𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳 ~ [𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘹 𝘖𝘊]

⇒ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ꜰɪᴠᴇ

For once in my life, I'd woken up early. I know, I know, rare occurrence. A few weeks ago we got confirmation that Mr Campbell was returning for a few days, and all week David had been running around camp like a cheetah on steroids making sure everything was in order. And now, the day before Campbell arrived, I dragged myself out of bed early to take over the work, letting him have a lie in.

"Come on guys, the sooner we finish, the sooner we can all get on with our days." The kids and I were presently cleaning the Mess Hall. I had taken charge of polishing surfaces and the campers were dealing with the floor.

"We're scrubbing with toothbrushes!" Max exclaimed, throwing the plastic object so it only narrowly missed my head. I paused what I was doing, the half shiny severing hatch would have to wait.

"Well, we didn't have any mops... But, if you get finished in the next fifteen minutes, I'll go to town and buy some ice cream that's actually before the use by date. How's that sound?" There were grumbles of assent that I took as I good sign. I quickly finished what I was doing, promising to be back in a few minutes, and left on the hunt for David.

I found him and Gwen walking down from the counsellor's cabin, my friends, as always, one looking joyous and the other sick of the world. I waved, quickening my pace to see them. I joined the conversation in the middle of my redhead friend explaining what needed to be done.

"As I was saying, the Mess Hall still needs floors scrubbed and surfaces polished, so I'll go and get the kids to-" I put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

"I already sorted it, don't worry. Polishing done, scrubbing almost." I explained, an easy smile slipping onto my face as he sighed, relieved.

"How has that been done already?" David asked.

"I got up early specially. You've done a lot this week, you need a break, and I reckon Gwen needs a break from you harassing her." I chuckled lightly.

"Well thank you, Avery!" He beamed, grinning widely in my direction. I shrugged, indicating that it was no trouble.

"But you never get up early," Gwen pointed out, "To be honest, when I didn't see you in your bunk, we just assumed you'd been kidnapped." She set her jaw.

"And you didn't even think to look?" I placed my hand on my heart, faking distress.

"That sort of thing happens all the time round here, you'd turn up." Charming. The three of us continued on our way. David seemed, if possible, even more ecstatic than usual, skipping slightly instead of walking normally.

"What's got you so joyous?" I raised an eyebrow. "Obviously apart from nature, having your dream job, blah blah." I added, feeling it was necessary to clarify.

"I'm just so excited! The Cameron Campbell is coming tomorrow!" He did a little jump, throwing his arms in the air. I rolled my eyes playfully, laughing slightly. "Maybe he'll give us a raise! Or tell me I'm like the son he never had!"

"A raise would be nice..." I consider, thinking of my measly salary.

"Or maybe he could explain why he's wanted by the government." Gwen muttered to me. We reached the doors of the Mess Hall, and I insisted on going first to check up on the kid's progress. I quickly slipped inside the door, horrified by what I saw, and thankful I'd closed it so my co-counsellors didn't see.

Quartermaster had been tied to a chair with rope, and the campers were running in all directions, giggling and throwing tomatoes. I looked to the old man for help, but he just sniffed a little.

"We got ourselves an uprising." He pointed out.

"What is wrong with you all?!" I hissed through my teeth. Those little bastards...