Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 8

We actually didn't do much that day, we mostly sat around the campsite and listened to Chris, Geoffry, and Alice blab about pointless sh- Oh, wait, that's just me. I need to get at least one of my friends back. My brother would be a little bit harder to get back, so I think I'll try Alice first. I couldn't believe I was really thinking this, but I was afraid the only way to get Alice to snap out of Geoffry's spell would be to.... *gulp* make Chris and Geoffry closer.
That evening, we all sat around our campfire (in which Mister Wonderful had cheerily built). 
I smiled, "You know what? I think we should sing some campfire songs!" Half of me really wished this would work, half of me really didn't.
Chris and Geoffry started singing one of their stupid songs that they somehow both knew. "Sweet little bumblebee, more than just a fantasy! Dup-i-dup-i-doo la da! Dup-i-dup-i-doo la da! My heart skips a beat when you walk in the room...."
Crap, it was working. Alice smiled awkwardly and sat down next to me.
"Oh," She said, looking a little embarrassed, "I don't know that one."
Now Chris and Geoffry were taking turns singing. "I go boom boom boom you go zoom zoom zoom!" Chris sang cheerily. Gee, I wonder who picked the song! Geoffry, perhaps?
I glared a chilling glare at Geoffry as he sang, "You're my playboy, play toy, love you, my friend." 
Chris and Geoffry sang together, "I wanna be with you until the end!" Oh, please. Was there no other way to solve my problem? Their problem, actually. What were they going to sing next? 
"Hi, My Name Is Geoffry, The Creep Who Wants To Steal Your Brother"? Wow, that's a mouthfull!
Geoffry and Chris sang a few more songs that, luckily, Alice didn't know. My plan was working. I let it go on for a while, hoping Alice would get sick of them and come to my side, but I stopped the concert when they starting singing, "Milkshake" by Kelis.
I went to bed that night, eager for the morning to come so we could LEAVE THIS PLACE!!!! Oh, why did I ever agree to coming on this trip? Maybe it was that sad look on Chris's face when I said 'no'. Curse that baby face of his.


