Good girl, bad boy

CHAPTER FIVE; PART ONE

The students at Chestnut High School gathered at the parking lot as they waited to get into the gigantic school buses that were to take them to Livingstone city, the place that had been chosen as the camping site for the academic quarter. With some students absent, the school provided four sixty-four seater buses for the students to use on their trip, carrying both luggage and people. Emily, Eugene and Sue rushed into the first bus, occupying the back seat and securing their luggage. Emily was excited about this camp; she and Eugene were familiar with outdoor camping as they usually went to church camps once a year but this one was different and promised good memories. They were going to Livingstone city, a place filled with tourist sites and the home to the renowned and beautiful Victoria Falls.

"This is the first time I have felt happy to be at Chestnut High School" Wang Sue said. She was as excited as Emily, chirping uncontrollably as the bus started moving and the cheerleaders began their cheerleading slogans, bringing excitement to the journey.

"What about me? Aren't you happy to be at Chestnut High School because of me?" Eugene asked, clearly jealous.

"Oh my...look at you being jealous of an intangible thing" Emily laughed at him. " It's not like the school is going to snatch Sue from you." Eugene felt embarrased, brushing through his hair awkwardly and making Sue giggle and blush.

"Everything is awesome!" Wang Sue couldn't hide her excitement, attracting the wrong attention.

"Hey Sue, why are you so excited? It's just a camp!" Adam jeered. "Just sit down quietly."

"Get a grip, Adam. You can't talk to her like that" Eugene's temper was flaring; and noticing that, Emily exchanged looks with him, shaking her head in reproach.

"Tell her to sit quietly." Werner joined in, surprising everyone. Adam and Werner never got along but, considering how sardonic the latter was, he was bound to disagree with anything and anyone.

"Even Werner agrees with me"

"I didn't...I just don't like trouble" Werner told Adam bluntly.

"You shouldn't stop tyros from expressing their joy, you know. This is the first time Wang Sue is attending camp. You can't blame her for having been at a boring school with no class and money" Kendall suddenly chipped in, unveiling the skeleton of hidden sarcasm. Emily turned to her, displeased, glowering at the former. She knew why Kendall was suddenly being cold and vicious towards Wang Sue after all.

"My mother says, it's useless to attend good schools when you yourself aren't good in character" Emily remarked hoping to silence Kendall. The latter chuckled, tilting her head skittishly.

"What's the point of being good when you have everything you want on a platter. It's only people that don't have money that think that way; goodness is their only prized possession, don't you agree?" Kendall shamelessly said as Eugene stood up, getting ready to confront her but, Wang Sue stopped him, gently placing her hand on his wrist. Eugene wasn't going to oblige but, looking into her pleading eyes, he softened. That was Sue's charm; innocence and meekness.

"This is supposed to be a beautiful experience for us. Let's not ruin it by getting involved in meaningless and emotionally detaching talks" she told him. Eugene nodded his head as he sat down quietly, taking her hand into his.

"Well, Sue is right; Eugene, I just can't wait to create wonderful memories on this trip." Emily whispered. Wang Sue pretended to yawn and leaned on Eugene's shoulder.

"I am really sleepy" she said, closing her eyes as she smirked, feeling exulted. Eugene smiled too, leaning back against his seat. He closed his eyes too, lost in reverie of things he wanted to do with Sue during the camp.

The journey to Livingstone city finally came to an end after a long six hours of non-stop driving. The students got off the bus and lined up in front of their supervisors. Mrs Poffert, Mr. Dan and another lady teacher, Miss Sarah had come along to supervise the campers and help them in case someone got ill or hurt. As soon as the roll call was down, Mr. Dan and Ms Sarah walked on ahead with the cooks, leaving Mrs Poffert to handle the clamoring students.

"Alright girls and boys. Follow me to the site!" Mrs. Poffert shouted, smiling wryly. "And carry your luggage only"

"We aren't filming a survivors series, are we?"Clara chipped in from behind.

