Climbing the Walls (OFFICIALLY RESUMED!)

Chapter 31: Myrtle in Black

Chapter 31: Myrtle in Black

While my body autopilots itself to the bandstand, I replay the morning’s events in my mind. That went better than I expected. They believe my story, which is the truth. I didn’t ask about Sabrina, what she said, or what her punishment would be, but I have a feeling that she’s in unfathomable trouble.

When I finally get to the show, I see a group of kids on a well-decorated stage. They’re dancing like little professionals, with awesome costumes and props galore; definitely not my group. The music is loud, so I settle in with Shane, Rachel & our kids. All of the campers start chattering about how much fun they had, and how well they did, and why did I miss their performance?

“Sorry, guys! I wish I could’ve been here, I wasn’t feeling well so I had to go see the nurse.”

They accept my excuse without hesitation, before giggling and broadcasting their whole show to me. They had gone second, after a group who did a silly skit about camp. The rest of the groups had been songs and dances, but the group performing as we spoke were easily the best.

“That’s Miss Sabrina’s group,” a small girl named Katie says to me. “They’re going to win!” By the looks of it, she's right: dancing to a One-Direction mash-up, this group of kids were workin’ it. When the song ends, Sabrina jumps to her feet and applauds madly, like she hasn’t got a care in the world.

“Told ya so,” Rachel mutters, eyeing her nails. “Sabrina wins every time.”

“Not this summer,” is my quiet, mumbled reply.

Each group’s counselors vote on every performance except their own; after taking a few moments to tally everything, the winner is determined to be Sabrina’s group. Even if it means war, I will beat her at something this summer; this is a promise I make myself, as I watch a ribbon being pinned to her camp shirt by Louis and Niall. Barf.

We dine on hot dogs and hamburgers until 1:30, when the campers are loaded up & shipped off, saying goodbye for a final time. I’m left with a piece of paper with dozens of e-mail addresses on it, from some of the older kids who want me to write them! After countless hugs and waves, 3:00 rolls around and there isn’t a kid in sight. Until now, I’ve managed to avoid most everyone; few people know where I actually was, and I don’t care to spread the news.

“So?” Mere says from somewhere behind me, as I’m peeling Bristol-board lettering from the stage. “What happened? You’ve been a friggin’ mute all day.”

“They believe my story, I’m not in trouble, they know I’m telling the truth.”

“Fuckin’a,” Mere spits. “What’s gonna happen with Bitch?”

“No idea,” I muse. “I couldn’t exactly ask.”

“I would’ve,” she daydreams. “Hope she gets fired!”

“Doubt it.”

“Beth, a kid almost died because she’s an ignorant bitch… She deserves to get fired!”

I just shrug. Leave it to Mere.

We clean the outdoor areas, and help the kitchen staff bring back the supplies. Before long, there’s hardly a soul in sight; the whole campground is spic & span, as usual. We retreat to our cabin, change out of our camp gear, and head to supper. Kyle, Lou & Zayn are the only ones eating, so we join them.

“You girls heading to Sabrina’s tonight?” Kyle asks, through a mouthful of turkey sandwich.

“Maybe! What’s happening?”