Read Online Detached by Christina Kilbourne - Free Book Online

ourselves with bug repellent when Mariam said, “Okay, girls, does everyone have their cellphone?”
    We patted our pockets and nodded.
    â€œCash in case of emergencies?”
    Again we nodded collectively.
    â€œFlashlights?”
    We aimed our flashlights at Mariam and turned them on. She shielded her face and laughed.
    â€œI’ve got the house keys so were all set. Let’s head out.”
    We talked and laughed as we walked toward the river. I could tell we were all excited. Even Anna seemed more talkative than she had in a long time. I figured it was a good sign, that maybe she was finally getting over her grandparents’ death a little. Of course I knew I couldn’t come out and ask her, even though I’d wanted to many times. Mariam took up a good ten minutes of the walk talking about how hot Sam was, then Gisele asked if Ray was going. I assured her Ray would be there because wherever Sam was, Ray was always close by.
    When we got to the trail at the top of River Road, we started walking single file because although the path is paved, it’s narrow and steep. It wasn’t long before the glow from the streetlights got swallowed up by the trees, and we flicked on our flashlights.
    â€œIt’s kind of creepy coming down here in the dark,” I said.
    â€œDon’t worry. We’re all together. We can protect each other,” Mariam said.
    â€œEasy for you to say, you’re in the middle.”
    Anna was leading us through the forest when she stopped and turned off her flashlight. We piled up behind her.
    â€œStop for a minute,” she said. “Turn off your flashlights.”
    We stood quietly in the darkness. I could hear cars in the distance rumbling over the viaduct and along River Road. I could hear a siren wailing in the distance and a car horn blaring. Down the hill we could hear voices and laughter and see the faint glow of a bonfire rising up above the treetops.
    â€œThat must be them. I can’t believe they lit a fire,” Gisele said. “Talk about a cop magnet.”
    â€œIt’ll be fine,” Mariam said. “Let’s go.”
    Mariam tried to move forward but Anna was blocking the path.
    â€œJust hold on. Check out the stars,” she said.
    We looked up at the night sky through the gap in the trees. There were millions of tiny pricks in the darkness. I hadn’t seen so many stars in my life.
    â€œWe’re far enough away from the streetlights we can see them for a change,” Anna said.
    â€œYou should see them at our cottage,” Gisele said. “You can see Mars sometimes.”
    A gigantic whoop rose up from down the hillside. Anna sighed slightly and started walking again. As we got closer we could hear music and a chorus of voices. I felt like a warrior sneaking up on the enemy through the dark. The paved path gave way to a rough dirt path and although we weren’t sure where we were going, we followed the noise through the forest. Finally we came to where we could see a slight clearing below. We could see the backs of at least fifty people and a bonfire blazing in the middle. When we got closer I saw Kyle, Sam, and Ray standing on the far side. Their faces were lit up and they were laughing. As soon as we walked into the circle of light, Sam whistled and hooted.
    â€œAll right! More hot girls!” he shouted. A wave of cheers rose up in response.
    Beyond the fire there was a plastic tub full of ice and a keg of beer perched on top. A stack of red plastic cups was propped against a stump. A few kids were talking and waiting to fill up.
    Kyle walked around the fire to where we were standing.
    â€œHey, you guys made it,” he said.
    â€œHey, Kyle,” we said in unison.
    â€œIt was a bit tricky getting down, but luckily Anna knows her way around the ravine,” I added.
    Kyle pulled over a log so we could sit down, then went to get some cups of beer. Mariam didn’t stay long before she