Zac and Tay’s Excellent Adventure

Jezebel looked at Isaac, “You’re letting them what?” She asked, her eyes wide.

~~~~~

"Oh man, I can’t believe Ike let you guys use his car.” Val knew Isaac was very protective of the Cherokee. Though Taylor teased him and called it a mini-van, it was a top of the line SUV with every extra you could possibly put on one vehicle.

“Yeah, well, it wasn’t easy.” Taylor said.

“Especially with you driving it.” Zac added from the back seat.

“Well, I haven’t wrecked anything yet, Zachary.” Taylor retorted. The couples continued their small talk until finally they reached their destination. They checked in at the ranger station, got the number of their site and then drove the couple miles down the back road to where they would be spending the next five days.

After 15 minutes of bickering between the boys trying to get the tent up, Val broke in, “This is the same kind of tent my brother has, you’re putting the long poles in the loop that’s supposed to be for the short ones, that’s why it’s all crooked.” She was met with two pairs of skeptical eyes, one brown the other blue. Becca sat on a log, looking around suspiciously and occasionally stating that she could smell a snake near. As the sun was beginning to set, the tent stood tall and proud and the boys were congratulating themselves on a job well done. They broke out hotdogs and Zac and Kristen were sent to fetch some sticks for roasting them. Taylor was doing a good job with the fire, he’d always been good with catching things on fire, or so his brothers always said. A scream from the woods made Taylor and Val jolt up from their spot on a log. In no time, Zac and Becca came walking out of the trees, him laughing and her looking very rattled. “It was a snake!” She said.

“It was a stick, I’ve got it right here. In fact, here, stick a weenie on it!” he replied.

She turned, “Stick your weenie on it!” And she stomped over to the fire as the other three laughed.

As thunder rumbled off in the distance, the four decided to call it a night. The wind had picked up and so they’d put out the fire and put up anything they thought might blow away. Now they were inside the tent and ready to go to sleep. Valerie lay awake listening to the sounds around her. Zac and Taylor were obviously asleep-Taylor’s breathing was even and deep and Zac’s hair covered his face, the only movement came as wisps of it moved gently with his breath. “Becca?” She asked softly.

“Yeah?” Her friend answered.

“Do you hear that wind out there? I think the storm is getting closer.” Val asked, her voice small in the quiet of the tent.

Becca answered, “Yeah, I can see the lightening now.” As the girls spoke, they began to hear splats on the roof of the small tent as raindrops began to come down. “Do tents leak?” she asked.

“Well, they’re not supposed to.” Val answered.

“Good. Do you think it’ll just blow over?” Becca asked.

Before either girl could say a word, a clap of thunder sounded that caused Zac to sit up and look over at the frightened girls. Taylor continued to slumber. “Geez! That was loud!” he said, pushing his hair out of his face.

“I know, it’s been going on for a while now.” Becca said.

Zac looked up and listened, “Listen to the trees whipping around.” He said nervously.

“We are Zac, don’t scare us anymore than we are.” Val scolded him. The rain began to pick up, pelting the little tent and puddling up over their heads. More lightening and thunder sounded and then they could hear a steady drip. They looked over and the tent had sprung a leak, dripping on Taylor’s chest. He wrinkled up his face a little and pulled the cover up so that the drip landed on the fabric of the sleeping bag and continued to snooze. The other three just looked at each other and laughed.

“Did you put drugs in his food or something, Valerie?” Becca asked giggling.

“You don’t have to drug him,” Zac stated, “just give him a spot and let him close his eyes. He can sleep anywhere, anyhow-chair, corner, swimming pool-you name it.”

The wind began to blow harder now and the little tent began to sway with it. “Zac,” Becca asked, “do you think maybe we should pack up and go home? What if it gets worse?”

Just then, water began to run into the tent at the seams on the floor. Zac looked at his peaceful brother and rolled his eyes, “God I hate to tell him he was right. But, I think you guys are right-it’s not letting up and this tent is about to float away.” He said as he unzipped his sleeping bag and started picking up things he didn’t want to get wet.

“I’ve never seen a tent leak like this.” Valerie said, doing the same.

“It’s brand new, too.” Zac said, wadding up his dirty shirt and stuffing it in his bag.

A huge bang startled all of them and caused Taylor to sigh, ”What’s up?” He still hadn’t opened his eyes.

“Taylor! You better get up! The world’s ending!” Becca cried.

Zac went over to his brother and began to shake him, “Tay, we’re thinking maybe we better leave, water’s coming in and the wind is blowing something awful.”

“What?” Taylor asked softly.

Now Valerie joined Zac, “Taylor, get your butt up! We’re leaving!” and she unzipped his sleeping bag and began to tug on his arm.  “C’mon!” she prodded.

Slowly, he sat up and rubbed his face, “Man it’s really rainin’ isn’t it?” He said, “Ew, I’m all wet.” He stated, feeling his chest.

“No kidding numbnuts -- get up, we’re gonna have to throw all this stuff in the truck and get.” Zac shouted. Taylor went on about his business, pulling on his jeans as Zac gave him hell. The girls just smiled at the two-though Taylor was older, Zac was usually the one running the show, he just had a louder, more forceful personality and Taylor generally went along.

Once they had everything packed in their duffle bags and backpacks, they unzipped the tent-the sight before them was awe-inspiring. The trees were actually bending and swaying and the rain was coming down almost sideways. Rivers of water were running through the campsite and the whole place had turned into a pit of thick mud. “Jesus, when were you all gonna wake me up?” Taylor asked his friends, shaking his head and heading out into the rain. The other three looked at each other, then followed. Taylor and Zac threw everything into the back of the truck. Once everything was in, they pulled the tent stakes up and smashed the tent as small as they could get it, water was pouring down their faces and it had become hard to even see each other.

The girls had both gotten into the back seat and watched their boyfriends finish, then jump into the front and slam the doors, panting. They looked back at the girls, water dripping down their faces and their hair. “Good grief.” Taylor said, “That was outrageous. Zac, you are gonna help me clean all this mud out of here-Ike’s gonna kill us.” His brother just looked at him and nodded, quiet for once. Taylor turned back and put the key in the ignition. The truck started and they headed down the road.

Though the windshield wipers were on high and the headlights as well, it was still nearly impossible to see the road. About a mile from the campsite, Taylor suddenly slammed on the brakes-a tree was across the road, it had snapped about a foot from the ground. “Sorry, is everybody ok?” He asked. Everyone said they were and then he turned to Zac, “I don’t suppose we could move that thing could we?”

Zac looked at him and smirked, “Tay, I’m a pretty big guy, but Paul Bunyon couldn’t move that thing. We’re gonna have to go back the other way.”

Taylor looked out the windows. “I can’t see a thing.” He said, then he got out and ran over to the tree. It definitely wasn’t going anywhere and neither were they. Water was running in the ditches beside the road like rivers. Lightning lit up the sky and thunder sounded over his head. They would have to back their way up the road again towards the campsite and pray there was something other than more woods that way.

Chapter two

Taylor got back into the car and slammed the door. Water was running off his hair onto his shoulders and dripping off his chin. “Well, we’re gonna have to back up towards the campsite and see if there’s anything that way.” He turned to Zac, “Do you remember what’s up that way?”

Zac shook his head, “No, I think there’s a camp store somewhere, but I can’t remember which way it is.”

Taylor looked back at the two girls and smiled, “Well, hope you were in the mood for some adventure, cuz, it looks like we’re gonna get it.” Val and Becca looked at one another wide eyed. He rolled down the window and stuck his head out and began to back down the road the same way they’d just come.

As they neared the spot where just minutes earlier, they’d had their camp set up, they all gasped. The fire ring was gone as were the logs they’d sat on to roast their hot dogs. “Holy cow, Tay—it’s all washed away!” Zac exclaimed. Taylor was starting to worry now, he knew that just up the road was a small bridge that went over a stream and he knew the stream would be swollen into a river very soon. As it was, the road was turning into a mud pit, if they’d brought his car instead of his brother’s jeep, they would have really been in trouble. He let out a sigh, turned his head back out the window and continued his backward trek, hoping for some miracle to get them back to civilization.

Valerie pulled her long hair back out of her face and shivered. She looked over at Becca—she was leaning forward in her seat with her arm around Zac’s chest. “Becca, let’s get some dry clothes, I’m freezing.” She said and then she turned and rummaged around the back of the truck. They’d all thrown everything in and it was in a shambles now. Becca turned and helped her look and when they finally found the duffle bag with all their clothes, they let out a sigh of relief. Becca grabbed clean clothes for herself and Zac and Valerie did the same for she and Taylor. As Val pulled her wet shirt off, Becca said, “Are you gonna change in front of them?”

Val answered, “Nope, in back of them—Don’t look back here Taylor, I don’t want you to see my fat.” She laughed.

“First of all, I can’t even see the road, let alone you two beauties, and second of all, you’re not fat—you’re perfect. I can’t stand to hug a girl and feel her bones.” He answered.

“Aww, you’re sweet.” She said and she reached up and hugged him. He pulled his head back in and kissed her hand that was on his shoulder. “God, you are so wet baby, we need to get you some dry clothes on.” She said to him.

