Aisling continues to people watch as she waits for Preston to return. There is a variety of kids playing in the playground area and the basketball court. The screen door of camp story door opens and Preston appears. He walks down the wooden ramp back to the truck. Then the driver's side door happens to be pulled open. He placed a paper ticket hangtag behind the rearview mirror.

"We're all set for our weekend," Preston informs, starting up the truck and beginning their way to their campsite.

After Preston carefully manages the truck through a couple dirt bumpy road. He backs the truck into the tent site.

"Let the camping begin,". Preston shuts off the truck, places a pair of car keys in his jean pocket and pushes open the door.

     Aisling stays in her seat. Now she finds herself at a campsite. Somewhere, she hadn't been since the last family camping trip. Even with the basic get to know you conversing on the way to the campground, Aisling had almost forgotten about all the dread that she had been consumed with before Preston had picked her up. Aisling becomes slightly startled with the passenger door being pulled open and Preston standing there. He offers her hand to her.

"C'mon, you're missing the best part" Preston tells her.

Aisling unbuckles the belt and proceeds to exit the truck.

"Nothing special. But it will do". Preston closes the door and heads around to the back of the truck to start unloading items. "We have the site for 3 days and 2 nights". Preston drops the tent bag on the ground near her.

    The site appears to be clean. There is rock made fire pit with a cook grate over it. A couple of trees are scattered around the site. Preston drops the other tent bag on the ground. He unzips it. He asks if she desires assistance with setting up her tent. But she declines. She walks over, kneels down, unzips the bag and begins to set up. Aisling pulls out the poles first and starts assembling them. After finishing with the tent, Aisling helps Preston set up the rest of the site. Preston tosses the last few pieces of firewood by the fire pit.

"Do you want to explore around a little? Then we'll come back to the site for dinner" Preston suggests.

"Sure, thar's fine". Aisling grabs her purse out of the truck and places a Red Sox logoed baseball cap on her head.

   They venture down a couple of dirt roads. Aisling finds herself observing the different groups of families closely. She locks eyes with a little girl, who had appeared to be camping with her grandparents, The girl waves to her and says hi. Aisling similes and quickly redirects her gaze as a gray-haired man joins the girl's side. Preston returns a hi to the little girl, before she runs off.

"So, have you ever been to this campground before?" Preston asks as they walk around.

"No, camping trips were usually in Lake George" Aisling answers. "I'd repeat the questions, but that'd be stupid".

"This is the only actually campground I've been too. Most of the time, the trips were in real secluded areas with my uncle" Preston explains.

"Sounds nice. Camping in a secluded area" Aisling replies.

"Ever done that? Camped in a secluded area" Preston asks.

"No, I can't say I have" Aisling lies.

"Well, maybe that can be added to a possible location list" Preston decides. "What do you like for dinner? I was thinking of egg sandwiches. Something easy".

"Yeah, I'm good with that" Aisling replies, while they move out of the way of dark gray golf cart.

"What do you want do to tomorrow?" Preston asks, curious.

Aisling shrugs. "I don't know yet. We can hang out here, In the campground".

"Okay. Works for me" Preston says.

   Soon enough, Aisling and Preston return to their site. Aisling takes a seat in a black Ultralight brand chair by the fire pit. Preston gathers a cast iron skillet, an egg carton, a package of English muggings and a pack of Boars Head American cheese from a green Stop and Shop freezer bag from the backseat of the trip.

"Would you like me to do something?" Aisling asks.

"No. Cooking shouldn't take long. Besides, you're the guest" Preston answers, placing the iron skillet on the cook grate. "You're welcome to hang out your tent for the mean time. I'll let you know when dinner is ready".

"I'm fine where I am" Aisling tells him.

A cell phone begins to buzz.

"You can answer that" Preston says.

"It's just Kyleen checking in. I can talk to her later". Aisling presses decline on the phone screen.

"Hey, I'm curious, When you would do all your family trips? Did you have to share a tent with Kyleen?" Preston asks.

"Sometimes. Though most of the time, we shared a set of bunk beds in a trailer" Aisling answers. "What about you?".

"When I was little I shared a tent with my sister Renley. Then as I got older, I shared a tent with my cousin Jared". Preston cracks another egg into the skillet. "Though when I did family trips and I don't know if trips were the same for you. But the trips were a huge family affair. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents,...".

"Generally the same. Probably a lot less family though" Aisling replies.

   Preston places two plates on the plastic white table beside him and informs, that the sandwiches were just about ready.

"I know I haven't said it. But thank you for inviting me" Aisling tells him as he assembles the sandwiches and passes her a Dixie paper plate. "Thanks,".

"Glad you were okay with coming. Haven't had company for camping for a long time". Preston becomes situated in the other chair. "I guess I prefer being solo".

"Bad trip with a special someone," Aisling guesses.

