Getting In Touch With Nature
by Marie

Rating: PG-13/R (for sexual discussions/situations)
Feedback: Extremely welcomed! Send it to: lcmagnum@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: The characters still belong to Bedford Falls. I just borrow them for my own fun since they aren’t being used at the moment. **sniff**
Summary: Written in response to Katy’s challenge. The girls go camping…wackiness ensues.
Notes: Someone finally decided to get off her butt and write this. ;) BTW, this is written in Katie’s POV and the parentals know they’re dating. I apologize for making Katie sound like a ball of raging hormones, but it was fun to write. Besides, she’s a teenager and she’s in love. Need I say more?
Dedicated: To Emily, my muse and inspiration; reading three fics from you in one day made me want to add something of my own. Love ya, sweetie. ;)

**********

I’m on my way to Jessie’s. I still can’t believe her parents agreed to let her go with me on a camping trip. Of course there had to be a catch. Somehow Lily and Rick came up with the idea that a camping trip would be a great bonding experience for the girls.  Truthfully, they didn’t want us to be alone. Sigh, so here I am, pulling into the Manning/Sammler driveway to pick up Jess, Grace, and Zoë. This ought to be an interesting trip. Maybe next time I should just send them all camping and stay home with Jess.

I honk the horn to let them know I’m here. I don’t want to have to go inside and get the third degree…again. I see the front door open and I can’t help but smile. Jess, beautiful as ever, smiles back. It’s so cute how she has a tendency to pack too much. Loving girlfriend that I am, I jump out of the SUV to help her.

“Jeez, Billie, what did you pack, your whole room? We’re only going away for the weekend,” I whine as I grab her backpack. See, I know I’ll be saddled with carrying the darn thing all through the woods.

“I know. I just didn’t want to forget anything,” she responds, smiling.

There it is, the smile I’m powerless against. Why must she torture me this way? Oh, well. I guess it’s back to putting her backpack in the back. Just as I finish loading her things, Grace and Zoë join us.

“Hey girls,” I greet them. “Ready for some camping fun?”

Grace sighs. “Yeah, I guess,” she mumbles dejectedly.

Zoë smiles. “Well, get over it. This is going to be fun. Besides, you know why we’re going…to keep them out of trouble,” she grins looking at Jessie and me.

ARGH! Thanks for reminding me, Zoë…as if I could forget. I mean, I planned this trip with one thing in mind…alone time with Jessie. All the hints she’s sending me lately are driving me crazy and I really need to discuss things with her.

Jessie’s arms around my waist pull me out of my own personal torment. “Katie, are you okay?”

“Um, yeah, I’m fine.”

I know she’s not convinced because she pulls me aside. “I know you’re disappointed that we’re not going alone. I am too, you know. Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find a way around this,” she whispers.

“I hope so. We should get going.”

After Grace and Zoë finished loading their things, we all settle in. Obviously, I’m driving and Jessie’s sitting next to me. I had to overrule Zoë’s calls for shotgun. I practically had to promise my firstborn, but she finally settled on driving lessons. Of course, they’ll be in an empty parking lot at 5MPH.

Zoë, who’s sitting behind me, moves to change the radio. Jessie swats her arm, lightly. “Come on, Jessie. Can’t we listen to something other than that old crap you listen to?”

Jessie’s aghast. “I’ll have you know that Billie Holiday is not crap. She was a legend and an amazing singer.”

Zoë rolls her eyes. “Yeah, whatever. Could you please put something else?”

“Fine. Any suggestions? And if you say Justin Timberlake, I’ll scream,” the petite blonde warns. [OK, I just realized I admitted I know who Justin is, but come on, everyone knows who he is, right? ;)]

“That’s okay…I was gonna suggest Kelly Clarkson,” Zoë smiles playfully.

“Argh…not Kelly again,” Jessie protests while looking at me. I hope she’s not going to tease me about my Kelly crush in front of them. Ah, who cares? The girl’s hot. Anyone who has eyes can see that and let’s not forget that she sings like an angel. [OK, I wrote this before Emily included Kelly in her story. But, there’s a challenge out there that mentioned her…and my girl likes her… ;)]

“How about this?” I ask as I change the station and Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” begins to play. (“It’s getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes…I am getting so hot I’m gonna take my clothes off.”) Why is everything about being hot and removing clothes? That song reminds me of Tad’s pool party. Jess and I had a blast and she looked great in her little blue bikini.