“Well, until we get somewhere I may as well not bother, I can’t see shit out these windows and the rain is pouring in on me.” He put his head back out the window and blinked trying to get the water off his eyelashes.

“Tay, you look like a dog with your head hanging out the window like that.” Zac laughed. Taylor just shook his head.

Becca had changed now as well and she threw the boys’ clothes up into Zac’s lap. “Here, you better go on and change too.” She said and he sighed, knowing he hated trying to pull wet blue jeans off.

As he started taking his shirt off, Taylor stopped the car. “What’s up?” Zac asked his brother.

“I just want to get a look at the bridge before I attempt to cross it.” Taylor said and he rolled the window up and jumped out of the car. Just as he’d suspected, the little stream had turned into torrents of water rushing past just under the wood planks of the bridge. In fifteen minutes, the water would cover it and they would be stuck, but he just wasn’t sure if he trusted the bridge itself either. He looked back at the car and the precious cargo inside. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled and he looked up at the sky—it didn’t look like it would let up anytime soon. Over his head, he heard a crack as high up in the trees, branches were snapping off in the strong wind. A wrong decision now could endanger their lives and he knew it. He ran back to the car and opened the door. “Zac, I don’t know what to do, come out real quick and see what you think.”

“Oh man! I just put on dry clothes!” He complained. The look Taylor gave him scared Zac much more than the storm and so, he found himself standing on the bridge in the pouring rain as the water rushed under his feet, now, no more than six inches under the boards.

“This old wood feels creaky to me!” Taylor yelled over the sound of the storm.

“Yeah, you’re right, I don’t know if it would hold that heavy truck or not—” Zac conceded.

“But,” Taylor stated, “if we stay there, the road is gonna be washed out and the stream is just getting bigger and deeper -- shit, I don’t know what to do.” He looked over at his little brother, then he walked the rest of the way over the bridge. Zac ran back to the car and got inside waiting for Taylor to return. When he did, he was even wetter than before. “Well, there’s a rock overhang across the bridge, if we could get to that, at least we would be out of the rain, but, I don’t know if the bridge will hold the car—so, what if you guys run on across and get under there, and then I’ll back really slow and see if the bridge holds.”

“Tay—if the bridge doesn’t hold, then you’ll be stuck in the car as it’s washed downstream—I don’t think so. If you think Ike will be mad if you mess up his car, what do you think he’d do if I lost you too?” Zac asked.

Taylor put his head down on the steering wheel. Val looked over at her friend, “Well, what should we take with us?” she asked.

Becca looked back at all their gear, “Uh, sleeping bags?” She said.

“Good idea, what about food?” Val asked.

Zac answered, “Definitely food.” The girls reached in and grabbed as much as they could. They each grabbed a sleeping bag and a plastic grocery bag and readied themselves to make a run for it.

“Zac, you run with them so they know where to go, then come back and grab some more stuff, ok?” Taylor said.

“Ok. Are we ready?” Zac asked.

“As ready as we’ll ever be.” Becca said back. Then, all three of them jumped out and headed for the bridge as fast as they could. The water was now running between the planks of the bridge. Taylor grabbed the small axe and the big water jug and ran them over to the bridge.

On the other side, Zac was about to come back over when he heard the little bridge creak in a very disconcerting manner. He looked up at his brother on the other side, “Tay, you better come now!” He yelled. Taylor looked back at the Cherokee, the hatch was open and the headlights were still on. "Tay, NOW!!” Zac shouted. Taylor grabbed the water and axe and started across the bridge just as it started to pull away from the bank. Both girls had come running, hearing Zac’s shouts.

“Oh god, Becca!” Valerie exclaimed as they ran towards the boys. Taylor had had to drop both items and dove for the other side as Zac reached out for him. The wooden boards were groaning as they were one by one pulling out of the supports and washing away down the stream. Taylor was desperately trying to pull himself up the slippery boards that were hanging there precariously.

Zac had dropped down on his belly in the mud and was reaching out for his brother’s hand. “A little farther Tay, you can do it!” Valerie and Becca both grabbed Zac’s legs and dug their feet into the ground to keep him from slipping into the treacherous waters. At last Taylor managed to pull himself up far enough to grasp his little brother’s large hand.

“Pull me back! Pull me back!” He yelled to them and both girls used every ounce of strength they had to pull him up as he pulled Taylor. At last, they were all safe on the bank as they watched, the remainder of the little bridge washed away. Zac rolled over and let out a tremendous sigh of relief. Taylor remained face down, his face buried in his arms. Valerie ran over to him and put her arms around him as Becca did the same to Zac. Over the noise of the storm, they could hear Taylor’s sobs.

Valerie was trying to comfort him, but it was no use—he was inconsolable. “Taylor, you could have drowned, but you didn’t—you’re ok.” She said.

“Ike’s gonna kill me.” He cried.

Zac sat up, “Tay, he’s not gonna kill you—besides, it was my fault we came. You didn’t even want to come and I made you.”

Now Taylor raised up on his knees, “I’m older Zac, I shouldn’t have let it happen. Jesus Christ! I just can’t believe this!”

Now Becca spoke up, “C’mon guys, let’s go up there and get out of the storm.” She pulled on Zac’s arm and he stood up and walked toward Taylor.

He started to smile and Taylor just looked at him. “What are you smiling about!?” He demanded.

Now Zac laughed, “Look at you, man! You’ve got mud from head to toe!” And he did. It was between his toes and in his ears and on his lips even. Only his eyes and the top of his head had come out of it unscathed.

“I would advise you not to laugh at me right now, Zachary.” He said as he stomped past his brother and up the hill towards the small sanctuary.

“You’re not exactly pristine yourself, y’know. And you better watch out, that’s the second time he’s called you ‘Zachary’.” Becca said to him as she put her arm around his waist.

Valerie jogged ahead to catch up with Taylor and all four ran under the large rock overhang and looked back out at the storm and the raging current that had almost taken Taylor from them. All they had managed to get out of the car was two sleeping bags and a couple bags of food and Zac had grabbed a small cooler. Taylor plopped down on the ground and pulled his knees up to his chest as the girls began to look in the bags. “I’ve got potato chips and six Hershey bars here.” Valerie announced.

“Hmmm, I have graham crackers, marshmallows, and... JiffyPop? I didn’t even know they made this stuff anymore!” Becca smiled.

Zac looked in the cooler, inside was six cokes and some butter, and of course, ice. “Well, if we are really stuck, at least we have a little water in the cooler.” He said, then he sat down next to Taylor and put his arm around him. “Maybe we oughtta get some more sleep and I’ll bet when we get up in the morning, it will have stopped raining and we’ll just load the truck up and drive home, right?” Zac asked, trying to make his brother feel better.

Taylor sighed, “Zac, could you pull on my arm really hard over here,” he whispered, “I’m sort of thinking maybe it got pulled out of the socket or something.”

Zac laughed, “Is that supposed to be funny, ‘cause, you really scared the crap out of me falling in that water like that—”

Taylor looked him in the eye, “I’m serious Zac.”

Zac just looked at him for a moment, “Ok.” He said and he stepped around and put his hand on his brother’s shoulder and then grabbed his arm with the other—“Just, jerk it?” He asked seriously. Taylor nodded. “Alright, on the count of three—one, two...”

Valerie and Becca were spreading out the sleeping bags, when suddenly Taylor let out a yelp that caused them to freeze— “What the hell?!” Becca gasped and they both ran over to the two boys.

Zac was leaning over Taylor who was writhing on the wet ground. “What the heck happened?” Val asked, reaching down to her boyfriend.

Zac looked very guilty, “Well, he told me to do it—he thinks his arm was pulled out of the socket or something so he told me to jerk it—so I did. Man, did y’all hear it pop?!”

Both girls looked up at him aghast. “Oh Taylor, are you alright?” Valerie asked leaning down and pushing his hair out of his face. He was holding his shoulder, but he managed to nod.

Becca had started to cry now, “What if it doesn’t stop? What if we’re stuck here?” She pulled herself closer to Zac.

“The rangers know we’re here.” He said, “It’ll be ok, it can’t rain much more—it can’t.”

Taylor was gingerly trying to get up on his feet and with Val’s help, he managed, “Let’s just lay down—I don’t think I can take anything else tonight.” He looked at his watch, “It’s almost 3, the sun should be up in a couple hours, then maybe we can see where we are and decide what to do. Please, wake me up if you hear anything or see anything.” He looked at the three of them. Then, he turned and made his way over to the sleeping bag, “Guess we have to share, huh?” He said.

"Yep, I guess we do.” Valerie smiled.

“Well, I am NOT sleeping with Zac, so, I guess, you’ll have to bunk with me Val.” He said, looking at her.

She reached down and took the hem of her shirt and wiped some of the dirt from his face, “Yeah, I guess I will.” And the two lay down together and she started to massage his sore shoulder as Zac and Becca looked on.

“Well, I guess that just leaves you and me.” Zac smirked.

“It could be worse.” She said and the two got in the second sleeping bag, pulling it up to their chin and snuggling close to get warm. It would be a few hours til daylight, and they’d need all the rest they could get.

Chapter three

