One Time At Summer Camp

Chapter 1

Finally, it was summer. The one time of year where I don't have to worry about anything but the possibility of a sunburn. I had just finished my first year of college at NYU and after all the anxiety, exams, and new faces, I was more than ready to return to a place of familiarity. Camp Harmony. Yes, the name is cheesy as fuck, but that place has been like a second home for me. The name is supposed to symbolize how the main goal of the retreat is to bring kids from all over the states into a perfect harmony. They learn crafts, music, sports, literature, and social activities to help gently urge them into being proud of themselves. After one summer there, a much younger me was able to confidently join the high school softball team and choir, which in turn added to my extra-curriculars for college applications. It set me a part from the crowd and even helped me to make many new friends.

"How much longer?" Lucy groaned from the passenger seat.

"Well, we just passed the tree with the twisted trunk, so... thirty minutes?" I answered.

Lucy and I have been best friends even before meeting at summer camp. Our parents sent in our registration on the same day after we practically begged them to let us go. We saw the giant rope swing on the front of the pamphlet and freaked out without any further investigation into the camp. The two of us instantly fell in love with the place. We made so many crazy memories that it's no surprise when both of us applied to be counselors. The move to separate colleges definitely took its toll on us, but we tried to stay in touch as much as possible with FaceTime and texting. However, I will admit running into her open arms during our touching reunion a few weeks ago felt way better than any of the funny snapchats and cute emojis ever made me feel.

Thirty-three minutes later we spotted the paint-peeling camp sign and took a right down a narrow gravel road. With my window down I was immediately hit with the familiar smell of evergreen trees and murky lake water. Taking a deep breath, I raked one of my hands through my wavy locks and pushed my Aviators to the top of my head.

An unconscious smiled spread across my face when the rest of the camp came into view: the large mess hall, various bunks, theater with the still crooked "A" above the door, sports shed that seemed to already be overflowing with equipment, and the Director's cabin. Only a few cars dotted the open grass. The campers weren't scheduled to arrive until 4, leaving the counselors time to settle into their bunks beforehand. I checked the clock on my dash, 11:30.

"Lo! Lu!" Hearing my nickname made me jump, slightly startling me. Normani was sprinting towards my car. Her radiant smile took up most of her face, making me realize how long it's actually been since I last saw the girl. She looked about the same: shoulder length curly hair, toned dancer body, and a bright silver belly button ring peeking out from under the hem of her shirt. Lucy and I tried to unbuckle as fast as we could. I ended up being the first to break free and hurriedly got out to embrace my friend. She jumped on me, wrapping her legs around my waist.

"Hey, Mani," I chucked. Her usual lavender perfume filled my nostrils within seconds.

Normani, Lucy, and I instantly bonded after our first summer together. We shared a bunk where we always stayed up past lights out and even stole the talent show with our beautiful rendition of "Survivor" by Destiny's Child. She is from Houston Texas and an only child. Her parents were worried about her not making friends at school, so they thought a different change in scenery might help their young daughter break out of her comfort zone. Boy, were they right. Normani Kordei was seen as a goddess at Camp Harmony. With her friendly personality and breathtaking smile, everyone instantly adored her. Boys fought over who would bring her a juice box or popsicle and all the girls wanted to make friendship bracelets with her. She could sing, climb a tree faster than a squirrel, and make laps around the lake in record time. Though she has many talents her one true love has always been dancing. She came to that realization during her second year at camp. Her parents were absolutely thrilled that she found an interest and quickly signed her up for dance classes. Over time she continued to get better and better, and now she's on the University of California Los Angles dance team.