0714325001387302459 camp christmas novella rock by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Seven

Julian

Once we’d hauled Andre from the gorge, I repacked my

rope and the crampons. I made quick work of putting on my

skis since we didn’t have much daylight left.

“Does anyone know how to build a fire?” I didn’t have

many matches with me, so I didn’t want some clueless kid

wasting them all.

“Sure, man.” Brad pulled a lighter from his jacket pocket.

“I might have some papers, too.” He snickered with his

friend.

Whatever. He’d be better off donating his rolling papers

to a good cause, right? I gave him the thumbs-up and kept

my matches in my backpack.

“Good deal.” I pointed out an area clear of trees. “I’d build here and make sure it’s big enough to see from a distance.

You might want to break into pairs to look for wood.”

“It’s gonna smoke,” Brad warned, already yanking down

a dead branch still dangling off a tree. “The wood will be

wet.”“Smoke is fine. It’ll help search parties on foot to find us.

But try to get some flames going to help them see us.”

Brad nodded. “What are you doing?”

56

Camp Christmas

“I’ve got to get a call out or a text message, but I haven’t had a signal for the last couple of hours.” I put my backpack on and wrapped my cape over it.

Say what you will about a cape; I’d be the only one warm

tonight if we got stuck out here.

My eyes slid to Hannah. I could probably be talked into

sharing it.

Blinking, I forced myself to snap out of it. Just because

she remembered some random moment we shared in fifth

grade didn’t mean the past was forgiven. But it had been cool to find out she hadn’t forgotten. That it was still important to her under all the Mean Girl crap she’d worn like armor

since junior high.

“I’m going with you.” She stared at me with her

inscrutable eyes, her red hair curling around her shoulders damply now that the snow fell so heavy.

“It’s safer for you here.” I didn’t need her slowing me

down.

“Doesn’t matter. We’re partners. Buddy system,

remember? No arguing.” She yanked her ski cap down

farther beneath her helmet so it covered her ears more. “I’m going.”

“Don’t go all stubborn on me,” I warned. “This isn’t the

same as talking your way out of a homework assignment.

There are real dangers in these woods and they’re only

getting worse as it gets dark.”

Her eyes narrowed. Her mouth flattened into a thin line.

“Which is why I need to protect you.”

“From bears?” I couldn’t resist.

“Exactly. I think we can both agree I have bigger claws

than you.” She dug her poles in the snow. “Now get moving

before we lose more light.”

I said nothing. I just started skiing.

57

J.K. Rock

We trudged silently for a while, the snow too fresh for

any kind of speed. But after a few minutes she sidled closer.

“Thanks for not arguing with me.”

“I did argue. You just refused to listen.”

She flipped long, damp strands of auburn behind one

shoulder as she sighed. “I know you think I’m this super

mean chick, but—”

“You’re strong and you’re tough. That part’s cool.”

“Really?” Her voice sounded uncertain in a way that hit

me right in the chest.

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