In the morning we packed up and got into Alice's Pinto to go home. I almost peed myself, I was so excited. Then I remembered that I was stuck with four and a half hours of Chris and Geoffry in a bite-size car..... and they would probably be singing.
After we had been on the road for about twenty minutes, I noticed that Alice was looking in the rear view mirror at Chris and Geoffry almost as much as I was. She looked sad.... almost left out. I tried not to grin to myself; My plan was working.
Alice and I looked in the mirror at the same time, seeing that Chris had his head on Geoffry's shoulder and they were holding hands. They were talking too quietly for us to hear, which is funny because Alice's car is so small that you would think you could hear a pin drop on the carpet.
"So...." I said kind of loudly, trying to make some sort of conversation, "Hey, Chris."
I turned around in my seat, beaming at Chris, who looked annoyed. Hmm... Now I didn't know what to say.
"What's your favorite color?" Crap, that was really the best I could come up with?
Chris raised an eyebrow at me and he let Geoffry put his arm around his waist. I clenched my teeth, but smiled tightly, "Mm? It's not a very difficult question, Chris. You're smart enough to have skipped a grade, you can answer this question."
Chris shrugged, "Blue? I don't know...."
I turned to Geoffry, resting my chin in my hands and fluttering my eyelashes, just because I knew it would bug Chris, "What about you, Geoffry?"
Chris looked really pissed and jealous. Perfect. Making Chris jealous hadn't originally been a part of the plan, but I figured if he got jealous, then he and Geoffry would just get closer. I hated making them closer, but it seemed to be the only way to get Alice back completely. After I had Alice back, I would try for Chris. No, I would get Chris back whether Geoffry liked it or not.
Geoffry blinked, "Um... My favorite color?"
I nodded, grinning and happy to have made Geoffry feel uncomfortable. Geoffry looked at Chris and then back at me and said, "Um.... I like blue, too. I-I guess I like green."
The smile faded from my face. Crap, green was my favorite. Time to change my favorite color.
I turned back around and said to Alice, "What about you, Allie?"
Alice glanced at me, looking confused. Chris was usually the only one to call her 'Allie'. "Um, I like pink.... and yellow."
I smiled cheerily and, taking notice that no one else had anything to say, starting singing loudly, "I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves, everybody's nerves!"
Chris, Geoffry, and Alice all sighed at the same time and I stopped singing. 
"Is something wrong?" I said stupidly.
Geoffry turned to Chris, grinning charmingly, "So, who exactly is this 'everybody' person and why does that song get on his nerves so?"
Chris started laughing and playfully slapped Geoffry's shoulder, "Oh, Geoffry! You're so funny!"
I didn't think it was that funny.
Alice chuckled and I involuntarily shot a look at her. I watched Chris laugh and I watched Geoffry smile. I must say, they were really cute together, but I didn't know why. What was it about Chris and Geoffry that made them so perfect for each other? They were nothing alike. I studied Chris's button-up shirt and knee-length khaki shorts, his perfectly combed light brown hair. I studied Geoffry's blonde dreadlocks and weird clothes. Like I said before, I don't care enough about Geoffry to really describe him, but let's just say his clothes were a lot more mismatched and a lot more skimpy than what Chris was wearing. Now, enough about appearance. They have completely different personalities! Chris is so pristine and modest and sweet and kind and lovable, while Geoffry is so.... Well, some people think he's sweet and kind and lovable, but he's not! Not in reality! As you know from the whole *shiver* speedo incident, Geoffry is not modest. They're just different. How are they together?
Well, I'm glad I had picked a mission as easy as getting Chris and Geoffry closer to each other. Breaking them up would be unbearably hard. I just can't get it through my brain how they are possibly together..... Have a made that clear enough?
I went on asking everyone weird, stupid questions. I kind of forgot my mission on and off throughout the car ride. Every time Geoffry would try to kiss Chris or put his arm around Chris's waist for more than a second or anything like that, I would do something loud and obnoxious to stop him (which, predictably, made Geoffry very frustrated and made me very happy. Geoffry did a good job hiding his anger from Chris, though). I tried to talk to Alice as much as I possibly could, discretely stealing her away from her conversations with Geoffry. I didn't mind if she talked to Chris. After all, they were best friends.
Alice also tried hard to get involved in conversations with Chris, which made my job harder because Chris spent all of his time talking to Geoffry.
After about three hours, when it was dark, Chris and Geoffry fell asleep. Chris had his head leaned on Geoffry's shoulder, which killed me a little to see him sleeping like that. That was how he would always sleep when we were little; With his head on my shoulder.
I started to nod off, but I promised Alice I would stay awake with her. 
We got home at about one in the morning. I took sleeping Chris from Geoffry's lap before Geoffry could do something stupid and romantic like carry Chris to his room. I said goodnight to Alice, who was taking Geoffry home (She's like that, always offering to do favors for people). Not wanting to wake up Mom and Dad, I carried my brother, who was sleeping peacefully, to his room and walked to my own. I collapsed on my bed, dog tired. 




And so dang thankful to be anywhere away from Geoffry.

Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 7

I had to do something about my exclusion. What if this lasted even after we were back home? There was one more day of our camping trip left and I was not about to let it go on like this. No way, that would never happen!

Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 6

Scowling, I placed a bowl in front of Alice, Chris, and Geoffry. 
"Yum!" Chris beamed, "Thank you, Angie!"
"Yes, thank you!" Alice said excitedly.
"Thank you, Angela." Geoffry said, smiling a sickeningly sweet smile. I sneered at him, but Chris and Alice were too busy killing their yogurt to notice (I managed to make Alice's vegan. Don't ask how, it was hard, but I didn't tell Alice that).
I sat down at the table with my own bowl of yogurt and Geoffry grinned at me, seeing my scowl. Chris looked up from his breakfast, "What's wrong, Angie?"
I shrugged, driving my spoon into my yogurt, "Oh, I was just thinking of some old show tunes I know. I don't know what made me think of this one, but something must have triggered it. Loathing! Unadulterated loathing. For your face your voice your clothing...."
Geoffry scowled at me, but Chris just smiled cheerily and said, "Oh, that's not an old show tune, that's from Wicked."
Chris and Alice spontaneously starting singing, "Popular! You're gonna be popular! I'll teach you the proper ploys when you talk to boys, little ways to flirt and flounce!" 
I sighed, stirring my yogurt as Chris and Alice frolicked around the table. They both stood behind me, leaning over my shoulder and singing loudly, "You're gonna grin and bear it, your new popularity! Laaaaa laaaaa laaaa laaa!" 
I slumped down in my seat. I hate show tunes. Geoffry just smiled at them like they were so cute. Of course he wasn't mad, Geoffry is never mad. How could someone so perfect get mad? I hate him. Someday, I should sneak in and cut of his dreadlocks one by one. That would make Chris happy. He may not show it, but I can tell that Chris hates Geoffry's dreadlocks, he's just too in love with the-
"Hey, Angie, thanks for cooking." Geoffry smiled sweetly and I snapped out of my trance.
Chris chuckled, "Oh, no need to thank her, I can cook better."
I scowled. Oh yeah, no need to thank the servant, she doesn't have any feelings. 
I hated this. What was I going to do? They were all turning against me, even Alice! Well, speaking of show tunes.... Cellophane, Mister Cellophane should of been my name.....

Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 5

I yawned, rubbing my eyes. Time for day three of camping, let's see how many of us would come out alive. 
I got dressed and unzipped the tent door, stepping out into the cool but sunny morning. The grass was green, the sun was shining.... something was wrong. Something bad was going to happen any second now, I knew it.....
Oh look, Geoffry is up already. I knew it, the world had that horribly wonderful Geoffry glow to it.
He noticed me and smiled, "Morning, Angie."
I smiled tightly, "Morning, Geoffry."
Geoffry smiled cheerily and said, "Is Chris up?"
I shrugged and he walked away. Hmm, weird guy.
Looking like he knew what he was doing, Geoffry walked over to Chris's tent and I clenched my teeth. Geoffry opened the tent door and kneeled down by Chris, gently shaking him. Uhg, he better not scare him to death, which I knew he would!
Chris opened his eyes and smiled at Geoffry. Oh, come on! No 'Oh my god what are you doing here'? Chris was supposed to be afraid of everything! What the heck, man?
Chris and Geoffry came over to the picnic table I was sitting at. Geoffry sat sleepy Chris down across from me, rubbing his shoulders like some stupid I'll-do-anything-for-you husband from a movie.... I will never again imply Geoffry as Chris's husband and I hope no one else ever does. I don't know why, but I just get a creepy vibe from that guy. Maybe it's the fact that he, as weird as it sounds, seems to touch Chris every chance he gets. 
Example: Just now, the morning just started and Geoffry has already put his hand on Chris's shoulders twice. On their first 'date' he kissed Chris. They are always holding hands. Geoffry always tries to put his arm around Chris's waist unless I find a way to interrupt. Things like that.
I wish I had proof that he did something bad so I could know why I was so suspicious around him, but I just can't figure it out. He's like the goony guy who plays the boyfriend of lovable main character's ex in all the movies. The guy that seems so perfect, but you can't help but hate him. But for some reason, I seem to be the only one who doesn't like him. Alice has been all over him ever since he saved her life, which was not entirely his doing (Hello! I was the one who pulled her out of the bog!) It's not like she's in love with the guy (oh god, I hope not!), she's just been worshiping him ever since the incident with the bog.
"Hi, Angie." Chris yawned, resting his head on his palms and putting his elbows on the table. 
I patted his shoulder, "Cute little sleepy Chris!"
Chris pawed at my hand, "Stop it, Angie."
I drew back, a little hurt that he would let Geoffry touch his shoulder but wouldn't let me do the same. Was I not his favorite anymore?
As I pondered this terrifying thought, Alice came and sat by me, "Hey, you guys..."
She smiled at Chris, "Hey, Buddy. Somebody tired?"
Chris answered with a muffled 'meh' sound and fell asleep right there. I giggled, my brother was so cute. But the smile faded off my face and I couldn't help scowling at Geoffry as he helped Chris stand up and said, "Do you want to go back to sleep? Here, I'll walk you back."
Chris nodded sleepily and they went back to Chris's tent (Geoffry's hands happily placed on Chris's shoulders). 
I watched Geoffry intensely, preparing to give him a don't-even-think-about-going-in-Chris's-tent look if he turned around. He didn't turn around, but he did sit by Chris as he quickly fell asleep. If Geoffry watching Chris sleep isn't creepy, then I don't know what is.
Alice watched me curiously as I clenched my teeth. She followed my gaze and said, "Hey, you okay, Ange?"
"Sure, Alice. I'm just fine." I said, standing up without thinking. I walked over to the tent and said loudly, "Hey, Chris! I'm gonna make yogurt, okay? You don't want to miss breakfast."
Chris's eyes shot open and he instantly sat up, a stupid, cute, excited grin on his face. Geoffry moved his hand, in which he had placed on Chris's shoulder while he slept angelically. 
"Yogurt? Really? Vanilla?" Chris said anxiously, his eyes shining.
I laughed, "No, Chris, I'm making strawberry yogurt. Of course vanilla! That's your favorite!" 
I smiled at my little brother as he punched the air excitedly. Yes!
I had brought my yogurt maker along so I could, well, make yogurt. I was making the yogurt for breakfast when Geoffry came up to me and smiled, "Hey, want me to help?"
"No." I said shortly. I didn't care if I sounded rude. Then again, I didn't mind if Geoffry jumped off a cliff.... as long as he didn't take Chris with him.
Geoffry recoiled, a little surprised. The smile returned to his face almost instantly, "Okay, good luck with that."
"Oh, I don't need your blessing." I said out loud, laughing a little.
Geoffry studied my face, "I'm sorry, what?"
I turned to him, pointing a spoon in his face, "Look, you better stay away from my little brother or else."
Geoffry blinked. I expected him to back down, but he just smirked, "Or what?"
I held up the spoon to him, "Or I'll make you wish you never went near him."
Almost, but not quite to my surprise, Geoffry put his face up close to mine and said, "I'm not afraid of you."
I held my glare and Geoffry smirked again, saying, "Chris is my boyfriend. We're a couple, and there's nothing you can do about it."
I didn't say anything and Geoffry laughed, "What are you gonna do? Beat me to death with that spoon?"
His smirk reminded me of Mouse the day she had joined the football team and put tampons in Chris's locker, that horrible I'm-gonna-take-you-down smirk. It reminded me of that so much that it was hard for me to stand my ground.
Geoffry turned around, laughing. He started to walk away, but he turned around and pretended he was going to throw something at me, making me flinch. He laughed more and walked off. 