The next day, Taylor woke to the sound of rain, but not the awful wind and thunder that had accompanied the storm of the previous night. As he attempted to stretch, he realized he was extremely stiff and his shoulder ached terribly. He looked over to see Zac and the girls eating what appeared to be S’mores. “Hey, pretty boy, it’s about time you got up!” Valerie said and she came over and joined him, handing him one of the chocolaty confections, then kissing him on the lips. She pulled back, laughing.

“What?” He asked.

“I’ve just…never seen you look bad before. You look like Daffy Duck after a bomb blows up in his face, and your hair is all crazy, and you sound like a frog.” Now, all three of them began laughing as Val tried to comb through his hair with her fingers, “Poor baby.” She cooed.

“Yeah, well, I feel like a bomb just went off in my face.” He snorted, carefully sitting up and taking a bite of his breakfast, “I don’t suppose we have dry clothes or Tylenol, huh?” He asked.

“Sorry dude, all out. I guess you didn’t take your pill last night before we sacked out?” Zac asked.

“Um, well, I would have, but I left them sitting on the kitchen table along with my cell phone.”

Zac tsk’ed and shook his head, “Mom is gonna be pissed—she threatened you if you forgot even one dose of that stuff—“

“I know, I know—God, I feel so funky.” Taylor said, wiggling his toes around in his boots and feeling the grit and dirt.

“Well, you did get the brunt of it, but we’re almost as nasty as you. What kind of pills are you taking?” Valerie asked, concerned.

“He’s had some kind of awful cold thing going on—we had to cancel a radio thing last week ‘cause he kept falling over.” Zac told her.

“Aw, you didn’t tell me you were sick, I wouldn’t have let you come out here—” Val started, her brow furrowed.

Suddenly, Becca’s face went pale and she began to stutter. “T—Tay—Taylor, there’s water! And snakes!!!” She screamed and she began backing up, then turned and ran out into the rain. They all turned, and sure enough, water was inching it’s way toward them and swimming in it were numerous snakes and lizards, obviously flushed out of their homes and hiding places by the flooding waters.

Valerie screamed and followed her friend and Zac wasn’t far behind them. Taylor’s feet were tangled in the sleeping bag and, though he slipped and fell once, he still managed to join them in record time. Moments later though, he ran back and came back with the bags of food and two sleeping bags, one damp, the other sopping wet. “Dammit!” He cursed, “This is not happening!” He said, stomping his foot.

Becca, who’d grabbed Zac as soon as they were “safe” suddenly slapped his chest, “You lied!!! You said there weren’t any snakes here!”

“Ow!” he whined, rubbing the spot, “Becca, there’s snakes everywhere—they live in your garden and under your house—I just didn’t want you to miss this trip because of something silly like that.”

“Oh yeah, it would have been a real shame if I’d missed this.” She pouted, folding her arms over her chest.

“Becca, I’m sorry.” Zac said softly, “I didn’t know this was gonna happen.”

Val went over to Taylor, “What’re we gonna do?” She asked, hugging him.

He ran his dirty hands through his wet hair, “Well,” he answered, “we better be deciding, ‘cause unless you can swim really well, we gotta leave here. If we go up, we get farther from the water, but farther from the car and the road home, too. If we follow the stream, we might find another bridge, but it might be dangerous or gone or underwater just like this one.” He’d begun to pace back and forth.

“Maybe there’s a cabin or a shelter or something—” Zac started.

“Yeah?! Where?” Taylor turned his steely eyes on his brother.

“I don’t know.” Zac said, putting his hands in his pockets, “but if there’s a trail, maybe we could follow it and it could lead us somewhere.” Taylor stooped down and began to roll up the wet sleeping bag and Valerie started on the other. Zac picked up the plastic grocery bags containing what little food they had, “Here, put these in the middle of the dry one—maybe it won’t get so wet that way.” He said, handing them to Val.

“Smart thinking Zac.” Taylor said, then he knotted the ties of the roll so he could loop his arms through and wear it on his back. His shoulder throbbed, but he had a feeling he’d be needing the use of his arms. He then did the same to the other and helped Zac put the roll on his. “Well? Up the mountain, or back down into the swamp?” He asked them.

Suddenly, Zac turned and ran back up the hill to where they’d spent the night before. “What’s he doing?!” Becca exclaimed. Presently, he came back down carrying three cans of coke.

“Oh no—“Taylor said, “I forgot, I’m sorry.”

“Taylor, for crying out loud, it’s not your fault. This was all I could find though, the water must have washed everything else away.” Zac said and he put the cans in the pockets of his pants.

"Hope you’re not wearing those skateboard pants that hang off your butt.” Becca laughed.

“Uh, I’m not Taylor.” He said.

Becca looked over, “Taylor doesn’t even have a butt.” She laughed.

Now Valerie joined in, “Taylor has a cute little butt!”

“Can we not discuss my anatomy please? I’ve heard it all. Man, girls think it’s so awful to be a little chubby—try being a skinny ass guy sometime! ‘Oh, he’s a wimp, he’s a pansy, I could break him like a twig.’—” Taylor was going off, all the while pulling the wet sleeping bag onto his back, “Zac, pull this over my shoulder for me.” He said, turning his back to his brother.

As Zac adjusted it, he heard Taylor hiss, “Tay, this thing’s awful heavy all wet like that, maybe we ought to just leave it. Or at least, let me carry it since your shoulder’s all out of whack.” Taylor sighed as Zac pulled the soppy roll off his back. As much as he hated to admit it, Taylor knew Zac was right. “Alright, but I don’t think we better leave it. It’s kinda cold and if we get stuck out here another night, I think we’ll be needing it.” He whispered, not wanting the girls to hear.

Chapter four

The rain continued to fall and the water continued to rise. Before they left the area, Taylor had managed to spy the jeep through the trees. The water was up to the bumper and Taylor doubted it would still be there when the water went down again.

In an exclusive neighborhood in Tulsa, Zac and Taylor’s family were becoming worried. The night of the storm, they’d expected the boys to come dragging in, wet and mad that they’d had to abandon their plans, but it hadn’t happened that way. As Diana watched the weatherman’s special bulletin, warning of widespread flooding at 6 the next morning, she’d decided to call Taylor’s cell phone and tell them they had to come home. But, when it rang in the kitchen, her worry meter spun out of control. There on the table was his cell phone and the bottle of tablets he’d promised to take with him. He’d not been able to beat the bronchitis that had settled on him without the strong antibiotics prescribed for him by a doctor in the emergency room in Pittsburg. He’d actually missed two appearances that were to wrap up the small promotional tour they’d been on. Five days later, the prescription was half gone and he’d gotten better, but now, she was kicking herself for allowing Zac to talk her into allowing the camping trip to take place.

By noon, four very tired, very wet teenagers were crowded together under a large rock, sharing one of the precious cans of soda they’d managed to save from the floodwaters. “Hope this thing doesn’t fall.” Valerie said, looking up.

“It’s probably been here since the dawn of time—I’m sure a little water’s not gonna cause it to shift.” Taylor answered her, eating a potato chip.

“You call that a little water?!!” Becca scolded him.

“Yeah,” he said irritated, “in the big picture, this is just a blip. The earth doesn’t even know or care that we’re here. If the water rose up to the top of those trees, when it went back down, this place would still be the same.” He said, laying back on the ground against the sleeping bag and putting his arm over his eyes.

Zac raised his eyebrows thinking it was very unlike his brother to snap at Becca like that. “Sorry Taylor,” she said, “I know you’re doing everything you can to get us out of this mess.”

He sighed, “No, I’m sorry—I know this sucks.” He said, not moving his arm. Becca leaned into Zac and he put his arms around her to shield her from the wind that was blowing.

Valerie lie back next to Taylor and put her head on his chest, “How are you feeling?” She asked him.

“Ok, I guess.” He said back, putting his arm around her. “So, is this as good as it gets, or should we move on?” He asked her.

Shelooked around her—they’d gotten pretty far up the hill and, other than the rain that was still falling steadily, it was fairly dry. But, up away from the protection of the trees, the wind blew harder and with nothing but the wet clothes on their backs, it was pretty chilly. “I don’t know, we’re probably safe from the water now, but this isn’t much of a shelter.” She answered.

Zac turned, “Tay, how about if you and me go on up a little higher and see if we can see anything. I think we’re almost at the top of this hill and I think it’s the highest spot in the gorge.”

Taylor sighed, his shoulder was hurting in a way that he knew wasn’t just a bruise and his head was aching as well as his chest. He’d missed three doses of the medicine he was on and he knew the symptoms were coming back. What he really wanted to do was just lay there next to Valerie and listen to her hum the tune of some soft song like she was doing right then. But, instead, he carefully pulled his arms out of the ties on the sleeping bag and stood up. “Val, can you all open that thing up so maybe it can dry a little bit?” He asked.

She nodded, “You all be careful.” She said, standing and kissing his lips.

“If you’re not back in a little while,” Becca added, “we’re coming after you.”

Valerie put her arms around Taylor’s waist, “And boy will we be pissed.” She laughed.

“Oooh, in that case,” Zac retorted, “I guess we better be careful.”

Becca stood up and pulled Zac up as well, then placed something in his hand, “Here, I found these in my pocket, I didn’t know I had ‘em.”

He looked down at his hand at the five LifeSavers she’d put in it. He took his thumb and broke off the red one, then put it up to her lips, “Love you.”" He said.

She smiled and opened her mouth for him to place the candy in it, “Love you, too.” She said back..

