Just One Summer (boy x boy)

Chapter 1

Elliot

There wasn't much I could do. I could've ran, but I didn't. I didn't have anywhere to go. If I did I don't think they would've cared, I would just be one less problem for them to deal with. It doesn't matter much now anyway. I'm already sitting on a bus going all the way to Maine. I suppose I could just hop off at one of the rest stops along the way, but I still wouldn't have anywhere to go. It's going to be almost an eight-hour ride from New York to Maine so I'm not sure I want to just make a dash midway and be lost for the rest of my life. Not exactly ideal. I think I'll just wait it out. I think I've been on for an hour now anyways.

"So where are you off to young man?" An older woman asked me. She was across the aisle and turned towards me giving a big smile that made her eyes squint.

"I'm just going to summer camp".

"Oh, how lovely! I remember going to summer camp when I was around your age. Got up to some things on those summer nights with friends. I met my first boyfriend at a summer camp. I'm sure you'll find yourself a cute girl at this camp you're going to. You seem to be quite the looker. By the way, what's your name sweetheart?"

"I'm Elliot, and no I won't be meeting any girls. It's an all-boys camp" She seemed to be a little taken back at the fact it's all boys. I don't really know how to carry this conversation. It's just one that you have to reply to every now and then while she talks about her youth. I never understand why middle-aged people do that. It makes it awkward.

"Ohh, I see. You're going to one of those good Christian camps. The ones where they have an all boys and then an all girls. That's so lovely that you're doing this. You get to learn of the Bible and be closer to your brothers in Christ. You know I have some bible verses for you if you're interested" she asked. She now seems so joyed that I am apparently going to some kind of Christian youth camp. I don't feel like correcting her and I think it's easier that way.

"No, thank you, ma'am. I'm actually really tired right now and I think I want to sleep the rest of the ride. Thank you for the offer, and yeah I'll be seeing all my brothers soon I guess" I gave an awkward laugh trying to end this conversation as easily as possible without seeming rude. I'm not interested in going into a conversation about the Bible at the moment anyways.

"Ok Elliot, I'll leave you to get your rest. I'm Mrs. Helene by the way so let me know if you need anything" she gave me another squinty smile before pulling out a little sleeping mask to take a nap of her own I suppose.

I turn back towards the window. I'm glad that's over. It's nothing against her, I just really don't feel like talking at the moment. My nerves are too on edge. I actually don't know anything about this camp I'm going to. All I know is that my parents found it and that it's only boys. Other than that I have no clue. Who knows what kind of camp they found. I seriously doubt it's a nice one though. All I can do is wait and see.

~

"Last stop everyone off! That means you, boy!" The bus driver shouted. I jumped up with a start. I guess I did sleep the whole way. I grab my bags and walk towards the front. I was the last person on the bus. That lady, I think her name was Mrs. Helene was gone too. I gave a wave to the driver, and stepped off. Before I had time for nerves I was greeted by another man.

"Name," he said.

"Huh?"

"Give me your name son"

"Oh, Elliot"

"Full name" he sighs rolling his eyes.

"Elliot Barlowe" I say confused.

The man was tall and had a somewhat muscular build. I only just now realized the camp emblem on his shirt. That's why he wanted my name. Gosh, I'm dumb. He stood there and wrote some things down on a clipboard before grabbing one of my bags out of my hand. I had a suitcase to carry and a backpack. He took my suitcase and let me keep my backpack.