“So babe, where did you find out about this cabin...? I can’t imagine anyone actually inhabiting this area... It’s like an inbred fucking cesspool...” Jalie asked.

“When I came out of the mini-mart some guy asked me if I needed to get away for a while. He didn’t show me any pictures, just said it was nice.” Seth replied.

“Ahh.... And you trusted him.” Jalie muttered.

“Just give it a chance, alright? The weird thing is, the guy looked like Jay’s tee-ball instructor.” Seth said. He made a left and drove about another two miles before grinding the tires to a halt in front of a run-down shack. A small out-house adorned the far left of the main building, and except for a large fire pit, these were the only living accessories. Jalie climbed out of the passenger side and slammed the door, startling Carmen and Cody. She walked over and slid open the side door, causing Hobo Nick and Jay to tumble out backward. Nick looked at her, seemingly pissed off.

“One of these days, woman...” He muttered.

Jalie smiled and yelled at Brandi. “If you could possibly remove your tongues from eachother for a moment, we have some unpacking to do. Wait ‘til you see our accommodations... They’re just lovely.”

Seth rolled his eyes and pulled out two duffle bags from the back, walking up to Jalie and sighing.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” he said. Jalie turned to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“It’s fine. Relax... We’ll make the best of it. Who knows, the inside might be okay.” She said reassuringly.

They were wrong.

The door, barely hanging on to the frame, let loose a stench that could gag a sewer rat. To the left was a kitchenette with an old refrigerator, and a sink filled with filthy old dishes and what looked like a dead squirrel. Directly ahead was an old rug in front of a fireplace they didn’t dare use. And to the right, a room led off into the only bedroom. Jay ran past them, pushing away the piss stained sheet that covered the bedroom doorway and leaping onto the broken down bed. Springs were heard snapping, followed by a tremendous crash and Jay’s womanly shriek. Jalie carefully stepped into the room. Inside were several mounted animal heads, an empty gun rack, and a bed that looked like a scene from a BDSM porno. She shook her head and left the room, leaving Jay staring at the grizzly head on the wall.

The group had dropped their bags near the fireplace and returned outside. When Jalie stepped out she saw Carmen prying open the door to the out-house. Everyone else seemed to sense trouble too, seeing as they stopped what they were doing to watch her. The door flew open and Carmen let out a scream as a large black badger dove out of the out-house and ran past her. No one was laughing, though. They were all staring at the old man seated on the makeshift throne inside.

“...Is he dead?” Cody managed to finally break the silence.

“Somebody’s gotta check... We can’t just leave him in there.” Brandi said, taking a step back so it was clear she wasn’t volunteering.

When no one else stepped up, Jalie sighed.

“Oh Christ.. I’ll move the bastard.” She muttered. She headed toward the out-house and leaned in, plugging her nose. She poked him in the eye, but he didn’t budge. She kicked him in the shin.. Still no movement. She pulled a switchblade from her pocket and moved her hand toward his groin area... And still nothing.

“He’s dead alright.” She proclaimed, putting her knife back in her pocket.

“I en’t dead ya good fer nothin’ rat bastards! M’ wife is lookin’ for me!” He suddenly shouted. He poked his head out before stepping outside and glancing at the unhappy campers. He sneered, looking each of them up and down and making them all slightly uncomfortable.

“Ya’ll ain’t from around here, are ya?” He noted, not really looking for an answer.

“We’re from California! They have Disneyland there!” Jay exclaimed. The old man shot him a look that would stop Satan in his tracks.

“I didn’t ask you to speak, boy. You make me sick.”

Jalie snickered and caught a glare from the man as well. She, however, ignored it.

“So... This is the fabulous vacation spot, eh?” she asked, motioning toward the cabin.

The old man chuckled, looking at her with pity in his eyes.

“Ya’ll gon’ learn. Gon’ see why once somebody stay here, they ain’t comin’ back for anotha visit.” He muttered darkly.

“I think we can see why already..” Jalie laughed. He shot her a sharp glance, frowning so that the deeply carved wrinkles in his face were more pronounced. Jalie looked incredibly confused.

“You act like you’re trying to get a point across. But.. I’m not getting it.” She said.

“That’s ‘cause ya en’t listenin’. Ole family used to live in that there cabin.... Boy done went and chopped ‘em up... Some folk say he still come ‘round. I seen him once. He spared my life.. So’s I could let his story be told.” The old man said. His eyes were far away now, seemingly lost in his own poorly pronounced story. Jalie nodded slowly, scratching the back of her head.

“Aright then. Well... We’re gonna camp here... And if any psycho kid comes along, we’ll roast him like I did Jay’s dead puppy when we were twelve.” she stated. Jay’s lower lip began to quiver and his eyes welled up with tears.

“Lielee... That’s cold.” Carmen said, putting an arm around Jay’s shoulders.

“Shut the fuck up. You got me the lighter fluid.” Jalie shot back. Jay looked up at Carmen, horrified.

The old man headed off toward a trail amongst the trees, that we can assume leads to his house. Jalie shook her head, walking back toward the cabin as the scene faded.

.to be continued.

.[Guilty As Charged].

Ugh...

Dryden, I thought you were better than that. Really, I did. I suppose I was wrong... And that is exactly what happens when you expect too much of average people. Because, simply put, people are nothing but fucking sheep. Really... When you look at the crowded grocery store, or a traffic jam, it’s merely another form of cattle. And it sickens me to think that this is what we’ve been reduced to. Well, most of us.

There is a difference between arrogance, and ignorance. Confidence, and being out-right blind. You need to find the fine line between being cocky and merely being an idiot. It’s that simple. I am not beneath you, however much you’d like to think I am. And I sure as hell am not on my knees in front of you either... So whether it’s wishful thiking, or a poorly thought of insult... Well, you get the idea. How many times have I heard this? I show the smallest amount of decency and suddenly... I want the guy. So very... Original of you, Dryden. I’m impressed... Really I am. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again... Win or lose. It doesn’t matter. Fact remains, I came here to do absolutely nothing. I didn’t come for glory, or titles, or admiration. I could give a flying fuck if you respect me, if you hate me, or if you’d like to strangle me. It’s all the same to me. Maybe that’s because i’m a bitch... But whatever the reason, know that you mean nothing to me. I don’t expect that to hurt you. In fact, I hope it puts your mind at ease. You are the last thing on my mind right now... And for most people, that is a blessing.

Fin.