Journey To You Page 9

  Paige met Peri’s eyes and nodded.

  “I’m taking consolation in the fact that none of us is alone anymore.” Peri squeezed Paige’s hand before releasing it. “I hope…

  All eyes turned toward Kim when she groaned.

  Chapter Twelve

  “SHE’S BURNING UP, PAIGE.” Peri wiped Kim’s face with a damp cloth. “I think we need to get that temp down. Can you rinse out this cloth? I’ll get her shirt off.”

  Kim opened her eyes. She had a goofy smile on her face. “I’ve been trying to get you to take my shirt off for weeks.”

  As Peri unclasped Kim’s bra and slipped it down her arms, Paige returned with the damp cloth.

  “Oooh, a threesome!” Her head slumped against Peri’s chest.

  “Thank goodness. Let’s wipe her down and then we’ll cover her so she doesn’t get pneumonia.” Peri shook her head. “If she remembers what she said, she’ll be mortified.”

  “It could be fun to tease her about it.” Paige took the clothes from Peri. “Let’s change her shirt too. This one’s damp.”

  “Maybe her fever broke.” Peri checked Kim’s forehead. “She still feels warm to me, and she’s shaking. Should we sandwich her to keep her warm?”

  “Let me take the outside. I’ll have to take Murdoch out to do his trick soon.”

  “Trick?”

  Paige chuckled. “Yeah, do his business. Go to the bathroom.”

  “Oh, duh. Ok.” Peri climbed on one side of Kim, and Paige took the other. It seemed natural for Paige and Peri to grasp each other’s hands across Kim, as they closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  “Oh my God! I must be dead. I know I’m in heaven. I open my eyes and find myself between two hot women.” Kim struggled to wiggle her arms free from the sleeping bag. “Not that I’m complaining, but if I don’t sit up and get some air, I might die of heat prostration.” She covered her face with her arm as she sneezed then sniffed. Speaking through a plugged nose, she said, “Ugh. Did either of you get the tag number of the truck that ran me over? I feel like crap.”

  Paige and Peri wriggled out from under their sleeping bags, stood, and stretched. Each extended a hand to assist Kim to her feet.

  “I’ll risk stating the obvious,” Peri said. “You were so sick yesterday. I’m glad you seem to be feeling better this morning.”

  “I may live.” Kim looked from one to the other. “I guess you’re going to tell me that hot dream I had, that the three of us, um, you know…” She looked at her feet. “You’re going to break my heart and tell me it wasn’t real.”

  Paige gently poked Kim in the forehead. “Oh, it was real all right. A real fantasy.” She laughed. “Come on, you pervert. You need some hot tea and something to eat. You’ll feel better.”

  “You can’t blame a girl for dreaming,” Kim mumbled, as she shuffled over to sit on a stump.

  “I’ll get breakfast ready.” Peri looked to Paige. “We’re going to have to find some food soon.”

  They shared the last of their breakfast food and tidied up the camp.

  Paige stood up and fished through her pack. She pulled out the expandable fishing rod before removing her pistol from its holster and handed it to Peri. “I’ll head in that direction and see if I can find a stream. If I do, maybe I can catch us some fish. Nobody has fished this area for quite a while, I’d guess, so maybe I’ll get lucky. I’ll take the bow and arrow. Maybe I’ll see some game if I don’t catch any fish. Keep your fingers crossed.”

  Kim returned to the lean-to and wrapped up in her sleeping bag. Peri sat down next to her friend. In a matter of minutes, Kim’s eyes started to droop, and she was soon snoring. Peri remained quiet and still, watching as a pair of squirrels skittered around the camp. She recalled Doris Hall saying squirrel was good eating. Wonder if I can catch them and surprise Paige?

  Peri searched behind the lean-to and spied an old wooden box. That should do. She got a tablespoon of powdered peanut butter from a bag in her backpack, reconstituted it, and spread it on a rock. Over the bait, she placed the box propped on a stick. On her way back to the shelter, she played out the string she’d attached to a stick. Thank God for all those Saturday morning cartoons I used to watch as a kid. Okay, I admit it. I still watch them. She smirked at the thought.

