Thank you, Kelley

Chapter 7

Kelley's POV:

Well that was quite the night. Between the shot of ketchup, I had to do, which by the way is disgusting and I would not recommend it to anyone, and the whole pool incident I'm kinda ready for bed. As we head back upstairs to Pinoe's room I hear Meghan say that she's just gonna go back to her room. I totally don't blame her. I know she was anxious about the whole team-bonding thing and then the fear that I could see her hiding when she had to strip so everyone could see the scars. I can imagine she is emotionally exhausted at this point.

But going back to the scars they were bad. I was not the only one who was caught off guard when she took her shirt off. There were so many. I want to know what happened to this girl. What did she go through? Is that why she has PTSD and severe anxiety.

After hearing, Sonnett asked her if she wanted some company, and hearing her decline I decided I would let her be for a little while before checking on her. We make it back to Pinoe's room with intentions for continuing the truth or dare game. I sat down at the spot on the floor that I had occupied earlier. As I look up I see Sonnett approaching me.

"Hey Sonny."

"Hi Kel." She says as she sits next to me. "Do you think Meghan is ok? I mean the panic attacks and the scars. I am worried about her. I mean what has she gone through. She said she wants to be alone but I want to be there for her." she says in a low tone so the rest of the group doesn't listen to our conversation.

"Ya I was actually just thinking about that. I am worried too. But we can't force her to talk to us. I say just continue to be there for her so if she wants to talk she can. I'm glad you two have been able to make up and become friends." she nods showing her agreement with my statement. I continue " and ya she looked exhausted and she probably just wanted some time alone. I'm sure she's pretty overwhelmed. I was gonna give her some time and then if I can borrow your key I will go check on her."

"Mmm, that sounds good," Emily responds. We then turn our attention back to our other teammates. We continue to play truth or dare for a while and just enjoy each other's presence. At some point the conversation turns back to Meghan. Mal speaks up. "Ya I feel really bad. I didn't know she had so many scars. She looked so uncomfortable when I suggested the dare but I thought she was just embarrassed about her body. I feel bad I forced her to do something she didn't seem ready for."

"It's ok mal. You didn't know. Nobody did. And she would have refused if she really didn't want to. Also you guys know she does have some anxiety issues. I'm sure she is just mentally exhausted at this point and that's why she went back to her room alone. I'm gonna go check on her now." I state. I look at a few of the other veterans in the room after getting Sonnetts key and am met with a few nods.

I make my way down the hall to her room and knock softly before using the key to open the door. When I enter I am met by a mostly dark room except for the lamp on Emily's side of the room which is on. I can see a body lying in the far bed facing away from the door. I make my way over to the figure and find her fast asleep. She looks so peaceful which makes me happy since I know she is struggling.

"Good night kid. Sleep well." I whisper as I pull the comforter over her shoulders. I softly make my way out of the room. I wander back to Pinoe's room and am greeted by all eyes on me.

"How is she," Sonnett is the first to ask.

"She is already fast asleep. She left the light on for you though Em. Even when she struggles she still thinks about everyone else." I say really just processing my own thoughts.

"Ya I will head to bed then so the light doesn't have to be on too long. Good night guys"

"Ya we should probably all head to bed." Becky pipes up. We all agree and say our goodnights before heading back to our own rooms.

Julie and I are roommates for this camp. I am super happy about this as Julie and I are really close even though not too many people realize this. We both go into our room and I flop onto the bed in exhaustion. My brain is going over all the things that have happened in the last couple of days since meeting Meghan. I am so concerned about her.

"So you seem close to Meghan or at least you are a person she trusts. Do you know what's going on with her or what her story is? She obviously is struggling and those scars looked bad."

"Ya..." I sigh out. "She does seem to trust me which is good. I think it's because I was able to bring her out of a panic attack the other day. She said no one else has ever been able to do that for her so I guess she trusts me now. But no, I don't know what her whole story is. There is definitely a lot that has happened to her though. I'm really worried about her Julie."

I feel the bed next to me dip and so I roll onto my side to face her. Her eyes are filled with sympathy. "You really care about her don't you?"

"Ya. I wonder if this is what being a mom feels like." Julie giggles at this.

"It's good that she has someone looking out for her. I remember my first camp being hard and I didn't even go through whatever she has. I am sure that she will tell you about what has happened to her when she is ready."

"Ya." I agree with her.

And with that we each do our nighttime routine before climbing into our beds.

"Good night Kel. Try not to worry too much about her. She obviously has made it this far and she knows that you are here for her."

"Ya thanks. Good night Julie."