CHAPTER 23
Iwoke up in my shadow's camper a little over two days ago, and still nothing.
No notes and no twigs snapping off in the distance when I'm out swimming or hiking.
I know his camper is the one on the other side of our tree line because when I booked it out of there late Monday night, I was surprised to see my tent through the trees.
The girls were also surprised to see me walk up to the campsite barefoot and in men's clothing.
I had to explain everything that happened, besides the fact that he's my stalker, and I knew about him before Monday.
They were all just elated to see me that they didn't pry on all the details.
Of course, I had to call the police and my family to tell them I was fine, because the girls had called both to tell them I had gone missing after jumping off a waterfall.
When I called home, my mom said my dad was already on his way.
It took a lot of convincing to get him to return home before making it here.
I had to promise to call every six hours and send regular pictures, so they would trust that I'm actually safe.
Annie is the only one who didn't believe me when I told the girls my story.
She didn't say anything, but waited for us to get alone to grill me on the details.
I lied to her. Well kept out details, but did tell her that the man who saved me wouldn't show me his face because she kept pressing and asking what he looked like.
I think she wants to thank him, but little does she know he's just on the other side of the tree line, sulking in his camper.
This morning, the group of us decided to spend the last full day at camp together playing some board games and cooking.
Now we're heading to the pool for a midday swim before we go back and play some more games or some crap.
We enter the pool area to find it packed with people, probably because it's beautiful out, and the sun's shining without a cloud in sight.
“We can just sit in the grass,” Willow says, gesturing to the only free spot big enough to accommodate us all.
“Shit,” Shay proclaims.
“Scar, are you going to be okay here, like okay, swimming after the other day?”
That's cute, she thinks I'm going to be afraid of the water after nearly drowning.
“I'm fine, I have still gone swimming every morning since. It's not the first time an undercurrent has taken me down. It was the first time I was too high to do anything about it, but that won't happen again.”
They all stare at me like I have three heads like Fluffy the dog in the Harry Potter movies.
“What does that mean? It won't happen again?” Annie asks as we lay out our beach towels in the plush grass.
She's adorable with her sunglasses perched on top of her head and her little rosy cheeks. I kneel onto my plush towel next to her as she waits for my reply.
“I'm not going to use cannabis anymore. I haven't in days, well, since the incident.”
I'm actually surprised none of them have noticed. I've been bitchier and a lot less hungry, barely able to get my meals down.
“Why didn't you tell me sooner?”
“Tell us. Why didn't you tell us?” Dove asks, with an unnecessary amount of attitude.
“It's not that big of a deal, don't make a fuss.”
I huff and shoot to my feet, stripping off my jean shorts, tank top, and flip flops. This line of questioning is wearing down my already frayed nerves.
“Why does it even matter? You all will be going your separate ways in a month or so, and we all know what that means.”
I spin on my heels, stomping away to the pool's edge. Maybe I'm being dramatic or bitter, but it's true. Soon enough, they will all be off to college, and I'll be left alone. Even if I do go to college, I won't be going with any of them, and I'll be left alone to fend for myself.
The water is cool, but I love it. My skin becomes peppered with goosebumps the instant my toes hit the surface, but I plunge my body under anyway.
The sound of the lifeguard's whistle causes me to flip around to see what's going on, but when I turn, my eyes land on a familiar figure leaning against a tree.
His hat is on, and the same red bandana is covering his face.
I guess my shadow really can't stay away from me for too long.
That turns me on, thrilling me to my core, even though I know it's fucked up and makes me clinically insane.
But all I can think about is how he knew personal information about me, not things discussed here.
This tells me he's from home, someone from Maple Brook Falls, meaning it might just be who I think it is, and who I desperately want it to be.
Will he show me who he is if I get down on my knees and beg?