~~~~~

“Walker, I think you and Isaac need to drive up there and check on them.” Diana said worriedly. According to the 12:00 news, there was flooding all over the city and the surrounding counties. Both Valerie’s and Becca’s parents had called asking about their daughters.

Walker looked at his wife, he could see the worry in her eyes. “Ok, but I’m sure they’re fine, so when they get mad, I’m blaming it on you.” He smiled at her, then looked over at his oldest son. Just moments before, they’d already decided to make the forty-mile trip for their own peace of mind. Jez looked worriedly at her boyfriend, hoping he’d be able to find his brothers and her friends safe and sound.

~~~~~>

Taylor was hungry and thirsty—he and Zac had climbed up the hill, slipping and sliding their way in the mud and rain. “Tay, I think we’re there.” Zac huffed. He turned but his brother was a ways back behind him, “Dude, come on, it’s just right up past those trees.” He called back.

The rain was mixing with sweat and running into Taylor’s eyes, making it hard to see where he was going, “Alright, alright…” he said, groaning.

Zac walked back to meet him, “Man, you’re getting old.” He grinned.

“You don’t know the half of it—my chest feels like somebody’s sittin’ on it.” Taylor muttered.

“Great, well, don’t breathe on me please.” Zac said, and he grabbed Taylor by the arm and literally pulled him up the rest of the hill. Once on top, though wet and miserable, they marveled at the beauty of the place. The leaves on the trees had begun to change color and mist hung here and there on hills or down in the gorge. They could see the river overflowing it’s banks cutting through the landscape far below them.

“Well, we don’t want to go that way.” Taylor spoke.

“Nope. Do you see any cabins or buildings of any sort?” Zac asked looking out over the area. Taylor’s eyes took in the trees, and rocks and outcroppings, but he didn’t see definite trails or shelter of any kind. Finally, he just sat down and put his head down on his knees. His head was swimming and looking out was making him dizzy. Zac looked down at him, then sat down close, “Maybe we better just stay where we are—we don’t want to get too far from the car and it doesn’t look too promising up here anyway. Don’t the boy scouts hike up here or anything?! Geez!”

Taylor raised his head, “I think this is like, a preserve or something, they want it to stay in its natural state.” He said, then he lay his head back down.

Zac reached down and picked up a stick and began to poke at a rock, “So, do you think we’re just stuck here, ‘til the water backs off?” He asked.

Taylor looked up at the grey sky and sighed, “Well, if it would just stop raining for awhile, it shouldn’t take too long for the water to—“

Suddenly, Zac jumped and skittered backwards and Taylor watched, horrified as he toppled and started to slide down the muddy, rocky hillside. “Zac, hang on!” He jumped up and rushed to the edge seeing Zac holding on as the rocks and dirt rolled past him down the mountainside. He tucked his sore arm under him and put his other one out for Zac to grab onto. But, when he did, Zac began to slide again, pulling Taylor with him. “Zac, dig in!” Taylor exclaimed, attempting to do just that. Though he dug his toes into the ground, Zac was heavy and gravity was winning the battle.

“Tay, I’m sliding!” Zac’s panicky voice squeaked out. Suddenly, Taylor’s feet gave way and he tumbled head first towards his little brother. The two of them ended up in a tangled mass, sliding over rocks and bushes and spindly young trees as the dirt and mud loosened by the rain carried them down the side of the hill. When at last the hill gave way to a flat spot, Taylor was able to grab a stump sticking up out of the ground and they slid to a halt. He let go immediately as his shoulder screamed at him. Zac looked up, spitting dirt, blood and pebbles from his mouth. Taylor lay there for a moment, gasping for breath and holding his shoulder. “Tay!” Zac sat up, looking down at his brother, “you ok?” He asked.

When Taylor finally caught his breath and decided he hadn’t broken anything, he spat back, “God bless America, Zac!!! What the hell happened?!”

Zac was relieved his brother was alright, but he was a little afraid of him at that moment as well, “There was a snake under that rock up there—“

Taylor cut him off, “A SNAKE!!?? You just told Becca how she shouldn’t be afraid of them and you just freak out and throw yourself off a cliff when you see one!?” Taylor sat up slowly, pushing his wet hair out of his face.

“Um, you got blood on your face.” Zac pointed.

“So do you.” Taylor answered, wiping Zac’s chin with his thumb. Zac looked at Taylor’s face, but he couldn’t see where the blood was coming from. Taylor then noticed, he had torn the palm of his hand and had wiped it on his face when he’d pushed his bangs aside.

When Zac tried to stand, he found he’d not only ripped up his jeans, but his knee as well. “Damn, that hurts.” He said, covering it with both hands.

“Lemme see.” Taylor said, leaning over, “Hmm, that’s pretty nasty.” He said, “It’s really bleeding. Keep the pressure on it.” He then looked at his face, “Dammit Zac, you’re lip’s split pretty good too.” He then looked down at his own hand as the blood pooled in it.

“Do you think we can climb back up it?” Zac asked timidly, looking back up the hill.

Taylor turned his blue eyes to Zac, noticing his brother looked and sounded scared, something he hadn’t seen since he was twelve years old. “Well,” he answered, “I don’t think I can Zac, my shoulder’s kinda numb now, it’s really hard to hold on, but, I’ll help you up—maybe you could stand on me and reach that little tree—” he said, looking up.

Zac looked at him incredulously, “Tay, I outweigh you by forty pounds, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

Taylor knew he was right, but the thought of staying down there in the rain and out in the open didn’t sound very good to him either. “Well, if we can get you up, you can pull me up.” He said, hopefully.

Zac looked at him, “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try—you’re not as skinny as you used to be.” He smiled.

“Thanks.” Taylor said dryly. Then he stood and leaned against the hillside and stuck his knee out for Zac to step up.

“Geez, Tay—I’m afraid I’m gonna crush you.” Zac said, placing his foot on his brother’s leg.

“Just do it. If it kills me, it’ll save Ike the trouble.” Zac shook his head, then put all his weight on him and stood up, reaching for anything to hold onto and ignoring the pain in his leg. He grabbed a rock sticking out with one hand and placed the other on top of Taylor’s head. Pulling himself up, he grunted and instinctively used his brother as stair steps, placing his other foot on his shoulder. Luckily, it wasn’t the sore one, and though it was all he could do to remain standing, Taylor braced himself and prayed his little brother would be able to get back up the hill. Zac now grabbed a tree trunk, small, but seemingly well rooted and pulled, then placed his other foot on Taylor’s other shoulder.

Taylor closed his eyes, seeing stars, but he remained standing, swallowing as he felt sick from the pain he was feeling. Zac now pulled his foot up and tucked it in a small indentation in the hill. Taylor’s relief as the weight lifted off him was incredible and he waited another moment til Zac brought his other foot off as well. He sunk to the ground, tears rolling down his cheeks and sweat running down his face. He then turned and backed up to look up and watch Zac’s progress. Zac grunted, pulling himself up digging into the rocky soil with his fingers, but still feeling his footing slipping out from under him. He looked back to see his brother watching. He knew Taylor was hurt and getting sick on top of that and being out in the rain and cold wasn’t helping—so, it was even more important that he get back up that hill. But, it wasn’t to be. The slope was too great and the ground too slippery and muddy. He tried over and over, only to slide back farther than he’d gone up.

Finally, Taylor yelled at him to just come back down and he slid back, not stopping himself this time. Taylor looked at him and a smile broke out on his face, “Well, if you all thought I looked bad—you don’t even want to think of looking at a mirror Zac. You ok?” He asked putting his hand on Zac’s shoulder. Zac didn’t say anything, he just looked away and Taylor realized he was near tears. “Hey man, don’t worry about it—I’ll bet Becca is on her way up here right now and she’s gonna lay into you about this. I can guarantee you Val will.” He tried to comfort Zac, but finally, he decided if he didn’t sit down, he would fall down, so he found a flat rock and sat down on it. “Sit down and chill for a while — you probably need to get your knee higher than your heart—is that what you’re supposed to do?” He asked.

Zac sniffed, wiped his chin and plopped down next to Taylor, then propped his foot up in the dirt. Now, they would just have to see how long it would take for the girls to come looking for them.

Chapter five>

Valerie and Becca lay back on the sleeping bag, their heads resting against the rolled up one that remained. Though it was wet, it was better than lying on the cold, hard ground. They watched the rain come down and drip off the rock that sheltered them. “So, what did you and Taylor do last night once you got in the sleeping bag?” Becca asked, a glint in her eye.

Valerie snorted, “You were there. I think he started snoring the minute his head hit the pillow. Er, ground. Whatever.”

Becca giggled, “Yeah, he did, didn’t he?”

Valerie looked over at her friend, “What did you two do?” She said, one eyebrow raised.

“Well, let’s just say I think Zac’s got a little more energy than his big brother.” Becca replied.

“You sure were quiet.” Valerie mused.

“Yeah, well, when you have six brothers and sisters nosing around all the time, you learn to be quiet when you need to.” Becca laughed.

Valerie smiled, “I know what you mean. That house can be insane sometimes. aI don’t know how any of them get any rest.”

“I guess that’s why Taylor takes sleep whenever he can get it.” Becca replied. She sat up. “Do you think it’s been a long time since they left?”

Valerie sighed, “I have no idea. I didn’t bring a watch because Taylor always has his cell phone. Of all the times for him to have gone off and left it…” she shook her head. “I wonder if this is like, some voodoo curse put on us by the fans? Y’know? It’s not like we get to spend a lot of time with them, and when we do, this happens.”

Becca smiled, “If this is a fan curse, it’d be you and me out there in the rain, or getting washed down the river.”

Val smiled back, “You got that right, sister.”