  Breathing shallow breaths, Peri watched the little grey rodent sit up on his haunches and sniff the air. It took less than a minute for the squirrel to approach from behind the box. It was then that she realized she’d positioned the box at an odd angle. It prevented her from seeing whether the squirrel was completely under the box. I’ll take my best guess.

  The squirrel was careful, unsure about the unfamiliar item in his environment. He approached, stuck his head under the box, and sampled the peanut butter. Peri tugged the string. The stick lodged firmly in a crack in the box and failed to collapse the trap. Instead, the box wobbled and thumped the squirrel on the head. The squirrel raced away, chattering raucously at the indignity he’d suffered at her hand.

  Shut up, you little bugger. You’ll scare the others away and wake my friend.

  He withdrew to a safe distance and watched her with a guarded eye, as she crept forward and reset her trap. She cut the string, shortening it by ten feet. The cut piece wrapped into a loop around her fingers, she approached the makeshift trap. Peri placed the stick, with more care this time, away from anything that would prevent it from dropping as it was supposed to. Flat on the ground at the end of her tether, string looped around her fingers, she waited for her nemesis to approach. Her eyes fixated on him as he sat statue-like at the base of the tree where he’d sought safety. He returned her gaze with unblinking, black eyes. Soon, they both turned their attention toward another squirrel approaching the box. One foot at a time, placed in front of the other, from around the back of the box, he circled to the front. He sniffed the loops of cut string she’d forgotten and then stuck his head under the trap to sniff the peanut butter. Her grasp on the string tightened as she prepared to yank it the minute he was completely under. He turned around, looked her directly in the eyes, and snatched the loop of string. He scampered away with his prize.

  Peri swore under her breath. The squirrel observing, as well as the thief, who she’d have sworn under oath wore a black mask across his eyes, were both chattering. To her, it sounded like laughter at her expense. Her screaming back muscles began to cramp, and she was about to pull the revolver from her waistband. A third, larger squirrel approached. As if on steroids, he aggressively strode over to the box and crawled underneath. She yanked the string. A short segment of his tail twitched as it protruded from beneath the edge of the box.

  Peri jumped to her feet and started a victory dance, arms raised above her head. “You little bastard! I got you,” she hissed.

  The box jumped into the air as the squirrel leaped against it. It took mere seconds before the box overturned and the squirrel raced away into the trees.

  She whirled around at the sound of Paige’s laughter. “What’s so funny? Think it’s easy catching these little rat bags? They are pure evil in a fur coat.”

  Paige stood at the edge of the campsite, her hand over her mouth. “Nothing’s funny.” She suppressed her guffaw and approached the box. After turning it over she sat on it. “I have only one question. Say he hadn’t escaped, and we now have him under here. How do we get him out?” Paige’s eyes grew wide when Peri pulled out the pistol.

  Shoving the pistol, handle first, toward Paige, Peri seethed. “You’d better take this. I’m not sure who I’m going to shoot first, you or them.” She stomped off to the edge of the campground and kicked a huge tree. “Owww,” she howled, dropping to the ground. Ripping off her shoe and sock, she rubbed her foot.”

  Paige trotted over. “Here, let me see.” She took Peri’s foot into her hands and with a gentle touch started to rub the injured toes.

  “What’s that smell?” Peri forgot the pain in her toes as the foul odor assaulted her sense
s. She wrinkled her nose. “Ugh.”

  “I’m sorry to say, it’s me. I slipped and fell into some scum along the bank of the stream. I’m afraid I’m a bit gamey. So, we’ve both had a challenging morning. I did catch some nice fish. If you can stand fish twice in a row, I think there’s enough for lunch and dinner. Will you accept my peace offering? I’m truly sorry I laughed.” Paige hesitated. “You, uh, you just looked so damned cute.”

  “Cute? Are you serious? I was in a murderous rage. You have strange perceptions, Paige.”

  “I know. Friends?”

  “Friends.” Peri stuck out her hand.

  Paige grabbed Peri’s hand. She pulled her into a quick hug, depositing a generous amount of slime on her clothing, along with the odor. Before she realized the purpose of the embrace, Peri felt the surprise of heat that centered between her legs. Then she inhaled. “Oh yuck. You stink and you’re spreading that slime all over me. I’m going to shoot you. Give me that gun back!”

