Loving In The Rain

Chapter 2

Hey guys. Sorry for the long wait. My only excuse is that life got in the way. Hopefully everything is back on track.

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Chapter 2

“Welcome back to Camp Peak. This year you have all been selected as our new councillors. I expect you to take this role seriously.” said Jane Heart, whilst flicking her eyes around the room. Twenty of us sat in the Mess Hall, all of us wearing the red Camp Peak t-shirt with the words ‘Councillor’ printed on the back. “The t-shirts that you are wearing” she continued, “represent responsibility. The role of a councillor is to guide and teach and you will behave appropriately and make sure the Campers do so as well. Do I make myself clear?” she asked the hall.  “Yes Jane.” We all said. She smiled a small smile gave the hall one more sweep with her eyes and left.

Jane Heart was the head councillor. When I first arrived at the camp Jane was a new councillor just like me, she was seventeen as well. I was proud to have her as our Head. She was the perfect role model.

“Hey.” I felt someone tap my left shoulder; I turned around to see Amy looking at me. “You ready to go?” she asked. I gave her a small nod and we started to make our way out of the hall and towards our cabin. Cabin 74 was our home for the next two weeks and we wouldn’t trade it for anything. I opened the wooden door and was immediately hit a woodsy smell. I smiled to smile. I was home. There were two single beds pushed up to either sides of the room, with a dressing table/desk in between. There were two chests of drawers at the foot of both beds. The walls were painted a pale yellow and the floor wooden. It wasn’t much but it was home.

I went over to my bed and flopped down, already exhausted. I was engulfed by the musty smell of the sheet and immediately felt my eyelids start to droop. “I’m just gonna go see James. Okay?” Amy asked sounding too far away. I waved my hand as go gesture and rolled over and let sleep take me.

*

I woke up with a start and shot up. I grabbed my phone to check the time; six thirty in the evening. I got up and stretched like a cat. The evening sun flooded into the cabin, giving the place a red hue. It looked even cosier than it already was. I noticed a note propped up against the mirror. I got it and it read:

You were sleeping so I didn’t want to wake you. If you’re hungry come to the Mess Hall, dinner is at seven. Amy x

At the mention of dinner my stomach growled. I placed the note back and got out. A warm breeze swept past as I stepped out. The red glow of the sun made everything look like it was on fire. The air felt thick and stuffy, like the way it always did before it rained. I smiled I guess I was going to sleep well to night. The air was silent except for the whispers of the trees. I made my way over the bathrooms. I entered the white-washed bathroom and went over to the sinks. I heard a soft sob coming from one of the stalls near the end. I quietly went over not wanting to scare the girl who was in there. I knocked and softly said “Hello?” no reply came.”Hey, are you alright?” I asked trying to sound comforting. “I’m a councillor I can help you.” I tried again. I was replied with a quiet sob. I was about to knock again when I saw the door wasn’t locked. I gently pushed the door open. A girl of eight or nine was sitting on the toilet. Her soft wavy brown hair cascaded around her little shoulders. She looked up and I let out a small gasp when I saw her eyes. They were the brightest green I have seen and they seemed to be piercing right through me. I felt trapped in her haze and under scrutiny. She looked down; breaking the hold she had on me. I shook my head trying to clear my thoughts. She gave another small sob and I kneeled down in front of her. I put my hand over her hand, she looked at me I gave her a small smile. “Hey want to tell me what’s wrong?” I said softly. She shook her head and lowered it. I raised it again so she was looking at me. “Is it your first time at camp?” I asked. She replied with a small nod. “Do you miss your parents?” I asked. She gave another small nod. “I’ve n-never been s-so far from them and I m-miss them so much.” She blurted out between sobs. She looked down again embarrassed at her outburst. I raised her chain. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” I said softly, “I miss my parents every time I come to camp too.” I confessed. “You’d think it gets easier every year, but it just gets harder.” Tears were starting to fill up my eyes as I remembered Dad hugging me goodbye. I blinked my tears back. I had to be strong for this girl. I smiled at her and said, “Do you want to know a secret?” She nodded curiosity in her eyes. “At the end of camp when my mum comes to pick me up, I always run into her arms for a big hug.” I said. “Why?” she frowned. “Because even though I am seventeen I still miss her and need her.” I said. “And do you know something else?” I asked with a small smile on my face. “What?” she asked. “Everyone at camp misses their family.” I replied. “Even the older councillors?” she asked, “They miss their family the most.” She smiled at me. Her eyes began to pierce me again and I felt uncomfortable under her gaze. “What’s your name?” I asked, hoping to change the subject. “Emily.” She said. “Nice to meet you Emily, I’m Ivana but call me Ivy.” I said holding my hand out. She placed her small hand in mine and shook it. I smiled at her and she smiled a genuine smile, one that met her eyes. Suddenly my stomach let out a roar, reminding me that I was hungry. I looked at Emily and a twinkle was in her eyes. A giggle escaped her lips, breaking the silent. I burst out laughing and was soon joined by Emily. “C’mon lets wash our hands and go eat.” She nodded, with a smile still on her lips. I could see thoughts of her parents were long gone. I held my hand out for her to take and we walked together to the Mess Hall.