Chapter 7
The tree's soft whisper against the wind was like a lullaby, soothing and warm. It was so welcoming and calm. Their light smooth steps, turned to rough ridged stomps on the tough, rock path filled with twigs and Holly almost slipped with the damp moss on the forest floor. Luckily, Gail got a hold of her arm and quickly held her, guiding her each step of the way.
"We shouldn't go too far Holly".
Holly sat on a toppled tree. "Okay. Let's sit her for a minute and enjoy nature"'
"We've been sitting here for 10 minutes let's go back to the cabin. I'm sure lunch is ready". She began walking away from Holly.
Gail looked back, the brunette was having a hard time walking through the treacherous forest floor. Gail grabbed Holly's hand again making sure they return to the camp uninjured. They were now on the trail, there were no twigs scattered everywhere, the rocks were much smoother and the moss weren't as damp as before but they were still holding each other's hand. Gail could feel Holly's hand gripped her hand much tighter as they intertwined their fingers the blonde could feel that Holly is looking at her. She was right, the brunette was staring at her as if asking permission to hold her hands. Gail gave Holly a tight smile and squeezed Holly's hand.
"You're eerily silent". Holly said to Gail slowly stroking the back of the blonde's hand.
Gail glanced at Holly and said "I'm in the zone Holls, you know… I like this.. just peace, quiet.. it calms me down".
"Oh, I thought you were gonna say you like holding my hands". Teased Holly
"And that too.. weird but I like this feeling".
The two walked in silence, enjoying the scenery around them without letting go of each other's hand. Gail could her Chloe's irritating high pitched voice echoing as they approach camp, Gail realized she was still holding Holly's soft hands, embarrassed that the other guys might see them like that Gail pulled back her hands and put in inside her pocket. She could see Sam and Dov manning the grill, Chris delivering the cooked burgers and hotdogs on the table, Jen and Andy counting how many plates they need to set up the table, Chloe and Oliver laughing out loud about some stories Oliver told her and Traci and Celery were at the table mixing some salad.
"How's the hike". Chloe asked.
"It was fun". Holly replied walking towards Chloe and Oliver.
"Hey, did you sleep well?". Traci asked Gail while chopping tomatoes.
"We didn't do anything Trace, we were just sleeping..we didn't even talk". Gail frowned at Traci.
"Jesus! Calm down will you? I didn't mean it like that". Traci chuckled.
"I'm just putting it out there Trace".
"You look and sound guilty to me". Traci deliberately taunting Gail.
"shut up Traci Nash", Gail yelled throwing tomato wedges at her friend.
"What did I miss?". Oliver looking at the two woman throwing stuff at each other.
"I was asking Gail how did she sleep last night". Traci filled Oliver in.
"On the camper, you and Holly". Oliver sat beside Gail and waited for her reply.
Gail could see Holly walking towards the table with Chloe, she answered Oliver quickly and shortly.
"It was alright".
They were all gathered around the table to eat. Holly squeezed herself between Oliver and Gail, Oliver happily moved a little moving closer to Celery.
The brunette was glancing at Gail's plate. "You don't eat veggies?".
"I eat my greens nerd but that salad has tomatoes in it. I'm allergic to tomatoes"
"A tomato allergy is a type 1 hypersensitivity to tomatoes. Type 1 allergies are commonly known as contact allergies. When a person with this type of allergy comes into contact with an allergen such as a tomato, histamines are released into exposed areas such as the skin, nose, and respiratory and digestive tracts. In turn, this causes an allergic reaction.
Despite the fact that tomatoes and tomato-based products are some of the most heavily consumed foods in the western diet, tomato allergies are extremely rare. An individual with a tomato allergy is also prone to allergic reactions with other nightshades, including potatoes, tobacco, and eggplant. Often, people with a tomato allergy will have a cross-reaction to latex as well. Symptoms include severe itching, recurrent rash, redness and swelling". Holly explained to Gail.
"Wow! That's a lot of information coming out of your mouth Holls". Gail smiled at the brunette.
It was silly at how a horror movie could scare a bunch of police officers. Gail was amused at how Chloe could scream like that, like there's no tomorrow. She keeps on yanking Dov's shirt. Chris was trying to act all tough but Gail could see his facial expression change as the movie gets even scarier. She noticed Holly biting her lips anticipating the killer's next move. Gail was amused not with the movie but with the people watching it. They weren't as bad as thought Gail told herself silently.
"Have you seen this movie?". Holly whispered
"No, why?"
"Because you don't seem scared at all". Holly suddenly grabbed her arm after seeing the killer reappear.
"I wish the killer would show up again and kill them all". The blonde leaned slightly on Holly while whispering to her ear.
"Why? Don't be so mean". Holly replied with her eyes glued to the television.
" Because Holly I like it when you hold me". Gail said coolly.
Holly smiled widely, she turned to Gail and looped her arm on the blonde's shoulders.
They remained in that position until the movie was finished.
His arms covering his mouth while yawning Ollie said "Let's get some sleep, we have to leave early tomorrow".
"How early?". Gail asked lazily.
"6 am early". Olli answered.
Gail and Holly were getting ready for bed. Holly glanced at Gail while she was changing her shirt. The brunette could see Gail's ripped abs, she noticed scars on her sides and she saw Gail's tattoos.
"Nice tattoo". Holly admired Gail's tattoos.
"Thank you, Oliver doesn't like it. He said it's too big". Gail crawled to the bed.
Holly turned to her side to face Gail "Chicks dig bad ass tats".
The blonde stared at Holly's voluptuous breast, she could feel her face getting tighter, she was blushing, and she has to come up with a sassy reply to mask the embarrassment she feels.
"I knew you had a crush on me when we met at the Penny". Gail said glancing a Holly and then down to her breasts.
"Maybe, maybe not". Holly laughed.
"So you dig scars too? I got plenty". Humored Gail.
"It depends where the location of the scars are Gail".
Sensing that their playful banter could go on for hours the blonde pulled the blanket up to her chest and closed her eyes.
"Night Holls".
"Can you please share my blanket with me, it's getting cold". Holly said putting emphasis on MY.
Instead of giving her the other end of the blanket Gail moved closer to the brunette and wrapped her arms around Holly's waist. She was waiting for Holly to remove her hands but the brunette turned to her nuzzling her neck. She caressed the brunette's hair and kissed her head.
"Good night Gail". Holly said sleepily.
They were so close she could feel Holly breathing, they were so close she could feel Holly's breast, she could smell her hair, and this is unusual for Gail. She felt at ease. It just felt right, holding the brunette made her feel things she never felt in a long time. The rush of blood flowing down her veins, the excitement she feels when she talks to Holly, she felt like she's floating and she's beginning to realize she has feelings for Holly. She's not entirely sure if this was pure adoration for the brunette's willingness to accept her for who she is or this is something else far more serious than she ever expected