~~~~~

“Tay, wake up!” Zac nudged his brother. Taylor had begun to shiver so much that Zac was beginning to think he was going into a seizure. “Tay! Jordan Taylor!” He practically shouted.

Taylor’s eyes fluttered open to Zac’s relief. He groaned and wiped his hands across his eyes, “What?” He croaked.

“You’re freaking me out, man. You look like that chick in Clan of the Cavebear or something, you just wiped a big streak of blood across your eyes.”

“I’m sure it won’t be there long with this crappy rain coming down still.” Taylor groused. His teeth had begun to chatter now and he pulled himself up into a sitting position, “Oh, God, I feel like crap, Zac. I’d kill for some chicken noodle soup and a big old blanket right now.”

“Me too, dude.” Zac said. “Your cheeks are all red underneath the dirt. I guess you’re having a relapse.” He sighed, “Ike’s gonna kill you for the Jeep, and Mom’s gonna kill me for getting you into this mess.”

“I’d like to tell ya you’re wrong, but I can’t.” Taylor said.

“Man, I wonder when the girls are gonna come looking for us? It feels like we’ve been gone a long time.” Zac said, looking up the hill, blinking at the raindrops falling into his face.

“I don’t know. I think I fell asleep, so we might have been gone for an hour, or it might have been fifteen minutes. My watch seems to have disappeared.” Taylor said, his head down on his knees.

“Maybe we should yell for them, do you think they’d hear us?” Zac asked.

“I doubt it. We came up the hill, then back down the other side. I don’t know if sound travels like that.” Taylor replied. “Still, it’s worth a shot.”

Zac carefully got to his feet and faced the hill, then he shouted, “Becca!!! Val! We’re down here!”

Taylor didn’t stand, but he yelled as well, “Hey! Val and Becca!!! Come get me, I’m getting hungry!!!”

Zac looked down at him, “Yeah, maybe they’ll bring McDonald’s when they come.”

“Naw, I want some curly fries from Arby’s. Val knows how I feel about McDonalds.” He smiled.

They continued to yell until Taylor’s voice gave out. Zac plopped down into the mud beside Taylor and put his arm around his shoulders, trying to give him some of his body heat. At that moment, it was all he had to give.

~~~~~

“Which way do you think they went?” Becca asked, blinking to get the rain off her eyelashes.

“Well,” Valerie replied, “Zac said they were going up the hill, and I only see one hill, so I guess they went that way.” She shook her head. “Man, I hope we find them. I don’t think they would have just taken off and left us like that.”

“Me too. It kinda worries me.” Becca said. She took in a deep breath, looking up at the hill before them. And with that, the two girls started on their quest to look for their boyfriends.

The climb wasn’t easy, but eventually, the girls found themselves nearing the top of the hill. The rain continued to fall, though now it was just a steady, light drizzle. Their pants were coated with mud and their hands as well as they’d had to struggle up the slippery slope. Out of breath, they both sat down at the top. “Damn, I can’t believe we haven’t run into them. This had to be the way they came!” Val exclaimed, stomping a wet foot into the ground, causing little pebbles and dirt to trickle down the hill.

“I thought so too. If they left us up here, I’m gonna deck both of them!” Becca spat, wiping the water off her face with her shoulder.

Valerie shook her head, “I just don’t think they’d do that.” She said looking out across the valley. “Look, clouds are just sitting there right on top of the hills. That is beautiful.”

Becca sighed, “Yeah, it is. It sure would have been nice to have been here in the sunshine and look at the leaves changing colour and stuff with the guys.”

"I know.” Val said softly. She looked over at Becca, “Well, now what are we gonna do? I don’t have any idea where they would have gone. Maybe we should just go back down and they’ll come and get us.” She said, standing up and brushing off her butt.

Becca stood as well. She put her hands on her hips and looked all around them. “This is crazy.” She said. “They couldn’t have just vanished.” She walked a little past Val, looking down the hill.

“Well, I agree. It seems like—” Val was cut off by Becca rushing to the very edge of the hill.

“Val! It looks like footprints or something here!” Becca cried.

Valerie ran over to look, “Oh my god, I think you’re right!” She said, noticing the marks in the mud and the rocks all out of place. As they looked farther down, they could see little trees pulled out of the ground as well. “Taylor!” She called.

Becca began to yell for the boys as well, praying they could hear her.

~~~~~

Zac sat up straight when he heard his name called. “Tay! I think it’s them!” He said, standing up as quickly as he could. His knee throbbed at the sudden movement, but he ignored the pain. “Hey!” He called back, “We’re down here!”

Taylor looked up, “Is it really them?” He asked.

