“This is only my second year doing it as a leader but I’ve come a bunch of times when I was a Ranger and then a junior leader,” she said. She was already finished her side and moved along to help Kate.
“You’re what – 20? 21?” Kate asked, thinking back to how she used to spend her weekends when she was in her late teens and early 20’s…and it wasn’t doing this.
“I’m 22,” Jessica told her. “I have one more year of my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and then I have to decide if I want to go for a master’s or maybe medical school. I’m still not sure.”
“Twenty-two!” Kate exclaimed. “I’m almost old enough to be your mother!” Although Kate’s own hair was still a rich auburn and her face still fairly free of wrinkles, Jessica’s inexhaustible energy made Kate feel far older.
“No way – how old ARE you?” Jessica asked curiously. “You can’t be more than 31 or 32.”
“I’m almost 39. Veritably ancient,” Kate replied, shaking her head and wishing she were indeed still 32.
“I have plenty of friends in their 30’s,” Jessica told her. “And you’re still so beautiful,” she continued, looking away and turning a bright red. Before Kate could process the comment – or the blush – Jessica changed the subject, suggesting they continue to the next tent.
The two women chatted as they systematically moved through the site, completing the work checklist. They’d gotten an early start and it wasn’t even ten yet. Kate was feeling pretty good about their progress but wondered if she’d survive the heat once it really warmed up for the day. Jessica must have been thinking along the same lines.
“What would you think if I volunteered us to inspect Sunset Island?” Jessica asked. “No one else had taken that job as of breakfast this morning and we could canoe over with lunch – it’d be cooler on the lake.”
“I love that idea!” Kate responded enthusiastically. “We’re almost done here, right?”
Jessica glanced through the checklist and nodded. “Let’s head back to the main lodge and hope no-one’s had the same idea first!”
They hiked down the dirt path to the sturdy wooden building near the waterfront. Most of the volunteers had slept in the bunk beds inside last night and the two older women who worked the kitchen had already started preparing lunch for the rest of the volunteers. Kate refilled their water bottles while Jessica filled a knapsack with supplies for their picnic lunch. There was a slight breeze down by the boathouse and Kate was glad Jessica had made this suggestion. She’d never been to Sunset Island. It was a few kilometres from the main camp and a popular destination for older girls to practice their boating skills.
Kate stopped to untie her braid, which had become loose during the morning.
“Sometimes I wish my hair wasn’t so curly!” she cursed, her fingers caught in a tangle.
“I’d love to have curly hair,” Jessica responded. “Mine is so fine I end up having to wear it tied up most of the time. Here – I’ll re-braid it for you,” she offered, moving behind Kate.
“Thanks,” Kate said, as the girl expertly separated and braided her hair. It only extended to her upper back, so the process was rather quick. Even so, Kate was very conscious of Jessica’s fingers gently stroking her scalp, her warm breath on her neck, and possibly the brush of her small breasts against Kate’s back. But perhaps she was imagining that, Kate thought. Despite the heat, Kate felt her nipples harden and tried to focus her thoughts on something other than how strong Jessica’s hands were and how they might feel on other parts of her body.