Rising From The Shadow 19

"Hey, Carlisle." I greeted as he climbed up onto the branch we were on. "You were really brave to admit that you did it."
"Yeah.." he said. "Well, when you told me about Alyssa, it made me realize that there was probably a bunch of other people who loved someone too. I couldn't let them suffer."
He glanced at Alyssa and smiled. "Is this Alyssa? Prettier than you described her."
Alyssa blushed and giggled. "Thanks."
Was Alyssa.... No, she wasn't flirting with Carlisle, she isnt the type to do that. I coughed. "Yeah. And this is Frankie."
"Hi," he shook her hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
"Yep." Frankie replied. "okay, I want to go home, and the Valley is 4 hours from here. We need to call a ride."
I nodded, pulling out my phone. "Ugh!" I groaned. "No reception. That figures."
"Well," Alyssa said, trying to keep things upbeat. "I guess we' ll have to walk until we do have reception!
--
It's official.
I don't like Carlisle.
He can't go a minute without flirting, but Alyssa doesnt stop him either. She's not even paying attention to my jokes and I know for a fact she LOVES them.
I coughed and put myself in between the two.
"Alyssa, dear," I said, emphasizing dear to make my point.
"Ian." Alyssa tried to copy my serious tone but couldn't keep a straight face and laughed, making me laugh. "Hey look," she said. "A deer!"
"Huh?" I turned around. I felt two hands on my back as she pushed me down a hill. I grabbed her waist before I fell an she started rolling down too, we were laughing like crazy and finally came to a stop, facing each other. She leaned in and pecked my cheek, then got up and offered me a hand. I took it and she nearly pulled my arm out of my socket when she pulled me up.
"Oww..." I complained, rubbing my shoulder.
She giggled and winked. "Hey!" she shouted. "It's our campsite."
"Oh," I said. "That means there's reception here." I pulled out my phone, thinking of who I could call. I dialed the number and waited for an answer.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Rich?" I a