  Paige laughed and jogged away, assured that Peri still had to put on her sock and shoe before she could give chase.

  Kim awoke feeling well enough to wash up and change her clothes. Peri heated some water for her. As penance, Paige washed all of their outfits and hung them to dry. She hauled water back to camp, and both she and Peri washed up for lunch.

  Following a satisfying lunch of grilled fish, Kim crawled back into her sleeping bag. Peri and Paige sat down to enjoy the tea Peri prepared for them.

  “I’m sorry I laughed at you.” She crossed her heart. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” Paige’s expression appeared sincere.

  “I know. In retrospect, I can see how you found it humorous. I’ll admit it. And I do forgive you for laughing. Now the fishy hug…the jury is still out on that one.”

  They laughed together.

  Paige sighed. She met Peri’s eyes. “It feels good to laugh again, doesn’t it? I like it when you laugh or smile. Your dimples show.”

  Peri tried hard not to respond with a smile. It was a futile attempt.

  Chapter Thirteen

  THEY REMAINED IN CAMP one more day, supplementing Paige’s catch of trout with the last of the ramen noodles for breakfast.

  “Reruns for dinner, ladies,” Peri announced.

  Kim wrinkled her nose. “I’m not complaining about the cooking, mind you. I’m simply saying that if I never see another protein bar or piece of fish, I’ll be a happy woman.”

  “I agree.” Paige stood up. “Kim, do you feel well enough to stay in camp alone, while we go see if we can find something else to eat?”

  “Sure.” The sneeze that punctuated her statement served to support her next comment. “I’m still not feeling well enough to carry my pack more than a few feet. I’d be lucky if I were able to keep up with you two without any additional weight.” She looked away. When she turned back, her eyes dropped and she focused on her fingers. “This bug took the wind out of me.” She glanced up, looking from face to face. “I’m sorry. I’m slowing us down.”

  “Don’t be silly. It’s not your fault you got sick.” Although Peri made the response, Paige wholeheartedly confirmed the sentiment.

  Once Kim was settled in her sleeping bag, they gathered everything they’d need for their foray into the nearby woods. Paige gave Kim her handgun. “Peri, let’s take your air gun with us. Pump it up and maybe we’ll find some game. I’ll bring the bow and arrow too. I used to be pretty good with one in my younger days.”

  “I’ll pray to Saint Melangell,” Kim said, propping her head on her hand.

  “Who is that?” Peri asked.

  “Saint Melangell is the patron saint for rabbits. I know her mission is to protect them. Maybe, this one time, she’ll make an exception and send us a couple of nice big ones.”

  Peri reached over and felt Kim’s head to assure that Kim wasn’t delirious. She glanced at Paige and shrugged. “Seems fine.”

  “I’m fine. Now go. I need my beauty sleep.”

  ***

  They hiked back to the snowmobile trail. Peri stopped at the edge of the forest. “Which way do you want to head?”

  “I explored a little in that direction yesterday. I noticed a small trail leading back into the woods on that side, about a quarter of a mile up that way.” Paige gestured in a northward direction. “Want to see what’s there?”

  “Lead on.”

  A short walk later, they headed off into the woods on the path Paige had mentioned. The climb was steep and the trail showed no sign of recent use, so they forged forward with normal caution. Murdoch walked ahead, sniffing the trail, his tail casual.

  The path narrowed, as they climbed to the high point on the hill. “How about a break?” Paige gathered their weapons and placed them near their gear. Paige surveyed the area below them and pointed. “Look over there in the clearing. What’s that?” The sun reflected off what looked like black glass. “Solar panels?” Beyond the steep, tree-covered embankment, they could see the roof of a cabin nestled in the trees. A small creek wound its way behind the small home and outbuildings.

  Peri moved closer to the edge and stood on her toes, trying to see what Paige was talking about. As she opened her mouth to speak, the only sound she made was a squeal as the wet ground gave way beneath her. She landed hard on her butt. As she started to plummet down the hill, Peri reached for the only thing available to stop her slide down the steep slope, Paige’s ankle. Peri’s momentum pulled Paige from her feet. They both slid downward until they came to a sudden stop, when Paige grabbed some thick vines.

