Val walked to the Radman Lodge next to the dining hall. Val was glad that she would be the only one teaching the backpacking class. She didn't feel like putting up with other people. Sterling had agitated her enough already when she tried to offer him help. Pulling on the huge heavy wooden door, Val breathed in deeply. She could never get enough of the Radman Lodge. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of different kinds of wood. Even the chairs and tables in the lodge were made of wood. A room off to the left was encased by a giant hearth and more wooden chairs and tables. About five people waited in this room for Val.
She entered smiling generously, "Well, are all of you interested in backpacking?"
A mother of two small children nodded her head slowly while the small children zipped around excitedly, "Yes, we are!"
A young male teenager remained silent while an older man added, "My grown daughter loves backpacking. I felt I could at least become informed about it and well maybe go backpacking with her sometime."
"I'm glad to see so many of you show up. This is one of the biggest times in attendance I've had yet." Val took a moment to breathe and added, "So many people are not motivated to get out there and experience nature for what it has to offer. I'm glad all of you are thusly motivated! I promise to help you achieve these goals.." Val continued her long speech. Then, she retrieved her own backpack from her manager's office. She explained how to buy the best backpack and that every person needs a certain kind of backpack. Some brands work for some people; other brands work for other people. From there, she explained how to pack a backpack efficiently, wisely, and safely. "Never forget your first-aid kit," Val offered. After nearly two hours of instruction, the mother and her children left along with the teenager and old man. Val locked up the backpack and headed for the dining hall.
Val thought to herself, "Grrr..I'm Soup of the Day. I totally forgot. I'll just get it over with..."
She started promptly, "Okay, who's hungry?" Many hands rose and children screamed in response to Val's question. She continued, "I think we all can agree on that one. Let's sing the farmer's grace." One-hundred Radman staff joined in with Val and the few regular visitors to sing the farmer's grace. Val then finished with, "Enjoy your meal everyone."
Val looked hurriedly for a place to sit alone. She was so tired and exhausted. She valued her alone time these days. After about five minutes of solace eating the delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn, Val felt someone grab her and put her in the headlock. "Shit," Val thought and bit her lip from saying it outloud. Then she heard someone whisper into her ear very softly, "I will take you up on that offer of fighting you if you keep isolating yourself like this. No one wants you to sit alone. Especially me."
Val's brown eyes followed Kaden closely as she sat her plate down at the table and joined Val. Val didn't know what to do. She was immobile. Kaden said, "I'm eating with you Val. Is that okay?"
Val shook her head to revive herself. "Yes, I'm just shocked. Sorry, Kaden."
"No, it's okay. I care about you just so you know."
"Thank you. That means a lot to me." Val managed to smile at Kaden as she stuffed her face into a chicken leg.
Kaden giggled at Val. Val then said with a mouthful, "Now, why, you gotta go and laugh at me when I'm trying to be nice to you?"
Kaden shook her head and giggled even more.
Val put down her chicken leg and insisted, "What did I do?"
"Val, I'm not laughing at you first of all. I'm laughing with you."
"Kaden, you still didn't answer my question."
"Oh right." Kaden thought for a second and said, "You're just so cute when you eat. You are just really comfortable with yourself. And you don't care what other people think."
"Is that a good thing then?"
"Oh yes. I think it takes courage Val."
"Thank you Kaden." Val smiled brightly at Kaden and thought "Man, I'm liking this girl the more I get to know her..."
Kaden then said, "No, thank you." Kaden smiled just as brightly back at Val. The two finished their meals in silence just enjoying each other's presence. It was almost like they were communicating without words. They knew their time would come when they could ask each other whatever they wanted.
After they finished their meals, Val said, "Here give me your plate. I'll take it up." Val took care of both of their dishes. Kaden replied, "Thank you. Oh, is it time for you to do your Soup of the Day thing?"
"I suppose," Val said dumbly.
"I thought you liked doing it?"
"Well, when I have the energy."
"So, you're tired?"
"You nailed it Kaden." Val finished the short steps to the front of the dining hall and retorted, "Okay, I think you all are getting familiar with the drill. Please put your plates, cups, and silverware in the indicated bins. It looks like everyone is finishing up. So, for those of you newcomers to Radman, let me explain the next events that will take place. Rest hour is mandatory for all visitors and staff. You don't have to rest. Rest means be quiet. Please do not bother others that are sleeping. After rest hour, you are welcome to do whatever you please. The swimming hole will be open as well as other activities. The difference in this activities compared to this morning is that these activities aren't tutorial-like. You go there, try it out, and basically get a feel for the activity. It's kind of like a teaser. Everyone got that?"
Various people nodded their heads. Val then finished with, "Okay, to our cabins for rest hour. You may all leave now." Globs of people left the dining hall trekking towards their cabin. Rob signaled for Val to walk towards him. Val dodged tables and chairs to get to him.
"Val, you seem out of it today."
"Is it that obvious?"
Rob took a deep breathe in and out. "No, it's not that obvious. You are just an honest person and well so open when it comes to your feelings. I know you in a way most of the staff do not know you.
"How so?"
"Come on, Val. Think. I favor you."
"Right. Well, you don't have to do that. I wouldn't want the other staff members to get mad at you or me."