The camping (I)
VIOLET
The school parking lot buzzed with excitement with a large number of students and teachers as everyone prepared for the camping trip. Luggage clattered into the bus, and the smell of fall in New York hung in the air. I tugged my duffel bag up, trying to balance it as I scanned the crowd for familiar faces.
“Violet!” Ashley's voice rang out just as I spotted her. She dashed toward me, her arms wide open. I barely had time to react before she pulled me into a tight hug.
“I missed you so much!” she said, her voice muffled against my shoulder.
I laughed, hugging her back just as tightly. “Missed you too. It seems like it's been forever I last saw you”
“Tell me about it. Gramps has had me on lockdown for the past days.If I had to hear about how things were better 'back in the day' one more time, I swear I would have lost my mind.”
I chuckled at her dramatic tone as we pulled apart. Her usual vibrant energy was contagious, and it was good to see her back. Before I could say more, Luke appeared, casually strolling over with his backpack hung over one shoulder. He was all smiles,as usual.
“Look who’s finally free,” Luke said, eyeing Ashley with a smirk before turning to me and giving me a hug. “How’s life?”
“Busy,” I replied, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Glad we’re finally doing this. It feels like ages since we’ve all been together.”
Ashley groaned. “You’re telling me. Thank God for this trip. I’ve been counting down the days just to get away.”
We all shared a knowing look before trudging our bags toward the school bus. It was packed with students, all buzzing with anticipation for the trip to Boston. Camping trips weren’t exactly something I did often, but the idea of days away, away from everything that had been on my mind recently, was more than welcome.
After cramming our bags into the luggage compartment, the three of us made our way onto the bus, instinctively heading to the back. We’d always liked sitting there—it was our spot. Fewer prying eyes, less noise. Plus, the view was better, somehow.
“You have no idea how much I've been waiting for this” Ashley turned me as we settled to the back row.
“Not just the camp,” Luke added, kicking his feet up slightly, “but Boston in the fall? This is gonna be epic.”
“I still can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” I said, looking out the window. “I needed this trip more than I thought.”
The bus slowly filled up, the air filled with chatter. Just as I was about to say something else, Ashley’s cheerful face twisted into a scowl.
“Oh great. She’s here,” she muttered under her breath.
I followed her gaze, and sure enough, Evelyn Winters was striding into the bus like she owned the place. Her eyes swept the seats, clearly assessing who was where. When her gaze landed on me, her lips twisted into a disdainful smirk. I sighed inwardly but kept my face neutral. She was the last person I wanted to deal with on this trip.
“Damn, this bitch is tagging along too?” Ashley hissed beside me, her voice low.
I glanced away before Evelyn could get the satisfaction of seeing any reaction from me. She sauntered past us, shooting one last glare in my direction before plopping herself down in a middle seat. Typical Evelyn.
I was about to make some snide comment about her when I felt the air change again—like someone important had just walked into the room. Or, in this case, onto the bus.
Ryan.
He stepped in, his expression unreadable, but his eyes immediately found mine. For a moment, it was like the whole world stopped moving. My breath hitched, but just as quickly as our gazes met, he looked away, pretending like I didn’t exist.
That’s how it’s been for the past few days. We don’t talk. No words, no interactions—just these occasional glances that leave my chest feeling tight. And so far, I’ve been good with that. Much better, actually.I was doing just fine with no communication, no confusion.
Ryan walked down the aisle, and sure enough, Evelyn’s face lit up like she’d just won the lottery. She didn’t even try to hide her excitement as he slid into the seat beside her. Her hand immediately found its way to his arm, her voice rising just enough to ensure everyone nearby could hear her flirting.
I swallowed hard, my stomach twisting. I didn’t know why seeing them together like that bothered me so much. I shouldn’t care. I didn’t care.But the knot in my chest said otherwise. Whatever,it didn't matter
“Violet?” Luke’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said blinking the discomfort away.
“Here,” Luke said, leaning forward and handing me something from his backpack. “The book I got for you.”
I blinked, surprised. I knew he got a book for nr but it being the one I’d wanted to read for a while now is something I hadn't anticipated
“Wow” I asked, taking it from him with a small smile. “You didn't have to”
He shrugged, offering a warm smile. “Figured it’d keep you entertained on the bus ride. I know you’ve been wanting to read it for a while.”I smiled back, feeling a little lighter.
“Thanks, Luke. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem,” he said, leaning back and closing his eyes as if satisfied with himself.
Ashley, of course, leaned over Luke, eying the book and then giving us both a teasing look.
"Aww, how thoughtful, Luke." She winked at me, making my cheeks flush, but I quickly laughed it off.
The bus pulled out of the parking lot, the scape of New York began to blur into the background. I tried to let the excitement of the trip settle in, determined to enjoy it without letting anyone (Ryan) get under my skin. This was supposed to be fun. A break from all the drama.
Boston, here we come.
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