My Complicated Love Life

Chapter 4: Morning People,

The next morning, I woke up in the hammock. It was 6:57 am, which meant I had 8 minutes to get back to my cabin before everyone woke up. 

I packed up my stuff and put back Parker's chair from last night, and ran back to my cabin. I slowly opened the door, stuffed my bag under my bed, messed up my hair, and slid into bed. 

"Morning girls." Marie said. She was dressed and ready, her auburn hair pulled into a loose ponytail. Everyone lugged themselves out of bed, and slowly got ready. 

After I was dressed, searched through my clothes from last night. In my shorts, I found a small piece of paper. It said; 

"Dear Phoenix. I enjoyed hanging out with you. I hope you feel better, and will be able to have fun with the rest of your cabin. By the way, here's my number: 202-556-7383. Have a great summer. Your friend, Hunter Payne." 

I couldn't believe it. Hunter, a boy I'd just met, had the guts to write me a note, and it had his number on it. This was the weirdest thing that had happened so far this summer.

Of course I just realized this, this would be my first meal in the dining hall. Which wouldn't help the point that I am claustrophobic. 

I walked with the rest of my cabin, making sure to stay away from any crowd that came my way. Once we arrived at the dining hall, I took a deep slow breath. 

"This is not going to be like the first day of middle school." I thought. I had hated middle school, especially the first few weeks of 6th grade when a had a ginormous panic attack. 

I pulled out my phone and put in Hunter's number. "Hey, this is Phoenix. Where are you?" I texted Hunter. "Oh hey Phoenix. I'm at the back of the dining hall near the open windows." he replied.

I grabbed my breakfast of quiche and honey yogurt, and headed to Hunter's table. "I'm coming." I text Hunter. He was sitting with three other boys, all of which were on their phones playing games. 

"Hey," I said sitting down next to Hunter. I felt my neck, it was getting warmer by the second. "You okay Phoenix?" Hunter asked. I nodded. I wasn't ready to tell Hunter about me being claustrophobic, or any of my phobias, pet peeves, or deep secrets. 

"Did Director Brooks say anything important at the assembly?"I asked. "No, unless you're interested in camp rules or the theater." Hunter muttered. 

"What about theater?" I replied quickly. "Romeo and Juliet. It's going to be at the big camp celebration at the end of the summer." Hunter said unenthused. "Oh okay." I stuttered. 

Theater had been a passion of mine since 5th grade. And I would definitely want to be in this play. After lunch, I went to sign up for the end of summer play. Hoping that I would have some friends in theater.