The Okitwawa Camp

Chapter Twelve: New Rules

Wednesday July 15, 2020, 12:30 P.M

- What the fuck? I exclaim loud and clear, staring at Mary-Phoebe in confusion.

Mary-Phoebe laughs as we keep on paddling, then she shrugs her shoulders.

- Camp chef is mostly group chef, actually. During three days, you choose the rules, you organise the activities..Every year there is an intelligence test to choose the group chef.

I smile widely, thinking about my position. I'm the one who decides! I can do anything I want! Well, not abuse this small power, though.

- So I'm the smartest of the group, is that it? I question teasingly

- Exactly! Agrees Mary-Phoebe as we get closer to the lake border.

Every small group of two jump off their canoes and park them there, as Mary-Phoebe and I head to the safety vest site.

- So now you're a group chef? Olivia says, getting closer to me as her lavender bathing suit is still dripping wet.

At the same time, William comes by and gives me a tight hug. Startled, I pat his back and chuckle softly.

***

- So, Cassandra, as you're the new group chef, you'll have to name the rules. You have maximum ten, so chose wisely...Eva suggests, leaning against her bed

The group is gathered together, and nobody dares utter a word. We're all sitting on our sleeping bags, now completely dry. Obviously, Audrey is looking at me with the same intensity then Olivia does. I decide to speak, not desiring to lengthen the silence in the room.

- Rule Number 1: No threats neither insults. I start confidently.

I hear mumbles of approval, then they all shift to my direction.

- Rule Number 2: No whispering allowed after 21 P.M. We have to respect those who are sleeping.

Some of them grumble and complain, but the majority smile at me, impatient for the new rules to come.

- Rule Number 3: No Violence.

Everyone bursts out laughing, before quitting it and nodding their head. Disturbed by their reaction, I keep my choices going.

- Rule Number 4: No drugs, alcohol, cigarettes neither vapes. There are places reserved for that effect, but I don't want to see this in the tent.

Lana and Sebastian roll their eyes and sigh, seemingly affected by this whole deal. The rest of the group agrees, and they seem to be anticipating what could happen.

- This last rule is about one person, and this person probably knows it; shift to me if you do.

Instinctively, the Owl group turn to Audrey, wondering if she's the one on my mind. She gives me a dirty look, possibly having bad ideas in her head.

- Finally, rule number 5, who won't be respected by Miss Audrey in front of me, no ridiculous revenges.

They all laugh, even though I know she's going to take her revenge. At least, if she does, she'll have the consequences of her act, with more people on her back...