Wade was the last to emerge from his tent the next morning. He saw Adam and Shawn at the food prep area, both men had those "after sex" smiles on their faces. He also observed self-satisfied smiles on their faces. He also observed, self-satisfied smirks on the faces of Hunter and Bret as they talked by the fire. Barrett gathered himself. He could not let his actions of last night show. He couldn't be caught out as a dirty voyeur. But the memory of Adam, naked and so beautiful in the moonlight burned in his memory forever.
"Good morning, Doctor Barrett," Adam chirped happily. He'd heard Wade stirring and made his colleague a cup of tea. He wanted Wade to know there were no hard feelings about the "Davy incident" that happened last night.
Wade took the cup of tea, "Good morning all. Thank you, Adam. I realized as I looked, I left my bag of tea bags behind. I forgot it was in the kitchen when we packed," Barrett said sheepishly as he sat in his chair by the fire.
"I brought extras, so enjoy. Praise the Lord for a beautiful morning," Shawn said as he paused to look at the cloudless, late July, Colorado sky.
"So, how did you sleep your first night? Lucky it didn't get too cold last night," Bret asked politely as he poured a cup of coffee from the boiling pot on the fire.
"Like a babe, actually. So what's the plan for today?" Wade spoke while Shawn checked the biscuits that were baking on the iron spider, it sat on the edge of the fire.
"More fishing for us. Not sure what Buddy and Adam have planned," Hunter responded as he too sipped his coffee.
"I'd like to get in some fishing, what about you, Sugar?" Bret asked as he playfully, but carefully pulled a happy Adam into his lap. Adam had come to the fire for a cup of coffee.
Adam giggled as he landed in his lover's lap, "I'm going for a nature walk. I'd like to sketch a bit, take some pictures. I'm just not in a fishing mood," Adam said thoughtfully. He was really enjoying drawing and painting again. Being here was perfect food for his creativity.
"By all means, baby. Be the artist you are. Just, be careful in the woods. With the fire and warmer weather, critters will be more active," Bret said in an encouraging tone. He was so proud of Adam's artwork. He wanted him to do what he pleased, especially with his time off.
"I will be. I wish I would have bought that field water-color kit. Well, next time," Adam said with a bit of a sigh. He should have let Bret by the set when they saw it in the store, but it was just too expensive. Bret had already spent so much on his attic art studio.
Bret reached into the inner pocket of his jacket. He pulled out a small, black plastic box, "You mean this water-color field kit?" he held the box just out of Adam's reach as he held firmly to his boy's waist.
Adam tried to reach for the box, he was like a greedy, excited child at Christmas, "Bear! Please! Let me see!" he kept grabbing at the box as Bret kept it just out of reach.
"Have you been a good boy?" Bret kept teasing the doctor. Shawn and Hunter watched with smiles as the nurse fried sausage and eggs on the camp stove, Hunter at his side.
Wade watched with amusement showing on his face but scowling inside. Why didn't he think of some wonderful present to bring for Adam? Maybe he could pick some flowers or something. His mind worked as he watched.
"I've been a very good boy, remember? The hammock?" Adam said with a very wicked grin on his beautiful face.
"Yes, I do and yes, you were a very good boy. I hope you enjoy it, my sweet bit of Sugar. Oh and there's this to go with it," Bret said equally as wicked. As he handed Adam the box, he pulled a five by eight and a quarter, Moleskine water-color album out of another pocket.
Adam nearly squealed with delight. The Winsor and Newton Water Color Field Box set unfolded to a palm sized kit. The kit came with two palettes for mixing paint, a water container, and water bottle, a sponge, folding travel brush, and twelve half pans of Winsor and Newton water colors. The colors were all the ones Adam needed to mix any other color he could possibly need. The Moleskine album had twenty-five sheets of 200 gram, cold-pressed paper, book mark, and an elastic closure with expandable inner pocket.
"Oh Bear, thank you! You spend too much money on me. I know what that field kit cost, a hundred bucks! I can't even guess on the book! I love you; not because you buy me things, but because you care about my art and happiness. Although, I don't mind presents," Adam said softly, then gave Bret a laughing wink. He then turned serious and kissed Bret with all his heartfelt emotions.
Wade finally couldn't stand it, he got up. He muttered about looking for something in his tent. When he was in the nylon confines, he fairly exploded, while being silent. It seemed like every moment, Adam and Bret grew closer. How was he ever going to be able to drive a wedge between the two? He pulled himself together, Shawn was calling everyone to breakfast.
