Chapter 8: Going Camping

Max, Michael, Tess, and Isabel, didn't, couldn't, wouldn't, leave their destinies out of their sight the whole weekend. And it wasn't like the humans had any objection to that. In fact, Saturday morning, everyone got permission from their parents to go camping over the weekend. The fact that they had Monday off was a blessing, and it helped their cause. So, at around eight o'clock, Max, Liz, Tess, and Kyle piled into the Jeep with their gear, and Maria, Michael, Isabel, and Alex jumped into the Jetta with theirs. Of course, Maria had promised to clean the house when they came home in exchange for the car. But with help, she'd reasoned, it wouldn't take that long.

The eight had intentions to make it to the camp ground in about five hours, but got a little behind when they stopped at a truck stop to eat.

They arrived at sites number twenty and twenty-one at around three o'clock, and Michael tried to built a fire. The human way. When he found it impossible and was about to give up, Maria made her way over to him and, with him staring at her the whole time, had a good fire going in about five minutes. She smiled at him and he responded, "Very funny."

The guys made a lunch of burgers and hot dogs for everyone, with the understanding that the girls were in charge of the supper. Everyone talked during lunch, and they realized that the guys all had a lot in common with each other, especially Max and Kyle, Alex and Michael. The girls found out that Liz and Tess had a lot of the same doubts and feelings in their lives, and that both Isabel and Maria were as carefree as birds, but as protective as mother grizzlies bear defending their young.

Everyone grew more and more relaxed and comfortable with each other as the day progressed. Tess and Kyle began to feel like one of the gang when they were invited to sit around the fire after dinner and listen to the gang talk about the 'old times'. The couples immediately noticed the change in Max and Liz as they sat down, her in his lap. Kyle saw how much Liz loved Max, and he finally understood why she had broken up with him the year before. He silently threatened Max that he would personally beat the living crap out of him if he hurt this little creature who was so strong. Tess saw how much Max cared for Liz and she thanked who ever it was that created this girl for Max. If she had a choice, she wouldn't trade seeing Max this happy for anything.

Maria and Michael kept on shooting little glances at their best friends, convincing themselves that things would be ok after all.

Liz and Max were in a world of their own. They were unaware of the four people that alternated their little glances between Tess and Kyle and them. But, they were very aware of each other and of how right it felt to be in each other's arms.

"Max..." Liz whispered.

"Yeah, Liz?"

"Are you ready to turn in?"

Max glanced at his watch. It read 9:45. "Why? It's only a quarter to ten." He kept his voice low, the conversation private.

"Max Evans. It only the second night that we've been together. Last night, you were so sweet, and you let me fall asleep in your arms. Tonight, I want to acknowledge the fact that we're back together for good. Why are you questioning this? Why are you questioning me?"

"You're right. It's time to turn in." Max turned to face his friends, "Hey, guys..."

"Go ahead, Maxwell. We understand." Michael was grinning like an idiot. Maria gave in to her need to smack him, and Liz giggled, getting up and pulling Max to where their sleeping bags were.

Michael had felt Maria hit him, but he let it slide. He'd get her back. She was majorly ticklish, and he knew just the spot. He dug his fingers into her sides, just below her rib cage.

Maria squealed, "Michael, stop. Stop...stop...stop..." She could barely get out the words, she couldn't even catch her breath. "Isabel...Tess... help...please...help..."

"Sorry, Maria," Isabel squealed, "but...I'm...under...attack...too. Alex...stop...you...know...how... ticklish...I...am."

Maria managed to catch her breath long enough to yell, "Tess...help!"

"I can't. Kyle's got me in his clutches and he won't let go."

Finally, the three girls couldn't stand it any more. Isabel and Maria reared up, and Tess turned around. They all caught their boyfriend's mouth with their own.

Mission accomplished, the boys thought as they turned their attention back to the lovely ladies in their arms.