Different Doesn't Mean Broken

Chapter 13 - Alex

"I think she's a bitch," I heard from inside the cabin. "And honestly, I would not be sad if they sent her home."

Fuck them, I thought to myself. Fuck them and this whole damned place. What on god's green earth was my mother thinking sending me to this godforsaken camp where I'm surrounded by people who can't walk, can't talk, can't change their own damned pants or are wearing diapers. I don't belong here.

I heard other voices but I couldn't quite make out what they were saying. I didn't care. Let them think what they want. I'm still determined to get myself kicked out.

Probably ten minutes later, Emily and Sally came out of the cabin with everyone else.

"Arts and Crafts," they said. "Let's go. Come on Alex."

Sally was pushing PWC and Emily was walking with that quiet girl who pretty much just stares around at stuff, but never really says or does very much.

I got up and moved away from the stairs before Crutch Girl or Caryn could come outside and say anything.

I glared at them as the two came through the door. Caryn rolled her eyes, but Crutch Girl smiled a bit. I rolled my eyes at her.

Michelle and Sally got everyone moving and Emily and Debrah stayed back more with me. This did not improve my mood.

"I'm capable of following the group without getting lost," I snarked at them.

"I'm sure you are," Debrah said. "We're not escorting you or walking with you to make sure you make it to A&C. We're walking back here in case anyone needs assistance. We can see them from here and let Michelle and Sally know if we need to hold up a minute."

"Not everything is about you," Caryn snarked at me.

"Fuck off," I said.

Caryn turned around, gave me the finger with both hands then turned around again and caught up to Taryn.

"You know," Sally said. "If you'd stop with the attitude, you'd probably find a lot of these girls are really quite nice, funny and you'd probably have a pretty good time."

"You know," I retorted. "If I wasn't here, I wouldn't have to be nice and make friends, which I do not need to do, because I don't intend to stay here."

Sally looked at me with a look that said 'so now we have to keep a closer eye on you?' Let them think I would run. I'm going to try to make them call my mom to come get me, but if that doesn't work, I'll run. No way I am spending a month with these gimps and morons.

"Alex, everyone here faces challenges," Debrah said. "Everyone here was born with some sort of a challenge that has been placed in front of them. You're no different, except that your challenge came on a little later. And there's nothing wrong with being angry about it. But you don't have to, and shouldn't be, taking it out on everyone around you. You're here because we all understand the challenges you face. You're here because at Big Pine, you won't be treated differently because you have diabetes, or epilepsy, or autism, or are missing a leg or an arm. Everyone here has some sort of diagnosis that has caused a challenge for them in one way or the other. This camp is meant to be an equalizer. For you all to get the experience of going to camp in a place where you won't be stared at, or judged for what you may or may not be able to do."

"Save the sales pitch," I said. "I'm here, despite not wanting to be."

"I think you'll find you have a really great group of girls around you, Alex," Sally said. "If you'd just drop the attitude."

I quickened my pace to get away from them.

"You don't have to be so mad," the quiet girl said. She wasn't looking at me and she didn't seem to be addressing me, but who else would she be talking to?