“Hey, remember when we used to go camping with your mom?”  He asked as Kasey was mid-play, heading for the net.  “Yea, why?”  She asked, scoring again.  The group simply gawked at the two.  They had managed to fade out the 20 or so students who had gathered in the gym for cheerleading and basketball practice.

“Well I was wondering if you wanted to go this weekend, you know. Like the good ol’ days.”  She jumped up and smashed the ball in mid air as it flew toward the hoop.  “Denied!”  She yelled, smiling then remembered he had a question.  “Oh, yea sure Aid. Count me in.”  He gave her a quick high five and wrapped an arm around her as they walked to the gym exit.

“I’ll invite Spence and Ash.  It’ll be fun.” Aiden noticed Madison looking at the two, her usual pissed-off demeanor disappeared and was replaced with that of intrigue.  “And you know what, I highly doubt she’ll say yes but I’ll invite Madison.  Something’s up with her man, she seems…different. But a good different.  Uh, I don’t know.  Anyway, sound good?”  Kasey laughed, “Yea, sounds good.  I’ll catch up with you later Aid.”  She left the gym as Aiden returned to his practice.

“Who was that?”  One of the jocks asked. “Kasey my cousin.”  A quick introduction was all they needed.  Anyone who could shoot hoops and get along with their captain was ok with them.  “Damn dude, are all Dennisons that good at basket?”  One of the guys laughed.  “Nah, just me.”  Aiden jumped and flicked the ball through the hoop.  “I dunno, she was pretty damn good, she was pretty close to kicking your ass on the court.”  Aiden simply shook his head and laughed.  There was no jealousy between the cousins, there never was.  They were used to competition but would never let it get between them.

***

“Hey Ash, Spence don’t make any plans this weekend cuz we’re going camping.”  Aiden had the girls on a three-way call on his cell phone later that night.

“Camping? Where?”  Ashley asked.  “In the bush, where else? Anyway, you guys in?”  Aiden asked.  “Yea alright, I’m in.”  Ashley was first to respond.

“Great!  Spence, I don’t know how you’ll do it but you’re convincing your mother to let you come.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it.”  Aiden’s tone was serious.  “Alright, I’m in.”  Was all Spencer could say.  “Meet me at my place after school on Friday, we’ll head back to town Monday morning. Yes, we’re skipping a day of school, so suck it up Spence!”  He noted before she could whine about missing school.

“Ugh, fine!”  The blonde’s voice was slightly irritated.  “C’mon Spence, it’ll be fun.”  Ashley tried to cheer her up.  Beep.  “Hold one guys, I have another call.”  Ashley pressed a button on her cell as she put Spencer and Aiden on hold.

“Hello?”  She asked.  “Hey Davies, has Aiden talked to you about the trip yet?”  Kasey’s familiar voice echoed through the small speaker on her phone.

“Yea he’s on the other line now. Why?”  Ashley nestled further into her pillow as she held the device to her ear.

“Ah good. Hey uh, if your sister’s not doing anything, invite her for me.”  Ashley laughed, “Sure, I’m sure she’ll come.”  And with that the two hung up as Ashley returned to Spencer and Aiden.

“Hello?”  She wasn’t sure if they had hung up on her.  “Damn Ash, talk much? Who was that anyway?”  Aiden asked, annoyed.

“None of your business.  By the way, Kyla’s coming.  Kasey invited her.”  Ashley smiled into the phone when she heard Spencer giggle.  “Awesome!”  The blonde yelled, obviously enjoying the fact that they all knew Aiden was gaga over the girl and would be nothing but a bundle of nerves around her.

“Shut up guys.  Oh and Ashley, by the way,” He mimicked her tone, “Madison’s coming!”  He hung up before the brunette could cuss him out for inviting her.

“Aiden, you what!? She’s what?!”  Ashley yelled into the phone.  “Madison’s coming.”  Spencer replied, both girls unsure if Aiden was lying.  “He’s full of shit.  He has to be.”  Ashley snorted.  “I guess we’ll find out for sure Friday.”  Spencer laughed.