Almost 13

Chapter 5: Back at the YMCA

Marisol's POV

Current Mood: "Lithium" by Nirvana

"I'm so happy because today

I've found my friends
They're in my head
I'm so ugly, but that's okay, 'cause so are you
We've broken our mirrors
Sunday morning is everyday for all I care
And I'm not scared
Light my candles in a daze
'Cause I've found god

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah"

The day was finally HERE!!!!!  

I had obsessed about walking into the building of the YMCA for an entire year and the day had finally arrived. This summer would be different because I was different. The year before, I had sat on the sidelines watching my beautiful older sister Susana become the queen of camp and have all of the fun. I was too insecure and awkward to really make friends with anyone, especially boys, so even though it had been a blast, I felt like I had missed out on so much more fun.

But things were different now. I had a little bit of boyfriend experience and was working on not being so afraid to speak up. And thanks to my sister's friends, I had learned how to tame my frizzy hair and look like a normal girl. I was still mostly an introvert but I was feeling a budding sense of courage. This pep talk was working on me.

I had woken up extra early and spent time putting on my perfect outfit and a hint of makeup. I was in front of the big mirror in our dining room, nervously fumbling around with my hot rollers when Susana glanced at me with questioning eyes as she applied her makeup.

"You look fine dork." Susana said cooly and ran a finger through her hair. Her shoulder-lenght bob perfectly framed her delicate face. She was wearing a pair of striped denim shorts and a white sleeveless top with a collar.  She was like a model out of a 'TEEN magazine. I looked back at myself and tried not feel insecure about my tucked-in pink t-shirt.

"Oh, thanks. I'm a little bit freaking out."  I wiped the sweat off my forehead and powdered it.

"It's going to be interesting to see who is there this year." Susana spoke the exact words I had been thinking.

"Vamonos, ninas, Papi is waiting!" My Mom summoned. "Orr yourr going to be late!"

My Mom's thick Spanish accent had a way of making me jump into high gear. Her yelling usually meant if we didn't do what she said, my Dad would soon get involved. And no one wanted that to happen.  Susie and I grabbed our lunch bags off the kitchen counter and made our way to the car.

We were finally on our way to the Y and I stared out into traffic, wondering where all these people were going. Probably work and stuff like my Papi. Boring. I was on my way to a new summer adventure!  Yay!

We pulled up to the Y and I practically fell out of the car. My Dad got Susana and I checked in under two minutes flat and then was off to work. My Papi was a man of little words and sent us off with a simple, "Be good." He had no idea he was leaving us in a place full of hormonal teenage boys.

Susana and I were sorted into the Teen Camp group and I felt like I had been handed my ticket to teen-hood. We were told to just hang-out in the gym until our group all arrived so Susie and I took a spot and leaned up against the wall.  Then, we just observed.  There were kids of all ages there.  It was overwhelming.  I checked my cut-off shorts and re-folded the hems.  I was taking it all in had yet to see a familiar face when I saw her. Cassie was a loud-mouthed mean girl who hated Susana. She loved being the center of attention and had crowned herself the most popular girl at teen camp last year. She was nasty.

Cassie was Susana's age and that's pretty much all they had in common. Cassie was tall and big-boned compared to Susana's small, petite, curvy frame. Cassie had permed, mousy brown hair and a pair of chipmunk cheeks to Susana's shiny black bob and perfectly glossed lips. Cassie was also completely boy crazy and didn't like it when boys paid attention to anyone but her. Last summer, Cassie had watched Susana become the envy of all girls at YMCA camp as boys flocked around her, so naturally, she hated her. She was obviously jealous of my much prettier and much nicer older sister.