"Something like that". Preston shrugs. He takes a couple of bites of the sandwich. "Ever camped with a special someone?". Aisling shakes her head. "It'll happen for you,".

"So, what happened?" Aisling asks, curious.

"uh, no. Not going there". Preston places the plate on his lap and wipes his fingers with a napkin. "That story is for another time. A time far in the future. A story for when we know each other better".

"So, you're really not going to tell me" Aisling assumes.

"Nope. Not at this time" Preston replies, picking up his water bottle from the ground beside the chair.

  The fire crackles and pops. Soon enough, the fire becomes the only source of light. Preston sets a bright lantern on the side table. He sits down again. Aisling leans back in her chair, looking up at the starry filled clear night sky.

"Sky is so pretty. Stars are beautiful" Aisling comments.

"Yeah, nice night" Preston says, also looking up at the sky.

                After a long while of admiring the night sky and some conversation, Aisling retires to bed. Just before going to sleep, Aisling checks her phone. She finds a couple texts from Maddie and some from Kyleen. Both girls were just checking in on her. Aisling types a quick response and sends it in a group text. She expresses everything is going fine with the trip.

   Then she shuts off her phone. She climbs into her dark red Erueka sleeping bag. For about half an hour, she finds herself just lying there. She rolls over, consumed by her thoughts. She had to admit to herself that she was enjoying the trip with Preston. Even though she had been so against it at first. After a long time of quiet reflection passes, she manages to finally fall asleep.

   Sunlight shows through the screen tent window. Aisling rolls over and stretches. While she waits for her phone to turns on. She puts on her sneakers. She glances at the phone screen. The time shows that it happens to be around nine-thirty. The tent door is unzipped; she exits and ventures over to where Preston resides.

"Good morning,". Preston moves the spatula to flip a blueberry pancake to the other side.

"Good morning". Aisling takes a seat in char. "Pancakes smell good,".

"One of my specialties. My blueberry pancakes never disappoint" Preston tells her.

"Oh, really. I guess I'll have to test that theory" Aisling informs.

Preston passes her a plate. "Go ahead".

Aisling picks up the silverware, cuts a small piece of the pancake, eats it. She nods as she wipes her mouth with a napkin.

"Okay, you're right. Best pancakes I've had in a long time" Aisling decides.

"Pancakes with freshly picked blueberries. That's my secret" Preston informs.

                   After breakfast, they walk around the campground. Preston opens the door to the store. Aisling walks over to the apparel section of the small store. Preston separates to the grocery department. He grabs a bag of Jet Puffed marshmallows, a box of graham crackers and a couple of chocolate Hershey bars from the display on the counter. Preston returns to Aisling.

"Want one? Pick one out" Preston half asks, seeing Aisling looking at the sweatshirts.

"Its fine. I don't need one" Aisling answers, walking down the aisle.

"C'mon, you deserve a souvenir. At least pick something out. Let me buy you something to remember the trip" Preston explains, following behind her.

Someone taps Preston on the shoulder, from behind.

"Oh, hi. How are you?" Preston asks, after seeing who it is.

"I'm good. It's been awhile since I've seen you up here" A short brunette haired girl comments.

"Yeah, I know. I don't get to camp as much as I'd like through the school year" Preston replies.

"I understand. But grades are important. You only have one year, right?". Preston nods. "Just keep yourself out of trouble and keep with it". The girl placed her hand on his shoulder. "There will always be a site here for you". Then she disappears to manage the counter.

Aisling watches from distance.

"Who was that?" Aisling asks, walking over.

"Sarah. She runs the story. Her family owns the campground" Preston answers.

        They pay for their items and leave the store, By the end of their walk, they are back at the site.

"Just curious... would you ever be open to doing this sort of thing again? I know it's nothing fancy" Preston asks.

Aisling crosses her arms and walks a couple of steps forward. "Uh, we will see".

"Oh, okay". Preston runs a hand through his hair. "It seemed like you were enjoying the trip".

Aisling cracks a smile. "I didn't hate it. My time with you".

"That's good to know" Preston replies.

       Late Sunday afternoon, they both take care of packing up the site and making their trip home. Preston exits the truck first and then Aisling. Preston collects her bags from the backseat. He walks her to the door. Just as they reach the end of the walkway, Kyleen opens the front door.

"Hey. How was the trip?" Kyleen asks.

"Good. We had good weather. Good trip. I'm sure Aisling will fill you in on the details later. Thanks for a fun trip Aisling. Goodnight" . Preston heads to his truck.

"Goodnight," Aisling tells him as he walks away.

Now Kyleen closes the door.

"So, do you think you'll do that again? Go camping with him" Kyleen asks.

"Maybe,". Aisling shrugs.

" I guess that's better than a no" Kyleen comments.

"You don't have to worry about me". Aisling starts up the staircase.

"I'm your sister, I'm always going to worry about you" Kyleen calls to her.

Aisling continues upstairs and begins to unpack.