"Aw, c'mon Ri. What's the fun of a camping trip if there isn't any awkward moaning in the wee hours of the night?" Kassey laughed as she teased Riley with Tala. When Carlos chimed in, Kass shrugged her shoulders, "Sorry bro, you heard the girlie. Our tent is all booked up, but maybe you can find a squirrel to bunk with." Then, the two girls were walking off for a bit more private air. Kassey was pretty sure she could guess what Riley was concerned with, but her thoughts were cut short when she heard Ms. Gutierrez yelling over the phone at Carlos.

Kassey had to stifle her laugh or risk an outburst. It didn't require two semesters of Spanish to understand what she was yelling at him, and it was quite comical. "Boy, you better make sure there isn't any evidence left by the time the trip is over. Then you can deny all involvement." Kassey flashed a mischievous grin before heading back to her tent to put her bathing suit on underneath her muscle tee and shorts. Ya never knew when someone was going to decide to pick you up and throw you in the lake, so it was best to be prepared.

Kassey reemerged and looked around, wondering when the party was going to get started. Walking over to the cooler, she grabbed a bottle of water and then took a seat on one of the logs that she had dragged over to the fire pit. "How bout when the adventure squad gets back from their treacherous journey of firewood gathering we start having some fun, eh? You guys know I can't sit still very long." Blasted ADHD, even with the chill pills, Kassey was still a usually energetic and upbeat girl. Usually she had sports to use all her energy up, but she didn't really think any of her friends were up for 90 minutes of full contact soccer, so she'd have to go for a run soon if all else fails.

Cade nodded when she said no on the hockey mask an chainsaw, not that he had any of those things but still. "Black clothes, i got it" he said. taking her hand he stood easily enough "Coffee sounds Great, and i'd love to help you scare some young'uns in the woods, plus it can double as a run" moving forward, releasing her hand he opened the screen door for her, stepping back so she could enter first, then he'd follow after her.

The gang of three finally made it to the woods, it was dark under those leaves, and they seemed to cover the area in a shadow. Billy couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched but shoved it off, as a case of the heebie jeebies. The trees made him feel small in a way, they were so tall and older, giving off a sense of mystery. He looked into the forest and could only remember playing tag with his sister, in a similar setting. A good memory, turned painful in an instant.

Billy noticed that the other two were staring, he avoided eye contact as he abruptly said, "Thought I saw something in there, must be my imagination! Anyways lets collect some good size chunks then I can cut them up. We wouldn't want to take too long, I'm sure the others are just dying of boredom without us."

Billy then got to work, collecting some decent sized sticks about as wide as his arm. He swung the hatchet down, over and over again, forming a small pile. He repeated this several times before becoming tired out, panting he said, "Alright, who wants a turn," He paused to catch his breath, "With the hatchet? I'm too old for this.

The woods were a sad memory for Cassandra. These parts, at least. Not this exact forest, of course, but it was one very much like this that had changed her life, when her parents had died. Push off the road...she just didn't like being so far within the trees. She smiled at Billy when he spoke, and nodded, beginning to collect some. She had absolutely no idea how her form was displayed as she bent, picked up, and carried some good sized pieces of fire wood.

She gave a soft laugh, and held out her hand for the hatchet, "I'll have a turn. I usually cut the fire wood at home" She said brightly, willing to get a little dirty and besides, she had fun cutting the wood usually.

Vanessa smiled and nodded. ''I'm gonna text Riley that I found some extra help'' she said and took out her phone as she walked in. She got behind the counter and grabbed two mugs, for herself she got tea and for Kade she got coffee. She placed it on the counter and looked at him. ''I am glad to have met you again Kade.. Especially as we are the same type of person'' she said. She then sat down on the chair and texted Riley: ''I've just asked a old friend to help with the prank, he accepted. This is going to double the fun Xx V''. She hit send and then looked at Kade again.