What a jerk.

Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 4

Since everyone was kind of mad at me about the whole hike thing, I decided to let them pick our next destination. I was kind of shocked that they didn't pick staying at a hotel. Oh, wait, they didn't know about that hotel.... Shh, don't tell.
Geoffry suggested going to the beach a couple miles away from camp. We went, which seemed a little pointless. Chris can't swim and I knew Alice wouldn't wear a swimsuit, especially in front of Geoffry. She hadn't known him for very long and hated the idea of swimsuits in general (Ah, so modest).
At the beach, I sat in the water, enjoying the water and nice weather. I was kind of going to be swimming alone. I mean, Geoffry was supposedly going to swim too, but I don't care 
about him. 
Chris and Alice sat side-by-side in the exact same position in their lawn chairs. They both had on sunglasses and fashion magazines. Classic.
And then Geoffry came out....
My jaw dropped and I cringed. Oh no.... I knew it, I knew he was a creep. 
"Hey, Chris." Geoffry grinned stupidly. Chris looked up from his magazine and gaped at Geoffry, who was wearing a speedo. I would've cracked up, but I was in too much shock for that.
Chris's face flushed and he closed his eyes, "Um.... Hi, Geoffry."
Geoffry grinned more and Chris said, his eyes still closed, "Um, Sweetie? What... What are you wearing?"
Geoffry smirked at Chris, reminding me of Leo, "You like it?"
Chris's face reddened more and he tried to find a way to answer, "Uhhh......"
Alice glanced at Chris nervously, feeling sorry for him. 
Geoffry cocked his head to the side, "Where's your swimsuit? Don't you want to go swimming, Babe?"
I almost died laughing. Geoffry called Chris 'Babe'! Hahahaha- Wait. Oh no, he did not! I tried to be mad, but I was laughing too hard.
Chris blushed even more as Speedo Geoffry grinned at him. He took a deep breath and said, "Sorry, Geoffry. I don't swim."
Geoffry looked disappointed, but he soon smiled again, "Okay then, I can just come sit by you guys."
Chris opened his mouth to protest, but Geoffry sat down next to him, sitting really.... weirdly.
Chris's face was red as a red bell pepper now. He turned to Alice, smiling nervously, 
"Hey, Alice. Do you want to go get a pretzel?"
Alice shook her head, "No thanks, Chris. I had a big lunch."
Chris clenched his teeth, his eyes wide and desperate, "Hey, Alice." He repeated, speaking very clearly, "I bet you want to go get a pretzel, don't you?"
Alice glanced at Geoffry and nodded, making an 'oh' face, "O-okay, sure, I'm really hungry all of a sudden." 
Why is everyone I know so bad at lying?
Geoffry stood up along with them, "Oh, I like pretzels. I'll come with you."
"No!" Chris said suddenly, blushing at his own rudeness, "Um, I mean...." He laughed, "You don't like pretzels, Geoffry."
Chris tried as hard as he could to stay focused on Geoffry's face, but Speedos seem to have this awkward, unappealing spell....
Geoffry cocked his head stupidly and Chris smiled sweetly at him, "Good boy."
Chris patted Geoffry's head and turned to follow Alice to the snack bar. Geoffry sat down, but after thinking for a second, called to them, "Hey... I like pretzels. I should go get one."
"Oh, I'll get you one, Honey!" Chris called to him, clenching his teeth and blushing furiously. Geoffry came and stood by me, "Mind if I join you?"
I tried not to grimace and reluctantly shook my head. Geoffry splashed around stupidly in the water until Alice and Chris got back.
Geoffry went and sat down by Chris, taking a pretzel, "Thanks, Chris." He smiled stupidly and Chris smiled back a little. As awkward as the situation was, he still loved Geoffry.
They sat in silence for a while and I pretended to be playing in the water, but I wanted to see what would happen. I felt kind of heartless. Well, at least I have a good sense of humor.
Geoffry lightly grasped Chris's thigh with his hand and Chris whirled around in alarm, "What?"
Geoffry giggled, "That was funny."
What a genius. Great taste in men, Chris. He's a keeper!
Not much else happened at the beach. We went back to camp and we all seemed to forget the whole thing. Chris was instantly back to holding Geoffry's hand and chattering stupidly to him. Uhg. Well, I can't say it isn't better then Geoffry in a Speedo.




