Unknown (The Secret Life of Cassie Martin #1)(5)
My bag ends up on the bottom bunk located in the back corner of the wall opposite the entrance. From this spot, anything or anyone that comes in the room is visible.
“Well, ladies, we should head back up front. Cassie, I need to update your paperwork with your new information, and you need to say goodbye to Mr. French.” Kelly heads out the door, not waiting to confirm if I followed her.
I take one last look at the place I’ll call home for the next several weeks, and then I chase after her. As we walk back, she points out areas I ignored previously. After we pass all the boys’ cabins, I notice a small putt-putt course set back into the woods. Next to the course, a half-court basketball court with a rusted chain net butts up against the start of a nature trail. Boys run around the court, trying to steal the ball or out-maneuver their opponent, while girls lie around pretending not to watch the boys.
Once we pass the basketball court, a large building with windows covering three of the walls rests right off the path, behind some purple flowering bushes.
Kelly explains, “This building includes the cafeteria and activity center. People play cards, do crafts, read—there’s a small library—and use the computers and internet. Everyone’s allowed to use the computers as long as the privilege is not abused. Each person has to sign in and out. When you sign in, you’ll be given a code. That code is used to log you into the computer. We can track your usage based on that login.”
Her serious expression makes me wonder if someone abused this privilege in the past.
As we continue walking, we pass a clinic as the road opens back up to the main area, and the apartments I saw near the front come into view.
Kelly points to those buildings. “The teachers, camp counselors, and other staff stay in those apartments while camp is in session so that we’re always available if needed.”
Once we return to the sign-in area, Kelly leaves me, and I head over to Simon.
He places his hands on my shoulders. “Do you think you’ll be all right? I can’t stay, but I won’t leave you if you’re uncomfortable.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m tough.” I wink at him, then cringe inside. Bah! Where did that come from? I never wink. This place is already getting to me.
“Be good, be careful, call or write when you can. I’ll be back to get you at the end of the term.” He gives me a quick hug before he turns and walks to his car.
I watch as he drives away, wondering what I’m going to do now.
CHAPTER THREE
I miss Fallon walking back up to me, and I jump when she says, “Hey, I just got word lunch is being delayed. Let’s go back to the cabin, so I can introduce you around. Some of the other girls are already heading there.”
We turn back toward the cabins and a few other girls join us. A bubbly blonde introduces herself. “Hi! I’m Lily.” She grabs my hand and shakes it enthusiastically. “This is my second year here. You’ll love it. I think I cried for a week last year when I had to go home.”
“I’m Cassie.” I try to decide what to reveal about myself to her when someone else chimes in.
“Hey, Cassie, I’m Lara. I’m new this year and haven’t drunk enough of the Kool-Aid yet to be sold on the place.” Lara’s spiky black hair doesn’t move as she shakes my hand.
I like her already and laugh for the first time since I found out about my stay here. “I’m also reserving judgment, but I’m curious enough about the place to stick it out.”
Wide-eyed, Lily stares, switching her gaze between the two of us like we grew extra heads. “I’ll make sure you love every minute. I hope we’re all on the same team. This is going to be so much fun.” She jumps and claps.
Lara and I watch Lily skip along and talk to other campers we pass.
Fallon turns back to us and shakes her head. “Lily will calm down by tomorrow. I do hope we’re all on the same team, though. It makes it a lot easier to work on projects when we’re in the same cabin. Last year, my team was split between three cabins. We either had to sneak out to work together or really focus during group time. I don’t think either of you will sneak out of my cabin, though.” She gives us both a little smirk.
Lara giggles at her. “Are there many cute boys here? It would totally be worth breaking the rules to meet up with one of them.”
I frown at her. “Boys aren’t worth that much trouble. I do like to win, but I would never break any rules.” I cough slightly to cover that little, white lie.
We finally catch up with Lily as we enter the cabin. The girls helped to ease my comfort level with the camp up until I walk over to my bunk. “Fallon, my stuff’s missing. Would someone break in here the first day to take things? Is my stuff the only stuff missing?”
At that moment, a tall brunette walks in from the bathroom and scowls. “What are you doing by my bed? Move away.” She pushes past me.
Before I can respond, Fallon steps up. “What did you do with Cassie’s clothes, Mindy?”
“You mean the garbage? I set it on the bunk by the bathroom. I need space, and since we aren’t full, there’s no reason I can’t have that space.” Mindy shrugs and goes to unpack her suitcase which sits on top of the dresser.
I beat Fallon to the punch this time. “If you ever touch my stuff again, it will be the last thing you touch. I don’t deal with bullies, so watch your step.”