She looked at the stairs as she heard Seth on the stairs and turned herself a little. ''Found the papers?'' she asked with a smile. ''Oh, we got ourselves another cup of coffee and tea'' she said with a smile.

reaching for his cup of coffee he found the creamer and poured a little in, before he went to the sugar dish and added about six spoonfuls into it before stirring it as he looked up at her. "glad to have found you again, and nice to know i'm not alone" meaning in their shared fates. taking a drink, he closed his eyes tasting every favor, from the grounds to the sugar. he savored it as he moved and sat down at the table while she texted Riley, Sarah and Seth's daughter about his agreeing to help with the nights activities.

hearing Seth coming back down the stairs, and Vanessa going to ask him about the papers. "right, you were asking about opening a restaurant" remembering. "since when did you learn to cook exactly?" oh the teasing was coming out now. "last time i remember you trying to cook something, was in Home Econ, they had to throw that stove out after the fire didn't they?" grinning as he took a drink from his coffee mug as he waited for Seth to come back down.

Evan has been quiet but steadily followed the other two into the forest to get fire wood. He admired the tall trees with wide eyes. Billy and Cass were having their own conversation but Evan was too distracted by everything else. There were a lot of inspiration for things to sketch when he gets home. He soon realized he had zoned out and began to help out by collecting the wood that the other two have chopped up.

Evan was not very strong, but he managed to get a good armful of wood. However, upon picking one of them up, he managed to get a few splinters. He groaned to himself, hoping that the other two have not heard him. It was embarrassing to get hurt just by picking up sticks, but it really did hurt a lot. The pain had startled him and caused him to drop all of the pieces of wood that he was carrying. "Great..." he thought to himself."I'm so lame."

He winced as he tried to pull out one of the splinters by himself, admittedly looking incredibly lame. Curse his girly, delicate hands! It was impossible for his companions to not notice his pathetic suffering, though he really hoped that there was a chance that they did not see that.

Riley gave Tala a hug and smiled at her slightly before patting her friend on the shoulder, hoping that her friend would come to her if she had any sort of problems or issue and they could talk about it in private. A she headed back into camp she felt her phone vibrate and turned it on and grinned even more seeing another text from Vanessa and that she was bringing someone to help out with the prank. "That's great the more help would make things really interesting, cant wait to see you again tonight V." Riley hit send her eyes going over towards Carlos smirking at him playfully, she was going to finally outdo Carlos' pervious pranks with this big one tonight it was going to be so much fun.

"I'm going to get changed into my bathing suit." Riley said as she walked inside of her own tent and quickly started to search through her backpack until she finally found her bathing suit and quickly got out of her clothes and slipped the two piece bikini on and stepped outside. "So who wants to go swimming?" Riley asked.

Seth didn't even hear Vanessa or Kade leave out the front door, it took him awhile to find out where the papers were and finally found it he quickly slipped it into the copier and printed out the right documents for Vanessa. Seth started to walk down the stairs and saw Vanessa and Kade each of them with a mug in their hands drinking tea and coffee. "Found the papers for you, all you have to do is fill it out and then send it to the bank and they will help you through the process." Seth said as he went and sat down a the table looking between the two of them. "So what do you two have planned for today?"

"It sure is hardwork Cassandra, I'm just not stong like you are. You're like my hero." He said laughing. Billy then gave the hatchet to Cassandra gladly, then gathered up the pile that was cut into a small bunch, ready to be picked up. He sometimes glanced at Cassandra as she worked but would quickly look away when he thought she saw him.

He then heard what sounded like sticks falling and turned around to see Evan looking at his hand. Billy started to walk over to him asking, "Hey, are you alright man?

"Habit, nothing else. I cut the wood at home." Cassandra said with a shrug, as she cut another piece of wood, looking over as Evan dropped the sticks he was carrying. She put the hatchet down carefully, approaching Evan as well. The fact that Evan was looking at his hand in the classic way of looking for splinters said a lot. Splinters hurt, for something generally so damn tiny.

"I have a splinter kit back at the camp, in my first aid kit. We have enough wood for now, if you want to go back" she said, hoping her tone was reassuring, as Evan seemed distressed, way more then a splinter called for.