Zac’s smile was huge, “Yeah, it’s gotta be!” And he called back up the hill again.

Taylor sank back into the muddy hillside, “Oh god…thank you.” He said softly. He didn’t attempt to yell, his throat was already raw from their first attempt to get the girls’ attention.

Becca looked over at Valerie, “Did you just hear something? I think I heard Zac!”

“I did!” Valerie beamed. “Taylor! Where are you guys?!” She shouted. She looked back at Becca, “I can’t see them, where are they?”

Becca began to pace back and forth, looking over the edge of the hill as below her, Zac tried to find her as well.

“We’re down here!” Zac yelled. He looked down at Taylor, “They’re up there, Tay!”

“How are they gonna get us back up, though?” Taylor asked. “We don’t have any rope. And I don’t think they could pull us up anyway.” He lamented.

Zac rolled his eyes, “Dude, don’t be such a downer. They’ll find a way.” He said. “Hey, I’m gonna walk over this way, maybe that way they can see me.” He said, stepping off to the side, hissing as he bent his knee.

“Be careful!” Taylor groused, “If you fall again, I’m not coming with you!”

“I’m not gonna fall…” Zac said, limping away from where his brother lay. Taylor shut his eyes and relaxed as best he could. Raindrops still hit him and the autumn wind kept him chilled to the bone. His shoulder went from extreme pain to numbness at times, and he found he had a hard time using his arm because of it. He knew that even if the girls were up there, they wouldn’t have the strength or the equipment to get them back up the hill. Closing his eyes, he prayed that they’d be able to find someone to help them out.

Becca strained her eyes looking down the hill. Suddenly, she caught site of Zac, far below stepping from behind a scraggly looking little tree. “Oh my God! Val, I can see him!” She nearly jumped up and down, but her precarious position kept her from acting out her joy at seeing him.

Valerie rushed over to join her friend. She waved furiously and watched to see Taylor as well. “Dang, that’s a long way!” She said to Becca. Zac was waving back at them and yelling. “What’s he saying?” She asked Becca, “And where’s Taylor?”

Becca turned to her, “He said they can’t get back up the hill.” She drew in a deep breath, “Val, we gotta find a way to get to them. What can we do?”

Valerie stooped down and peered down the hill. Between her and Zac were sharp rocks, a steep incline and loose soil and mud. No real spots for holding on or getting down to them without a good strong rope. Her first thought was of the sleeping bags, but even tied together there was no way they’d reach the boys. “Zac, where’s Taylor?” She called to him.

She was barely able to hear his reply, “He’s sick! He’s okay though!”

Looking at Becca she rolled her eyes, “He’s sick, but he’s okay. Wonderful.” She shook her head, “I think we’re gonna have to head back and see if we can get to the jeep. I’m sure Tay packed something that could help us here, even if we just tie all our clothes together.” She turned and started down the hill, “And if we’re really lucky, we’ll run into the rangers…”

~~~~~

Isaac, Walker and Jez were pulling into the grounds when they met a truck coming towards them. Stopping, a man got out and came over to the van, “Sir, I’m closing the campgrounds because of all the rising water. It’s much too dangerous.” He said, water dripping off his hat.

“My sons and their girlfriends are supposed to be camping here.” Walker replied.

“We only had one site occupied. It’s been pretty cold up here. But, I checked it early this morning and it looks like they cleared out. I figure the storm must have scared them off. They must have left pretty early because now there’s a tree down over the road, so they had to have gotten out before that fell.”

Walker furrowed his brow, “Are you sure? We haven’t heard from them and we’re getting pretty worried.”

“I checked the site and it was clean as a pin. The water had pretty much washed away the fire ring and such, but it was definitely empty. Maybe they just stopped at a hotel or something like that once they left.” The man reasoned.

Isaac looked at his father, “Maybe they did. I can’t believe they wouldn’t call though.”

Walker turned back to the ranger, “Alright, thanks.”

“No problem, sir. Good luck. Now if you’ll just back up, I need to lock up this gate.” The man said, then turned and got back in his truck.

Walker had no choice but to do as the man asked, and back out of the gate. “Ike, call your mother and see if they’ve called her. I just can’t imagine they wouldn’t have let us know they were alright.” He said.

Isaac looked down at his cell phone, “It says we’re out of the service area. We’re gonna have to drive back to the store we passed back there.”

“This is crazy.” Jez added. “How does he know they didn’t camp at a different site? Since no one else was here, it’s not like they couldn’t have just gone anywhere they wanted.” She said, watching the trees pass in the window as they drove back the way they’d come.

“Well,” Isaac said, “if you do that, you’re supposed to let the rangers know. I’m sure Zac and Tay both know that.”

"I hope so.” Walker sighed.

~~~~~

Zac walked back over to where Taylor lay, curled up to conserve what warmth he had left. He’d heard him coughing from where he stood yelling up at the girls. “Man, you alright? You sound like shit.”

From somewhere inside the ball of Taylor came his reply, “I’m pretty sure I’m gonna die. Go save yourself.”

Zac rolled his eyes again at his brother and sat down next to him. “You’re not gonna die. The girls went to go get help. They’ll figure out something.” He put his hand on Taylor’s back, “Here, want a lifesaver? It might help your throat.”

Slowly, Taylor turned over onto his back. His eyes were bright blue in contrast to the pink of his cheeks. He held out his hand and Zac dropped a green circle in it. “I hate the green ones.” He grumbled, his voice nearly non-existent now.

“Well, it’s that or one of those whitish ones—what are they supposed to be? Pineapple or something?” Zac mused.

Taylor coughed again before answering, “I have no idea. I always throw those away.” He said and he slipped the candy between dry lips.

“You’re sweating.” Zac said.

Taylor closed his eyes and snuggled up closer to Zac, “You’re kidding, right? I never sweat.” He mumbled.

Zac chuckled, relieved to hear him still able to joke around. “Just go to sleep, and when you wake up, Val and Becca will be here with a bulldozer and some horses and stuff and we’ll go back home and throw you in a tub of hot water. ‘Cause, really, you’re starting to smell pretty rough dude.”

Taylor didn’t respond, he just pinched his brother’s soft stomach.

“Ow!” Zac flinched. He then leaned over and placed his head on his hand, using his body to shelter Taylor’s face from the rain and wind.

~~~~~

Becca and Val reached the big rock where they’d taken shelter that first morning. Carefully, Becca searched the ground before placing her foot down, remembering all the snakes and such the flooding waters had unleashed on them. With a sigh of relief, Val stopped and gazed into the trees before her. She could hear the water running along what used to be the small stream they’d crossed. It wasn’t quite as swollen as before, but with no bridge, it looked impossible to cross. “Shouldn’t the Jeep be right over there? Is this where we crossed?” She asked her friend.

Becca held her hand up to her forehead to shield her eyes from the rain, “Well, I thought it was.” She answered. “Man, just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, now I’m gonna have Isaac on my ass. I seriously feel sorry for Zac and Taylor, he’s gonna go off on them.”

“Well, I guess I wouldn’t blame him. I would too.” Valerie agreed. They stood there for another minute, just letting it sink in. Finally, Val spoke up, “Alright, there’s nothing left to do but look for the Jeep. It had to have gone the same way the water is going. I mean, it couldn’t have just jumped into a tree, or thrown itself off a cliff like the two nuts did. It has to be this way.” She said, and she began to walk, following the rushing water of the stream. Becca shook her head and followed, hoping it hadn’t gone too far.

~~~~~

“Mom?” Isaac said into the phone. Jez stood next to him, drinking a Sprite she’d grabbed in the store. “Did Tay call yet?” When he didn’t smile, she knew Diana hadn’t heard from them. Ike relayed the information they’d gotten from the ranger to his mother as Walker came out of the store, grocery bag in hand.

“Well?” He said, looking at Jez. She shook her head. “Dammit!” He cursed. “Do we check every hotel between here and home, or do we assume the ranger is mistaken and they’re still out there somewhere?”

Isaac hung up the phone, “She hasn’t heard from them, and neither have Val or Becca’s parents.”

Walker sighed, placing his hands on his hips. “Well, if they’re at a hotel, at least they’re safe. In deep ka-ka, but safe.” He continued, “But, if they really did go to a different site, or whatever, it’s not like they can just drive back out of there with that tree in the road, and they have to be soaked.”

