Chapter 1: Carrie
I couldn’t believe that the day was finally here! I had planned this trip for so long, it seemed to take forever for time to finally catch up to my bustling excitement. I sauntered around the house, quickly making my last round, to ensure I hadn’t forgotten anything.
Kasandra, my roommate, who was also my best friend, sat on the couch and scoffed at me, each time I passed her. I didn’t know what she was so concerned with, since she had the weekend to herself. I was sure she was going to have her boyfriend over and they were going to perform unmentionable acts all over the apartment, while I was using my hiatus from school to get back to nature.
Yet, being that she was the opposite of me in this regard, I guessed I shouldn’t be so surprised.
Kasandra wore her emotions on her face and everyone knew exactly what she was thinking, without her having to say a word.
At times, especially growing up, this trait got her into a lot of trouble, while I was roped in most of the time, simply because I was guilty by association.
Now that we were adults, though, this talent was useful.
I, on the other hand, was quiet, resourceful and a pacifist. I would do anything to avoid a fight, while Kasandra had accepted she couldn’t hide her emotions. Therefore, she seemed to always be ready for a fight.
Right now, however, her glare of disapproval was lessened slightly by her strained, cheerful tone, “So, why are you excited about this trip again? Please tell me you’re going to do more than hike.”
“Nope,” I insisted as I reached for the last few things I felt I would need on my journey. “I’m going to be spending the week in the mountains, enjoying the clean, fresh air. I want to clear my head before classes start again.”
“Why don’t you just go to the spa, like a normal person?”
I laughed, knowing that strangely enough, Kasandra was trying to be nice, even though it didn’t sound like it.
“Because, it’s not the same,” I insisted, hoping she didn’t see through my carefully constructed plan.
“Yeah, that’s my point, it’s a lot more fun, relaxing…and safer. If you want to work up a sweat, go in a sauna.”
“Kas, are you worried about me?” I retorted in a joking tone, which made my friend scowl as she shook her head, though her expression still gave her away quite apparently.
“No, it’s just a stupid idea,” she answered, somewhat defensively.
“I know you think so,” I replied, refusing to let her ruin my excitement.
“I mean, why a mountain? Why that mountain?” She insisted, getting into questions that I didn’t want to answer.
I sighed, again refusing to allow her to douse the passion I had regarding this trip, “I respect that it isn’t your thing but please respect that it’s mine.”
“Just be careful, is all,” she hissed, “I know that it’s your thing and whatever. That’s not the stupid part.”
“Well, if you’re so worried about it, why don’t you come with me?”
I knew she wasn’t going to, but to keep the conversation fluid and away from the secret truth behind my trip, I needed to ask her, so she didn’t get suspicious.
If I had it my way, she would never figure out the true reason I went on this trip. If she did, I would likely never hear the end of it and that was the last thing I needed.
Again, Kasandra scoffed, “I’m not that worried about you,” she retorted with a snide laugh.
However, I brushed off the warning, considering where it was coming from. After all, Kasandra was a city girl and could never understand
the intrigue and the beauty of nature.
She simply thought it was gross and dirty; which was why this ended up being the perfect place for my trip. If it was anywhere else, besides hiking or otherwise dirty outdoors, she might actually want to come along, and I couldn’t have that.
I needed to this myself. There was no other way for me to find the peace that I sought.
I rolled my eyes, “Goodbye,” I grumbled as I grabbed my pack. “I’ll be back in a week,” I insisted, slinging the pack over my shoulder.
I left before Kasandra could succeed in putting any doubt in my head about taking this trip. After all, I had to meet my guide at the foothills of the mountain range and after waiting so long to go on this trip, I didn’t want to be late.
“Seriously, though!” I heard Kasandra scream from behind the closed door, “Be careful! Don’t get eaten by wolves!”
“Bye!” I called again, trying to stifle my amusement as I rolled my eyes. I shook my head and started the trek downstairs.
This is gonna be great! I assured myself confidently, pushing forward, toward my car, ready to start my adventure.
The ride to the foothills of the mountain seemed to take forever but eventually, I found myself gazing up at a majestic scene of wildlife and reverent nature. The air was already thinner. I could feel it withering as I inhaled it, already, but I was prepared for this.