DID YOU MISS ME?

Chapter Three

"Max?"

Max stopped pacing and sighed before turning towards Neil.

"What is it, Neil? Can't you see I'm busy?"

"We need to think of a plan, fast. The counselors are coming now."

Max's eyes grew wide when he saw Gwen, Campbell, and QuarterMaster walk down the hill carrying ingredients for s'mores, while behind them, David was having a casual conversation with Daniel, who was listening with a smile. Max clenched and unclenched his fists as they came nearer, and all of the campers squished together. A table was soon set up and Gwen and Campbell set down the ingredients for s'mores, while QuarterMaster lit the fire.

"Oh boy, has this been a summer!" David began to speak, his smile as wide as ever. "Unfortunately, it will all be over in two weeks."

No one spoke, and Space Kid moved closer to Ered. David ignored this and kept talking.

"However, I have great news kids!" he continued. "We have a returning counselor! Daniel!"

"Hello, kiddos!" Daniel smiled at them, waving his good hand. "I also have news as well! My friend, and someone who knows Gwen, is also coming by tomorrow to help out until summer ends! Her name is Jen!"

The campers didn't reply, except for a small whimper from Dolph. Gwen, however, was smiling wide as she set up the s'mores.

"Well, isn't that great news!" she said, laughing a bit. "I can't wait until I see her again!"

"Max, what do we do?" Nikki whispered into his ear.

"Play along," Max sighed, nodding to the rest of the campers. Collecting himself, he walked up to Daniel and held out his hand. "Welcome back, Daniel."

Daniel's smile only grew wider as he grasped Max's hand and forcefully shook it, Max wincing at the force of the handshake.

"Thank you, Max," Daniel said, tilting his head with a small crack. "I'm glad to see you again."

"I'm sure you are," Max shivered as Daniel let go of his hand. He then motioned Daniel to lean forward so he could whisper in his ear. "If you hurt David or anyone in this camp, I will kill you."

Daniel stood up and laughed at what Max just said. He narrowed his eyes and grinned at Max.

"You can try."

Max stood there, frozen, and Daniel walked over to David's side.

"Max, I think we have a plan."

Max turned to the rest of the campers who were all looking at each other with fearful eyes.

"Well? Lay it on me?" Max asked, a little spark of hope igniting in his chest.

"Okay, tho thith plan will take plathe tomorrow night," Nerris explained with her lisp.

"We're all going to sneak out, while dragging Gwen and David, and go into town before we call my dads and explain to them everything," Ered continued. "We'll just leave Campbell here since I have a feeling that he would turn against us easily."

"Alright, that sounds like a good plan," Max complemented. "Let's just act normally until tomorrow night."

The other campers nodded and their moods instantly began to change, as they were talking excitedly to each other of what they're going to do when they get home. Max walked off to talk to David alone, unaware that Daniel had heard everything.

That little brat, Daniel thought. Oh well, I'll tell Jen once she gets here, but for now... He looked over at Campbell, who was arguing with Gwen. I'll get Campbell on my side.