Family + Camp (working title)

Chapter 16 part 2: Fancy Talk

Nell glanced at Cashel as they descended the stairs.

"So, you're a double threat," she said. "Naturalist and arts and crafts."

He chuckled. "Double threat, huh? More like twice as good. I guess that's why I got the job of managing both teams."

Nell raised her eyebrows. Her dad hand not mentioned that he was a director.

"What's your title?"

"Nature and Arts Director, I think."

She shook her head. "Doesn't roll off the tongue."

He looked thoughtful for a second, his eyes scanning, as if seeing something she could not. "Yeah, I guess it doesn't. Do you have a better idea?"

It was Nell's turn to look within. After a moment, she said, "I'll get back to you on that."

The little group continued over to the arts and crafts building. It was made of logs and had no glass in the windows. Panels could be swung down and locked from the inside for security. Long, paint spattered tables sat in two rows. The floor was concrete—also covered in drips and flecks of colors—paints and maybe tie-dye. Ceiling-high cabinets in the back were full of neatly ordered art supplies: pipe cleaners, paints, brushes, paper, candle wax, boondoggle/lanyards, friendship bracelet thread. Cornstarch for Oobleck. A variety of beads kept in baby food jars.

"Arts and crafts rocks," Nell murmured. Cash put up his hand, and she slapped him five without a second thought.

Next, they headed towards the camp village of Costanoa, where there was a small shed—much less grand than A & C. Nell's dad picked through his giant ring of keys.

Nell whispered to Cash, "Some of those had to be duds, right? Like, maybe they're decoys. Why did the man need so many goddam keys?"

"Are you trying to get me to question the wisdom of my boss the first day on the job?" Cash sounded mock offended. Nell blinked innocent big eyes at him.

Without any fumbling, Morrie selected the correct key and unlocked the shed. Inside were things like compasses, small field notebooks, pencils, and binoculars.

"Is that the new Silva System?" Rob asked, reaching a hand towards a stack of clear compasses. Cash's eyes got wide and his mouth fell open a little.

"Sweet," he said.

Morrie's eyes lit up as he sensed he was in the presence of two fellow orienteering dorks.
"Just got them in two days ago. Take a look-see."

Nell and Sandy stepped back and stifled yawns. "Boy Scouts," her mom said, and Nell guffawed.

 
After thoroughly checking on the compasses and the rest of the naturalist shed, the group headed down the split of a trail towards the lake. The horse corral was on the way, and Nell's dad led them over to the barn, talking on and on to Rob about the upcoming hay delivery. Rob was nodding and gesturing in response. Cash smirked at his brother's back. Nell wanted to ask what he was thinking. Probably about something doofusy his big brother had done in the past.