Chapter 8: Camping Tragedy and Eric's Apology

For the past three weeks, Emma had been babysitting non-stop, trying to replenish the money she spent on Sophie’s day out for her 10^th birthday. It had been worth every penny, but now, she was exhausted—and still couldn’t sleep.

Emma lay on her bed, phone in hand, staring at her half-packed backpack. She should have finished packing hours ago. Her phone buzzed.

Cassie: Rise and shine, Princess. Are you packed?

Emma: [Smirking] It’s 11 p.m. I am very much NOT rising or shining.

Cassie: Excuses. Are you packed or not?

Emma: [Sighs, glancing at her bag] Mostly.

Cassie: Translation: No. Wilson, the bus leaves at 7 a.m.

Emma rolled onto her back, exhaling.

Emma: I’ll get it done.

Cassie: Uh-huh. So ... any updates?

Emma knew exactly what she meant.

Emma: If you mean from Eric—no.

Cassie: Damn. Sooo ... you’ve been ghosting my brother for weeks and he’s been ghosting you back. How’s that working out?

Emma exhaled.

Emma: It’s not ghosting if I’m waiting for an apology.

Cassie: Okay, okay, but let’s be honest here. You miss him, don’t you?

Emma stared at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She didn’t want to lie, but she also wasn’t going to admit it. Cassie must have sensed her hesitation.

Cassie: That’s a yes. 😉

Emma: [Rolling her eyes, smirking] Of course.

Cassie: Evil. I love it.

Emma: I prefer “strategic.”

Cassie: Mmm. Sure. You’re gonna have fun this week, at least?

Emma: Yep. A whole week of wilderness, kids, and no distractions.

Cassie: Uh-huh. No distractions, huh? So ... you know Eric’s going, right?

Emma’s heart skipped a beat. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard on her screen.

Emma: What?

Cassie: Yep. He’s going. Dad pulled strings to have him help as a junior leader. I thought you knew.

Emma sat up; her chest suddenly tight. Eric is going? She hadn’t seen him since she threw milk in his face and now, she’d be stuck in the woods with him for a whole week?

Emma: No. I didn’t know.

Cassie: Well, now you do.

Emma bit her lip, staring at the screen.

Emma: [biting her lip] Still doesn’t change anything. I’m waiting for his apology.

Cassie: Damn right you are, but ... be honest. You miss him, don’t you?”

Emma’s fingers hesitated over the keyboard. She didn’t answer.

Cassie: That’s what I thought. 😉

Emma rolled her eyes but couldn’t deny it. Of course, she missed him. She wasn’t going to make it easy for him.

Emma: Go to sleep, Cass.

Cassie: Fine, fine. Night, Em.

Emma set her phone down, running a hand through her hair. Eric was going on the trip. She wasn’t sure if that made things better ... or worse. With a sigh, she finally got up and finished packing—everything she had brought last time, plus a full week’s worth of clothes. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.

The alarm buzzed softly, but Emma was already awake. She had said her goodbyes to Karen and Katie the night before, so there was nothing left to do but get ready. As she sat up, she instinctively placed a hand over chest, feeling the gentle weight pulling on her skin.

The breast forms feel strange. I haven’t worn them in over two weeks to let my skin heal. I glued them on last night so the adhesive would set properly, but now...

She flexed her shoulders slightly, adjusting to the feeling. Strange ... but right.

Smiling at the thought of having real breasts someday, Emma slid on her bra, securing them in place before continuing to dress—pulling on a pair of athletic shorts, a fitted T-shirt, ankle socks, and hiking boots. Then, she brushed her hair, pulling it up into a high ponytail, ensuring it was out of the way for the trip.

Grabbing her overstuffed Backpack and a well-packed day pack, she took one final look around the house.

Her day pack was new. She purchased it and the items in it when she was first asked to be a leader during the week-long camping trip. In it she packed a first aid kit, one change of clothes, emergency food, a two-quart canteen of fresh water, a waterproof container with fire-starting tools, a hatchet, and a 10-inch hunting knife. In the outside pocket was a tightly folded space blanket. Everything she needed for survival if something went wrong.

She slung the bags over her shoulders, took a deep breath, and stepped outside, locking the front door behind her just as the troop bus pulled up—right on time.

