Shifting Grounds

The next morning, the crisp mountain air was filled with the rustling of leaves and the soft hum of insects waking up with the sunrise. The teachers had gathered the students near the campsite, their voices carrying over the chatter of half-asleep teenagers.

Mr. Daniels, the lead instructor, clapped his hands to get their attention. "Alright, listen up, everyone. We're moving to a new location today. Pack up your things and make sure you leave the area as clean as you found it."

Some students groaned, clearly not ready to move so early in the morning. Others, like Bella and her group, didn't seem to care—they were too busy whispering amongst themselves.

Ms. Carter, one of the younger teachers, stepped forward. "We'll be hiking toward Shadow Creek today, where we'll be spending the next two nights. There will be team-building activities and survival challenges, so I expect you all to cooperate."

"Ugh, more hiking?" Mira groaned, adjusting her ponytail.

Ivana nudged her. "You just don't want to sweat."

Zoko smirked. "Good luck with that. We've got miles ahead of us."

Mavins stretched lazily. "At least it'll be interesting. Shadow Creek sounds like a place straight out of a horror movie."

Bella, standing a few feet away, smirked. "Maybe Irene will be the first to disappear."

A few people laughed. Irene tensed, her stomach twisting into knots. She's not done with me. She's just getting started.

Rina, standing beside her, muttered under her breath, "Ignore her. She's just trying to get in your head."

But that was the problem. She was in Irene's head.

The Hike to Shadow Creek

The students began their trek through the dense forest, their backpacks strapped on as they followed the narrow dirt trail. The morning sun filtered through the leaves, casting golden patterns on the ground. Despite the beauty of the scenery, Irene couldn't enjoy it.

Michael was a few steps ahead, walking beside Zoko and Mavins. Bella was by his side, making a show of holding onto his arm whenever she could. Irene tried to focus on the ground in front of her, but she could feel Michael's eyes on her every now and then.

Rina walked beside her, sipping from her water bottle. "You should stop looking at him."

"I'm not looking at him," Irene muttered.

Rina gave her a look. "Then why do you keep tripping over nothing?"

Irene sighed. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

Rina's voice softened. "I do. You still have feelings for him."

Irene wanted to deny it, but she knew it was pointless. It wasn't just about the kiss anymore. It was the way he looked at her, the way he made her heart race even when she hated him for not defending her.

Up ahead, Mira was still trying to get Mavins' attention. She walked a little closer to him, pretending to stumble so she could grab his arm.

Mavins raised a brow. "Smooth."

Mira grinned. "Oh, shut up. You liked it."

He chuckled but didn't pull away.

Ivana, not wanting to be left out, turned to Zoko. "So, are you actually enjoying this hike, or are you just pretending?"

Zoko smirked. "You think I'd pretend to enjoy walking for hours?"

"You never know," Ivana said, brushing her fingers against his arm as they walked.

Zoko glanced down at her hand but didn't move away. "You're very touchy."

Ivana smiled. "Only when I like someone."

Zoko laughed. "Good to know."

---

Arriving at Shadow Creek

After hours of walking, the students finally arrived at their new campsite. A wide, glistening creek ran through the area, surrounded by towering trees and jagged rocks.

The teachers gathered everyone again.

"This will be your home for the next two nights," Ms. Carter announced. "We'll be doing some survival training, including fire-making, fishing, and shelter-building."

Some students groaned, but others seemed excited.

Mr. Daniels cleared his throat. "You'll be working in teams, and yes, we will be choosing your partners."

This got the students' attention. Whispers broke out, some hopeful, others dreading who they'd get paired with.

"I better not be stuck with someone useless," Bella muttered under her breath.

Mira nudged her. "As long as it's not Irene."

Bella smirked. "Oh, I hope it is Irene."

Irene, standing a few feet away, tensed. She's up to something.

The teachers began calling out pairs.

"Zoko and Ivana," Ms. Carter announced.

Ivana grinned. "Guess you're stuck with me."

Zoko smirked. "Could be worse."

Mira crossed her fingers. Please be Mavins. Please be Mavins.

"Mira and… Mavins."

Mira barely contained her excitement. "Guess you're stuck with me."

Mavins chuckled. "Guess so."

More names were called, and then—

"Irene and Michael."

Irene's breath caught. She looked up sharply, but Michael was already staring at her.

Bella's expression darkened instantly. "What?! No. Pair me with Michael instead."

Mr. Daniels gave her a sharp look. "You don't get to choose, Bella."

Bella clenched her jaw, but she didn't argue further. Not here. Not in front of the teachers.

Michael walked up to Irene. "Looks like we're a team."

Irene swallowed. "Yeah."

Bella was still glaring at them, but then a slow smile curled on her lips. It wasn't a normal smile. It was dangerous.

Irene's stomach twisted. This isn't over.

And for the first time, she realized—whatever Bella was planning next, it was going to be worse than anything she had done before.

As the students settled into their new campsite near the ancient caves, the sky was painted in soft hues of orange and pink. Irene sat a little away from the group, staring at her phone screen. She had ignored the missed calls and messages from her mom for too long. With a deep breath, she finally pressed the call button.

It barely rang twice before her mother's sharp voice came through.

"So you finally remembered you have a mother?"

Irene winced, already regretting not calling sooner. "Mom, I'm sorry. I've just been—"

"Busy? Too busy to even send a simple message? Irene, do you know how worried I've been?"

Irene sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I know. I should have called earlier."

"Yes, you should have. You left for this trip and disappeared like you were never coming back."

"I didn't mean to," Irene mumbled. "There's been a lot going on."

Her mother's voice softened, but the frustration still lingered. "Are you okay?"

Irene hesitated. Was she okay? Between Michael, Bella, and the never-ending tension, she wasn't sure. But telling her mother the truth would only lead to more questions.

"Yeah," she lied. "Everything's fine."

There was silence on the other end, and then a sigh. "Alright. Just don't do this again. I need to know you're safe."

"I promise I'll call more," Irene said, guilt settling in her chest.

"Good. Now, are you eating properly?"

Irene let out a small laugh. "Yes, Mom."

"And staying out of trouble?"

Irene paused. If only she could say yes.

"Of course," she answered instead.

Her mother didn't sound convinced but didn't push further. "Alright, sweetheart. Call me soon, okay?"

"I will."

"I love you."

"Love you too, Mom."

As the call ended, Irene stared at her phone for a moment before tucking it into her pocket. A cold breeze swept through the campsite, and she hugged herself, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that no matter what she told her mom—things were far from fine.