Chapter 51: Camping Trip

"Are we done yet with this project of yours Princess?"
Bran asks impatiently but tries to stay polite.
"I can already smell lunch."
Bran adds sniffing exaggeratedly to convey his hunger.
"It's done okay? I am just double checking if everything is perfect already. Jo and her parents will be arriving tomorrow."
Princess Aria replies while scrutinizing the wooden swing attached to the broadest branch of the willow tree. This is her surprise for her best friend. She is aware it is not much but she is positive that Jo will be thrilled to this additional feature of their willow tree.
The vines holding the seat in place are filled with alternating blue and green flowers. This color combination corresponds to both their color preferences just like with their color-coded letters to each other.
"Alright, we are done here."
The Princess finally concludes.
Bran sprints across the street, so much eager to be the first for Marmee Rose's cooking.
Caspian shakes his head in embarrassment for his fellow ranger's shameless behavior. He follows after the Princess as they casually return to the house. He feels good about taking part in the Princess' happiness. Even back then, he knew how much the Princess misses her friend.
When both Caspian and Princess Aria step inside, Bran is already seated, ready to eat.
"Marmee, I apologize for my friend's over eagerness to eat."
Caspian says politely as he pulls a chair offering his Princess to seat on.
"It is fine my dear. I would be put off if my guests dislike my cooking."
Marmee reassures Caspian in a joking manner.
With that, their group starts their lunch.
Aldar, Melandra and Princess Ava left since yesterday to resume their duties in training the rangers. Princess Ava decided to leave with the two already to avoid betraying her brother. She was tempted to reveal to Popsie Reed her knowledge about the Water Prince but she has promised to her King Brother that she just came along to get to know Popsie Reed, though unaware of any connection to them.
The younger fairies are having a nice time right now since they are just like teenagers who are having an ordinary vacation with friends.
Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose are entertained by the ongoing banter of Caspian and Bran while they are having their lunch. Their Anna laughs in amusement to both her fairy companions.
This makes her human parents smile even more. They can see how happy their daughter is, just like a typical girl hanging out with friends. The best part is that Jo would finally arrive the next day. That would surely be the highlight of Anna's vacation here.
Popsie Reed has everything planned already. Both Marmee and he would take Mark and Liv to town while the young ones would go camping overnight.
Popsie Reed has been to town the other day for all the supplies and equipment Anna and her friends would need for the camping.
Anna is over the moon when her Popsie Reed announced this morning about the camping. Later after dinner, both her parents will help them pack everything so nothing would be missed.
Later that evening, they all sit outdoors admiring the full moon after their dinner.
Bran is amazed yet again on how Marmee Rose could make such simple meals taste so good.
After an hour or so, everyone decide that it is time for bed. Tomorrow would be the day they have all been preparing for...Jo's arrival with her family.
So when things are all packed up and good nights are all said, they went to sleep looking forward for the morning.
*****************
Princess Aria is the first to rise with her anticipation really high. She stares at her reflection.
"So, today is the day! I cannot believe it! Finally I will see Jo again!"
The Princess talks excitedly to herself in the mirror.
"Well, I miss her too! I know this is really going to be a great day."
Even her reflection is thrilled.
"Okay, I better wake up everyone. Jo's flight back was early this morning so I am guessing they are on their way back here in Bellmont by now."
Princess Aria waves at her mirror reflection then exits her room.
She knocks at the guest room loudly.
"Hey are you both awake already?"
She asks.
Caspian opens the door and gives his Princess a warm smile.
"Good morning Princess!"
He says.
"Can we have breakfast now?"
Bran exclaims behind Caspian.
"Okay, let's go downstairs and I will see what I can whip up for you for breakfast."
Princess Aria invites both rangers as she goes downstairs ahead of them.
"Isn't it embarrassing to let the Princess serve us breakfast?"
Caspian tells Bran in a whisper.
Bran merely shrugs as both follow their Princess in the kitchen.
"It's alright boys. Since you are on vacation with me, for now, I am not a Princess. Just call me Anna."
Anna assures them.
She starts frying eggs and some sausages. She also prepares pancakes. The two rangers watch silently as Anna busies herself.
"Popsie and Marmee will be back soon."
Anna predicts as she instructs Caspian and Bran where to retrieve the plates, cups and cutlery.
Caspian and Bran set up the benches outdoors and help Anna bring out the breakfast she prepared.
In no time, Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose are back and are delighted for their outdoor setup. They all eat quietly in contentment.
As they pack up the dishes, a gray van slowly approaches.
"It's Jo!"
Anna exclaims loudly, not taking her eyes off the van stopping in front of their house.
When the van door opens, Jo's face peaks out.
"Anna!"
Jo shouts, just as excited as Anna.
Jo alights from the van and rushes to her best friend's open arms.
"I missed you!"
Anna says almost in tears from happiness upon embracing Jo.
"I missed you more."
Jo retorts back.
From the van, Mark and Olivia Daniels emerge.
