Its hot out. Really hot, and in more ways than one.
Epilogue:
This all started when your friend Becca got a crush on Kevin from work. So far her attempts to catch his attention ha not gone well. The
Kevin flirted back to a degree, but other than that this work crush had hit a wall.
That was until she overhead Kevin talking with Greg about going out hiking on the weekend. This was pretty normal since Kevin and Greg are always going out into the woods. Exploring, hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping, you name it and they probably do it. They could have been brothers if they didn't look completely different.
Kevin was tall about 6'2, skinny build, blonde hair, blue eyes and soft smooth features. You considered him fairly cute, but not to the degree Becca idolized him.
Greg however stood about 5'11 but with a more solid build. Lean and muscular with dark tattoos on his right arm. He had Dark hair, and hazel eyes. He sported far more striking features. Greg was also normally the friendlier of the two, and had shared a friendly conversation with you on more than one occasion.
Becca was desperate and asked you for your help, which you agreed too somewhat reluctantly. I'm guessing by what happened next that she had wanted to show him that she is his type of girl. As they discussed the details of the weekend plan across a table in the break room. She yanked you over, for what you assumed she had meant moral support and asked the pair of them if she could tag along.
They turned and stared at her for a second, then looked at each other in surprise. You knew why, last time they had tried to invite others to join them no one was even remotely interested. They were nice guys, but the idea of sloughing through the mud all day,camping at night, then having to get up to hike again wasn't very appealing to rest of your co-workers.
Not to mention that we would have to carry or make all our own food and none of the rest of our co-workers are real outdoorsie, so far no one had accepted to go out with them. So to have Becca ask flat out, must have been quite a surprise.
Once the shock passed however Kevin's eyes however lit up like i'd never seen and said "Of course! i'd love to have to come out with us, it would be great to have you wouldn't it be?" turning and looking almost desperate for to Greg to give his assent.
Smirking softly at his friend and turning to Becca he evenly said. "Of course, Rebecca you know everyone is welcome to tag along."
At this point Becca must have realized she had signed on to go into the woods alone with two men, who despite working with for over a year didn't know very well. If things with Kevin went badly it would be beyond awkward. So she quickly piped in "And Shari will come two!"
"I what?" you protested at being signed up without my consent. One pleading look from becca however and with my promise to help you reluctantly agreed to tag along.
"That way we can share a tent! Do you guys have an extra one?" Smiling ear to ear that she would at least have some company if things went south.
Kevin shook his head "don't worry about it though I've a huge tent, it fits up to 10 people it even has a partition if you ladies want some privacy."
It seemed reasonable enough if things got weird then we would each have a big portion of tent to escape too and a girlfriend to guard each others backs at night.
Day one
So the plans were made, the boys made us lists on what we would need to pack and reminded us to pack light, something which both of us took to heart but apparently forgot right away on what light meant. Becca unable to decide what to wear, brought a weeks worth of clothes for 2 nights, and you got carried away and brought twice as much food and water as we would most likely need.
The early the next morning the boys picked you both up and drove out into the country, a few unmarked dirt roads later we reached a dense forest trail where the road stopped. Parking and locking up, we geared up and set off down the trail without a hitch. The conversation so far had been spent for the most part complaining about work.
The hike was pleasant enough at first, the boys set what they called a "slow pace" as we headed down the grubby trail, until it started to widen and everyone stopped at edge of a dense forested area. The boys checked their bearings and headed off with Becca and you in tow. Normally you would enjoy a good hike but this was just amazing. The wildflowers were blooming along the trail and you even found a patch in the most beautiful shade of purple. Picking one gently and bringing it to your nose you let it filled the air with a soft fragrance mixed in with the clean untouched earthy smell of the woods. The crisp scent staying with you as followed up the trail and through the brush, it was invigorating.
After about an hour however, the over packing started to take its toll. The straps of your backpack started digging into your shoulders and your feet where killing you. You stopped enjoying the lush scenery, distracted by the pain and discomfort. The heavy burden causing you to lag behind and wishing to god you had packed lighter.
Noticing your slowing pace, Greg fell back, into step with you and smiling offered to carry your pack.
"Are you nuts, you can't carry two packs at once." You replied bluntly. Stubborn need for independence made you reluctant to relinquish it.
"Actually its no trouble, I train at home with twice the weight I normally bring, with your pack it won't be more than i'm used too. He explained.
"Besides you look like you could use a break" he said, giving you a steady knowing look.
You noticed for the first how his hazel eyes shifted in the light, appearing a different shade every time he would blink. The effect was dazzling and you paused for a moment to take it in before finally responding.
"Are you sure?" you said still reluctant to give up the pack despite the fact it was killing you.
"Absolutely, I promised you two that we would have a good time, you won't have one if your in pain." he said matter of fact.
"Well, okay but just for a little while." handing over the pack and letting Greg sling it over his own. "Becca is gonna think i'm wimping out" You complained aloud causing Greg to break out laughing.
He leaned in and said quietly so no one else could hear. "I doubt it, while you were picking that flower I saw her putting all her supplies in Kevin's pack. She is only carrying her clothes now I think." his eyes glimmering in amusement.
