Summer Camp

e i g h t

chapter eight

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"Standing in line to see the show tonight and there's a light on, heavy glow" - By The Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers

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"I think I'm getting rusty."

I groaned loudly in frustration at my reflection, my left hand, that was tightly holding the mascara, hovered in the air, the black substance of the brush smeared onto my upper eyelid instead of my lashes.

Cari's laugh echoed loudly, the sound distorted and cackling due to my phone's terrible reception.

"I admit," she began in a teasing tone, the smile on her face audible, "it's been a while since you've been in the saddle, but don't worry. Be yourself and he'll fall in love with you right away!"

I sighed and frowned, my appearance in the mirror not satisfying at all. My blush was way too obvious and could my eyeshadow be any worse?! I was in need of a serious recon of youtube tutorials.

While desperately trying to fix my makeup, I confessed nervously, "I don't know if this is a good idea."

"Shey, from what you've told me, it sounds like a great idea," Cari reassured me.

I chewed the inside of my cheek, hands awkwardly trying to fix another mess: my hair. The blonde mop was in a bun, a ton of pins keeping shorter strands up and I had to admit, I had seen worse, but still; I was a bit of a perfectionist when it came to a few things. "It's just... I- I haven't been on a date in a while, not since-" My voice broke. It felt as if my throat had closed and breathing became hard. I swallowed and cleared my throat, continuing on, "anyways, I don't know."

Cari groaned in exasperation. "Have fun, girl. You gotta enjoy yourself once in a while! God knows you should." The accusatory tone was hard to miss. I smiled to myself; thank God for friends.

"But, Cari," I whined now, trying to get her to understand, "we're kind of in the same... 'clique'," I said as I lacked a better word, "and isn't that kind of a no-no? It's gonna be so awkward when it doesn't work out."

"'When'? Don't be so pessimistic. You're practically setting yourself up to fall already," she scolded. "Now, listen to me: you haven't known each other that long, and if - mind the if! - it doesn't work out, then nobody will really be heartbroken. Disappointed? Yes. Heartbroken? Nah."

"But- Tom's such a nice guy and... I already know it won't work out. I don't want to ruin anything for either of us."

"Go out, have fun, be yourself," was all that Cari said in response. "It's gonna be fine. No, actually, it's gonna be great."

"Ca-" The line disconnected.

I rolled my eyes.

Great.

I resumed applying my mascara, when, to my surprise, my phone rang again. It wasn't like Cari to call back; she was stubborn and liked to do things that were unexpected. Maybe Lisa wants to check up on me, I thought with a shrug. I was surprised and nervous to see the name 'Tom' pop up instead.

"Shey? Hi," an out-out-of-breath Tom greeted.

"Hey Tom!" I greeted chirpily in return.