The bus door swung open, and Rebecca Carter stepped down, smiling as she spotted Emma. “Morning, Emma. Ready for a week in the wild?”

Emma grinned, adjusting the straps of her bags. “Always.”

Rebecca chuckled, taking Emma’s backpack and storing it securely underneath the bus while Emma kept her day pack with her. She climbed the steps, scanning the rows of exciting kids and chaperones, then she noticed something—the only empty seat left was next to Sophie. Emma didn’t find it odd—quite the opposite.

That’s sweet.

The girls must have been thoughtful enough to leave it for her. Her lips curled into a smile as she made her way down the aisle. When she reached her seat, she removed her day pack, carefully stowing it in the overhead bin before settling down beside Sophie. The moment she did, Sophie’s face lit up with excitement.

“Emma!”

Emma barely had time to react before Sophie threw her arms around her in a tight hug. Chuckling, Emma hugged her back, squeezing gently. “Hey, baby girl. Miss me?”

Sophie nodded enthusiastically, snuggling up against Emma’s side. As Emma fastened her seatbelt, Sophie rested her head against her, completely content. Emma smiled softly, letting herself relax and with that, the bus pulled away from the curb, beginning their week-long adventure.

As soon as the bus was in motion, a few of the other girls turned around excitedly. “Emma, Sophie told us about the picture you drew for her!” one of them said, eyes wide with curiosity.

Emma raised an eyebrow, then glanced at Sophie with amusement. “You told them about the picture?”

Sophie grinned proudly. “I love your drawing, Mom.”

Emma felt her heart squeeze at the word Mom—still getting used to it, but loving how natural it felt coming from Sophie.

Sophie continued, her voice full of excitement. “My other mom had the picture scanned, order a poster-sized copy, and had it framed. It hangs on the wall at the foot of my bed so I can see it every night.”

Emma’s eyes softened as she pulled Sophie into another gentle hug. “That’s pretty cool, Sophie. I never thought about anyone doing that with one of my sketches.”

From the driver’s seat, Rebecca looked up into the mirror that allows her to see the passengers, her expression thoughtful. “Emma, Lauren sent me a digital copy of the picture you gave Sophie. Have you ever thought about selling your sketches?”

Emma’s smile faded slightly, her expression turning unreadable. She hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. “My sketches are personal. They’re private memories. I don’t mind giving them as gifts to people who are in the sketches, but they’re not for sale.”

Rebecca nodded, understanding immediately. “That’s fair. They’re special to you.”

Emma gave a small nod, appreciating that Rebecca didn’t push the subject further. Emma settled in, Sophie still leaning against her, and watched the world pass by through the window. This was going to be an interesting week.

As Emma sat in her seat, arms still loosely wrapped around Sophie, a girl sitting across the aisle leaned forward curiosity shining in her eyes. “Why did Sophie call you ‘Mom’?”

Emma paused, her smile faltering slightly. She knew this question was bound to come up at some point. For a moment, she considered how to answer. She didn’t want to share the full story—it was personal, something just between her, Sophie, and Lauren.

Instead, she offered a gentle but firm response. “I’m sorry, but that’s personal,” Emma said, her voice kind but final.

She glanced at Sophie, who was still nestled against her side, then back at the girl. “Sophie started it, and Lauren knows. We believe it’s Sophie’s way of expressing her love for me and how she perceives our growing relationship.”

The girl nodded thoughtfully, seeming to accept the answer. “Okay.” As kids do, she moved on, turning back to the other girls, already diving into another conversation.

Emma exhaled softly, relieved that she didn’t have to explain further. She looked down at Sophie, who was happily pressed against her. The trip had barely started, but already, Emma felt completely at home. Sophie melted into her and Emma knew—this moment meant just as much to Sophie as the birthday party she had two weeks ago.

Emma adjusted slightly, making sure Sophie was comfortable against her side. To help pass the time, she pulled out her phone with her left hand, resting it on the armrest between them.

She scrolled through her library and found Frozen, then tapped play. Sophie’s grip on her bicep relaxed slightly, and she let out a soft, content sigh as the familiar opening music began. Emma smiled, watching as Sophie’s shoulders eased, fully at peace.

