Chapter 20: Chapter 20

The days passed in a blur. The weather changed drastically as if on cue with the solemn mood at the camp – the temperature dropping down harshly. In the mornings, the sun hid behind pale looking clouds while it stormed at night. The students all hid their tents in the store while they slept at the main house. The next day didn't look any better. So for now, Mr. Cameron had ordered for the students to sleep at the house. Camp activities were stopped for now. Some of the students had fever which he attributed to change in weather. Mrs. Sana's main concern was that food was mysteriously disappearing. At first she attributed it to her clumsiness so she decided to write down the items she had taken anytime she did. Still, some would be unaccounted for. Mr Cameron was notified but said he had important things to take care of.

For Jameela, the enthusiasm she had at the beginning of the camp was far more than she had now. Everything was in a mess. Even her friends were worried and so were always moody. Hence, she took it upon herself to lighten the environment. Someone had to. Since morning, her mind had been in auto drive as she weaved and un-weaved the ways to lighten the environment. Her mind was set on a picnic far from camp. Staying in one place has made them sorta claustrophobic. It was as if they were the only ones in the world. If only there was another soul apart from them and the guides.

Another problem that had surfaced was Sir Rob. He was nowhere to be found. At first, they had blamed it on the poor road but now, it was obvious something had happened. Either he decided not to show up at all which was highly unlikely or something awful had stuck him.

The vibes around camp was so solemn hence Jameela's surprise picnic. She didn't even want to think about what would happen if things continued this way. She shook her head trying to remove the image her mind had conjured up from sticking to her.

She moved with precision, squinting at the hazy area in front. She didn’t have sunglasses on which was obviously a bad idea. The forest all around was still smoky due to the orchard Mr Cameron had set on fire to scare off birds last night. Whoever told him it was wise to set fire in a forest at night?

"Hey." She looked up at Mr Alessio who was leaning against a tree, throwing rocks. He was wearing a multi-coloured shirt and long pants. The top buttons were all opened showing his well-tanned and sculptured chest.

"Hey beautiful." They enveloped into a hug, the smell of his aftershave sending tingling sensations all over. This was the warmth she needed. She would never let go. Reluctantly, they separated and sat on a nearly stone. "I wanted us to talk since days ago, but well we couldn't after that horrible incident. So how are you?"

"Honestly? Then tired. Today hasn't even gone, but I'm already feeling exhausted." She blew out air. She felt she was the one with mood changes and not Mariyam. Though she couldn't blame herself. Since after what happened last year at an exchange program, she hadn't been the same. Anxiety was her constant state of mind.

"Preciosa, don't worry yourself. Look, I actually wanted to show you something. It might reduce the stress. Come with me." His accent was a little higher this time. He dragged her hand and off they went into the dense forest. Halfway to the big rocks on the other side, she heard the eerie, frantic squawks. She should have known by the way the smell punched her in the face that it would be bad. But there were often putrid scents in those hills covered with cow patties and snakeskins. However, she was preoccupied with his large hand against hers, enveloping her in warmth. After a few minutes, they stopped.

"Why are we here? I can't see anything." She inquired.

"Ah. Look, just over there." And then he lifted a couple of leaves to reveal a very beautiful and incredible scenery. The place was green and very wide. Various birds of different colours were singing. It looked just like a scene from a movie. When they arrived, she had heard birds chirping in the distance. This was probably where it was coming from, she wondered.

"I knew you would like it, mi amor. I discovered here when I came with the workers to set everything up. I just knew it was the perfect place for us." In her mind, she rolled the r, mimicking him, saying perfect. It was still not as perfect as his. Ugh. Stay focused, Jameela. She told herself.

"Wow. It's sooo beautiful, Ales. I love it!" She laughed out loud, not caring how she sounded, "Look. A canary bird. Aww. I love canaries. They are so cute. I think they're the smallest birds."

"The smallest? Are you sure?"

"Of course, they have to be. Just look at them. They can't get any smaller.”

Alessio wasn't convinced. "Well we're not sure, so..."

"I'm sure. It’s pretty obvious.”

“Well if we googled it we'll know the answer.”

“Then I’m glad we don't have any service.”

“Ah mi preciosa. You never lose do you?”

"Never." She giggled some more before turning towards him. “Thank you so much, cariño." They hugged, looking at the scenery in front of them. Then they ate the pastries he had made for them. They discussed their plans for the camping, which usually included sneaking out for her, since no one was supposed to know about the two of them. They planned to survey the area tomorrow and find their own secret place.

It sounded fun to her as she sneaked back through the backyard and went back to the swimming pool.

"Jams, where have you been?"

She jumped and whirled around. "Huh? Oh Nina, you startled me. Hmm? Oh. Yes. I uhm, just went for a little walk through the backyard after I had used the ba-bathroom. I really needed one. This place is great." She stammered.

"Yeah. It is." She eyed her suspiciously, "anyway, I wanted to ask if you have seen Peyton anywhere? I promised to give her my shades. She wanted to use it today."

"No. I haven't seen her. Now that you ask, I think I last saw her last night.”

"Ok. I will ask around."

Jameela laid back on a chair, wondering how terrible things would go if she was found with Ales. The sun was tepid, but they had put up a tent, so the area was cool. She felt warm inside. Her talk with Ales had invigorated her more. The anxiety was slowly dissipating. Thinking of the future often brought goose bumps all over her body. But sometimes she couldn't stop. Her mind drifted to a certain time in her life, when she felt so alone. Alhamdulillah. She would never go back to that. She shook her head to avoid the scene from replaying in her mind. Putting on her earplugs, she played Selena Gomez 'Star Dance'. Nodding her head to the lyrics which she had mastered so well. A sense of urgency made her glance behind her.

Drew was who she saw running towards her, eyes alight. "Jams, Peyton isn't here." Her heart stopped for a second.