better off at camp

Chapter Six: Ava

Side note: Just to clarify the counselors do not live in the same cabin as the CITS, thanks for reading guys enjoy Chapter 6! -Madi

SKINNY DIPPING?! This is insane, no way am I stripping in front of 30 people.

"I know what you're all thinking. But we all did it too. And if any of you try to chicken out, just know the next eight weeks of your life will be a living hell, I promise." Hazel said, clearly enjoying the panic she created.

The rest of the CIT's were hollering and I swore I saw that pervert Chris wink at me. I saw Emma and Jack look horrified as well. 

"Follow me down to the lake if you dare." Hazel said giggling.

My heart was pounding viciously but I was no quitter. It seemed like a split second and we were by the dock.

"So what are you waiting for? Strip!" Kyle yelled. Damn, I thought he was nice.

I turned around, facing the icy cold water, though the temperature was the least of my worries. I looked to my left and saw everyone still had their clothes on. I took a deep breath and pulled off my shirt and then my bra, as I heard cheers behind me. God, this is so embarrassing. As I pulled off my shorts and underwear I sent a quick thank you to God for there being no moon out and that I shaved yesterday. As soon as I was stark naked, I sprinted into the lake and dove in. At least in the water no one could see anything.

As I resurfaced, I saw Emma and Jack jumping into the water. Well, that wasn't so bad. I treaded water, and enjoying the cold lake water.

"Well our first day of camp is off to a great start." I said, trying to lighten the mood. Emma laughed and Jack nodded. For being in the water with two naked girls, he didn't look too happy. I held onto the dock when I saw Hazel and Kyle grab our clothes and sprint off into the woods.

"What the hell?" I screamed. Shit. How could I be so naive and not see that coming?! 

Now we were all stranded in a lake with no clothes. Emma and Jack started to freak out as well. Okay the only solution to this was to get back to the cabin. Most of the CIT's had left but a few still hung around. Shit! I decided my best option was to run back to the cabin. 

Stepping out of the water, I had never felt so humiliated in my entire life. I covered myself the best I could and power walked until I reached the path. I heard some wolf whistles behind me and blinked back tears I ran through the pitch black trees.

I had no idea where I was or my cabin or my clothes. I felt guilty about leaving Emma and Jack behind but I had bigger problems. I noticed a log that looked slightly familiar. If I could find the camp fire, I could possibly find my cabin. 

Up ahead, I saw a bright light and voices which I assumed must be the camp fire. I went off the past, stepping over leaves and twigs. I hated hiking enough but being naked made it 100 times worse. Soon, I was back on the path, wiping tears from my eyes, awkwardly jogging even though it was so dark, I couldn't even see the trees around me.

All of a sudden, I slammed into a person. 

"What the hell?" I heard an Australian voice say. You've got to be kidding me. "Who is that?" He asked again. Shit! How could this night get any worse?

"It's Ava, um from earlier. I know this is a little weird but could you toss me your shirt?" I said my voice quivering with humiliation. A bundle of cloth was hurled my way and I quickly put in on, relived to have something covering me. I pulled it down as low as it could go even though it was big on me. 

"Ava? What the hell are you doing in the woods at this hour?" He said confused.

"I could ask you the same question." I replied.

"I go on night runs. Let me guess, you had to participate in the first-year CIT tradition?" He said with pity. I sniffled back more tears which I hope signified a yes. "I didn't even know they still made you do that. Here, take my hand. I'll lead you back to camp." I felt his hand grab mine and our fingers interlocked. Well, at least one good thing came out of this night.

I was surprised Evan was being so nice to me, he really was a sweet guy. I half expected him to bring me to the Camp Director to send me home. Finally I saw lights as we neared the cabin and Evan's face came into view. I hadn't noticed how muscular he was earlier and without a shirt on, he looked even better. Evan turned to face me and let go of my hand.

"Thanks so much for bringing me back and not reporting me or some shit." I said, feeling self conscious as he eyed me in his shirt.

"No problem. I was a teenager too, not too long ago," He said, giving me a smile. "Don't worry. This can be our secret." 

"Sorry for interrupting your night run." I said, staring at my feet.

"No problem Ava. See ya tomorrow." Evan said as he jogged back to his cabin.

"But what about your shirt..." I started to say, but he was already back at his cabin.

I walked inside the cabin to see Hazel sitting on my bed grinning.

"Wow Ava. Didn't think you'd even go through with that." Hazel said, enjoying my humiliation. 

"Get off my bed Hazel." I said, not in the mood to argue.

"Damn, Ava, who's shirt is that?" Hazel said with a mischievous grin.

"Fuck off Hazel. I'm not in the mood." I said.

"Fine. But just know it's nothing personal it's camp tradition and we do it for everyone. Even me. You proved tonight you're real shit. I guess you can consider yourself part of the squad." She said as she swung down to her bunk.

What had I gotten myself into?