The soft hum of the bus and the familiar melody of Frozen filled the air as Emma sat comfortably in her seat, Sophie still leaning against her right side. Emma expected Sophie to stay awake through the movie, but as the story played on, she eventually glanced down and saw that Sophie was fast asleep.

Her breathing was soft and even, her small fingers still loosely gripping Emma’s right bicep. Emma smiled gently, careful not to move too much and wake her. Even though she had brought an external charger, she decided to turn off the movie and lock her phone, saving battery just in case.

Quietly, she slipped the phone back into her purse, then let out a slow, content sigh as she leaned her head back against the seat. The gentle rocking of the bus and the warmth of Sophie’s presence made it easy for Emma’s own eyelids to grow heavy. She let herself relax, letting sleep pull her under as the bus continued rolling down the highway.

Just before noon, Emma stirred awake to the feeling of the bus slowing down and the slight shift as Rebecca pulled off the interstate. She blinked, rubbing her eyes, realizing that the bus was now pulling into a Wendy’s parking lot.

A murmur of excitement spread through the kids as they saw the fast-food sign ahead. Rebecca parked the bus, then turned in her seat. “Alright, everyone! We’re stopping here for lunch. Stick together and remember to be respectful inside.”

Emma glanced down at Sophie, who was still curled up against her, fast asleep. With a soft chuckle, she gently shook Sophie’s shoulder. “Hey, sweetheart. Time to wake up—we’re stopping for lunch.”

Sophie mumbled sleepily, shifting slightly but not quite waking up yet. Emma smiled. Looks like she’d have to carry her inside. Emma unbuckled her seatbelt, then reached over and unfastened Sophie’s. The tiny girl didn’t stir, still deep asleep.

With practiced ease, Emma gripped Sophie under her arms and lifted her up, adjusting her effortlessly onto her hip. Sophie’s head lolled onto Emma’s shoulder, her arms hanging limply at her sides.

Despite being ten years old, Sophie was still small for her age, making it easy for Emma to carry her. Emma stepped off the bus, following the others inside the Wendy’s. As the cool air-conditioning hit her, Sophie stirred slightly, rubbing her face against Emma’s neck.

By the time they reached the counter, Sophie was awake enough to mumble her order to the cashier. Emma set her down, watching as she rubbed her tired eyes, but she managed to order without issue.

Once all of the girls had placed their orders and found seats, Rebecca handed over her card, paying for everything. Emma sat with Sophie and Olivia, listening as the girls chatted between bites of their food. After lunch, the group filed back onto the bus, the excitement of the trip still buzzing among them.

As soon as Emma and Sophie climbed back onto the bus, Sophie suddenly turned to her with a small smile. Emma, can we do it like before?”

Emma blinked. “Like before?”

Sophie nodded, then turned to Olivia. “Olivia, can you sit in the aisle seat?”

Olivia shrugged and agreed, sliding into the seat beside them. Emma didn’t need to ask what Sophie meant anymore—she already knew. Sophie climbed into Emma’s lap, just as she had the first time they met on the Brownie Troop bus.

Emma chuckled softly, wrapping her arms securely around Sophie. “Feeling nostalgic, huh?”

Sophie nuzzled into her chest, her small hands resting against Emma’s shirt. “Mhm.”

With everyone back in their seats, the bus rumbled back onto the road. Emma, Sophie, and Olivia talked for a while, the hum of conversation filling the bus. After some time, Rebecca’s voice came over the intercom. “Alright, girls! We’re officially crossing the state line into Alabama!”

Excited murmurs spread through the bus as the girls turned to look out their windows. Emma glanced up just in time to see the ‘Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama sign flash past. She already knew from looking at satellite images of the route that they still had several more hours to go before reaching the state park.

The excitement died down and Emma soon felt boredom creeping in. With one arm still wrapped around Sophie, she pulled out her phone with the other, scrolling through her apps before launching a mobile game.

Sophie watched for a few minutes, her eyes following the movements on the screen. Eventually, though she lost interest, her small frame relaxing further against Emma. Within minutes, Sophie had drifted off again, her tiny hand gripping Emma’s tight-fitting shirt as if holding onto her in her sleep.

Emma sighed softly, tucking her phone away. With Sophie snuggled peacefully against her, she leaned her head back, letting the steady hum of the bus lull her into a light rest as well. The trip was still far from over, but for now, this moment was enough.

