The Summer that Changed My Life

Chapter 2: Hey Miki your so fine?

Some people possessed a fear so great for flying they would never set foot near an airplane. Not me, I loved flying. The feeling of being so high up in the air, it was exhilarating. The only thing I dreaded was the landing, which was quite close. The soothing hum of the in flight music almost made me forget what awaited me when the wheels hit the ground and I was forced to meet my destiny at the gate. I took in a deep breath as the captain came over the speaker and told us we would be touching down any minute now. I closed my eyes, savoring my last few minutes of freedom.

I’d thought long and hard about bolting once my Vans touched the lament floor of the airport terminal. The cons outweighed the pros on that one; my mother was one powerful woman. I didn’t want to find out what she might be capable of.

“Veronica Sanders” A cardboard sign held up by an exuberant brunette read. I could feel the overwhelming urge to roll my eyes already.

“I’m guessing you’re from the camp?” I said, arching a brow.

“Yes! I am, Veronica right?” She chirped, a little too excitedly.

“Ronnie actually, but pretty much.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Miki Everwood.” She extended a hand for me to shake.

“Isn’t that the name of the camp? Excuse me if I’m wrong, I don’t know much about it.” I asked, meeting her hand, shaking it gently.

“Yes, yes it is. My father runs the camp, yadda yadda yadda. You know the gist. I’m part kitten, and everyone’s favorite counselor. Uncle N doesn’t have anything on-… well you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Mmm, I see.” I nodded, desperately wishing to be back on that plane, or perhaps lounging on my couch in a snap back and sliders.

I followed her into the waiting car, promptly putting away my bags in the trunk. I heaved my way into the car and the next thing I knew we were speeding down the high way.

 “Ronnie?” Miki nudged me awake, my forehead resting on the cool glass window. “Welcome to Everwood.”

My eyes traveled on the lush landscape of nature, homely looking cabins were tucked among trees before finally settling on the massive building in front of me.

“That right there is the Chastity Mansion.” Miki came up behind me, handing me my bags. “Ball room, counselor housing, basically that’s where all the events will be housed. I’d give you a tour, but it’s almost time for dinner and I think you’d want to know where your room is.”

  My black Vans lead the way down the paved path to my new cabin, lead by the perky brunette counselor I couldn’t seem to shake.

“Hey, Miks.” A blonde flipping through a magazine sitting atop a couch in a quaint living space called out once we walked through the door.

“We’ve got some fresh meat here, Cam. Meet your newest addition to the Chickadees, which I later learned was the name of the cabin, and roommate Ronnie Sanders.

“Sup, newbie? I’m Camille Valentine.” The girl looked up from her reading material, giving me a smile.

“Hi, nice to meet you Camille,” A charming smile curled on my lips, giving her a small wave.

“Your room is down the hall, you can put your stuff away now if you want. We have dinner in about 20, and then some of us are going down to the lake if you wanna come.”

“I’ll be there too!” Miki told us, “See you girls later though, counselor duties are calling me.”

“Sure, I’ll come.” I said with a shrug, picking up my bags and bringing them to my room.

I plopped down on the bed it looked like I’d be sleeping in; the bed next to mine was surprisingly neatly made up. I unpacked the essentials from my bag and an outfit for tonight. I quickly dressed myself in a rich navy v neck, and a pair of denim shorts. I pulled my chestnut locks from elastic, letting my curls fall down to my shoulders. I applied a thin coat of capstick to my pale pink lips and slipped on a pair of gladiators. I gathered my phone, sliding it into the pocket of my shorts and walking out of the door behind my new blonde friend. We walked in matching strides to the mess hall, making small talk along the way. It was refreshing, Camille was turning out to be pretty okay. Maybe I wouldn’t mind bunking next to her for my stay here.

“Wanna sit with us?” The blonde called to me, sitting at a table of new faces.

“Sure.” I smiled, taking a seat next to her.

“This is Landon.” She gestured toward a red headed boy. “Alexis, Lilly, and Travis.” The girl paused giving him a warm grin. “And finally, this is my brother Jacob Valentine.” She cooed, patting the head of a sandy haired boy. “Everyone meet Ronnie.”

A chorus of heys and nice meet yous echoed in my ears, I could feel a flush come to my porcelain cheeks. As we ate, I found it easy to join in the conversations they were having. Mostly they were about the night’s plans, and for once since my arrival I was looking forward to something.

As soon as it began, dinner was over. We emptied out of the dining room, heading straight for the lake.

“So, Veronica right?” The brown headed boy nudged me. “If I haven’t told you, it’s nice to meet you.”

“I believe you told me, Jacob.” I grinned, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

“Most people call me Jake, yanno.” He said. The boy dressed in a supras and basketball shorts didn’t exactly fit the image of camp kid in my mind. But hey, I was wrong about a lot tonight. What was the problem if I had something pegged wrong?”

“And most people call me Ronnie, Jacob.” I paused, realizing my full name was never revealed to the group. “Hey! How’d you know my name was really Veronica?”

“I know a lot of things, V’.” He chuckled, slipping his hands in his pockets.  

Right then and there, I knew. I would have to find out more about Jake Valentine.