One thing about the nighttime in that area of the world is that there are literally an annoying amount of stars. You get used to it sometimes but there are other times where its just so bright, you swear the moon is crashing down on earth or that its about to explode. Tonight was one of those nights.
I awoke to the crackle of footsteps and opened my eyes. All I could see were stars above me and for a second I thought I’d been dreaming the noises. I heard him walking around again and glanced over and saw one of the counselors pulling his pack on. He was shifting it from one shoulder to the other.
My eyes grew accustomed to the light and I saw the other staff members moving around quietly. I started to sit up and when I did, I noticed that some of the kids were gone. How I’d slept through that, I’d never find out, but I was certain of two things. It was night, and we were leaving.
“K, everyone up” one of the counselors spoke. “Get your boots on and roll up your stuff.”
Stirring around the camp from the students that remained began immediately. I stood and dusted myself off, pulling my arms above my head in a big stretch. A small fire had been lit in the center of where the counselors were milling about but I was not cold this evening, just curious. I rolled up my pack and went to grab my water bottle. Nobody was speaking, only a few coughs and yawns echoed through our little area. It was strangely calm.
A few minutes later, we all got together and waited for our orders. One of the counselors, a girl, stood up and cleared her throat.
“K, guys, today’s the first day of your final solo. We’re leaving in the dark because we don’t want you all finding eachother. You’ll be out there for 7 days, alone. You will know where your water spots are so you can get water. We’ll be giving you some rations for food, but if you run out, thats it, you’re out of food. You will be required to journal and set goals for your future in your notepads every day, and you’ll be checked out every night. We will know exactly where you are at all times although you won’t see us. Don’t attempt to talk to eachother, don’t try to escape. Just do what we tell you, and you might be going home soon.”
She stepped forward and Murdock shouted “Lets go!” and we all followed in line. One of the girls asked me what time I thought it was, but I had no idea. We just knew it was dark and we were on the move.
We hiked for what seemed an hour when suddenly we stopped. A counselor called out one of our names from a list and when that person stepped forward, he/she was walked off, presumably to their solo spot. We waited there for about 20 minutes til she came back to the group, and this was repeated throughout the night til we were all in our spots.
I was taken out there by a male counselor I’d not really gotten to know very well. He took me to this little area, just below a big red rock on the top of a mesa. It was kind of a little overlook and as I sat down, the cool sand felt good on my bare hands and ankles. I could see a tiny light off in the distance. I didn’t know what it was but it felt nice to see some kind of life from other than our little group. As far as we knew, the world was dead outside of Challenger.
As the counselor walked off, he turned to me and said “Oh, your food. Somebody else wanted to bring it to you.” His smirk told me exactly who he was talking about…”He said to tell you he’d be by later this morning.”
With that, he was gone. We both knew who he was talking about.
So “he” would be back later. ”He” had been in town, supposedly on leave for a few days. I looked out over the area I’d been put in and wondered how heavy of a rock it would take to kill him.
Cindi Says:
April 21st, 2006 at 3:03 pmVisit Cindi
I feel like I am waiting out there with you. Glad to read more of your story, but also just as glad that you have been living such a beautiful happy life lately. I look forward to those updates too.
Cindi
Steve Crane Says:
April 21st, 2006 at 4:48 pmVisit Steve Crane
I’m so pleased to see another instalment of your story. I’ve been on tenterhooks, waiting to find out what else happens and how it all ends.
KK Says:
April 21st, 2006 at 5:28 pmVisit KK
YEAH!!! The next installment of the story! I’ve got friends to e-mail! I think I need to re-read the last few entries again too. Okay, now I’m just typing my thoughts. I can’t wait for the next installment, and I hope it will come soon. Thanks a ton!
-KK
Mike Lyne Says:
April 22nd, 2006 at 3:37 amVisit Mike Lyne
How much food did they actually give you for those 7 days? Probalby not enough to last you the whole time, at least not with sufficient nutrition…. good ol’ rationing.
It’s good to see that you’re writing again, I just wish things had been better for you back then. Very nice to know that things have turned out ok for you lately.
ShannonL Says:
April 22nd, 2006 at 8:23 amVisit ShannonL
I really hope the next post is about how you mangle the guy.
Katy Says:
April 22nd, 2006 at 11:26 amVisit Katy
Aw this must be really hard for you, so thank you so very much for doing it. I guess it’s mostly for yourself as well as for all your readers, so I hope it’s helping you to achieve what you wanted. Good to hear you are so happy in your life at the moment. Thanks again and keep the updates coming :o)
Julia Booth Says:
April 23rd, 2006 at 2:49 amVisit Julia Booth
Hooray, you are back in action!
Heather Says:
April 23rd, 2006 at 2:45 pmVisit Heather
It is wonderful to read more of your story. Although it gives me chills every time to think that you really went through this!!
liz Says:
April 24th, 2006 at 8:30 amVisit liz
Thrilled to see a new post, and so happy for you on the upcoming birth of your son.
Sponge Says:
April 24th, 2006 at 10:31 amVisit Sponge
Alli, great post and I’m glad your back to posting more of your story. Except that I’ll be all tense now until I find out what happens next!
Rae Says:
April 24th, 2006 at 2:08 pmVisit Rae
Yay! A new chapter! *on pins and needles till the next one!*
Jenny Says:
April 24th, 2006 at 9:24 pmVisit Jenny
Thank you so much for updating. I started reading your site after a friend told me about it, and couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end of your entries.
I am very much looking forward to reading more. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Best Wishes to you and your family.
Helen Says:
April 26th, 2006 at 9:50 pmVisit Helen
Oooh Alli, glad to see you writing again! The family updates are great…those boys are gonna be a handful
Melanie - Holy Schmidt! Says:
April 27th, 2006 at 1:31 pmVisit Melanie - Holy Schmidt!
I’d be looking for him today. You know my husband owns crazy assault rifles and would like some target practice… : )
Jan Says:
May 1st, 2006 at 10:13 amVisit Jan
Can’t believe you’ve been through all of this and are still sane enough to write about it! You are one very cool Lady! When your book is published, I’ll be first in line…even if it’s written on notebook paper!
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I know 3 people also due around that same date, and two for sure are boys… wonder what’s up?
Looking forward to installment #57!
CL Says:
May 4th, 2006 at 11:22 pmVisit CL
The description of the stars was amazing…I can’t wait until this becomes a book.
So THEN WHAT HAPPENED!?!?! You keep us in such suspense!
Amanda Says:
May 9th, 2006 at 2:45 pmVisit Amanda
Your a wonderfully strong person for going through this!! I have been reading your story for months and I always check in for updates. I don’t comment much but just know that people are still reading your story and support you %100. Congratulations on your healthy baby and I hope everything turns out for the best!
momteacherfriend Says:
May 28th, 2006 at 7:33 pmVisit momteacherfriend
Found you today and 3 1/2 hours later I have read it all. Know that your story is being heard. Keep telling it..your life is making an impact. Thanks!
Sarah Says:
July 31st, 2006 at 5:51 pmVisit Sarah
I just found your blog today. I have to tell you, I don’t want to believe it - it’s too awful. Not even just your ordeal, but the fact that your parents put you through it. Then to find out they sent you back a few months later? If I were you, I don’t think I could forgive them. I’m glad that you’re able to write this, though, because that really is a step towards getting better.