After more than eight hours on the road, the bus rumbled to a stop, the sudden stillness waking Emma from her light rest. She blinked, adjusting to the change, then glanced out the window. Outside, the campsite parking lot was bustling with movement as other buses pulled in, unloading troops of eager Brownies and Cub Scouts.

Organized chaos followed—chaperones directing kids, backpacks being retrieved, and voices overlapping in excitement. Emma stretched slightly, careful not to disturb Sophie, who was still nestled against her chest. “Alright, baby girl, we’re here,” she said gently, brushing a strand of hair from Sophie’s forehead.

Sophie stirred, rubbing her eyes before slowly sitting up. Emma quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and grabbed her day pack, strapping it securely to her front. She stepped off the bus and immediately took responsibility for three girls—Olivia, Sophie, and a girl she hadn’t met before.

The new girl stepped forward, adjusting her own backpack before offering a small smile. “Hi, I’m Harper Raynolds. I’m eleven.”

Emma nodded approvingly, noting that she was a little older than the other two. “Nice to meet you, Harper. Since you’re the oldest, would you mind helping me keep an eye on these two?” Emma asked.

Harper nodded quickly. “Yeah, of course.”

Satisfied, Emma turned her attention to the crowd around them. Her eyes scanned the sea of kids and chaperones until she spotted someone familiar. Across the way, Eric was helping a troop of Cub Scouts unload their gear. For the first time in weeks, their eyes met. Emma’s stomach flipped involuntarily, but she forced herself to remain impassive.

Before he could even react, she turned back to her girls, herding them after their group. This trip wasn’t about him.

Ahead of them, a park ranger in a standard uniform stood on a cleared patch of dirt, addressing the gathered kids and chaperones. As Emma and her girls joined the group, the ranger’s deep, authoritative voice carried over the noise. “Alright, listen up, everyone! Welcome to Talladega National Forest! Before we head to the campsite, I need to go over some safety rules.”

The group quieted as he began. Emma listened intently as the ranger covered the essentials.

Stick with your assigned groups at all times.

Be mindful of the wildlife—no feeding or approaching animals.

Fire safety protocols—only light campfires in designated areas.

Hiking boundaries—don’t wander off marked trails.

Emergency procedures—what to do if someone gets lost or injured.

Emma nodded along, already familiar with most of these rules. When the briefing ended, Rebecca called for their troop to gather, and they began the one-hour trek to the campsite.

The hike was long, but Emma was used to carrying heavy loads. With her backpack weighing her down from behind and her day pack pressing against her chest, she focused on keeping Olivia, Sophie, and Harper moving.

By the time they arrived, the clearing where they would be staying was already bustling with movement as other groups arrived. Emma scanned the area, found a clean level spot, and dropped her packs with a relieved sigh. The girls followed her lead, shrugging off their backpacks and stretching their arms.

One by one, they released the straps holding their tents in place and laid out the supplies. Emma watched as they began working as a group, helping each other set up their tents efficiently. She smiled. This week was going to be a challenge, but at least they were off to a good start.

The sun hung high above the campsite as the girls worked together, setting up their tents with quick efficiency. Emma, however, was having trouble focusing. She would start unrolling her tent, then pause—her gaze drifting across the campsite to where Eric was working with the Cub Scouts.

She watched as he helped a younger boy set up his tent, his usual easy confidence on display. Then, as if sensing her eyes on him, Eric glanced up. Their eyes met. Emma flushed and quickly looked away, fumbling with one of her tents poles.

Harper, who had been watching silently, smirked. “Why don’t you just go talk to him?” she asked, amusement clear in her voice.

Emma’s head snapped up, her cheeks heating further. “I can’t.” She forced her attention back to her tent, pretending to be engrossed in what she was doing. “I’m supposed to be mad at him and he hasn’t apologized yet.”

Harper tilted her head thoughtfully. “Ohhh, I get it.”

Then, with a knowing grin, she added, “Well, he better apologize soon before he realizes what he lost.”

Emma sighed, pushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “Yeah, I agree. Harper, I don’t want to lose him. I still love him ... but he needs to learn from his mistake.”