Isaac nodded, “Yeah.” He looked back up the road they’d just come down, “I don’t know Dad, but I just feel like Jez might be right. I mean, the guy said everything was washed away, if there were tracks or anything, he wouldn’t have seen them. I sort of feel like we oughta go back there and check it out ourselves.”

Walker smiled, “Good, I just picked up three rain ponchos for us. The man inside said the old camp store up there closed a couple years ago.” He turned to Jez, “Of course, you don’t have to go with us if you don’t want. You could wait in the car.”

“I’m not that wimpy.” She said. “Besides, I want to see what they’ve gotten themselves into now.” She smiled at Isaac. “I bet they got stuck in the mud.” She laughed, watching his face.

“Well, it would have to be some killer mud for that car to get stuck.” Isaac replied. And the three of them got back in the van and headed back toward the campground.

~~~~~

Taylor’s bouts of coughing were starting to worry Zac. That and the way he’d groan and clutch his chest during them. “Tay, do ya think maybe we oughtta try to climb back up again? I mean, maybe the ground isn’t as muddy as before, or—“

“Zac,” Taylor said softly, “if you can get up there, go ahead. But, it hasn’t stopped raining, so there’s no reason to believe it’s less slippery…” His voice drifted off and his eyes remained closed.

“How long do you think it can keep raining?” Zac asked, wanting to keep Taylor talking, so he didn’t feel so alone.

“Forty days and forty nights.” Taylor nearly smiled and Zac watched a raindrop splat on his eyelid.

“Very funny, you jerk.” Zac said back.

“How’s your knee?” Taylor said. He looked asleep except for his lips moving.

“It hurts like a mother.” Zac replied. He looked up, “I wish these stupid pine trees had leaves like regular trees. We could get under them then and maybe keep dry.”

“Yeah.” Taylor breathed. Slowly, he opened one eye, “Quit talking, you’re making your lip bleed more.” He said to Zac.

Zac looked down at his wet, muddy sneakers, “Okay.” He said, barely audible over the sound of raindrops hitting the rocks and the ground around them.

Taylor sat up, though it was the last thing he felt like doing. “Know what? We probably need to just squish together here and keep warm. Becca and Val are gonna come back in no time and they’ll bring the campground dude with ‘em.”

Zac’s eyes slid over to his brother’s face. “Yeah? And how are they gonna do that? Unless they’ve suddenly turned into Olympic swimmers.”

“I think you’re underestimating them, man. They are the two loudest humans ever. All they have to do is just stand there and yell, he’ll hear ’em.” Taylor replied.

Zac shook his head, “Alright, now it’s your turn to shut up, ‘cause you sound worse than you ever did when your voice was changing. And we might need you to use your big mouth soon, so somebody knows we’re here.” Taylor nodded, and lay his head down on his knees as Zac lay his on his shoulder.

~~~~~

“Oh my God, there it is!! Val!” Becca cried, running ahead of her friend. They’d been walking for a while, not seeing any trace of the Jeep or any of their belongings. But now, through the trees, the black shiny top of the truck was definitely visible. Val joined Becca and soon, they were standing on the edge of the stream, gazing at Isaac’s beloved car, pinned against a small group of trees by the rushing water.

“He’s gonna kill them…” was all Val could say. She shook her head, looking at the car that held, or had at one time, held all their supplies. Now it looked to be full of mud and water and vines and who knew what else. The hatch had been left open, so they couldn’t be sure what was left. The battery had long since drained from the lights being left on.

Becca sighed, “How the heck do we get into it? Do you think it’s really and truly stuck there? Or would it take off down the river if we managed to get to it?” She looked at the slightly older Valerie, hoping she had all the answers.

“Bec, God, I don’t know. After the luck we’ve had, I’m not real big on jumping into that water, Jeep or not.” Valerie said, her eyes never leaving the rushing water.

~~~~~

Isaac, Walker and Jez left the van parked outside the locked gate. “Man, I love the smell of fresh plastic.” Jez said as she pulled the rain poncho over her head.

“It’s better than being wet.” Isaac said as he held his hand out for her to step down out of the van. She blinked her eyes as fat drops of rain splatted on her face.

Walker stepped over and pulled the hood up to cover her head, “Are we ready?” Ike and Jez looked at each other and nodded. “Alright, let’s see if we can find a couple of drowned rats out here, huh guys?” He smiled, but Jez could tell he was very worried.

~~~~~

“Man, I’m starving…” Zac said, raising his head up and looking up at the grey sky. “I’d kill for some of those marshmallows right now.” He reached over and pushed Taylor’s bangs out of his face. “And a fire to roast them with.” He added. His brother’s cheeks were a flaming red and his skin felt hot. Zac sighed. He wanted to stand up and stretch, but he didn’t want to disturb Taylor. His breathing was beginning to sound labored, like when their cousin Joseph had an asthma attack. Zac closed his eyes and prayed, “Please God, let it stop raining. And please, let Val and Becca get here soon…”

~~~~~

Val was pacing back and forth. She was beginning to know how Taylor had felt earlier when they’d all looked to him for answers. She knew he had to be pretty sick if he hadn’t bothered to stand and wave or yell at them as Zac had. She also knew he wouldn’t want them to risk their lives trying to get to the Jeep. Yet, she was beginning to realize, they had no choice. They had no equipment whatsoever to pull the guys back up, and no food or water or medicine to pass down to them. The wet sleeping bags would probably hurt Taylor’s condition more than help it. And there was no way for them to get help from the rangers if they couldn’t cross the swollen stream. She took a deep breath and looked at Becca, “Can one of us jump far enough to maybe land on the hood? The water’s not deep really, only a few feet, but it’s moving so quickly, I don’t think we could stand up in it. And we don’t want to get washed under it. That would be a very good way to drown, caught under a car…” her voice faded as she looked at the Jeep, precariously pinned against the small trees.

Becca stood up, “I don’t know what else we can do. Could you sort of…toss me out there, like the cheerleaders do each other? Know what I mean?”

“Like I do my nieces and nephews in the pool?” Her brow furrowed. “It might work.” She looked at Becca, “I’m so scared to do that though. And what if there’s not even anything in it that will help?”

“We’ll never know unless we try.” Becca stated.

Val placed her hands on her hips, “Alright. Let’s do it. But, we’re gonna find some branches big enough to hold your weight first and at least prop them from the bank to the Jeep. That way, if god forbid, you slip into the water, you can grab onto them and not drown.” She said, turning towards the trees along the bank of the stream. She said a silent prayer as she and Becca went about finding limbs the storm had ripped from the tops of the trees, the night their ordeal had begun.

~~~~~

“Good heavens, look at the size of that thing! And it’s just broken off like it was a twig!” Isaac exclaimed, looking at the tree lying across the road.

Walker shook his head, “It really looks like a tornado might have gone through here. There’s a whole line of trees here, just twisted off their trunks.” He said, pointing deeper into the woods.

“Well, there’s only one road, right?” Jez said, looking around them.

“Other than footpaths or hiking trails, yeah.” Isaac said.

“Well, since we don’t see the Jeep sitting anywhere here, they had to have come this way if they didn’t leave before the storm came through.” Jez reasoned.

“True.” Isaac said. “Dad, they knew it was gonna rain, they expected that. I just can’t imagine they’d leave because it started to storm.”

“I have to agree. Man, I wish those two had a brain between them.” He groused. He sighed, “So, maybe if we just follow the road, it’ll lead us either to them, or to some sign that they were here.” Walker was trying to keep his mind from coming up with visions of his sons thrown about by a tornado, or drowning in the swollen stream. He knew he had to keep his head about him.

“The worst thing that happens, is we get wet and find out they’re already home.” Isaac said, turning back to the road, which was slick with mud and leaves. “Jez, I’m really sorry about all this.” He said, putting his arm around her shoulders.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s the least I can do. I’m sorta fond of the two of them, even if they are jerks. Besides, I’m sure Val and Becca are making their lives miserable by now.” She smiled. “Hey, should we yell for them or something? Maybe they can hear us if they’re around here.”

