“It’s beautiful.”  Madison drew in a breath of fresh air, admiring their surroundings.  She was glad to have accepted Aiden’s invite.  This also meant she could get to know Kasey a little better and perhaps reconcile with Ashley.

The teens stretched out their limbs and yawned, taking in the scenery.  The sun had begun setting on the horizon as the lake stood still, nearly mirror-like reflecting the vibrant colors surrounding the water mass.  “Well, I guess we should start setting up the tents before it gets dark.”  Aiden opened the tailgate and began unpacking the bags and coolers with Spencer’s help.

“Yea, maybe we should get a fire going too.”  Aiden looked over at Kasey who smiled broadly.  “I’ll get the firewood.”  She took off up the trail.  “Yea you do that Pyro!”  Aiden yelled after her, shaking his head.  Kyla followed her, gathering small twigs and dry logs and placing them in Kasey’s arms.

“Why don’t be use the truck’s box and put the tent up in there.  It’ll keep some of us off the ground.”  Ashley noted, starting to create a makeshift shelter in the truck.  The group agreed and began putting up the other tent as Ashley fought with the tonneau cover, finally taking all three panels out.

Kasey and Kyla returned twenty minutes later.  The tents had been put up and the teens were scouting the area, taking in every moment.  “Uhm, can I get a little help here.”  Kasey wiggled a finger as she held out a pile of logs which had, thanks to Kyla, been stacked up above her head.  Spencer rushed to her side and began laying them next to the small pit Madison had dug out.

“Thanks.”  The brunette smiled and brushed herself off.  She intertwined her fingers together and extended them forward, cracking each knuckle.  “Ew!”  Spencer cringed at the sound and fled toward Ashley who was standing atop the boulder.  Kasey simply shrugged and smiled sheepishly, refocusing on the task at hand.  Madison, Kyla, and Aiden grouped around her as she flipped her baseball cap backwards.

Kasey glanced mischievously at Aiden.  Madison and Kyla simply looked at one another, confused.  “I know what you’re thinking and it’s a definite no.  No gas, no oil or anything else that might blow us up.”  He pointed at her, shaking his head as the two girls laughed.  Kasey shrugged and lit the tinder as a small fire began burning.