“What?” Rayna said.
“There’s nothing here. It’s just mud.” She wiped her hands on her pants. “I’m an idiot. I nearly ruined our friendship for nothing. I’m so sorry. You came all this way to dig through junk.”
Rayna smiled. “It’s okay,” she said. Then she helped Cora up.
“Thanks, Rayna.”
“For what?”
“You forgave me. And we’re here together. Doing this stupid, wild, amazing thing. You hiked all this way just to dig through a slime pit. I must be the luckiest person alive. And I didn’t even get a rash from the poison oak!”
“Or get eaten by a bear!” Rayna said.
“Or break my leg!”
“Only one thing could have made it better. We would have done the whole hike together,” Rayna said. “And with Lucas.”
Lucas, Cora thought. He was not going to be happy with her.
Rayna tossed the stick she was holding. “Do you want to leave?” she asked.
Cora nodded. They headed out of the riverbed and got their packs. At the top of the slope, they stopped and looked at each other.
“It’s not too late,” Rayna said. “We could go back.”
Cora glanced down at the dried-up lake. “No thanks. I’m good.”
She turned and walked to the trail. Rayna followed. Both girls were happy to leave Summer Lake.
The air was still cool. They walked at a quick pace. Soon the sun would beat down, and they’d need more breaks.
For a long time, the girls hiked in silence. Cora was thinking about Lucas. How she made him lie to their mom about this trip.
“What are you thinking about?” Rayna asked after a while.
“Lucas,” Cora said. “For making him lie. Do you think he’ll forgive me?”
“I don’t know,” Rayna said. “He’s very upset. But he has other things on his mind. Like Lena being pregnant.”
“He told you?”
“Yeah. He’s so scared.”
Cora imagined Lucas taking care of a baby. He would make a great dad. But he wanted to go to college. It would be hard to do both. But if anyone could do it, it was Lucas.
“If they do have a baby, I’m going to help them. I’ll be the best aunt ever.”
Rayna nodded. “Aunt Cora. I can totally see it.”
Treasured Times
Cora and Rayna continued on the trail. The visitor’s lot was about two miles away. They walked in silence until Cora spotted something. She stopped.
“Rayna! Look!” She was pointing to something just off the path. It was lying in some weeds.
“What is it?” Rayna asked. She went over to look. “Ew! A dead rabbit. Its guts are hanging out.”
“Yeah, but look at the bird.”
“It’s eating the rabbit. I don’t want to see that.”
Cora stepped closer. “It’s a condor.”
“Be careful,” Rayna said. “Don’t get too close.”
The bird spread its wings.
“Wow!” Cora said. “Look at that wingspan. It must be eight feet! I have to take a picture for Lucas.”
She was about to reach for her camera. But it was too late. The bird flew away. The girls stood watching until it was gone.
“Come on,” Rayna said.
“Just a sec.” Cora was looking over at the weeds again. Something was on the ground. She went over and picked it up. “A condor feather,” she said.
“Cool,” Rayna said. “You found a treasure after all.”
“Come on. Let’s go!” Cora was suddenly in a hurry. She smiled at the feather in her hand. She couldn’t wait to show her brother.
The girls walked in silence. They had a good pace going. Their strides were long and steady. They were ready for this hike to be over.
When they got to the lot, Rayna called her dad for a ride. It would be a while until he got there.
“Look at us,” Rayna said. “We’re covered in dirt.”
“And I smell bad,” Cora said.
Rayna laughed. “I think I smell even worse.”
“You were quiet on the trail,” Cora said. “What were you thinking about?”
“What I’m going to do with my summer,” Rayna said.
“Camp all summer long?” Cora said. She gave Rayna a little smile.
“Not quite,” Rayna said.
Cora didn’t say anything.
“That’s it?” Rayna said after a minute. “You’re giving up already? I was sure you’d try to talk me into it.”
“You mean you’d do it?”
“Maybe one or two trips,” Rayna said. She paused. “Do you ever imagine yourself in the future?”
“That’s all I’ve been doing for two days. I see myself hiking and camping for sure. And I’d like a job that’s outdoors. What about you?”