"Liv, Mark, welcome back."
Marmee Rose approaches the couple then embraces Olivia.
Popsie Reed shakes Mark's hand in greeting.
"Have you had your breakfast yet?"
Popsie Reed inquires.
The couple nods.
"Jo insists on going here first. We have to go to Lila's house for our keys."
Mark replies.
"We shall leave Jo here for now."
Olivia informs them as she observes Jo with Anna and her friends.
"Anna, introduce your friends first."
Marmee Rose reminds Anna who has totally forgotten the introductions in her excitement.
Caspian and Bran walk towards Jo's parents and offer their hands for a shake.
"These are Jo's parents, Uncle Mark and Aunt Liv."
"These are my friends, Caspian and Bran."
Anna says politely.
After the formalities, the young group returns to their chatting.
"Well then, let's meet up at your house later and we can help you unpack."
Marmee Rose volunteers as they continue where they left of in their conversation.
"Then later, the four of us can have some adult time in town. We can hang out at Sally's. Harry and the rest are all excited to see you."
Popsie Reed has everything planned already.
"Well, see you later then."
Mark agrees.
"Jo enjoy your stay here honey."
Liv hollers to Jo as they ride the van once more.
When the van is out of sight, Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose join Anna and her friends.
"Jo honey, nice to see you again."
Marmee Rose says.
Jo walks up to her and gives her a tight hug then does the same with Popsie Reed.
"So, who's ready for camping night?"
Popsie Reed asks all hyped up.
The others cheer in approval.
*****************
Jo sits on the swing totally enjoying it like she is still a little kid. Anna stares at her best friend very pleased that her surprise is just what Jo would like.
It is already mid afternoon. Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose left after lunch to head for Jo's house.
Caspian and Bran are inside Anna's house arguing about how much food to bring for their camping later.
Anna laughs with her best friend over-hearing the two boys from across the street.
"We are not going away to some long range mission!"
That is Caspian's voice.
"Fine! Just don't ask for extras from me when you have finished yours!"
Truly Bran's words are full of threat.
"Boys...huh?"
Jo comments lightheartedly and laughs with Anna once more.
"So, you and Caspian are really good together. "
Jo states.
"You really think so?"
Anna asks, just to confirm her best friend's approval.
"I think he likes you a lot and will protect you with his life."
Jo replies in all honesty.
"Very fairytale like..."
Anna points out.
"Are you kidding me? You're a part of a fairytale coming true!"
Jo reminds her.
"I totally missed your words of wisdom Jo. I am so glad you're here. I love you my friend."
Anna says emotionally.
Jo merely smiles and starts swinging again.
*****************
Finally, Caspian, Bran, Jo and Anna are hiking on the all too familiar trail. Each one is carrying their own camping pack.
Anna and Caspian lead the way while Jo and Bran are behind them.
Even Jo is being entertained by Bran's antics. From the time the two met, Bran goes nonstop in trying to make Jo laugh.
"I think your best friend stole Bran's heart."
Caspian warns Anna humorously.
Anna looks behind her. It seems Caspian is right. Bran has been monopolizing Jo's attention. Anna grins imagining if these two would work out as a couple.
The sun has fully set when they finally reach the spot intended to be their campsite. The stars shine brilliantly replacing the sun. Even the moon is there to give them light.
The boys busy themselves setting up the tent. Popsie Reed got a big one so they could share it instead of having separate ones. According to him, it's more fun that way.
Jo and Anna start unpacking the food items so they can prepare their dinner. They chat animatedly about each other's stories so as to catch up after their long separation.
After Caspian and Bran successfully set up the tent, without magic, they decided that they need to build the campfire.
"Are you ladies going to be okay?"
Bran inquires.
Anna and Jo exchange meaningful stares.
"Are you insinuating something?"
Jo snaps back proudly.
"We know these woods since we were young!"
She adds.
"No offense ladies. Caspian and I will just gather some firewood so we will leave you alone a little bit."
Bran replies with both hands up as a sign of peace.
Anna and Caspian look at each other and laughs out loud.
"What?"
Jo and Bran ask at the same time.
"Nothing..."
Anna and Caspian chimes in reply.
Jo and Anna go inside the tent when both boys left. They continue their stories about each other. Anna insists that Jo should tell her more about her stay in Alaska but Jo feels it's a boring topic so mostly the conversation is about the fairy realm.
"Wow Anna. I wish I could see those magical things you have told me about."
Jo exclaims.
Suddenly, both girls sense some movement from outside the tent. They stop talking and listen once more.
"Caspian, Bran, are you back?"
Anna hollers.
Both wait for a reply...nothing.
"Hello...Stop fooling around boys!"
It is Jo's turn to shout, a bit annoyed by this juvenile prank.
Still, nobody replies.
Suddenly, the tent is ripped from the ground like some giant is pulling out weeds effortlessly.
Then both girls see scary creatures with big eyes staring at them when they are exposed.
Both girls scream then everything turn pitched black.