CHAPTER 3

Shelby had awoken early. Never actually falling asleep. She sat up and trying to make sure not to wake up Daisy and Juliette she exited the tent to try and clear her mind. She hated the way she was treating everyone, especially Scott, but she knew that her and Scott's way of dealing with problems were never the best way, but it was the way the did it.

Shelby walked in into the woods for a few minutes before sitting besides a tree. She felt something poking her side as she sat and grabbing at it she realized it was the letter that her sister had sent her. Opening it her eyes went right to the spot that had been causing her so much anguish. …Mom found a new boyfriend; he wants to get married. You know what that means, a new step-dad, just think Shelby…. She sighed and banged her head against the tree, all the memories coming back. The last thing she wanted was a new stepfather, especially since the last one had turned out so great. She stood up and placed the letter back into the pocket of her sweatshirt. She was uncertain of the time and wanted to get back to the tent before Peter or Sophie were awake. When she returned she saw that Peter was already up and starting the fire. Hoping she wouldn't get into trouble for not being in the tent she walked towards the fire.

"Hey kiddo, what are you doing up?" Peter asked, looking closely at Shelby's expression.

"I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk."

"All right, well since your up you can help me with the fire so I don't have to wake Sophie up yet" He joked.

"Sure, what do you want me to do?" Shelby asked, in a quiet not caring tone.

Peter tilted his head in surprise that she had actually offered to help. Usually Shelby had an excuse for everything and anything containing work.

"Everything okay Shel?" He asked, now concerned, since she had agreed to help.

"Yeah, fine, so do you want me to help or not?" Shelby asked, a little annoyance showing in her voice for hearing that question again.

"Ok, can you go get the matches out of my bag for me please?" He asked, pointing to his bag.

Walking towards the bag Shelby replied, "Not doing it the all natural way anymore Peter?" Her normal mocking tone now back in her voice.

"Just give them to me Shelby." Peter said, as she handed them to him. "It sprinkled last night so everything is all wet, so the natural way wont work, already tried, been trying for the last half hour."

Shelby nodded and went to sit on a log near the fire. She couldn't believe that she had been in the woods for a half an hour. She took the letter out of her pocket, contemplating wether or not to throw it into the fire when Peter interrupted her thoughts.

"Want to go wake everyone up for me?"

"Why not." Shelby said, sighing, sticking the letter back into her pocket as she stood.

Approaching the tent Shelby had an idea that she couldn't resist. Scaring the life out of Juliette, that would defiantly cheer her up.

Walking up to the side of the tent where Juliette slept; Shelby pushed on it and yelled, "Wake up!" Juliette screamed and Daisy quickly sat up. When Juliette heard Shelby laughing outside the tent she looked angrily at her.

"Dang it Shelby!" Juliette yelled, throwing her pillow at her.

Juliette's yelling woke up Auggie and Ezra but not Scott and David. Shelby walked into the boys' tent, still playing out the task that Peter had given her to wake everyone up. Rubbing her hand against Scott's cheek she whispered, "Wake up Sleepy Head." Scott opened his eyes and smiled at seeing it was Shelby and not another one of his nightmares and sat up. Shelby kissed his forehead and was on her way out of the tent. She kicked David in his side on the way out, "Get your butt up!" David grabbed his side in pain and gave Shelby a dirty look as he sat up.

"What did you do that for?" David asked confused.

"Peter told me to wake everyone up and like I was actually going to touch you." Shelby laughed while making a disgusted face. "See ya in a few Scott." She said smiling, looking at him.

Scott nodded his head, smiling, and with that Shelby exited the boys' tent.

Yeah I know this is short and I'm sorry but I have been so over whelmed by tests. Plus the fact that I have soccer practice everyday. In fact I am studying for 2 tests right now. I will try write tonight so that I can have an update but I don't know.