Harper crossed her arms. “Good luck, sister, but you may have to intervene. You know, the 2x4 over the head kind of intervention.”

Emma snorted, shaking her head. “I’m good friends with his mom and sister. I may have to go that route. It’s been three weeks already.”

Harper grinned, then took Emma’s arm and guided her out of the way. “Come on, love-struck girl. Let us handle this before you make an even bigger mess of it.” Before Emma could protest, Harper, Olivia, and Sophie worked together, helping to finish setting up her tent.

Emma sighed but smiled, watching as the three o them secured the final stakes and adjusted the rainfly. Maybe Harper was right. Eric needed to apologize, but maybe she needed to give him a nudge. She just had to decide how.

With the tents set up and their gear stowed away, the adults called the girls over to the row of tables for dinner. As Emma stood, Sophie immediately reached for her hand, holding on tightly as they walked toward the food area.

Emma led her group to a table, gently guiding Sophie into a seat. “Stay here, baby girl. We’ll get your food.”

Sophie nodded, swinging her feet slightly as she waited. Emma, Harper, and Olivia walked over to the grills, where the adults were serving up hot food. They helped Emma fill two plates, Harper and Olivia balanced their own as well.

Once Emma had Sophie’s plate ready, they all returned to the table, setting their food down. Emma placed one plate in front of Sophie, giving her a small smile before going back with the others to grab drinks.

The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air as the girls enjoyed their first meal at camp. After dinner, the girls gathered around their firepit, the crackling flames casting a warm glow over the group. As Emma sat down, memories of her last camping trip surfaced—another fire, another night just like this, and a request she couldn’t refuse.

It wasn’t long before someone spoke up. “Emma, will you sing for us?”

Other girls chimed in; their voices eager. “Yeah, Emma, please!”

Emma hesitated, her fingers lightly brushing her shorts as she glanced at the expectant faces around her. She had been asked last time and she had sung. This time, there were even more people watching. She took a slow breath, then gave a small nod.

She took a slow breath, then gave a small nod. “Alright.” Silence fell over the group as Emma’s angelic voice lifted into the night air.

She sang a ballad, her voice soft yet powerful, full of emotion that captivated everyone—both the Brownie Troop and the adults. As she reached the second verse, the sound must have carried further than she expected.

Girls and leaders from neighboring troops began to wander over, drawn in by the pure, haunting beauty of her song. By the time she reached the final note, nearly everyone in the area had gathered around and then—thunderous applause.

Emma’s cheeks flushed in embarrassing, a mix of shyness and warmth filling her chest. She gave a small, bashful smile, tucking her hair behind her ear. She glanced up, her eyes caught Eric’s.

He was standing at the edge of the firelight, his expression unreadable—except for the small, unmistakable smile on his lips. Before she could process it, he simply turned and walked away.

Emma’s heart clenched, the moment hitting harder than she expected. She felt her eyes sting, and before anyone could notice, she hurried into her tent, needing a place to breathe.

The tent flap rustled, and Sophie crawled in after her, her expression full of quiet understanding. Without a word, she wrapped her small arms around Emma, hugging her tightly. Emma let out a shaky breath, pressing her forehead against Sophie’s shoulder.

Sophie reached up and gently wiped the unshed tears from Emma’s eyes. “Emma, it’s okay. You don’t have to hide.” Emma swallowed hard.

“These people love to hear you sing and so do I,” Sophie continued, her voice soft but firm. “You have a beautiful voice.” Emma exhaled, letting Sophie’s words settle in her heart.

Sophie gave a small smile. “Now, let’s get ready for bed and join the others for s’mores.” Emma finally nodded, her lips twitching into a small smile of her own.

She changed into her sleepwear, and Sophie returned to her own tent to do the same. A few minutes later, they rejoined the group by the fire, the scent of toasted marshmallows filling the air.

Rebecca walked over to Emma, pulling her into a warm hug. “Sweetheart, we didn’t mean to embarrass you.” Emma felt the sincerity in her voice. “We love your voice—it’s so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us.”

Emma smiled, cheeks still tinged pink, but this time, it wasn’t from embarrassment. “You’re welcome.”

As she sat down and took a gooey marshmallow from Sophie’s stick, she let herself relax. Maybe tonight hadn’t gone exactly as expected ... but it wasn’t so bad after all.

