A look at Irina's softer side
Chapter 10: I forgave him already
Irina and the rest of the scouts stopped once they reached the river.
"Ok girls gather round." Jen announced.
The girls sat on the ground cross-legged in front of her. Irina and the other adults stood behind them.
"We are here at Black Bear River for one reason. Do you girls remember what that is?"
"To learn how to catch fish." they said in unison no longer trying to hide their lack of enthusiasm.
A freaking fishing trip. Irina thought. If I wanted to go fishing I would have stayed in Los Angeles.
"That's right. Yes Maria."
"Mrs. Jen, how are we going to fish without poles."
"Good question Maria. We will be using these." she said holding up her hands.
"Why should they their hands when they could use knives." Irina said teasingly.
"We are trying to get in touch with nature by fishing the way bears do." Jen fired back "Besides you can't catch a fish with a knife."
"Really care to bet." Irina said a devilish glint in her eyes.
"Sure. If I win we turn you into a real girl scout" Jen said. Irina was immediately intrigued she always liked a challenge.
"And if I win the girls get to do something fun."
"I bet you can't." the rest of the women said.
"I say she can" Chuck interjected.
With that Irina took off the vest gave Chuck the gun and removed the knife from her waist. The blade of the knife glinted in the sun and she tossed it in her hands. The girls stood up watching her eagerly they had never seen such a display of skill.
If Irina could pull this off it would make her so much cooler Kayle thought.
Irina removed her shades and watched the water. She looked for the ripple of a fish swimming. As the fish launched itself out of the water she gave a flick of her wrist sending the knife cleanly through the fish pinning it to a tree across the bank.
The entire party gasped at what they had just seen.
"That was awesome." the girls said in unison. "Can you teach us."
"I don't think that's in the girls scouts manual." Irina said lowering her shades. She walked back over to where the other women were standing with their jaws still dropped.
Irina took the gun from Chuck again.
"That was the single greatest show of weaponry I have ever seen." Jen said awestruck.
"Yeah. Leslie could never do anything like that." The rest of them chimed in.
After a moments silence Jen said "Girls do you have your swim trunks."
"Yes." they said in unison.
"Well according to the bet you all can do something fun so hit the water."
With a shriek the girls changed to their bathing suits and dove into the water. The adults quickly followed suit.
"Irina," Kayle said walking up to her as she sat on the bank "Thanks. That was really cool. My mom could never do anything like that."
"I'm sure you and your mom do a lot of things together." Irina said.
Kayle shifted her feet a little. "Well, we go shopping but she only buys things she likes the pastel look isn't for me."
"Kayle do you want me to show you how to spear a fish with a knife."
"Would I!" she exclaimed.
"Shhh. I'll show you when the rules change. Believe me I am going to bring some more fun into your house."
"Cool, well I better get back to my friends," she replied running back towards the water "Oh and Irina."
"Yes Kayle."
"Your daughters are really lucky."
Irina couldn't help but smile she was starting to like this kid, she had spunk and a little rebellious side that was begging to be released.
"Irina you wanna go for a walk." Chuck asked coming to a halt by her side clad in nothing but swimming trunks.
"What about them." she answered.
"They'll be fine."
They walked back into the woods. Irina felt awkward alone with this man. It didn't help that she was unarmed now.
"So you're married." he spoke finally breaking the silence.
"Yeah."
"So tell me about your husband."
"His name's Jack. He's the funniest, sexist, most romantic, and overall best guy I've ever met."
"Wow. Sounds like you really love him."
"I do."
"Then why are you on Wife Swap."
"Because I feel like we've been drifting apart lately it started when he slept with my sister."
"Why would he cheat on you."
"He thought I cheated first."
"But with your sister."
"She was there for him when I couldn't be. I mean I forgave him a long time ago but I can't forget. He has apologized so many times but it still hurts. I got so mad at first that I hurt him but I only ended up hurting myself too. I love him so much and the thought of him being with another woman makes me sick. Every since I've been here I have trouble sleeping without his arms around me. Oh my God why am I telling you this."
"It's cool I don't mind listening."
"Thanks I guess we should head back." Irina said turning around.
"Irina" Chuck said behind her "Let me hold you."
"What?" she answered turning around to see Chuck just inches from her.
"Let me hold you," he said brushing a piece of hair behind her ear "While you're here let me hold you. Let me be there. You just said your husband had an affair because he thought you were cheating, you have the right to do the same."
"No. Chuck you're a great guy but I can't cheat on my husband."
"He never has to know." he said closing the distance between them kissing her fiercely. Irina reacted before she could think. She head butted him sending him sprawling into a tree.
"I'm not going to do that."
"Sorry." he said holding his head. She helped him stand up.
Chuck turned to go back to the ranger station when from out of nowhere sprang a huge black bear. Chuck screamed and threw down his gun.
"Chuck stay still." Irina said slowly edging towards him.
"What are you doing." Chuck said his voice shaking.
"Are you crying."
"N….N….No."
"Toss your gun over here."
"The bear will try to attack you."
"I know that's why you need to throw me the gun."
"Irina I'm scared."
"What kind of ranger are you, just throw me the gun."
"But."
"On the count of three."
"One." the bear growled from deep in its throat.
"Two." It reared up on its hind legs.
"Three. Now!"
Just as the gun flew through the air the bear charged Irina. She caught the gun but wasn't able to fire it as 230lbs of fur fell on top of her.
She felt pain rip through her stomach as its claws tore through her flesh. She made one final effort to get her hand free. She was able to free her hand and fired a shot straight through the bear's heart. The bear fell on top her and her breath caught in her throat.
"Jack." she whispered before losing consciousness.