"Yeah, what if boo bear wants to carry my bag." another girl added.

" Who said that?"Mrs Poffert asked, ready to verbally pounce on the delinquent.

"The scarecrow"Clara responded in a mimicry of Mrs. Poffert's voice as everyone broke into laughter.

"Clara...step forward please" Mrs Poffert said. She had taught the former in her tenth grade and gained familiarity with her style of trickery but, it was Werner who suddenly came forward, putting his hands in the air as though it was the Police he was facing.

"It was me!" He shouted. "I said it all."

"Oh, Werner. You should learn to mind your own business" Clara slapped his back as she approached him, standing beside him. "Go back to the back of the line."

"Ha!" Adam chortled as Werner returned to join the rest of the students.

"What's my punishment?"

"You will help the cook prepare dinner tonight."

"Easy peezy" Clara replied as she took her luggage and went on ahead, following behind Mr. Dan and Ms. Sarah.

"The rest of you, follow me!" Mrs Poffert said.

Kendall took hold of her case handle and wheeled her suitcase recklessly; and intentionally aiming at Sue's left leg, she collided her it with the latter's leg, injuring her. Sue yelped with pain as she bled profusely making Eugene rush to her side, helping her sit down; and taking a scarf from his backpack, he took hold of Sue's injured leg and tied it around her wound to stop the blood from coming out.

"Sue, are you alright?" He asked before turning to Kendall before the former could even answer him. "What exactly are you playing at?"

"It was an accident, Eugene" Kendall said before arrogantly walking away without apologizing. Her demeanor was cold, lacking remorse that everyone could tell she had deliberately injured Wang Sue.

"She did it on purpose!"Wang Sue remarked, whimpering with pain.

"Just let it go..."Eugene told her. "I will find time to speak to her about this."

"What's going to happen with the luggage now?" Sue asked, sulking.

"I will take you to Mr. Dan for a medical examination then come back for the luggage" Eugene said.

"I will wait for you to come back then" Emily chipped in.

"Good idea.." Eugene said as he piggybacked Sue. "Don't move from that spot, Emily."

"Just go on ahead.." Emily laughed, as she turned and saw Miles and Riley standing one ahead of the other in front of her.

"Hello..." Emily greeted them but Riley just walked past her ignoring her felicitations.

"Hello. Emily" Miles smiled warmly.

"All this luggage is yours? It seems you really prepared well for this camp" Miles added, teasing her playfully.

"Oh no. It doesn't belong to me alone. I'm waiting for Eugene to come and help since Sue hurt her leg."

"Since I can't carry the luggage for you, I might as well wait with you" Miles chortled, putting his camping bag down on the ground.

"Thank you, Miles. You are always considerate."

"I suppose that's why you like me." Miles laughed subtly.

"Who wouldn't like such a sweet person?" Emily flirted.

"I may start to believe you"

"You have no reason not to…" Emily told him. Although Miles often doubted her, she was usually sincere except a part of her heart lingered in someone else's possession. Miles and Emily chit-chatted for a while before Eugene returned, greeting Miles as he picked up both his and Sue's bags.

"Are you going to be okay, Emily?" He asked his sister, signalling to her camping bag. "I can come back and carry it…."

"Don't worry, I will help her." Miles told Eugene smilingly.

"Thanks, Miles."Eugene said before going on ahead of them. Miles put his bag on his back and carried Miles' bag in his hand as Emily rushed beside him, holding the other end.

"We can carry this one together" she beamed at him as their eyes met, lingering in each other's gaze.

"Let's go..." Miles later said, holding the other end.

Arriving at the campsite, Eugene mounted two tents on their chosen spot; one for him and another for the two most important girls in his life at the moment. Emily thanked Eugene, giving him a bowl of cereal as soon as he was done.

