Gabriel was adored by his parents for being a light-mannered and godly boy. Growing up in a church where he learned to swallow any idea of rebellion and remain sin free at any cost.
It had been four years since Gabriel had last seen Nate. He could remember how he had uncomfortably sat under a pine needle tree, poking his fingers into the mass of tawny dead pines. He sat under the shade, next to his mom; who sat in a blue lawn chair gossiping about Dr. Oz the other old female church attendees.
Rather than listening into the bore of an adult conversation he looked over at the chaotic scene of a water balloon fight. A group of at least a dozen people, hands stacked into bright translucent water balloons. Laughing and screaming as the smack of water against wet skin sounded. Gabriel watched quietly, even at his age of thirteen he was too shy to join among the group of people he knew.
Stomach coiling with a foreign feeling as he squinted at the sight of water droplets sliding down several toned bare chest. Cheeks heating as his palms dug into the scraggly ground, butterflies crawling in the feeling of his lower abdomen. Closing his legs tight to help release the pressure growing against his boxers.
His focus was disrupted when a balloon whizzed past his right ear. Exploding against the bark on the tree behind him. He immediately shot up, pine needles falling from his pants. He heard a spout of laughter from the crowd. Feeling suddenly embarrassed from his squirrel like movements. Dragging his nails against the soft flesh of his palms, hoping the attention would die away.
"Sorry Gabe!" Yelled Nate amidst the crowd. Throwing up a water balloon and catching it easily. He stood shirtless, skin glowing in the sun; melanin bathed. Tracing at the well structured pallet of his torso Gabriel felt a twinge that shuddered his body.
"It's o-okay." Gabriel yelled in reply. Leaning against the tree, instantly regretting his choices when wet sap dripped down the back of his shirt.
After two more hours of sitting in the heat and a scolding from his mother Gabriel lay in bed. Fingers brushing at the loose wet curly strands of his washed hair. Eyes wide, staring up at the blank dark ceiling. He was probably the only one awake in the house. Hearing snores from the rooms next to his.
Thinking over the occurrences of the day. His eyebrows furrowing as the image of shirtless Nate stood highlighted. He felt the rush of energy bolt down to his stomach like he had before. Breath coming out in deep short puffs he let go of clenched his fingers. Pulling up his shirt with one hand and with the other creeping his fingers under the waistline of his underwear. Gasping as he did, working to the impression Nate had left.
Immediately embarrassed from his sinful actions. Hands shaking in realization of what he had done; masturbation being a sin. Especially seeing as the fact another boy was the reason he has committed such a proclaimed terrible lustful act. Chewing deeper into his bottom lip, Gabriel felt his fingers start to shake. Terrified over the fact his act had invited the devil in, making him a disappointment in god's eyes. Tears gathering in his eyes, choking back a sob. He clasp his hands and pleaded a prayer under his breath.
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Gabriel sat at a crowded table of boys. The delicious aroma of homemade pizza filled the nicely built dining room. Hamburger pizza in one hand, celery stick in other. Listening to Emanuel talk about the significance of expensive sunglasses. He had known everyone at the table for at least four years, seeing most of them once a year at church camp.
"So Gabriel, why so quiet this year?" Asked Adrian Summers, shifting the attention towards the pale faced skinned boy.
"I dunno. Emanuel does enough talking for me." Gabriel winked. Nudging Emanuel with his shoulder as he let out a huff.
The group laughed, retorting with friendly remarks. In reality Gabriel didn't know why he gone silent compared to years before. Lack of sleep and the surprise of seeing Nate probably had taken enough of a toll on him.
In the mist of the conversation Gabriel rarely gave his vocal opinion. Offering to take everyone's plates, hoping to stretch his legs some more. Toppling twelve plates in both hands he warily handed them to the chef; she shot him a dirty look as he did so. Apologizing for the amount of plates he backed away awkwardly. Bumping into someone as he backed from the chef. Turning as silverware toppled unto the floor, coming from Nate Willhelm's hands. Spewing out more apologies as he leaned to grab what had fallen. With a flushed face he returned the silverware to Nate's amused face.
"It's good man. Just be more careful." Nate spoke. Letting Gabriel's worries fade away with a soft grin.
Gabriel's lips twitched at the ends, politely bowing his head before moving from Nate's pathway and sauntering to the gym where night activities were held. Walking into see the gym was nearly full without campers waiting for director Astrid to announce the game for the night.
The piercing sound of a whistle vibrated in the air, turning the room quiet. Astrid stood formerly, arms crossed in front of his chest. Nate stood besides Astrid, being the new second actives coordinator
"Welcome to Church Camp!" Astrid started. Earning an assortment of hoots and happy shouts from the group. Putting his hand up to quiet the sudden burst of noise.
"If you're a new camper this year, raise your hand." Nate commanded. Looking over to see about fifteenth people with raised hands.
"If this isn't your first time at camp raise your hand." Astrid hollered. The majority of the group stood with proud raised hands, including Gabriel.
"Prepare for fourteen days of meeting with god. Making new friends and fun!" Clasped Nate, smiling widely as the crowd let out excited whoops. Everyone growing energetic with the opening statements said every year.
"And two weeks of great food!" Yelled Emanuel from beside him. People laughing at his true statement.
"Alright! I need you to find your counselors and make a line." Astrid pipped.
Gabriel moved to where Manchester stood, leaned against a wall. Seven other boys stood in the group, only one being a new camper.
Everyone gave brief introductions before the whistle was blown yet again and instructions were gave. After four rounds of random physical ice breakers the gym air felt moist and the night had grown pitch dark.
"Head to bed guys. It's going to be a fun day tomorrow. God bless you all" Nate spoke to the now tired group. Mummers arose as the gym emptied out.
Stepping out into the refreshing air. Darkness carving over the mountains and large camp; the only light being from flashlights and the bright stars. Jumping slightly as a hand slapped unto Gabriel's shoulder. Hearing an all too familiar shot of laughter located behind Gabriel.
"Easy there. Its just me." Nate cooed, moving to Gabriel's side. Flashlight in hand as stood besides Gabriel.
Gabriel let out a long exhale. "I'm just exhausted right now man."
"I get it." Nate reassured, "we should head to the cabin now."
Gabriel nodded in agreement. Both boys stayed silent as they heaved up the steep hill. The quiet crunching of footsteps and sound of crickets chirping occupied the eerie canvas of landscape. Healthy grass brushed against the foot of Gabriel's sandals, swishing along to each step.
Gabriel feeling sleep tug at the bags under his eyes. Blinking at the harsh light of the bare cabin. Climbing unto his bunk not even bothering to spread out his sheet and sleeping bag. Gabriel's head hit the pillow and he easily fell into a deep sleep. Missing when Nate let out a soft smile. Nate tenderly pulled a blanket of his own over Gabriel's shoulders. Shutting off the lights, Nate whispered 'good night' to the exhausted younger boy.
Sorry it took so long to post such a short chapter