“I want to help people,” Rayna said. “As we were walking, I saw myself speaking out on issues. People were inspired by what I said.” She smiled as she spoke. “I want to be part of something powerful. Something that makes the world better.”
Tears filled Cora’s eyes. It was hard to hear Rayna’s ideas about the future. They were so different from her own. Would they continue to be friends? She quickly wiped the tears away.
“You will,” Cora said. “You’re kind and smart and honest. People will listen to you. You will be able to make change happen.”
“Thanks, Cora. You’re a good friend.”
About an hour later, Rayna’s dad pulled into the lot and parked. He helped the girls load their packs.
“Wait,” Cora said. “Before we go. I have to get a selfie of us.”
“You? Taking a selfie?” Rayna said.
“People change,” Cora said. “A good friend told me that.”
Rayna looked down. “I was hard on you. I’m sorry.”
Cora put her arm around her best friend. “Smile,” Cora said as she held up her phone.
The girls leaned toward each other. Cora took the picture. She knew she would treasure it forever.
Looking Forward
Rayna’s dad pulled up in front of Cora’s house. Lucas’s truck was in the driveway. What would she say to him? Would he even listen?
She thanked Rayna’s dad for the ride. “I’ll text you later,” she said to Rayna. She got out of the car and went inside. The house was quiet. Maybe Lucas was out jogging. That would give her time to clean up before they talked.
Then Cora heard a sound. It was coming from the kitchen. A few seconds later, Lucas came out.
“Lucas—” She didn’t have a chance to finish.
“Cora!” He ran over and hugged her. Then he picked her up like he did when she was little.
“I’ve been so worried. I should have gone with you. I’m sorry.”
“No!” she said. “You shouldn’t be sorry. I’m sorry. For being selfish. And for making you lie to Mom.”
“I didn’t lie,” Lucas said.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, at first I lied. But then Rayna and I talked. She said she was going after you. So I called Mom and told her everything. She’ll be home soon.”
“Did you tell her about Lena?” Cora asked.
“Yeah. But it’s okay. Lena finally took a test. She’s not pregnant. We both feel better. It’s too soon to have a baby.”
“Is Mom mad at me?” Cora asked.
“She’s not happy. She’ll be happier when she sees you’re okay. But Mom also knows how you love the outdoors. How inspired you get by nature. It makes her happy to see you happy. But don’t do it again! You should always have someone with you.”
Cora thought back to when she’d gotten lost. Then she’d fallen. It could have been much worse.
“You’re right,” she said.
“So,” Lucas said. “Tell me about it. Did you make it to Summer Lake?”
“We did. It was a big sandy pit. With green, smelly slime at the bottom.”
“But did you find treasure?” Lucas asked.
“Oh!” she said. “That’s right. The treasure. It’s in my pack.”
“What did you find? Gold coins?”
Cora smiled. “Something much better.” She pulled the feather from the pack.
“Oh wow!” he said. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yep.”
Lucas picked up the feather. He ran his fingers along the vane. “It’s from a condor. Did you see one? Alive?”
“Yes,” Cora said. “Rayna and I got a good look at it. It was huge.”
“That’s so amazing,” Lucas said. “I wish I’d been there.”
“Me too. But at least you have the feather.”
“Thanks. And good job on the hike. I’ll admit I was mad that you did it. But I’m proud of you.”
That’s what she was hoping to hear. “I have more to tell you,” she said. “But first I want to take a shower.”
“Real quick. Did you and Rayna make up?”
“We talked a lot. And we agreed on one thing. Both of us made mistakes. I wish I could do it all again. I’d be a better listener.”
“You seem a little sad,” he said.
“Rayna and I are so different. I don’t think she wants to hike the PCT anymore. I’d be sad to lose her.”
“Why would you lose her? You care so much about each other.”
“But Rayna has big dreams. She wants to change the world. I just want to be out in nature.”
“You have dreams and goals too. They’re just as good. And who says you can’t be friends? I have friends who live far away. We hardly ever see each other. But when we do, it’s like old times. You might have to work at it a little. But Rayna is worth it.”
“You’re so smart, Lucas.”