Three days had passed since Emma arrived with Brownie Troop 117, and the trip had been filled with hiking, teamwork, and plenty of campfire stories.

That morning, after breakfast, an announcement was made. “Anyone interested in joining the park guides to learn how to rock climb, meet by the trailhead in fifteen minutes!”

Emma immediately stood up. Not surprisingly, Sophie and Olivia were right behind her. The three of them walked together, following the half-hour toward the cliff face they had seen rising above the trees in the distance. By the time they arrived, a group of excited kids and chaperones had already gathered.

Before they could begin, the guides gathered everyone for a safety briefing. Emma listened carefully as they covered the basics:

“Always check your harness and knots before climbing. Communicate with your belayer at all times. Never climb without a spotter or guide. If you slip, don’t panic—trust the safety rope,” the guide had said loud enough for all to hear.

After the briefing, the guides began handing out harnesses. As Emma secured hers easily, adjusting the straps until it fits snugly. She noticed Olivia and Sophie pulled their own harnesses from their backpacks. Apparently, they have done this before and had their own custom harnesses.

A guide looked at Sophie and Olivia and said, “I don’t have a harness small enough for you.”

Sophie simply smiled and shrugged. “That’s okay. We’ve been here before—we brought our custom harnesses.” They reached into her small day pack, pulling out perfectly fitted climbing harnesses designed for their smaller sizes.

The guide examined them, nodded approvingly, and offered to help the girls secure them. Sophie stepped away and moved closer to Emma. “Sophie is autistic and doesn’t like to be touched,” Emma explained.

“Understood,” he said and moved to Olivia.

After Sophie and Emma had their harnesses on, Emma spotted a length of rope on the ground, picked it up, and cut a 4-foot length. Then, tied one end to the back of Sophie’s harness and the other to the back of her own harness.

Emma, what are you doing?” Olivia asked.

Emma tightened the knot, tugging it to test its strength. “Just an extra safety measure. If something happens, I’ll be right there.” Satisfied, she slipped her day pack back on.

Emma finally looked up, taking in the setup above them. The climbing route had already been prepped in advance.

Pitons and heavy-duty carabiners had been placed every ten feet up the cliff face, creating a safe climbing path. A safety rope was attached to each climber, with a guide on belay for each climber. The guides would take up the slack as they climbed and hold tight if anyone slipped. If a climber couldn’t continue, they had the option to be lowered safely back to the ground.

Emma took a deep breath, flexing her fingers. She glanced at Sophie, who was beaming with excitement, and Olivia, who looked a mix of nervous and determined. “Alright, girls. Let’s do this.” With that, they began their ascent.

Emma adjusted her grip, her fingers aching slightly as she held onto the cliff face, her body supported by three solid anchor points. She wasn’t alone—fortunately, Sophie was right beside her, her small but experienced hands moving with confidence.

On either side of Emma, a guide patiently instructed her, explaining each step. “Find a good anchor spot first,” the guide to her left said. “Something solid—look for a natural crack or crevasse.” Emma nodded, scanning the rock face.

Sophie reached out and pointed at a spot a little higher up. “There.” Trusting her, Emma braced herself, reached up, and tested the surface. It felt strong.

She grabbed a piton from her harness, lined it up carefully, and then—hammered it into place. The metal rang out with each strike, securing itself deep into the rock. Once she was satisfied, she pulled a carabiner from her gear, clipped it through the eye of the piton, and threaded her safety rope through it. One more secure point.

She took a breath and continued her ascent, moving steadily despite the increasing strain on her fingers and toes. Despite the burn in her muscles, Emma felt something else. Excitement.

Adrenaline coursed through her, the sheer challenge of the climb pushing her forward. She grinned, making a silent vow to herself. I’m doing this again.

As she and Sophie reached the top of their climb, they paused to take in the breathtaking view before descending safely back down. They didn’t stop there. They climbed three times in total, each attempt more confident and controlled.

Despite the burn in her muscles, Emma felt something else—excitement. Adrenaline coursed through her, the sheer challenge of the climb pushing her forward. She grinned, making a silent vow to herself, I’m doing this again.

As she and Sophie reached the top of their climb, they paused to take in the breathtaking view before descending safely back down. They didn’t stop there.