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chapter three - looking at the stars, admiring from afar

The week of CIT training was a whirlwind of early mornings, endless activities, and non-stop instructions. From first aid certification to campfire safety, everyone found themselves absorbed in a crash course on everything they'd need to know as future counselors.

Monday started with a hazy, 7 a.m. roll call, with Jamie leading them to the Hive basement for the first lecture of the week. Daisy stifled a yawn, glancing around at her friends. Lola looked equally tired but determined, while Cassie seemed to be taking it all in stride, already scribbling notes on how to efficiently corral a group of hyperactive campers. "So, this is it," Daisy whispered to Lola during their break. "This is how we transform from semi-functioning humans into 'responsible for kids." Lola snorted. "If Jamie really thinks we're responsible for kids by Friday, she's delusional."

Tuesday kicked off with ropes course training, where Daisy found herself hanging awkwardly from a harness. "Are we sure kids are supposed to enjoy this?" she called down to Jamie, who grinned up at her from the ground. "You'll love it by the fifth time!" Jamie yelled back. "Now, swing those legs!" After dinner, during free time, Daisy found herself curled up on a Hammick on the beach re-reading her favorite book, The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo. When she heard a familiar voice "What a cool sweater Daisy, you should leave it here so I can wear it." "Very funny Gemma" said Daisy laughing a little. "Can I sit" Gemma asked. "Of course, I'll move over." Gemma climbed in next to her, and promptly fell asleep making Daisy let out a low chuckle and her heart to flutter. Daisy began to question the way she felt about the red-haired girl.

By Wednesday, the group had found a rhythm, and between learning how to manage disputes between campers and mastering arts and crafts activities, Daisy began to notice her mind wandering to something – or rather, someone else. Gemma. She hadn't spent much time with Gemma since she left her to nap on the hammock the night before, but whenever she saw the British counselor across camp, her attention flickered. Gemma's easy confidence and quick laugh stood out in a sea of chaos, and it didn't help that Brooke and Avery, the two other Sycamore counselors, always seemed to be having the time of their lives.

By Thursday, Daisy started sneaking away from CIT duties during free time to catch up with Gemma. She'd make excuses to her friends, saying she was going for a walk or needed a break, but really, she was drawn to the small, tight-knit group Gemma had formed with Brooke and Avery. Who had started calling themselves Napolitan ice cream, because of the color of the girls in the trio's hair. Which happened to be red, blonde, and brown. "Why do you keep disappearing?" Lola asked one afternoon as they walked toward the dining hall. Daisy hesitated, not wanting to spill the truth just yet. "Just... checking out different parts of camp," she replied, a bit too casually. Lola gave her a knowing look but didn't press further. Whenever Daisy was with Gemma, the vibe was relaxed and full of laughter. Gemma's humor was sharp, and Brooke and Avery's Australian and southern accents added a comedic flair to every conversation. "I swear," Brooke said one evening as they lounged near the dock, "if one more camper asks me if I've fought a kangaroo, I might start making up stories." Avery laughed, her southern drawl kicking in. "You should say you wrestled one for fun. Just for kicks." Gemma grinned, leaning back on her elbows as they watched the sunset. "I once told a camper I was a secret agent, and they believed me for the whole summer." Daisy, sitting quietly beside them, felt a warmth spread through her. These moments of stolen time, where she could laugh with Gemma and her friends, felt like a secret she wasn't quite ready to share.

By Friday, the week of training had come to an end, and the campers were packing up to head home as the session was over. During lunch on Friday, Hannah notices that Daisy has been wearing the same sweater a lot "Dais, that's the third day you've worn that sweater. What's up" Daisy looks up from her mac and cheese "Nothings up I just like this sweater" she said, not convincing her friend Tyler who had been watching this, questions, "So you wearing that sweater has absolutely nothing to do with Gemma telling you that she loves that sweater?" Daisy looks down and blushes regretting her decision to share that moment with her friends. "No" she said too quickly and nervously to be believable. Causing her friends to roll their eyes, and Jamie to look at the blonde inquisitively. Once the camp cleared out, the weekend began in a more relaxed manner.