After driving for a few hours, we reach Chain O’Lakes State Park and find our spot near Turner Lake. We get out of the SUV and begin unloading our things. You know, camping is a lot of fun, but having to carry everything…well, I could without that.

I put the keys in my pocket and I take Jessie’s backpack, while she carries mine. Grace carries her bag and the tent. Jessie and I share carrying the cooler. And Zoë, being the kid, gets away scot-free.

We hike the 3 miles to the site. I drop everything and practically collapse on a huge piece of driftwood. Now, I’m in good shape; I run about 5 miles a day, but I’m not used to carrying about 100 pounds worth of equipment.

We agree to set up the tent before it gets dark. Jessie and I begin to work on the tent, while Grace and Zoë look for wood. I, feeling adventurous, walk towards Jessie and pull her into a hug.

“Hey, we’re here, ready for our adventure?” I lean in to kiss her and she returns it eagerly. Hmm, glad to see she wanted it too. There’s nothing better than having your girl be so responsive to your advances.

The need for breath pulls us apart. As I lean in again, she pulls away. “Katie, we have to set the tent,” she manages still breathless.

I sigh. “Yeah, I know. Let’s get to work.”

About an hour later, we finally manage to get the tent up. Jessie smiles proudly at the accomplishment and I grin just because I always do every time she smiles.

“What do you think?” she asks, posing in her best Vanna White impersonation in front of the tent.

“It looks great, but I wish we had our own tent,” I whine. Damn, I’m so freaking pathetic. Let’s call me what I really am…I’m whipped, but I love it.

Jessie smiles mischievously and I know something’s up. “Katie, you wanna know why my bag was so heavy?”

“Yeah?” I question.

“It’s simple,” she replies as she goes over to her bag and opens it. “Surprise.” She pulls out a small tent from her bag. “I brought us our own tent.”

At this point, I’m grinning like the village idiot. “Have I told you how much I love you and the way you think? Come on, let’s set up our tent,” I exclaim. Well, this trip is certainly looking up.

For some reason, we manage to set up our tent in about 20 minutes. What can I say? I was feeling inspired.

We put our sleeping bags inside the tent and look around. I can tell Jessie’s getting worried that Grace and Zoë aren’t back yet. Just as she’s about to call the park rangers, the girls walk out of the bushes.

“What took you guys so long?” Jessie asks visibly worried.

Grace laughs. “Jess, relax. We’re fine. If you want to blame someone, don’t look at me. Zoë, here, wanted to follow a pair of squirrels and we kind of got a little lost.”

“See, Jess, I told you they’d be fine.” I turn to Zoë, “Next time try to look for something more interesting. I mean, squirrels? We can see those at home,” I tease as I ruffle her hair. I know she likes me so I’m able to get away with doing that.

Zoë rolls her eyes. “See, I told Grace I wanted to see the squirrels to give you guys some privacy. But if this is how you’re gonna repay me, then forget about it.”

We all crack up at that; little Zoë’s trying to play matchmaker. It’s just too cute…and very appreciated.

After the girls set up their things we all go into our tents and decide to take a nap. Jessie and I go into our tent and settle in my sleeping bag. We end up falling asleep wrapped up in each other’s arms. A while later I can hear someone giggling.

“Grace, come look,” Zoë whispers. “Aren’t they cute?”

“Yeah, they are. But what happened to giving them privacy?”

“Well, I’m being a good chaperone. I mean, they can have privacy, but not too much,” she replies matter-of-factly.

Grace grins. “OK, so how much are they paying you?”

Just as Zoë’s about to reply, Jessie begins to stir and they quickly close the tent and leave.

“Hey, beautiful,” I say cheerfully as I wrap my arms tightly around her waist. “Sleep well?”

She yawns. “Fantastic. You know, you’re the best body pillow ever. I wish I could wake up like this every morning.”

“Me too,” I manage yawning. “I’m hungry. Why don’t we make something?”

“Billie, you’re always hungry. But in this case, you aren’t the only one. Let’s get some food.”

Jess and I walk out of the tent holding hands, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Grace. “So, did the lovebirds sleep well?” she teases.