Nobody cared they were having the breakfast sandwiches again, they were so delicious. It was decided Adam would do the dishes and Hunter and Bret would clean up. Shawn took Wade to help him dig for the bait.
The chores took no time to complete. After they cleaned, Bret and Hunter went to check the horses. They pulled up the picket stakes and moved the horses to fresh grass. They also brushed them and checked their feet. May and Skip eagerly ate their oat ration. They were used to the life of pack horses and seemed to relish in the wilderness.
When Bret got back to their tent, Adam was changing out of the sneakers he wore into hiking boots. Adam smiled at his lover, "You really shouldn't have spent so much on me. I do love it though. I'll paint you something special. I do love you, my Bear," Adam said softly as he let Bret tie his boot.
Bret lay down on top of their sleeping bag, he gently pulled Adam down to him. "I just like spoiling you. I knew you would regret not having any art things with you. So I went back the next day and bought it. I love you, Sugar," Bret pulled Adam in for a kiss. Hands nearly got carried away as they relished in their kisses. Bret finally broke away and stood in a half crouch and pulled Adam to his feet.
They joined the others who were milling about. Wade pulled out his book and settled in by the fire to read. He was content. He'd thought about following Adam, but decided against it. He would wait and hopefully Adam would go off alone on another day, then he would follow.
For the next two days, the routine was the same. Everyone was happy and relaxed. Adam was having fun sketching and painting, the others fishing and Wade reading by the fire.
On the third day, Alberto stopped by. He stayed for lunch and caught up with the news down in Denver. It was a nice visit, but he told them it could rain later in the week, so watch for a possible flash flood. He said he'd be back later in the week.
They didn't eat fried fish all the time. They did use the food they had bought at the camping store. For dehydrated food, it was very good. The standards had really improved over the years. They were full course gourmet meals.
The five men were at the midway point of their vacation. Hunter, Shawn and Bret were going to try out a new fishing hole Alberto had told them about. It was about a half mile up the river.
"You be careful, Sugar. We'll be out of shouting range, you know. We won't be back till late afternoon. Sure you won't change your mind and come with us?" Bret spoke softly to Adam as he prepared to leave for the fishing expedition with Hunter and Shawn.
"No, I really want to finish the water-color I'm doing. The flowers won't last much longer and I want them in the picture. I'll miss you, but I'm enjoying myself. I haven't been this relaxed and happy in a long time. Now, kiss me and go, Shawn's biting at the bit," Adam replied just as softly. He leaned in and kissed the Captain.
Bret hugged Adam tightly and deepened the kiss. He wasn't happy about leaving Adam behind. However, Wade had been nothing but a gentleman and was content reading by the fire. With another kiss, Bret then left to go with his friends for a day of fishing.
Adam was sitting by the campfire, packing his bag that he carried his art supplies in, plus a bottle of water. "You really are enjoying your reading," he commented as Wade sat in his chair with a book and cup of tea.
"Yes, I am. I haven't had this much time to read in ages. I try at home, but the phone and other things always distract me. Here nothing stops me," Wade said with a sigh of contentment, and a well-worn copy of "The Hobbit" in his hand.
Wade was beaming inside. Bret would be gone all day and Adam was going off as usual to paint. Now would be his chance to get into Adam's head and drive a wedge between the couple. He even had a good idea of how to do it; Bret's dead husband, and how Adam was just a rebound.
"Well, have fun. Don't let the fire got out, oh and please, boil a couple more pots of water. I'll be back in a few hours, see you," Adam said as he stood. He slung his bag over his shoulders. The young doctor took off for the place in the woods he was painting.
Wade watched over the top of his book, Adam's ass swayed perfectly as he walked away. He had to have that hole, hear Adam's moans of pleasure. He figured he'd wait about an hour, then follow after the blond.
"Alberto was right, this place is perfect" Shawn said as he surveyed the new fishing hole. It was deeper and the river a bit swifter. There was a jutting rock just like the other place, plus more trees to lean against.
"We may even catch some catfish," Hunter said as he sipped from his bottle of water. He sat down on the rock next to Shawn.
Bret joined his friends on the rock. He let out a sigh. He fiddled absent mindedly with his tackle box and fishing pole. He hadn't realized he'd let out another sigh.
"Buddy, what's wrong? You haven't spoken one word since we left camp. You and Adam have a fight?" Shawn asked in a concerned tone. He was worried, he hadn't seen Bret like this since Davy's death.