"Dinner will be ready…" she told him. "Eugene the Victoria Falls is near; can I go there some time…?"

"That wouldn't be a problem as long I come with…"

"Why would I even leave you behind?" Emily laughed, slapping Eugene's back playfully.

"Nowadays, you act like Ouss in boats; I can't trust you" Eugene laughed too.

"Don't be silly, Eugene."Emily told him, sensing sincerity in his words. "I am exhausted. I really need to rest"

"Go on. I will call you when dinner is ready" Eugene told her, relaxing too. After working so hard, he deserved a rest and with Emily sleeping in the tent and Wang Sue being treated by Mr. Dan, he had no reasons to fret.

Night came, bringing to life the songs of the crickets and owls. The students gathered in groups, each surrounding a campfire as the students from other schools came and joined in. Miles had invited Emily, Sue and Eugene to sit with him and later Riley, Kendall, Clara and the others came and joined them.

"How's your leg doing?" Adam asked Sue sincerely.

"It's alright; thanks for asking…"

"Camps are not for softies. You should have stayed at home" Werner chipped in.

"Werner please keep quiet" Clara sneered at him.

"Whatever you say" Werner replied blushingly.

"Don't do that with me" Clara warned him as everyone laughed. Miles picked up a blanket and covered Emily with it lovingly.

"What's with this vibe, you too?" Lucy scoffed.

"It's nothing that concerns you" Miles replied inconsiderately, flustering Emily. This was the first time she had heard him speak rudely to someone; she smiled looking at him with curiosity.

"Just how many things don't I know about you" she thought, eyeing him intently.

"What are you thinking about?" Miles asked her.

"Nothing…" She simpered.

Riley watched them, laugh and talk for a while with his heart fluttering with jealousy. He stood up about to leave when he heard a familiar voice call out his childhood nickname, Smiley and turning, he found himself being embraced by a pretty blonde haired girl, oozing with elegance. She had styled her hair in a fringe and the scent of her myrrh and Lotus perfume hit his nose, filling him with recognition as he let go of her, looking at her face.

"Jade!" He exclaimed in delight, chortling as he lifted her off her feet and swayed her around, making her giggle with excitement.

"It's really you!" He said finally letting her stand on her two feet.

"Smiley, you've become so handsome and strong" Jade remarked, caressing his face fondly.

"You've grown up to be a beautiful girl as well, Jade" Riley smirked.

Jade was Riley's childhood friend. He often spent more time with her than with his siblings but, she suddenly moved to Switzerland, leaving him all by himself. Jade was a pearl; precious and priceless to Riley and this was a fact no one could challenge. Jade turned to Miles, hooking her hand into his arm as he stood up to greet her.

"Miles Doyen, you're still the same grumpy old you, aren't you?" She said.

"Um, well.." he began before Emily spoke.

"He is as warm as a fire in the cold winter" she chipped in.

"Oh really? I guess alot has changed" Jade said. "And who might this pretty girl be, Miles?"

"She's Emily, my special friend"

"Special friend?" Jade laughed. "I was Riley's childhood special friend. I hope nobody replaced me"

"Time flies and things change" Kendall chipped in, looking at Emily suspiciously. Jade understood her statement, turning to take a proper glimpse of Emily, making her uncomfortable.

"Jade, I missed you" Riley interrupted her gaze as he helped her take a sit and sat beside her.

"Smiley, I missed you alot as well" Jade chortled in delight.

"What brought you back to Freedom city?" Kendall asked.

"Kendall, still as inquisitive and bitter as always" Jade said making everyone laugh. "I am with Palm Tree High School now; although the school isn't necessarily in Freedom city"

"Palm Tree? Do you know James?"

"How could I forget clusmy James? I met him at school. He's at the lake right now; you can go and see him if you want."

"Thanks Jade" Miles said before turning to Emily. She nodded, allowing him to go.

"Emily, we should also leave." Eugene said as soon as Miles had left.

