Awakening

Chapter 25

"Ok, everyone. Thank you for having attended this meeting. I believe we've covered any questions you might have had, but if you're uncertain about something feel free to give me or one of the committee members a call. I'm sure this camping trip will be a huge success. Thank you!"

Rose starting walking away from the front of the classroom whilst the small group of people clapped. It took some work, but they had raised enough money to still host the Senior Camping trip. Bake sales, car washes, raffles. You name it, they did it. Tonight had been their last meeting before the trip the following weekend. She found Emily at the back of the classroom, looking rather down in the dumps.

"Oh come on, Emily! It's going to be great, you'll see!"

Emily crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "I don't know how I let you talk me into this. If having to chaperone a bunch of kids isn't bad enough, I also have to do it in the forest. You know there are wild animals in there, right?"

Rose laughed at her friend. If only she knew.

She was about to answer when someone interrupted. "Yes there is, but I'll be there to protect you ladies."

They turned around to see Simon standing behind them, pretending to flex his muscles.

"Is that right?" Emily asked. "And what exactly are you going to do if there is any trouble?"

Simon rolled his eyes. "Didn't you just see the gun show? Small critters, big critters. I've got you covered." With this he winked at them. More at Emily than her, Rose noticed.

Rose looked at Emily and almost snorted trying to contain her laughter. Emily was having none of Simon's boasting tonight, an indignant look on her face. "And what about bears and mountain lions? You've got that covered too?"

Simon smiled confidently. "Of course. I'll just give them an introduction to chemistry. They'll be asleep in no time. Seems to work with my classes." He shrugged.

With this Emily burst out laughing. "Oh...yeah...I feel safer...already..."

A deep voice spoke behind them. "Sounds like a handy trick. Maybe I'll give you a call the next time I can't sleep."

Rose heard Emily and Simon's hearts skip a beat at the sudden interruption. A brilliant smile formed on her face. She had smelled him coming long before he had spoken. Forest and rain.

Max looked at Rose for a moment, his face brightening as he saw her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her for a few seconds before letting go. "Hey, Love. I've missed you."

"Hi..." she said breathlessly. She intertwined her fingers with his.

"Aw, you two really do make the cutest couple." Emily cooed. "And to think, it's all thanks to me."

Max and Rose looked at each other for a moment, exchanging a confused look. Rose was the one to ask. "Uhm, Em. Come again?"

Emily looked at them like it was obvious. "I was the one who insisted that you go to the hospital after the football match. If it wasn't for me you two would have never met."

Rose rolled her eyes. "Who says I wouldn't have gone to the hospital some other time and met him then? Pure coincidence."

Emily let out a loud pffft. "Oh please. You could be half way dead and you still wouldn't go to a hospital. I practically had to drag you there, probably saved your life in the process."

"It felt more like kidnapping."

At his Max and Simon laughed.

Rose pointed at Max. "Oh, I wouldn't laugh if I were you. You helped her. That's aiding and abetting."