31 - Camping Trip

“Dad, you don't have to accompany me to school today. Let Bruce take me, as usual,” Emily emphasized, rolling her eyes.

“Why don't you want me to take you?” Tyler said, trailing his daughter down the staircase.

“Really Dad? You've been over dramatic since yesterday when you agreed to let me go for the trip. And now all of a sudden you want to drop me off at school,” Emily fired back.

“Trust me, honey, I'm not going to change my mind. I just have a few things to say to the teachers in charge,” he replied, innocently.

“That is exactly what I'm afraid of. You want them to keep a special eye on me,” Emily scolded, annoyed at him.

“No I don't. I want you to have fun on your trip. But I also want it to be a safe space for you. Which is why if you had told me sooner, I would have made the inquiries,” Tyler's response was strict. He wasn't going to listen to her this morning.

Emily knew she had no choice.

“Fine!”

She said, heading towards the car parked outside.

“Did you pack all the stuff you need?”

“Yes Dad, I did. Lady Doriss already helped me put them in the car,” she responded.

Emily could understand why her Dad was acting like a paranoid grandma. In a way, she liked his overreaction. She wished her mum was here to help her pack for her first-ever camping trip.

Bruce held the door wide open for the both of them. She turned around just before she got into the car.

Tyler took fast steps, turning to the other side of the car. Emily followed after, walking as fast as she could.

Catching up to him, she wrapped her hands around him from behind.

“Thanks Dad.”

Tyler felt something soften inside of him. He was so happy and fulfilled. Maybe he should let her do more of these trips often. Or not.

They both got into the car and headed to school.

***

Lauren could ignore the chaos on her table on other days but it was Monday. She couldn't start a new week like this.

She got to school really early today, starting her week bright and productive. She could swear that even the janitor wasn't here yet.

Catching the early bus on Mondays was now a thing for her. She was buried in the work on her table.

Trying to finish right on time before her class in the first period. She heard the school halls getting full little by little.

The sound of different cars honking outside the main building.

She ignored it at first but the commotion became louder.

“What's that noise,” she said out loud, moving towards the window to get a better look.

She noticed at least 8 large buses parked outside. That's strange. Lauren thought to herself.

The courtyard was packed with students and their belongings. Was there a field trip she didn't know about?

Lauren put all her things in order at the last minute and decided to go down and see for herself.

Just a few students were still roaming around in the hall. Some of them were stuffing their books in their locker, as fast as they could. And others running outside.

She clearly missed something. Just when she was about to step outside the large entrance door, she spotted Emily standing outside waiting like the rest of the students.

The only difference was, they weren't with their parents. Mr Gray stood there, his eyes on his watch.

Typical Tyler. He clearly has somewhere to be. Well it wasn't mandatory for him to come to the school besides if the students were going for a field trip. He wouldn't be allowed to tag along even if he wanted to. That is unless he used his influence of course.

Lauren stood there watching him. She made sure to maintain distance to avoid being seen.

She was still upset with his disappearing act on Sunday morning. It would be better if she just maintained her distance today.

“Finally right?”

Lauren looked over her shoulder at the person who was speaking.

“Finally?” she repeated, not sure of what Janice was talking about.

“You don't look so excited to have the week off do you?” Janice said.

“I still don't know what's going on here. When was this arranged?” Lauren questioned.

“Do you read the information board at all?” Janice asked, shocked she was unaware of the trip.

Lauren raised her brows at the question.

Janice heaved a sigh.

“It's a camping trip, sponsored by the Carter's. They deal with forest safety gears and all,” she stated, pointing at the unopened boxes loaded at one end.

“The trip isn't mandatory for all students of course, but for as long as they are gone, which is one week in this case, school activities would be on hold,” Janice explained.

So much for a productive week. Lauren thought.

“Wow, that's great news,” Lauren replied, getting in on the excitement.

“I know right? Which is why we are celebrating in the teachers' lounge before we head back home,” Janice informed.

“Why did we have to be in school today in the first place? If only I was aware I would have turned off my damn alarm and slept in.”

They both laughed at Lauren's comment.

“Principal Frank did say we needed to be here, so we could help out the students. 70 percent of the school population did sign up. Hence the buses.”

“You're right. There's a whole lot of people outside,” Lauren admitted.

“So do we have to join in,” Lauren asked, scared of the incoming reply. She really didn't want to help out. The last thing she wanted was to be seen by Tyler.

“Nah. Mr Micheal and the rest already got it covered. He's also in charge of the trip. Unfit teachers like ourselves can stick to the lounge,”

Janice's response was just what she wished for. Thank goodness she didn't have to go closer to where he was.

“I remember the camping trips we went on when we were kids. The rusty old buses and endless squeaks. Take a look at those luxurious camp buses,” Janice said.

“The buses really do look nice,” Lauren admitted.

“Courtesy of the Carter's. These kids reek of wealth,” Janice said, unable to swallow her thoughts.

“So are you coming or not?” Janice asked.

“Where again?” Lauren asked, staring at Tyler who was now speaking to Mr Micheal the gym teacher.

“Come on,” Janice said, pulling her by the hand. “Those doughnuts aren't going to eat themselves.