Camile I had parked my car near a truck. It was clear that everyone was there. I was sure that I was going to hear from Markous, about how I was late! And as I had figured, that is exactly what he did. I was about to fire back at him when it was Emma who clung to Markous. I could not tell if she had a death wish or enjoyed being slapped around. From what I could tell that is what Markous looked like he was going to do to me before Emma grabbed his arm. All of our attention was directed towards the tree line as a male and female announced themselves. Steve and this man shook hands! Then Pierre was introduced to each of us. Then his lovely wife spoke up. Internally I laughed as Pierre put Markous in his place. Something I am sure Markous was going to find a way to get at Pierre for. Markous was not the type to be pushed around. Once Pierre’s wife was introduced to the group, I could not help but notice how Steve reacted to the name Merna. Was there something that had gone on between those two that the rest of us did not know? As quickly as the reaction was there, it was gone. I do know one thing … Markous’ temper only soured! Pierre told everyone to get their belongings and that we would be leaving in five minutes. Each of us glanced at the other. Merna repeated what Pierre had said but with more authority. If I were not with Amy and she was not married … I would have hit on Merna asking if she would take care of me! My instinct told me that she was capable of handling anything that came her way. There was something about how she held herself that told me she was a true leader. One more glance her way, I could see how her eyes were locked on me. Subconscious, I pushed my hair behind my ears. Merna’s stare was intimidating … yet I think she is the type of person who would fight and die for those who she truly cared about. Pivoting around, I headed to my car. Again my frustration surfaced, I was fuming when I realized that there were no cabins, and I still was. I was not told there were going to be no cabins provided. Daddy had told me that Markous planned on a resort that had cabins and trails for city dwellers to come and enjoy nature and its glory. I was under the impression, along with my father, that there were cabins already here. "Wait until daddy hears about this!" I whispered to myself as I walked back to the car. Opening the car door, I sent my father a quick message letting him know that I had arrived. And that Markous was not telling the full truth. There are no cabins here. I also told him I wanted extra money for sleeping on the ground. I personally was not pleased with the situation. This business trip was going to be a disaster. "Eh!" I could hear a soft voice behind me. I nearly jumped out of my skin when Merna stood near me. "You scared the crap out of me!" I held my hand over my rapidly beating heart. My eyes travelled over her facial features. She screamed with confidence. Merna’s expression lightened, and she started to giggle, a pleasant sound I thought. She seemed like a really nice person. I could not help but notice the torn up bag that was in her hands along with a pair of boots. "As you already know I am Merna! I know this might sound weird to you but …” I could tell that she wanted to say more. She glanced briefly at the trees. I thought I could see sadness in her eyes. Possibly a bit of conflict going on in her mind. “Do not go into the woods! Things are not as they seem. It really is not worth your life." Merna took a deep breath, “ I have given you no reason to trust me … I must sound like a babbling idiot to you, but you really do not want to stay overnight in the woods!” I could not help myself. I started to laugh. She might be nice but she is weird as they come. There were several levels of crazy and she was starting to act like the kind that belonged locked up and in the mental asylum. "I live not too far from here. You can easily do a once around the plot of land and come back to my house and spend the night there!" I could see the desperation in her eyes. The fear laced each word she was saying. My instinct told me I should listen to her. Amy told me once that our gut is always right about dangerous situations. Yet the logical side of my head was telling me that this was just another weekend with Markous. What could possibly go wrong? The second she suggested I go to her place that it would be safer. Every serial killer documentary I have ever watched flashed in my mind. 'Oh hell no!' I thought to myself. I was taking back everything pleasant I thought about this woman. She was an A class crazy and I was running in the opposite direction. Inhaling deeply, "I told my father that I was going to do this trip and I will see it through!" I told Merna. Forcing a smile on my face to show that I was a kind hearted person. Not wanting to offend her in any way. I could tell she was forcing a smile on her face, "I thought you would say something like that!" She handed me a bag, "It is my old bag for camping. I knew you were going to need it!" She looked over at Markous, "He did not tell your father the full truth of this place … did he?" ‘There is no way that she would have known … One of the brothers would have told Pierre and he would have told her!’ I rationally told myself. All humour was wiped away from my demeanour, "Markous gets whatever he wants by lying, cheating and fabricating things to his wishes." Merna patted my back, "Know this ... arrogant individuals like him sooner or later pay the price for their dishonesty … disrespect … and plain rudeness!" With that said Merna turned around, not once to look back. As she was leaving I thought I heard her whisper how no one ever listens to her warnings … what is the point of speaking if no one will listen.A part of me was confused. I did not understand what she was talking about. I almost felt bad for her. Then I remembered the comment about going to her place to spend the night there. “Reality check girl!” I whispered to myself as I changed out of my foot wear. We were all about to head toward the clearing when there was an altercation between Merna and Markous. I saw the way Merna glared at Pierre! How she was able to get him to stop his advancement with just one look. That was impressive! I smiled to myself, "If only I had that type of strength! Maybe my father would give me some respect … the respect I deserve!” Merna was heading my way, "Remember the name Puabi! Once she tells the truth, you will be set free!" I was put off, I did not know what to make of what she said. I thought I had heard Markous say that if we stay we will not leave here alive. I glanced back at Merna to Markous then to Merna. I thought for a second that maybe I should take her up on her offer. I started to laugh at the ridiculous notion. "Nothing is going to happen! This is only a simple ... camping trip! I am going to hate every second of this!" I whispered to myself as I caught up with the rest of the group.