"I know splinters hurt like hell, but if we try and get them out here, in this light, we could do more damage. No sense I that right?" She said with an easy smile

"I agree with Cassandra, let's get you back to camp man." Billy said as he began to grab the cut up wood and put in a nice pile. "There is no sense in hurting yourself more Evan so don't take any logs, and we know where this spot is, so it's not like I can't come back to get the leftovers, which I probably will later when we run out of wood." He then began to load up his hands with the logs, guess he would be the pack mule for now.

"Come on guys, lets get back. I'm sure the others are dying with anticipation. He started to walk to back camp, the others in tow. As soon as he got away from the forest, he felt much better for some reason. Almost as if something burdening him was lifted off his shoulders. Billy shrugged it off and he eventually made it back to the camp. He was sure Evan would be alright, after all, it wasn't like a tree tripped him and he fell down a cliff. No it was just a splinter, an easy fix by all accounts.

''Nothing else than to night helping Ri-Ri with her prank'' she said with a grin. She had placed the papers in her bag and took the last few sips of her tea. ''I am going to leave you guys now, I need to air out my house and fill those papers with everything they need'' she said and smiled.

She got up and leaned towards Kade, she stroked over his hair and smiled. ''See ya tonight, Meet me around 7 pm at the entrance of the forest'' she said with a smile. ''Black clothes.. And shoes that you can use for running'' she said and then gave Seth a hug and a kiss on his cheek. ''Thanks Seth for the papers'' she said with a smile and then grabbed her bag from the ground and threw it over her back.

She left the B&B and got in her white pick up, she drove to the house where she had spend so many summers and now she owned it. She looked at the house for a short while and then got out of her truck and walked to the door, she opened it with her keys and walked inside. This was her new house.

Kade would nod "i got dragged in on the prank, not that i mind.. pranks are half the fun here in Wolf Lake" he said to Seth, smiling as he looked to Vanessa as she finished her drink and stood saying she was leaving. she ran her hand through his hair and his eyes half closed at that "you got it.. black clothes and shoes for running, i got it" he said, smiling at her and watching her go. Kade looked to Seth. "i should probably head that way myself, i got to do the same thing to my grandmother's place and air it out and get myself set up" he looked down into his cup of coffee. remembering his grandmother again, damn that felt like someone shoving a white hot knife into his chest.. knowing he'd never see her smile or hear her complain about something he had done to cross her.

finishing his coffee, he stood and clap Seth on the back. "how goes everything, its been a while since i've been back in town, anything change that i need to know about?" he asked as he washed the cup out, it was the least he could do as he then sat it on the dish drainer. "don't tell your wife im back in town, i want to suprise her.. last time i talked to my grandmother, she told me Sarah has been asking when i was coming back home, well im going to suprise the hell out of her now" moving back to the table, standing there. "thanks for the coffee, i'll pay you back for it when i get settled and such" zipping his jacket back up, he pulled out his biker gloves from his pocket and slid them back on, before grabbing his keys. "i'll catch you later Seth, as we said in my company.. be good and if you cant, at least be good at it" heading for the door.

outside he descended steps and moving back to his motorcycle, he checked the straps holding his Duffel before he grabbed and put his helmet on, strapping it tight as he straddled his bike and straightened it up, popping the kickstand back. in no time he had the key in and it started as he backed it up before he shifted the first and took off down the road, turning on a back road, that head take him right for his grandmother's.. now his house.. where he could get things done before he'd meet Vanessa

Evan smiled weakly as his friends approached him and tried to comfort him. He appreciated their kindness but it only made him feel more insecure and embarrassed. "Alright... Thanks guys," he said in his usual quiet voice. He followed them back into the camp, hiding behind the other two in hopes of not drawing more attention to himself. He looked towards Cassandra once they have arrive, waiting for her to go get the splinter kit.

He took a seat on a conveniently placed stump, and stared down at this hands. 1...2..3... He counted 9 splinters total on both of his hands. He should have worn gloves. Or maybe he shouldn't have volunteered at all. He ended up only being a burden and didn't help at all. He sighed for who knows how many times today alone.

