Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: EMBARRASS(ED) (11/03/16)
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TITLE: A Muddy Mess | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
11/10/16 -
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In the distance I heard, “Mindy, where are you?”
I sighed and ran without noticing a log on the path. My shin hit the log, and I tumbled head first onto the ground. Mud oozed all over my hands and face. Quickly, I pushed myself up and attempted to scrape off the goopy mud. I can’t believe this is happening!
“Where have you been?” Alec asked as he appeared through the brush.
With a smile, he looked me over.
“What have you been doing?” he laughed. “You’re covered in mud.”
Heat crawled up my neck as I attempted to wipe my face with my sleeve.
“Are you having trouble keeping up with us? I thought you were in such great shape.”
I stared and stammered, “I -I lost my balance. I’ll be okay.”
“Let’s get moving. My family is at the campsite.”
I adjusted my pack, and limped along after him. As he held back a large branch, I passed through and smiled sheepishly.
“I think you’ll like my family. We love anyone who likes camping as much as we do.” He winked and gave me a dimpled smile.
I took a deep breath and nodded as we continued toward a clearing.
A large tent was already set up as we entered our campsite. Tall pine trees surrounded the small clearing and smoke rose from a fire pit in the center.
“There you are,” greeted Alec’s dad cheerfully. “Looks like you could be a mud wrestler.”
I glanced down at my mud caked boots and raincoat, then looked up to see Alec and his dad grinning.
I felt my face burn, glanced around and asked quietly, “is there a restroom I can use to freshen up a bit?”
Their response was silence, and then they burst into explosive laughter.
Alec’s mother appeared from the tent and walked over to her husband.
“Hi! You made it.” She smiled.
I merely nodded as tears formed and threatened to spill over when Alec’s dad abruptly handed me a large shovel.
“That’s what you need for the restroom. We are in the great outdoors now!”
My boyfriend smirked as I took the shovel. I shook my head and went toward the woods.
Through my clouded vision, I found a narrow path and stumbled along. Why did I come on this trip? I can’t impress him this way.
Eventually the path led to a large rock which overlooked a huge lake. As I leaned on the shovel, I hoisted myself onto the rock and sat down to absorb the beauty before me. Lord, I need your help. I’m not a camper. Give me strength to get past this embarrassment. May I be humble and keep my focus on you.
Out on the horizon, a bald eagle glided above the lake. It swept over the water with its broad wings, and then soared high above to perch on the edge of a cliff. Then once again, it dove down to attempt to grab an unsuspecting fish. The majestic eagle held my attention for some time when suddenly, I heard a rustling of bushes behind me. Startled, I turned.
“Are you hiding?” Alec smiled as he hopped up and scooted in next to me.
I pulled up my knees to my chest and observed my new winged friend. He swooped down with a cry.
“I’ve been watching that beautiful eagle.”
Alec turned to look.
“He flies down to catch a fish, but misses. He tries again and again until he gets tired.”
“Then what does he do? Starve?” Alec chuckled.
“No, he rests on the rock. I’m sure he will continue until he gets it right.” My heart fluttered as I studied Alec’s profile; his straight nose and curly brown hair.
“Is that what you’re doing here? Resting?” He chuckled.
“I guess I am… on my Strong Rock.”
“I think we should get back to camp. It’s time for food.” He jumped onto the ground and waited.
I looked back at the eagle. “Alec, I’m not a camper.”
“I know,” he answered.
I smiled and said, “but I can try until I get it right.”
“Let’s go have s’mores,” he suggested.
With furrowed brows I asked, “some more what?”
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