The snapping sounds began to fade away. It was completely dark. I could see nothing but I could hear and so much better than most.

I waited until no more crackling or snapping could be heard then quietly released myself from the bush. 

It took some time to find my way back to my campsite as quiet was required until I was far enough away that they'd have to have bionic ears!

Relieved to be back, I stirred up the coals added wood and started to brush the mud off my pants and face.

My friends returned Saturday much to my relief bearing gifts.

My sigh was palpable and registered in their ears.

" Man you look like shit," they said in unison.

"Yeah well, there's not a lot of showers out here you know." I smiled happy to see them.

M passed me over a pair of pants, a T-shirt, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Bonus! A clean toothbrush! I've never been so happy in my life to see a toothbrush!

Wow, the things we take for granted!

"These are my sister's, but she won't notice.  She's got way too many clothes piled up all over her room."

S silently handed me over a bag and inside was a box of puffed wheat, a loaf of bread, eggs, milk, a couple of cans of stew, a few apples, two pieces of fried chicken and a pan with a spatula. Under his arm, he carried a rolled-up piece of foam.

My eyes filled up with tears of gratitude surprising myself but they were there regardless.

"Thanks guys," I said.  "I appreciate this.  Bright orange Alpha Ghetti Poo is getting old."

They both scrunched their noses while my mad friend lifted his leg and farted. That was his usual way of announcing his presence!

S asked me again. "So what are you gonna do? You can't stay here forever. I mean, there's no family you can turn to I guess. Anyone who can take you in?"

I have been worrying over that very thing like a dog with a bone.

Not because I thought they would look for me. I knew they wouldn't. More about getting sent back.

Most kids that ran away didn't last much more than twenty-four hours. I'd spent 6 weeks in Army Boot Camp. Camping out here was a breeze. As long as the weather held out that is. Considering the alternative this was paradise.

I gave him a sardonic look which required no words.  He knew already.

"I think I'll hang out as long as the weather is good and figure it out then. Honestly, I don't know really, but something." I answered.

"One more month or so, schools out. We'll be able to hang out more and do stuff together. You won't be by yourself so much, but keep your thinking cap on girl. My folks will start noticing stuff missing. Shit'll hit the fan" M said.

I felt a bit of shame because I knew I was asking a lot of them and it could potentially get them in trouble all because of me. 

I wanted to turn off my mind for a little while. Get off the train for a few. Forget for just a bit.

"Guys let's hang by the fire...you can tell me what's going in the world.  A sort of who's who and what's what." I couldn't ask them the obvious questions. I figured I would just lead into it and see what they had to say. I prepped myself for the usual emotional BS that comes from finding out what I already know.  My parents just don't give a damn.  My mental middle finger came up again. Feel the love...