Twilight belongs to S. Meyer. I just play with her characters.
WitFit Prompt: Quick
Highline
Chapter 6
"Bella! Bella – wake up!" Rose whispered, leaning over the top bunk in our humble cabin. The room was set up with two sets of bunks, a small dresser and a pair of chairs. Although it was sparse, it was comfortable – despite my excitement, I was able to get a full night of sleep.
"I'm up. What time is it?"
"Five to six. Today's the day, B!" she squeaked, still using a hushed voice. There was no real need for the quiet as we had the room to ourselves.
"We'd better get ready quick – you heard what Emmett said about Edward freaking out if he's late."
After dinner the night before, we'd joined Emmett and Jacob around a campfire for some visiting and kicking back. Emmett asked lots of questions – about our jobs, our other hobbies – and while he had taken a special interest in Rose on previous encounters, I felt like he divided his attention between both of us. I also noticed that he was a little less carefree than he had been the other times we'd met him – like he was being more careful, more professional.
By nine-thirty, the fresh air had gotten the best of us all, and I was reminded of Edward's suggestion to get a good rest. Rose and I showered in the wash cabin, and tucked in early.
After a quick breakfast in the main cabin, we were off. Emmett drove an extended cab pick-up truck, loaded with our gear in the back. Edward sat in the front studying maps, and barely said a word, while Jacob pointed out some birds and deer along the drive.
It only took an hour to reach the trailhead. The ups and downs to Arnica Lake on the heavily wooded pathway were made up of relatively simple terrain. My pack was heavy at first, but after Jacob made a few adjustments to my straps and I was able to distribute the weight well. The sun peeked out at us from behind the clouds periodically, casting gorgeous shadows over the mountainside.
The trek to from the lake to Arnica Ridge was a bit more challenging. Jacob and Edward set pace for us – I was next, followed by Rose and Emmett a short distance behind. I was glad that we'd logged many hours in our boots back at home - after climbing some of the steeper ridges, coupled with the soft, wet ground, I could feel a tender spot developing on my heel. Had they been new, it would have likely been much worse.
Once we stopped for a quick water break, I dug out a blister pad from my pack.
"What are you doing?" Edward asked as I untied my boot.
"I just have a tender spot – I'm gonna patch it quick before it gets any worse." I sat down on a boulder and started digging in my bag for supplies. I didn't want him to judge me or think of me as some kind of amateur – I could handle a minor blister.
"Jacob said you broke your boots in."
"I did."
"Let me see it." He looked angry.
"No – It's nothing, really. I got this."
"It's not nothing. A blister could end this trip before it even gets started. Please – let me have a look." His expression had softened considerably.
I rolled my eyes and handed him my blister pad. He called out to the others to go on ahead, and I figured I might as well just let him fix it – it wasn't worth arguing with him this early in the game.
The next thing I knew, he had my ankle in one hand and was lifting my calf slightly with the other to inspect my heel. Even though there was a chilly breeze, his fingers felt warm and gentle.
He set my leg down and I almost groaned out loud at the loss of contact.
Edward pulled some moleskin, a baggy with a few ounces of some sort of white powder and a small pocket knife from his own bag. As if he'd done this a million times before, he cut a perfect sized piece and fixed it to my heel. He once again inspected my foot, running his fingers along my ankle bone and the outer side.
"That should do it." He said, as he started sprinkling the powder over my skin.
"What is that?" I asked, looking down to examine his patch job.
"Cornstarch. Trade secret." He gave me a small smile. It was quick, but I was sure that I saw it.
"Thank you for doing this for me" I said sincerely, slipping my sock and boot back on. I was taken aback by his show of concern. "It feels better already."
"Of course. I'm just doing my job." He said, all hints of that smile he'd given me gone. He hopped to his feet, leaving me behind as he headed up the ridge toward the others.
A/N Thanks so much for reading! A bit shorter of a chapter tonight. I've been really enjoying the feedback so far – thanks to everyone who has reviewed…I try to respond to them all!