We survived two days of camping. Let's see how long we can go before we crack.

Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 3

I hoped day two would go better. It didn't, really. I woke up to Geoffry, Chris, and Alice, sitting on a long log and Geoffry was cooking vegetables over a newly-built fire. Oh, you have got to be kidding me....
I got dressed in my tent and walked over to them.
"Hey, guys." I said when they didn't notice me.
Alice looked up from the food, "Oh, hi, Angie."
I gestured to our breakfast, "Um.... Geoffry cooked?" I was fine with Chris and Alice cooking or me cooking....
Geoffry nodded sheepishly and Chris playfully slapped his shoulder, "Oh, don't be so modest! You did an excellent job, Honey!" Are you serious?
Not convinced, I sat down by Alice and picked up a skewer, biting into the vegetables. Oh my god! It was freaking delicious! I sighed, grinning stupidly. 
Geoffry beamed, "So, you like it too?"
I snapped out of it and said cooly, "Um... Yeah, it's okay."
Geoffry, Alice, and Chris spent the next forty minutes or so talking.... and talking... and talking. I sat only a few feet away from them, but they took no notice of me, they were too busy absorbing Geoffry's perfectness. I wanted to throw a rock at his head.
I stood up and said loudly, "Okay, Campers! I think it's a good time for some camping activities!" Chris crossed his arms, looking at me like I was crazy. Geoffry and Alice exchanged looks. Neither of them looked like they wanted to do any 'camping activities', but they didn't scowl at me like Chris.
I grinned stupidly, "Come on, let's go!"
Chris groaned, standing up and brushing off his shorts, "You sound like Dora the explorer."
"Yep, now come on." I said, already heading into the woods.
Alice nervously said from behind me, "Um, Angie?"
"Hm?"
"Where.... Where are we going, exactly?" She said quietly.
I shrugged, "I don't know."
I could feel three pairs of eyes on me. Chris's scowl, Alice's nervous eyes, Geoffry's awkward, confused expression. 
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Geoffry take Chris's hand. I really wanted to throw a rock at his head. I actually had one in my backpack, a big one, just in case.... Ha ha ha! I wouldn't do that.... But one can never be too careful.
I gritted my teeth, trying hard not to get mad. "Hey, how about we go on a hike?"
My friends (and Geoffry) all stared at me. "Are... are you serious?" Alice stuttered.
"Heck yeah!" I laughed, patting her on the back. "Let's go!"
We all had our backpacks, which was pretty stupid, but we did. Geoffry carried Princess Chris's backpack for a while, but Alice and I both carried our own.
After we were a few miles away from camp, it started pouring. We walked back, in the rain, soaking wet. 
We all sat, huddled around a campfire that Mr. Wonderful had made. I smiled, "Isn't this fun?"
Everyone glared at me, even Mr. I-Never-Get-Mad-At-Anyone. I shrugged, laughing nervously. Crap, now they were all gonna hate me. 




