Katie.” JT called after me from the front seat and I stuck my tongue out at him, a signature move so he says, and I climbed into the car. Tim closed the door after me and got into the driver’s seat. Tim replaced Jeffrey when he retired as our butler, he’s maybe in his mid thirties; I guessed. We quickly made it to school; other students seemed to be arriving as well.
I was glad to see that most of the school was not going on this trip; I saw a few faces I recognized and a few that I hoped wouldn’t go altogether.
Honestly spending three days with Adrianna and her posse was not going to be pleasant, and I didn’t see them as the outdoorsy types. Either way, I wasn’t going to let them rain on my parade, especially if I’m with the crazy girl walking towards me.
“Katelyn, I’m so glad you decided to do this.” Tess said after hugging me, “Or do I have to thank Brandon for that?” she added quietly. I shook my head at her
“He’s not the reason I wanted to come okay?” I said a little too defensively and that wasn’t lost to her. “Whatever you say princess.” She said mocking my nickname and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Tim loaded my things into the enclosed cargo trailer behind the school bus and when he was done I thanked him and he nodded cordially and drove off.
We got into the bus, it was almost full and it was the only one scheduled to leave. I looked around the bus as Tess and I looked for empty seats. There were about seventy students in it. We finally found two empty seats and I looked at the back of the bus and I saw the group of jocks and I spotted Brandon. He was in conversation with them but his gaze was on me.
He smiled and winked at me, I returned the smile before settling in my seat next to the window and Tess followed. JT went passed us to his teammates no doubt.
The bus started to fill and then finally we began to move, slight excitement crept into me, surprising me. I’ve gone camping with my family many times before, but I at leased had to admit to myself that Tess was right. Spending the whole weekend with Brandon in the great outdoors was the exciting part.
I pulled out my iPod and settled comfortably in my seat.
I didn’t know I had drifted off until I woke up; the bus was still on the road. I pulled out my earphones and I turned my head to see Brandon occupying Tess’ seat. He smiled at me looking up from his iPad. “Hello, sleepy head.” He said.
I shifted uncomfortably, a little chagrinned that I fell asleep and that he was here the whole time. How long was I asleep anyway? I didn’t feel that groggy.
“Don’t worry you’ve only been asleep for 30 minutes.” He said, answering my unspoken question. “Where’s Tess?” I asked looking around; glad my voice wasn’t throaty. “She was kind enough to trade seats with me,” he said then chuckled “She’s having fun with the boys.” He added. I turned and looked back and indeed I saw her with the jocks, laughing with them.
“Don’t worry I warned them to play nice.” He said and I frowned, I was going to have a talk with her about manners. Then I decided against it when I saw JT in the seat next to her; that’s exactly where she wants to be, in the center of his attention. That scene couldn’t possibly be sitting well with…I then spotted Adrianna and a few of her friends scowling at the group; Rhiannon and Brea where glaring at my direction. I sighed and sat back on my seat then thought, to hell with them; Brandon wants to be with me. In a mischievous attempt to work them up, I leaned my head against his shoulder and inhaled deeply, taking in his oh so lovely scent. He smiled and surprised me when he kissed my hair tenderly.
“I could get used to this.” He said and I chuckled “Hmm” I said, me too.
“Hey I thought gadgets are not allowed when camping.” I said with mock disapproval at his iPad. He chuckled “Yeah like you abide by that rule.” He said referring to my iPod and I playfully pouted. His playfulness disappeared when he touched my pouted lips with his thumb; I slightly turned away from his touch in an attempt to derail his intensions. Is he crazy? He can’t kiss me now.
“Not here Brandon.” I whispered and he raised an eyebrow “If you haven’t noticed we have an audience.” I said, and no matter how much I dislike Rhiannon and her friends, I don’t want her to combust with rage. He smiled but let me go, I breathed easily; glad I didn’t taunt his own mischievous side.