"I shouldn't have left him. No, we are not fighting. I just have a bad feeling something is going to happen back at the camp," Bret finally spoke as he cast his line into the middle of the deep pool of water.
"I'm sure everything will be fine. Wade will be in shouting range. Adam is a smart young man; he won't do anything stupid," Hunter said confidently as he too, cast his line into the river.
"That's what I'm worried about. I know Adam won't do anything stupid," Bret said in a near huff as he recast his line.
"What? Is it Wade? You're worried Wade will do something to Adam?" Hunter asked, his brow raised. He was a bit surprised at his friend.
Before Bret could answer, Shawn spoke, "I can understand how he feels. I wasn't thrilled to leave Adam behind either," his tone was just as worry filled as Bret's.
"Why? He's been nothing but a gentleman. He just sits there, drinking tea and reading about furry footed, pointy eared creatures. Besides, what can he do? If anything did happen, he'd be caught and trapped," Hunter said in a tone that echoed of sound reason. He couldn't figure out why Buddy and his Heartbreaker were so worried. Nothing was going to happen to Adam.
Shawn considered his husband's words, "Trips is right, Buddy. Wade couldn't really do anything. He would be trapped and caught. I don't like Wade, but I don't think he's a mad rapist. He's more cunning than that," Shawn spoke in hesitated thoughts and words.
Bret recast his line, "I guess you're right Trips. I guess he's not going to do anything. It's just my mistrust of him. I don't even know why, I don't, but I just don't," he spoke with another deep sigh.
"You and Shawn both. I will admit, as I told Shawn, I don't like the fact he's so friendly with Heyman. Hey, it just came to me, think they like each other? You know, romantically?" Hunter's tone had turned thoughtful.
Shawn looked at Hunter like he had three dragon heads, "Paul and Wade? Oh, Hunter, really? Really? I doubt that. You know Paul, he likes them small and blond," Shawn spoke with a guffaw.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. How about we stop worrying and just relax. Fish won't bite if we keep talking," Hunter said to the other two fishermen.
"You're right. I just love that boy so much. I never thought it was possible I could love again, let alone love him so much. Adam is... my savior," Bret said with a soft voice as he spoke openly of his feelings to his friends.
Both of the Helmsley's smiled at their friends confession of love. "I'm happy for both of you. You saved Adam just as much. The love just radiates from you two. Bret, are you thinking about marriage?" Shawn finally asked. He ignored the dirty look Hunter was flashing him. He just had to know Bret's intentions towards the young man he looked on as a son.
Bret laughed a bit, he saw the look Hunter gave Shawn, "nosy much, Heartbreaker? Honestly, it has crossed my mind. I can't answer that now, it's too soon for either of us. I can say this, I won't love anyone else, Adam is it."
Shawn just nodded, he accepted that. He knew at least Adam was finally in a safe, secure relationship. He leaned back and kept fishing.
At the camp, Wade put his book down. It was time to go find Adam. He went down the path Adam had followed. He hoped his fellow doctor hadn't wandered off the trail. The woods were beautiful as he walked.
Adam was sitting on a fallen tree. He was painting a pretty group of wild flowers. The detail was so great it almost looked like a picture. He was so concentrated, he never heard Wade approach.
"That's incredible," Wade said as he looked over Adam's shoulder at the painting the doctor was creating.
Luckily when Adam jumped, he wasn't applying the brush to the paper. "Damn, Wade! You scared the fucking shit out of me!"
"Sorry, Sunshine. I thought you heard me. I cleared my throat to let you know I was here," Wade said apologetically, as he sat down next to Adam on the old log.
Adam now laughed, "No, I guess I was lost in what I was doing. Thanks, it's almost done," he rinsed his brush in the water container as he spoke.
"You're really talented. I'd love to have one of your paintings sometime," Wade said honestly. He hadn't realized Adam was that talented of an artisan.
"You can have this one if you want it. I'm doing another one for Bret. It will be of the river, at the fishing hole. I'll start it tomorrow. I wanted to finish this before the flowers faded," Adam said as he mixed a light shade of bluish purple on his palette.
"I'd like that, thank you. Adam, can I talk to you seriously; about something rather personal?" Wade sounded sincere. Inside, the Brit was laying the foundation of his plan to destroy Adam.
