Red and Blue: A Crankiplier Story

Chapter 9

Mark's POV

Mark looked over at Ethan. The curly haired kid had glared at him. Ethan's eyes... oh, his eyes... they were holding back tears of fear, anger, pain and memories. They were glazed and unfocused.

Ethan nudged his chair towards Mark silently, pulling the flower behind his ear and fiddled with it. The boy that had glared at Ethan sat down with a smile. Mark didn't trust it. It looked almost forced and fake. This guy was a fake. If he took one step too close to Ethan... that nose of his would be crushed into his skull. Another boy walked up behind him and sat down too. He was carrying a guitar case and a huge backpack.

"I'm Tyler." He said. "I just got here so yeah."

"Hey I'm Robert I play guitar and I sing." The other boy said. He had brown hair. He also had a fringe that was similar to Phil's but a lot longer.

"Cool." Smiled Joey.

"Nice to see everyone is here." Said Daniel.

"Yeah." Said Dan.

They all introduced themselves to the two new boys.

Mark noticed one of the instructors get up from his seat up the front. He waited for everyone to shut their mouths before beginning his speech.

"Hello I'm Brian and welcome to Camp Evergreen. Today is an exploring day but tomorrow you will be challenged with activities that we have set up. It is around three o'clock and it's way after lunch but I think we need to feed you so give us a moment and you will be served."

Mark's stomach grumbled. He hadn't realised how hungry he was. He glanced over to the group, they all looked relieved except Tyler. That boy looked pissed. Ethan was shaking again. His head down and forcing back tears. He'd put the flower back behind his ear.

"Okay what's going on?" Mark demanded.

"We go to the same school." Tyler replied angrily.

Ethan glanced at Mark sadly.

"So?" Asked Mark.

"So, he shouldn't be here. We hate one another. I came here to escape my life, not come back to it."

"What did he do?" Asked Mark.

"Mark, can we talk privately?" Asked Ethan before Tyler could answer.

Mark nodded. "Just give me some answers." He said getting up and walking out of the cafeteria. Ethan followed once they were out of earshot of everyone Ethan started talking.

"He's the main bully." Said Ethan.

"Yeah, why does he bully you?" Asked Mark.

"We used to be together... AKA he's my ex." Ethan mumbled.

Mark looked at Ethan surprised. He didn't know that break ups could end relationships and start fights. He thought they never spoke to each other again unless they were forced or willingly became friends again. Not that he'd know... he wasn't exactly in a relationship before unless you count that mistake with Sean.

"I'm so sorry." Said Mark.

"It's okay." Replied Ethan clutching the flower gently.

"Maybe Tyler will come around."

"I don't think so Mark. Maybe there might be a slight chance but it's slim. I'm ready to forgive him if he wants to drop the grudge." Ethan answered sadly.

"You never know. Maybe for now try to heal old wounds, don't let him start anything and don't open his scars either." Said Mark.

Ethan nodded. They walked back to the table and Phil glanced at them curiously. "You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah we're fine."

Soon they smelt food and everyone in the near full cafeteria looked over to see hotdogs. Mark's mouth watered. It smelled so good...

"Okay who wants to help serve?" Asked a instructor.

Hands shot up and soon they were all enjoying their hotdogs. Mark had bacon, cheese and tomato sauce. It was delicious. Ethan just had cheese and sauce. The others were loaded and they were the first to finish. They dropped their paper plates into the bin and waited to be excused.

"What do you wanna do after this?" Asked Daniel.

"How about truth or dare." Replied Robert.

"Yeah." Answered Phil.

Ethan, Mark, Dan, Joey and Tyler nodded.

"Sounds good." Said Mark.

"Where though?" Asked Dan.

"The lake maybe." Answered Joey.

"Perfect." Said Robert.

"It's settled then, lets go to the lake." Tyler shrugged.

They waited to be excused in silence. The noise from the people putting their paper plates in the bin echoed slightly but no one minded.

"If you have finished and taken your plate to the bin, you may be excused." Said Brian.

"Give me a sec." Said Mark. He walked up to Brian who smiled.

"Enjoying your day?" He asked.

"A lot thank you. Also the food's great."

"Thanks, I'll say you guys are enjoying the food." Replied Brian pointing to the shut off kitchen. Mark smiled and followed the group down to the lake. They walked a while and Mark noticed instructors probably making sure no one does anything stupid. Or maybe enjoying the nice day before they had to do their job. They soon saw the lake and they found a tree to sit under. Mark noticed the flower was back behind Ethan's ear.

"Who wants to go first?" Asked Joey.

"Me." Answered Mark.

"I'll start the truth or dare train." Said Tyler.

Tyler turned around to Mark. "Truth or dare?" He asked.

"Dare." Mark replied.

Tyler gave him a smug look. "I dare you to kiss Ethan."