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.Now he acted like he was an expert.Or a fan who happily trotted alongside his idol as they headed into thevalley behind the house, asking Victor to teach him moves and asking what other fights he d been in.They were heading toward the lake, which prompted Jace to ask, Where are we going? Victor seemed relieved at the change of subject. I set up camp not far away.This weather issupposed to hold all week. Really? Jace asked. You re staying here? He felt sure music would have swelled, that theywould have tumbled into each other s arms, if Greg hadn t been walking between them. We should get drunk! his best friend suggested. I had something else in mind. Victor patted a jacket pocket mysteriously.That made Jace a little nervous, but his thoughts soon returned to Victor being near for the nextcouple of days.From out of the woods, a small creek wound its way through an empty field before spilling intothe lake.This is what he and Greg always followed to start their hikes.As Victor led them along thissame path, Jace wondered if he had noticed their archery target.Had they come out here soonerinstead of shopping, they might have met.But Victor led them much farther into the woods than theynormally ventured.The sounds of leaf blowers faded away into the distance until that familiar feelingreturned.The suburban world behind them that was the dream.Reality was right here.Victor stopped and gestured.Jace had pictured a simple pup tent, but instead saw a small shelterbuilt from branches and boughs of pine.Propped up between two trees, the structure reminded him ofthe forts he and Michelle used to make from sheets and blankets.Even those provided more cover.This was little more than a wall leaning forward, the angle enough to cover the sleeping bag laid outhorizontally beneath it. Nice lean-to! Greg exclaimed, rushing forward to check it out. Of course pine isn t the bestchoice when it comes to keeping water out and heat in.What do you usually do for a fire? Victor picked up a small axe and gestured with it toward a circular area that had been cleared ofleaves and debris. I still need to gather wood, if you want to help. Totally, although a circular fire in the middle is no good this time of year.A long fire will keepyour whole body warm at night. Jace stood back and watched the proceedings.Victor might have more experience living off theland, but Greg was the consummate Boy Scout.He knew the official handbook inside and out.Jacehad often joked that if civilization came to an end, he d follow Greg around like a puppy.He d knowwhat to do in any situation.Victor seemed to take the critical feedback in stride.In fact, he seemed happy to take Greg sadvice.Soon both he and Jace were following the Eagle Scout s directions.In a few short hours, theyhad a fire prepped, the lean-to insulated with moss, and enough wood gathered or cut to last theweekend.Greg even had a cooking area set up at one end of the fire, arranging sticks so a smallblackened pot could be hung from them. That won t last forever, but it ll stop your soup from burning too easily. I usually just toss the pot straight into the embers, Victor said.Greg shook his head as if this was unthinkable. This is better.You know, we could build asecond lean-to on the other side to reflect heat.Or a nice A-frame shelter How about we enjoy what we ve done? Jace said, not hiding his exasperation. Oh.Right. Greg looked a little embarrassed, but not much. It just so happens, Victor said, that I have the perfect way to celebrate. From an inside pocket, he pulled out a bag of weed.Jace only recognized it from the anti-drug films they were shown in school, although those usually included pre-rolled joints as well, maybewith pills thrown in for effect.This appeared much more innocent.Victor took a small metal pipefrom the same pocket and began filling it.He looked up at their silence. First time? he asked.Guilty as charged.Michelle had smoked it a few times with one of her boyfriends, but she didn tcare for it.Jace wondered if he would.As for Greg doing something like this, Jace just couldn timagine it.He glanced over at his best friend to see shiny eyes.Okay, so maybe Greg would jump offa cliff if Victor asked him to.He supposed that made two of them.Jace wondered if his attraction to Victor was just that admiration.Sure he found his bodyenticing, but he checked out Greg too, and there definitely weren t any feelings there.He probablywouldn t recognize love, even if he felt it.The realization was sad, but he didn t stew on it, sinceVictor was demonstrating how to smoke. Just like a cigarette, he was saying, lighting the pipe, but take it slower.Just a little bit at atime. He made it look easy, but when Jace took his turn, he coughed for two solid minutes.Greglooked smug until he tried.Soon they both sounded like they were trapped in a burning building.Eventually they got the hang of it.The pain of Jace s raw throat became distant as everything changed.He d always imagined pot clouding his mind, making it hard to think.Instead the world around himseemed to intensify.Everything was interesting, not just Victor or Greg, but the shape of the leavesabove and the sound of the wind sailing through them.Every thought seemed to last a small eternity,each a realization of incredible depth. I really like camels, he said.His friends burst out laughing, and after a moment of bewilderment, Jace joined them. Seriously! Everyone focuses on the humps, but have you ever looked at their lips? The way theymove their mouths& I dunno.I m sure they could talk if they wanted to. They have funky expressions too, Victor said. Like a rich old countess who s way past herexpiration date but still thinks she s hot shit. What s a countess, anyway? Greg asked. Aren t they just some made-up monster, like avampire s wife? Jace pinched the bridge of his nose. Of course they re real.You ve just never met one becauseyou don t live in medieval Europe.Wait, did you say vampire? Yeah! Greg appeared dead serious. Like on Sesame Street.Remember the Count? He was acreepy vampire. Terrifying, Jace said, shaking his head. It s a miracle you manage to sleep at night. I don t like blood-suckers, Greg said, sullenly slapping at his neck. One! Victor said, doing his best Transylvanian accent. One dead mosquito, ah ah ah! Both of you shut up. Greg glared at them. What are you guys scared of? Like our worst fear? Jace asked. Yeah. Well it s not Big Bird. I was little. Greg glowered before cracking a smile. Come on.Out with it! Jace shrugged. I don t know. You do, Victor said. Don t be shy.I ll spill my guts right after you. Jace looked him square in the eye and understood.This was a challenge.Was Jace one of theherd, afraid to be himself? He thought of the suicide note, of the fear that was enough to make him want to quit, and before he could stop himself he confessed. I don t want to die alone. There was a moment of silence that Greg seemed eager to fill. You don t have to worry aboutthat.Chances are you ll be in a hospital with your family there, or even if you re in an ambulance,there will be a paramedic.Of course if you get mauled by a bear in the woods, I guess you d bealone.Except for the bear. Jace nearly smiled.Greg meant well, like he always did. I don t mean it like that.Although Iguess that s part of it, yeah.Mostly I don t want to go through my whole life watching everyone fall inlove and have kids, be these perfect little couples while I sit on the sidelines wondering what swrong with me. Greg put a hand on his shoulder. I keep telling you, man, there are all sorts of girls for you
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