Happy Campers

Happy Campers

Chapter 1 – Camp Initiation

My mother says life is just one big coach ride. And that you'll never know exactly when your stop is coming up. She says to look out for open windows. I'm still not sure what she means by this.

I was 10 years old, when my mother said that to me. She said that she should have told me all about life sooner. And not lying in a hospital bed; dying. She was diagnosed with cancer, just 4 days after my 10th birthday. I could tell this year was going to be a bad one already.

My father had already left for his annual business trip. He was and always is away on some business trip. We never really bonded. He was more of a passer by than a father, but my mother made up for his absence. She was always right there, by my side.

I had stayed by my mother's side for over 3 weeks till she pasted away. Only 2 days before, when I asked why all this was happening she said that this was her stop and that it was time for her to step off the bus. I cried for hours. My mother was really the only family I had ever known, as I wasn't particularly close to my father because he was never around to get close to.

The day after she had died, I was sent to my cousin's house. My father came home the following weekend to get me. We have gotten a little bit closer over the years, but we could never have the same relationship as I had with my mother. I think he was scared knowing that I was now dependant on him for the love and care my mother provided.

So 6 years on here I am again. Looking down reading the marble stone planted in the ground before me reading the inscription;

Christine Ashley Davies

She did more than exist, she lived.

She did more than listen, she understood.

Rest peacefully, dear mother and wife.

1969-2002

I've made a habit of coming to visit my mother once a month, just to check that she's still there. A part of me feels like she just got up and left me, instead of being taken away.

Well this will be the last time I come and visit for months. My dad is shipping me off to some camp. He says it will be good for me. I don't see how moving me away from everything I know is going to be good for me, but my dad's new wife is a bitch in every sense of the word.

Catalina Royle/Davies I know it was her idea to have me shipped away. And I saw the brochure in her handbag, plus she hates children. I don't know why I'm so annoyed about going to some camp. I mean I've wanted to get away from this city life for awhile now.

Actually I'm looking forward to going to camp, now I really think about it. The only down side being, I have to start from scratch. Then again that might be a good thing. I can totally re-invent myself.

Well…It's time I get back to the house. I can't call it home, because it hasn't been a home since my mum passed away. My bags are already packed. I had to pack early, so I could visit my mom before I left.

Catalina has absolutely no patience. You can almost guarantee that the second I get back to the house, she'll have me ushered into the limo and on my way.

I best not keep the evil cow waiting.

It took exactly 6 hours to get to the clearing where the camp is located. My dad offered to come with me to see me off, but of course the step-bitch had an emergency, which meant I was left to take the journey on my own. Well unless you count Curtis the driver. He is a great guy, but there is only so much girl talk a girl can take. Yes Curtis Manny is gay. And the thing is you would never guess. He is your typical high school heart throb.

As the limo went through the gate, I had just enough time to read the over head sign.

Welcome

To

Camp Green Rock

I could most defiantly stay here. So far from the dusty track down here to the main cabin, the area looks to be totally secluded from the world. Trees, all shapes and sizes conceal the camp base. Now I know I have a place to run to if I need to be alone.

Curtis brings the limo to a halt. He walks round ad opens my door, for me to step out. I plant my black DC's firmly on the dirt path. Straight in front of me, I see a long table. Papers covered the surface. I can hear so many girlish giggles and nattering, it's starting to give me head ache.

Honestly these girls must have only just met and you'd have thought they had known each other from birth. This being my first time ever at camp, I don't think I'll be joining any groups just yet. Unless I spot a loner, then I just might have to go and introduce myself.

As I look around for such a person a whistling sound rings in my ears.

"Can I have your attention please" boomed a friendly voice over the grounded Speakers, which were scattered around the camp.

"I'd like to welcome you to Camp Green Rock. In a moment I shall be reading out the group names along with the names of who is placed in said group."

Ugh this is so stupid. I hope I don't get placed with those cackling girls. Oh hang on the voice is back…

"The Pacific's are as followed – Madison Duarte…Kyla Woods…Ashley Davies…Evelyn Rush and Katie Harris. Your camp counsellor is…Spencer; well you are the lucky pack." I wonder what so damn special about this Spencer, it better be a woman. I'm not having any man in the cabin.

"The Hawk's are as followed – Carrie Michaels…Sandy Strong…Renee Diamond and Lucy Spartan. Your camp counsellor is…Jessie. Now that the girl's have been placed, it's time for the boys. Aiden if you could please lead the boy's down to the lake for sorting, thank you"

Hopefully they will be far away from our camp. I saw this one creepy lad, eyeing me from head to toe; I think I may have thrown up a little bit, when he winked. Why do lads have to be so disgusting? I don't like them for anything except to laughing at. I mean you meet more dick heads than you do the nice ones. All the nice ones are either married or gay. It's a mad world we live in.

Now where is this bloody camp counsellor that is meant to escort us? What was the name? Ah crap I don't remember. I just want to get settled in and possibly take a nap. The ride here was a killer, I need some sleep before I get cranky and ruin any chance of friendship with these girls.