Chapter 4 Wes
I can’t believe what’s happening right now. I thought I had seen it all, but someone is trying to act out some survivalist show while renting one of our campsites. We were already called out once to bring them warmer blankets because they hadn’t included a sleeping bag as part of their “ten items,” citing that it was “springtime” and warm weather was on the way. Little do they know that the air coming off the lake keeps things chilly through the summer.
This time, they needed assistance because they had snared a rabbit and the poor animal was still very much alive. I freed the scared creature and told them that they aren’t allowed to hunt or trap on state park grounds anyway. Then I left them to it. I’m not interested in getting involved with something so incredibly risky, and downright stupid.
Heading back to the Ranger Station, my cell phone chimes. It’s Erick, letting me know that the date his aunt wanted to set me up on is a go. I don’t have any desire to be set up on a date, but what could it hurt? It’s been too long since you’ve gotten out there anyway. It will be good to test the waters again and see how it feels to be out with someone—even if it is Erick’s cousin. At least I’m helping him out with his aunt, and it’s pretty low risk seeing as she’s leaving in a couple of days anyway.
Passing by a beach landing, my thoughts unwittingly drift to an earlier time I was here with my then-girlfriend, Rose. She was my first love and I suppose it’s only natural to wonder what she’s up to now that I’m back.
I haven’t seen or talked to her in ten years. She could be married for all I know, and have five kids. But there’s just something about her that’s stuck with me and I would love to see her, even just once, after all this time. Her mom and mine are friends, so I know she’s stayed around Raspberry Falls and that her dad passed away when we were young, but I haven’t heard much else about her life.
Walking along the path, leaves and wood chips crunch under my feet. The scent of pine is in the air and the sun feels amazing on my face. I linger a little longer by one of the beaches, gazing out at the lake before heading back to the office. The raspberries are already starting to grow too, so I stop for an impromptu snack.
Unexpectedly, the Ranger Station has quickly become like a second home to me. Between the surrounding forest, the fireplace, and the log walls, there isn’t much I would change, given the chance. Warming my hands over the fire, I drain the coffee pot and start sipping right away. I’ve been spending more time here than at my apartment this week, especially as tourist season ramps up, and spring storms move in. The sites are completely booked for the next two months.
“How’d that go?” Tonya walks out of the main office giving me a knowing smile.
“Oh, it was fine. I think they’re leaving tomorrow, thank goodness. I’ve had enough of this group of wannabe survivalists. They’re just going to get themselves hurt.” I snort.
“Ah, I don’t think they’re leaving, one of their group just came in and booked the site farther along the main trail. It’s an hour’s hike at least.” Another site? This is absurd.
“Are you serious? I am so tired of them.” We both quiet as a couple comes into the station and purchases some t-shirts and fire starters.
Tonya sheepishly looks over at me after they leave. “Hey, are you going out on that date tomorrow?” I didn’t take her for the type to be interested in my dating life, but since it involves Erick, I suppose all bets were off.
How did she know anyway?
“I guess so, Erick just texted me confirming. Do you know anything about Courtney? All I know is she’s leaving soon, so I don’t understand the point of this other than that Erick asked me to do it. I’ll take any clues I can get.”
“Yes, and you don’t want to know.” Tonya laughs. “Just let yourself be surprised and maybe you’ll have one of those insta-love connections. I met her one night out a few months back.” She continues to giggle and I just scoff. What have I agreed to? I’ve got to get out of this conversation.
“I’m going to make sure the firewood is restocked for the evening run, and then there was a report of a trail flooding down by Site 23. I’ll go check it out.”
“Thanks,” she calls, but I’m already out the door. I don’t mind people being interested in my life, but ever since coming back to town it’s been hard to adjust to the closeness again. After years living in the Twin Cities*, or “the cities” as locals call it, I’m not used to everyone knowing my business, and I don’t really want them to. With my family’s abrupt departure ten years ago, everyone has had questions about what happened, and I don’t want to explain everything. This will change. They’ll get bored of you and move on . Or so I keep telling myself.
I love it here and wanted to come back—worked hard to come back—but I would gladly skip over this awkward readjustment part. Raspberry Falls has always just felt like home to me, which I know was partly the people and my friends from before, but it’s also the feel of being here. From the lake to the cliffs overlooking the forests, it’s where I want to be and where I feel most at peace.
My mind turns back to Rose. I’m thankful no one has asked me about her. We were inseparable all of ninth grade and into the summer, then we had a big fight and when my parents abruptly moved us away shortly after, I didn’t contact her. I was so depressed and angry after the move that I didn’t get in touch with anyone for a long time. I only reached out to Erick when I saw him online playing Halo about a year later. Then I heard about Rose’s dad and was ashamed of not being there for her, or even trying to make amends after the fight. After everything, I wasn’t sure what to even say to make up for everything and let my fear of it all get the better of me.
I’ve been mentally preparing myself for the first time seeing her, but I haven’t quite gotten the courage up to ask about her, or look for her. I’ve tried to keep to myself, but know that it needs to happen soon, otherwise it will make it even harder when it does happen. How do you tell someone that you’ve been thinking about them, when you have no right to? Thinking back to that time, I feel my frustration rise and my chest tighten. I decide to lose some of my frustration on the wood pile and fill up the wood bins, then start down the path to my ATV. As I’m about to pull away, Erick pulls in and waves me over.
“Hey! What are you doing here? I thought you finished that fix on the cabin door yesterday?” I ask, confused.
“I did. Tonya just called me back to look at something with a fence post.” He rolls his eyes. “Are you ready for tomorrow? My aunt says Courtney is excited!” More Courtney talk, I didn’t escape it after all.
“Eh, as ready as I can be. Why won’t you tell me anything about her? Seems weird for a date to not know anything about the other person.”
“That’s why they call it a blind date.” He laughs, unloading some gear from his car.
I tilt my head at him. “It sounds like she knows all about me, though.”
“Well, not all about you. Just the basic details—what you do, your general appearance, lack of hygiene, etc.” Erick slaps me on the back, continuing his joking tone.
“Oh well thank you,” I say, sarcastically. “I have to head out to fix a trail. Want to pick up some food later?”
“Of course.” We wave and I head out, wondering what in the world I’ve agreed to and if this was all another monumental mistake. I guess only time will tell.