Govern's Creek

SUMMARY: The gang decides to take a break from their busy lives and spend part of the summer camping in the wilderness. As they bond over campfires, hikes, and stargazing, they also confront their fears and insecurities; while Jade tries to find proof that her ghost story existed.

Set in August 2014

CHAPTER 1:

At the mall's food court, the group sat at a table, talking and eating.

"What's up, my peeps," Robbie said, arriving and sitting down at their table.

"Cat's got a special surprise for us. We're just waiting for her to get here," Andre said.

A moment later, Cat arrived. "Hey, guys. I'm here," she said as she took a seat.

"Glad you're here, Cat. So, spill; what's the big idea? What did you want to talk about?" Beck asked.

"Well, we'll be going our separate ways soon, and I figured we could have one last hurrah beforehand," Cat suggested.

"Sounds like a plan. What did you have in mind?" Tori asked.

"A camping trip!" Cat said.

"Sounds like fun. Are we all invited?" Trina asked them.

"Of course you are," Cat said; Jade gave her an are-you-kidding-me look but Cat ignored it. "I'm going to talk to my nona about renting us all an RV so we can ride together."

"Wouldn't it be easier to ride in mine?" Beck suggested.

"He's got a point; save your nona's money," Jade added.

"That works too," Cat said excitedly.

"Where exactly are we going to be camping?" Andre asked her. "It's not in the woods is it?"

"No, we'll be camping in the camping grounds," Cat answered.

"Oh, good," Andre sighed. "Mind if I bring my grandma along?"

"Um….sure, but why? What's up?" Cat asked worriedly.

"Oh, nothing," Andre said with a shrug. "She's got new medication and she's a little scared to be by herself. Which reminds me, I gotta get going before she smashes all the mirrors again."

"Good luck," Tori said as she watched him leave.

"You know what, I'm bailing out of this trip," Jade said curtly.

"Aw, how come?" Cat asked her, disappointed. "I thought you liked camping."

"Yeah, but only way out in the wilderness," Jade explained. "Plus if Trina's going to be there and Andre's grandmother, I'd rather be at home rewatching The Scissoring."

"Well, Govern's Creek Camping Grounds is good," Cat said confidently. "It's a cool place; you'll be missing out."

"Wait, Cat did you say Govern's Creek?" Jade asked her, wide-eyed. Cat nodded slowly.

"Why? What's up with Govern's Creek?" Tori asked, curious.

Jade looked at her in disbelief. "Wait. "So, you don't know the story behind the grounds of Govern's Creek?" Jade replied.

Tori paused for a moment. "No, should I?" she asked back.

"Nah, never mind. You'll find out," Jade answered with a smirk.

"Okay," Tori said awkwardly, puzzled by Jade's response. "So, Cat, when are we going?"

"This Friday," Cat replied.

"Oh, that's only three days from now," Robbie said.

"Yep. So you guys all in?" Cat asked again.

"Yeah, I can't see why not," Tori said. "Glad you weren't planning to go tomorrow. I'm going to the beach with Leah. And Trina's joining us."

"Mhm, that reminds me," Jade started. "I've got to check out if there are any exclusive movie tickets available for a movie Val and I want to see the day after tomorrow." She pulled out her phone.

"Seems like you and Val are getting along really well," Tori noticed.

"She's alright," Jade said. "And I got to choose the movie, otherwise I wouldn't go." She started to scroll the list of movies, and made a face…"Well, I should have checked earlier, because they are sold out." She sighed.

"Well, why don't you and Val join Leah and I at my place? We'll have a movie night there instead," Tori suggested.

"And let you pick the movie?" Jade asked, eyes narrowed.

"We'll all pick it," Tori suggested.

"Fine," Jade groaned. "But I'm only coming to your house, because I want to, not because you asked me to."

"Of course, Jade," Tori replied. "Of course."

Tori updated her status on TheSlap which read: "Why do I love movie nights? :) - MOOD = Happy".