“So are you. For a kid.” He smiled. “I’ll tell you what. If Rayna can’t do the hike with you, I will. Go get cleaned up. I’ll make you something to eat. Mac and cheese?”
“Yes, please.” Cora went to her room. She looked at the selfie of her and Rayna. They looked tired and sweaty. Their clothes were filthy. But they looked happy.
“I want to post some pictures. Can U help me?” Cora texted.
“Be there in a few,” Rayna texted back. “We can talk about the PCT.”
Cora grinned. Rayna was still thinking about the Pacific Crest Trail hike! She thought about what Lucas had said. There was a bond between true friends. It was that way with Cora and Rayna. No matter where their paths might lead them, their friendship would last.
WANT TO KEEP READING?
9781680214765 Turn the page for a sneak peek at another book in the Monarch Jungle series.
Sun and Shadows
Ask me my favorite sport. I’d have to say kayaking. It’s good exercise. And it’s a mental workout too. There’s something about facing the elements. It tests every part of you. Sunny weather is a bonus. But this is Saddle City. Chances of sun in the mountains are fifty-fifty.
It was just after sunrise. I rode with my dad. Two kayaks were in the back of his pickup. My best friend, Juan, was in his truck. He followed us to a fishing site. That’s where he left his truck. Then we drove on to the launch site. From here, Juan and I would paddle back.
My dad helped us unload the kayaks. Then we slid them into the water and got in. Our 15-mile ride started now. We waved back at my dad and started paddling.
Juan and I had been here before. We knew Blackwater River well. It was broken up into sections. The upper part
Cloud Warrior
was mostly flat. The water was calm. Earlier I’d checked the forecast. So far it was in my favor. A few minutes had gone by. I looked up at the sky. There were a few gray patches. Though I was no expert, I knew clouds. These led to rain. So much for the forecast.
The rest of the sky was blue. We’d be fine, I told myself. But one thought nagged at me. Clouds don’t lie.
“Let’s pick up the pace.” I pointed up with my paddle. “See those clouds? We need to get ahead of them.”
Juan was eating an energy bar. “Wait, don’t tell me. They spoke to you.” He laughed so hard, bits of food flew from his mouth.
“Keep your mouth shut, fool. Remember who you’re talking to.”
“So sorry, Cloud Warrior. But I say you’re wrong. Those clouds look harmless.” Juan laughed.
“Go ahead. Laugh. I’ll enjoy seeing that smirk wiped off your face.”
Juan jabbed his middle finger at me. “Whatever.” He took off paddling.
I surged toward him. “What’s with you?”
“What do you mean? I’m being my usual charming self. It’s why the babes drool over me.”
“Rabid dogs drool over you.”
“I have my admirers.” A zit on his nose shone in the sun.
“Have you looked in a mirror? We’re not exactly sex symbols.”
“Speak for yourself,” Juan said.
I was. Most girls in my class towered over me. I wore glasses. My ears stuck out. And I was already losing my hair.
Our look was not high fashion. At school, we wore whatever was clean. On the water, we looked really sloppy. Wide-brimmed hats. Ragged shorts and T-shirts. Our life vests had some style. But we’d end up covered in mud anyway.
The kayaks didn’t look so good either. Mine had bird poop on it. It was baked on by the sun. Juan’s had oil splatters from working on his truck.
We weren’t cool. But we were prepared. Our dry bags carried supplies. Rope. Flashlights. First-aid kit. Extra clothes. Water and snacks.
Juan’s paddle sliced the water in rhythm with mine.
“It’s getting hot,” Juan said. He pushed up his sleeves.
Normally we wouldn’t be sweating this soon. But the air was so dry. Another sign of a storm. “It won’t last,” I told Juan. “We just have to get ahead of the weather.” I wasn’t going to let anything ruin this trip.
Is there buried treasure at Summer Lake?
Best friends Cora and Rayna can’t wait to find out. The girls are opposites. But they both like to hike.
The trip is a little risky with all the wildfires.
But the idea of finding treasure is too good. It’s all set. Then Rayna backs out. Cora decides to go it alone.
Maybe not the best decision ...
LEXILE 190L HL
ISBN: 978-1-68021-480-2
Summer Lake (Monarch Jungle) Page 4