Adam finished the highlights he was adding to the purplish blue flowers he was working on, he leaned down to rinse his brush in the water. "Of course you can, Wade. I meant it when I said I wanted to be your friend. You can ask me anything," he put the brush away and set the art book down. The paint was already dry in the warm sun. He wanted to give his friend his undivided attention.
"I don't exactly know how to put this, but I'm worried about you," Wade opened the conversation with a tone that matched his words. His face also showed the worry.
"Worried? About me? Why? I'm fine. As a matter of fact, I'm happier than I have ever been," the blond doctor's brow was raised, his tone one of confusion.
"I know, and that's why I'm worried. Adam, how sure are you about Captain Hart?" Wade rubbed his palms on his jean covered thighs. He was nervous, this would either work or backfire. He had to proceed carefully.
Adam's face was a mask of confusion, "Very sure. We love each other, very much. Wade? Why are you asking about this?" part of him was shocked, the other part was worried. Did Wade maybe know something he didn't?
Wade sighed deeply, "Have you thought about it? I mean really thought about it?"
Adam was now getting a bit upset, "Wade, if you know something I should know, please, tell me. Otherwise, please, make your point," his tone reflected his growing agitation. What was going on?
"It's hard, because I care about you. I'm worried that your going to get hurt. I'll just say it, but before you explode on me, listen to what I am saying, okay?" Wade knew Adam had a tendency to speak, then think. He wanted Adam to really hear his words.
"Alright Wade, just get the fuck on with it!" Adam was clearly upset, and the anger was flashing in his eyes.
"Calm down, Sunshine. I'm only going to say this because I care about you. I know you've been hurt by men before and I don't want it to happen again. The way Hart always throws his dead husband in your face. Comparing you to him and the like. I think he's just using you... for sex. I don't think he'll ever really love you. If he did, he wouldn't constantly bring Davy up. Think about it, Adam. I feel you are nothing but a... rebound. When he's done using you, he'll drop you and just... move on... probably with someone his own age," Wade sighed, he'd finally said it. Now he hoped he could start adding solid layers to the foundation of doubt.
A thousand emotions seemed to cross Adam's face at once, the last one his mind landed on was confusion. Was there a chance Wade was right? Maybe Wade could see things he didn't. No, no Wade had to be wrong. Bret loved him, his soul screamed it; loudly.
"No, Wade. Bret wouldn't do that to me. He loves me. He and I have talked about this. I knew from the start, Davy would always be in Bret's heart. However, I have made my own place, along with Davy. I'm the one that encourages him to keep Davy in his heart. Wade, never once has he made me feel like I'm a rebound. Age doesn't matter, love is love. Bret makes me feel loved, safe, cared for, he loves me and I love him. So just get that idea out of your head," Adam's tone was firm and as he spoke, his eyes bore into Wade's like a hot branding iron.
Wade sighed and nodded, "I figured you'd say all that. But, maybe he wants you to feel those things, false security. You feel loved, safe and cared for, so by feeling that way, he gets what he wants, sex... with no commitment. He probably doesn't even see you during sex. Your face is replaced with Davy's and that's why he makes you feel those things. But, it's not you he's making love to, it's Davy. It will always be, Davy. You need to get out; now, before he has a chance to really hurt you," Wade's voice was quiet and calm. His tone was so sure, his face showed his worry. Inside he was elated, Adam's fear was growing.
Adam sat there, no, no again, Wade had to be wrong. Bret loved him, he was sure of it, but then again, Davy did come up; a lot. But that was natural, right? After all, Davy had only been gone a few months. They had been married ten years, Davy wasn't going to just vanish from Bret's mind. He knew he had a place of his own in Bret's heart.
"No, Wade. You're just wrong. I can't talk about our sex life with you; it's too personal!" Adam fought for words to say. He just wanted Wade to stop!
"I'm sorry. Is it because it's too personal or because you know I'm right? If he hasn't yet, how long will it be before he calls out Davy's name during sex? Then what will you do? I just want you safe; before it happens!" Wade said in a near frantic tone. He hoped it made him sound more convincing.
Adam abruptly stood up, his anger clear now, "No Wade, just NO! Never once has he called me Davy during sex and he won't either. Just stop this, please! Is this some sick, calculated revenge because I chose Bret over you? That's the real reason isn't it?" Adam's tone was more scared than real accusing. He was looking for any possible answer other than what Wade was implying.
Wade hid the fact that Adam had figured out what he was doing. The little slut was smarter than he'd given him credit for. He'd have to do some fast, back paddling damage control. He'd planted the seed, that was enough for now.
