Camp Bluelake

Chapter 12

I sauntered away from the gym, head held high at my accomplishment. It was almost evening, but not yet late enough for dinner, so I headed back to my cabin. The weather had shifted and wind was blowing rather harshly for this time of year, so I wrapped my arms around myself and sped up my pace.

I ripped the door open and the current banged it to a close behind me. I decided, now that I was alone, it was the best time to check in with my family. We were allowed to keep our phones on us, for the reason I assumed was communicating with our folks. My mobile was plugged in in the corner, and I hadn't actually touched it since I arrived. I had used my cell for music but not actually contacted anyone or been on social media.

I decided on speaking to my parents first, as I would end up talking to Cole the longest. On the fourth ring they picked up, their warm and loud greeting coming through. I told them I was fine and everything was going well. I informed them briefly of my new friends and some activities I had participated in, but then asked to speak to my eldest brother, eager to fill him in on the juicy details.

My parents said their goodbyes and passed me over.

"Hey kiddo, how's it going?" Coles voice rang through the phone and I almost cried. I forgot how much I had missed him and it took me a few moments to regain full composure.

"I'm okay, for the most part. I've had a couple scenes but nothing too drastic. I made some friends who have helped with it too. There's Jesse, my roommate. He's a little bipolar but helped me out when I was upset. He also caused said upset, but we sorted it out and he apologised." An angry huff came from the other end of the line but I continued.

"Then there's Fox. He reminds me of you a little. Quite calm and mature, but sneaky and smug sometimes too. We tease each other a lot." Cole chuckles at this, but seems to wait for me to finish for his final verdict.

"Then there's Milo. Ah, sweet little Milo. He's shy, and I know I can trust him. He's the closest thing I have to a best friend here, for sure. Everyone's nice. We met the director. He was a little odd, very posh, but kind. I learned how to kayak... kind of. I almost drowned, but survived, got caught in chokeholds but came out on top — and it's only been a few days!"

Cole processes what I've said, then makes his remark.

"Well, I'm glad you're having fun. Make sure they take care of you. I've got my eye on this Jesse fellow. Please don't get yourself in too much trouble while you're there. Oh, and I'm always here if you have another episode, so call me, okay." It's more of a command than a statement, but I don't reprimand him.

"How's Molly?" Thats Cole's girlfriend.

"It's going well. We're trying to figure out the university situation." Cole is doing a gap year before university but that's nearly over.

"Long distance will be hard, but she seems set on Brown." He sounds exhausted, and suddenly I feel bad for dumping everything on him. I didn't know what to say to make him feel better. It was good timing when Jesse came through the door.

"I'll call you later Cole. You love her, and you'll make it work." We said we loved each other and then hung up. I didn't get the chance to talk to Ben since he was at a martial arts lesson.

"Who was that?" Asks Jesse, as he rummages through his drawers.

"Oh, just my family." I paused, then added on, "come to think of it, you've never spoken about yours. What are they like?" Jesse's hand stops, and the room is filled with only our breathing.

"We're not close." Is all he says. Then he seems to have found what he was looking for, as he pulls out a red jumper, the only item I've seen him wear that isn't black.