Mortality

Chapter 1: The Entrance Exam

"I don't know why I have to be here though." Brooke asked her mom as they went under a rainbow sign that read "Camp Purissimo".
"Because it'll be fun and you haven't had fun in a while" Mrs. Goméz said.
"I JUST won that science award!"
Mrs. Goméz scowled. "I said fun, baby."
Brooke groaned and got out of the car as her mother parked. She grabbed her bags.
"Ok sweety, now please try and relax this summer. I don't want you to go into high school stressed and anxious."
"I'll be fine, mom. What's the worst that could happen at a summer camp?" Brooke smirked and walked away, rummaging through her bag to make sure she had her epi-pen and allergy medication.
As Brooke entered a giant cabin with a sign saying "ENTER HERE PLEASE", two more cars appeared in the camp parking lot. From her pink sable, Guinevere surveyed the camp grounds as well as she could, but struggled to see past the very large trees. She looked at the black car next to her and made eye contact with the girl driving. The girl had short black hair, winged black eyeliner, and she seemed to be staring at Guinevere with a death glance. Guinevere smiled at the girl, got out of her car, and grabbed her bags. As she headed to the camp, the girl got out, grabbed her bag, and followed Guinevere.
As she followed her, a large grey bus entered the parking lot and made the two girls jump. As they looked at the bus, Guinevere looked at the girl.
"Are you following me?" She asked.
"There's only one path, not much following to it." The girl replied.
"It's fine either way. So, I guess you're another camper here. My name is Guinevere, what's yours?" Guinevere asked, reaching out to shake the girl's hand.
"Rachel Joy" she said as she shook Guinevere's hand timidly.
"So Rachel Joy, do you know anything about our fellow campers?"
"Not at all. I'm not even sure why I'm here."
The bus doors opened and out filed twenty-three students. Luther was the first one off the bus. Three very feminine girls filed out behind him, fawning over him.
"This oughtta be fun", Rachel Joy smirked as the girls and Luther passed by her.
"He's pretty cute for a black guy." Guinevere said as he went by.
"Um, isn't that a little racist?" Rachel Joy said shocked.
"Oh. Oh my god, I'm sorry it was a joke. I'm very not racist, I'm like, the most socially conscious person ever. I'm a lesbian, er, um. Not that that excuses it, but, like, uh, that kind of um, proves it was a joke, and I was just uh, trying to gauge your humor and uh..." Guinevere trailed off.
The two refocused their attention to the bus, and after three more people got off, Zeke strutted off.
"Oh my god, that's Lizzy Glam!" Rachel yelled, startling Guinevere. Zeke ran up to the girl and grabbed her shirt.
"Shut up and never mention that name again", Zeke whispered angrily to Rachel and stormed off.
"What the hell is that about?" Guinevere asked.
"He's a pretty famous drag queen. He's been at a couple of the gay bars I've been too. There's a huge rumor that he's too young to be at gay bars, and I guess that rumor is true." Rachel said snarkily.
"You go to gay bars?" Guinevere asked.
"Oh uh, yeah. I'm not technically of age, but hey, I'm not a good person...." Rachel trailed off.
As the rest of the bus patrons went into the camp, the last rider, a Hispanic boy with brown hair, a tuffed nose, and wearing regular clothes walked by Guinevere and Rachel.
"Good afternoon ladies", he said as he passed. "I trust I'll be seeing you beautifil women later."
"Maybe, if you keep up that frat boy charm" Rachel disgustingly retorted.
"Not into it. I got it, I respect boundaries. You're really pretty though, I'd like to be friends" he said as he walked off.
"Wow, that was... surprisingly sweet" Guinevere said. "Why wasn't he interested in me though?"
"Maybe he likes 'em asian" Rachel laughed.
"We better get inside, we don't wanna miss anything good" Guinevere said, throwing her arms around Rachel.
"Woah", Rachel pushed her off. "Keep your boundaries, girl."
Guinevere looked as if she was pondering Rachel. Then she threw her arms back over her. "Nah!" she replied. "You're just gonna have to get used to me because you're my summer bestie."
"Oh great" Rachel sarcastically retorted walking off with Guinevere on her like a leech, but also trying to conceal a smile.

"Father, did you pack the bug spray?"
"Yes I did, my sweet Amara. I hope you have fun this summer! You deserve happiness!" Mr. James kissed his daughter's forehead.
"It's just summer camp, father." Amara said, opening the car door.
"Yes, but, you know how much I worry about you. You are the greatest gift in my life. Stay safe, my dear."
"I will, father." Amara said, closing the door. She took her bags and headed towards the camp. Waving at her father, Amara waited until he left sight, and then carefully removed her hijab. Amara adored her father with every piece of her heart, but she simply didn't believe in her father's beliefs. Her father wanted Amara to be a pure, muslim daughter, but she simply didn't want to be that. She felt a little ashamed of taking off her hijab, but she knew this would be the summer that she finally became Amara Nkechi James.