"No, Sunshine. I'm not that kind of man. I'm sorry. I just care about you and I don't want you hurt again. I'll just drop it, I promise. I'm sure Bret loves you. I hope this hasn't spoiled our friendship," Wade hoped he sounded sincere. Now all he had to do was wait a few days, then take a hoe and tend the planted seed.
Adam sat back down, "Okay. I guess I can understand, it a little bit. But please, just keep this here, between us. If Bret had heard you... let's just drop it. We're still friends. I do like you, Wade, but just leave it. Now, I want to paint," he picked up his brush and art book again, ready to go back to work.
"Dropped. Thanks for understanding. You do have a big heart. I'll keep my mouth shut, I promise. Do you mind if I sit here and watch? It's getting a bit lonely at the campsite," Wade asked in a soft tone. Internally, he was proud of himself. He could tell Adam was still full of doubt; good, the little bitch deserved it, picking that fucking old man over him.
"No, I don't mind, but please don't talk about me and Bret," Adam said with finality as he dipped his brush in the water, then the paint.
"I won't, I promise. Is work safe to talk about, or do you want me to be quiet in general?" Wade asked as he watched Adam's long, delicate fingers twirl the brush in the paint.
"General quiet, please. I've never been able to talk and paint, sorry," Adam said in an apologetic tone.
Wade nodded. He was glad Adam didn't want to talk, that meant he was probably churning thoughts in his mind about their earlier conversation. Good, let the little shit stew over it.
Adam was indeed churning the conversation over in his mind. He knew Wade was wrong. He and Bret had more than once talked about Davy. He'd never expected Bret to just forget his husband, he didn't want him to. Bret had also told him over and over, Adam had his own place in his heart. The age difference was not an issue, they were grown-up consenting adults. Bret gave no indication during sex that he was thinking of Davy, absolutely none at all. No, Wade was just being jealous and trying to stir, well he wasn't going to let anyone or anything destroy his happiness and love for Bret Hart. But... then again, what if Wade was right? He decided to lose himself in his artwork.
Bret let out his fiftieth sigh since they'd started fishing. They had caught four large river perch since they'd been there. Not one of them had come from Bret.
Shawn was about to speak when his line jerked, "It's a big one!" he began the struggle to land the caught fish.
"It's a rainbow trout!" Hunter exclaimed. Just as he spoke, his line wiggled. With a quick snap of his wrist, his hook was set. "Another trout! Must be a school of new arrivals!" Hunter said excitedly. Maybe he'd finally land one bigger than his husband's, if so, it would be a first.
For the first time, Bret's line bobbed, he too snapped his wrist and his hook set. He too, had caught a large rainbow trout.
A few minutes later the three men were comparing their catches. Much to Hunter's chagrin, he had the smallest of the three fish. Bret's was just a half-inch longer than Shawn's.
"Let's take the perch off, even if we don't catch more, these three will feed us," Shawn suggested as he pulled up the stringer of flopping perch. He let the four fish off the holding hooks. He replaced them with the three trout.
With all three lines baited and cast back into the river, they resumed fishing. Bret let out yet another sigh. All there were leaned back against one of five trees around the rock over hang, their legs out straight, hats pulled low over their eyes. Shawn looked at his friend.
"Fifty-one" Shawn said from under his well-worn cowboy hat. He'd actually been counting Bret's sighs.
"Fifty-one, what?" Hunter asked in a grumble, he was half dozing in the warm sun.
"Fifty-one times Buddy has sighed. So what's wrong?" Shawn asked as he lazily recast his line. He was getting worried about his friend again.
"Somethings wrong, I just feel it. Adam is in danger. Look, you guys stay, I'm going back," Bret said firmly as he pulled in his line. He quickly broke down his rod and packed it into his tackle box.
"You're that sure, he's in trouble?" Hunter asked as he pushed his hat back a little. He knew something was wrong. Bret wasn't the nervous kind.
Bret looked at his two friends, "Yes, I am. Adam is in danger," he was firm and serious. He just knew something wasn't right back at the camp. His boy needed him.
"Then, we're coming with you," Hunter said with finality as he pulled in his line and broke his pole down.
Shawn, too pulled in his line. "Hunter, pack this. I'll let the fish go. We have other food to eat," he said as he pulled up the stringer. He let the three trout go, they rapidly swam away to live another day.