This was not as fun as I had hoped.

Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 2

We went straight to bed.... after I put up the tents, which added an extra hour. After making sure everyone was in their own tent, I collapsed. I was so tired, I fell asleep instantly.


Alice stepped carefully among the wet leaves and grass, the dew and dirt soaking through her slippers. She sighed, hating her situation. Alice held up the hem of her pale yellow nightgown, holding it above the wet, brown ground.
She soon stood in front of her worst enemy here; The outhouse.
Alice took a deep breath and pulled a tissue out of her pocket, using it to open the door. She cringed, the smell was awful.
Reluctantly, she stepped inside. She was about to sit down when she saw something move... Alice's eyes widened to an inhuman size as she stared at it....


I was sound asleep when I heard a blood-curdling scream. I bolted upright, ready for anything. I looked at my watch; 3:24 a.m. 
"Chris?" I said loudly, expecting he had done something stupid or had a nightmare, something along those lines.
I stepped out of my tent, pulling my hoodie on over my green pajamas. I picked up my flashlight and shined it around the camp grounds. 
Taking a lucky guess, I slowly walked over to the outhouse. "Hello?" I called cautiously. I walked around to the open side of the outhouse. The door was open and Alice was standing in front of the toilet, staring down into it. Well, that was kind of weird.
I stepped forward, "Alice?"
She swallowed and whimpered. I walked up next to her, shining the flashlight down the toilet. To my surprise, I saw what Alice had screamed at. A freaking huge rat was inside the toilet! I couldn't believe it, a rat!
"Angie? Alice?" I heard Chris say from the other side of the campsite.
Chris and Geoffry came over to us and Chris said, a concerned, tired look on his face, "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Shh." I said, not taking my eyes off the rat in the toilet. 
Chris and Geoffry followed my eyes, widening theirs. Chris pointed to the huge black rat, "I-is that... a... a..."
Alice swallowed, her eyes wide, "Yes, it's.... a rat... in the toilet."
Geoffry grimaced and glanced at Chris. Seeing his freaked out expression, Geoffry and I both reached for Chris's hand. Geoffry beat me to it, which pissed me off, but I tried hard not to show it. Good luck with that.
"Back away slowly...." I said, taking a few steps back. Alice, Chris, and Geoffry all did the same. 
Suddenly, all four of us fell backward. A chorus of screams arose as we fell into a small bog that we hadn't noticed in the dark. We all flapped around frantically, trying to keep as much of our bodies out of the mucky water as possible. I didn't even think about myself, my first thought was Chris. He can't swim.
I broke from the surface, looking through the water for my brother, panicking. 
"Chris!" I yelled, getting a kick of panicked adrenaline. I heard coughing and whirled around. I couldn't believe my eyes, Geoffry had pulled Chris out of the bog and brought him to solid ground. I didn't know whether to be grateful or kick his butt for saving my brother before I could.
Geoffry had Chris sitting in his lap and he was patting his back. Chris coughed up the grossest water I had ever seen and I felt bad for him. Suddenly, I remembered Alice. Oh god, Alice!
I looked around frantically, my head refilling with a feeling of panic. I saw bubbles, oh god. Without thinking, I dove under the water and felt around. My hand brushed against something; fabric. 
I pulled on it hard and brought it above water. I had grabbed onto Alice's nightgown. 
I pulled her up onto the ground and flung my arms around her, "Oh, thank God!" I cried.
She was out cold. Oh, please, no.... 
Alice's skin, hair, and clothes were covered in brown muck. I didn't care, I was covered in it too. I put my ear against her chest and grasped her wrist, feeling for a pulse. 
"Alice! Come on, Alice, wake up!" My voice cracked as my brain went over the worst case scenario.
Chris opened his eyes and he noticed us. He gasped and ran over to us, "Alice! Oh god, Angie! What's.... what...."
I shook my head, "I don't know...." I felt completely helpless, I didn't know what to do. Tears welled up in my eyes and I fought them back. 
She's not dead, Angie... I thought, trying to comfort myself.
Geoffry stood up and walked over to us, gently taking Alice's limp form from my arms. I was hesitant to let her go, but I didn't know what else to do.
Right there in front of us, Geoffry pushed hard on Alice's stomach a few times and she started coughing up murky water. Chris and I sat in front of them, shocked and horrified. Tears fell from my eyes with relief, even though that was probably the grossest thing I've ever seen.
Alice sat up and coughed more. She opened her eyes, looking at us blankly. 
As if it had all came back to her suddenly, Alice's eyes got wide and she threw her arms around Chris and I, sobbing. We patted her back and said things like, "It's okay, you're alright."
Geoffry stood a few feet away from us awkwardly. Chris noticed him and excused himself from Alice. He stood up and walked over to Geoffry.
"You... you saved my life." Chris said, smiling in awe at Geoffry. Oh, please! I could've done that.
Geoffry smiled sheepishly, "Um, yeah. I did."
Chris smiled and threw his arms around Geoffry, "You saved me! A-and Alice, too!"
Alice looked confused and her face lit up in surprise. She too ran over to hug him. 
Make me throw up, please do.
Alice and Chris started babbling to Geoffry about how great he was and I half wished he had drowned in the bog. But maybe I should be thankful, I thought, I mean, he saved my brother and my best friend. I should be happy. 
I stood a few yards away from them, feeling uncomfortable. 
Alice then realized that she was covered in thick, mucky grime. 
Seeing her look at her nightgown in horror, Chris put his arm around her shoulders, "Don't worry, Honey. We'll get you cleaned up."
Alice swallowed and nodded slowly as Chris and Geoffry escorted her to a nearby park building. They left me standing by myself, like I was invisible. 
My heart sunk. How does that song go? Cellophane, Mister Cellophane, should've been my name, Mister Cellophane.... 
I felt like tying stones to my legs and letting myself sink way beneath the surface of the bog, forgetting this stupid place.
Miserable, I dragged myself to the park building.