Aaliyah was more than happy when the group arrived at the usual camping spot and thus allowed the rest of the group to jump out first as she took a few moments to take the view in from the window seeing Elisha almost fall on her backside, She still felt a little bad inside she held people up after running a little late herself. Once the cost was clear Aaliyah flew out the door in excitement as it would allow her to keep her mind of certain things and her mind one others as she momentarily looked over at Riley and smiled, Before she knew everyone was setting the tents up and planning to get wood for the fire after getting the stuff out of the R.V the one thing Aaliyah set herself to do first and then plan to get stuck in with all the fun that comes with camping.

Soon enough people were setting up tents and offering spots for those that didn't being one which made Aaliyah think, She had actually failed to bring one herself and knew that she would end up having to take up one of the offers going around, Not that it worried her any, she trusted her friends, even the prankster Carlos who always ended keeping people on there toes, The conversation of noises in the night did make her laugh a little imagining the fun one could have weather for a prank or for real. Billy, Cass and Evan had left to go and collect firewood, Ms. Gutierrez was giving a roasting over the phone at Carlos which was highly amusing and made her wonder what he had managed to achieve this time for it, Even Kass was laughing at him for it.

Ri had gone of to have a chat with Tala, She had such a heart of gold that girl always looking out for others over herself, It reminded Aaliyah of the time Ri came to her aid when she was freaking out and probably un-naturally over reacting to her diabetes scare, She just dropped everything and was there without second thought and would do so for any of her friends, The close knit group that they are. Aaliyah often to worries about Tala and would be there when ever her friend needed it. Soon enough Ri and Tala had come back from their private talk. The red head was going to ask Riley if it was okay to share the tent with her but her friend announced herself going to get changed in her bathing suit and took of while Aaliyah had not really done anything other than watch her friends having a good time until Ri returned. Aaliyah stepped over towards her, "Ri Darling, I was wondering if it was okay to share the tent with you?" She paused. "I don't have one" She added feeling a little bad for asking. "And if you like, I'll go get ready and join you in the lake to" She flirted with a little nudge in front of the others.

When they were back at the camp, Cassandra darted off to her tent, rummaging through her pack and getting out the splinter kit. She approached Evan, and crouched in front of him, gently taking one hand, she began to remove the splinters. "you know, when I first started cutting wood for my Aunt, I got so many splinters, I swear My hands looked like a porcupine!" she said in a soft tone, being as gentle as she could.

"sometimes I think splinters are the worst thing in the world, little slivers of wood!" she gave a shrug, and continued to extract the splinters, content to do so, and happy to help a friend. "everyone, everyone hates getting them, and everyone bes mucho and say it doesn't hurt, but I can tell you, a majority of them go off and sniffle to themselves!" she haves soft laugh, rocking back on her heels when she had finished.

"don't worry about it, okay? My hands are tough from chopping wood since I was 12, and the guitar playing too, but I still flinch at the pain of a splinter"

As Riley got out of her tent she turned over to look at Aaliyah as she approached her "Ri Darling, I was wondering if it was okay to share the tent with you? "I don't have one." Riley smiled towards her friend, of course she didn't mind at all sharing a tent with her best friend at all. It would remind her of all the good old times when they used to have sleep overs together at each others house when they were younger. "Of course Ali I totally don't mind sharing the same tent with you." Riley smiled brightly towards her friend and blushed slightly when Aaliyah nudged her slightly, and blushed deeply when Aaliyah winked at her was she just flirting with her just now? Riley thought to herself and smiled back towards her friend and looked towards her other friends wondering if they saw it or not. "Go ahead and get changed and we can swim together." Riley said as she went over towards the makeshift fire pit and moved some stuff around slightly.