"Thanks, guys. If I'm wrong. I'll do all the camp work for the rest of the trip." Bret was just that sure.
The three men began the nearly hour-long hike back to the campsite. Bret set a rapid pace. It was difficult for even the fit couple to keep up. Each step made them worry more, like Hunter, Shawn knew Bret wasn't the rash and nervous kind.
Adam finally finished the painting of the field of flowers. He mixed up a little dark red paint. When he had an inky consistency, he licked the brush to a fine point and rolled it in the paint. He added his signature to the bottom left corner of the painting.
"When we get back, I'll give this to you," Adam said with a bit of a flourish to the "d" at the end of Copeland.
"Thanks, it really is beautiful. Why didn't you become an artist?" Wade asked curiously as he watched Adam. The blond was now sketching an idea for Bret's painting. He just wanted to block it before they went back to the camp.
"I thought about it briefly. The calling to be a doctor was stronger. I like art and painting, but I love being a doctor and helping people," Adam answered honestly as he moved the pencil across the paper rapidly.
"I can understand that. I guess you figured out, music is my other passion. I don't advertise it that much," Wade said rather sheepishly.
"I was amazed at your talent. I know I'm a terrible singer, but I love music. I'm a closet metal head. I just hope Chris makes a full recovery. The Lionhearts are so good," Adam said thoughtfully, as he wondered briefly how Chris was doing.
"How can you care about him so much after what he did to you?" Wade asked honestly. Sometimes he truly didn't understand how Adam could be so caring, especially about someone who hurt him.
Adam looked at Wade with a scowl, "Because I care about what happens to him. I loved him once. I don't want to see anyone I care about suffer. Wade, is your heart so hard? What's with you today?" I'll love who I want to love and care about who I care about," his tone was firm and bordered on anger.
"I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have come along. It's hard to be around two couples who love each other. Makes me realize how... alone I am," Wade said with a sigh. Somehow Adam was turning him around. He wanted to hurt Adam, make him pay, not let him become his conscious.
"Oh Wade, is that why you're so... moody today? I didn't realize you were so lonely. You've been hanging around Doctor Heyman lately, what about him?" Adam asked with his brow raised hopefully.
Wade scoffed, "no... just... no. He's nice, but no. Too much like; never mind. Besides you made a good point. I will be leaving in five years. Unless I can meet someone who wants to move to England, there's really no point," Barrett said with a sigh.
"You never know, Wade. Don't shut yourself off like that. If you want to, you can find someone," Adam said with an encouraging tone.
"Maybe. I'll probably wait till I get back to England. At least I'm lucky, my parents accept my sexual choice. A lot of my school chums parents aren't as open-minded," Wade said matter of fact. What was it about being around Adam that made him want to open up and talk about such things.
"Our ma was the same. She didn't care, she said she only wanted us happy," Adam said as he finished his basic sketch. He was going to add this background to the river picture he had in mind. He just like the tree line here better.
Wade just sat on the long as he watched Adam wash and clean his palette. The blond then put everything in its place and snapped the artists field box together. It fit neatly into the small pack he had. He closed his sketch book and put it in the pack as well.
"Ready to head back? Wonder if they caught any fish. You really don't get tired of fish when you're camping, do you?" Wade asked with a laugh. He never been much of a fish eater. There was just something about fried fish and being outdoors.
Adam laughed too, "Yeah. No, you don't. I normally don't eat fish, but when camping? I just can't get enough. Hey, I've sat in one place too long, help a fellow doctor up?" he asked as he held his hand up to Wade. He was glad the atmosphere between them had lightened up a bit.
"Are you getting old, Doctor Copeland?" Wade laughed as he took Adam's hand and pulled him to his feet.
"Oh damn. I dropped my pencil and it's my favorite!" Adam explained as he saw the pencil fall as he stood. He'd forgotten to put it in his pack. He looked down, but didn't see it.
"Well, hell. Where did it go? It has to be here," Adam shrugged. The pencil had fallen into the deep grass. He got down on his hands and knees to look for it. He crawled around, "Has to be here" he muttered.
Wade too had started to help Adam look. He kicked at the large clumps of grass. A pencil couldn't just vanish.
"I see it!" Adam reached for the stray pencil. Before he could get it, there was a hissing and a rattling from the clump of grass. Like lighting striking, the large snake struck Adam on the back of his left hand!
"Wade! I've been bit, by a rattler!" Adam shouted loudly. He fell over in a faint.