Ch. 6

There is palpable nervous energy on the bus as we get closer to our destination. We aren't going too far out of town, but there's snowbanks and countryside and forest, something most of the people on the bus aren't too familiar with. For a few people in the class it's their first time out of the city at all.

The bus turns into a poorly cleared laneway leading into the parking lot of the provincial park and I'm not even sure it will make it to the destination. But a minute or two later it creaks to a halt and everyone is quiet contemplating the path meandering into the pine trees.

"Okay gang. This is where it gets real. Two nights in the woods in the winter. Everyone here needs to work together to ensure we all survive. We haven't lost a student yet, but you all need to be careful and be aware of your surroundings and each other," Mr. Sway begins the pep talk. "We've planned for this and done training, and you all can make it through two nights. For some of you this might be the hardest thing you've ever done, but I can promise you, this will change your life."

Tom makes a derisive comment under his breath, and Ms. Francis responds with a sharp look. He rolls his eyes but doesn't comment further.

"We will separate into three groups, as planned. Senior boys, Junior boys, and the girls. Our hike will commence in ten minutes. We have about two kilometres to go until we get to the winter camping areas. This is the last place you will find flush toilets for two days and our hike will take at least an hour or so. I suggest you make use of the facilities if you so need. Otherwise make sure you have your layers ready, especially your hats and mitts."

With a bit of grumbling and some trepidation we disembark into a sunny frigid day. Although it's only a few degrees below freezing, there is wind in the parking lot coming off the barren fields. I can't wait to start hiking just to warm up. A few of the girls take a little too long in the bathroom and by the time everyone is assembled, the bus has left and we are really in the wilderness. Ms. Francis signals for us to start walking and she heads up the path, the class following. Mr. Sway takes the end of the line to help keep us all together and he is dragging a small sled that has some of the food items and cooking implements on it.

Although we all broke in our boots and did stairs for the past three weeks, I've forgotten how tiring it is to hike through snow. It must be far worse for Ms. Francis, as she is first and responsible for breaking the trail. After twenty minutes of hiking, I'm sweating like a pig, but I can't be the only one, because when I look around, half the class already has their coats unzipped and their hats off.

"Okay, we are stopping for a brief snack and to catch our breath," Ms Sway calls, taking a seat on a fallen log. Reaching into her pack, she pulls out a few bags of trail mix and passes them around. "I am so glad that no one here has a peanut allergy. Trail mix is great for fats and protein, good nutrition for a hike, and it's easier when we can just use nuts. Everyone take a few handfuls then pass it on. Also make sure you hydrate. You've all lost some water through breathing and sweating."

Carson holds up his lighter, "Uh, can I have a smoke? I kind of need one."

"Yeah. Anyone who needs a quick butt can have one, just make sure you move away from the group and pack your butts up. We don't litter in the park—leave nothing and take only photos, remember?" Mr. Sway answers.

Carson looks grateful and he, Nicole, Jose, and Jeff go off to the side for a cigarette. I reach into my pocket and pull out a pack of gum. After taking a piece, I offer it to Tom first as a peace offering. His face is flushed with exercise, cheeks rosy and eyes flashing at me from behind his veil of dark bangs. Granting me a small grin, he takes a piece of gum and slowly parts his lips placing the white rectangle on his tongue. If I didn't know better he's teasing me and I can feel the heat burning up the back of my neck, fluttering in my stomach. I look away and offer the gum to everyone else, hoping no one else noticed the moment I thought we just had.

We're on the move again, and we break twice more before reaching an area with a flat part for tents, an outhouse, fire pit, a few scattered picnic tables and a barbecue.

"Okay. Girls camp here," Ms. Francis declares as she takes a seat on the table. Keep going boys, we'll see you later."

The girls are all grateful to take a seat and set down their packs, but Mr. Sway motions us to keep going. He moves into the lead now and calls for me to take up the rear of the line. We trudge through the snow farther, past the rusted metal roof of a shelter until we reach another area much like the one where we left the girls.

"Junior boys. Here's your camp and this is where I'm staying, too. Justin, you're in charge and your group's site is about another five minutes along. Just follow the trail until you get to the next clearing, you can't miss it."

"Seriously, you're putting 95 in charge? That's fucking ridiculous," Tom bitches as he stamps in the snow. I guess I was wrong about us having any sort of moment.

"Have you ever winter camped before? I don't think so. He has, he's in charge. That doesn't mean he's going to boss you around, I don't even think that's possible. He's just there to make sure none of you do something stupid and die," Mr. Sway jokes. "Now move Bowman."

...............

Two hours later we have two tents set up, a fire in the pit, our tarp strung up for shelter in case of rain, and some water boiling on the barbecue. Kyle and I are sharing one tent, and Kent and Tom are in the other.

"Great job, guys!" Mr. Sway greets us. "We're hiking back to the big shelter for dinner with everyone, then we'll have camp fire and s'mores before bed. You've got five minutes to be ready."

The hike back is much easier without the packs and with the snow already broken. When we meet up with the girls, chores are assigned and I'm given food prep with Jen.

"So...you and Tom..." she says quietly, slyly, as we chop veggies for the stir fry.

I try to keep an even tone, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm sharing a tent with Kyle."

"I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, but I won't say anything. For the record, I think he's into you, too."

"Really?" I say it too eagerly, and I sigh, realizing that I've just outed myself to Jen at least. "Well fuck. How did you know?"

"Gay brother," she explains. "And Tom looks at you from behind his hair all the time."

I try not to let the hope I feel growing in me get too big, after all, mostly Tom hates me.

"Please don't say anything. I've never told anyone."

"Don't worry. I won't breathe a word," and I'm pretty sure she means it. I have to say that it feels kind of nice that someone else knows, like a giant weight has been lifted at least a little.

.................

The first night passes uneventfully. It's cold, but not too bad, aside from the fact that Kyle is single handedly heating our tent with his revolting farts. In the morning I am happy to get out of the tent just for the fresh air.

Our day is filled with activities, first just us guys have breakfast. Kent and Tom make oatmeal and coffee, and Kyle and I do clean up. Then we hike over with everyone else and do tree identification, shelter building, and fabricate snowshoes of a sort from branches and stuff. After a group lunch of sandwiches, trail mix and hot chocolate, we have a snowshoe making contest and a hike to look at animal tracks. After dinner, we all head back to our camping areas.

It's not dark yet, so we have to come up with something to do.

"How about we gather some wood for the fire?" Kent suggests. "We can build a big one tonight."

"Sounds good to me, except it's really cold sitting on the ground."

"If we gather up some pine boughs, they're great to sit on. They'll act like insulation from the ground," I offer and instantly wish I didn't.

Tom brushes past me, knocking my shoulder hard. "Sure thing 95. I'll just go gather branches." His voice is mocking and cutting, making me feel like crap for once again saying the wrong thing.