Seth looked over towards Vanessa and smiled at her seeing her affection towards Kade when she kissed and patted him. "If you need help, feel free to call or come over and I can help you out setting up that business of yours." Seth said as he watched her leave and then turned his attention towards Kade and smiled at him and nodded. "It was good seeing you as well, feel free to come over anytime you want." Seth said as he went to clean up the kitchen.

"MEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEME." Kassey enthusiastically replied when Riley asked who wanted to go swimming. It was about time they started getting into the fun bits instead of the working part. After all, they only had so many more summers here. Who knew what would happen after high school and all of them heading off to college, surely not all in the same place either.

The adventure squad could be heard returning from the woods. Billy had an armload of firewood, Cass had hurried off to her tent, and Evan looked a little discouraged as he took a seat on a log. Kassey moved to help Billy by taking some of the cut wood from the pile he was balancing before he dropped it, "Here, let me help." She placed a few of the logs in the fire pit, ready to light whenever they saw fit. The others were stacked in a pile off to the side before she moved to take a better look at Evan.

She let out a long whistle when she saw the splinters in his hand, giving him a gentle pat on the back before Cassandra arrived with a first-aid kit. "Splinters. Damn things are almost as bad as paper cuts." She gave a shiver at the thought of either seemingly small injury. It's the little ones that fester the worst. "Once Doctor Cass here fixes you up why don't we all go hit the water? It'll probably help your hand feel better too, Ev."

As he walked into the camp, Kassey came over and offered to take a couple logs, which he had no objections too,"Why thanks Kassey." Billy then dumped the remaining logs next the fire pit before exclaiming, "Alright, get logs for a fire, check. Now what to do.." He then slumped down to sit on the grass, looking over at the flock of girls checking out Evan's wound. A frown appeared on his face, boy was Evan a clutz but he sure did know how to get the ladies attention, that was for sure.

So, people were going swimming, how fun. He didn't really like the water that much and it didn't help that he couldn't swim. You'd think that after seventeen years of life someone would have taught him but nope. He was a pale kid, sunlight was his enemy but he still enjoyed the outdoors, but with a lot of sunscreen. Speaking of sunscreen, he got up and went over to where he put his things and found the stuff. He then lathered it on his face and neck, that's all he needed, to get sunburn. He put the sunscreen back but as he was reaching out his hand hit one of the bottles of alcohol that he brought, the red label peered up at him, as if whispering, "drink me". It was Smirnoff Vodka.

His throat did feel parched, maybe a swig would make him feel better. No adults were around anyways, so it wouldn't hurt, probably. He took a nervous glance around to make sure no one was looking, unscrewed the top and took a swig. It burned but he swallowed and took a deep breath. He felt tempted even more, why not let loose? He had enough problems anyways to deal with and it numbed the pain. Hiding the bottle wouldn't be easy but he tried to place it behind his back, where his jeans met his skin. He then got up and backed away from the camp silently, before turning away and going down to the waters edge, off next to a tree which he leaned up against and drank more vodka. His hiding place wasn't to well hidden but enough so that you would have to look to see him. Billy wasn't even sure that anyone saw him, for all he knew what he had just did was a dead give away.

"Billy my boy," his voice changed as he spoke out loud to himself, more of a monotone sadness filling the air, "What are you doing?" he took another swig.

As the sun slowly started to set everyone was out and enjoying the time out in the sun, the sun was shining down on the lake as it started to set over the horizon which made the water almost shine with a red hue like the setting sun which was how the town was given its name by. Riley had gotten changed into something a bit warm now since the temperature got slightly cooler than it was during the day. Riley sat down next to the camp fire and took out a lighter the flame quickly came to life, she turned to look over at her friends and smiled brightly as she took out a bag and started to get some smores ready for tonight.

It felt relaxing and peaceful as she enjoyed having fun with all of her friends and couldn't wait for the fun that was going to happen for the night, and even get her prank set up on some of her friends.

Seth was sitting in the kitchen as he started to get dinner set up Sarah had finally came home and gave a hug and kiss to her husband she took out her phone and texted Vanessa inviting her over for dinner even extending the offer to Kade if he did want to come over and have some dinner and hangout like the good old times.