I tuned out Lilly's jabber to decide what to do this summer. Maybe Hannah could…no. Maybe I could work….No way!
"Miley, are you even listening to me?" Lilly said, waving her arms wildly.
"Watch it! You almost knocked over my dad's guitar!" I exclaimed.
"I was talking about camp. Since you have nothing to do this summer, maybe you could come," Lilly suggested.
I jumped up quickly to ask my dad. He was sitting, arms and legs twisted unbelievably, craning his neck towards a donut on the table. He was moaning and groaning in a way that sounded inappropriate.
He saw me and untwisted quickly, cracking his bones and simply saying, "You don't wanna know."
I shook my head trying to get rid of that image and said, "I have nothing to do this summer. Lilly's camp sounds really fun… and inexpensive. Can I go?"
"Maybe," he said, sounding unsure. "You've never been alone before. Do you have the information?"
I handed him the brochure and he read it slowly. At first, his forehead was crinkled, which basically said, "No way." But, as he continued reading, the crinkles smoothed and were replaced by a smile.
In our southern accent, he said, "Sure, bud," and then stuck his fingers in his ears right on time.
I screamed and jumped up and down. "Lilly!" I shouted and called behind me, "Thanks, Dad!"
The first days of preparation were of Lilly explaining the camp and exactly how to pack. She hid it, but I knew that she was just as excited as I was. I also knew (because Lilly can't hide anything) that she was very proud to be showing me what to do. And finally, after long preparation, the first day of Camp Gooney came.
I moaned, lugging my huge bag behind me, pulling it with all my weight. All of a sudden, the weight of the bag disappeared and I fell on my face. I looked up from the floor, rubbing my sore nose to see none other than Jackson, exploding with laughter.
"Moving out?" he asked.
"No, I'm going to camp to take a break from YOU!" I stuck my tongue out babyishly.
Jackson rolled his eyes and walked away.
My dad and I lugged my bag to the car and Lilly, her bag, my bag, and I were a very close squeeze. The ride seemed seconds and my dad parked next to the big bus. I leaped out of the car when my dad opened the door, gasping for air. Lilly tried to do the same, but tripped and got a nose bruise matching mine.
I said a quick goodbye to my dad and stepped on the bus with shaky knees. Lilly reunited with old friends and I sat alone on a double seat. I folded my arms, already regretting this summer.
A boy stepped on to the bus and I melted into a puddle. He was a blond and SO cute. This must be the camp hottie Lilly always talks about, Jake Ryan.
Okay, maybe this summer won't be so bad.