Chapter Six
Try as I might, by the end of the next week I was still the last one leaving my hole at the end of the night. Sometimes someone would stay and talk with me, but I never knew if they would or not. Usually Squid was the one to keep me company as I finished up each night. Although I didn't know him very well, I liked talking to him. I also couldn't help noticing he was kind of attractive in that unassuming way.
On my sixteenth day at camp, and yes, I was counting, he was lounging at the edge of my hole as I threw out the last of my dirt. He slid down and I looked over at him. He had a strange look in his eyes. I suddenly got strangely self-conscious.
"What?" I asked him.
"Nothing," he said, "just thought I'd lift you out like I usually do."
"Oh, right," I nodded, leaning on my shovel.
He walked toward me and I became really aware how small the hole we were in was. I pushed my shovel up onto the higher ground and put my hand on his shoulder to step up. Strangely, he stumbled and we both fell to the bottom in a tangle of arms and legs.
"Sorry," Squid said, "I guess I was more tired today than I thought."
"It's okay."
I turned onto my side and saw him do the same. On an impulse I leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"What was that for?" he asked me.
"I don't know. I guess thanking you for not landing on me."
He smiled and stood up, holding a hand out to me on the ground. I grabbed his hand and hauled myself up. On the second try, I was able to get out of the hole. We started the long walk back to put my shovel away. About halfway there, I felt Squid's hand on my wrist. I turned toward him and he kissed me full on the lips. My eyes widened and I dropped my shovel.
"What was that for?"
"I don't know," he turned to leave, "See you tomorrow."
He walked away, leaving me standing there, not sure what to say.