I hate this.

Cool With A "K" PART 17 - CHAPTER 1

Chris came and sat down by me on the living room couch, "Hey, Angiiieee!" He said, smiling and handing me a glass of orange juice. He wanted something.
"Just spit it out, what do you want from me?" I said flatly.
Chris let out a breath and said quickly, "Geoffry invited me to come with him on a four-day road trip with him over break, can I go pleaaaaaseeee?" 
Oh, hell no. 
Chris bit his lip and waited for me to answer.
I almost choked on my orange juice and I said loudly, "What? No! Oh no! No."
"Why? Please?" Chris begged.
I shook my head, "No way, little brother, too dangerous."
Chris snorted, "Dangerous? Seriously, Angela, you have the wrong idea about Geoffry..."
"And what if I don't?" I snapped, "You can not go on that road trip, Chris!... Not by yourself."
Chris's eyes lit up. Uh oh. "What? Does that mean- does that....?"
I gritted my teeth, "No, Chris. I am not going with you! Not!"


"Come on, Angie! Don't take so long!" Chris leaned over Alice's shoulder and beeped the car horn repeatedly. 
"Chris, stop that!" Alice said, gently pushing him into the backseat.
I opened the front door, my backpack slung over my shoulder. I dragged my feet as I walked to Alice's car as slowly as I could. Alice, Chris, Geoffry, and I were going on a road trip over spring break. I had insisted on taking Alice with because I couldn't babysit Chris and Geoffry without her. Plus, I was not going to ride for four and a half hours in Geoffry's crappy Maverick. I don't know why I trusted Alice's million-year-old yellow Pinto any more, but I just did.
I reluctantly got into the passenger seat, next to Alice. Chris and Geoffry were sitting in the back seat, holding hands and blabbing about how fun this was going to be! Chris was dressed in a powder blue button-up with the sleeves rolled up, khaki shorts, and completed oh so fashionably with a pale pink bandana tied around his neck. What a dweeb. Geoffry was wearing.... Well, I just don't care enough to describe him.
I know we seem a little young to go a road trip without adults, but there's four of us, what could possibly go wrong?


