Chapter Four: The Bet

"Jeeemmmm…" someone nudged me in an attempt to wake me but all I can think of is sleep… sleep… sleep… and sleep, on my nice comfy bed. "Aaaah?" I responded, both pushing away the hands that continuously shook out of sleep. "Jem! It's inspection time!" at this I suddenly snapped my eyes open. "Hehh? How long have I slept?" I asked no one in particular as everyone hurried to fix their selves and their things.

"Haayyzz… it 5 past 7 in the morning. Didn't you sleep at all last night?" Kath asked and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, remembering last nights' events. Brian taking me to Timber Wolf bar, the gang who threatened to take over the place, the ring of fire, Brian burning the leader's head, and… the hug. I gulped nervously and tried to answer in my most normal voice, "O-Of course I slept, I-I was just tired of… well, you know, yesterday's activities." I managed a smile but had a feeling that Kath didn't believe me one second.

Inspection passed and the usual morning routine passed when Mr. Fell came onto the stage, about to announce something. "Ehem, ehem… so campers, attention!" we all stopped whatever we were doing and faced front.

"So today we take our part 2 in hiking up the mountains," Mr. Fell continued and bunch of wild talking filled the pavilion, "But, there is just one little flaw, you see Ms. Agathe is still unable to get up and we need the nurses to come to the hiking for we all know you campers are very… clumsy." The chatter died down a little bit as realization dawned upon us, "And so we would like to have a volunteer camper to just look after our dear Drew for the meantime," I looked at Kath worriedly and she mouthed the words 'It's okay' back to me but I could still pick up the heavy chance of me being left behind. "Ah, Ms. Mclean; I see you have the pleasure of taking care of your fellow camper." I began to blink rapidly and was about to protest 'But I didn't even raise a freakin' hand!' when Mr. Fell cut me off again, "And that's all for today, get ready and we will leave in about 10 minutes. Good day to you all." He smiled and I was left with my jaw hanging. I thought so, it's so like them to leave me behind after what happened 2 days ago.

I made my way over Mr. Fell, "But Mr. Fell, I won't get lost this time, I promise!" I started but he just kept walking away, "It is in your nature to be curious, Mr. Mclean; I will not take any chances this time." Was the short reply I got and I sighed, shuffling my shoes in defeat.

"Don't worry, Jem; it's only until afternoon," Kath said, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder, "Uff. And that's supposed to make me better, Kath?" I said, rolling my eyes and she just laughed slightly at me. "Whelp, hope you don't get lost." I said to her with a smile, as she nodded and walked away, leaving me alone again.

"Hey." Someone said beside me and I was a bit shocked to see Brian with his usual signature smirk… and standing beside him… was the mysterious boy all clad in black. "H-Hey yourself," I mentally slapped myself for not being able to look away and I shook my head, clearing my thoughts.

"So, I think this calls for a formal introduction; Jem, this is Myles Fitzgerald," Brian motioned his hand towards him and I was entranced by his black radiant eyes. Myles, huh? "And Myles, this is Justine Esmeralda McQueen," I glared at Brian and pulled on his jacket sleeve, pulling him close and hissed, "It's Justine EMERALD MCLEAN, stupid." And I proceeded to smile at Myles, "I'm Justine Emerald Mclean, but you can call me Jem." I let go of Brian's sleeve and looked around, seeing there weren't that much campers around I spoke, "Shouldn't you be getting ready for the hike?" I asked and Myles responded, "Already done." He simply spoke while Brian said, "Oh yeah, still have to do that. See ya later, Myles." Brian waved his hand and jogged towards his cabin.

I blushed beet red, and tried cursing Brian for leaving the 2 of us here. "So you're left in charge of Drew, huh?" he asked and I nodded ruefully, "As much as I hate it." I replied, still not looking at him.

"Do you blush that often?" he asked and my eyes widened in horror. "N-Not at all! It's just that… that… well… oh, never mind." I hated myself for a stupid comment, but I was shocked when he suddenly said, "Want me to stay behind too?" he asked and all I did was shake my head vigorously saying, "I can manage myself just fine." He smiled half-heartedly, "See you around then." I nodded, still feeling the heat in my cheeks as he walked away. Never did I know that he had yet talked to Brian about something else.

BRIAN'S POV

"Hey Brian!" I turned around to see who was calling; hn, it was Myles. "What's up?" I asked nonchalantly, as I saw him smile that peculiar smile when he had found something interesting to play with.

"That girl…" I cut him off, "It's Jem."

"Okay, that girl, Jem… she likes me, doesn't she?" I stared at him, what was I supposed to say? Yes? But I cursed myself silently when I wasn't able to say that. "I don't know. Why should I care?" I replied instead. What is wrong with me?

"Well, don't you think it's time for a bet?" he asked, "Bet about what?" I knew where this was going… "Bet on her." I looked around to see if there were people eavesdropping, thankfully none was around. I considered this a bit, a bet, eh? I wanted to say no, I really did, but instead I ended up doing the exact opposite of it.

"It goes like this, since she's the first girl to actually have the decency to not fling herself onto you, try to make her to." Myles ranted on, eyes still gleaming with mischief. "And if I succeed?" I asked, and he replied with a smile, "The winner makes the loser do anything he wants. In my case, I'd be trying to get her away from you. If you can't make her love-crazy in a week, I win."

"Wait-a week? How am I supposed to do that in a week?"

He rolled his eyes, "Fine… 3 weeks then." I carefully thought this over… I was going to say no… the word no was ringing in my head but then… "Hn. Challenge accepted." I resisted the urge to facepalm myself. Where'd my self-control disappeared to?