Wednesday would never expect his life to be like his parent. He would even bet on it. Guess he spoke too soon when she walk in his view, pooled in red blood and a nervous smile. Emotions over emotions of something he never felt just washed over him...
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It had only been a night at Camp Chippewa, and Adriana was already convinced it was her personal version of hell. The first activity of the day was underway, with all the campers gathered on the dock of the camp lake.
Everyone was in orange swimwear, to trunks, while Wednesday and Pugsley stood out in their signature black, twenties-style swimsuits. Adriana, on the other hand, had opted for a sleek bikini paired with a sheer, flowing fabric wrapped around her waist.
The boys couldn't help but stare as she casually adjusted her sunglasses, her hair pulled into a messy bun with strands falling artfully around her face. It was clear she had a very different idea of "swimming."
Wednesday's eyes subtly roved over her, his expression as blank as always, though one eyebrow quirked slightly. Adriana met his look with a casual shrug, unfazed by his silent judgment.
At the end of the dock, Gary Granger, whistle in hand, was his usual overly enthusiastic self. He blew into the whistle with gusto. "Alright, life-saving! I know we're all top-notch little swimmers, and now's the time to show off those skills. Earn those certificates, folks! Let's get our first pair of life-saving buddies." His eyes scanned the crowd, looking for volunteers. "Amanda and Adriana!"
Hearing her name, Amanda perked up immediately, taking the opportunity to size up Adriana with a sneer. Clearly jealous of the attention Adriana was receiving from the boys, Amanda couldn't resist making a snide comment. "Is that what you're calling a bathing suit?"
Adriana lowered her sunglasses to the tip of her nose, her expression sharp as she snapped back without missing a beat. "Is that what you're calling an overbite?"
Wednesday had to bite down his laugh, amused at Adriana's quick wit. His fingers found their way to her hip as he pulled her slightly closer, placing a soft, unexpected kiss on the side of her head, a silent show of approval. The two girls stepped forward when Gary gestured for them to come to the front.
"Now, one of you will be the drowning victim, and the other will be our life-saver," Gary explained with his usual enthusiasm. Amanda was practically bouncing on her heels, raising her hand in excitement. "I'll be the victim!" she volunteered eagerly.
Adriana wrinkled her nose in disgust. "All your life," she muttered under her breath, but Amanda, far too focused on herself, ignored the comment and continued fawning over Gary, fishing for compliments. "I'm going to be an actress!" she announced proudly.
Gary clapped his hands. "Brava! Alright, Amanda, jump in, swim out a few yards, and start drowning."
Amanda, ever the drama queen, jumped into the lake with a cannonball, sending water splashing everywhere. She swam out a few yards, then began her exaggerated performance as the "drowning" victim, thrashing wildly and shouting. "Help! Help! I'm drowning!" She bobbed up and down, even gulping down some water for dramatic effect.
Gary turned to Adriana, waiting expectantly for her to leap into action and save Amanda. But Adriana simply gave him a sweet smile. "I didn't bring my 'saving' suit, as you can tell. I'm dressed to impress."
Gary's grin faltered for a moment, realizing she wasn't going to play along. "Uh, well, you still need to—"
"Plus, I can't swim," Adriana added flatly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She didn't wait for a response, simply turned on her heel and strutted back down the dock, completely ignoring both Gary and Amanda, who was now starting to look like she was actually struggling in the water.
Wednesday stood there, a rare, crooked smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched her walk away. Adriana's sharp attitude and refusal to cooperate, while earning glares from Gary, only made him love her more. She wasn't in the best mood, snapping at everyone, but to Wednesday, that only made her all the more... entertaining.
-ˋˏ✄ ┈┈┈┈
When night finally fell, the once lively camp grew quiet as the children retreated to their cabins, separated by gender. Adriana found herself sharing a cabin with the other snobby girls, and, of course, the worst of them all—Amanda. The atmosphere in the cabin was filled with giggles, whispers, and idle gossip, but Adriana stayed detached, lying on her bunk with a sigh.
Dressed in silky pajamas—a delicate set with spaghetti straps and shorts—she ignored the chatter of the other girls. The luxurious fabric felt cool against her skin, a small comfort in the otherwise unbearable situation. Her messy bun from earlier had been taken down, her hair cascading softly over the pillow as she focused on her phone, exchanging messages with Wednesday.
Over in the boys' cabin, Wednesday was in his usual spot, quiet and aloof. He shared the room with Pugsley and a handful of other boys, including Joel, who had yet to say a word to him. Joel, having noticed Wednesday's presence earlier, seemed too nervous to strike up a conversation. For now, Wednesday's attention was elsewhere—on Adriana.
Adriana's phone buzzed with a new message from Wednesday, and she smirked to herself as she read it.
_"Surviving?"_
She typed back quickly, glancing around the room as Amanda and the others prattled on about their day.
_"Barely. This place is a nightmare. Amanda's here, and she's already started whining about everything."_
Wednesday's response was swift as if he expected it.
_"Sounds like hell. Need me to set the cabin on fire?"_
Adriana stifled a laugh, not wanting to draw attention to herself. She replied with a smirk tugging at her lips.
_"Tempting, but I don't think they'd let us stay here together if you did."_
She could practically picture Wednesday's nonchalant shrug through the screen, followed by his short reply.
_"Worth it."_
As the other girls began discussing their upcoming camp activities, Adriana rolled her eyes, the conversation already grating on her nerves. She shot off another message.
_"How's your cabin? You met your bunkmates yet?"_
Wednesday glanced over at Pugsley, who was happily munching on a bag of chips, and then at Joel, who was lying in his bed, awkwardly avoiding eye contact.
_"Pugsley's a torment, as always. Haven't bothered talking to the others yet. There's that kid. He keeps looking at me like I'm about to hex him."_
Adriana smiled at that, remembering the flustered kid from earlier.
_"He's probably scared you'll actually do it."_
_"He should be."_
Wednesday replied, and Adriana couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself. She adjusted her position in bed, ignoring Amanda's loud voice across the cabin as she continued exchanging sarcastic quips with Wednesday, grateful for the distraction from her current living situation.