We had been on the road for about thirty minutes and I was already fidgeting. I glanced at Chris and Geoffry in the rear view mirror; They were talking quietly and giggling. Geoffry leaned toward Chris, like he was gonna kiss him...
I clapped my hands together loudly and said cheerfully, "Well, I think it's about time for some road trip songs, don't you?" I laughed stupidly, hoping no one heard my sigh of relief as Geoffry backed off. Chris was looking at me like I was an idiot.
I laughed again, "Come on, let's sing!"
"Angie, are you sure this is a good..." Alice said quietly.
"There was a farmer who had a dog and Bingo was his name-o!" I started singing loudly, sounding like a total moron. 
"B, I, N, G, O...." My voice trailed off as I looked around at everyone. Alice was glancing nervously at me, but keeping her eyes on the road. Chris was looking at me anxiously, looking annoyed. Geoffry just looked confused.
Chris sighed, "How about not that?"
After a slight pause, Chris started singing Tik Tok by Keisha, Alice and Geoffry joining in.
I groaned, "Chris, that's such a stupid song. It's just about some girl getting drunk and partying all night."
They all stopped singing and Chris thought about this, saying, "You're right, Angela. Do you have any suggestions? Rock-A-Bye Baby? Kumbaya? 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall?" 
He was making fun of me.
I laughed nervously, "Oh, you know that one song.... na blah blah hurts to know the truth, beneath your perfume and makeup..." I sang, looking at Chris in the mirror and saying sharply, "You're just a baby in disguise.... is that how that song goes?"
Chris scowled at me, "I know what you're doing! Just drop it, Ange! He's not like that!"
I turned around to face my brother, "Oh, please! You don't know anything!"
"Why do you have to be like that, Angie?"
"You're like that too sometimes!"
"Leave me alone!"
"Oh, you couldn't last a day without me!"
"Of course I could! Just let me have my own life!" Chris yelled at me.
I laughed hollowly, "You sound like some stupid teenager! Oh, wait- You are some stupid teenager!"
We started screaming at each other and Alice yelled over us, "GUYS! STOP IT!" That got us quiet, Alice doesn't yell much.
"You guys, just.... stop." Alice said, "We haven't been in this trip for an hour and you're already fighting. Come on, you're never like this."
We sat in silence for a while after that.
Chris said softly, "I've learned a few Beatles tunes. Everyone likes the Beatles, right?"
"No." I said flatly. He either didn't hear me or just ignored my comment.
Chris started singing All My Loving. Geoffry and Alice joined in, "Close your eyes and I'll kiss you, tomorrow I'll miss you. Remember, I'll always be truuuueeee...."
I slouched down in my seat, hating the song choice and regretting ever saying yes to going on this stupid trip.


It had been almost five hours and Alice said, "So, Angie, where do I turn now?"
I pointed to the left, "That way."
She turned the way I pointed and we came to a foresty area. 
"What now? Do I turn around-" Alice said, but I interrupted her.
"No! Just go through there." I said. Everyone turned to look at me.
"What?" Chris said, "In the forest?"
I laid back in my seat, "I know what I'm doing." I grinned to myself and Alice reluctantly steered the car into the forest.
We came to a sign that said, Brown Toad Campgrounds. What an appealing name.
"Oh, oh! Turn here." I said excitedly.
Alice did as I told her and we came to a gravel parking lot. Chris and Geoffry exchanged a look and I grinned.
"Okay, here's good." I directed Alice and she parked.
We all got out of the car and Chris put one hand on his hip, the other shading his eyes from the sun. "What is this place?"
I pulled our bags out of the tiny trunk of Alice's Pinto, "Campgrounds!" I said enthusiastically.
All three of my companions looked at me questioningly. I said, "Wait- none of you guys have ever been camping?"
"Well, I have," Chris said, "In second grade, Cub Scouts."
"Oh, I remember that..." I said, feeling a little guilty.
Chris nodded, "And that kid put that raccoon in my sleeping bag..."
Alice and I snorted. Of course, Mr. Wonderful didn't. He just looked pitifully at Chris, feeling sorry for him. The sap.
Alice said, "No, I've never gone camping."
Geoffry shook his head, "Me neither." 
I laughed, "Well, then! Here's your chance! The great outdoors...." I said cheesily, "Sitting under the stars, sleeping in four separate tents...." I tried to make the last part very clear even though I didn't think anything that bad could....
I turned to face them, beaming, "Go to the bathroom in the woods!"
All three of them gasped and I said, "I'm kidding. There's a outhouse."
Alice swallowed, "An... outhouse?"
I nodded excitedly, "Yeah!"
They didn't look too excited. 
I nodded enthusiastically, "Come on, let's go find a place to sleep!" I ran off into the woodsier area at the edge of the cheap parking lot.
Chris gave Alice a I-can't-believe-you-let-her-do-this-to-me look and she shrugged. 
"Um... c-come on, Chris. Let's go with her." Alice reached for his hand and he rudely pulled it away, taking Geoffry's hand instead.
Feeling a little hurt, Alice slowly followed us.