Yorktown (lams summer camp au)

Chapter 20

(So I took the photo at the top, I do not pride myself on my photography skills but that's not what I'm here for, but it's the closest thing to what I was describing at the end that I could find on my camera roll? Like, the beach is just so calm at sunset. Yeah, so. Yeah.)

NO ONES POV (I guess it's my POV?)

It's been two days since Alex confronted John, and no one has seen him since. He went by the kennels and grabbed Bud, then proceeded to enter the Washington's cabin- and he hasn't been witnessed leaving since.

Everyone is concerned, and John is getting plenty of disgusted glares.

"Guys, I'm getting really concerned about Alex. I know you said to give him space but this is long enough. He needs us there." Peggy says gloomily, looking between the members of her group.

"Peg, he needs time alone to process. He's got Bud, Washington and Martha." Angelica reassures, but before she can continue Peggy replies.

"No. I helped him get through Eponine, I'm gonna do the same now." She says, a determined expression plastered on her face. With that, she set off, jogging slightly to the Washington cabin, letting herself in.
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(Guys can I just say Buddy is a real dog who is at the rescue centre that I volunteer at, and I've walked him for a LONG time (as soon as our car pulls up they get him ready aha) And whenever he sees me he jumps up to my chest and kisses my face, like we're best friends. But. HE JUST GOT ADOPTED. MY BOY IS GETTING A HOME. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH THIS MEANS TO ME.)

PEGGY POV

I enter the cabin, and what I see is not what I was expecting. Alex is curled up in a ball, Buddy hugged to his side, with 'Ponines cap beside him. Silent tears make their way down his face, and his hair has fallen out of its usual ponytail.

"Lex? Can I come in?" I question, mostly to break the silence (seeing as I'm already leaning on the door frame).

He mutely nods his head, making no effort to move.

I walk over to the bed, sitting on the edge before pulling his head on to my lap, stoking his hair reassuringly. After a few minutes of silence he breaks it.

"Why did h-he do that? W-what did I d-do wrong?" He sniffles, his voice hoarse from all of the crying.

"No, no Lex, you did nothing wrong. You did exactly as you should have. You held your head up high." I coo, trying my best to comfort him.

"B-but I mustn't have been e-enough for him. I-I... I will never be e-enough." He splutters before pitching into a round of pitiful sobs.

"No. No, 'Xander. You are more than enough, John he just- well he just made a really silly mistake." I whisper softly, watching as Buddy licks the tears off of Alex's face, forcing a small giggle out of the innocent boy.

We remain in comfortable silence for a while, Alex's tears slowing to an occasional sniffle.

"C-can we take Bud down to the secret lake?" He whispers, surprising me with the sudden request.

"Of course we can. We can take your guitar too if you want." I assure, glad that he wants to leave he cabin.

He slowly stand up, using the wall as support whilst he straps the boot on to his foot whilst I grab his guitar case and place one strap around my shoulder.

Buddy stands at the sudden movement, ready to follow Alex. What a good boy.

(He is a good boy and I'm gonna miss him SO MUCH. But I'm so excited that he's getting a home!)

I stand, brushing off my warm yellow hoodie and pulling up my sweatpants.

We open the door and leave the cabin, the dying sunlight shining on our faces.

We slowly venture down to the secret lake, the sound of birdsong filling the air. The fallen leaves dance on the breeze and the water stills. The fish underneath sway to a silent beat, and the soaring flock follow an invisible path. And for a moment, all is calm.