  “Are—you—okay?” The sentence came in gasps, as Paige struggled to maintain her grip.

  “I can’t get up. If I let go of your ankle, I’ll slide the rest of the way down.”

  Murdoch whined above them. “Murdoch, stay. Okay, Peri.” Paige dug her free heel into the soft ground, gaining a modicum of stability. “Can you reach my belt?”

  Peri rolled over and reached up. She grabbed a handful of Paige’s pants before reluctantly releasing her death grip on Paige’s ankle. Using her toes, she dug into the dirt and inched her way up Paige’s body until she got a firm grasp on her belt. “Got it.”

  “Good. Now, work your way up. Use me for traction and see if you can find a handhold above me. Then I’ll climb up using you.”

  Peri reached up and grabbed a fistful of Paige’s shirt. She pulled herself up until she was fully on top of Paige. She felt Paige’s free arm wrap around her.

  Paige’s hand was cramping. “Hold it right there for a sec. I need to get a better grip. Can you grab onto something?”

  Peri wriggled her way up Paige’s body and grabbed onto the small branches and vines Paige was holding. She dug her toes in. “Okay, I’ve got us.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes. Let go.”

  Paige sighed as she released her grasp. She shook feeling back into her hand, before she grabbed another handful of the vines. She tugged to be sure they were strong. “Okay, work your way up and grab a good grip as high up as you can.”

  Breast to breast with Paige beneath her, lips almost touching, Peri couldn’t help herself. She started to giggle.

  “What?”

  “I’ll tell you later.” Sobering, Peri said, “Ready?”

  Paige took a deep breath. “Go.”

  “Turn your head so I don’t crush your nose.” Using her legs, she gripped Paige’s body with her knees and slid up her body until her crotch was at Paige’s breast level. “A couple more inches, and I can get a good grip on a sapling that should support us,” she gasped. “Then you can climb up me.”

  Paige grabbed a good grip on Peri’s butt and pushed her upward. She grabbed onto Peri’s belt to steady her as Peri reached up with both hands to grab the slender tree.

  “Okay. Got it. Let’s roll over. You turn to your left.”

  After successfully executing the maneuver, they were both breathing hard from their effort. It was Paige’s turn to chuckle as her face was at perfect crot
ch level on Peri. She released her grip on the branch and instead hooked her hands in Peri’s leather belt. “I hope you buckled this tight enough that you’re not going to lose your pants.”

  “Stop! You’re making me laugh. If we tell Kim about this, maybe we should leave out this part,” she panted. They rested for a few seconds. “If you can push with your feet, I think I can pull us up high enough that you may be able to grab the tree too.”

  “Let me dig my toes in.” Paige bent one knee and then the other, digging her boots into the dirt.

  “Right, then…on three. One, two, three.” Peri pulled, and Paige straightened her legs. They moved up the incline in unison about a foot.

  “Once more and we should be good.” This time, on three, Paige was able to grab the tree. Together, they pulled themselves to a sitting position on the crest of the steep incline. Paige stood and dragged Peri to her feet. She stepped back from the edge, pulling Peri with her.

  Peri fell into an easy embrace with the taller woman. Their eyes met, their mouths barely an inch apart. Peri was the first to break the spell. Stepping back, she started to brush the debris from her clothing. “Well, that was different. Thanks for saving my life.”

  Paige looked down at her hands. One was bleeding from the tears the branches and vines had made in her skin.

  “Let me see.” Peri took Paige’s hand in her own. “Oh no. We need to get that cleaned up and wrapped.”

  Paige patted Murdoch who was happier now that he knew Paige was okay. They made their way through the woods till they came to a path. Paige pointed to the trail. “Look, tire tracks. They aren’t recent though. There are some narrower ones too, maybe an ATV.”

  Ten minutes later, the path intersected a wider lane. Paige looked to her left and right. “This is wide enough for a car or truck. Should we pick a direction and see what’s at the end? If you’re uncomfortable, we can head back.”