And so, as they walked down the muddy road, the three of them called out the names of the lost campers.

~~~~~

“Tay! I just remembered I have that stupid Coke in my pocket!” Zac gasped. He gently pushed his brother off his arm so that he could reach the precious sugary liquid. He winced when he had to straighten his knee out to get into his pocket. “Tay, wake up!” He nudged him. He nearly laughed when he felt the cool can in his hand. He pulled it out, and sat it on the ground next to him. He placed his hand on Taylor’s shoulder and shook him, “Dude, wake up. You’re sweatin’ like a pig, I’m sure you need to get something in your stomach.”

Slowly, Taylor opened his eyes and looked up into the face of Zac, who was smiling. He swallowed and tried to talk, but nothing came out. He raised his head and cleared his throat. “What?” He croaked.

Zac laughed, “Mom is gonna kill us. You oughta hear yourself.” He said, picking up the can of soft drink. He raised his eyebrows, “Look. It’s a little bent, but no leaks!” He said, as he popped the top of the can.

“Where’s Mom?” Taylor asked, squinting his eyes at his brother.

“I didn’t say Mom was here. I said she’s gonna be pissed cuz we let you get sick again.” He looked at the confusion on his brother’s face. “Are you alright?” He asked.

Taylor rubbed his eyes and shook his head, “What time is it?” He asked.

Zac was still watching him suspiciously, “I don’t have a watch on and you lost yours, remember? And the sun’s not out, so I don’t really know. Here,” he said, handing him the drink, “I think you need this.”

Taylor shook his head, “My throat hurts. Besides, I don’t want you to catch my cold.”

Relieved, Zac chuckled, “You are way past a cold man. Seriously.” He pushed the can toward him again.

Taylor shook his head again, “Go ahead, just leave me some, okay?” He said, stretching his arms out. “Ah, motherf—” he started, but stopped mid-curse to grab his shoulder.

Zac lowered the can after a long, satisfying drink. “Are you gonna pass out? I thought I fixed that for you.”

Taylor had slumped over into the mud with a pitiful moan. “I think you just made it worse…” he whimpered.

“I just did what you told me to!” Zac cried, standing up. His knee screamed at him, but he ignored it. “I don’t know what to do!”

“Ooh, god…” Taylor said softly, then he became alarmingly still.

Zac dropped to his knees, “Taylor, please don’t die, I’m so sorry, please don’t die…” For a moment, he was hysterical, truly believing that perhaps his brother had died and left him all alone in the wilderness to wallow in his own guilt and misery. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and looked closer. Taylor was still breathing. He wasn’t dead. He closed his eyes, “Thank you , God.” He said. When he’d regained his composure, he picked up the Coke again, “Alright,” he said, scooting closer, “you have to drink this. It’s probably gonna burn, but it’s better than getting dehydrated. We’ve both been there and it sucks, remember? IV’s and shit? No fun.” He gently pulled Taylor over to him and into a more upright position. He wasn’t unconscious, but he was close to it. His eyes wanted to roll up in his head, but Zac continued to talk to him. “Sit up. Here.” He said and he tipped the can up to his dry lips. “Please don’t make me hold your nose. You know I will.” He threatened. Taylor parted his lips and allowed Zac to pour some of the coke in his mouth. It burned like fire on his tongue, but when he swallowed it, it was even worse. He squeezed his eyes shut as tears ran out the corners. He pushed it away from his face. “I know it hurts, but at least it’s got some sugar and water.” Zac looked up, “I wonder if we can drink this rainwater?” He mused. He grabbed Taylor’s wrist with one hand and with the other, he again put the drink to his mouth. “Sorry, dude. I know I got us into this mess, but you are delirious or something so I get to be the boss now. Just drink it like it’s medicine, it can’t possibly taste any worse than Nyquil and I’ve seen you swig that stuff down before.” It wasn’t easy, and easily a third of what was left in the can ended up on Taylor’s neck and chest, but eventually, Zac got the rest of the drink down his throat. He then carefully propped the can up in the mud, hoping it might catch a few precious drops of rain before it soaked into the ground or turned into mud.

~~~~~

It was all Becca could do to reach for limbs in the thick undergrowth of the forest. She was certain she’d come up against a snake any moment. Together though, the girls had come up with a good selection of branches to help them reach their goal of safely getting into the Jeep. “Becca,” Val said, “do you think we have enough? I mean, these look pretty strong, and I’d think they’d reach from the bank to the Cherokee.”

Becca wiped the water from her brow, “God, I hope so. I can’t stand being knee deep in snakeville.”

Val smiled, “I know.” She said, dragging a sturdy branch behind her.

Suddenly, Becca’s head shot up. “Did you hear that?!” She exclaimed.

Val turned tiredly, “Hear what?”

“Listen!” Becca said, holding her hand out for Val to be quiet.

Val’s eyes lit up, when she too heard the unmistakable sound of people yelling out their names. At once, both girls dropped their sticks and began shouting back. “We’re here!” “Where are you!?” and the obligatory, “Oh God, thank you, thank you!!!” and such.

Ike, Jez and Walker all looked at one another, not sure they were hearing what they all thought they were. But soon, it was obvious, someone was yelling back at them. They began to run in the direction of the voices, and soon, both parties were standing across from each other, with a rushing torrent of water between them. “Val!” Isaac shouted, a huge smile on his face. “I can’t believe we found you guys!! What happened?”

The sight of help was too much for the girls and both of them found themselves with tears running down their faces. “Ike, Jez!” She called back, “The camp flooded and we couldn’t get back out because of a tree across the road, then it got worse, and…God, I can’t believe you’re here!” She cried.

“You gotta help us!” Becca yelled, “The guys are stuck down this hill up there and we don’t have anything to get them back up!”

Now Walker responded, “Ike’s always got rope and stuff in his car! It’s in with the spare tire! You’ll just have to get it out!”

Becca and Val looked at each other, then back over at Taylor and Zac’s brother. “Shit.” Val said to her friend. “Oh well, may as well not put it off.” She then cupped her hands around her mouth and called across the stream, “The Jeep…” she started. She took a deep breath, “The Jeep sort of…washed down stream!” She yelled.

Jez’ eyes got wide and she looked over at Isaac. His brow was furrowed, “What?” He called.

Now Becca broke the news to him as well, “It got caught in the flood, and it’s down this stream, like, a mile or so. I don’t know how far exactly, but we found it!” She said brightly.

“Where are the boys?” Walker called as Isaac was letting what he’d just heard sink in. “And, are they alright?”

“They went up the hill!” Val said, pointing the way they’d come. “And then, they somehow slipped down the other side, and it’s too muddy for them to get back up it! I think they’re ok, though.” She added.

“Can you guys get across to help us?!” Becca called, her nerves about to crack.

Isaac ooked at the water, and then back to his father, “Dad, what the heck are we supposed to do? How do we get across this? And what the hell have they done to my car?” He said, his voice raising a notch with his last question.

With a sigh, Walker turned to his oldest son, “Let’s just focus on getting them back, and then we’ll decide how to go about their execution, alright?” He placed his hands on his hips, looking around him.

"What about the Jeep, Mr. Hanson?” Jez spoke up. “You said Isaac always carries rope and stuff.” She then looked up at Isaac.

“Yeah, there should be some there.” Isaac said disgustedly. “And then once we pull’em back up, we can use it to hang them from one of these trees!”

Walker pointed his finger at Isaac, then turned back toward Val and Becca. “You said you know where the Jeep is?” He called.

Both girls nodded their heads. “Yeah, it’s that way!” Becca shouted back, pointing down the stream.

“Alright, you all lead the way, and we’ll follow you!” Walker called back.

And so, they began the trek through the woods, to find Isaac’s precious car, and hopefully something to help them retrieve the boys.

~~~~~

“Okay, so Tay, what’s the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?” Zac asked.

Though his teeth were chattering, and his mind was drifting, he furrowed his brow in thought. “Prob—bb—bly, um…Halloween…” he said.

“Halloween?!!! That movie was stupid!” Zac replied. He looked down and watched a drop of blood splat on Taylor’s shirt. “Oops, sorry.” He said, attempting to wipe it away with his thumb.

“You need t-to shut up, Zac.” Taylor said back, raising his finger to point at his brother’s split lip.

“Yeah, right. And you’ll go off into the light and leave me here all alone to die slowly while your spirit floats above us looking down and—” Zac stopped when Taylor flung his hand into his chest.

“I’m not dying.” He said, grimacing.

“Hmm…” Zac said, looking at him. “If you could see yourself, you might disagree.”

“Well, if y-you could see yourself, you’d think you were too.” Taylor said, pulling himself into a smaller ball, coughing, then wincing as his shoulder gave him a jolt of pain.

“Yeah, well, I can still walk and talk and think straight.” Zac said, looking back up the hill. “Hurry up!!!” He shouted, knowing there was no one there to hear him.