“Yeah we did,” Jessie replies quickly. “You know, Katie’s got the nicest–“

I immediately cut her off. “Yeah, we slept well. Jess, you wanna give me a hand?”

“What? I was gonna say you’ve got a great shoulder to sleep on,” she replies innocently.

“Sure,” I grin.

I pull out a couple of cans of soup and begin looking for the can opener. I look everywhere and I still can’t find it. “Um, Jess, did you bring the can opener?”

She turns to look at me. “No, I thought you were supposed to bring it.”

“Well, I could’ve sworn I did, but I can’t seem to find it.”

I sense a fight coming. See, most of the time our fights are over stupid little things…like leaving a can opener. As I brace myself for Jessie’s rant, Zoë speaks up.

“Hey, you guys, there are some hot dogs in the cooler. Why don’t we make those?”

Grace smiles. “Good going, Zoë. I really didn’t want to be caught in the middle of a lovers’ spat,” she teases. I know; it’s still weird to hear Grace teasing us, but I’ve sort of gotten used to it.

**********

So we ate our hot dogs and then we made s’mores for dessert. I love s’mores. Yum, the melted chocolate and marshmallows are delicious. Have I mentioned I love sugar? That’s probably why it always seems like I should be put on Ritalin. Whatever. I’m just high on life…and love. Wow, that sounded so freakin’ sappy.

After we ate dinner and sat around the fire chatting, we all decided to go into our tents. I waited until I knew Grace and Zoë were asleep before I woke up Jessie. I wanted to take her for a late night swim. At first, she was a little reluctant to go, saying it was dark and that we could get lost. After using the old Singer charm, she finally agreed.

**********

Here we are, the lake. I must say the water looks cold, but I’m not gonna let that stop me. Before I lose my nerve, I strip down to my underwear and dive right it. Damn, it’s freezing, but I need to cover it up or Jessie won’t come. “Hey, Jess. Aren’t you coming in?” I ask as I notice that she’s still fully clothed and staring at the water.

“I don’t know, Katie. The water looks cold.”

“Come on, please? It’s not that bad, but if you get cold, I promise to keep you warm,” I answer hopefully.

“Ok,” she finally agrees. She strips and joins me. I can already see her wince. “God, Katie, it’s freezing!”

“It gets better.” She swims towards me and hugs me looking for warmth. I can feel her shivering. Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed this.

I begin to move towards the shore. “Come on, Billie. Let’s get you out of here before you get hypothermia.”


We reach the shore and I pick up a towel and wrap it around her. I begin to dry her off when she notices that I’m shaking. “Katie, you’re cold. Come here.” She pulls me into the towel.

So here we are, in front of the lake, basking on the glow of the full moon. Before I can say a word, Jessie’s lips are on mine. Now, what was I gonna say? Ah, who cares. Jessie’s hand is behind my neck and she’s deepening the kiss. Her other hand seems to have a mind of it’s own and is roaming everywhere. Well.

“Um, Jess?” I speak. I SO don’t want this to end, but I want to be sure this is right for both of us.

“Hmm?”

“What’s going on?” I ask still breathless.

She looks into my eyes. “Katie, we’ve been together for a while now and I love you. I just want the chance to love you completely. Please don’t worry. I’ve thought about it for a long time now and I know what I want…I want you. I know in my heart that I’m ready to give myself to you. So, can we?”

Wow, I’m speechless. I push aside all my insecurities because I can see in her face that she means it. “Ok,” I agree. “But if it gets to be too much and you want to stop, just say the word.”

“Ok, I will.” She takes the towel and lays it on the sand. She lays on the towel and I follow her lead.

Just as I lean down to kiss her, I hear footsteps. That is followed by voices and a flashlight pointing near where we are. I can see it’s a park ranger. I immediately jump to my feet. Jessie follows my lead and we quickly grab our belongings. We run away before we get caught. Just as we’re making our way towards our campsite it begins to rain.

We get into our tent. I pull a towel from my bag and begin to dry Jessie. I don’t know why, but drying someone is so sexy. Of course, it all depends on who you’re drying.

As soon as she’s dry she takes the towel from me and dries me. We gaze into each other’s eyes and I know what’s going to happen…so, if you’ll excuse me; I will be busy for the next few hours.

THE END…