Sydney Jules López

It's much more complicated than you think...

"Can I ask you something?," Miles asked.

"Yes," I said.

We were walking along the pathway covered in leaves which rustled beneath our every step. The forest at Camp Lakesville looked weirdly terrifying at night or whenever we were alone. But it made sure we knew we never were. It was a small walk down to the old cabin and I wasn't looking forward to talking but I said 'yes'. Maybe I'd not notice everything strange in the forest if I'd get my mind off of it.

"What was your mom like?" He said and I stopped so suddenly the leaves rustled louder under my feet screaming out loud the fear and hesitation in me. So, Miles Dunne spoke further.

"I-you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I never really found out what it's like to have a mom so I-," he over-explained. He over-explained things a lot. It was like I was the last life in a game for him. He'd talk to me about something and make sure I knew he didn't want to hurt me or make me feel bad. He made sure I knew he cared. He cared for everyone.

"She wasn't the type of mom you're gonna feel good about." I said. "Miles, it's uh- gonna be a long story so I'm just warning you for what you're getting into," I warned him, playfully. I wish I'd warned him seriously.

"My mom's name was Sierra Jules and she was not the best mom, not the worst either. She was- something. She'd bake me cookies but would mess up the kitchen for dad to clean and would throw things around and scream when they won't come out right. She'd take me out on long drives and next we'd be stopped for speeding and then it would turn out my mom's drunk and- more trouble until dad comes and fixes it all up. She'd take me to the movies but would sleep or argue with the people- until dad-" I smiled weakly.

"Dad died fixing my mom so I could live a better life." But he failed her. She failed me. And I was- I don't know who I was going to disappoint.

"She sounds like-"

"Like someone who was mad, I know."

Miles shook his head in a no and said, "Like someone who had given up on herself."

"I never knew her enough." I sighed. "I was at Emily's house after school most days. Dad didn't want me near her after I turned five or something and I was happy with Em and Julia, her mom. Julia was mom's best friend and my step-mother."

"Emily's your step-sister?" He asked. We were standing in front of the cabin covered in dark trees. It looked like a haunted cabin like the one I'd seen in the movies. And I gulped heavily down my throat.

"That's one way of saying it."

"You wanna do the honors?" Miles said, stepping aside from the half open window of the cabin. Why did it look inviting? It was like someone wanted us to come inside. It was like a trap. But we ignored the signs and jumped in.

I fell first and sneezed loudly. The dust was unbearable for me. Miles fell right on me and said a million sorrys before getting up and wiped his hands on his jeans. I got up and took a hold of his hand because my dizziness was getting the best of me. He flinched at the touch of my hand on his but then I told him I could barely walk straight and the dust made me sick and the whole 'i'm allergic' story.

"You could've told me this before. I could've gone in and brought our phones. Why would you do this to yourself, even after knowing every single bad thing that can happen to you? You should seriously be taking care of yourself. You pretend like you do but I bet you don't. In fact, I know you don't. I'm seriously telling Emily to get a caretaker for you."

That was the longest Miles had ever spoken to me without the fear of hurting me and it wasn't good. That was the longest I had listened to anyone and had not interrupted them and I was not feeling happy about it. All I could say to him was, "We can't afford a caretaker."

He paused. I held my breath. And then he chuckled at my words.

"I'll do it for free," He said, still laughing, "but first I need my phone back."

It had been 15 minutes we had been in the cabin but we still couldn't find the 'gadgets' box.

"Did Emily tell you the exact place?" He asked, his voice sleepy and tired. I looked at him and gave him a look. "Sorry, I'm barely able to keep my mind together." He chuckled and carelessly tripped over a box that tore open. Out came all the phones and we gave each other a victorious look.

"Let's make this quick, okay?" Miles said as he held the flashlight in his hands looking around for any sign of the counselors who could've heard the voice and came to check or something while I looked through the box for our phones.

"Found 'em!" I whispered and quickly put all the other phones back in the box. It was rather easy than I thought it would be. "Now we just have to put the tape back on. Any ideas where it can be?"

"Wait, I'll check the drawers," Miles said and turned around. I heard the door knob first as if someone was opening it and then the flashlight's switch turned off. It all happened in a second. Miles grabbed my hand and we hid in the closet waiting for whoever it was to leave.

"Dahlia, some things need to end for the other good things to begin," he whispered.