INKed- Book 1: Faye

Chapter 1

I was dressed in a plain grey t-shirt and a giant red zip-up hoodie my father swears is his (I will not confirm nor deny this accusation), a pair of black tights, and my comfiest pair of sneakers. My black backpack with its elaborate patchwork of pins and patches sewn into it was hanging from one shoulder as I waited outside my front door for my mother to appear. My parents were sending me to a camp a couple of hours away from my hometown. Why? To get me to interact with my peers more. Or at least that's what my father told me when I had so kindly asked (demanded) to know why. This was not my ideal summer vacation, at all. I wanted to sit and relax every day after the shit year I had at school. I wanted to eat ice cream and water ice. Walk to the park or the lake. Maybe sit and read the new book in my favorite series. Going to 'Camp' was not on my approved list of summer activities.

"Faye, don't look so sad," my mother chirped, appearing in all of her early morning glory. God, I hate mornings.

"I'm just tired, Ma," I stare into my mother's eyes. My mom was beautiful, at least that's what my father and I thought. Gia Montgomery was a beautiful blue-eyed, brunette, perfectly petite and very kind. I didn't think my mom had a bad bone in her body. Although, I did get my height from her and thus I was always shorter than my peers growing up. That was my mom's fault.

My mom's face contorts into an expression that I don't understand before straightening out into a soft smile, "Come on," she lets out an exaggerated breath through her nose and walks to the black Toyota parked in the driveway, "don't wanna be late now, do we?" I groan lowly before following her to the car.

"Is there any way-"

"You'll be fine, sweety."

I slouch into my seat so far back that my butt almost fell off, and my knees bumped against the dashboard at every subtle sway of the car. I was not looking forward to having to spend my summer with screaming children and moody teenagers. I was moody enough for myself. I watch as the houses turn to greenery and cars speed down the road beside us. What camp would be like this year? It's not like I've never been to camp before. I have, but it just became less and less common over the years as I grew up. As I watch the world blur past me I start to twirl the silver charm bracelet around my wrist. Turning it to the left, then the right. Then tugging on it repeated until a small sound snapped me out of my tree gazing.

"Faye, I... your father and I love you. You know that right?"

Closing my eyes, I nod my head slightly. I knew how much my parents loved me. I loved them too, even if I don't show it very often. I can hear my mother's seat squeak a bit and I open my eye's just enough to see her. My mother keeps stealing glances at me as her index fingers tap at the steering wheel. My hands start to fidget with my bracelet again.

"I think," I let out a quiet sigh, shaking my head, "Yeah Ma, I know."

____________________

This is stupid. All of it. The chaotic mess of luggage piled in different areas surrounding the campgrounds. Clearly designated by each cabin considering the color-coordinated signs in each area. But, that wasn't what I was really anxious about. It wasn't the luggage but the people that came attached to said luggage. There were kids of all ages either running around being wrangled in by what I can only assume to be their parents, guardians, or camp counselors. While others were standing in various places (under trees, and next to wooden picnic tables weathered by nature) either talking with their peers or saying goodbye to their loved ones. Then there were a select few like that random guy taking a nap underneath one of the picnic tables, who very clearly seemed to be avoiding the hustle and bustle of the rest of the camp. Yeah, I wanted to go home, like right now.