#Chapter 45 – Camping trip 2

Alvin and Ian are thrilled with the spot, running around and checking out every detail. I smile, watching them, taking joy in their joy. As I watch them, a friendly Beta comes over and presses a cup of warm cider into my hand, giving me a small smile as he does so. “Thank you,” I say, pressing a hand to my chest. “Thank you so much.” All of the Betas have been so kind to me – I feel suddenly guilty that I haven’t learned as many of their names as I should. I make a note to remedy this as I take a sip from my tin cup. I’m surprised – and, I admit, a bit thrilled – to note that there’s a strong hint of whiskey mixed in with the apple. The Betas rush around the camp, unloading a massive number of supplies from the trucks. Victor strides around, directing the Betas seamlessly, clearly happy and in his element. I look around for Amelia and laugh, a little, when I see that she’s already sitting in a camping chair by the unlit fire, wrapped in a blanket and rubbing bug spray on hersel