10
ISTARE UP AHEAD AT THE ROAD; blue skies and hills of greens, oranges and yellows – it’s a gorgeous day, but I don’t really appreciate it because all I can think about is Corrie and Jacob. Every now and then, I sneak a peek at Blake who has not uttered a single word in the last hour. Apparently, he’s put his usual ribbing on hold because my friend’s husband has just been in a terrible road accident. There’s a time for joking around, and a time for seriousness, and evenheknows that. I wonder if this is a struggle – not teasing and insulting me as usual.
The kids are both quiet in the back. Maddie is watching some kind of tween show on her tablet, and Jake is playing a game on his. They’re both wearing oversized headphones. We have an hour to go.
“I have snacks,” Blake says out of nowhere. “Right behind you, in the red soft cooler.”
I twist around and reach for the cooler bag. I didn’t realize it but I’m kind of hungry. When I open it, I’m pleasantly surprised. All my favorites are in there; baby carrots, SunChips, iced tea drink boxes (peach flavored), and Babybel cheese.
I smile up at him. “You act like such a jerk sometimes, and the things that come out of your mouth make me want to punch you in the face, but your actions betray you, buddy. You’re a nice guy.”
The straight hard line of his mouth doesn’t budge. “It’s for the kids… not you.”
I shrug. “Whatever. Tell yourself what you want.”
I dig into the snacks, and hand treats to the kids who seem as excited as I am.
“I’ll have a cheese and a bag of SunChips,” Blake deadpans.
We’re quiet for the rest of the drive, nothing but the sound of the radio.
I’m excitedwhen we arrive into the state park. It’s a beautiful crisp day, and I haven’t been camping in ages. Despite the fact that I’m stuck with Blake for the next two days, I’m determined to have a good time, and make the most of my time with Maddie and Jake.
I would have never agreed to come if I’d known that Corrie wouldn’t be tagging along, but in the end, I’m glad that I did. It beats hanging out on my mom’s old sofa, watching bad television and obsessively stalking Peter’s Facebook page.
A young brunette registers us in, and gives us our site stub and a printed guide.
“We need to pop by the dump station,” Blake tells me. I don’t think he’s cracked a smile yet.
“Oh… yeah.”
“I’m filling the tank up. We’ll have lots of water to do the dishes, and you and the kids can go crazy, have the biggest dumps you’ve ever had if you want,” he tells me, “but go easy on the toilet paper, and no tampons or crap like that.”
Wow. If I was ever concerned that there might be the slightest chance of this being romantic in any way, of me falling for Blake again and doing something stupid… I clearly need not worry.
Our site isbeautiful and secluded. “Wow, this is amazing.”
He smiles… finally. “Thanks, I kinda know what I’m doing. I know all the best spots.”
I smile up at him before hopping out of the truck. The kids are eager to run around and stretch their legs, and so am I. The large pines and oak trees offer lots of shade. Leaves cover the ground already; a pretty colorful carpet of oranges, reds and yellows. The air is cool and crisp and I happily draw it in.
“Okay, enough of that,” Blake calls out. “We have some work to do.”
I turn around. Yep, he’s back to his old grouchy self. I’ve never really seen this side of him – he’s usually always pretty easy-going. He must be really annoyed by my presence.
I help him out with all our stuff; bicycles, a portable BBQ, firewood, tarps, lawn chairs, storage bins, and a hammock. I’m exhausted by the time we’re finished, but there’s more work to be done. Who ever said camping wasn’t glamorous.
He extends the slide-out kitchen table and pops out the tent beds, and it’s my job to make the beds (three queen size mattresses), sweep the floor, bring all our stuff in, and stock the small refrigerator. I’m exhausted before I even begin.
Yet it’s only fair – Blake is busy doing outside stuff, and the kids are nipping at his heels, helping out (or probably hindering).
I work my little rear off, and when I’m finally done, I study my handiwork – the place looks really tidy and cozy. I’ve even put Buttons on one of the beds. Buttons is the stuffed bear I’ve had since I was eight – he was a gift from my dad. He’s not so handsome anymore but I still take him everywhere. Yes, I’m a twenty-seven year old woman who sleeps with a teddy bear, and I don’t care what anyone has to say about it.
The plaid comforters on the beds look so cozy, I’m tempted to have a little lay-down, but if Blake were to walk in and catch me lazing off, I’d never live it down.
Maddie swings the screen door as she barges in, full of energy. “Wow, it looks nice. I’m so excited.”
I smile. “Me too.”