"Are you leaving because of me?" Jade asked.

"Oh no. We have to rest in readiness for tomorrow's activities." Emily replied as she stood up.

"Oh, alright. I hope to see you again, Emily" Jade said making eye contact with Emily.

"We are at the same campsite, meeting is inevitable" Emily replied as she and Eugene helped Sue up, taking both her hand so she could walk with their support. Riley watched Emily leave, looking at her intently as Jade eyed him curiously.

"She is a beautiful girl" she told him.

"She's not my type" Riley told her hastily.

"Who's you type?" Jade asked out of curiosity.

"Shall we take a walk? You and I?"

"I missed those jolly good walks at night" Jade replied as she and Riley walked away. Kendall dusted her hands and stood up as well; and bidding farewell to the rest of the group, she hurried down to her tent.

James walked around the lake, removing his shoes so he could walk on the sand and feel it's pricking texture under his feet; and spotting James, he walked towards him. The latter was seated on a rock, facing the lake and gazing at the stary night sky, marveling at it's beautiful sight. Miles paused, watching his best friend and reminiscing over the past.

After James' departure, Miles hardly heard from him. His phone went unanswered and his text messages were hardly replied to.

"Perhaps, he doesn't want to see me" Miles thought and turned to leave. He accidentally stepped on an old dry tree branch, breaking it into two with the noise startling James.

"Who's there?" James turned, looking at Miles and since it was dark, he couldn't quite see his face clearly.

"Howard, is that you? I knew you would come" James added as he walked towards Miles, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Who's Howard?" Miles asked enviously. His best friend had probably replaced him and this is why he hardly responded to his texts messages or answered his calls. James recognised Miles's voice, abruptly letting go of him.

"Miles, you!" He blurted out. "I am sorry I didn't know it was you."

"James…" Miles said, placing his hand on James'shoulder. "Have you been well?"

"Yes, Miles." James smiled, taking a few steps back. " I am sorry I haven't contacted you much. School has been challenging..."

"Don't lie to me. School at Chestnut is even harder but, you still found time to hang out with me."

"Don't be offended, Miles. I just felt staying away from you would help me forget…"

"It seems we can never be friends again."

"It's all my fault. I am sorry..."

"Nonetheless, I am happy to see you" Miles smiled warmly making James' heart flutter as he glanced at him hypnotized. "At least, call me once in a while when you feel like it"

"Yes, I will" James said as he drifted back to reality. Miles smiled at him and turned to leave, taking steps forward weakly.

"Miles!" James called out to him, making him stop without turning to to look at his best friend. He had no right to keep appearing in front of James and reminding him of the past; and making a decision, he decided to walk on, leave James for good and let him move on but, the latter was too deeply engrossed in feelings of affection towards Miles. James charged towards Miles, abruptly hugging him from behind and catching Miles unaware. The latter was flustered, stiffening as his mouth fell open. He thought of pushing James off him but, he couldn't bring himself to hurt him again.

"I have always wanted to do this" James whispered with his head leaning against Miles'back lovingly. "I hope you won't be angry with me." Miles was quiet; and turning to face his best friend, he impulsely embraced him.

"I am sorry, James" he said, tightening his grip on him. "From now on, I won't selfishly appear and roll up your feelings for me"

"This hug? Is it the first and last?" James asked nervously, letting go of Miles.

"Someday, we will perhaps sit down and laugh about it" Miles said before leaving.

James sat down on the sand, distraught. How could he forget him now that he had felt the warmth of Miles' embrace?. He was about to fall over, onto the sand when someone held him from behind, embracing him gently as he sobbed.

"Howard…" James called, slipping his hands around his savior's waist. " Why did he have to come...?"

"Shhhh, everything will be alright" Howard told him. "Miles is right about one thing. Someday, the two of you will sit down and laugh about this when you're grown ups."

"I hope seeing him won't hurt this way" James said, sighing.