Michelle's heart was hammering as she heard another twig snap. SOMETHING was getting closer to her. She briefly debated the merits of hopping into the lake to hide from whatever was out there;the water would mask her scent. Then she heard a familiar voice call out.
"Michelle??" It was Shelby."Michelle? Are you out here??"
"Yeah, I'm here," Michelle replied, heading towards the voice. Shelby broke into a full-on sprint when she spotted Michelle.
"Girl, what THE HELL is going on with you?" Shelby asked as she ran up to her.
"Nothing, Shel," replied Michelle, "I just wanted some air."
"Ummm...hun, you're OUTSIDE. There's air all around us, in case you hadn't noticed.
Michelle sighed heavily. "Fine. The fire was getting to me....I was too hot."
Shelby gave her friend a puzzled look. "What's with the attitude?"
"Look, everything's FINE, OKAY?" Michelle snapped, immediately feeling bad.
"I'd say that everything's NOT okay. What happened? Is it you and Mike?"Shelby asked, a slight pout on her face. Michelle didn't respond; she simply stared at the ground. "Michelle, you and I've been friends too long. What is it-ten years now?? Something is obviously bugging you. I'm not going to walk away until you tell me what's up, alright?"
At first, Michelle didn't respond, then finally, she said, "Mike and me are great......."
"Then what is it?"
"I don't want to ruin the weekend for you guys."
"What are you talking about, Michelle?"
"I drank some of the water from the lake, without thinking....and now...now I'm not feeling so hot. Actually, I am feeling hot. I'm running a fever. I should have told you guys, but I didn't want to ruin the weekend. But now....I don't know...maybe I'm simply being paranoid....I just...." Michelle sighed again.
"No sweetie, it's okay. Come on, we'll get you back to the fire. The boys are probably worried sick about you. Then we'll get this all sorted out, okay?" Michelle nodded. "Good," smiled Shelby, "Let's head back.