Chapter 2

When I emerged from the shower, my bathroom was filled with steam. I struggled to see as I moved toward the towel rack, grabbing one at random. I wrapped it around my body, letting my wet tresses fall down my shoulders.

Opening the door, I stepped out, the squeaky wood panels of the living room groaning underneath me. Holding the towel against my chest, I entered the kitchen, grabbing my phone.

Silently, I padded toward the kitchen table, sitting down near the window so the morning light could help dry me off. Taking some time to get my bearings after my experience in the bathroom, I unlocked my phone to find a text message from my best friend, Abby.

Hey! I know we had plans to go hiking this weekend, but I’m going to have to cancel. One of my uncles in Canada just passed away… So… I have to travel for his funeral.

I quickly typed a reply.

Oh no… I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you and your family are doing okay. Don’t worry about the trip!

Immediately, I saw that she had already seen the text message so I waited for her response.

Thanks. He and I weren’t very close so it’s okay, I guess. My mom is pretty shaken up though. Sorry about the trip again, I know we’ve been planning it for a while now.

I shook my head. Leave it to Abby to worry about others even when she was going through a difficult time herself.

Seriously, it’s fine. I’m sure I can find someone else to go with me.

With that thought, I sent out a few text messages to my friends, wondering if any of them would be available for the weekend.

I specifically avoided texting Cody.

Putting my phone down, I stood up to find that my legs were finally back to normal. That was some major orgasm aftereffect… I walked into my bedroom, letting the towel drop from my body. The sunlight from the window had helped speed up the air-drying process. My hair was still a little damp, but it would get there.

I grabbed a fresh pair of panties and put them on along with a matching bra before opening my closet door. It was an utter disaster. I had the bad habit of buying way too many clothes and then just stuffing them in my closet. Some of the items on the bottom still had price tags on them. I rummaged through the chaos, looking for a hiking outfit. I couldn’t go hiking in skinny jeans or a shirt. I needed something more functional.

I started throwing things onto my bed, trying to clear up space until finally, I found some thermal leggings. “Perfect.” I snatched up a long-sleeved shirt and a wool jacket. I tossed the outfit on my desk chair before I fished out my backpack from the back of the closet. I would need to fill it up with supplies since I was planning to hike for the whole weekend.

Finally dressed, I stepped back into the kitchen, checking my phone to see if anyone had responded. To my disappointment, most of my friends already had plans and no one seemed willing to go hiking with me. Frowning, I opened the pantry and grabbed some graham crackers as well as some other snacks that were suitable for such a trip.

By the time I was done packing, everyone had responded and no one wanted to take Abby’s place.

It looked like I was hiking alone.

***

I checked my bag one last time, just to make sure I had all my things. I had already eaten lunch and was ready to go on my trip. I was about to pocket my phone and head out the door when it started to vibrate.

Abby had texted me.

Hey, did you ever find someone to go hiking with you?

I quickly texted back.

No, everyone has plans. But it’s okay. I’ll just go on my own. No big deal. I’ve been there plenty of times before.

While that was true, I had never gone alone. Usually, I went with a group of friends. Going alone felt almost wrong. Still, I knew I wouldn’t be comfortable just sitting in the house all weekend. I had to do something.

Are you sure?

Of course I’m sure. What’s going to happen? Are the bears going to get me?

Don’t joke like that. You know that people have been killed out there.

C’mon, stop being so morbid. Nothing is going to happen to me. I’ll be fine.

Just be careful. You’ve heard the news lately, haven’t you?

You mean about all those girls who have gone missing over the past several months?

Yeah. All female hikers. Don’t you think that’s a little weird? I know the police aren’t suspecting any foul play yet, but if you ask me, there’s something going on out there. I would feel more comfortable if you just stayed home.

I contemplated Abby’s text. Maybe she was right. Maybe it would be better if I just stayed home, but the mere thought of being cooped up indoors all weekend nearly drove me insane. For the last few weeks I had been dying to enjoy the beautiful spring weather and I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by.

Look. I’ll be careful, I promise. I’ll stick to the popular trail, okay? Besides, you know me, I won’t do anything stupid.

Just be careful.

I stared at my phone screen and tried to push away the small inkling of fear that had formed in my chest. Nothing was going to happen to me. Still, I couldn’t stop myself from dashing into my room and grabbing my can of mace.

Just in case.