Page 64 of I Wish I Would've Told You

One of them smokes weed with the hockey players every Friday.

“Don’t have too much fun while you’re gone, Kevin.” I hand him a can of bear spray. “Oh, and don’t forget to watch your back if you go into the woods alone.”

“I won’t,Mother.” He hugs me. “You know, it’s not too late for you to come with me.”

“Ha! I’m still shocked you’re going. We’re supposed to sit in your car and make fun of all these people.”

“Well, maybe I just want to see what all the hype is about for a change.” He shrugs. “We only get to be high school seniors once in our lifetime.”

“Okay.” I press my hand against his forehead. “Who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?”

“I’m serious, Scarlett.” He looks into my eyes. “You’re going to miss out on an entire semester while you’re away in London, so I don’t see why you need to miss out on this, too.”

I look over at the basketball team as they lift an oversized bong from a trunk.

“Your sister isn’t going, if that makes the decision easier.”

“Since when?” I cross my arms. “She’s been hyping herself up about this all week.”

“She changed her mind.” He holds his phone out for me, showing Tully’s latest video post.

“Guess who just got invited to a last-minute Revlon undergrad ambassador opportunity? My college career is starting already!”

“I’ll go home and pack,” I say. “I’ll be back within the hour.”

“I’ll save you a seat!”

* * *

Around midnight

The bright lightsof Dollywood Theme Park shine bright against the dark sky, teasing us with what’s to come when the gates open in the morning.

Our row of rented cabins is perched in the mountains, and the class idiots are attempting to attract bobcats and bears to join our vacation.

I’m watching them set out cold steaks and burger patties around our class flag outside.

“I was just calling to let you know we made it, Dad.” Kevin paces while he talks on the phone. “Yes, I promise I won’t do anything stupid and check in with the chaperones every two hours.”

“One of our chaperones is trying to bait a bear right now…” I say.

“Of course, I’m rooming with Scarlett.” He smiles. “Yes, I know you think she’s the most responsible friend I’ve ever had…Yeah, I’ll have her call you tomorrow. Okay, bye.”

“It sounds like your parents don’t trust you, Kevin.”

“They have no reason to.” He laughs and picks up his duffle bag. “Okay, bye. I’ll be back to hang out with you tomorrow.”

“What? Where are you going?”

“That college guy from the beach is picking me up for the night,” he says. “Cover for me.”

“You fucking skank.” I cross my arms. “That’s the real reason why you wanted me to come here, isn’t it?”

“I love you, too!” He rushes out of the cabin before I strangle him.

“We need to make more bear sounds!” “More berries, too!” Someone screams outside the window.

Closing the blinds, I run a long bath and change into a swim suit and a hoodie. I grab a book and make my way to the other side of camp, where empty hammocks are swinging under oak trees.

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